MINUTES
CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER, ROTARY ROOM, 250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805 December 18, 2025 – 6:30 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT
Erika Nguyen, Chair Nikki Sandusky, Community Services Superintendent Karen Uyematsu, Vice Chair Art Varela, Community Services Supervisor Richard Romeros
Saul Contreras
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT STAFF ABSENT
Samantha Bell Harris Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager David Zuniga Jane Newell, Heritage Services Manager
Barbara Leggett, Senior Secretary
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Nguyen called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Roll was taken; quorum confirmed.
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Commissioner Richard Romeros. 3) UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4) SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Community Services Superintendent, Nikki Sandusky, introduced Parks Manager, JJ Jimenez, and Principal Project Planner, Ana Straabe, who gave a mural presentation on a mural at Center Greens Park.
5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Nguyen presented the minutes from the September 18, 2025, meeting for approval. Commissioner Uyematsu moved to approve the minutes, with Commissioner Contreras seconding the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with four votes in favor and none opposed. Chair Nguyen formally accepted the September 18, 2025, minutes.
6) NEW BUSINESS: None.
7) SUB-COMMITTEES:
a) Center Gallery: Community Services Supervisor, Art Varela, updated the Commission on the City of Anaheim Employee Art exhibit, currently on display through January 6. The next exhibit at Center Gallery is To the Waters & the Wilds by artist Jourdan Mendoza, from January 9 through February 20, with a reception scheduled January 14 at 6:30 p.m.
b) Heritage: Chair Nguyen noted that in Heritage Services Manager Jane Newell’s absence, Heritage Committee updates will be presented at the next meeting. c) Poet Laureate: Community Services Superintendent, Nikki Sandusky, noted that the application for the Poet Laureate closed this evening at 5 p.m. Chair Nguyen noted that they are on target for Poet Laureate approval by April 2026.
8) INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Commissioner Uyematsu shared information about Taste of Japan, an event taking place this weekend, December 20-21, at Anaheim Garden Walk, from 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
ITEM # 01
Cultural & Heritage Commission
December 18, 2025
Chair Nguyen shared that the Chance Theater has two productions running through Sunday: Scrooge and Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, The Musical.
Commissioner Romero expressed a desire for the Commission to be more present at community events, emphasizing the importance of increased visibility and engagement within the community. 9) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.