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Cultural & Heritage 2026/02/19MINUTES CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER, ROTARY ROOM, 250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805 February 19, 2026 — 6:30 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Erika Nguyen, Chair Karen Uyematsu, Vice Chair Richard Romeros Saul Contreras David Zuniga COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Samantha Bell Harris STAFF PRESENT Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager 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 6:30 p.m. Roll was taken; quorum confirmed. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Community Services Supervisor, Art Varela. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from the January 15, 2026, meeting for approval. Vice Chair Uyematsu moved to approve the minutes, with Commissioner Contreras seconding the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the January 15, 2026, minutes. 6) NEW BUSINESS: a) The Cultural & Heritage Subcommittee selected Camille Hernandez to move forward for the 2026-2028 Poet Laureate term. Superintendent Nikki Sandusky provided a recap of the proceedings, noting that Camille Hernandez currently serves as Poet Laureate for the 2024-2026 term, where she continues work with the Anaheim Poetry Review, hosts free workshops and poetry readings, and was recently recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in Orange County. A vote was taken; with five members in favor, the motion carried. Superintendent Nikki Sandusky shared that the official announcement of Camille Hernandez will be made at the April 21 Council Meeting. b) Chair Nguyen initiated the presentation of the Sub -Committees' descriptions. Community Services Supervisor Art Varela gave an overview of the Center Gallery Subcommittee. This Committee collaborates with city staff to review artist submissions and supports exhibitions at the Center Gallery. Current volunteers are Chair Nguyen, Vice Chair Uyematsu & Commissioner Zuniga. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell shared that the Heritage Subcommittee focuses on Heritage preservation matters and provides guidance on historical resources and programs within the city. Current members are Chair Nguyen, Vice Chair Uyematsu, and Commissioner Zuniga. Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky provided a description of the Poet Laureate Subcommittee, which oversees the review of applications for the Poet Laureate position, a two-year honorary appointment serving as the city's literary ambassador. Chair Nyugen noted that the Poet Laureate Subcommittee also has members outside of the commission. ITEM # 03 Cultural & Heritage Commission February 19, 2026 Page 2 Commissioner Zuniga stated his intent to resign from the Center Gallery Subcommittee. Commissioner Romeros indicated his willingness to assume the role. Upon inquiry by Chair Nguyen regarding continued service on the Heritage Subcommittee, Commissioner Zuniga also resigned from that Subcommittee. Commissioner Contreras requested assignment to the Heritage Subcommittee. Chair Nguyen stated that, as the Poet Laureate Subcommittee recently completed the selection of the current Poet Laureate, there is no immediate need for additional members to serve on that Subcommittee at this time. 7) SUB -COMMITTEES: a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela updated the Commission on the installation of the current exhibit, which is being installed on Monday, February 23. Minhwa, Shared Blessing by artist Hyejung Shin will be on view through April 2, with an artist reception scheduled for February 26 at 6:30 p.m. The following show will be the Anaheim Union High School District Color and Light Student Exhibition, on display for one month. b) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell gave an update that they are working on the second May Day festival taking place on the first Saturday in May at Founders' Park, which will include Miss Anaheim Beautiful, crafts and kids' games. She shared that a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Foundation will be incorporated into the school tours and an event on July 11 (rescheduled from July 4). She and her staff are also working on some highlights in Anaheim's history, including one feature of the friendship between Madame Helena Modjeska and Clementine Langenberger or BFFs in 1876. c) Poet Laureate: Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky referenced the initial conversation as the official update. 8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell shared information about an event taking place at the Ebell Club of Anaheim on March 21 at 4:00 p.m., in honor of E. Kate Rea's 150th birthday. E. Kate Rea was an early Anaheim educator and community leader who taught in Anaheim and Santa Ana, was heavily involved in the local community, and was a charter member of the Ebell Club in 1907. Chair Nguyen shared that the Mayor brought to her attention a nationwide poster contest associated with the National Endowment for the Arts. Chair Nguyen noted that additional research and discussion would be needed before and requested next steps from staff. Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky suggested that more detailed information be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion. Commissioner Romeros shared that Muzeo is hosting an artist panel on February 26. He also shared that the Hilbert Museum at Chapman will host an Emigdio Vasquez retrospective through May; admission is free Wednesday through Sunday. Chair Nguyen shared that Chance Theater's play Once is currently running and will close on March 2. She also noted that a new play, Messenger, will begin in April. The Heritage Services Manager shared that the library division is conducting an ongoing survey regarding its programs and services. Those interested can visit the library's website to take the survey. 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:07 p.m.