HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-06 City Council Agenda PacketCITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting
Council Conference Room
February 6, 2013
5:00 PM
Agenda posted according to PAMC Section 2.04.070. Supporting materials are available in the
Council Chambers on the Thursday preceding the meeting.
1 February 6, 2013
MATERIALS RELATED TO AN ITEM ON THIS AGENDA SUBMITTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL AFTER DISTRIBUTION OF THE AGENDA
PACKET ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE AT PALO ALTO CITY HALL, 250 HAMILTON AVE.
DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.
Call to Order
Oral Communications
Members of the public may speak to any item not on the agenda; three minutes per speaker. Council reserves the
right to limit the duration of Oral Communications period to 30 minutes.
1. Interviews of Candidates for the Public Art Commission for One Term
Ending on April 30, 2015.
2. Interviews of Candidates for the Parks and Recreation Commission for
Two Terms Ending on December 31, 2015.
3. Interviews of Candidates for the Planning and Transportation
Commission for One Term Ending on July 31, 2014.
Adjournment
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contact (650) 329-2550 (Voice) 24 hours in advance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the Public are entitled to directly address the City Council/Committee concerning any item that is
described in the notice of this meeting, before or during consideration of that item. If you wish to address the Council/Committee on any issue that is on this agenda, please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers, and deliver it to the City Clerk prior to discussion of the item. You
are not required to give your name on the speaker card in order to speak to the Council/Committee, but it is very
helpful.
CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
February 6, 2013
The Honorable City Council
Palo Alto, California
Interviews of Candidates for the Public Art Commission for One Term
Ending on April 30, 2015.
Ten applications were received for the unexpired term on the Public Art
Commission. The City Council voted to interview all applicants. Interviews
are scheduled in the Council Conference Room on February 6, 2013 at 5:00
pm.
The ten Public Art Commission applicants to be interviewed are as follows:
Orna Makleff 5:00
Harvey Citrin 5:10
Kathleen Kavanaugh 5:20
Hope Armstrong 5:30
Elaine Poplingher 5:40
Carol Gilbert 5:50
Robin Theil 6:00
Sabrina Braham 6:10
Ben Miyaji 6:20
Lindsay Russell 6:30
Copies of all applications are attached. Some applications may be redacted
at the request of the applicant. A full set of non-redacted applications will
be emailed to Council Members directly.
The City Council is scheduled to vote to appoint one candidate for the
unexpired term ending April 30, 2015 to the Public Art Commission at the
City Council Meeting, February 11, 2013.
ATTACHMENTS:
: Makleff Application (PDF)
: Citrin Application (PDF)
: Kavanaugh Application (PDF)
: Armstrong Application (PDF)
: Poplingher Application (PDF)
Page 2
: Gilbert Application (PDF)
: Theil Application (PDF)
: Braham Application (PDF)
: Miyaji Application (PDF)
: Russell Application (PDF)
Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk
Page 3
.'
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I
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329~2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Oma Makleff
Date: 9.28.2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions lind submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sbeets, if necessaty, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Public Art Commission D (Dale: ____ -.J.) o
2. How did you Learn about the vacaru:y on the Public Art Commission?
The Daily Post: D Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: D
website:DfYes,Pleaseldentify: _____________ _
Email from City Clerk: D Libraly Bulletin Board: D
Other, Please Specify: Conversation with current member
FlyerlBookmark: D
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, vobmreer and civic organizations:
The docent-training program at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is a
volunteer-based activity. During the past two years, it involved numerous hours of
studying, driving, and docent practices in the museum. It is a manifestation of my
commitment to completing the program and to do art outreach work.
Past volunteer activities in Palo Alto included writing and editing a newsletter for a
local group and school parent-volunteer activities in PTA and school events.
I 4. What is it about the Public Art Co.mmission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to tlKl Public Art Commission?
Public art is just that-for the public to enjoy and benefit. Choosing artworks, placing
them, and preserving them are decisions of great responsibility. It is a great
challenge to balance the responsibilities towards the community. the artists. and the
artworks themselves. My interest in art, education and involvement with the practice
and theory of art and art history, and collecting experience will benefit any such
process of decision-making. Another favorite challenge is to be an advocate for
artworks that are not immediately endearing and opening someone's eyes to the
hidden beauty of an artwork.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
.<' •
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Cowcil? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
As a board member, I see my role as advocating for art in the public sphere, artwork
that will create interest and exchange of opinion and will reflect the varying interests
of the community. Any changes in the role can be addressed when they arise, with
the long-term goal of making Palo Alto an art-conscious community.
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
Working within the available budget is always a concern in complicated economic
times. However, apart from this more obvious concern, the commission might want to
address new media and new forms of art that might appeal to a younger generation
tuned to instant and ever changing communication and messages. Site-specific,
temporary exhibits may be a more budget-conscious way to bring more art to the
public. Palo Alto is fortunate to have Stanford University as its neighbor, and perhaps
some cooperation is possible between the city and the University's art collection and
museums.
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
The public sculptures and murals are the most obvious and pleasing and whenever
pOSSible, I would support these. Paintings can be exhibited in public buildings and
schools, although they would reach a smaller audience. The current collection can
benefit from increasing publicity and tours of the collection. The proximity to Silicon
Valley is another benefit that can be utilized. Cooperation with local companies can
be attempted either in funds, in loans of artworks, and in new exhibits of new media
temporary artworks.
8. If apPOinted. what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
Art enhances everyone's life. Even when people disagree about a specific artwork,
we underestimate the benefits of the work just being there, creating interest,
exchange. perhaps opening eyes to differences in style and unique approaches. The
commission is already achieving that goal and should be encouraged to continue in
that direction. Palo Alto is a varied and unique community-8re there other
innovative ways to serve and advance the city with public art? The commission could
consider an even wider role for art in the public sphere, temporary. auditory,
participatory, and site-specific. In addition, the commission might consider how it is
perceived by the public-are the commission's efforts acknowledged and
appreciated, and are there any unanswered needs?
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
)
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650~329~2571
)
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting?
• Public Art Commission
Yes D (Date: ______ -.r.)
No
[Z]
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: D
website:DfYeS, Please Identify: _______________ _
Email from City Clerk: [lJ Library Bulletin Board: D Flyer/Bookmark: 0
) Other, Please Specify: ___________________________ _
)
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Pacific Art League
American Society for the Advancement of Chinese Art (Chinese Brush Painting)
Palo Alto Cultural Center -Palo Alto Jazz Alliance -HaShirim Chorale
Adolescent Counseling Service
Stanford University: English in Action -Jewish Coalition for Literacy
Congregation Beth Am
Jewish Community Center -Asian Art Museum -Hiller Aviation Museum
DeYoung Museum of Fine Arts -Contemporary Jewish Museum
Neighbors Abroad
West Bay Opera
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
Improving the match of art to the aesthetics of the populace.
A refined sense of composition, structure, form and color
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
)
)
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change ClDTent roles, how would you approach making such changes?
Maintain a Negotiation relationship.
Consultation and negotiation.
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
There is a sense of lack of respect and resentment about choices made and lack of
response to public comment.
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art.in Public Places?
The most successful and intriguing works are the murals by Greg Brown and the
glass bottle house in front of City Hall. Much is advant garde but needs more caution
in order to maintain general public appeal. Some tastes are more sophisticated and
the Commission must remain sensitive to this.
8. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
Add more color and grace to public art, Make it more approachable, less static and
allow for more human interaction via touch, exploration and reflection.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Kathleen Kavanaugh
Date: 12/15/12
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Public Art Commission D (Date: ______ -.L [Zl
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
The Daily Post: D Community Group: [l] Palo Alto Weekly: D
website:DIfYeS, Please IdentifY: _________________ _
Email from City Clerk: D Library Bulletin Board: D FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please SpecifY: _______________ --,-_____________ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
-I have served as President, and held other board positions, of a non-profit called Commercial Real
Estate Women, San Francisco chapter. In this role, I hosted a national convention in San Francisco
after raising the funds to do so (a team and I raised in excess of $150,000) and we also donated
$30,000 in proceeds from a golf tournament which I also helped organize.
-In addition, I have volunteered at my daughter's schools as a room mother or other role for the past
5 years. I have applied to a couple of opportunities to assist PAUSD and while not yet selected to
serve, I will continue to look for areas where I can help. Our family is also active in Palo Alto activities
such as May Fete and are interested in becoming more actively engaged throughout our community.
-Finally, I have dedicated time and dollars to organizations such as Recording for the Blind &
Dyslexic, Ecumenical Hunger Program, and Bread of Life, among others.
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
-Acting as a Commissioner for the PAC would allow me to engage directly with various projects in Palo Alto. Having
been in the neighborhood for 10 years now, I know many people and projects and with this active network could assist
with proactively engaging constituents if/when needed to initiate and/or see a project through to completion.
-I have worked with a City Council in another town on the Peninsula to get a project entitled and from that experience
am interested in (and dedicated to) participating more actively in city government. I see and understand that often a
careful balance needs to be reached. My skills in project management require finesse with negotiations-hearing out
many sides and addressing concerns raised in order to get to the best result. I can bring those skills of strategy then
execution to the Commission.
