CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 22, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, James Dinwiddie, Kevin Barrot, Anthony Al-Jamie, Sandra Song, Deana
Helmy, Simin Heydari, David Bracey, Monika Sargent
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, Joseph Aihara, Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Jennifer Sasai
STAFF PRESENT: Kimberly Kelemen – Community Services Superintendent Taylor Griffin – Staff Analyst
GUEST PRESENT: Mr. Corey Wylde, from Love Anaheim
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lori Dinwiddie called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025.
II. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner James Dinwiddie
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Corey Wylde introduced himself and suggested engaging inbound and outbound students in Love Anaheim community service projects.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner Jim Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Vice-Chair Anthony Al-Jamie AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; ABSENT: Susan Klaren- Hatzenbuhler, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez- Gonzalez (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the minutes from the ASCC meeting held on July 28, 2025, as presented.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
September 22, 2025
V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
MOTION: Vice-Chair Anthony Al-Jamie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Monika Sargent AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; ABSENT:
Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the treasurer report from the ASCC meeting held on July 28, 2025, as presented.
VI. UPDATES ON STUDENT EXCHANGE (INBOUND/OUTBOUND):
Chair Lori Dinwiddie commended Staff Taylor Griffin, Theresa, the school teacher, and additional staff for their work with the students. Taylor noted the school visits greatly enhanced the students’ experience. Chair Dinwiddie also suggested including both male and female chaperones in future years to encourage greater group engagement.
VII. DISCUSS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS:
Chair Lori Dinwiddie proposed creating a link for donations and a letter for commissioners to send out and reach out to larger companies for fundraising. The group agreed to forgo committees and work collectively, with Lori also suggesting an in-person fundraiser in the coming months.
VIII. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF DRAFT LETTER TO THE CITY OF GUADALAJARA: Commissioner Simin Heydari offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Sandra Song AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; ABSENT:
Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the draft letter to Guadalajara from the ASCC meeting held on July 28, 2025, as presented.
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Chair Lori Dinwiddie recognized Commissioner Kevin Barrot for his work on the Sister City Commission’s social media page.
Commissioner Monika Sargent requested a student exchange calendar of events be available earlier to help recruit new or interested host families and possibly more students.
Commissioner Simin Heydari asked to receive the application before the holidays to review and update student questions and evaluations.
X. MOTION TO CHANGE NOVEMBER MEETING DATE:
Chair Lori Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Monika Sargent AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; ABSENT: Susan Klaren- Hatzenbuhler, Jennifer Sasai, Joseph Aihara, Chiarina Piazza, Alicia Valadez- Gonzalez (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby Anaheim Sister City Commission
September 22, 2025
approve the Monday, November 24 regular meeting date change to Monday November 17, 2025 due to the holiday.
XI. STAFF COMMENTS
Staff Kimberly Kelemen made a comment to commissioners that those that show up and are present to events really make a difference in the outcome and experience for everyone involved.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:49 p.m. to Monday, October 27, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.