Loading...
Cultural & Heritage 2025/03/20MINUTES CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION CHANCE THEATER, 5522 E. LA PALMA AVE., ANAHEIM, CA 92807 March 20, 2025 — 6:30 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Erika Nguyen, Chair Karen Uyematsu, Vice Chair (Arrived 6:35 p.m.) David Zuniga Richard Romeros George Serna COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Samantha Bell Harris STAFF PRESENT Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary STAFFARSFNT Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor AGENDA ACTION TAKEN 1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nguyen called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Chair Nguyen introduced Susan Bowman, Chairman of the Board of the Chance Theater, as a guest at the meeting, which was hosted at the Chance Theater. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from February 20, 2025, meeting for approval. Commissioner Zuniga moved to approve the minutes, with Commissioner Serna seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with five votes in favor and none opposed. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the minutes. 6) NEW BUSINESS: Chair Nguyen announced that the Commission would review each of the five Sub -Committees and request volunteers as needed. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided background information on each Sub -Committee, noting that over the years, various Sub -Committees have been formed for different purposes. Some have been disbanded due to a lack of need or activity, in cases where periodic updates were sufficient. a) Center Gallery: The Center Gallery Sub -Committee was created in the 90's when the Downtown Community Center was built, which houses the Center Gallery. The Committee was created to collaborate with staff and review artist submissions. Currently this Sub -Committee has three members, which is in line with the Brown Act, so as not to break any quorum rules. Members include Chair Nguyen, Vice Chair Uyematsu and Commissioner Zuniga. b) Public Art Program: Formed some years back through the work of previous commissioners and Council Members to create a Public Art Program. The Sub -Committee worked with City Staff and consultants to gather feedback and ultimately draft a Public Art Program. With recent approval of the Public Art Program, the Sub -Committee does not need to currently meet. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn suggested the Committee review the need and vote to disband or keep this Sub -Committee. c) Heritage Sub -Committee: An update was given by Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell. She shared with the group that the Sub -Committee was a result of the Cultural & Heritage Commission absorbing the original board with the Mother Colony House Board, making this the oldest Sub -Committee. Cultural & Heritage Commission March 20, 2025 Page 2 d) Culture Sub -Committee: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn noted that this Sub -Committee began with a previous Commission to promote either Cultural programs or ideas from the Commission to do Cultural events and/or programs. e) Poet Laureate: This Committee began when the City started the Poet Laureate program, to help review applications and select the Poet Laureate, which is a two-year term. Chair Nguyen is currently on this committee. Chair Nguyen motioned to remove the Public Art Program as a Sub -Committee and maintain it as an informational item. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Uyematsu and passed with a vote of five in favor. Chair Nguyen also called for volunteers to join Vice Chair Uyematsu on the Heritage Sub -Committee. Commissioner Zuniga volunteered, along with Chair Nguyen. Additionally, Chair Nguyen motioned to dissolve the Culture Sub -Committee until such time that the Commission is prepared to undertake a related project, at which point a Sub -Committee would be reestablished. Commissioner Serna motioned to remove the Culture Sub -Committee, with Chair Nguyen seconding. The motion passed with a vote of five in favor. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn acknowledged that Chair Nguyen is currently the sole member of the Poet Laureate Sub -Committee and suggested that additional volunteers be considered in late summer, when increased responsibilities will arise for the selection of the next Poet Laureate. 7) SUB -COMMITTEES: a) Center Gallery: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn gave an update on the current exhibit. Sweat the Small Stuff, running through April 11 th. The next exhibit is the "Color & Light" show April 14th - May 13ch This is a competition for Anaheim Union High School District students. No reception will take place for this event. b) Public Art Program: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided an update on one of the first mural permits processed by the City, noting that the mural at Pollo Fino is nearing completion. Additionally, an update was shared on the mural at La Palma Park, which is scheduled to begin during the first week of April and is expected to be completed by Earth Day on April 22nd. c) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell provided an update on the school tours for the Woelke- Stoffel House, noting that all available slots are fully booked from April through May. d) Culture: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn announced the launch of the Cesar Chavez Poster Contest in collaboration with Council Member Kurtz. The contest, distributed to Anaheim facilities, invited elementary through high school students to create artwork centered on the themes of community and volunteerism. Six winners were selected and will be honored at an upcoming City Council meeting. Chair Nguyen inquired about the previous month's discussion regarding Arts & Creativity Month. In response, Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn announced that Council Member Maahs has requested the City recognize April as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month, with the matter to be agendized at an upcoming City Council meeting. e) Poet Laureate: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn informed the Commission that the Poet Laureate will be attending the April Cultural & Heritage meeting to provide the Commission with updates. Cultural & Heritage Commission March 20, 2025 Page 3 8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell reported on the department's participation in the Orange County Archives Bazaar, which featured 28 institutions and attracted over 1,000 attendees. She also highlighted an upcoming book talk on April 25th at 5:00 p.m. at Central Library, featuring Coach Van Hoorebeke. Additionally, she announced that Founders Park will host a May Day Celebration on the first Saturday in May. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn, announced the upcoming Cinco de Mayo event, taking place on May 3rd at Center Greens Park from 3 p.m. — 9 p.m. Vice Chair Uyematsu announced the Hanamatsuri Festival, taking place on April 12th and 13th from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 900 S. Dale Avenue in Anaheim. Chair Nguyen shared that the Chance Theater World Premiere production of Such Small Hands has been extended to April 6ch 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.