NHA Minutes 2025-02-26

    Meeting Minutes
    National Heritage Area Advisory Committee

    Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1 p.m.
    Peter’s Steakhouse
    203 2nd St Isleton, CA 95641

    1. Call to Order – Elizabeth Patterson, NHA Advisory Committee Vice Chair

    Vice Chair Patterson called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m.

    2. Roll Call

    A quorum was present with members Elizabeth Patterson, Diane Burgis, Colin Coffey, Lisa Craig, Carol Jensen, Don Nottoli, David Stuart, Oscar Villegas, Stuart Walthall, and Katie Wiley. Ex Officio members present were Chris Lim, Julie Lee, and Karen Buhr.

    Member Dan Whaley arrived shortly after the roll call was taken and member Morris Lum arrived at 1:25 p.m. during Item 6.

    Guests present were Leigh Ann Davis, Tom Suhr, Jack Johnson, Laura Scheidegger, Ken Scheidegger, and Margit Aramburu.

    DPC Staff present were Blake Roberts, Heather McClure, and Kira O’Donnell.

    3. Public Comment – An opportunity for members of the public to address the NHA Advisory Committee regarding items not on the agenda

    There were no comments from members of the public.

    4. Approval of December 6, 2024, Meeting Minutes

    Member Nottoli motioned to approve the December 6, 2024, meeting minutes. Member Whaley seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

    5. Update on NHA Activities

    Roberts provided updates on several key activities, including the NHA Management Plan, which is scheduled for Commission approval on March 20; ongoing tribal outreach to establish a Tribal Advisory Council as outlined in the Management Plan; and staffing updates, including the recent hire of a part-time Information Officer, with plans to make the position full-time and add a second role. He also reported on the Alliance of National Heritage Areas annual meeting in Washington, DC, which he attended along with the Executive Director and Commission Chair, where they met with several members of Congress.

    6. Tourism Branding and Marketing Plan – Blake Roberts

    Roberts presented on the Tourism Branding and Marketing Plan for the NHA, which will be developed by Honey Agency, Inc. The plan includes a project kickoff meeting, public outreach (including Advisory Committee and task group meetings as well as public workshops), market research, identification of primary and secondary target audiences, and an assessment of the existing brand. A brand toolkit will also be developed, which will include an updated logo, color palette, tagline, typography, and a range of marketing and branding materials. The final plan will also include revised strategic imperatives, promotional campaign ideas, key performance indicators, design guidelines, a brand rollout strategy, and strategies for web, social media, and audience-specific communication.

    Roberts noted that Honey Agency will review previous branding efforts and marketing documents, such as the 2015 NHA Brand Standards and 2017 Delta Tourism Awareness 5-Year Marketing Plan. They will address potential sources of confusion, including the use of multiple Commission brands (NHA, Delta Trail, and VisitCADelta), differing regional names, and a general lack of public recognition of the Delta as a distinct region. Advisory Committee members will be asked to provide feedback on these issues during the planning process.

    7. NPS Annual Program Report – Blake Roberts

    Roberts reported that each January National Heritage Areas submit an annual program report to the National Park Service’s NHA Program Office. The report has two components: the Funding Report and the Progress Report. The Funding Report is used to support the NPS Budget Justification and respond to Congressional directives. It includes information on staffing, federal funding and the non-federal in-kind funding match, organizational sustainability plans, and any challenges or program needs. The Progress Report helps NPS track NHA progress in implementing the management plan. It covers many areas including NHA goals, financial assistance, preservation and enhancement projects, educational and recreational programs, outreach and marketing, and community engagement.

    Roberts reported that in January 2025, the Delta Protection Commission submitted the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta NHA’s annual report for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. He highlighted the need to be transparent with NPS. The report emphasized the completion of the NHA’s management plan and initial implementation activities including the Delta Leadership Program, establishment of a new NHA Advisory Committee, and Commission communications via publications and the website.

    8. Delta Heritage Forum Analysis – Blake Roberts

    Roberts presented the post-event evaluation results for the Delta Heritage Forum, which overall received positive feedback. All respondents reported gaining at least one useful idea or source of inspiration, meeting the Commission’s benchmark for success. Participants appreciated the diversity of session formats—panels, lightning talks, and storytelling. Comments highlighted the importance of partnerships, youth engagement, storytelling, and cultural representation, with multiple requests for more inclusion of tribal voices and histories. The Antioch Historical Society Museum venue was praised for its accessibility and atmosphere, prompting similar suggestions for future locations. While the majority of attendees were affiliated with government or nonprofit organizations, over a quarter attended for personal interest alone, demonstrating public interest in Delta heritage.

    The analysis showed that most participants learned of the event via the Delta Protection Commission’s newsletters and word of mouth. Social media was not an effective outreach tool. Despite limited promotional reach on digital platforms, registration reached capacity, and additional attendees showed up unregistered. The audience included individuals from both within and outside the Delta, reinforcing the region’s broad appeal. Suggestions for future topics included advocacy training, working with tribes, ecology, and project funding strategies. Some feedback mentioned feeling rushed during Q&A or presentations, while the scavenger hunt and refreshments received all positive comments. Planning for future events will incorporate this feedback, as well as the Committee’s input on structure, content balance, and other potential adjustments.

    There were several comments from committee members regarding different ideas for future forums. It was suggested to form a subcommittee or an ad hoc committee for the Delta Heritage Forum. Roberts agreed to bring that to the next Advisory Committee meeting.

    9. Discover the Delta – Margit Aramburu

    Aramburu presented on the Discover the Delta Education Center, a project aimed at enhancing public understanding and appreciation of California’s Delta region. Located at a high-traffic crossroads near the Sacramento River, the Center will offer interactive, science-based educational experiences focused on the Delta’s history, natural resources, and cultural significance. It targets both local residents and visitors from across the state and beyond. Backed by a non-profit sponsor Discover the Delta Foundation, over $6.5 million has already been raised. With design and permitting completed, next steps include obtaining a grant through the Delta Conservancy for constructing the facility, developing exhibits and educational programs, and completing landscaping with native plants.

    Aramburu pointed out the parallel visions of the NHA and Discover the Delta and suggested the Center could be a place to carry out the mission of certain goals of the NHA. A brief discussion followed, expressing interest in the idea, with a recommendation to revisit the topic for further consideration at a future meeting.

    10. Member Announcements and Adjourn

    Member Jensen requested information on existing historic preservation ordinances—either citywide or countywide—from other jurisdictions that pertain to the protection of historic properties or landmarks. She asked anyone with relevant ordinances or experience in this area to email her the information, which will assist in demonstrating the need for a proposed county-level historic ordinance currently under consideration by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

    Member Buhr announced the Delta Conservancy is currently strategizing the use of Proposition 4 funding and encouraged members to share any ideas for projects or initiatives that should be considered, including input on what the grant guidelines could look like.

    Vice Chair Patterson adjourned the meeting at 2:28 p.m.