Cultural & Heritage 2024/08/15MINUTES
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER, ROTARY ROOM, 250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
August 15, 2024
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Kristen Maahs, Chair Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
Erika Nguyen, Vice Chair Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager
Karen Uyematsu Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary
David Zuniga
George Serna STAFF ABSENT
Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor
Alicia Jacinto
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maahs called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 the May 16, 2024, minutes. Vice Chair Nguyen motioned to
approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Uyematsu. The minutes were accepted by Chair Maahs.
6) NEW BUSINESS: Chair Maahs initiated the annual election for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner
Uyematsu nominated Commissioner Nguyen for Chair. With no further nominations, Commissioner Nguyen
accepted, and a vote resulted in six votes in favor, with none opposed. Commissioner Nguyen then nominated
Commissioner Uyematsu for Vice Chair. With no other nominations, Commissioner Uyematsu accepted, and a
vote was held, resulting in six votes in favor and none opposed.
7) SUB -COMMITTEES:
a) Center Gallery: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn reported that artist Preston Thomas's
Mindscapes exhibit is currently on display through August 21st. She also shared that Rosemary Vasquez
Tuthill, daughter of Emigdio Vasquez, accepted recognition for Chicano Heritage Month at a recent City
Council meeting. Tuthill is collaborating with the City to display her and her father's art in honor of Chicano
Heritage Month (August) and Hispanic Heritage Month (September).
b) Public Art Program:
Commissioner Maahs asked the status of the mural across from Little Peoples Park. Community Services
Manager Anaheim Sporn reported that the mural is on private property, and research is being done as to
how it can be preserved. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell reported that the Artist must be involved
and has first right of refusal. The artist, Emigdio Vasquez, is deceased, and the next best steps are his
children, who have restored some of their father's art. The cost of this type of restoration are high, possibly
in the hundreds of thousands.
Cultural & Heritage Commission
August 15, 2024
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Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided an update on the Public Art Guidelines for the
mural permit. which was approved by the City Council in May. The application and muralist register are
currently being finalized.
Commissioner Maahs opened the floor to any observational updates of public art. Commissioner Serna
noted a martial arts mural in Garden Grove.
Commissioner Maahs, asked about utility box artwork in Anaheim. Community Services Manager Anaheim
Sporn explained the City has two types of boxes, traffic and utility, they are typically wrapped in vinyl to
prevent graffiti. Conversations are being had with both Anaheim Public Utilities and Public Works to discuss
potential artwork for these boxes.
c) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell reported that school tours are done. New schedules have
been sent out for the new school year. The Mills Act historic surveys for eight properties/families have been
reviewed and submitted to City Planning.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn reported that this year celebrates the 100th Anniversary of
the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween parade. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26th.
Commissioner Uyematsu inquired about the plaques/markers project. Heritage Services Manger Jane
Newell explained that a slip test is being executed to satisfy safety precautions.
Culture: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn reported that the Sister City Commission recently
hosted high school exchange students from Japan. City staff, the City Manager's office and Community
Services staff hosted daily events and activities for the two -week duration.
Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn reported that Pearson Park will host El Grito, a Mexican
Independence Day event, on Sunday, September 15th in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico in Santa
Ana.
d) Poet Laureate: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn gave an update that the poet laureate has
been busy at the library with open mic nights and the OC Zine Fest. She will be participating in some park
ground breakings as well as other city events. She was also recognized at the June 11 th City Council
meeting.
8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn reminded the group about the
guidelines on attendance for Commission meetings and tracking by the City Clerk. It is important to respond to
the meeting invitation the Friday before the meeting date.
Jane Newell passed out a Save -the -Date for the second annual Native Arts Festival taking place November 4ch
at Founder's Park.
Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn, shared that Muzeo membership will receive reserved seating for
the upcoming Halloween Fall Festival & Parade. She also provided the Commission with copies of the Fall
Activity Guide. Additionally, the Community Services Department is working with the Indigenous Peoples' Day
committee, to assist with an Indigenous Peoples' Day event scheduled for Monday, October 14th. The event will
feature an ancestral run and ceremony in front of City Hall.
9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Maahs adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on September 19, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.