MINUTES
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER, 250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
November 16, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Kristen Maahs, Chair Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager Erika Nguyen, Vice Chair Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent Karen Uyematsu Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor David Zuniga
COMMISIONERS ABSENT
Alicia Jacinto
George Serna
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maahs called meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Karen Uyematsu.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Maahs presented the October 19, 2023 minutes. Vice Chair Nguyen made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Uyematsu.
6. SUB-COMMITTEES:
a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela, spoke about the current art exhibit, Morpho Miracle, by artist Jennifer Garibay and upcoming showcase by The Association of Designers and Artists, scheduled for January 5th through February 8th. An invitation to the opening on January 11th was provided to Commissioners. Art discussed that he had extended invitations to artists and the gallery is almost completely booked through next year.
b) Public Art Program: None.
c) Heritage: Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell provided updates on the Carnegie window project. They were able to start on windows along the east and south sides. Chair Maahs asked how protected Founders’ Park and Colony House is from vandalism and fire. Jane answered that there is a presence of Park Rangers, loud alarms, security cameras and high fences that prevents vandalism or trespassing. Chair Maahs shared that Orange County Supervisor Foley made a formal request for a countywide assessment of historical properties. Jane commented that the City’s historic structures do not fall under the County.
d) Culture: Community Services Supervisor Art Varela recapped the Dia De Los Muertos event at Pearson Park Amphitheatre held on November 3, 2023. Commissioner Maahs also congratulated the library team that organized the Native American Art Festival at Founders Park. Vice Chair Nguyen asked if there were any upcoming events within the city and Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky spoke about the Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting Event held on December 3, 2023. Nikki informed the committee that the tree lighting will take place along the steps of city hall with the holiday village taking place along Center Street Promenade. Commissioner Nguyen asked why the event is being held on a Sunday while previous years have been held on a Saturday. Nikki answered that based on different groups that were involved they decided this day would be best.
Cultural and Heritage Commission
11/16/23
e) Poet Laureate: Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky had no updates. Chair Maahs asked if the Poet Laureate needs to live or work in Anaheim. Nikki answered that it is not required, but applicants must have a strong tie to the city of Anaheim.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Community Services Superintendent Nikki Sandusky requested information from commission members for the upcoming presentation to City Council via email.
Community Services Supervisor Art Varela provided a recap of the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, held on October 28, 2023. Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell also added that the event had a good turnout with a lot of engagement.
Chair Maahs invited everyone to the Anaheim Historical Society holiday party on December 5, 2023. There will be a presentation on Mexican History in Anaheim and will be held at St. Anthony Claret Church.
8. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Maahs adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.