HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2302-10552.Select Applicants for Interviews for Board and Commission Openings on the Historic
Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission,
Planning and Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission. Supplemental
Report, Presentation
Item No. 2. Staff Report Page 1 of 31
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CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
From: City Clerk
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDER
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: March 6, 2023
Report #: 2301-0838
TITLE
Select Applicants for Interviews for Board and Commission Openings on the Historic Resources
Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning and
Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
Direct Staff to schedule interviews with selected applicants for scheduled vacancies on the
Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission,
Planning and Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission. The applications will
be released in a late packet report on March 2nd, 2023 upon completion of the recruitment
period.
BACKGROUND
Boards and Commissions are established as advisory bodies to the City Council, made up of
community volunteers that provide essential feedback on matters of importance to the
community. The City Clerk’s office advertises for vacancies twice per year after which the
Council considers the applications, interviews desired candidates, and makes recommendations
for appointment for the open positions.
During the last several recruitments, the City Council has elected to interview all qualified
applicants for respective Boards and Commissions. It is at the discretion of the Council to
determine if they wish to continue the past practice, interview all candidates, or identify and
provide direction on a select cohort of applicants to continue to the interview processes.
Staff is requesting the City Council select the candidates to be interviewed for:
•Three (3) positions on the Historic Resources Board with terms ending 3/31/2026.
•Two (2) positions on the Human Relations Commission with terms ending 3/31/2026.
•Four (4) positions on the Parks & Recreation Commission with terms ending 3/31/2026.
Item No. 2. Staff Report Page 2 of 31
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•Three (3) positions on the Planning & Transportation Commission with two terms
ending 3/31/2027 and one unexpired term ending 3/31/2025.
•Four (4) positions on the Utilities Advisory Commission with three terms ending
3/31/2026 and one unexpired term ending 3/31/2025.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Each Board or Commission has different requirements for appointment such as mandatory
residency, specialized training, or professional service in a specified area. For each of the Board
or Commission with current vacancies, the requirements are listed below. Additionally,
appointed members cannot be council members, officers or employees of the City of Palo Alto.
Historic Resources Board:
•Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of history, architecture or historic
preservation. (PAMC 2.27.010)
•One member shall be an owner/occupant of a category 1 or 2 historic structure, or of a
structure in a historic district. (PAMC 2.27.010)
•Three members shall be architects, landscape architects, building designers or other
design professionals. (PAMC 2.27.010)
•At least one member shall possess academic education or practical experience in history
or a related field. (PAMC 2.27.010)
Human Relations Commission:
•Palo Alto Residency. (PAMC 2.22.010)
Parks and Recreation Commission
•Demonstrated interest in parks, open space and recreation matters. (PAMC 2.25.010)
•Palo Alto Residency. (PAMC 2.25.010)
Planning and Transportation Commission:
•Palo Alto Residency. (PAMC 2.20.010)
Utilities Advisory Commission:
•Each member of the commission shall be a utility customer or the authorized
representative of a utility customer. (PAMC 2.23.010)
•Palo Alto Residency for at least six members of the commission. (PAMC 2.23.010)
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Item No. 2. Staff Report Page 3 of 31
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The 2023 Annual Boards and Commissions recruitment invited applications from January 1,
2023 through February 28, 2023 through the new online application process. Palo Alto
Municipal Code 2.16.060 requires public notification regarding vacancies of the Commissions as
follows, “The City Clerk shall exercise their discretion in choosing the method of advertisement
that will most effectively reach potential candidates.” Based on the September 14, 2021 Policy
& Services Committee meeting report regarding Board and Commission Member demographics
and community representation. The City Clerk’s office expanded recruitment efforts through
additional means to “most effectively reach potential candidates”.
This recruitment was advertised through various methods including paid print and digital
advisements in The Palo Alto Weekly and the Daily Post; via the City’s website and social media
channels; in physical locations of the Palo Alto Libraries and Community Centers; and
distributed by e-mail through established distribution lists to community based organizations,
individuals and City subscription based notification lists.
APPROVED BY:
Lesley Milton
Item No. {{item.number}}. Page 1 of 3
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City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Lesley Milton, City Clerk
Meeting Date: March 6, 2023
Item Number: 2
Report #: 2303-1055
TITLE
Supplemental Report - Select Applicants for Interviews for Board and Commission Openings on
the Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission,
Planning and Transportation Commission, Utilities Advisory Commission
BACKGROUND
The 2023 Board and Commission Recruitment closed on February 28th, 2023. A total of 56
applications were submitted during the recruitment period.
3 applicants for the Historic Resources Board
o Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz
o Christian Pease
o Samantha Rohman
5 applicants for the Human Relations Commission
o Amy Hsieh
o Daryl Savage
o Katie Causey
o Mary Kate Stimmler
o Niklas Miles Goodman
18 applicants for the Parks and Recreation Commission
o Adriana Flores-Ragade
o Amanda Brown
o Bing Betty Wei
o David Siegel
o Jeff LaMere
o Jonathan Ward
o Joy Oche
o Laura Granka
o Mark Weiss
o Michael Breger
o Nanci L Howe
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o Niklas Miles Goodman
o Sanjay Hortikar
o Shani Kleinhaus
o Sierra R Peterson
o Star Teachout
o Sunny K Paul
o Yudy Deng
11 applicants for the Planning and Transportation Commission
o Alex Comsa
o Allen Akin
o Arthur M. Keller
o Brian Hamachek
o Brigham Wilson
o Cari Templeton
o Forest Olaf Peterson
o George Lu
o James Domine
o Leonard Ely
o Scott O’Neil
19 applicants for the Utilities Advisory Commission
o Benjamin Piiru
o Bob Wenzlau
o Chris Tucher
o Claude Ezran
o Greg Scharff
o Gregory Hood
o Jason Titus
o Katie Causey
o Maximillian Rayner
o Meagan Mauter
o Michael D Albertine
o Natalie Geise
o Rachel E Croft
o Rajmohan Rajagopalan
o Ramarao V Digumarthi
o Robert Foley
o Robert Phillips
o Siyi Zhang
o Terry Martin
ATTACHMENTS
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Attachment A: Historic Resources Board Applications
Attachment B: Human Relations Commission Applications
Attachment C: Parks and Recreation Commission Applications
Attachment D: Planning and Transportation Commission Applications
Attachment E: Utilities Advisory Commission Applications
APPROVED BY:
Lesley Milton, City Clerk
Historic Resources Board
Application
Submission date:20 February 2023, 9:16PM
Receipt number:5
Related form version:8
Personal Information
Name Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
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Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Other: Currently serving on HRB
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
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Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
I am a cultural heritage and historic preservation
professional. I am the conservator for SFO Museum,
the museum at San Francisco International Airport,
where I oversee the care of the museum’s permanent
collection, exhibits programs, and public art at the
airport. Previously, I held positions at the Fine Arts
Museums of San Francisco and Metropolitan Museum
of Art. I am a Professional Associate of the American
Institute for Conservation.
I hold a BA in Art History with a Minor in Archaeology
from Stanford University. I earned an MA in Art
History with an Advanced Certificate in Conservation
from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, with
a specialization in the conservation of objects. I also
hold an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the
University of California, Berkeley.
I have served as a member of Palo Alto's Historic
Resources Board since January 2022.
Company/Employer Name SFO Museum, City and County of San Francisco
Occupation Art Conservator
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I am a current member of Palo Alto's Historic
Resources Board, a position I have held since January
2022 I have also been a board member for the Bay
Area Art Conservation Guild since January 2022 and I
have served as the regional news correspondent for
the Western Association of Art Conservation since
2010.
Application Questions
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1. W hat is it about the Historic Resources Board that is
compatible with your experience and of specific interest
to you, and why?
I have been honored to serve as a member of Palo
Alto’s HRB for the past year, beginning in January
2022 when I filled a partial term. I also have relevant
professional experience from my career in art
conservation, where I work with the preservation of
art and historical artifacts. My work includes
documentation of works, understanding of object life-
cycles, and balancing trade-offs between object use
and preservation. In my daily work at SFO Museum, I
am also highly involved in the construction and
commissioning of new museum spaces within the
airport, and I have developed a general working
knowledge of construction plans and project
workflow. I also have experience as a consultant on
architectural projects, where I have worked on items
including original woodwork, built-in furniture, and
stonework. On a personal level, I tremendously enjoy
walking in historic districts, visiting museums, historic
homes, and architectural sites and learning about
Palo Alto’s history.
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2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Board that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
When I first applied to serve on the HRB, I responded
to this question with a discussion of the Fry’s site. I
am still very interested in how the history of the site
will be incorporated into the site’s future. The site's
historic cannery building is a fascinating window into
Palo Alto’s agricultural past and also speaks to the
success of the cannery’s first owner, Thomas Foon
Chew.
The proposed changes to the site are interesting, too,
because they touch on questions central to our
community and to historic preservation. When is
compromising an historic resource acceptable in light
of other community priorities? Is a compromised
building still historically significant for the local
community, even if it no longer qualifies at a state
level? How do we use public art or interpretive
displays to teach about the history of a site? These
questions are inherently challenging, but also
essential to explore as a community. For these
reasons, the Fry’s site remains interesting to me.
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3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Historic Resources Board achieve, and why? How
would you suggest accomplishing this?
I would like to see continued work towards updating
Palo Alto’s historic inventory. Additional eligible
properties were identified over two decades ago and
are still not included on the inventory and this puts
significant structures at risk of loss. Updating the
inventory would also provide clarity to the process for
designating historic structures in the future, including
for buildings that have only recently aged into
eligibility.
I think that this inventory update should proceed with
robust community outreach and input, particularly for
the owners and occupants of proposed properties. I
hope that the HRB and the City of Palo Alto will work
to address areas of concern and confusion that are
brought up during this process. I think it would also be
helpful to review, and revise if necessary, the
materials that describe the requirements and process
for modifying historic structures, so that property
owners have clearer reference materials available.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element (2017)
Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.49
Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties (2017) California Environmental Quality Act
The Professorville Historic District Design Guidelines (2016)
Other documents listed on this website as well.
I am a familiar with all of these documents through
my previous work as a member of the Historic
Resources Board. I am particularly familiar with the
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties because these
standards are often invoked for historic house
museums. As an owner and resident of a Category 2
historic home in Professorville, I am also particularly
familiar with the Professorville Historic District Design
Guidelines.
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5. Please identify a proj ect or projects that you find to
be examples of good historic architecture, and explain
why. You may attach samples, identify project
addresses, or provide links. If you attach samples, Staff
may request that you bring hard copy print outs to the
interviews.
