Dear Friends

To say that the last few weeks have been difficult for our community would be an understatement.

As a public servant, I am heartbroken by the recent events in our City and like many of you, I have questions, and I want answers.

As we work through these challenging times, I want to reassure you that I am here to represent you and will always work to do what’s in your best interest.

My door is always open. Ask me anything. I am happy to chat in person or virtually. You can email me at any time at gmaae@anaheim.net. 

I leave you with the latest edition of my newsletter and a promise that we can and will do better. 

Sincerely, 

Gloria Sahagún Ma'ae

The Mother Colony House Turns 165!

The iconic Mother Colony House recently celebrated its 165th Birthday! The house was one of the first buildings constructed in Anaheim and is the oldest remaining wood-framed building in Orange County. To celebrate this milestone, there was a special birthday event which included a fig tree giveaway for attendees to grow their very own fig trees (just like the tree on-site)! 

Fun Fact: The Mother Colony House, along with the neighboring Woelke-Stoffel house, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in July 2013.

Celebrating 50 Years of Tradition at the Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival

As a Mexican-American, it was an honor to attend the 50th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival last month! A big thank you to everyone who helped and participated in this year's event. I look forward to continuing to celebrate the many cultures that make Anaheim great! 

Pearson Park's New Court in Memory of Kobe and Gigi Bryant 

I spent an emotional and uplifting day celebrating Gigi Bryant's 16th birthday with her family and friends. In honor of her birthday, Vanessa Bryant, the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation and the Nancy Lieberman Foundation donated a state of the art basketball court at Pearson Park.

The court is a beautiful tribute to Kobe and Gianna and an addition that I know the children and families of Anaheim will cherish for years to come. 

First-Ever CalCities City Leader Summit

I celebrated my birthday in Sacramento this year at the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit, proudly representing Anaheim.

The summit featured 15 educational sessions with policy experts and legislators, over 35 advocacy meetings with members of the Legislature and the Administration, and a news conference with city officials advocating for our state budget asks.

It was an honor to take part in such a momentous event and ensure our city’s voice was heard at the Capitol. 

It was an honor to celebrate Memorial Day among heroes. At the event, Congressman Lou Correa presented a special flag to Ignacio Gonzalez as his wife of 67 years and his family looked on. Ignacio is 97 years young!

What a beautiful day of celebration and remembrance. 

The Anaheim Children's Festival was a huge success! It was so special to see so many families out for a day of fun and art. 

Thank you, City of Anaheim- Municipal Government and Muzeo, for making this event possible. The list of talent was also beyond incredible! Thank you to those who stopped by my arts and crafts table to say hi! 

I recently joined our phenomenal Anaheim Community Services Team as they brought resources to the residents of the Chippewa-Crescent Neighborhood. 

By bringing a Mobile Family Resource Center to the community, we enhance access to programs and resource. A special thank you to the Monarch Pointe Apartments and Connie Cantoran for hosting!

Last month I attended an event with the Anaheim Public Library Foundation to celebrate Anaheim Public Libraries winning the Library of the Year Award! What a great event attended by so many supporters from Anaheim and beyond. I am thrilled to see our city recognized for its great community and services.

Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) officially unveiled their new 60-foot all electric bus! I am excited to see ART taking the lead on sustainable transportation here in Anaheim! 

The Spring Edition of Your Community/Tu Comunidad Is Out Now

Your Community/Tu Comunidad is a quarterly publication that highlights free youth programs, special events, and community resources that are available to all Anaheim residents. Each issue also features a column on free/low-cost activities for families.

Learn all about the upcoming Children’s Festival, schedule a neighborhood clean-up, register for free after-school programs, and learn about the exciting new construction happening in parks and facilities near you. Also, in this issue, Anaheim Public Library is kicking off its Summer Reading Program and our Anaheim Summer Series featuring Concerts in the Canyon, Concerts to the Max at Maxwell Park, and Summer Nights Under the Stars at Pearson Park. 

You can view the Spring 2022 Your Community online here or you can pick up a copy at any Anaheim Library, Community Center, or Family Resource Center. 

Retail Plans for 39 Commons Set to Bring Retail and Dining to Beach Boulevard

The rebuilding of Beach Boulevard is gaining steam with plans for dining, shopping, and neighborhood services at the long-empty corner of Beach and Lincoln Avenue, which is now coming to life with homes and retail as part of Anaheim’s effort to revitalize the heart of west Anaheim.

Pending finalized leases, plans for the 39 Commons retail center call for an In-N-Out Burger, a drive-thru Starbucks, an additional drive-thru restaurant and stores and services.

A grocery store and other uses are also set for 39 Commons with details on those expected in coming weeks.

For more information click here.