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Fountain Valley advisory committee approves minutes, sets events calendar and seeks high-school outreach
Summary
At its Jan. 8 meeting the City of Fountain Valley Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities approved its Nov. 6 minutes, reviewed event attendance (including a December dance and Amuse for Autism), confirmed 2026 meeting and event dates, and heard three Fountain Valley High School students urge outreach to reduce stigma.
The City of Fountain Valley Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities met on Jan. 8, 2026, and approved the Nov. 6, 2025 meeting minutes before recapping recent events, confirming 2026 dates and hearing public comment from local high‑school students.
Chair John Borack called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and led roll call; members present included Kayla Gulino, Gail Olson, Nora Webb, Susanne Seiden, Phil Nisco, Len Santoro and Jan Werts. Staff attendees were Ben Dieterle, Community Services Supervisor, and Natalie Nunez, Recreation Specialist.
The committee voted to approve the Nov. 6, 2025 minutes. Committee member Susanne Seiden moved the motion and Nora Webb seconded; the motion passed 7–0 with Len Santoro recorded as abstaining.
Members reviewed recent programming. The Holiday-themed December dance drew about 134 attendees, organizers reported, and the committee confirmed the next dance will be Friday, Feb. 6 (Valentine’s theme). The Social Club’s November meeting had at least 30 participants and featured a “Thankful Leaf” activity supported by high‑school volunteers; the next Social Club was set for Jan. 9 from 7:00–8:30 p.m. Chair Borack and Kayla Gulino described the Amuse for Autism holiday event as “wonderful,” reporting at least 100 people in attendance and noting that Borack served as the DJ.
Ben Dieterle provided city updates on committee appointments: applications had been due in December and final assignments will be made by City Council in February. Dieterle said Kayla Gulino and Jan Werts had reapplied and no other applications were received. Staff also listed upcoming community programs: a Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 7 at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center, a Senior Center Lunar New Year luncheon on Jan. 27 and a Senior Center Valentine’s Day luncheon on Feb. 10; luncheon tickets were listed at $8.
During public comment three Fountain Valley High School students spoke about outreach and involvement. Christine Tran (identified as a senior completing a community‑service project) said she attended the meeting to learn more and suggested a guest‑speaking opportunity at Fountain Valley High School. Josh Nguyen, also a senior, said he wants to address stigma surrounding people with disabilities by bringing awareness and information to the high school. Martin Tran said he is interested in attending events for enjoyment and participation.
Committee members noted that Edison Community Center will offer social classes and that the programming will be listed in the Fountain Pen. With no further business, Chair Borack adjourned the meeting at 6:29 p.m.; the committee scheduled its next meeting for March 5, 2026. Minutes were submitted by Natalie Nunez, Recreation Specialist.