-In my work at Stanford and for other clients, I have worked to set aside 1 % for art that will be integrated into each
project. At the Knight Management Center for the Stanford Business School, we commissioned a Bay Area-based artist
to enhance the buildings with visual cues about leadership and innovation--qualities which exemplify the school. In the
same vein, I'd be interested to work with the Commission to integrate pieces that visually tell the story of Palo Alto.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
-I am a firm believer that communication is the path to positive results. Talking with
council members, colleagues, and the community; listening to concerns; adapting
direction based on comments as necessary: these are strategies I have used to find
common ground on complex projects that need to keep moving and this is a process
I would use when working with the Council.
-Regarding changing roles: again, open communication seems the best path. Create
a dialogue about the needed change, adapt as necessary, then execute.
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
-Implementing the Mitchell Park Library and Community Center art installations is
one project that will need attention and completion.
-In addition, engaging the active development community to request (require in the
future?) serious consideration for adding to the visual richness of the city should be a
priority. Palo Alto is a dynamic place and as such needs to assert itself to further
strategic civic and public goals.
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
A number of the existing sculptures are prominent and capture your attention, sometimes rather
unexpectedly (Cal Ave has a few of those!). Others may benefit from a thoughtful relocation or new
base/surrounding to help them stand out again--perhaps as they might have when first installed.
I'd like to engage with local Palo Alto citizens to look for opportunities for donations. Public/private
partnerships can also be a great way for private individuals and/or organizations to realize a tax benefit
while investing in their community.
Finally, I'd look to require new developments to set aside 1 % for art. This is a guaranteed, and not an
unreasonable, approach to proactively activate Palo Alto's new and existing streets and plazas. (Cities like
San Francisco require this; and let's face it, Palo Alto is SF's little sister/brother to the south!)
8. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
I think it would be beneficial to create a story/thread that weaves through each of the
local installations and to communicate that story (tell the history and future history) of
public/visual art in the City of Palo Alto and beyond. Using the PAC Web site as a
vehicle for telling the story and additionally developing a smartphone "app" and/or
audio tour accessed via cell phone could be other modern ways of reaching the
community. Finally, short videos that can be posted on YouTube are also fun ways to
engage the citizenry.
Finally, using the visual arts to convey the ethos of Palo Alto--its place as the hotbed
for innovation and our progressive idealogy--would be exciting.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Hope Armstrong
Date: 12-16-12
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Public Art Commission c==J (Dme: -----------~ [l]
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
The Daily Post: D Community Group: [{] Palo Alto Weekly: D
website:DfYeS, Please Identify: ________________ _
Email from City Clerk: D Library Bulletin Board: D
Other; Please Specify: genARTS Silicon Valley
FlyerlBOokmark:D
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Volunteer Activities:
-Santa Clara County Activists for Animals, Graphic Designer, 2012
-genARTS Silicon Valley, Participant, 2012
-Brown University Animal RightS Coalition, Member, 2006-2009
-Straight and Gay Alliance, Member, 2005-2009
-Rhode Island Vegan Awareness, Member, 2005-2009
-st. Mary's Nursing Center, Aid, 2005
-SouthemMaryland Women's Healthcare, Aid, 2004
Other Community Activities:
-Barbara Smith Women's Mentoring Program, Mentee, 2011-2012
-Miller Gallery, Camegie Mellon University, Art Installation Assistant, 2009
-English for Action, Art Teacher/Chiidcare Assistant, 2007-2008
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission thm interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
Public art has always been a big interest of mine, particularly because of its ability to strengthen a sense of
community within a neighborhood. Palo Alto is such a vibrant city; its large technology sector really adds a
lot of energy, and the people represent a broad array of cultures. I still remember the whimsical murals by
Greg Brown from my first visit to Palo Alto. They helped me focus on my surroundings, and enabled my
memory of the places that I had visited. As far as the future of public art, I believe that public art can
strengthen the ties between art and technology even more. Palo Alto is the perfect place to marry these
two subjects together. I have a cross-disciplinary background in paintirig, drawing, graphic design, web
design, and animation. In addition, I have an increasing desire to create interactive art through the use of
Aurdino, an open-source electronic prototyping platform. My interest and appreciation for a broad variety of
art, as well as my organizational skills and my experience working with grants, galleries, and non-profit
organizations would benefit the Public Art Commission. I hope to have the honor of serving the community.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
)
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
If given the role of a board member, J believe that all members of the commission
should feel comfortable bringing up any issues that arise. While each and every
member is entitled to his or her opinion, I believe that, upon disagreement, the chair
should make the final call. All decisions should be made with the best interest of the
public and commission in mind, and I would trust that the chair would make the best
deci~ion based upon the commission's discussion. If the current roles were to
change; I'd expect that we'd need to develop accurate policy changes to ensure a
smooth transition.
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
The Public Art Commission has a large art collection which must be maintained. The
conservatory efforts of hundreds of objects is a large undertaking. All of the art
objects must be properly cleaned, they must receive preventative treatment to protect
them from the elements, and they periodically need to be repaired due to vandalism.
Also, the process of commissioning projects can often be arduous due to financial
procurement and/or legai issues (especially involving health and safety regulations).
7. What are your feelings about Paio Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
As I mentioned previously, I'm consistently impressed and surprised by the murals painted by
Greg Brown. I like how they combine realism with surrealism, absurdity, and/or whimsy. The utility
box murals are great because it's a project that transformed something mundane (like a utility box)
into something that the public can enjoy instead of just ignore. I'm looking forward to seeing the
interactive sculptures for the Main Library and Art Center campus. I love the fact that the
sculptures will be participatory and the public will be encouraged to interact with them. Sometimes
public art sculptures can feel cold and alienating, and with the use of technology (and even without
technology) sculpture can really come alive and provoke interaction within the community. That's
what excites me the most! I think a lot more interactive public art pieces can be created with
Arduino, LEOs, and other bits of technology.
8. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
Palo AUo is such a big technology hub that I believe the community would really enjoy
more public art that combines art and technology. I also think that the commission could
work to generate interest in creating public art within struggling neighborhoods. Public art
is a tool that people can use to reclaim public spaces. Public art creates community
engagement and empowerment. For instance, groups of youth could spend a Saturday
afternoon painting a mural onto plywood which is covering a closed business. A
boarded-up building is a sign of a struggling neighborhood; however, a vibrantly painted
. building is evident of an engaged, thriving community. It's a positive sign of change, and
it's enough of a spark to empower its citizens. It may be a small spark, or it may be a
large spark, but it is an improvement that stands for hope-hope for a better future.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Poplingher Elaine
Date: 12.16.2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Public Art Commission D (Date: _____ ---J.) [l]
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
The Daily Post: D Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: D
website:~Yes, Please Identify: _c_ity"-o_f..:....p_a_lo_a_lt_o_.o_rg=---_______ _
Email from City Clerk: D Library Bulletin Board: D Flyer~OOkmark:D
Other, Please Specify: _________________________ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Mid Peninsula Educational Center, Stratford School -taught classes: Why buildings
stand up and why buildings fall down, How to build the tallest structure 4th grade,
Bridges and other structures build to span 6th grade
Palo Alto Art Center -special events, art exhibitions organization
Palo Alto Historical Association -Main Library files organization
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
As a community partner, the Public Art Commission is an educational institution that
actively support the mission of the City through its services, programs or its ongoing
financial support, with end results in positive changes for the city and population.
An undisputable love of art in all its forms that the City of Palo Alto has to offer and
an extensive experience and knowledge in the field of art, architecture and interior
design, urban planning and a great desire to be involved with and support the
community that I am living in since 1989.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
Representing the Public Art Commission, as part of a team of knowledgeable and
experienced people that care about the community they represent and the Palo Alto
residents who know very well their town and its needs, etc.
Based on comprehensive data and information, I will present a proposal regarding
the change(s) to the board members and ask for their opinion in order to do what it is
in the best interest of the community that the Commission represents.
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
A more high-tech informative approach of each and every issue to the Palo Alto
community members; also, more people and more resources need to be involved in a
constructive way, in order to achieves all goals in a timely manner in the present
economy.
Art at the Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, the largest public works projects
to take place in the City of Palo Alto, that should reflect the function and scale of the
designed buildings, has only one work of art for which the artist has been decided -the
Bruce Beasley sculpture, etc.
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
Situated near Stanford University, Palo Alto is a cultural city with lots of history and a
charming mixture of tradition and innovation, that could benefit from more public art,
outdoors and indoors.
Private collections art donations, local artists time and energy donations and public
found raising, etc. and most of all community involvement.
8. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
Education in the arts, especially public arts that are available to the masses is an
integral part of the development of each human being, this is why the Public Art
Commission should increase the importance of fine arts education by enabling the
community to have more access to art and all its disciplines on daily bases, from
lines of poetry printed on sidewalks to vast historic murals, or any visual or auditive
form of art, since the function of public art is to increase the visibility of public spaces
by enriching the public's perception of those spaces.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Carol Gilbert
Date: Nov. 30, 2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit will! your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers. .
Yes No L Have you attended the following meeting?