One of the wonderful things about Palo Alto is the
sheer amount of good historic architecture that is
present throughout the city. It is hard to discuss
architecture in Palo Alto without mentioning the work
of architect Birge Clark and developer Joseph Eichler.
The Norris House at 1247 Cowper St. is an
outstanding example of Birge Clark’s work in the
Spanish Colonial Revival style. The ironwork and light
on the entrance gate are particularly striking and the
PAST award that the home won in 2004 is a testament
to its thoughtful preservation. Its history as the
Newman Center for Stanford's Catholic community
also speaks to the often fascinating use histories of
significant buildings.
The designation of the Greenmeadow Eichler
neighborhood on the National Register of Historic
Places is also a wonderful acknowledgment of the
contributions of mid-century architecture to Palo
Alto’s landscape and to the overall story of
California’s growth and history.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Eagleston-Cieslewicz Resume.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/20/2023
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ALISA EAGLESTON-CIESLEWICZ
EDUCATION The University of California Berkeley, CA
MBA, 2016.
New York University New York, NY
MA in Art History and Advanced Certificate in Conservation, 2008.
Stanford University Stanford, CA
BA with Honors and Distinction in Art History, minor in Archaeology, 2004.
EXPERIENCE
2008-present
2008-2013
SFO Museum San Francisco, CA
SFO Museum Conservator (from 2014), Assistant Conservator (2008-2013)
• Leads department and oversees all aspects of conservation for forty annual
exhibits, over one hundred permanent in-terminal artworks, and thousands of
objects in the permanent collection.
• Performs conservation documentation and treatment in support of exhibits,
loans, and permanent collection maintenance, which typically involves over 500
objects annually.
• Oversaw all conservation-related elements of the construction of a new museum
building at SFO. Provided design specifications for new conservation laboratory,
conducted product and materials research in support of construction team, and
served as conservation point of contact with design-build contractors.
• Works with construction, architecture, and facilities teams to build and
commission museum-quality HVAC and lighting systems in newly-built galleries.
• Monitors climate and light levels in twenty in-terminal galleries and in SFO
Museum facility. Implements the integrated pest management policy and
conducts regular pest monitoring. Assesses installations for seismic safety.
• Developed and oversees a conservation internship position that provides part-
time, funded training in conservation for an advanced pre-program student.
• Created and implemented a museum-wide onboarding training curriculum in art
handling and condition assessment. Delivers quarterly training sessions on art
handling to museum staff.
• Hires and manages project-based and contractual conservators.
• Developed and implemented occupational safety protocols to address heavy metal
hazards in museum collection. Created fire safety plan and procedures to safely
display flammable works in SFO terminals.
• Creates annual department budget and prepares budget documentation
according to San Francisco city procedures.
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
Assistant Conservator
• Performed conservation treatment, examination, documentation, and technical
analysis on objects in the permanent collection.
• Prepared documentation and display requirements for outgoing loans.
• Conducted all conservation aspects of installations and deinstallations.
• Carried out climate and light monitoring. Developed ongoing collection
maintenance plans.
ALISA EAGLESTON-CIESLEWICZ
2008-2016
Eagleston-Cieslewicz Art Conservation San Carlos, CA
Founder and Principal Conservator
• Founded and served as principal conservator for a private conservation practice
that provided examination, treatment, documentation, and survey services to
collectors and institutional clients.
• Oversaw all aspects of financial management and business development.
2007-2008
Summers
2004-2007
The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, NY
Conservation Assistant and Intern
• Examined, documented and treated objects from the Asian, European Sculpture
and Decorative Arts, Greek and Roman, Islamic, and Oceanic collections.
• Carried out technical studies of artworks, including on proposed acquisitions.
Graduate Level Internships at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the Dyckman
Farmhouse Museum, Ransick-Gat Fine Art Services, and the archaeological excavations
at Aphrodisias, Turkey.
Undergraduate
2000-2004
Student curator for Finding Sellaio exhibit at Cantor Center, Conservation intern at
Cantor Center, Student representative for Panel on Outdoor Art at Stanford University,
Member of Cantor Center Outdoor Sculpture Crew, Student conservator at Stanford
University Excavations in Monte Polizzo, Sicily.
PUBLICATIONS
AND
LECTURES
Invited Lecturer, University of San Francisco, Museum Studies Graduate Program
• Has delivered four lectures annually since 2012
• Curriculum covers museum environmental standards and monitoring,
conservation of three-dimensional objects, identification and conservation of
plastics, and ethical considerations in the conservation of modern and cultural
materials.
“Protecting Art in Public Spaces: Working in an In-Airport Museum,” Case-Study
Presentation at the California Association of Museums Conference, February 2019.
“The Ongoing Care of Artworks in Airports,” American Association of Airport Executives
Arts in the Airport Conference, 2014.
“The Conservation of a Baining Headdress.” ANAGPIC Conference Proceedings, 2007.
Published online at
http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~anagpic/2007pdf/2007ANAGPIC_Eagleston.pdf
“The Virgin, Child, and Saint John: Resolving the Contested Attribution of a Renaissance
Panel Painting Through Information Obtained During the Conservation Process,”
Stanford University Senior Honors Thesis. Excerpts published in the Cantor Arts Center
Journal, Volume 3, 2002-2003.
ALISA EAGLESTON-CIESLEWICZ
VOLUNTEER
WORK
2022-present
2022-present
2010-present
Historic Resources Board Palo Alto, CA
Board Member
• Appointed by the City Council as a member of the board that is responsible for
municipal historic preservation.
• Reviews changes to historic structures within the city for compliance with historic
preservation standards and regulations.
• Maintains and updates the list of registered historic properties in the city.
Bay Area Art Conservation Guild San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Board Member
Western Association for Art Conservation San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Regional News Correspondent
ADDITIONAL Awards: Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation, Phi Beta
Kappa (Stanford University), Cap and Gown Women’s Honor Society (Stanford
University), Lila Acheson Wallace Fellowship (New York University), Hagop Kevorkian
Fellowship in Conservation (New York University).
Languages: Proficient in Spanish and Italian. Able to read German. Basic Ancient
Greek.
Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, FileMaker, Past Perfect, Adobe Photoshop, general studio
photography techniques, certified scissor lift and boom lift operator.
Historic Resources Board
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 8:00AM
Receipt number:6
Related form version:8
Personal Information
Name Christian Pease
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
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Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Other: I currently am serving my first term on the HRB
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 7
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
Extensive professional, for-profit, non-profit,
government, and volunteer project-based historical
research, analysis, and production, including source
materials, documents, objects, and artifacts, often in
conjunction with archives, museums, libraries, and
most recently the Cultural Resources Management
(master’s level) program at Sonoma State University.
In addition, since joining the board I have complete
numerous continuing education programs, primarily
offered by the California Preservation Foundation.
And, since many fellow board members bring
professional expertise in architecture and/or
construction, I have invested myself in gaining a
working knowledge of their professional
nomenclature.
Company/Employer Name Nellie Analytics Inc.
Occupation Consultant Producer
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Faith-based community actions re: homelessness,
breaking bread lunches, Hotel de Zink, and volunteer
work that preceded the funding and construction of
the Opportunity Center. Disabilities rights advocacy
and community housing for persons with
Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. I am active
in neighborhood committees, historical societies, and
open lands preservation non-profits, as well as
nuclear weapons non-proliferation and arms control.
Application Questions
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1. W hat is it about the Historic Resources Board that is
compatible with your experience and of specific interest
to you, and why?
Balance processes and costs for assessing the
historic integrity and preservation with demand for,
and economic and legal realities of new construction,
particularly housing. This process is often contentious
and uncertain, resulting in “all or nothing” decision-
making: To maintain historic integrity or not, or to
demolish or not? Yet, it suggests solutions to mitigate
frictions, clarify what “preservation” is, while
streamline approvals and motivating a net increase in
historic resource protections. This is already being
done – by applying modern architectural design and
construction industry “as-built” documentation
processes, tools, and technologies (AKA:
Simultaneous Location and Mapping or “SLAM”) – to
preserve of historic resources virtually using the same
enabling tools for new construction to document
historic resources, including partial or complete
demolitions, by applying “as built” techniques in
reverse to produce “as deconstructed” high-
resolution, data-rich preservation.
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2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Board that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
3200 Park Blvd. – Thomas Foo Chew’s (CRHR eligible)
Bayside Cannery – came to the HRB, which
unanimously rejected the owners’ proposal calling for
the demolition 40% of the structure. This is an
unfortunate “all or nothing” decision that should be
revisited. It is a highly controversial project, but more
so over questions of housing vs. office space, than
preservation. No options were seriously available for
discussion. Yet in the 1OOs pages given us to review,
virtual preservation is discussed (Staff Report #5
pages 12+13 and 19): “Per general guidelines of
‘Historic American Building Survey’ (“HABS”), a SOI
Standard). This can include Level III documentation:
Digital photographic recordation, calculations /
measurements, a narrative (much already in-place),
as well as related items and artifacts. The scale and
historical significance – and competing demands on
its uses – make it an excellent fit to for quality virtual
preservation techniques before its historic integrity
vanishes.
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3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Historic Resources Board achieve, and why? How
would you suggest accomplishing this?
The most important HRB task at hand is facilitating a
quality update of our historic registry. Last revisited
over 20 years ago, this implementation will be time
consuming & expensive. A key success factor is to
engage and provide eligible property owners with
vetted /factual information that is clear, easy to
access and understand, and that also allows forums
in which they can ask direct questions, including
clarifying follow-ups. For many owners much of this –
benefits, responsibilities, costs, future salability, etc. –
is hard to grasp, while property rights concerns and
compliance with state laws intended to increase
housing add more complexity. Facts are, the decision
to register a property is entirely up to its owners. It is
also notably that – according to the California
Preservation Foundation – a current and accurate
registry is essential to navigating compliance with
new state housing laws while also accommodating
the preservation of qualified historic resources.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element (2017)
Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.49
Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties (2017) California Environmental Quality Act
The Professorville Historic District Design Guidelines (2016)
Other documents listed on this website as well.
In advance of my first application to join the HRB, I
studied relevant parts of the Comprehensive Plan. I
have a good working knowledge of the SIO Standards
and have reviewed CEQA. Additionally, I have read all
the successful application for Palo Alto's historic
districts.
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5. Please identify a proj ect or projects that you find to
be examples of good historic architecture, and explain
why. You may attach samples, identify project
addresses, or provide links. If you attach samples, Staff
may request that you bring hard copy print outs to the
interviews.
