CITY OF ANAHEIM
SISTER CITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
May 26, 2026 – 4:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Lori Dinwiddie, Chiarina Piazza, James Dinwiddie Kevin Barrot, Simin Heydari, David Bracey, Monika
Sargent, Anthony Al-Jamie Joseph Aihara
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Deana Helmi, Jennifer Sasai, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, Sandra Song
STAFF PRESENT: Karen Harrell – Executive Secretary
GUEST PRESENT: N/A
Agenda Posting: A complete copy of the Anaheim Sister City Commission Agenda was posted on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Anaheim City Hall.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lori Dinwiddie called the Anaheim Sister City Commission (ASCC) meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
II. FLAG SALUTE
No Flag Salute
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
N/A
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR APRIL 27, 2026
MOTION: Commissioner James Dinwiddie offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner Monika Sargent AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; ABSENT:
Deana Helmi, Jennifer Sasai, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler, and Sandra Song with (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the minutes from the ASCC meeting held on April 27, 2026, as presented.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
May 26, 2026
V. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
MOTION: Commissioner Monika Sargent offered a Motion, seconded by Commissioner James Dinwiddie AND MOTION CARRIED (Vote: 9-0; ABSENT:
Deana Helmi, Jennifer Sasai, Alicia Valadez-Gonzalez, Susan KlarenHatzenbuhler, and Sandra Song with (One Vacant Seat) that the Anaheim Sister City Commission does hereby approve the treasurer’s report from the ASCC meeting held on April 27, 2026, as presented.
VI. STUDENT EXCHANGE CALENDAR AND UPDATES
Chair Lori Dinwiddie noted that, due to staff member Kimberly Kelemen’s absence, no calendar updates were available for review. Lori stated she would email Kimberly and request that the most current schedule be sent to all commissioners.
VII. DISCUSS HOST FAMILIES SELECTION
Chair Lori Dinwiddie noted no updates.
VIII. FUNDRAISING EFFORTS/LETTER TO BUSINESSES
Chair Lori Dinwiddie will be requesting letter from staff member Kimberly Kelemen.
IX. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATES/TO-DO’S:
Interim City Manager Greg Garcia confirmed the upcoming Sister City Anniversary celebration scheduled for November 16–17, 2026. The planned activities include a reception and recognition at the November 16 City Council Meeting and a visit to Disneyland Park on November 17.
The Commission continued discussing potential commemorative gift ideas, including artwork, statue, orange tree, a possible “time capsule” of all Anaheim things. Other ideas discussed were to refurnish the current Mito, Japan plaques, bridges, artwork.
Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee members are Commissioners Deana Helmy, David Bracey, and Susan Klaren-Hatzenbuhler.
X. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioners discussed how to handle students not selected for the exchange program, including providing private feedback or general guidance for future applicants. Commissioners also discussed discontinuing the use of “alternate” students to avoid assumptions of automatic selection the following year.
Chair Lori Dinwiddie proposed conducting a post-exchange debrief to document successful practices, challenges, and program improvements for future exchanges.
Commissioner Joseph Aihara reported that Mito representatives have begun matching students and host families and are awaiting student information from Anaheim to complete the process. Mito received 27 applications and plans to finalize selections by June 14, 2026.
Anaheim Sister City Commission
May 26, 2026
XI. STAFF COMMENTS
Staff member Karen Harrell re-confirmed the Anniversary celebration dates and the number of people expected to come down from Mito. As of right now, about 15-20 so far, although the number is not confirmed.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. to Monday, June 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.