• Public Art Commission D (Date: -----~ ~
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
The Daily Post: ~ Community Group: 0 Palo Alto Weekly: 0
website:DfYes, Please Identify: ______________ _
Email from City Clerk: 0 Library Bulletin Board: 0 FlyerlBookmark:D
Other, Please Specify: _________________ -'--______ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
o Project LOOK! docent for 9 years.
o Speaker at the National Docent Symposium.
o Participated on the CPA Website Committee to do a preliminary site update and
advise on changes for future, and testing of 2012 site. ,
o Volunteer for Girl Scouts Tech Time, an after-school program designed to support
the girls' interest in the hard sciences.
o CFO of The Hamilton residence complex in Palo Alto. I also maintain the Website.
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
I have always loved art and personally experimented with a number of media. Art
should be a part of every community and should either please and/or stimulate the
residents. '.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
I would see my role as both someone knowledgeable about the art experience and
as a voice of the people. The most notable example would be in trying to influence
selection of the fountain at California Ave. The committee should be open about
whether they are making a decision or the people at large are invited to make it.
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
How the many new structures in Palo Alto can and should participate in our mission.
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
I enjoy most of the pieces in our current collection. There needs to be a commitment
on the part of developers to incorporate/support public art for every building going in
over a certain square footage or cost.
8. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
Adding to our current collection.
Reviewing what we have and replacing if appropriate.
Establishing a maintenance program where needed. (For example, some of Greg
Brown's works need to be refreshed.)
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
On Nov 19, 2012, at 4:20 PM, Gonsalves, Ronna wrote:
Thank you for your phone call today. As discussed, I am attaching a Notice of Vacancy
which includes information regarding serving on the Public Art Commission. I am
attaching an application in case you decide to apply .. And here are the links we discussed:
• Interviews
o http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/pacc webcast/May/PACC 05
03U.html,
o http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/pacc webcast/November/PAC
C 110211.html,
• Previous meetings & minutes
o http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/arts.asp?sub ject=Message from
the City Council Home Page
Please let me know if you have any additional questions at all.
Thanks! ,
Ronna Jojola Gonsalves
Deputy City Clerk I City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue I Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2267 I ronna.gonsalves@cityofpaloalto.org I www.cityofpaloalto.org\clerk
. <PAC Notice of Vacancy.pdf><PAC Application-Supplemental-Consent-Updated 8-
11.pdf>
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CITY OF PALO ALTO
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SupPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Robin Theil
Date: March 14,20011
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may
submit additional sheets, ifnecessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Public Art Commission (Date: ____ ~) x
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
Community Group:· _x_ Palo Alto Weekly: __ Palo Alto Weekly Online: __
.j t
. Email from City Clerk: __ Library Bulletin Board: __ Fogster.com: __
Other, Please
SpecifY:
3. . I>escn'be your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
For the past two years I have been a Block Preparedness Coordinator for my block. I have gone through over six
hours of_ins for this volunteer position and participated in numerous practice exercises.
This is s city program that helps to 1r8in and educate local citizens in how to respond in the event of a Dl!ior
Earth quake. Another local neighborhood project I've been involved in was in initiating the call for replacing
1he park benches that were removed from a mini-"Docket park" at 1he entrance to Barron Park.
It .... ' ...
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
I have always been in1erested in public art. I think it is important that citizens have art in their communities.
Public art brings happiness to the many people that get to see it in the course of their average days.
I think public art is very important to a community as it adds to the community's civility and culture.
I am very artistic. I have taken many different art classes in my lift/Mle.
-1-
.. . ...
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with 1he Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
I see my role as representing the citizens of Palo Alto in trying to bring more public art to the City.
I see my role as representing all ages, genders, cultures and races that make up the citizens of Palo Alto.
I see myroJe as researching all the different possibilities (art forms) of public art available in order to be able to
nresept M many different gptiop. in pnbJic art as possible
I see my roto as working together with the other Council members; being cooperative; alwaystlying to see the
other team membera' .pojnb! of view Making decjsjons on public art II got to be a collaborative Process
I don't understand the second question about if it wOre necessary to change roles •.• how would I approach
mllking such cbgnges. That would depend on what the _gea were.
6. What a'O the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
I am not tully aware of all of the current issues facing the Public Art Commission. I would imagine fUnding
would be ODe of the big issues. I would .IDIe that fipdIDg ayailable sites would be another issue.
Another issue might be choosing art that is representative of the diversity of cultures living in Palo Alto.
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/conection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
I like Palo Alto's CUl'l'ent collection of art in public places, but it seems to be concentrated in the downtown area
apd Qillfurnia Avenue. rm not aWare ofany PUblic art in Midtown along Middlefield where the Sateway
Shopping area is. I am. hoping that there will be some public art included in the new Mitchell Park Library.
I Jmow there jl &lready lIQIDe public art in MjtpheU Park
The public schools could all use more public art. I have noticed that some (if not most) of the schools do not
have any public art on their ground.
' .. ..
8. If appointed. what specific goals woulcl you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
Including more public art that represents and appeals to the different age groups, i.e. children, teens, seniors.
Including art representative of the different cultures of people who live here.
Finding ways of getting more public art hi the public schools.
-2-
Please Return to:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Lindsay Russell Name: Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
--------------------------------
Date: December 20, 2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting?
• Public Art Commission
Yes D (Date: _____ -...L)
No
[2]
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Public Art Commission?
Community Group: D Palo Alto Weeldy: D The Daily Post: D
website:DYes, Please Identify: ____________________ _
Email from City Clerk: D Library Bulletin Board: D FlyerlBookmark:D
Oth PI S 'fy A friend brought it to my attention er, ease peCI : ___________________________________________ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
(see attached)
4. What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and expertise would
you bring to the Public Art Commission?
(see attached)
Bds/Cornrnissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? Ifit
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
(see attached)
6. What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
(see attached)
7. What are your feelings about Palo Alto's current inventory/collection of Art in Public Places? What suggestions
would you have for increasing the availability of more Art in Public Places?
(see attached)
8. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art Commission achieve?
.(see attached)
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
Education:
Lindsay Russell
City of Palo Alto Public Art Commission -APPLICATION
December 2012
stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford, California)
Master of Business Administration
Class of 2012
Middlebury College (Middlebury, Vermont)
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
Art History and Economics
Class of 2006
San Ramon Valley High School (Danville, California)
Class of 2002
List relevant training and experience, certificates of training,
licenses, or professional registration:
I have an undergraduate degree in Art History from Middlebury College,
with a focus on modern and post-modern American art. .Additionally, I
have enjoyed meaningful work experiences in both the non-profit and
commercial art world. From 2008-2010, I volunteered weekly with the
Family Gallery Program at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This
program allows families with young children to participate in a free
group tour of MoMA's galleries led by an art educator. As a volunteer,
I assisted with group management and led activities in the galleries.
Additionally, I spent my summer during business school working at
Exhibition A, an early-stage contemporary art e-commerce start-up in
New York. I worked with the founder to provide broad business
development support and generate ideas across growth strategies, and
marketing initiatives and collaborated on high-level strategic
visioning and competitive analysis of the art e-commerce landscape. I
am keenly interested in the innovation happening in online art sales.
Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic
organizations:
I volunteer my time to the cause I am passionate about: arts and
culture. As mentioned above, I volunteered heavily at the Museum of
Modern Art during my years living in New York. Since moving to Palo
Alto three years ago, I have enjoyed building relationships with
organizations of people equally passionate about the arts. During my
time at business school, I participated in the Stanford Board Fellows
program, which places MBA students on the boards of local non-profits.
I served on the board of "Art in Action", a non-profit dedicated to
children's art education, located in Menlo Park. In this role, I worked
closely with the Executive Director over the course of a year to
optimize the organization's social media marketing strategy. My work
culminated in a presentation to the Board of Directors; since then, Art
in Action has achieved a 41% increase in Facebook "Likes" and a 130%
increase in Twitter followers. Additionally, this year I got involved
with the 2012 ZER01 Biennial and volunteered my time at the ZER01
Garage. Finally, I recently attended a #CivicMeet Palo Alto on the
future of the city, with Mayor Yiaway Yeh and City Manager James Keene.
There, I led a brainstorm on the topic of the future of arts, culture
and nightlife in Palo Alto and presented it to the group. I am
extremely passionate about Palo Alto -I love this place and fiercely
1
Lindsay Russell
City of Palo Alto Public Art Commission -APPLICATION
December 2012
believe in the valuable role it plays in our country's narrative. I
feel strongly about building and evolving this role into continued
future relevance over the long-term, while maintaining all the aspects
that make Palo Alto such a wonderful place to call home. To that end,
I hope to participate in the Innovation Council that the mayor recently
announced.
What is it about the Public Art Commission that interests you? What
qualities, experience and expertise would you bring to the Public Art
Commission?
I'm interested in the Public Art Commission primarily because I love
Palo Alto and I want to contribute to the civic life of its residents.