The Greenmeadow historic district of 300+ "modern
movement" homes, preserved in context of a mid-
century South Palo Alto neighborhood, is a testament
to the genius Joseph Eichler’s innovative and
affordable designs, as well as his commitment to fair,
open, and nondiscriminatory housing.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Christian Pease
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
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Historic Resources Board
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 10:34AM
Receipt number:8
Related form version:8
Personal Information
Name Samantha Rohman
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Historic
Resources Board?
Other: Instagram ad
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
Thank you for taking the time to review my
application. I am excited about the prospect of joining
this distinguished group of community members
doing important work to protect Palo Alto’s unique
heritage and style.
My formal training as a historian includes a BA in
History with Honors from UCSB (class of 2011). I am
in the second semester of my graduate program in
Public History at CSU East Bay. I am a proud
graduate of Gunn High School, where I took AP US
History.
By trade, I have been in corporate marketing as a
Director of Events for over a decade. I have worked
directly for Silicon Valley’s most renowned tech
companies, including Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and
Salesforce. I am currently working as a contract
employee for the Ventures arm of Salesforce while I
pursue my graduate degree full-time.
The Master’s program at CSU East Bay is highly
customizable, and I plan on taking external courses in
historic preservation as part of my coursework.
Company/Employer Name Salesforce AND CSU East Bay
Occupation Events Contractor AND Full-time Graduate Student
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.I am an active volunteer at the Museum of American
Heritage (MOAH) in Palo Alto where I serve as an
interpreter. I also run a historic preservation
Instagram account called “California Cottages”. The
account is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and
enjoying California’s many historic homes. I promote
the charm and sustainability of older homes while
educating my audience of over 1,800 about local
California history.
In addition, I have volunteered with the following
organizations over the years:
Family Dog Rescue (Jun 2018 - Apr 2019)
Girls on the Run Bay Area (Coach, 3 seasons)
Girls on the Run Bay Area (Associate Board, Gala Co-
Chair, Chief of Staff to the President to the Board) (Jul
2018 - Dec 2019)
Menlo Church, Menlo Kids group leader (Apr 2015 -
Oct 2016)
Presidio Archaeology Lab Volunteer (As needed)
I am also in talks with the board of the Palo Alto
Museum on how I may best serve them and contribute
to their mission.
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Historic Resources Board that is
compatible with your experience and of specific interest
to you, and why?
The HRB is the ideal match for my unique talents
honed in the professional world and learned in my
master’s program. I am used to stakeholders with a
penchant for progress, endless resources, and tight
deadlines. I am a proponent of slowing down and
thinking through a problem, bartering agreements
amenable to all parties involved. As a graduate
student of Public History, I am invested in how
communities tell their stories and make their histories
accessible. Finally, I reside in one of Palo Alto’s fast-
disappearing Cottage Courts. I am the steward of my
1926 cottage and the community it sits within.
I believe that finding a balance between protecting
Palo Alto’s historic resources while allowing owners
the freedom to make their homes work for them is
important. That said, I believe that the hot housing
market in Palo Alto has resulted in misinformation or
concealment of bylaws intended to protect historic
houses by real estate sellers and developers.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Board that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The properties at 1550 Cowper Street are an excellent
example of an opportunity to salvage Palo Alto’s
historic architectural resources. Pedro de Lemos was
not only a renowned architect with several works in
the area but an active and important member of the
community. Per the September 2022 meeting of the
HRB, the property in question is eligible for listing in
the National Register of Historic Places under the
1998-2000 historic survey report and the Seale
Addition has been recommended for historical
designation.
This is an important opportunity for the HRB and Palo
Alto. First, 1550 should be preserved as a prime
example of 1920s Spanish-inspired storybook style.
Second, it is an opportunity for Palo Alto t contribute
to the National Register of Historic Places. Third, the
Seal Addition is a prime candidate for historical
designation. Fourth, the units at 1550 Cowper are
excellent mid-range rental units, which is rare in this
corner of Palo Alto. We have a duty to protect 1550.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Historic Resources Board achieve, and why? How
would you suggest accomplishing this?
If I received the honor of being appointed, I would like
to see the Historic Resources Board expand from
protecting Palo Alto’s historic assets to being a
proponent of them. The HRB should actively
participate in community education as a historic
resources advocate. I want to help the Board partner
with Palo Alto Stanford Heritage, the Palo Alto
Historical Association, and the upcoming Palo Alto
Museum in community outreach. An exhibit of Palo
Alto’s unique architecture and significant architects,
monthly walking tours, and self-guided maps for
visitors are all ways to advocate for historical
properties and the preservation of the unique
character of Palo Alto.
I would also seek stricter protection for resources
listed as categories three and four on this historical
resources inventory. In addition, The HRB should
publish a preferred vendor list of real estate
companies and contractors who exhibit dignity in their
listings of historic properties.
4. Historic Resources Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element (2017)
Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.49
Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties (2017) California Environmental Quality Act
The Professorville Historic District Design Guidelines (2016)
Other documents listed on this website as well.
I have very limited experience with the documents
above, mostly for my own interest in promoting Palo
Alto's historic homes on my historic preservation
Instagram account. That said, I am seeking training in
historic preservation as a part of my master's
program.
7 of 8
5. Please identify a proj ect or projects that you find to
be examples of good historic architecture, and explain
why. You may attach samples, identify project
addresses, or provide links. If you attach samples, Staff
may request that you bring hard copy print outs to the
interviews.
1220 Hamilton is one of the most unique and
underrated properties in Palo Alto. Situated within the
historic Crescent Park neighborhood, the single-
family home is an example of the unique combination
of Streamline Moderne and Spanish Colonial Revival
styles. The fact that the property was designed by
famed Palo Alto architect Birge Clark adds to its
importance. The styles are indicative of the time
period in which it was built, both for the general taste
in the United States at the time but also for California
and Palo Alto in particular. It is an exquisite and
unique example of architecture that only Palo Alto
could host, and as such should be protected.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Samantha Rohman
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/27/2023
8 of 8
Human Relations Commission
Application
Submission date:26 February 2023, 10:47PM
Receipt number:19
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Amy Hsieh
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human
Relations Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Amy Hsieh is a nonprofit fundraising professional with
over 20 years of experience successfully developing
partnerships with corporations, foundations and
government agencies. She is committed to helping
nonprofits advance their institutional fundraising
strategy and currently serves as Director of
Institutional Partnerships at the Glide Foundation. She
has managed institutional fundraising for various
nonprofits, including Bay Area Community Health,
Samaritan House, the Health Trust and several
organizations in New York City. She is a member of
the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Company/Employer Name Glide Foundation
Occupation Professional Fundraiser
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last
one?
Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Amy currently serves on the boards of the Eating
Disorders Resource Center (2012 to the present) and
the San Francisco Unified Lion's Club (2021 to the
present). She serves as an Advisor to CWS (2022 to
the present) and has volunteered for the Yale Alumni
Schools Committee since 2000. Amy was a
Leadership Palo Alto Fellow from 2017-18 and
graduated from City of Palo Alto's 26th Citizens Police
Academy in 2017.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hy are you interested in serving on the Human
Relations Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
I have lived in Palo Alto since 2005. After participating
in the Citizens Police Academy in 2017, I was so
enthused about engaging more deeply with the City
that I intended to follow up my Leadership Palo Alto
experience by volunteering on a City Commission.
Those aspirations were cut short when my father had
a stroke in 2018, and my free time was occupied with
caregiving for several years until my father passed
away during the Pandemic. I am now interested in
serving on the Human Relations Commission because
of my interest in equity and for ensuring that all
residents of Palo Alto benefit equally from the City's
rich resources and that no individual or group is
treated unfairly in relation to opportunities, services,
housing or employment.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am particularly interested in the surveying and
outreach to AANHPI residents of Palo Alto to learn
more about the lived experience of this diverse
minority group. I have an interest in Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, Belonging and Justice initiatives and within
this context, I'm most interested in what Belonging
means to this group. Belonging means that everyone
feels that they are treated like a full member of the
larger community. I'm curious to review the data from
this survey to see how the responses may stratify by
ethnic group, gender, age, immigration status, etc.
4 of 6
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you
like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
I have a few specific reasons why I'd like to serve as
on the HRC.
First, as a professional fundraiser, I have spent many
years applying for CDBG funds from local city
governments, and I'm excited about bringing this
experience to the Human Services allocation process
and the CDBG funding disbursement process.
Second, I'm interested in information access and civic
participation, particularly among seniors and those
whose English is not their first language. Engagement
in civic and cultural life can be an antidote for
loneliness, isolation and disengagement, and I'm
interested in learning about and eliminating barriers to
participation in civic life. Hurdles can be related to
age, gender, language, disability, etc.
Third, I'm interested in compassionate policing as it
relates to low-income and unhoused residents of the
City. We need advocates for the unhoused who are
also interested in policing policies and practices.
4. Human Relations Commission Members work with
the documents listed below. If you have experience with
any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Human Services Needs Assessment (2020)
Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program
Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017)
I'm familiar with Comprehensive Plans and how
community organizations support these plans by
providing necessary services in the community.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
5 of 6
Signature Name of signatory: Amy Hsieh
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/26/2023
6 of 6
Human Relations Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 11:48AM
Receipt number:22
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Daryl Savage
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human
Relations Commission?
Community Group
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Executive Assistant, State Assemblymember Joe
Simitian
Press Director, Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz
Kniss
Columnist, Palo Alto Weekly
Former President and Current Advisor to Board of
Directors, FBI SF Citizens Academy
Company/Employer Name N/A
Occupation N/A
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last
one?
Last Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Current member of:
Palo Alto Rotary
FBI Citizens Academy (Advisor to the Board of
Directors)
Past member (approximately 2005 to 2015)
Palo Alto Womans Club
Sequoia Hadassah
Application Questions
3 of 5
1. W hy are you interested in serving on the Human
Relations Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
1. As a current member of the Palo Alto Human
Relations Commission, I very much want to continue
my work and dedication to this commission. I bring
years of experience as a long-serving HRC
Commissioner and former HRC Chair. I feel my many
years of service on this commission has been helpful
and will continue to be helpful to the other
commissioners.In addition, as a former columnist for
the Palo Alto Weekly and a 30-year resident of Palo
Alto, I have become quite familiar with the local
community and care deeply that its citizens be treated
respectfully and fairly. This is a particularly important
time for the HRC. Although I've seen a variety of
issues come to this commission, an increase in crime,
particularly hate crimes and hate incidents, is
troubling. Also worrisome is the great financial need
of local nonprofits. As an HRC commissioner, we
address these issues.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I'm particularly interested in the distribution of funds
for needy organizations that serve Palo Altans. I am
proud to be a part of the HRC's subcommittee on
Emerging Funds grants given to nonprofits. This
originated during the pandemic when nonprofits saw
unexpected expenses. As a member of the
subcommittee, we review each application from
nonprofits in detail every quarter, giving careful
consideration to each and every organization that
applied. Because of limited funding, we are not able
to accommodate every request in full, but I believe we
do our best. It has been a tremendously fulfilling
experience and I hope I'll be able to continue.
