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Cultural & Heritage 2025/05/15MINUTES CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION ANAHEIM BALLET, 280 E. LINCOLN AVE., ANAHEIM, CA 92805 May 15, 2025 — 6:30 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Erika Nguyen, Chair Karen Uyematsu, Vice Chair David Zuniga George Serna COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Samantha Bell Harris Richard Romeros STAFF PRESENT Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary STAFF ABSENT Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent 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 Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn introduced Director Larry Rosenberg of the Anaheim Ballet, who delivered a video presentation outlining the organization's mission. He emphasized its commitment to excellence in dance training, performance, and community outreach. Following the video, Mr. Rosenberg introduced three students from the Anaheim Ballet, each of whom performed individual pieces, showcasing their talent and the effectiveness of the Ballet's training program. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from March 20, 2025, meeting for approval. Commissioner Serna moved to approve the minutes, with Vice Chair Uyematsu seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with four votes in favor and none opposed. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the minutes. 6) NEW BUSINESS: None. 7) SUB -COMMITTEES: a) Center Gallery: Community Services Manager Art Varela reminded the Commission of the upcoming reception featuring the Anaheim Art Association on May 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. with the exhibit running from May 15 — June 27, 2025. b) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell provided a recap of the May Day event held on May 3 at Founders' Park. The event featured children's activities, Maypole dancing, and guided tours of both the Mother Colony House and the Woelke-Stoffel House. Ms. Newell also gave an update on the plaque for the landmark tree, noting it is currently pending a slip -resistance test through Risk Management. She referenced a similar plaque used in Huntington Beach, which has reported no issues with their product. Community Services Superintendent Art Varela shared a summary of the City's Cinco de Mayo celebration, also held on May 3 at Center Greens Park. The event was well -attended and featured vendors, cultural entertainment, and strong community engagement. Cultural & Heritage Commission May 15, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Varela also provided an update on Pearson Park, highlighting several recent improvements, including the installation of new wooden entry doors at the theatre. He noted the beginning of the park's busy season, with upcoming rentals and the Summer Night Series set to begin in June. c) Poet Laureate: Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn informed the Commission that the City's Poet Laureate is actively engaging with the community and local schools and is becoming increasingly involved in various parks projects. She noted that the Anaheim Poetry program has a website and is currently accepting poetry submissions for review. The selected works will be compiled into a community poetry collection, which will be published and made available at Anaheim Public Libraries. 8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn provided an update on the Mural Permit Program, sharing photos and information about the first completed mural located at El Pollo Fino, created by artist Joshua Flores. Additional program details are available on the City's website at Anaheim.net/PublicArt. Ms. Sporn also distributed the latest Summer Activity Guide, highlighting a variety of Cultural Arts programs as well as the upcoming Summer Concert Series. Community Services Superintendent Art Varela announced the Children's Festival, taking place at Pearson Park on Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He also noted that the City's Flag Day Celebration will be held on June 8. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell announced that a Historic Preservation Workshop will be held on May 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. She also shared that an Author Talk titled Mexican American Baseball in the South Bay will take place on Saturday, May 17 at the Central Library. Ms. Newell added that the Muzeo Museum will be opening new exhibits this Friday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will be hosting a "Heroes and Villains" Bingo Fundraiser on May 31. Chair Nguyen informed the Commission that the National Endowment for the Arts is currently at risk of losing federal funding, which has already resulted in the termination of several grants nationwide. She also announced that The Chinese Lady will open at the Chance Theater on May 16, 2025. Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn reminded the Commission that the next meeting will be held at the Pearson Park Amphitheater on June 19, 2025. 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m.