CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
July 22, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, James Dinwiddie, Kristin Erickson, Monika Sargent, Juan Carlos-
Mendez, Marlena Truong, Simin Heydari,
Deana Helmy, Anthony Al-Jamie
Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Joseph
Aihara, David Bracey
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler
STAFF PRESENT: Anaheim Sporn, Community Services
Taylor Griffin, City Administration
Karen Harrell, City Administration
Barbara Leggett, Community Services
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Secretary Karen Harrell called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) special meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024.
II. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner James Dinwiddie led the flag salute.
III. INTRODUCTIONS
Staff and commissioners present introduced themselves.
OATH OF OFFICE
Staff Barbara Leggett administered the Oath of Office to Commission Members Marlena Truong, Simin Heydari, Deana Helmy, Anthony Al-Jamie Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Joseph Aihara, David Bracey
Anaheim Sister City Commission
July 22, 2024
IV. APPOINT CHAIR
MOTION: Secretary Karen Harrell offered a Motion to open nominations for Chair. Commissioner Deana Helmy nominated Commissioner Marlena Truong and was seconded by Commissioner Juan Carlos Mendez, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 11-0; Abstain: Marlena Truong, Absent: Susan Klaren- Hatzenbuhler (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the appointment of Commissioner Marlena Truong as Commission Chair.
V. APPOINT VICE-CHAIR
MOTION: Chair Marlena Truong offered a Motion to open nominations for Vice-Chair, Commissioner Kristin Erickson nominated Commissioner Lori Dinwiddie seconded by Commissioner Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 11-0; Abstain: Lori Dinwiddie, Absent: Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the appointment of Commissioner Lori Dinwiddie as Vice-Chair.
VI. APPOINT TREASURER
MOTION: Chair Marlena Truong offered a Motion to open nominations for Treasurer, Commissioner Simin Heydari nominated herself seconded by Commissioner James Dinwiddie, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 11-0; Abstain: Simin Heydari, Absent: Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the appointment of Commissioner Simin Heydari as Treasurer.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner Lori Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner James Dinwiddie, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0;
Absent: Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the minutes from the ASCC meetings held on November 28, 2022, as presented.
VIII. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
MOTION: Commissioner Lori Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Kristin Erickson, AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 13-0;
Absent: Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister Anaheim Sister City Commission
July 22, 2024
City Commission does hereby approve the Treasurer’s Report dated November 23, 2022.
IX. DISCUSS INBOUND STUDENT EXCHANGE ITINERARY
Staff Taylor Griffin discussed the itinerary for the incoming students. The following activities start with a welcoming reception where they meet their host families. That is followed by a beach party for the kids at Bolsa Chica, a City Hall visit, MUZEO, Fire Station visit, Sayonara Dinner, National Night Out (will be optional for host families) and Disneyland.
Staff Taylor Griffin confirms all students and both chaperones have been housed. Everyone is confirmed. Commissioner Lori Dinwiddie is one of the hosts along with Commissioner Jim Dinwiddie and has already received an email from the student they are hosting.
Commissioner Alicia
Valadez-Gonzalez offers to host the students at the new Northgate Market in Costa Mesa.
Commissioners discuss the Angels game tailgate. Students, with some host families and staff attend Angel’s game and enjoy a pre-game tailgate. Staff Taylor Griffin confirms that all commissioners need to be fingerprinted before being able to attend any student-related event.
Staff Taylor Griffin goes over meeting the student’s teacher that will be with them throughout the trip. Went over itinerary, expectations, events, and discussed getting a copy of the planned curriculum.
X. DISCUSS CURRENT CONNECTION IF ANY WITH VICTORIA-GASTEIZ
AND NEXT STEPS
Chair Marlena Truong opens discussion regarding any connection between us and Victoria-Gasteiz. Commissioner James Dinwiddie explains we had a connection with someone at the Chamber back in 2014, but no student exchange was ever done. Planning Director Ted White took a trip out there to make some sort of connection and make it work, but nothing has come of it.
Staff Karen Harrell let the Commissioners know there was a potential contact and will be reaching out to see if there is still interest.
XI. PUBLIC COMMENT
NA
Anaheim Sister City Commission
July 22, 2024
XII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Lori Dinwiddie discussed potential connection with Germany and interest from a past Commissioner on a possible connection with a city in Mexico.
Commissioner Joseph Aihara expands or recent trip with our outbound students in Japan.
Commissioner Kristin Erickson asked for clarification on how the students that go to Japan get chosen. Staff member Anaheim Sporn went on to explain the process.
XIII. STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Anaheim Sporn discussed a little bit about the recent Japan Student Exchange and talked about how the students there were actual “City Ambassadors” and suggested the idea here to expand the information on future student exchange trips and other activities within the Sister City Commission.
This too can include “Staff” exchanges.
Staff Taylor Griffin would like to debrief inbound/outbound trips at the next meeting, Monday, August 26, 2024.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. to Monday, August 26, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.