4 of 5
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you
like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
Specific goals include: Greater outreach to those who
are underserved in the community; continued
subcommittee meetings with the Palo Alto Police
Dept. on a variety of issues including crime trends and
recruitment efforts; and Council discussions on the
importance of increasing the number of
commissioners to seven, instead of the current 5.
There is more than enough work for a seven-member
HRC.
4. Human Relations Commission Members work with
the documents listed below. If you have experience with
any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Human Services Needs Assessment (2020)
Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program
Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Familiar with Human Services Needs Assessment
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Daryl Savage
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/28/2023
5 of 5
Human Relations Commission
Application
Submission date:26 February 2023, 8:47PM
Receipt number:20
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Katie Causey
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human
Relations Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 4
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I hold a degree in Women Studies from the George
Washington University focused on working with
different communities at the local level. I have worked
as a staff member with the Palo Alto Renters'
Association working directly with community
members who are on the verge of having nowhere to
live.
Company/Employer Name First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto
Occupation Event Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last
one?
Last Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I am born and raised in Palo Alto I have volunteered
extensively in the community since I was a teenager - I
have also supported work of the Palo Alto Recreation
Foundation and the Junior League.
Application Questions
1. W hy are you interested in serving on the Human
Relations Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
As a former staff member for the Palo Alto Renters'
Association I've been the first phone for residence of
Palo Alto who are days away from having nowhere to
live. Right now a number of HRC's goals are about
how to best serve those populations and I would like
to support HRC in reaching those goals.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Strengthening renter protections, as a former staff
member of the Palo Alto Renters' Association I know
the critical role this plays in ensuring community
members can continue to live in Palo Alto.
3 of 4
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you
like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
Under the 2022-2023 HRC work plan there is a number
of broad goals for supporting populations in Palo Alto
at risk of being unhoused - but there currently isn't a
lot of specific measures of success in reaching those
goals. As the Palo Alto Renters' Association is
constantly working on how to better serve those
populations I would like to improve the feedback and
outreach to those populations and help identify
specific measures of success in HRC reaching those
goals by facilitating feedback between different
community organizations.
4. Human Relations Commission Members work with
the documents listed below. If you have experience with
any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Human Services Needs Assessment (2020)
Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program
Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017)
No
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Katie Causey
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/26/2023
4 of 4
Human Relations Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 12:10PM
Receipt number:21
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Mary Kate Stimmler
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 7
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human
Relations Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 7
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
WORK HISTORY
(CURRENTLY PART-TIME) 2011-Present, Google,
People Operations Sr. Manager--Engagement &
Analytics
Define, measure, and analyze workplace culture using
organizational theory, social science methodologies,
and statistical analyses, including workplace equity
programs.
2000-2007 Freelance Writer and Editor
Successfully ran my own editing and writing business
by consistently providing excellent communications
on economic and business issues for NGOs.
2004-2006 Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Level
Playing Field Institute
Conducted research on turnover by under-
represented employees. Earned front-page coverage
in Financial Times and Wall Street Journal. Managed a
team of volunteers and collaborated with over 20
organizations.
EDUCATION
2013 University of California, Berkeley, Haas School
of Business
PhD. Business Administration
2003 London School of Economics
MSc Media and Gender
2000 Columbia University, Barnard College
BA English
Company/Employer Name Google
Occupation People Operations (HR)
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last
one?
Current Employer
3 of 7
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
-2021-Present Active school volunteer at Duveneck
Elementary, including rehabilitation on the school's
community garden program.
-2016-2019. President, PAMP, Parent's Club of Palo
Alto Menlo Park--Created community events and
resources for the largest local parent's non-profit
organization, which connected local parents to vital
support such as child care, educational resources,
new parent support groups, and mental health and
well-being resources
Application Questions
1. W hy are you interested in serving on the Human
Relations Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
As a human resources professional, I'm passionate
about helping people work better together--both in the
workplace and in our broader communities--and to
creating healthy equitable cultures where everyone
can thrive. When I was considering applying for this
commission, I reviewed the agenda and meetings
from previous meetings and it was clear to me that
many of the kinds of challenging topics that I have
tackled in a corporate setting are issues that the
community is also struggling to address, especially
racial equity. For example, at Google I have created
numerous analytical reports about the state of
workplace equity and shared them with the
company's senior leadership and board. This has
required analytical rigor, competence in discussing
politically charged topics like racism and sexism, and
the ability to translate the concerns of individuals into
broader themes--and most importantly, to use
analyses to create programs and policy.
4 of 7
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
At a recent meeting, Commission Chair Smith asked
the Commission for ideas about how to solicit
community input into the selection of the next police
chief. This project would draw on two areas of my
expertise: collecting group feedback and creating
hiring standards. I have run employee engagement
programs for almost a decade--this includes annual
surveys. in-depth interview projects, focus groups,
and other methodologies. Finding ways to hear from
our community and ensuring that their feedback is
heard, considered, and acted upon will require
carefully choosing the methods, analyzing the
feedback, and coming up with the findings. I am also
familiar with development of the hiring processes and
how to use consistent methodologies to ensure
consistency in evaluating candidates and minimizining
bias. I would love to use my expertise to gather
community input, create the hiring standards, and
help create a decision rubric to help evaluate
candidates for a key community figure.
5 of 7
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you
like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
The recent priorities of the Commission--affordable
housing, homelessness, inclusion and belonging
(including addressing hate crimes), and public health
are valuable focus areas and the Commission has
already made tremendous efforts to listen to the
diverse experience of our residents. I think I help
advance these efforts in two ways:
The first is using the notes from the many diversity
conversations to form concrete proposals. As a
seasoned social scientist, I have combed through
mountains of qualitative data (e.g. 500k comments in
our last engagement survey only) to find high-impact
areas of opportunity.
The second area is a project to help bring an inclusive
lens to decisions across other city commissions,
which Chair Smith also mentioned at a recent
meeting. I have developed an equity playbook that has
been used across several inter-disciplinary efforts at
Google and a similar guide with actionable
recommendations that could be used across multiple
city efforts.
4. Human Relations Commission Members work with
the documents listed below. If you have experience with
any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Human Services Needs Assessment (2020)
Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program
Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017)
I have reviewed these documents as part of this
application, but do not have experience working with
them.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
6 of 7
Signature Name of signatory: Mary Kate Stimmler
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/28/2023
7 of 7
Human Relations Commission
Application
Submission date:21 February 2023, 1:39PM
Receipt number:18
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Niklas Miles Goodman
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Human
Relations Commission?
Daily Post
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
My name is Miles Goodman; I'm a recent graduate
from the University of San Francisco (B.A.
Psychology) and a resident of Palo Alto since 2010.
Through my status as both a Gunn alumnus and an
active social science researcher, I've developed a
passion for using my knowledge to advocate for the
community that raised me.
I have experience representing several marginalized
groups through my work, be it seniors at heightened
risk for Alzheimer's disease at UCSF's Memory &
Aging Center, a representative for Transfer and non-
traditional students at USF, or at-risk college students
as a Research Director at Mental Health Action
Project. Currently, I work as a Team Leader at the
Philz Coffee on Forest Avenue, where I interact with
my neighbors on a daily basis and train new baristas
to foster positive relationships with everyone who
walks through our doors.
Additionally, I'm certified in QPR Suicide Prevention
Training and CITI Human Subjects Protection.
Company/Employer Name Philz Coffee
Occupation Team Lead Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last
one?
Current Employer
3 of 5
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I've assisted in social media/print marketing and door-
to-door canvassing for both Nicole Chiu-Wang (2022
Candidate for Palo Alto School Board) and Julie
Lythcott-Haims (Current Palo Alto City
Councilmember).
Even after graduation, I've stayed active within
PAUSD as a returning student panelist, where I've
communicated with parents, educators, and
community members about relevant issues in student
life, such as pushing for a stronger mental health
safety net and the importance of funding visual and
performing arts.
I've held a position in student government at USF,
being appointed as Transfer Student Representative
in early 2021 and getting elected to a full term that
April - beating a challenger by a 10-point margin.
Application Questions
1. W hy are you interested in serving on the Human
Relations Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
I'm the son of a single mother, and a first generation
immigrant at that as well. She raised me to
understand selflessness and altruistic behavior
through the lens of sacrifice, and it's her guidance
coupled with my experiences within PAUSD that drew
me towards social sciences and a potential career in
human relations. I see this commission as the ideal
opportunity to give back to the city that made me who
I am today.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Strengthening renter protections (2/9 meeting) is an
issue I've recently gotten a lot of exposure in, and it's
a topic that I care about deeply. Like over 60% of this
community, my mom and I have rented in Palo Alto-
since we moved in 2010.
4 of 5
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you
like to see the Human Relations Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
I'd like to help the HRC maintain its accessibility
protocols so that information about city developments
reach vulnerable populations- as someone with
experience in political marketing, I would love to help
create materials to support this goal. I also think it's a
valuable opportunity for those facing housing
insecurity to voice their concerns, especially given the
current climate surrounding affordable housing and
the local debate over how urgent the need to build is.
4. Human Relations Commission Members work with
the documents listed below. If you have experience with
any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Human Services Needs Assessment (2020)
Muni Code 9.72 – Mandatory Response Program
Community Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2017)
I've gone over both the Human Services Needs
Assessment and Muni Code in the past when I worked
during the campaign season but I'd be more than
happy to refresh my memory on all three documents.
Also- for my additional documents I'll be attaching a
copy of my résumé.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Resume 2023 (1).pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Niklas Miles Goodman
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/21/2023
5 of 5
CONTACT ME
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology | 3.80 GPA
Associate in Arts, Psychology | 3.88 GPA
Certificate of Achievement, Humanities | 3.88 GPA
University of San Francisco
Foothill College
Foothill College
2020 - 2022
2018 - 2020
2019 - 2020
SKILLS
Team Management
Policy Analysis
Public Relations
Digital Marketing
Research Design
WORK EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEERING & CERTIFICATIONS
Miles
Goodman
Social/Political Psychology Researcher,
Barista, & Community Organizer
1.2022 - 6.2022
University of California, San Francisco
MISCI-CE Social Contact Intervention Assistant
Assisted with the Memory & Aging Center's MISCI (Multi-modal Intergenerational Social Contact
Intervention) development and collaboration with other organizations within the city of San Francisco, as
well as its efforts to study the effect of intergenerational friendships in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's
disease. Attended weekly cohort meetings to discuss developments in our elder-student partnerships.