I would be excited to engage with the ci ty on a new level. I was
immediately drawn to this role because I believe it is an ideal way for
me to leverage my knowledge of the contemporary art world into a civic
role. Additionally, I am interested in this role as part of a broader
branding exercise for Palo Alto. The tech start-ups that call Palo Alto
home have always been forward-leaning, but it's unclear how Palo Alto
itself thinks about the future. As the epicenter of Silicon Valley, it
is positioned for critical relevance in the future of the United
States, yet it lacks a clear border, clear landmarks, or clear
branding. I'm fascinated by Silicon Valley as a geographic "non-place"
and consider this an interesting topic for artistic interpretation (in
fact, it is the central theme of the ZEROl Biennial). I'm comfortable
in many disparate worlds -tech, business, art -which I believe could
be an asset in this role. I'm able to combine people from different
backgrounds, which is what Palo Alto needs. I'm all about bringing
people together and creating experiences that build a culture and
introduce new perspectives. I'm incredibly passionate about how
contemporary art can playa role in this.
In terms of specific expertise, I believe I can, bring the following
three things to the Public Art Commission: First, I have in-depth and
real-time knowledge of the contemporary art world. I am highly
networked across galleries, museums, art fairs, private art dealers,
artist communities, and art e-commerce start-ups. I have my finger on
the pulse of the art world and that would inform my opinions on the
Commission. Second, I have a strong online presence personally as well
as the ability to build a robust online presence for the Public Art
Commission. I would be happy to create and build a following for Palo
Al to's public art programs on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram which
would increase awareness, engagement, and visibility of the
Commission's work. Third, I have strong ties to Stanford University
broadly, and the Stanford MFA vi sua I arts program specifically. These
are passionate young artists working locally and looking for
opportunities to build their career, which could make for an
interesting partnership with the Public Art Commission.
How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy
and working wi th the Council? If it were necessary to change current
roles, how would you approach making such changes?
When recommending policy and working with the Council, I would keep in
mind that I won't have the level of insight or context into the
situation as more tenured individuals might, nor do I have experience
2
Lindsay Russell
City of Palo ~to Public Art Commission -APPLICATION
December 2012
in city management. I would view my role as part of a team that
contributes to a broad, complex city organization. I would defer to the
professional managers of the city and their vision for Palo Alto, while
still leveraging my own ideas. I am a natural consensus builder and
seek cooperative relationships, starting by default from a place of
respect. High-energy, I bring a lot to any team I'm a part of. I'm a
natural relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills, and I
thrive in cross-team collaborations.
If it were necessary to change current roles, I would keep an open mind
and a flexible attitude. I'm accustomed to working in dynamic
environments where roles, responsibilities, and organizational
structure can and do change. I'm interested in the opportunity to think
about art in the civic life of Palo Alto residents in a structured way
with the support and mandate of the city behind it. The exact title or
structure of that role doesn't matter to me.
What are the current issues facing the Public Art Commission?
In my opinion, the issue facing the Public Art Commission is not
anything problematic currently happening, but rather something that is
not happening. There is a missed opportunity to strategically use
public art to brand Palo Alto as the epicenter of innovation,
intelligence, new ideas and creati vi ty. Do we want to be just another
wealthy suburb, or do we want to be a global destination? We're both,
but the public art feels more the former than the latter. The Public
Art Commission plays a critical role in a broader city branding
exercise that I believe is crucial to Palo Alto's continued relevance
on the global stage. Public art and the word-of-mouth buzz it can
create is a lever that Palo Alto can and should pull to excite a
younger, hipper demographic and stem the brain drain of start-up talent
to San Francisco. The physical environment of Palo Alto and cultural
vibe should feel more contemporary and future-facing than it currently
does.
Another issue I would love to discuss is how strong of a mandate the
Public Art Commission has. I noticed that arts and culture was not
listed among the Palo Alto City Council's 2012-2013 priorities. Without
budget and political support, the Commission is limited in what it can
accomplish -which would certainly be an issue.
What are your feelings about Palo ~ to's current inventory/collection
of Art in Public Places? What suggestions would you have for increasing
the availability of more Art in Public Places?
I'm impressed with the size of the collection! I'm always pleasantly
surprised when I find public art in Palo Alto, and I know that it has
been thoughtfully and purposefully placed. However, I feel that Palo
Alto's current inventory of public art lacks a certain contemporary
aesthetic and lacks a diversity of mediums. Many of the pieces are
large outdoor sculptures, such as the "Digital DNA" in Lytton Plaza,
"Rrun" on Alma Street, or "Sun Flowers" on California Avenue -which
make sense since we have so much great outdoor space and temperate
weather on the Peninsula. However, I would love to experiment with new
mediums and more experiential artworks. I know there is an initiative
to commission more temporary artwork, and I think that is great. I
3
Lindsay Russell
City of Palo Alto Public Art Commission -APPLICATION
December 2012
would also be interested in experience-based art. For example, the
Conflict Kitchen (www.conflictkitchen.org) is a take-out restaurant in
Pittsburgh that only serves cuisine from countries with which the U.S.
is in conflict, such as Iran, Cuba, or Venezuela. It is a wonderfully
unique and thought-provoking commentary on U.S.-international relations
-plus a source of great food! And the creator of the Conflict Kitchen
is Dawn Weleski, an artist with the Stanford MFA program! I would love
to see temporary video installations, crowd-sourced photography
exhibits, or more experience-based works like this produced in downtown
Palo Alto. Finally, in studying the current collection, I noticed that
many of the artists are local from places like Santa Cruz -which is
great, but has created a slightly homogenous feel to the collection.
There are many global artists coming through the Bay Area art scene
from other art centers around the world and calling places like Palo
Alto, San Francisco, and Oakland home. It would be exciting to
incorporate their different ideas and aesthetics, too.
If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Public Art
Commission achieve?
If appointed, my goal would be to build an ecosystem to support a
robust creative community in Palo Al to. I f we believe people li ke
Barack Obama and Thomas Friedman, the future of America lies in our
idea economy. Tech start-ups are one example of this, but artists are
another -and they're getting no support. The creative community -
artists, creators, makers -is full of ideas but there is no ecosystem
to support it like in the start-up world. What about an artist-
populated idea incubator? Or a rotating pop-up storefront working
studio, a collaborative work space that invites community members in
and helps spark ideas and creativity? I'd be interested in seeing the
Public Art Commission use its vantage point to create some
infrastructure around the creative community. Artists could represent a
new economy and a new future for Palo Alto: Palo Alto 2.0. I'm
passionate about advocating for artists and the role that the creative
community in an idea economy, like how artists and designers are
dri ving a new economy in Detroit. I hope to work with the Innovation
Council on arts, culture, and nightlife initiatives, and also consider
interesting partnerships with the local tech start-up scene. Finally, I
would love to see a sophisticated social media presence built for Palo
Alto public art, to build, connect, and engage with Palo Alto residents
and spark an interactive dialogue.
4
... ~.
CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
February 6, 2013
The Honorable City Council
Palo Alto, California
Interviews of Candidates for the Parks and Recreation Commission for
Two Terms Ending on December 31, 2015.
Six applications were received for the two expiring terms on the Parks and
Recreation Commission. The City Council voted to interview all applicants.
Interviews are scheduled in the Council Conference Room on February 6,
2013 beginning at 6:40 pm, immediately following the Public Art
Commission Interviews.
The six Parks and Recreation Commission applicants to be interviewed are as
follows:
Elaine Poplingher 6:40
Nounou Taleghani 6:50
Tricia Baker 7:00
Abby Knopper 7:10
Keith Reckdahl 7:20
Ginny Coles 7:30
Copies of all applications are attached. Some applications may be redacted
at the request of the applicant. A full set of non-redacted applications will
be emailed to Council Members directly.
The City Council is scheduled to vote to appoint two candidates for the three
year terms ending December 31, 2015 to the Parks and Recreation
Commission at the City Council Meeting, February 11, 2013.
ATTACHMENTS:
: Poplingher Application (PDF)
: Taleghani Application (PDF)
: Baker Application (PDF)
: Knopper Applicaiton (PDF)
: Coles Application (PDF)
Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk
Page 2
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
\
l
\ Y
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Poplingher Elaine
Date: 12.16.2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Park and Recreation Commission D (Date: _____ --.L) [l]
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Park and Recreation Commission?
Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: 0
Website: [lJlfyeS, please identifY website: _c_it_yo_f_p_a_lo_a_lt_o_.o_rg ______ _
Email from City Clerk: D Library Bulletin Board: D FlyernBOOkmark:~
Other, Please SpecifY: _________________________ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Mid Peninsula Educational Center, Stratford School -taught classes: Why buildings
stand up and why buildings fall down, How to build the tallest structure 4th grade,
Bridges and other structures build to span 6th grade
Palo Alto Art Center -special events, art exhibitions organization
Palo Alto Historical Association -Main Library files organization
4. What is it about the Park and Recreation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Park and Recreation Commission?
It is committed to improving the quality of life for all the Palo Alto residents by
expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, recreational and
educational opportunities offered by 162 developed acres of urban park land, almost
4000 acres of open space, all landscaped areas for libraries, community centers,
business districts, etc.
An unconditional love and respect for nature, an extensive experience and knowledge
in the field of art, architecture and interior deSign, urban planning and a great desire to
be involved with and support the community that I am living in since 1989.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
)
5. How would you see your role as commissioner when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
Representing the Park and Recreational Commission, as part of a team of
knowledgeable and experienced people that care about the community they
represent and the Palo Alto residents who know very well their town and its needs,
etc.
