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Cultural & Heritage 2025/06/19MINUTES CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION PEARSON PARK AMPHITHEATRE, 401 N. LEMON ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805 June 19, 2025 — 6:30 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Erika Nguyen, Chair Karen Uyematsu, Vice Chair Richard Romeros Saul Contreras COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Samantha Bell Harris David Zuniga AGENDA 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 ACTION TAKEN 1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nguyen called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn, introduced newly appointed Commissioner Saul Contreras, representing District 1. Commissioner Contreras was appointed by Council Member Balius on June 10, 2025. Roll was taken following introductions, and quorum was met. Chair Nguyen acknowledged Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, the date enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Chair Erika Nguyen. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Mazatl T. Tepehyolotzin thanked the Commission for their contributions and acknowledged the mural on Anaheim Boulevard. Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn, introduced Jonathan Leggett from the City of Anaheim Public Works Department, who will be giving a tour of Pearson Park Amphitheatre at the end of the meeting. He and his department have overseen the theatre's restoration and upgrades. 4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from the March 20, 2025, meeting for approval. Commissioner Uyematsu moved to approve the minutes, with Commissioner Romeros seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with four votes in favor and none opposed. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the March 20, 2025 minutes. Chair Nguyen also presented the May 15, 2025, minutes for approval. Chair Nguyen moved to approve the minutes, with Commissioner Contreras seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the May 15, 2025, minutes. 6) NEW BUSINESS: None. 7) SUB -COMMITTEES: a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela updated the Commission on the existing exhibit of the Anaheim Art Association, closing on June 27, 2025. The next exhibit will feature Robert Holton of Drizzle Studios; the exhibit will run from June 30 through August 12, with the reception date to be announced. Center Gallery should have approximately 4 or 5 exhibits through the end of the year, with the possibility of a City of Anaheim Employee Exhibit. b) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell provided an update on the Heritage Markers Program. This initiative will recognize historic sites in Anaheim that no longer exist by installing commemorative Cultural & Heritage Commission June 19, 2025 Page 2 markers. As the required slip test has been completed, the program is now ready to move forward. The next step involves convening a subcommittee to develop the program's procedures, rules, and application process. c) Poet Laureate: Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn informed the Commission that the Poet Laureate, Camille Hernandez, continues to produce impactful work and has recently collaborated on several capital projects. Additionally, Housing & Community Development is working with her on the opening of one of their new housing developments. This marks Camille Hernandez's second year as Poet Laureate. In the coming months, the subcommittee will begin discussions regarding the next application and interview process for the position. 8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn, passed out information and shared about the upcoming community design workshop for a mural. The workshop will be held at the Downtown Anaheim Community near Center Greens Park on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell shared that Founder's Park will be having an Open House on July 5 from 10:00 a.m. —12:00 p.m., and they will also be hosting a plant and seed exchange during the event. Community Services Supervisor Art Varela provided an update on summer programming. He shared that the Pearson Park Summer Night Under the Stars Series continued with a performance by Kids Imagine Nation on June 20 and noted that the Summer Concert Series will take place in August. He also reminded the Commission of the upcoming Fourth of July celebration, highlighting planned activities including a dog show, community parade, and fireworks display. Chair Nguyen shared that two weeks ago, ImpACT Anaheim brought together 12 organizations to raise $245,640 in support of Anaheim youth programs. Among the summer programs receiving support are Spectrum Speak Up and Teen Speak Up at the Chance Theater. Spectrum Speak Up engages neurodivergent individuals in acting, writing, and storytelling, with a final performance scheduled for July 27 at 10:00 a.m. Teen Speak Up offers similar opportunities for teens, with final performances on August 2 and 3 at 10:00 a.m. Vice Chair Uyematsu shared the upcoming Obon Festival on July 19 & 20, 2:00 p.m. at The Buddhist Church, located at 909 S. Dale Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804. Commissioner Romeros expressed concern regarding graffiti on the mural located on a market near Little People's Park and inquired about possible action. Community Services Manager, Anaheim Sporn, responded that the City is currently in the process of soliciting a conservator company to assess the mural's condition and determine if it is a candidate for restoration. Once the assessment is complete, staff will determine the appropriate next steps. 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.