Responsible for clerical data entry and analysis, community outreach, and independent research on the
usage of receptive Music Therapy as an intervention strategy for older adults with early-onset dementia.
8.2021 -
Philz Coffee
Team Lead Manager
Joined Philz Coffee with three years of prior experience as a barista (formerly employed at Peet's Coffee
& Boba Guys) as part of the leadership team responsible for reopening the Salesforce Transbay location
after its closing due to COVID-19. Responsible for memorization and education of 25+ handcrafted coffee
recipes, day-to-day people development initiatives, inventory monitoring in conjunction with six nearby
locations, cash handling, and interpersonal conflict resolution when it arose. Transferred to the Forest
Avenue location in Palo Alto in May 2022 due to university graduation and residency change.
5.2021 -
Mental Health Action Project
Director of Research Development
Responsible for overseeing undergraduate research team at a student-led nonprofit aiming to shift the
narrative of mental health from broad awareness towards action. Tasked with understanding the impact
of MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) training and its potential implementation as part of the orientation
process at several California community colleges. Conducted thorough policy analysis on key pieces of
state legislation related to public health and higher education, approved independent research projects,
and led the process of applying for several grants as a means of securing funding for MHFA training fees.
3.2021-12.2021
ASUSF Undergraduate Senate
Transfer Student Representative
Appointed as Senator-designate to represent USF's transfer student population in February of 2021; ran
for election to a full term in April 2021 and defeated challenger by 10-point margin. Served as voting
member on Senate's committees on Internal Affairs and Marketing. Authored the AMTRAC Act to
acknowledge A.B. 928 and reform transfer credit criteria in Humanities & STEM, and drafted Survivor's
Bill of Rights to update counseling practices & increase accountability for mandatory reporters. Oversaw
the implementation of a holistic Credit Evaluation System and the Student Pathways Workgroup, a
collaborative effort from several administrative members to support non-traditional students.
Non-English
Languages
McGrath Scholar • Humanities Mellon Scholar
Nicole Chiu-Wang for Palo Alto School Board
Julie Lythcott-Haims for Palo Alto City Council
USFCA Votes
Palo Alto Forward, Steering Committee
CHC Teen Wellness Committee, 2017-18
CITI Human Subjects
Research Training
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Suicide Prevention
Dean's List, Fall 2020-Spring 2022
Dean's List, Fall 2018-Summer 2020
Dean's List, Fall 2019-Summer 2020
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 9:12PM
Receipt number:60
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Adriana Flores-Ragade
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Other: Commissioner for planning Adriana Liederes
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
San Jose State University
Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School
Counseling, CWA, LPCC Coursework
University of Southern California (USC)
Master of Communication Management
Claremont McKenna College
Bachelor of Arts (Dual Major) in Government and
Spanish, Cum Laude with Honors
JL STANFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
School Counselor 2021 – Present
LATINXAMERICA MEDIA LLC,
Founder, Host & Social Entrepreneur 2018 – Present
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
Summer Cohort Elementary School Counseling Intern
Summer 2020
HENRY GUNN HIGH SCHOOL & FLETCHER MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Counseling Intern
7th Grade Counseling Intern AY 2019-2020
UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Freelance Consultant 2014 – 2019
Partnership Director, Community Empowerment and
Social Impact
THE COLLEGE BOARD
Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives, Relationship
Development 2003-2014
Company/Employer Name JLS Middle School
Occupation School Counselor
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 6
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Team co-manager, Palo Alto Soccer Club 12b Blue &
Blue (2019-2023)
Track & Field and Cross Country Coach, JLS (2022-
Present)
Regional Board Member, Common Sense Media 2020
- 2022
Board Member, America Association of Hispanic in
Higher Education 2018-2020
Co-founder, PAUSD Latino Parent Network, January
2018 - 2022
Vice-President for Outreach, Palo Alto Unified School
District PTA, March 2019
Ohlone Elementary School Auction Co-chair, August
2019 – March 2019
Hispanic PTA Liaison, Palo Alto Unified School
District, 2017 – March 2019
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
As a resident and a parent, my family has benefited
over the years from the wonderful offerings from our
Parks and Recreation department. I have been
actively involved in many gatherings co-sponsored by
our city and I have seen first hand the work that the
staff and volunteers put in to make these. event
successful.
I would like to join the commission to share my
perspective and leverage my experience to continue
to support our community through thoughtful
planning and oversight. I would be an active member
of the commission and bring new ideas and potential
new partners.
4 of 6
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am interested in the issue about better utilizing
limited space with high demand sports such as pickle
ball. I am the co-sponsor of the pickle ball club at JLS
and we had over 50 kids on the first day we launched
the club. Many of the kids knew how to play because
a grandparent taught them. We have very limited
space in lit courts, so I. really appreciated the spot
checks made by staff, the input from the community,
and the process through which new hours were
determined.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
1. Increase effectiveness in maximizing usage of
parks and recreation space to better serve our
community
2. Revise/update the Youth Master Plan to reflect
current needs
3. Develop and get approval for a master plan for
Cubberley which fairly meets the needs of various
stakeholders
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I was in charge of youth services at the Palo Alto Area
Red Cross when the Youth Master Plan was
developed. I have also been following the Cubberley
development planning closely and issues regarding
open space.
5 of 6
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Adriana Flores-Ragade
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/27/2023
6 of 6
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:28 December 2022, 10:43AM
Receipt number:40
Related form version:3
Personal Information
Name Amanda (Mandy) Brown
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Alternate Contact Information - Address
Alternate Contact Information - Phone Number
Alternate Contact Information - Email
2 of 6
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
(621 characters max)
BS from Boston University
Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from San
Jose State University
Advanced Certificate in Real Estate Development, San
Jose State University
Masters in Public Affairs (MPA) from Indiana
University
Employment Information
Company/Employer Name
Town of Hillsborough
Occupation Senior Management Analyst
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
(1311 characters max)
Currently serving on the Palo Alto Parks and
Recreation Commission (partial term)
Participated in Palo Alto's Basic Citizen Police
Academy (Class 29)
Part of 2017 Leadership Palo Alto class, put on by the
Chamber of Commerce
Volunteered as a Chamber Ambassador with the Palo
Alto Chamber of Commerce from 2017-19
Served as part of the PAUSD Renaming Schools
Advisory Committee (RSAC) in 2016 to help determine
whether or not to rename any of the schools in the
district. Served as chair of the North Cluster group of
schools.
Volunteer as a mentor for the PAUSD Advanced
Authentic Research (AAR) program and have served
as a mentor.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
(1449 characters max)
I have enjoyed my service on the Parks and
Recreation Commission and the variety of policy
issues I have participated in - from sidewalk vendor
policies, court policy, dog park development, and
more.
In my professional career I have worked with a variety
of Parks and Recreation departments throughout
California so have great familiarity with challenges
faced and potential solutions. In particular, I have
supported the development of strategic plans for
parks and recreation depatments for the cities of
Pleasanton, Beverly Hills, and Tracy. I was born and
raised in Palo Alto and have personal experiences at
many parks in Palo Alto - learning to swim at
Rinconada, learning to ride my bike at Eleanor Pardee
Park, and admiring the donkeys at Bal Park. I strive to
bring my professional experience, along with my
personal knowledge of Palo Alto, to support the
department's mission of providing a diverse range of
programs and activities for the community and
establishing a culture of health and well-being for
families and individuals of all ages.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
(1449 characters max)
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
A recent issue that came to the Parks and Recreation
Commission is the Court Usage Policy update. I am
proud to have served on the Ad Hoc Committee for
this project and have participated, first hand, in
collecting the data used to inform the final decision.
As part of our efforts, we heard from all stakeholders
as well as went out to all lighted courts on various
days to conduct court counts, so we had a solid
understanding of court usage and demand. I believe
the City's regular updates to the court policy reflect its
responsiveness to the community's needs, rooted in
data-based decision-making.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
why? How would you suggest accomplishing this?
(1656 characters max)
If reappointed, I would like to see the PRC continue its
recent record of making policy recommendations to
City Council with a wide range of stakeholder input.
Since the COVID pandemic, there has been
heightened demand for dog parks. Something I would
like to see is smaller, pocket-sized dog parks spaced
throughout the city to provide more accessible
options for families with dogs to walk to enjoy these
spaces.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
(483 characters max)
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I have experience with these documents during my
current service on the PRC.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
5 of 6
Signature Name of signatory: Amanda Brown
Link to signature
Date Completed 12/28/2022
6 of 6
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 7:16PM
Receipt number:63
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Bing Betty Wei
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Community Group
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I'm a global executive with 20 years of experience in
public and private sectors by driving social impact
through partnerships & CSR. I managed a cross-
functional team with a focus on education &
healthcare at Cisco, and built partnerships between
California locally and internationally as a SVP for the
Bay Area Council (www.bayareacouncil.org). I was
highlighted as Leader for June Immigrant Month in
2021 by the Presidential Leadership Scholars & was
selected as one of the scholars in 2016.
In my own PR/GR consulting service- The Word
International Inc (www.thewordinc), I help local
businesses grow and expand to serve the community,
including artists & authors. Please refer to my linked
profile too: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bingwei/
Company/Employer Name The Word International Inc (www.thewordinc.com)
Occupation CEO and Founder
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I have a long & broad community leadership services
since my arrival in 2000 in SF.
Notably in Palo Alto since I was a resident starting
2007-
I have served as the VP and Board for the Neighbors
Abroad (NA) of Palo Alto since 2016. I have pitched to
PA City Council to start an MOU with Yangpu of
Shanghai since 2012. I established a sister city
between Palo Alto and Yangpu of Shanghai in March
2018. I led Mayor Liz Kniss's delegation to our
Shanghai sister city with Bob Wenzlau as the Chair of
NA and Jim Keen as City Manager.
In San Francisco, where I used to live, I co-founded
"Advocates for Chinese Education" in 2006 and
worked with Gov. Newsom (then SF Mayor) to
establish Mandarin programs in two public schools
which revived two schools facing closing down.
3 of 6
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
During my over 20 years of corporate and public
policy professional experience, I have built many
partners in my corporate and public policy
professional career. The Parks and Recreation
Commission is compatible with my collaborative
leadership style and drives to serve the community.
I admire the phenomenal work already accomplished
by all the Commissioners and its strong leadership.
The Asian American population is now the majority in
Palo Alto, which is 38% (as per 2020 Census data). As
a resident of 16 years, I could contribute from an
Asian American perspective to enhance cross-
generational learning using the park and community
center space. I am most interested in bringing more
arts, dramatic plays, and dance created by our youth
and seniors.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Meetings. I am impressed by the commissioners, who
are competent, thoughtful, and very collaborative.
