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Sister City 2026/01/26CITY OF ANAHEIM SISTER CITY COMMISSION MINUTES January 26, 2026 — 4:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Kevin Barrot, Sandra Song, Simin Heydari, David Bracey, Monika Sargent, Chiarina Piazza, Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, Anthony Al -Jamie COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: GUEST PRESENT: Deana Helmy, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, James Dinwiddie Kimberly Kelemen — Community Services Superintendent N/A Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Anaheim City Hall. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lori Dinwiddie called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. II. FLAG SALUTE Chair Lori Dinwiddie III. PUBLIC COMMENT N/A IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Commissioner Monika Sargent offered a Motion, seconded by Vice - Chair Anthony Al -Jamie AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; ABSENT: Deana Helmy, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, James Dinwiddie and (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the minutes from the ASCC meeting held on November 17, 2025, as presented. Anaheim Sister City Commission January 26, 2026 Page 2 V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT MOTION: Commissioner Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Monika Sargent AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; ABSENT: Deana Helmy, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, James Dinwiddie and (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the treasurers report from the ASCC meeting held on January 26, 2026, as presented. VI. UPDATE ON FINALIZING GUADALAJARA SISTER CITY CONNECTION: No updates VII. STUDENT EXCHANGE CALENDAR: Chair Lori Dinwiddie requested that commissioners indicate their interest in participating in the inbound and outbound groups so assignments may be finalized and planning may proceed within each group. Tentative Calendar Outbound - June 19 — July 2, 2026 (proposed dates) Inbound — August 14 — August 26, 2026 (proposed dates) Chair, Lori Dinwiddie will contact Mr. Wong to initiate and coordinate the planning process. VIII. APPROVAL OF INBOUND/OUTBOUND PROPOSED DATES MOTION: Treasurer Simin Heydari offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner David Bracey AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 10-0; ABSENT: Deana Helmy, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, James Dinwiddie and (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approves the proposed inbound/outbound dates from the ASCC meeting held on January 26, 2026, as presented. IX.. REVIEW STUDENT EXCHANGE APPLICATION/EVALUATION PROCESS: Staff member Kimberly Kelemen suggested setting dates for student training and application evaluation process so she can begin with reserving the community center. Applications Due — March 1 Meet and Greet — March 18 Interviews — Week of April 6 with a possible back up date Begin training — First of 5 mandatory trainings to begin week of May 11 X. FUNDRAISING EFFORTS/LETTER TO BUSINESSES Chair Lori Dinwiddie is finalizing the fundraising letter to be distributed to businesses and is awaiting a link from the Anaheim Community Foundation before releasing it. Anaheim Sister City Commission January 26, 2026 Page 3 XI. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATES/TO-DO'S: Commissioners requested an update on the anniversary celebration. Staff member Kimberly Kelemen reported that she has contacted Mr. Wong in Japan and proposed November 16-17 as potential dates. Chair Lori Dinwiddie noted that Mr. Wong and his group have expressed interest in a meet -and -greet with officials and a visit to Disneyland. Greg Garcia, Assistant City Manager, is overseeing event planning. Chair Lori Dinwiddie also recommended forming committees for the Celebration and Student Exchange to facilitate timely decision -making and improve efficiency. XII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Treasurer Simin Heydari asked about a Japanese family who may be interested in being a host family but questioned whether selecting American host families would provide students with a more authentic experience. Commissioner Monika Sargent inquired about the chaperone and host family applications, including deadlines and requirements. Staff Kimberly Kelemen reported the applications are in progress and will be available shortly. XIII. STAFF COMMENTS Staff member Kimberly Kelemen updated the Commission on recent discussions between City Administration and Mr. Wong regarding the Sister City Commission 50th Anniversary celebration. She will provide additional updates as information becomes available and advise on opportunities for Commission involvement. XIV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m. to Monday, February 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.