Based on comprehensive data and information, I will present a proposal regarding
the change(s) to the board members and ask for their opinion in order to do what it is
in the best interest of the community that the Commission represents.
6. What are the current issues facing the Park and Recreation Commission?
A more high-tech informative approach of each and every issue to the Palo Alto community
members; also, more people and more resources need to be involved in a constructive way
in order to achieves all goals in a timely manner in the present economy and under the global
climate changes~
Other issues: the Arts and Innovation District Master Plan and its implications with regards to
the EI Camino Park, if the Julia Morgan Building I McArthur is to be relocated.
Accessibility for all population group ages with special needs for more of the open spaces,
parks and recreational area, as provided for the Magical Bridge Playground in Mitchell's Park.
7. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Parks and Recreations Commission achieve?
Education about open space, parks, recreational areas, etc., as part of the environment in which
the Palo Alto community members live and its necessary measures to protect it, should be an
integral part of each and every individual knowledge. Same with the Global Climate Changes, Air
Pollution, etc., and their consequences, so all citizen would bring their contribution to protect and
save our open spaces, and parks, landscaped and recreational areas.
The Park and Recreation Commission should commit to the improvement of the quality of life for
the Palo Alto community by expending the access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history,
recreational and education opportunities in order for people to explore, recreate and relax in open
space as part of the development of any human being.
Bds/Cornrnissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as commissioner when recommending policy and working with the Council? Ifit
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
6. What are the current issues facing the Park and Recreation Commission?
7. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Parks and Recreations Commission achieve?
Bds/commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
)
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
) )
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Tricia Baker
Date: 6 September 2011
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting?
• Park and Recreation Commission
Yes D (nate: <;ep 'l7, 'Zi)J I No
[2J
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Park and Recreation Commission?
Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: D
Email from City Clerk: D Library Bulletin Board: D FlyerlBookmark: D
) Other, Please Specify: CEO Chamber, Dan Dykwel
)
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Questions answered on
separate sheet
4. What is it about the Park and Recreation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Park and Recreation Commission?
Bds/Commissions -702-23 8/26/2011
) )
5. How would you see your role as commissioner when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
) were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
6. What are the current issues facing the Park and Recreation Commission?
) 7. If appointed, what specific gollls would you like to see the Parks and Recreations Commission achieve?
)
Bds/Commissions -702-23 8/26/2011
~-------------------'~j--------------------
)
TRICIA BAKER
1810 Fulton Street· Palo Alto, CA
(408) 596-1609 • baker.paloalto@.com
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations
During the last decade I have volunteered at diverse organizations, including global, technical and
education efforst, from UNESCO and Anita Borg to Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest. However,
my passion for the last five years has been focused on four organizations relating to recreation,
education and the environmental interests of Palo Alto. These organizations and my roles include:
Canopy (c.anopy.org) -Volunte.e.r in Tr~ Planting (Ea~ Palo Tre.e. I,nitiative.),,6dwcation and OtAtread.l
Canopy is a small environmental nonprofit dedicated to planting and protecting trees in parks, schools,
and along streets of Palo Alto and neighboring communities
Garden Club of Palo Alto (garclenclubofpaloalto.org) -Active Member and Volunteer for Community
Outreach, Conservation and Horticulture
GCPC f:ncouragf1$ an intIJ,,$( in garc1IJn;ngi hQrtiql,lltLl~, artistic LIse of flow~rs anel plants, cOnservation
of natural resources and allied subjects; to educate the community on these subjects; and to assist in the
beautification of public areas of the City of Palo Alto and sUfTOunding communities.
Gamble Garden (gamblegarden.org) -Member and Volunteer for Community Day, Garden Tours,
Holiday Affair and Teas
) The Elizabeth Gamble Garden is a non-:profit community horticulture foundation serving Palo Alto and
surrounding communities.
Parents Club of Palo Alto I PAMP (pampclub.org) -Online Community Operations, Moderator and
Spedal Events Volunteer
PAMP is a diverse parents organization (3200+ members) with the goal of enriching the lives of families
with children through community outreach programs, educational programs, cultural celebrations and
knowledge sharing.
4. What is it about the Park and Recreation Commission that interests you? What qualities,
experience and expertise would you bring to the Park and Recreation CommiSsion?
I am interested in the Park and Recreation Commission in order to serve the City of Palo Alto through
community outreach and alignment and by ensuring continued and enhanced community services. Palo
Alto is one of the most unique communities due to its natural resources, community facilities, cultural
centers and wonderful parks and libraries serving numerous demographics. I am paSSionate about our
community and have a vested interest in it's future due to my 3.5 year old daughter.
As part of the Commission I will dedicate my time and contribute my skills including:
operations,
budgeting,
organizing,
-teamwork,
community engagement, and;
\ policy management.
-)
In my professional career as Director of Operations at Cisco, I am a proven expert at managing
cross-functional teams in diverse environments to successfully complete mission-critical projects. I'm
a pragmatic, focused professional who implements advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to
effectively address business, operational, and policy issues. I quickly assess situations and utilize
appropriate responses to meet the specific needs of the business requirement at hand. I fully expect
to bring these qualities and my experience to the role of Commisioner.
In addition to my professional skills and experience, I am a long-term resident of Palo Alto. I initially
moved to Palo Alto in 1994 after graduating fram toll. at The 01'\10 State unlversi1y. A year ago, we
moved to Christmas Tree lane, a tight knit community who celebrates many holidays, induding
Christmas, through neighborhood solidarity. Finally, my daughter and I, along with my parents who live in
Old Palo Alto, enjoy our community resources including, but not limited to:
Biking to parks, open spaces including the Baylands, Duck Pond and local farmers markets
Attending swim lessons at Rinconada
Learning Art at the Art Center
Visiting the Mitchell and Children's libraries
Taking dance and piano lessons at Cubberly
Playing at our neighborhood parks
Playing tennis and golf at our local facilities
Hiking and running on our local trails
'!! And, attending local events such as the Black & White ElaU, May Fete parade and the annual Art
Festival
My years of living in Palo Alto provide me with a depth of understanding of the City and it's goals.
,5. How would you see your role as commissioner when recommending policy and working with the
) Council?
My role as Commissioner would be to advise the City Council on matters relating to the Parks and Golf
Division and the Recreation, Open Space and Sciences Division. This would indude planning and policy
suggestions for optimally achieving the goals of the Commision, reviewing state legislative proposals
related to the Community Services Division and reviewing the City Manager's proposed budget for
improvements and operations.
6. What are the current issues facing the Park and Recreation Commission?
The Park and Recreation Commi$$iQn oversee a proad $et of i$SllEl$. The top i$$lIe$ today inclydt'
Project Safety Net, the Magial Bridge Playground, connections to local parks and recreation areas
(including bikeways), the libraries and ensuring alignment to the Master Plan for the Baylands (for
example, the Recyding Center) and the related budgets.
7. If appointed~ wbatsPQC;ific. goals would you like to see the Parks and Recreatioos CQmmission
achieve?
There are many policies initiated and underway for which I envision results and impact during my 3-year
term. The specific goals I hope to see realized or major milestones achieved indude:
A. Project Safety Net -I hope to see meaningful results based upon the Teen Programs I Youth
) Forums. I envision a drop in teens stress, increased number of effective programs for teens (such as
The Drop), and increased trust built with our teens and youth based upon our Boards and Youth
Council. Finally, I wish to See continuation of the breadth of programs and partnerships for local
youth sports programs.
") B. Magical Bridge Playground -I envision funding complete ($800,000 total), Phase 1 built out arid a
ribbon cutting ceremony within the three years. This playground could become one of many unique
showcases for Palo Alto's parks and recreation facilities.
)
)
C. Local Partnerships -Many of our programs and events are only made possible through strong
partnerships with local businesses and non-profits. I envision a continued and evolved list of
community partners, aligned to the goals of the Community Services Division. One of my personal
goals (and perhaps extendable to tM CoMmisSion) is to continuously learn and eaueate peeple on
how to create beautiful, practical xeroscape environments. This would help keep Palo Alto green,
reduce C02 and work towards our community interests for conservation.
D. Community Garden -While this is very specific, I envision the Community Garden program being
enhanced to become a more valued resource. I'd like to see the plots fully utilized and people
donating abundant food to organizations such as Ample Harvest. Partnerships with Gamble Garden
and the Garden Ctub of Pato woutd hefp achieve this vision.
E. Neighborhood Parks -Our parks are a major draw for families with young children. Recently,
individuals in local parents groups have reported deep appreciation for the parks and yet occasional
incidents of graffiti, overflowing refuse and needed repairs at local parks. I'd like to end my 3 year
term with high quality parks and the utmost pride for our parks and recreation facilities and for being
a Commissioner.
Please Return to:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL OUESTIONNAlRE
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
Name: Aloia ~ !{ n (DOpd --~~-=~~--~~-=~~~/------------
Date: __ /_J--L/_/_g---~/_I_L-______ _
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting?
• Park and Recreation Commission
Yes
c==J (D&e: ------------~
No
~
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Park and RecreMion Commission?
Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: D
Website: DIfyeS, please identify website: _________________________ _
Email from City Cletk: D Libnuy Bulletin Board: c==J FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please Specify: \yo", FC;gfer: Cl-Fr/~V1.d iold pv}.e, . ,
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
~ee cvtt-CZcMeLL·-
3. Describe you 1Dvolvement 1D commlUlity activities,
vollUlteer and cIvic or~lJlI.UatioZJS:
I was extremely active in the Duveneck Elementary School
community, culminating as co-President of the Duveneck PTA
Board. During the three years prior, I was co-President-elect
andVP, Ways and Means.
I am. currently enrolled in the 2012/13 class of Leadership Palo
Alto and serving my second year on the Public Information
COmmittee for.the Jewish Family Children Services
organization.
I recently worked with Melissa Baten Caswell on her successful
re-election campaign for PAUSD school board.
4. 'WIJat is It about tile Park and .Beoreatio.D ColIJmisslo.D t1Jat
1Dterests you? fiat quallties, experience and eqertlse
TIITOuld you brlzJ6 to tile Park and Becreatlo.D Commisslo.D'
I bring to the CommiSSion the perspective of a park and open
space user. I am. a mother of an II-year old who has always
enjoyed the local parks. We live between Eleanor Pardee and
Ricona.nda. We have a dog who enjoys the park too (on leash I ).
We are an "outdoors" family and have participated in camping
trips to Foothills Park With Cub Scouts, nature hikes, etc. I am
extremely passionate about preserving open space and the
environmental impact of optimal usage of our natural resources.
I also have an interest in participating on a Commission that can
provide policy reoommendations for the various needs of the
diverse Palo Alto community (babies to seniors).
5.lIow would you see yow:-role as commissioner when
recommending policy and working TllTitb. tb.e Council?
The commissioner's role is to be taken very seriously given its
impact on economic viability, property value, and general
community well-being. The access that we provide for current
and future residents to open space, parks and services provides
tremendous "livability" benefits to our city. I would bring that
serious and important perspective to my decision making when
making policy recommendations to the Council.
If it TllTere necessary to cbauge roles, how would you approach
. maldng such cb.anges?
If by change you mean to say, am I amiable and open minded to
working on other projects, I would answer "yes". Having
worked in corporate America in the media industry for 15 years
it required a flexibility, open mindedness and resiliency in order
to achieve success. I consider myself always open to change if it
is based on fact and necessity.
6. 'W'lJat are tb.e current issues facing the Parle and
Becreation Commission?
My sense is that the largest issue for the Commission is the
necessary analysis and review of the Palo Alto park system for
the preparation of a long-range Parks and Recreation Master
Plan to be provided to the Council. Other action items on the
Commission agenda are the golf course reconfiguration, field use
issues and always the dog park issues, among others.
7. I£ alllJOmted, w.lJat specUfc Soals TN'Ould you like to see tlJe
Parks IUJd B.ecreatioZ1S Oommission acJdeve'
I think this a diffioult question to answer until I have the
opportunity to roll up my sleeves and delve into the issues
ourrently on the Commission's agenda. From a personal
perspeotive, I woUld like to have the issue of more open spaoe
available for off-leash dog areas disoussed. Additionally, I want
'to make sure that the Park and Reoreation division does not
suffer finanoially in this time of tight fisoal budgets for the City.
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Virginia ("Ginny") Coles
Date: 12-21-12
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Park and Recreation Commission c==J (Dme: ~----------~ [l]
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Park and Recreation Commission?
Community Group: D Palo Alto Weekly: c==J The Daily Post: D
Website: DIfyeS, please identify website: _______________ __
Email from City Clerk: [l] Library Bulletin Board: D FlyerIBookmark: D
Other, Please Specify: _________________________ -'--__
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Long-time resident of Palo Alto (30+ years, including attending Stanford University for 7 years)
Two children (now 16 and 12) who have attended Palo Alto public schools and have participated in many parks and
recreation events, summer camps, etc.
Extensive volunteer work at Walter Hayes Elementary School and Jordan Middle School
Member of University Club of Palo Alto, where I served on the Fitness Committee and was an active volunteer in the
UC swim programs when my daughters were swimming competitively.
Board member and Treasurer of non-profit Association of Corporate Counsel, San Francisco Bay Area chapter
4. What is it about the Park and Recreation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Park and Recreation Commission?
My family has spent countless hours enjoying Palo Alto's wonderful park system and participating in other
recreational activities. The Commission has a unique opportunity to provide healthy, wholesome
programs to the youth in Palo Alto to help build a life-long interest in recreational activities. These .
programs and services can be especially valuable for teens, to give them an alternative to unstructured
"hanging out" with friends that can often result in dangerous behaviors.
I would bring my leadership and teamwork experiences in other organizations to the Commission. My
training as a lawyer has developed my skills of being able to assess a situation, get to the heart of the
----matterqaickly-anctsolve-problems-creatively. ·I·think·outsidetlfihe box,·never feeling·constrained··by1he
"this-is1he way we have always done it" perspective. I'm articulate; and in group settings I often seem to
express points of view that others tell me they were thinking, but didn't know how to express.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as commissioner when recommending policy and working with the Council? Ifit
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
I'm not familiar enough with the Commission's current protocols for recommending
policy changes arid working with the City Council to be able to answer this questions.
6. What are the current issues facing the Park and Recreation Commission?
Providing programs and services to the community that are timely, relevant and meet
the evolving desires of a diverse community, all in a cost-efficient manner.
7. If appointed,· what specific goals would you like to see the Parks and Recreations Commission achieve?
Achieving a reputation among teens in the community of for being "cool" while
providing programs that their parents view as fun and safe. .
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Keith Reckdahl
Date: October 11, 2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting?
• Park and Recreation Commission
Yes D (Date: _____ --1.)
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Park and Recreation Commission?
No o
Community Group: 0 Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: 0
Website: DIfyeS, please identify website: ____________ _
Email from City Clerk: 0 Library Bulletin Board: D FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please Specify: suggested by Jen Hetterly
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Member of the Charleston Meadows Association board the last 4 years
4. What is it about the Park and Recreation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Park and Recreation Commission?
We have two children (ages 11 and 13) and we extensively use the city parks and
open space. Our kids rely on our neighborhood parks for recreation, so we
understand the importance of city parks and how they affect our quality of life.
I periodically bike to work, which has made me much more aware of the advantages
and challenges of bicycle commuting. For my kids, their bikes are the lifeline to the
outside world. Without safe and convenient bike routes, they would require much
more parental driving, which would reduce their independence and increase car
traffic.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
5. How would you see your role as commissioner when reconunending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
I see my role as a community conduit and an impartial advocate of park issues. The
City Council maintains a big picture view, while the Park and Rec staff are working in
the trenches. I would help the staff shape the Council's vision, while also helping
the staff to implement the Council's vision within the departments' many constraints.
6. What are the current issues facing the Park and Recreation Conunission?
The increasing population of Palo Alto and the valley is increasing the demand on
Palo Alto parks and recreation, while tight city budgets make it difficult to maintain
the status quo, much less improve facilities or programs.
For example, the huge demand for athletic fields and the limited land and money to
build additional fields. Similarly, Arastradero Preserve has become so popular that it
is difficult to find parking on weekends.
7. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Parks and Recreations Commission achieve?
Making Palo Alto even more bike friendly, by increasing the number of bike routes
and increased number and quality of bike racks in parks and shopping areas.
Improving shade for spectators at athletic fields.
Constructing a covered play structure, to provide recreation for stir-crazy kids on
rainy days.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/13/2011
CITY OF PALO ALTO OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
February 6, 2013
The Honorable City Council
Palo Alto, California
Interviews of Candidates for the Planning and Transportation
Commission for One Term Ending on July 31, 2014.
Eight applications were received for one unexpired term on the Planning and
Transportation Commission. One applicant, Jeff Brown, withdrew his
application on January 14, 2013. The City Council voted to interview the
remaining seven applicants. Henry Wong is unable to interview because of a
scheduling conflict, however he would still like to be considered for the
appointment. Interviews are scheduled in the Council Conference Room on
February 6, 2013 beginning at 7:45 pm, immediately following the Parks and
Recreation Commission interviews.
The six Planning and Transportation Commission applicants to be
interviewed are as follows:
Carl King 7:45
Leonard Ely 8:00
Tzuchi Fan 8:15
Kyu Kim 8:30
Elaine Uang 8:45
Doria Summa 9:00
Copies of all applications are attached. Some applications may be redacted
at the request of the applicant. A full set of non-redacted applications will
be emailed to Council Members directly.
The City Council is scheduled to vote to appoint one candidate for the term
ending July 31, 2014 to the Planning and Transportation Commission at the
City Council Meeting on February 11, 2013.
ATTACHMENTS:
: King Application (PDF)
: Ely Application (PDF)
: Fan Application (PDF)
: Kim Application (PDF)
: Uang Application (PDF)
Page 2
: Summa Application (PDF)
: Wong Application (PDF)
Department Head: Donna Grider, City Clerk
Page 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Carl King
Date: 1 2/20/2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes
• Planning & Transportation Commission 0 (Date: 9/9/2012 )
No o
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Transportation Commission?