What caught my most interest was the success of the
Community Art Project at Bay Land with the climate
change focus, which attracted many, as described in
the Staff Report on the January 24th, 2023 meeting.
The adult dancing programs are also interesting-
https://midpenmedia.org/parks-recreation-
commission--1242022/
These are the two areas I could contribute my
strength to serve by bringing arts, theater, and dance
into our parks and community centers.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
If appointed, I would apply my love of nature & my
hobby as a calligrapher, poet, and novelist to bring
Shakespeare plays to PA parks, sculptures to open
spaces, and poetry-reading/music/dance events to
engage our youth as our seniors. Therefore our
young/elderly generation will enjoy more in nature
more, care about climate change, and practice arts
and stage theatre. Thus these two age groups could
find cross-generational learning in the process, and
both will find a substantial fulfillment and purpose in
life and increase our community health. I would also
bring my professional experiences in building
patterners and work with the Arts Commission and
various city departments to make it happen. With my
career focusing on CSR, I would also like to seek
corporate partners and sponsorship in Palo Alto, such
as Tesla, VM Ware, whom I have worked with, to raise
funding from them to such projects.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
If appointed, I would be honored to work on the 2017's
plan for Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces &
Recreation Master Plan. This is an ambitious and well-
thought-through plan. I have had the experience of
reviewing architectural master plans in my most
recent consulting work for a boutique hotel group.
The scale is much smaller in my boutique hotel-group
master plan, with sustainable travel as the primary
focus. I've found the considerations are similar - to
preserve natural lands and local native/ethnic
traditions, explore or expand new classes or art
production, interconnect the various biological
systems, and develop new possibilities for outdoor
activities with natural surroundings. The common goal
is the same, too: to re-invigorate the local community
and help the population to be mentally and physically
healthy.
5 of 6
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
02.28.23.1stGenAAPIBelongingFinalTAAF.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Bing Betty Wei
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
6 of 6
First-Generation Asian American Belonging Matters
- By Bing Wei
“Peace in ourselves, peace in the world” - Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2021)“Compassionate
toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.” ―Lao T zu (6-5th Century BC)
We meant to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit in late January. Instead, our
Chinese/Asian American community experienced the collective trauma of two shootings — the
first in Monterey Park in Los Angeles and the second in Half Moon Bay in the Bay Area.
Both gunmen were over 60 Chinese Americans living in distressed conditions in their
respective cities as first-generation immigrants. While gun control in America is an ongoing
debate for solutions across all communities, I want to highlight that both shootings subverted the
model-minority notion of the Asian American community .Mental health issues among the
first-generation immigrant community and elder care have surfaced. I applaud the Biden
Administration for providing a fact sheet of resources after both shootings. However, we need to
look deeper into the fundamental needs of the first-generation Asian American immigrant and
identify long-term sustainable solutions.
The two shootings revealed that many first-generation Asian immigrants work underpaid
jobs, such as on rural farms in Half Moon Bay or as an angry dance teacher collecting guns in
LA, planning his revenge due to jealousy. In both incidents, older shooters took what an
ordinary, mentally-stable person might consider a minor matter — jealousy in a relationship or a
workplace supervisor ’s unfair comments — to take multiple lives to express anger and demand
attention. We all agree that these incidents of domestic or workplace violence were crazed.
However, reflecting on the details of the events suggests that this is the critical moment to
re-examine the “model-minority” identity that generations of Asian Americans have carried
through the assimilation process. It is high time we question this narrative and look more closely
into the actual situation of the lower social-/income-status group of the Chinese American
population, especially first-generation immigrants.
In this essay, I want to focus on disparities among Asian Americans and the urgent need
to care for first-generation immigrants, especially our elders. I want to suggest five solutions
that Asian American advocacy groups and the White House AAPI Commission might consider
to address the situation.
The phrase “model minority” was first created by sociologist William Petersen. Petersen
described his research on Japanese Americans and how they had become financially and
academically successful shortly after migration. He lauded this group for their work ethic, talent
in math and science, strict parenting, social obedience, and conformity, explicitly contrasting
them with other “problem minorities.” However, with waves of migration from various parts of
1
Asia over the last twenty years, the Asian American population has become far more diverse.
Nevertheless, the model minority myth persists.The model minority myth stereotypes all Asian
Americans as intelligent, hard-working, diligent with a Tiger Mom parenting process, and
therefore, more academically and economically successful than other minorities. This stereotype
drives a wedge among marginalized immigrant groups and puts colored minorities against each
other.
The reality is that the rate of Asian Americans living below the poverty line is 12.6%,
higher than the U.S. average of 12.4%. Chinese Americans are the largest Asian origin group in
the U.S., making up 24% of the Asian population, or 5.4 million people. Around six-in-ten
Asian Americans (57%), including 71% of Asian American adults, were born in another country.
By comparison, 14% of all Americans – and 17% of adults – were born elsewhere. Among the
current Chinese American population, 43% of those aged 50-65 were born outside the USA and
came to the States as adults (Pew Research).
The 2020 US census data shows a sharp increase of over 35% in the Asian American
population compared to 2010. Among 7% of America's 25 million AAPI population, 60% are
first-generation immigrants. Therefore, the newly-arrived immigrant population is over 15
million among the 25 million AAPI community.
During COVID, AAPI-owned businesses saw the most significant decline through the
end of 2020. The jobless rate for AAPI communities rose from 2.8 percent in 2019 to as high as
15 percent — well above the rate for whites and Latinos.Income inequality is now more
significant in the AAPI community than among any other group in America. Growing anti-Asian
sentiment worsened these disparities over the past year, especially for low-income Chinatown
businesses, nail salons, dry cleaners, and small restaurants.The majority of such small Asian
business owners have limited English proficiency. They struggle with language and cultural
barriers. They have no road-maps to enter the mainstream of American society. The
award-winning Hollywood film “Everywhere and Anywhere All at Once” illustrated immigrant
families’ struggle with cross-generational values, culture, and language clashes. It is worth
noting that more than one-third of AAPI communities have linguistic and cultural challenges in
America. In their newly adopted country, they possess little social or cultural capital, let alone
political capital. If they work as a farmer, a massage therapist, or a janitor, they are underpaid
and overworked with no social life after work-life. Mentally, they live in the limbo of being part
of a diaspora and newly arrived immigrants. They have a limited sense of belonging in America.
They may care for, in the distant, elder parents, siblings, and relatives in their birth country, who
might live in poverty or under oppressive regions.
It is significant that during the Asian hate crimes of the last two years, attacks against
seniors were increasing. This is a pivotal moment to look deeper into the stark contrast between
the Asian-American narrative and the actual life situation of many 21st-century Asian American.
We must provide concrete solutions to the socially underprivileged in the Asian American
2
community. This is also the time to call for collaboration among all Asian ethnicities and
between older and more recently founded Asian Advocacy groups to work together.
How do we transform our Asian American identity and create more belonging for
first-generation immigrants? We must allow and encourage Asian Americans to hold on to the
best ancient Asian values they have grown up with while incorporating American/Western
rationalism and pioneering spirit. We must lift the Asian American narrative to a new level so
that our Asian values can contribute to mainstream American culture and society to ignite a new
America with inclusion, compassion, and mindfulness.
There are five measures we can adopt immediately:
1.Promote cross-generation learning at the individual, community, and institutional levels.
2.Understand the traditional Chinese/Asian rituals that resonate well in the USA and apply
them here to heal our Asian American and all first-generation immigrant communities.
3.Establish more multilingual and multicultural schools from K-12 in our American
mainstream education system.
4.Expand the mental health care facilities and accessibility for first-generation immigrants
with adequate language assistance.
5.Increase Asian American political representation to push for policy change for the above
four items.
For taking Solutions 1 and 2 into action, below is why and how -
Coming from a heritage where my ancestors were from a Confucian country, I found the
two shooting incidents poignant. I was raised with values in China focused on a strong sense of
filial duty. Offering incense at our parents' and ancestors’ altars was a daily practice. I have also
realized how much the Asian community festivals benefit the community's mental health. While
applauding that California has made the Lunar New Year celebration an official holiday this year
and the White House for celebrating the Lunar New Year for the first time, I want to explain the
deeper purpose of the first two weeks of the traditional Lunar New Year celebration. This
elaborate festival involves treating our elders with a banquet feast, performing dragon/lion
dancing to amuse them, and worshiping the ancestors with incense and a bowing ceremony. It
also honors our seniors with an opportunity to pass on classical calligraphy, riddles, and poetry to
the younger generations, along with the red envelopes of fortune money. These
cross-generational rituals provide our seniors with a sense of purpose and pride to teach youthful
generations. Such community festivals are joyful experiences for our seniors.
Cross-generational learning applies to over half a dozen Asian festivals, such as April
Tomb Sweeping, the June summer solstice celebration, September Mid-Autumn Festival, and
3
especially the October Double-Nine (Senior Day) Festival. Little known in the West, during the
Double Nine Senior Festival, the younger generation takes their seniors hiking, enjoying nature,
picking chrysanthemum flowers, and worshiping their ancestors at their tomb site together.
Little known in the West, the Double Ninth Festival (falling into the Lunar Calendar of
September 9th) originated in 25AD and is designed to celebrate our seniors. It is celebrated in all
North East Asian countries in Japan, China, Korea, etc. Taiwan made this day Senior Citizen
Day in 1966. In Japan, this Festival is considered one of Japan's five most sacred ancient
festivals. The Diwali Festival of India also embraces community, family gatherings, and the
spiritual meaning of lighting outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them
from spiritual darkness.
These festivals could be reactivated in America, starting with Asian American and
first-generation immigrants in their Community Centers. Observing these rituals would serve
several practical purposes: enhancing community mental health, creating calmness, and reducing
conflict.To regain such practices and re-create Asian values in America will produce effective
social change in Asian American communities and American society as a whole.
For Solution 3, let us look at the data in 2022. Around 20% of American residents speak
two or more languages, and approximately 5 million students in the United States are English
Language Learners. There are about 3,000 dual-language programs nationwide, and 9% of them
have a Hispanic orientation. However,a severe shortage of accredited dual-immersion language
teachers in California is a problem that significantly limits education options for Asian
language-speaking students. According to the California Department of Education, over 1,000
bilingual accreditations were issued in the 2019-2020 school year; however, only 89 teachers
were accredited in an Asian language .
