Loading...
Cultural & Heritage 2026/04/16MINUTES CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION FOUNDER'S PARK (Carriage House), 400 N. WEST ST. ANAHEIM, CA 92801 April 16, 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 STAFF PRESENT Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary AGENDA ACTION TAKEN 1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nguyen called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Roll was taken; quorum confirmed. 2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Chair Nguyen. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None. 4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Patricia Grimm from the Library, who substituted for Nichole Grimes, gave a presentation on the Seed Library, which offers free heirloom and diverse seed packets to the community, typically during the Open House at Founders' Park on the first Saturday of each month. She also spoke of the history and continued celebration of the May Day event at Founders Park, this year taking place on May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year's event features crafts, gardening projects, and a maypole dance. 5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from the March 19, 2026, meeting for review and potential revisions. As no edits or corrections were proposed, Chair Nguyen formally accepted the minutes as presented. 6) NEW BUSINESS: None. 7) SUB -COMMITTEES: a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela updated the Commission on the upcoming exhibit featuring the Anaheim Union High School District Color and Light Student Exhibition, on display for four weeks at Center Gallery beginning April 20. The exhibit will also have space in Center Greens. b) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell provided a recap of the Ebell event held on March 21, 2026. She reported that the event was successful and noted that the Ebell Club is actively seeking new members. She also shared that the organization would celebrate its 120th anniversary in 2027. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell highlighted ongoing work at the Heritage Center related to the America 250 display, including the incorporation of historic Disney artifacts. She further requested that the Commission consider holding its June meeting at the Heritage Center to allow members the opportunity to view the America 250 exhibits. c) Poet Laureate: Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky reminded the commission that Camille Hernandez will be introduced at the April 21 City Council Meeting as the 2026-2028 Poet Laureate. Cultural & Heritage Commission April 16, 2026 Page 2 d) America 250 Poster Contest: Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky noted that Poster submissions have been received and reminded the Sub -Committee that a brief meeting would be held after the Commission meeting to select some finalists to present to the Mayor for review. 8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Community Services Supervisor, Art Varela, announced the upcoming Children's Festival on May 16, 2026, at Pearson Park Amphitheater. Superintendent Nikki Sandusky followed up on the previously noted interest from the Commission to participate in the Children's Festival. Commissioner Romeros offered to have an interactive activity, bringing a 4'X4' wall with a sectioned paint -by -numbers display. Participants can select a number and paint those areas. Vice Chair Uyematsu and Commissioner Contreras both volunteered to attend the event in support. The group discussed what handouts or topics could be discussed. No business that is not under the purview of the Commission should be discussed. Commissioner Contreras proposed discussing the Public Art Plan, and Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky suggested focusing specifically on the portions of the plan that relate to the Cultural & Heritage Commission. Also mentioned was that the vacancy in District 2 could be promoted. Supervisor Art Varela offered to pass along the contact information to Commissioner Romeros so they can reach out to Muzeo for further instructions on participating. The Commission was reminded that no more than three Commissioners may gather outside of meetings under the Sunshine Ordinance. Vice Chair Uyematsu shared that on April 18th & 19th, the Buddhist Church in Anaheim on Ball and Dale is hosting the Hanamatsuri Festival. The classrooms will be open with Cultural items such as calligraphy, bonsai, Japanese dance, and a traditional tea ceremony. The Heritage Services Manager, Jane Newell, shared that the Asian American Culture Celebration is taking place on May 3, 2026, at Central Library, featuring crafts, presentations, and food samplings. She also shared that the Mystery Authors luncheon is taking place on April 19th, sponsored by the Library Foundation. Chair Nguyen reported that Chance Theater is currently hosting The Messenger, which will close this weekend. Sanctuary City will be opening May 1, 2026, and Jagged Little Pill is scheduled for July. Chair Nguyen also noted that Chance Theater Conservatory classes are open for registration. Chair Nguyen shared she will be out of town for the May 21, 2026, meeting. The Commission elected to go dark in May and resume on June 18th at the Heritage Center. 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.