Rotary Club: 0
Email from City Clerk: 0
Palo Alto Weekly: 0
AlA: 0
The Daily Post: D
FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please Specify: ____________________________ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Sempervirens Fund Board Member 2007-present
Project GO Volunteer Raft Guide 2008-present
YMCA and NJB Youth Basketball Coach 2006-present
Member Palo Alto Rotary Club
Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission 2007-2010
Hidden Villa Farm Tour guide 1993-1994, 2006-2008
Hidden Villa Board Member 1995-2003, Board Chair 1998-2002
Acterra Be the Change Program Advisor 2006-2010
Leadership Midpeninsula mentor 1999
Leadership Midpeninsula graduate class of 1994
4. What is it about the Planning & Transportation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Planning & Transportation Commission?
I grew up in the sprawl of the Sacramento area, then lived in the well-planned density of Berkeley, at which
time I became aware of the choices and impacts of urban planning. I've taken interest in Palo Alto's
planning decisions as it has changed since I moved here in 1984, when downtown was basically deserted
at night. I believe we are struggling to figure out how and where to develop density in a community and
transportation infrastructure that were originally developed as suburban use. Our historic 6000 square foot
lot density creates a challenge in implementing mass transit options, and in avoiding degradation of vehicle
travel for many residents and workers as a result of increased density. I have developed competence in
board and commission work over over 15 years of participation and leadership. I am analytical and
typically act independently but with goal of consensus, and have a healthy skepticism to avoid the
groupthink that can beset collegial volunteer bodies.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
)
)
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
NaDie: Leonard W. Ely III
Date: August 17, 2011
Please·print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additiQDal sheets, ifnecessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? . Yes
• Planning & Transportation Commission!.... (Date: various
No
)
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Transpmtation Commission?
Rotary Club; _
Emaif from City Clerk: X
. Palo Alto Weekly; _ Palo Alto Weekly Online: _
Fogster~com: _._ .
~,~S~;_.·_· __ ~ ______________________ ~ __________ __
3. Describe.yout involvement in community activiti~, vohmteer and civic organizations; .
I have been involved with various Non~PrOfits in Palo· Alto. Graduate of leadership.
Palo AltO. sat on the CommunItY BlOCK Grant grant committee. Curreritlya member
of Rotary C' 'rrentiy Co-Treas, ,rer of the Walter hays PTA
4. What is it about the Planning & Transportation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring 10 the PJamUng & Transportation CommissiOn?
I would bring 61 years of living, going to school and working in Palo Alto. I believe
that the planning process needs to have hlndslgm as well as taKing a longer range
ylew I" Irtber believe that decisioDS Deed to be made and changed if Decessary to fd:
the community good. We can't always have the one size fits all mentality. ~ feel that I
would .brlng a dIfferent outlOOk to the process.
)
)
)
.,
)
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
Wete necessary to change current roles, how would yoU 8pproach makiIig S1:Wh chang\lS?
I firmly believe that the Council should give direction to the Planning and
lransportaflon Committee and men It Ismls committee's charge to follow that
dirediop or advise the COllncll why their position is POt ip the IQPg term best iPterest
ofthe city. ..
6. What are the ~t issues facing the Planning & Transporta~on Commission?
Stanford. Housing and personal property land use. Cubberley. Traffic.
7. If appointed, what specific goak would you like to see the Planning & Transportation Commission achieve?
I would like to start by trying to have the committee think libout the community as a
whole. D~slons need to be made based on me 10ta!" communitY rather man small
vocal groups or persons I wOllid like to worktoward givipg tbe "ptBnpers" more
responsibility in interpret the "Code". I would also like to see the local neighbors
InvolVed or at least consulted In matteN or design andtor wrlances. .
.J
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council?
If it were necessary to cbange current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
A well planning can benefits huge population in the city and can even benefit other cities too. In am assigned to
;.' •. ··jj;'"·::=:Q;·.vru~.l_41i,*LtQ,DJW ;ithe·.gU·JW;d(i~"e.·:AltO
. ·=nts :a.,: I want to gather residentsF opiril0ri~ :d'ideas arid pres!rit them to the CollriCiLI;Q liKe to ."
make sure that the COllncil really understands what are the opinions from the residents. And make the best
suggestions to the Council so that the Council can make a good or right decision for the residents.
If needto make any changes, fwould provide sufficient reas()rito make charigeffiat is bas~d on research and . .
interview with residents and collecting their opinions.
6. What are'the current issues facing the Planning & Transportation Commission?
Environmental review for the city constructions, both for public and residential.
Lack of frequent and high capacity public trarisportations..
High demanding in a.llocate more spaces for elementary schools •
. Comprehensive planning and amendment.
7. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning & Transportation Commission
achieve?
A clear communication channel build up between re~i.d~ts and the Commission
-... Do Dlore public promotion thru mass media to let people know what is Cotnnlissionhavedolle for the
residents and the projections what we want the city to be like?
Clear reports on wha.t have been done by the conrinissionto the public such as city construCtions,new
development in Palo Alto andete.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Please Return to:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
SUPPLEMENTAL OUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Kyu Young Kim
Date: 12117/2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Planning & Transportation Commission D (Date: _____ --J.) lZI
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Transportation Commission?
Rotary Club: D Palo Alto Weeldy: D The Daily Post: D
Email from City Clerk: D AlA: D FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please Specify: rBlock) C. H'f vJe.l:8ite..
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Would very much like to get involved in the City of Palo Alto as someone who has
grown up in this city we call home.
I am currently attending and serving at New Community Baptist Church in Mountain
View. I serve as a kindergarten teacher, cell small group leader, and as a church
facilities coordinator.
While living in Korea, I volunteered at the Bundang Community Center teaching English
to less privileged children in the area outside of Seoul.
4. What is it about the Planning & Transportation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Planning & Transportation Commission?
I believe I bring a fresh face and perspective on Planning & Transportation in the City of
Palo Alto as a younger candidate for a position on the commission.
As an architectural deSigner, I have always been interested in Planning & Transportation
issues, especially in analyzing how to solve problems from a design-thinking point of view.
I also actively follow Planning & Transportation news from around the world and having
lived abroad in a diverse range of places, I believe my experience with Planning &
Transportation globally contributes to what I can bring to the commission here in Palo Alto.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
5. How would you see your role as board. member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
As a potential board member, I see my role as a servant and will be servant-minded. In
making recommendations to the Council, I realize I am not the ultimate decision maker, but
that it will be my job to fully think through each and every situation brought to the commission
and to make a recommendation that best serves the City of Palo Alto and its residents.
If it were necessary to change current roles, I would approach it in a way that is respectful of
the parties involved and in a way that is most efficient and productive. I realize that being
picked for a position on the commission is not for leisure and namesake, but in order to best
serve and in making the best recommendations for the City of Palo Alto.
6. What are the current issues facing the Planning & Transportation Commission?
Some of the main issues facing the Planning & Transportation Commission right now are centered
around downtown development. Beginning with parking, the city finds itself lacking enough parking
spaces for those who currently work downtown leaving residents in the immediate surrounding
areas frustrated that their typically quiet neighborhoods are clogged with parked cars. To further
frustrate many residents, the downtown area has been rapidly developing more office spaces, but
not necessarily more parking spaces for those who will work in those buildings.
There are also ideas of making part of University Avenue a pedestrian parkway, a proposed office
& movie complex on the site of Julia Morgan's historic building, and the proposed pedestrianlbike
bridge over 101 to replace the current underpass to the baylands off West Bayshore Road.
7. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning & Transportation Commission achieve?
If apPOinted, I would specifically like to see the commission change and evolve for the better of
the city's future in a way that is actively productive. While Palo Alto is a historic city and the past
and present civil servants have done their best to bring us where we are, I believe the city needs
to continue to adopt ways of setting itself up to prosper and succeed in being a place our
residents are proud to call home, as the birthplace of the Silicon Valley.
Though some might wish for Palo Alto to stay only as populated as it is (or even was), it is
inevitable that our City will continue to grow. We must make the best recommendations to the
Council to not only prosper in growth, but so that even as we're growing, we're always staying
one step ahead.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPLICATION
SUBMIT TO:
Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2571
Please print or type answers to all questions and place NI A in those areas that do not apply. Be sure that you fill out the
attached supplement and return it with your signed application.
NAME: Uang
Last
Elaine
First
RESIDENCE 321 Kipling Street ADDRESS: ______ ~~~ ____________________ __
Street
Palo Alto CA
City State
Education:
BA, Human Biology, Stanford University, 2000
M.Arch, University of Virginia, 2006
94301
Zip
HOME PHONE: 650.384.0692
WORK PHONE: 4152521441 x22
CELL PHONE: 650.814.9882
EMAIL: elaine.uang@gmail.com
List relevant training and experience, certificates of training, licenses, or professional registration:
LEED AP
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes
• Planning & Transportation Commission [l] (Date: 12/12/2012)
No
D
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Transportation Commission?
