CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 24, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, Simin Heydari,
Chiarina Piazza, Joseph Aihara, Susan Klaren-
Hatzenbuhler, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez,
Deana Helmy, Kevin Barrot, Monika Sargent,
Anthony Al-Jamie, David Bracey
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: James Dinwiddie
STAFF PRESENT: Taylor Griffin, City Administration
Kimberly Kelemen, Community Services
GUEST PRESENT: None
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lori Dinwiddie called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025.
II. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Anthony Al-Jamie led the flag salute.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner Monika Sargent offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote:
10-0; ABSENT: James Dinwiddie, ABSTAINED: Anthony Al-Jamie (Two Vacant Seats) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the updated edited minutes from the ASCC meeting held on November 25, Anaheim Sister City Commission
March 24, 2025
2024, and the ASCC minutes from the meeting held on January 27, 2025 as presented.
V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
MOTION: No motion made as the commission waits on an updated report from the Anaheim Community Foundation. As of December 2024, there is a balance of $4,152.97.
VI. REVIEW CONFIRMED SUB-COMMITTEES/BUDGETS
• COMMITTEE GOALS
• DISCUSS FUNDRAISING IDEAS
Chair Lori Dinwiddie reminded the commission that a replacement chair for the Fundraising committee was still needed. Commissioner Anthony Al-Jamie volunteered to be the Chair for the committee and Monika Sargent said she could help.
Chair Lori Dinwiddie updated the commission and let them know she had reached out to City Council requesting financial assistance for the Sister City Committee. She stated that she requested $1,000 dollars from each of their City Council Budgets and $10,000 for the next budget term going forward for the Committee. So far one council member has agreed to help and would also put the request in for the additional funds on the next council agenda. She added that they still need to get letters out to local businesses explaining the need for funds. Any remaining financial needs will be collected through fundraising.
The commission discussed various ideas for fundraising, including 1 fundraiser a year at a local restaurant and making sure the letters go out to the right businesses.
Chair Lori Dinwiddie would like to discuss budgets/fundraising of inbound/outbound of the students at the next meeting.
VII. DISCUSS STUDENT EXCHANGE DETAILS
Staff Taylor Griffin let the commission know Mr. Wang will be talking to his staff on which dates will be best between August 1-14 or August 8-20. Chair Lori Dinwiddie said August 8-20 would be preferred. Commissioner Joe Aihara then stated that if August 8-20 works out, then the students can make a visit to the high school. Chair Lori Dinwiddie also spoke to Walker Jr. High School principal, and they are ready to welcome the students.
Staff Taylor Griffin then confirmed the dates we would send out our 4-6 students from June 20-July 3. As of now there are 31 applicants.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
March 24, 2025
Chair Lori Dinwiddie is in need of a couple commissioners to review the current 30 outbound applicants and pick in rank order of who they feel is best.
Once the applications are reviewed, interviews with the students will be held and need at least 3 people on April 9.
Commissioner Joe Aihara and Anthony Al-Jamie will be helping with training and will have 3 date options for the students during the interview process.
VIII. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioners discussed what “type” of students they should be choosing, and what to base it on. Some discussed those who are less fortunate, those who are most open-minded, and those who would normally not have a chance for these experiences.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Kimberly Kelemen mentioned that some kids were having issues with uploading their video and was in contact with many of them giving them various options to send. Asked the commissioners to at least ask if they have done their video if they don’t see it.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m. to Monday, April 28, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.