Nearly 60% of children under five in California have at least one parent who speaks a
language other than English. Those same children are 160% more likely to live under the poverty
level than peers with English-only speaking parents. Non-English speaking households in
California would collectively earn $30 billion more, or $15,519 more per household, if they
earned as much as their bilingual counterparts. Viewed as a deficiency in the past, bilingualism is
increasingly treated as an asset in the national job market, according to the Bay Area Council
Economic Institute.
Multiple intelligence expert Howard Gardner has ranked verbal-linguistic intelligence as the
first and most crucial since the 1980s. Bilingualism and multilingualism have been proven to be the
initial tool to overcome xenophobia and promote cross-cultural understanding among mainstream
Americans, Asian American, and various ethnic groups. It is also essential in enhancing
cross-racial dialogues and collaboration. We should also implement Asian practices of Kung Fu,
Karate, Yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation into our K-12 system to educate a conscious mind,
non-violence communication, and a holistic approach to self-care as well as mental and physical
health.
4
We need the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and
Pacific Islanders(AANHPI)to help promote and fund multilingual education in the USA for public
schools where the low-income Asian American population can benefit. We would also like
well-funded Asian advocacy groups like the Asia Society and The Asian American Foundation to
step up. Both organizations have an education track that could consider funding multilingual K-12
schools in America.
For Solution 4, we need to address the key challenges first. Asia Americans face three
barriers to accessing mental health care: cultural stigma, language challenges, and finally, cost and
time availability of providers. Compared to those of other racial and ethnic backgrounds, Asian
Americans are least likely to receive mental health treatment. Only 21% of Asian adults with a
mental illness received care in 2020, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (EBN).
Overall annual average estimates for the 2008 to 2012 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health
found that of all racial groups surveyed, Asian adults were the least likely to use any mental health
service (Guardian). For the senior community of Asian Americans, the severe social/cultural stigma
and cultural barrier prevented them from talking to their own families about their mental health
issues, let alone venturing to a healthcare provider. The Asian American advocacy groups should
identify the urgency of this situation and work with the major providers and social worker groups
who are linguistically and culturally fluent to reach out to the Asian American communities starting
from the senior groups.
For Solution 5, the challenges for the Asian American communities are similar to what is
stated in Solution 4. Most first-generation Asian Americans have cultural and language barriers to
understanding the ballot. They are seldom registered to vote, even if they are ineligible to, let alone
running for office. The voter turnout of Asian Americans has been increasing since 2016; however,
compared to other ethnic groups, they remain low. More than two-thirds of registered Asian
Americans surveyed say they plan to vote. Still, only about half have been contacted by either of
the major parties, according to the APIA Vote .
To reiterate, among first-generation immigrants in America,Asian Americans are the only
major racial or ethnic group where the majority of eligible voters are naturalized citizens. A smaller
share of Asian American eligible voters (43%) are U.S.-born citizens (Pew Research). The help
needed for Asian American seniors, especially first-generation immigrants, to register to vote
cannot be underestimated. The second element is the increasing number of Asian Americans
running for political office since the hate violence increased during and after COVID. Still, at the
national level, only 15 representatives and two senators of Asian-American descent currently serve
in Congress ( Wikipedia). This means we only have 3% representation in the House of
Representatives and 2% in the Senate, while the total Asian American population is 7% and 25
million people. In California, the Asian American population is 18%, and the political
representation in all levels of seats (from City to State Senate and Assembly) remains low, at 6%.
5
We need to call for organizations engaged in civic engagement, such as the three-year-old
nonprofit Stand with Asian American and the 20-year-old Asian American Public Affairs , to work
together with institutional cross-generational learning (as pointed out in Solution 1 above) to
educate Asian Americans, especially first-generation immigrants, to register to vote and train some
of them to run for a political office.
In summary, the first-generation immigrant population comprises most of the AAPI
community and has a vast disparity in educational, financial, and civic engagement levels. From
my experience as an educated and privileged first-generation immigrant, it is now a critical time to
help the less fortunate in our group create a sense of belonging in our newly adopted country. After
the essential step of belonging, we would be empowered to bring resources from our previous
culture and country to our newly adopted land. We can replant our roots here to contribute to the
Asian American community and mainstream America. The privileged, well-educated, and
accomplished among us have the responsibility to help address the equity issues inside the Asian
American community. This is the only way to help heal collectively. This is also a pathway to raise
public awareness of our community’s trauma and struggles. Impactful and powerful Asian
American groups can, in the process, help first-generation immigrants access mainstream American
resources. As such, the first-generation Asian immigrants will thrive by taking their previous
classical values to be a part of mainstream American society and embracing their new country with
confidence, pride, and a stronger sense of purpose.
As a country of immigrants, we will then thrive together!
BING (BETTY) WEI
Brief Bio
Ms. Bing Wei advocates for Asian American causes
focusing on first-generation Asian American
immigrants. Highlighted as the Immigrant Leader of the
month in June 2021 by the Bush Center and selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS)
in 2016, Ms. Wei has accomplished her community leadership role by transferring her over 20
years of professional experience as a global social impact executive. As a social impact leader
and entrepreneur, Ms. Wei has focused on CSR and DEIB via her corporate career at Cisco
Systems and as a senior executive at the policy advocacy group the Bay Area Council.In recent
years, she has been mentoring Asian CEOs to grow their companies and developing Asian
American narratives via her consulting company,The Word International Inc. On the local
community leadership level, Ms. Wei has been a Stop Asian Hate movement leader in the Bay
Area. She organized rallies, was invited to speak at many rallies, and read her poetry for vigils.
6
Since 2006, Ms. Wei has been a critical leader in the SF Bay Area in implementing
Chinese language programs in the San Francisco public school district. She co-founded the
grassroots non-profit Advocate for Chinese Education, now a board member. They worked with
Governor Newson (then SF Mayor) to revive two nearly-closing down SF housing-project
elementary schools by implementing Mandarin immersion programs in 2008. Such programs
were featured on CNN. The two Mandarin immersion programs at the SF public schools
tremendously inspired the Latinx students who started to learn Mandarin as their third language.
Ms. Wei attended Harvard Business Schools’ Executive Education of Women on Boards.
She is a lifetime Fellow of the London Charted Institute of Marketing. She holds a BA Horners
in English and Media from the University of Sussex of the UK, where she serves on the Business
School's Advisory Board. She also serves on the Neighbors Abroad Board of Palo Alto, where
she established a Sister City between Palo Alto and the Yangpu District of Shanghai in 2018, the
first of its kind (between a Chinese district and a US city) in the US-China sister city history.
7
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:20 February 2023, 8:43AM
Receipt number:47
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name David Siegel
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Graduated Stanford Business School in 1983. I began
managing in Palo Alto Little League in 1983 and did so
for the next 25 years. I sat on the board for about 12
of those 25 years.
As a resident, I have utilized the baseball and softball
fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, trails at the
Arastradero Preserve and most recently and regularly
the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park.
I am now 80% retired (I work flexibly 20% for my
former employer) so while I am extremely active (I
play in two baseball leagues, play pickleball 4-5 times
weekly, own and ride two horse adjacent to the
Arastradero Preserve, bike ride regularly), I will be
able to make the time to contribute to the Parks and
Rec Commission.
Company/Employer Name Retired (80%)
Occupation Formerly, President of Axcis Information, Inc., an
information services business
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Palo Alto Little League - manager and board member
- 1983 to 2007
Volunteer for Travel Baseball Teams - 2019-2021
California Harness Horseman's Association board
member - 2012 to 2018
Application Questions
3 of 5
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I think I pretty well covered this in a previous answer. I
am a 30+ year resident of the city and through my
kids and personally, have gotten great use of the
wonderful facilities in our city. Combined with my
business background (and training at Stanford Grad
School of Business), I think I can add value to the
board, especially looking at cost-benefit analysis
which can be "overlayed" on many situations and
decision making processes.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
One situation on-point is the tennis court versus
pickleball court discussion. Such a situation is ripe for
cost-benefit analysis that would be right up my alley. I
just started playing pickleball about 4 months ago and
very much understand the situation and can bring my
expertise to this issue.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
1) Very "micro" level case is the one discussed above,
pickleball versus tennis (or just adding pickleball)
2) Investigate closer use of baseball/softball fields to
local and outside P.A. organizations - look (likely
again) at the use of turf (and lights) versus grass for
baseball fields. I have played or coached on nearly all
fields and have again training in economic analysis of
similar tradeoffs (in this case grass vs turf)
3) Specifically look at usage of Arastradero Preserve
and access to it. Current issues are parking, safe
crossings and upgrading of the trails themselves.
4 of 5
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I am sorry to say I have had no experience with these
documents.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
RESUME.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: David C. Siegel
Uploaded signature image: SignatureDave.JPG
Date Completed 2/20/2023
5 of 5
DAVID C. SIEGEL
Experience:
1992-2021
1989-1992
1986-1989
1983-1986
1980-1981
Education:
1981-1983
1976-1980
Additional
Information:
AXCIS INFORMATION NETWORK, INC. (d/b/a TrackMaster), Mountain View, California
President and Chief Executive Officer for on-line service/Internet company
Company creates, markets, distributes and supports software and on-line access to highly refined
information for Thoroughbred and harness horse racing
Brought the company onto the Internet in early-1995
Brought the company to profitability shortly after promotion to CEO in 1997
Instrumental in getting company acquired by Equibase, a Jockey Club Company, in 2000
Developed initial products, product extensions and new products including Equibase Speed Ratings
Managed all business development and marketing activities
Directed the company into GPS tracking business (timing, graphics provisioning, charting of races)
ORIGINAL PRODUCTS, INC., Mountain View, California
President and Chief Operating Officer for consumer products company developing and marketing
sports and entertainment licensed products
Conceived and developed new products, sales and marketing strategies
Managed shareholder relations, outside financing and budgeting processes
Responsible for product and production management
Implemented accounting and order fulfillment systems
INNOVATIVE LEISURE, Palo Alto, California
President and Founder of major Northern California entertainment venue
Developed business plan and raised startup equity capital
Directed company into uninterrupted profitability after four months
Responsible for marketing, finance & operations and supervision of 20 employees
Negotiated sale of company three years after founding; original investors doubled their money
THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP, San Francisco, California
Consultant for management consulting firm specializing in strategy development
Developed analysis of businesses and presented recommendations to clients
Worked for telecommunications, banking, mining and chemical clients
Directed recruiting of professional staff
AT&T LONG LINES, New York, New York and Bedminster, New Jersey
Management Development Program
STANFORD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Stanford, California
Masters of Business Administration degree
UNION COLLEGE, Schenectady, New York
Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in economics and mathematics
Married (since 1985), two adult children
Palo Alto Little League: Board member, umpire and team manager (1982-2007)
Harness Racing Driver with over 500 wins: Named 2007 US Amateur Driver of the Year;
represented USA in International 2008 “World Cup” competition (finished 3rd); turned pro in 2009
Vice President – California Harness Horsemen’s Association (2015-2018)
United States Trotting Association: Director (2010-2013, 2017-current)
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 11:47AM
Receipt number:54
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Jeff LaMere
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Other: Currently serve on PARC
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Current PARC Commissioner 2017-Present
Palo Alto High School Head Coach Varsity Boys
Basketball 2019-Present
Stanford University, Assistant Athletic
Director/Director of Basketball Operations 2008-2016
Virginia Commonwealth University, Assistant
Basketball Coach 2002-2006
Duke University, Director of Basketball Operations
1996-2002
Company/Employer Name PAUSD
Occupation Basketball Coach
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
In addition to coaching basketball at Paly, I am
involved in Palo Alto Little League and 4 City youth
basketball. I am also a current commissioner with the
Parks and Recreation Commission.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
My long experience in college athletics, both in
coaching and administration, and now my work as a
high school head coach, is very compatible to the
mission of the Park and Recreation Commission.
