Cultural & Heritage 2024/01/18MINUTES
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER, ROTARY ROOM, 250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Kristen Maahs, Chair
Erika Nguyen, Vice Chair
Alicia Jacinto
Karen Uyematsu
David Zuniga
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
George Serna
January 18, 2024
STAFF PRESENT
Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager
Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent
Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maahs called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Vice Chair Erika Nguyen.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Maahs presented November 16th, 2023, minutes. Vice Chair Nguyen made a motion to
approve minutes, seconded by Commissioner Zuniga.
6. SUB -COMMITTEES:
a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela spoke about showcasing the art exhibit "Moments in
Youth" by The Association of Designers and Artists. Art also added that the next gallery reception for the upcoming
exhibit called "Dualities" will be held Monday, February 12th, at 6:30 p.m. at Center Gallery. Community Services
Manager Anaheim Sporn added that a recent Los Angeles Times article highlighted the gallery and current exhibit.
Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky also added that a digital gallery reception invitation for
"Dualities" will be sent to the committee when finalized.
b) Public Art Program: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided an update that work is still being done
on the mural ordinance amendment.
c) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell provided an update that the project at Carnegie Plaza was
completed, and repairs were to be finished the following day. They also noticed the pillars on the entryway have
been deteriorating and will be addressed and taken care of. Jane informed the committee that Founders' Park siding
was absorbing moisture and had been re -sided with new material. Chair Maahs asked if there were any attendance
trends at Founders' Park for the first Saturday of the month. Jane responded that their largest crowd was in
collaboration with the Native American Arts Festival and during the Christmas season.
d) Culture: Chair Maahs reported there is no update for the sub -committee.
e) Poet Laureate: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided an update that the goal is to announce a
new Poet Laureate in April. She informed the committee that the application portal will be open for about four weeks,
and the goal is to have interviews two weeks after the portal closes. The current Poet Laureate, Wendy Van Camp,
will be announcing an opening for incoming applications. Vice Chair Nguyen revisited the conversation from last
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April about possibly finding a path to make April the official month of art, culture, and creativity. Vice Chair Nguyen
also asked if there could be an event in partnership with the announcement of the Poet Laureate. Community
Services Manager Anaheim Sporn responded that she has been collaborating with library staff.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided a quick overview of the draft
presentation and reminded Commission members to submit their photos and bios for the upcoming City Council
presentation. The date for the presentation is to be confirmed, either March 19th or 26th. Chair Maahs asked if photos of
the Kobe Bryant artwork could be included in the presentation and Vice Chair Nguyen asked if a group photo would be
taken after the presentation or if there were any other details to be aware of. Community Services Manager Anaheim
Sporn answered that the presentation would happen after recognitions at the beginning of the City Council Meeting.
Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell handed out flyers for exhibit events at Muzeo. Vice Chair Nguyen asked if
events are supported by grants from the library. Jane Newell responded that while some are supported by the library,
some are also supported by local organizations. Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky shared information
on program offerings and added that the Orange County Heritage Council is hosting the annual Black History Parade on
February 3rd. Vice Chair Nguyen added that Chance Theater will begin their 26th season on January 26th, presenting an
off-Broadway musical. Chair Nguyen also stated they will be adding youth theater classes beginning in February.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn added that the current Poet Laureate is working on Volume 2 of the Poetry
Review and accepting poems.
8. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Maahs adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on February 15, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.