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Cultural & Heritage 2026/01/15MINUTES CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER, ROTARY ROOM, 250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805 January 15, 2026 — 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, Deputy Director Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary STAFF ABSENT ACTION TAKEN 1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nguyen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Roll was taken; quorum confirmed. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Saul Contreras. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from the December 18, 2025, meeting for approval. Commissioner Uyematsu moved to approve the minutes, with Commissioner Contreras seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with four votes in favor and none opposed. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the December 18, 2025, minutes. 6) NEW BUSINESS: None. 7) SUB -COMMITTEES: a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor, Art Varela, updated the Commission on the City of Anaheim Employee Art exhibit, currently on display through January 6. The next exhibition at Center Gallery is To the Waters & the Wilds by artist Jourdan Mendoza, from January 9 through February 20. The reception took place on January 14 at 6:30 p.m. b) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell presented a proposal, approved by the Heritage Subcommittee, to provide public access to the Heritage Marker Program through the Library's website. The proposal would include information on nominations, historical facts, and the potential development of an interactive marker map. It was noted that approximately 10 markers may be installed per year at an estimated cost of $1,000 each, typically funded by the nominator, with the potential to identify sponsors if needed. The first two markers, City Hall #2 and City Hall #3, were sponsored by Heritage Services and are currently in progress. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell is coordinating with Anaheim Public Works on installation requirements and with the City's Communications office to promote the event. Additional updates will be provided as they become available. Cultural & Heritage Commission January 15, 2026 Page 2 Commissioner Uyematsu asked about promoting the program. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell and Deputy Director Sporn responded that promotion could occur through the Anaheim Magazine, Anaheim.net, the Activity Guide, and Our Community, in both English and Spanish. c) Poet Laureate: Chair Nguyen updated the Commission that the subcommittee had reviewed applications and conducted an interview, resulting in the selection of Camille Hernandez as the recommended Poet Laureate for the 2026-2028 term. Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky said they will formally notify Camille, and the announcement will be made at the April City Council meeting to coincide with National Poetry Month. 8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell gave an update on the Victorian Christmas, hosted in December at the Wolke-Stoffel House, noting that the attendance exceeded last year's count by 100 people. Deputy Director Sporn shared the existing exhibit at the Muzeo, Common Ground, highlighting 8 murals painted on the Muzeo's walls, including the painting over ritual at the end of the exhibit. Also, in the showcase exhibit at the Muzeo, there is information on the City's Public Art plan. Commissioner Romeros spoke of the Muzeo's open call for muralists to assist in painting the Tampico Housing community. Commissioner Contreras asked about the process of volunteering for a Sub -Committee. Deputy Director Sporn suggested this be placed on next month's Agenda. Chair Nguyen shared that the Chance Theater will be opening Once, which will run through February. 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.