Cultural & Heritage 2024/04/30MINUTES
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION — SPECIAL MEETING
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
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
David Zuniga, George Serna
April 30, 2024
STAFF PRESENT
Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager
Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent
Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor
Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary
VISITORS
Camille Hernandez
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maahs called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Jacinto.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Maahs presented February 15, 2024, minutes. Vice Chair Nguyen made a
motion to approve minutes, seconded by Commissioner Uyematsu. Chair Maahs accepted the minutes.
6. SUB -COMMITTEES:
Poet Laureate: Chair of Poet Laureate Committee Nguyen requested that Community Services Manager
Anaheim Sporn explain further about the selection process of the Poet Laureate. The selection committee
included Cultural & Heritage Vice Chair Erika Nguyen, Carol Latham of the Muzeo, Jackie Filbeck from
Anaheim Public Library Board, Laura Houston from Anaheim Elementary School District, and Angela
Stecher from the Anaheim Union High School District. The Poet Laureate is a two-year uncompensated
honorary appointment, serving as the literary ambassador for the City. The selection committee was
responsible for reviewing applications and published works; interviews were conducted on March 25, 2024,
and April 4, 2024.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn introduced the Poet Laureate candidate, Camille
Hernandez, who was in attendance, and who read her poem, Valencia Oranges.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn explained the next step in the process moving forward would
be approval from the Cultural & Heritage Commission. Once approved, the appointment begins the two-year
term.
Vice Chair Nguyen motioned the commission to approve Camille Hernandez as Poet Laureate. Chair Maahs
seconded the motion. Unanimous approval.
Cultural & Heritage Commission
April 30, 2024
Page 2
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn stated that city staff will work with the Poet Laureate
to launch the announcement. Vice Chair Nguyen requested that the Poet Laureate be announced and
recognized by the City Council. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn suggested that any of the
Commissioners can reach out to their council member to request a formal announcement through City
Council.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela announced the upcoming Children's
Festival on May 18th as well as Cinco de Mayo, Flag Day, and the Center Gallery reception for artist Jeff
Petsche.
Jane Newell announced The Women Who Made Early Disneyland event. She also shared letters from students
on what they learned while touring Founders' Park. The security system has been updated at the Woelke-Stoffel
house.
Vice Chair Nguyen shared that she met with the Mayor, who encouraged her to request funding for any projects
the Cultural and Heritage Commission would like to support. This item will be added to the next agenda.
Chair Maahs requested an agenda item be added for next month regarding the city of Mission Viejo's
Community and Public Arts program.
8. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Maahs adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on May 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.