Rotary Club: D Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: D
Email from City Clerk: D AlA: D FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please Specity: City of Palo Alto Website
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
Palo Alto Farmers Market, Board member, 2007-2010, part of a 15-20 person board responsible for the operations of the
downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market, located at Gilman and Hamilton Streets. Active member for the marketing and education
committees, responsible for web development graphic design, developing events and programs such as the Customer
Appreciation day, local chef demonstrations, and book signings.
Architecture for Humanity, SF Chapter, Co-founder and Steering Committee Member, 2009-2011 Architecture for Humanity
chapter to develop and promote opportunities for local designers to engage in built projects that benefit local communities in
need. Project examples include the conceptual design of People's Community Market in West Oakland, furniture for farmers
markets, pocket park and streetscape renovations in the Portola neighborhood of San Francisco, murals around the Mission
district
Rebuilding Together, Volunteer in Oakland in 2007, volunteer in San Francisco in 2008 and2012.
4. What is it about the Planning & Transportation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Planning & Transportation Commission?
I am trained as an architect, but have always fell that my strength has not been In designing buildmgs, but underatendlng the broader contexts in which we situate our
buildings· urban and landscape design, transportatlon Issues, land use, pubUc space. While the bulk of my architectural design experience Is residential (affordable
housing and single family), in that capaciIy, I'Ve had eJCpOllUre to several municipal zoning codes, planning and building departments In the Bay Area, which has led me
to conclude that local government Is an Important force In shaping our buHt environment.
I'm very Interested how local government fosters that process, questioning how policy and codes can lneent or discourage good design and built form, and following the
process of how these policies develop. I'm also curious what long term strategies Palo Alto has for maintaining a good public sphere for all residents,
empioyeesiemployers, businesses and visitors to enjoy, and would very much be Interested In taking an active role In participating In that process here in Palo Alto.
continuing efforts I began in graduate school.
While pursing my M.Arch at the University of Virginia, I was actively involved in meny efforts to develop new ways to Improve the built environment of the Univefslty.
With several planning and landscape architecture students, I helped found the Green Grounds Group, an organization dedicated to promoHng SUSlainable development
on campus. I also worked in the Office 01 the Architec:l, (which was led by David Neumann the lormer University Archltec:l of Stanford 1989-2003). With the plamlng
stsff and asslstsnce of many Green Grounds members, we Inldated a preliminary bicycle usage and pathway study for the UVA and greater Chilriollesville.
II selected for the Planning and Transportation Commission, I feel that my academic and professional background and general personal Interests would be well suited
to understanding many of the complex Issues being brought forth.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
6. What are the current issues facing the Planning & Transportation Commission?
Managing growth -Palo Alto is blessed to be a desirable community. But particularly in areas of density, it is important to be able keep attracting/retaining a
good mix of businesses, get ahead of circulation issues such as traffic, parking and transit to handle the influx of employees and visitors, while maintaining
livability & vitality for residents, planning for and providing necessary infrastructure (roads, bridges, multimoda.1 paths, utilities, water supply and wastewater
management) Several large development projects throughout the city are raising many of these issues at once, and PTC should serve as a strong force in
creating the right planning framework to help staff & City Council assess these projects.
Regional Transportation Connectivity· As a major employment hub with significant retail centers, Palo Alto sees a huge influx of people each day, and the
connectivity between Palo Alto and the surrounding municipalities is critical to the city's continued viability as successful employment and retail node. There is a
critical need for dialogue with regional planning and transportation groups and more sophisticated ways to evaluate current development, transport preSSUres
within city limits and connectivity to surrounding areas. PTe is heavily reliant on staff for much of this information, but given the criticality of this issue, this may
be a good time for more direct interface or participation in staff discussions with these regional agencies.
Equity -Palo Alto is blessed with significant affluence, but it is a challenge to provide opportunities for all. This includes maintaining a mix of good businesses
(many are now priced out such as mom and pop retailers, child care centers, food businesses) and a good mix of affordable housing options. Palo Alto is
trending toward being a selVed town, with essential selVices personnel, teachers, health care workers, public selVants, and service workers who serve Palo Alto
pushed out of the community
7 _ If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning & Transportation Commission achieve?
Development of a new Comprehensive Plan, to provide Council, staff, and other commissions with a strong
framework for future decision making. I understand this is already in progress, but it is a critically important
effort, and the basis for evaluating policy for many of the issues facing the city.
Be more visionary: It would be great to see Palo Alto become more leading edge in planning, just as Silicon
Valley and Palo Alto has become a springboard for startups and world leader in various technologies over
the years. This is no easy undertaking, but the PTe can set the bar, increasing expectations to encourage
new ideas & policies. It important to start with staff and understanding the hurdles they face with respect to
development & implementation of policy, and communicating to Council the value of any new ideas,
approaches.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Please Return to:
Office ofthe City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-329-2571
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Doria Summa
Date: 12/19/2012
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed application. You may submit
additional sheets, if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. Have you attended the following meeting? Yes No
• Planning & Transportation Commission [l] (Date: ______ --L D
2. How did you Learn about the vacancy on the Planning and Transportation Commission?
Rotary Club: D Palo Alto Weekly: D The Daily Post: D
Email from City Clerk: [{] AlA: D FlyerlBookmark: D
Other, Please Specify: ____________________________ _
3. Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations:
I have attended many City Council, Board and Commission meetings. I am presently serving as a member of the Development
Center Customer Advisory Group (DCAG) as a resident representative. I have been engaged In the College Terrace Residents'
Association (CTRA) for many years as a volunteer and as a board member. I have attended and contributed to many community
meetings ranging from City Council meetings to Planning and Transportation Committee Meetings to Palo Alto Neighborhoods (PAN)
meetings. I have worked with city staff to help design and implement the College Terrace Traffic Calming program and the College
Terrace Residential Parking Permit Program. I also worked on the Califomia Avenue tree replanting and maintenance.
I am a Canopy volunteer and I worked on a special committee for Wildlife Rescue. I worked with Planning staff to evaluate parking
needs In the mixed use (CN) zone of College Terrace. I recently served as a representative of the DCAG on a panel to interview
Chief Building Official applicants. I am the CTRA representative to the Stanford Community Resource Group (CRG).
I avail myself of opportunities to lean more about planning and transportation issues, and the history and natural environment of Palo
Alto and the surrounding region. I have been asked by three different Palo Alto neighborhood associations to consult on parking and
planning issues.
4. What is it about the Planning & Transportation Commission that interests you? What qualities, experience and
expertise would you bring to the Planning & Transportation Commission?
As a 25-year resident of Palo Alto, I have a great appreciation for the quality of life that we
enjoy. We are fortunate to live in a setting of tremendous natural beauty and we are the
beneficiaries of thoughtful planning by previous city administrations. I believe that
. maintaining our quality of life requires a careful balance among the needs of businesses,
residents and the environment. I am interested in working on the Comprehensive Plan
update to reflect this balance. I am passionate about maintaining these high standards
for all stakeholders. Through my civic engagement, I have gained a deep appreciation of
the importance of good planning and the complexity of the decisions involved.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
5. How would you see your role as board member when recommending policy and working with the Council? If it
were necessary to change current roles, how would you approach making such changes?
I believe that the primary role of a commission member is to evaluate proposed
projects with respect to their consistency with City policies and the Comprehensive
Plan. The commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council on planning
and transportation matters including land use, development and zoning. The City
Council has decision making-authority on all of these matters.
6. What are the current issues facing the Planning & Transportation Commission?
·1 believe that some of the key issues currently facing the Planning and Transportation
Commission are:
-The Comprehensive Plan Update
-Regional housing needs
-High-speed rail, Caltrain and the intermodal transit center
-Transporation and parking needs; multi-modal transporation
-Implementation of the bike and pedestrian Master Plan
7. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning & Transportation Commission achieve?
The commission should work to maintain the appropriate balance between the built
environment and the natural environment --that is enabling economic vitality and
growth while preserving the character and "feel" of Palo Alto.
I would like to see the commission promote more community involvement; getting
members of the public more involved in planning issues in a positive way early in the
process.
Bds/Commissions -702-23 9/1/2011
Garage
Technology Ventures5M
Henry H. Wong -Venture Partner
Henry@garage.com
Henry H. Wong has been a prolific and successful entrepreneur, executive, and venture
investor in Silicon Valley for over 25 years. Henry applies his operational experience,
investment talent, and his China expertise to advise, invest in, and build high technology
companies with a global vision. He is the founder of Diamond TechVentures, and was a
venture partner at Crystal Ventures, where he was actively involved with companies
including SMIC, LGC Wireless & Infmera. As an entrepreneur, Henry has had several
significant successes, including SS8 Networks Inc., where he was the founder, CEO and
Chairman, as well as IP Communications, XaQti Semiconductor, CNet Technology Inc.,
and Combinet (ISDN Systems), all of which he co-founded and led. In 2002, Henry was a
fmalist for the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year Award." He is an advisor to
several non-profit organizations and is active in community organizations. Henry holds a
B.Sc. degree in Business from the University of Utah and a MBA in Telecom
Management from Golden Gate University. He is also a Mentor in the Stanford Graduate
School of Business GSB S-356 MBA Program, and a Team Mentor in the Technology
Venture Formation course MS&E 273 & E145 at Stanford's School of Engineering.