Cultural & Heritage 2024/02/15MINUTES
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
George Serna
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
David Zuniga
February 15, 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
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maahs called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Serna.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Maahs presented January 18, 2024, minutes. Vice Chair Nguyen made a
motion to approve minutes, seconded by Commissioner Jacinto. Chair Maahs accepted the minutes.
6. SUB -COMMITTEES:
a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela spoke about showcasing the art exhibit
"Dualities" by artist Angela Bermudez, who created a new piece during a live painting session at the
reception. Chair Maahs and Vice Chair Nguyen commented on the success of the event and the high
amount of attendees. Vice Chair Nguyen inquired about invitations to Center Gallery receptions being sent
to key community members to expand future participation. Community Services Supervisor Art Varela and
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn responded to the suggestions.
b) Public Art Program: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided an update that a third draft of
the policy document is under review and is expected to be taken to Council in the upcoming months.
Anaheim commented that the reviewers are focused on the mural code amendment and creating policies for
the maintenance and management of these murals. Commissioner Serna inquired whether the amendment
includes murals on businesses or resident's homes. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn
responded. Chair Maahs noted that at a recent Strategic Planning Workshop, concerns were expressed
about city funding for the Public Art Plan doesn't involve writing a check for public art. Community Services
Manager Anaheim Sporn explained the various avenues of securing funding for new projects described in
the Public Art Plan.
c) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell updated the committee that the projects at Carnegie
Plaza and the two buildings at Founder's Park have been completed. Jane informed the committee of the
start of school tours, which began on February 1st and usually occur every Thursday and Friday until the end
Cultural & Heritage Commission
February 15, 2024
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of May. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell also provided an update that work is being done to secure
funding for the repainting of the Woelke-Stoffel House.
d) Culture: Chair Maahs reported there is no update for the sub -committee.
e) Poet Laureate: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela provided an update that the applications for Poet
Laureate opened on January 22nd with a deadline of February 20th. Art added that the selection committee
has been finalized and will be sent the applications after the closing date of February 20th. Community
Services Manager Anaheim Sporn spoke about the avenues being used to promote the application
throughout the community. Commissioner Serna asked if it is a requirement to be a resident of Anaheim.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn responded that it is not a requirement, but they want
individuals with a strong connection to the city of Anaheim.
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. Anaheim asked if there was anything anyone would want to have highlighted in the
upcoming presentation. Chair Maahs asked if photos of the Kobe and Gigi Bryant basketball court memorial
could be included in the presentation. 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. The date for the presentation is to be confirmed,
either March 19th or 26th at 5 p.m. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn answered that the presentation
would happen after recognitions at the beginning of the City Council Meeting.
8. 2024 Meeting Schedule: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn stated the meetings will continue to
occur every 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Previously, there were concerns about the meeting in
December being close to the holidays, so she asked if the commission wanted to discuss going dark for
December's meeting or discuss it at a later date. Commissioner Serna and Chair Maahs suggested to discuss at
a later date and the other commissioners agreed.
9. Additional Informational Items: Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky provided information
about a student exchange program that is being organized by the Sister City Commission. It gives an opportunity
for Anaheim high school students to attend school in Mito, Japan. Applications for 1st review is on February 23rd.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn added the max number of students is 6 or 8, and payment for the
program has been reduced to $300 per student. There are applications for host families in Anaheim, which will
be available soon. Chair Maahs added that all students who attend school in another city but are residents in
Anaheim can apply. Commissioner Serna asked how long the exchange is. Anaheim responded that it is a two -
week trip from late June to mid -July.
10. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Maahs adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on March 21, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.