Additionally, I have served on the Parks and
Recreation Commission since 2017. This combination
of experiences has given me a view into the
importance of the recreation and parks and open
spaces that Palo Alto provides. We are fortunate for
the amount of parks, activities and opens spaces, and
I realize the importance of protecting the open spaces
while expanding our offerings of activities - in
particular to youth and seniors.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
One of the more interesting issues to come before the
commission recently, is the racquet court policy. The
pickle ball community is extremely well organized and
vocal. They also have a sport that has rapidly
increased its user base. The delicate balance to
increase court space for pickle ball while respecting
existing tennis users is difficult. The commission has
done its best to listen to both groups and study court
usage to find the best available solutions. With our
existing infrastructure, the tension between these two
groups will remain, especially during evening use
times.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
The preservation of open space is extremely
important. The most difficult questions concern how
we balance our environment/open space with active
recreation. This is seen in the recent city council
decision regarding e bikes in the Baylands.
Additionally, determining the future of Cubberley is
something that needs to be resolved. The site is falling
into disrepair as evidenced by the gymnasium that
has been out of use for almost two years due to
flooding. How we find a solution with the school
district is challenging, but necessary.
Finally, I would like to do what I can to see the
proposed skatepark come to fruition. This is certainly
a need for our youth and other stakeholders, but more
importantly it symbolizes that youth have a voice
within our city and can be a catalyst for change.
4 of 5
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
During my time on the commission, I have reviewed
all of these documents. I am most familiar with the
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces and Recreation
Master Plan.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Jeff LaMere
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
5 of 5
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:1 February 2023, 11:43AM
Receipt number:43
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Jonathan Ward
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Community Group
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I am newly retired Director of Program Management
at Dolby Laboratories in SF, before that I was a senior
manager of process reengineering at Apple, Sales
Manager and Project Manager at Siemens, and I was
in sales for multiple start up companies. I have led
multiple cross functional teams (individuals that
report to me and individuals that do not report to me)
in delivering significant organizational changes to
companies. My strengths include project
management, team leadership, managing people, and
process improvement.
I graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors in Science in
Psychology and have lived in Palo Alto for 25 years.
Company/Employer Name Dolby Laboratories
Occupation Retired
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I am actively involved in the University Club of Palo
Alto as a board member since 2017 (former president
2020).
I have volunteered as coach with the local AYSO, Little
League, and National Junior Basketball teams for my
children.
As a board member of Palo Alto Little League from
2011-2014 I changed the fundraising model from the
declining attendance Bat-A-Thon model to a much
cherished Year Book model.
As a board member (volunteer uniform coordinator
and treasurer) of the Palo Alto National Junior
Basketball (PANJB) from 2014-2019 I was involved in
the transition from PANJB to 4CITY organization.
My wife and I are active members of the First
Congregational church
Application Questions
3 of 5
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
My wife and I actively use many of the wonderful
parks in Palo Alto, especially Foothills nature
preserve. Simply put I am an avid nature lover and
want to be involved in the future of our open spaces.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am interested in the Palo Alto Gym / Wellness project
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
I simply want to help provide good stewardship and
oversight to the various wonderful Palo Alto assets
managed by Parks and Recreation
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
No experience with these documents
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
4 of 5
Signature Name of signatory: Jonathan Ward
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/01/2023
5 of 5
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 11:47PM
Receipt number:57
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Joy Oche
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Education:
1) Harvard Business School, Boston, USA - Launching
New Ventures Executive Education (2015)
2) Master of Science, Environmental Engineering,
Newcastle University, UK Distinction (2008)
3) Bachelor of Engineering, Federal University of
Technology, Minna, Nigeria (2003)
Training: Program Management, Sustainability and
DEI Professional certification (PMP, PMI-ACP, PRINCE
2, LEED Green Associate, ISI Envision Sustainability,
GRI Reporting, John Maxwell Leadership certification,
FitWel Ambassador, NEBOSH Health & Safety
certification, Scrum Master, Corporate Board
readiness, etc)
More than fifteen years varied experience
Company/Employer Name Amazon Lab 126
Occupation Sustainability Technical Program Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
- Current Volunteer Commissioner for Parks &
Recreation (May, 2022 - March, 2023)
- Current Palo Alto Soccer Club Mom & Regular use of
Palo Alto Recreation services (2021 - 2023)
- Fellow, Pacific Regional Environmental Leadership
Network (2020 - Till Date)
- RCCG Zion Sanctuary Sunday School Teacher
(2017-2019)
- Volunteer Member of Hope Mosaic Church Choir NY
Roosevelt Island (2018 - 2019)
- Volunteer UNICEF Peer Educator & Coach, After
School Talent Development Initiative (2015 - 2017)
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
As the wise quote states “Alone, we can do so little;
together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller.
In the past year that I have volunteered, I have seen
the value that the Parks & Recreation Commission
provides in its role to receive community input
concerning open space and parks/recreation
activities. Everyone in the community deserves to be
heard; being a single mom and woman of color, I
know firsthand the positive impact of being heard and
fair responses implemented.
My late dad instilled in me, that community service is
a form of expressing gratitude and an opportunity to
demonstrate exemplary leadership. He used to say
"Never stand in the sidelines & complain when you
can roll your sleeves and join in making things work!"
I meet with all the specified requirements: I am an
open minded and conscientious lifelong learner. I
have relevant skills, relevant experience, the ability,
willingness and a unique perspective as an immigrant
who has lived in the UK.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation
to Adopt an Ordinance Amending PAMC Section
22.04.220 to Regulate Electric Bicycles and Electric
Coasting Devices in Parks and Open Spaces on
Monday, January 23, 2023. E-bikes are becoming
more popular and I believe that there is a need to
create some guidelines as E-bikes continue to change,
we track those changes, create adequate awareness
so we do not encroach into animals' habitats and
cause unwanted displacement, instead we provide
opportunities for ecologically sensitive public
enjoyment and education.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
More alignment line with 3 of the City Council's 4 top
priorities (more economical, safety and sustainability
conscious)
1) As a Certified ISI Sustainability Professional &
Trainer, I will like to progress conversations I started
with the ISI Envision Sustainability organization so
City staff can be trained for free & as a community we
cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, address
environmental justice, meet climate-change targets in
addition to our capital projects incorporating
resilience & win internationally recognized awards
after verification.
2) As a member of the PRC Fundraising adhoc,
maintain ongoing partnerships with non-profit friends
groups such as PARF and Friends of Parks to seek
donor funding to support Community Services
Department.
3) Liaise more with the Youth Council to build better
mentorship opportunities, gain exchange of innovative
ideas for effective delivery of services and programs.
for the community; and promote the expansion of
Golf opportunities for Youth.
5 of 6
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I have some experience with the Parks, Trails, Natural
Open Spaces, and Recreation Master Plan and it was
a great resource to prepare me to serve in the past
year. I look forward to read all the other documents in
their entirety and find ways to apply it during service if
my application back into the Commission is approved.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Joy M Oche .pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Joy Oche
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/27/2023
6 of 6
Palo Alto, California •
Joy Oche
B.Engr. MSc. PMP PMI-ACP PRINCE2 ENVSP CSM NREP LEED ®Green Associate
To pursue lifelong learning and inspire others to do the same.
Education
- Harvard Business School, Boston, USA - Launching New Ventures Executive Education 2015
- Master of Science, Environmental Engineering, Newcastle University, UK Distinction 2008
- Bachelor of Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria 2003
Wor k Experience
Amazon
Sustainability Technical Program Manager, Amazon Lab 126 Sunnyvale, California. May, 2022 – Till Date
- Redesigned the team’s main internal stakeholder facing communication mechanism (Sustainability
Playbook), with an improved format to provide awareness and advance company’s Path to Net-Zero
Carbon emissions by 2040.
- Mobilizing the onboarding of new programs into ForeSIE, an information enrichment platform to
automate the collection of sustainability related data for Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) calculation.
- Ongoing partnership and collaboration with cross-functional teams (Energy, Hardware, Design Tech,
Supply Chain, etc) to advance sustainability programs, energy efficient devices, process optimization
with minimal overhead within schedule targets.
- Creation and management of tools and mechanisms (Program Quips, Office hours, Weekly status
updates and meetings etc) for efficient and smooth delivery of the team’s program management and
Climate Pledge Friendly badging certification process gained through third party organizations.
Rose International
Program Manager, Apple Recycling Contract, Sunnyvale, California August, 2021 – May, 2022
- Executed smooth project delivery of projects including the successful completion of three (3) major
equipment commissioning projects, material flow analysis project to promote recyclability metric
development for 4 (four) major LOBs (MacBook, iPhone, iPads and Apple watches) and implementation
of Kaizen, Lean Management and Ergonomics principles.
- Co-facilitated the implementation of the Sustainable Electronics Reuse and Recycling (R2), ISO 14001,
ISO 45001 and ISO 19001 standards to transform the facility into a secure scrap closed loop one.
- Coordinated stakeholder management with vendors and other cross-functional teams; led weekly
project meetings and provided leadership regular project status updates.
- Launched team building events to promote productivity, motivation & build trust among employees.
Keish Environmental
Senior Environmental Manager, BART Silicon Valley Ext. Phase II project January, 2021 – August, 2021
- Facilitated due diligence and compliance monitoring of project’s Environmental Commitment Record
(mitigation measures, sustainable design requirements and best management practices).
- Performed internal quality control and auditing of deliverables and prepared clients’ submittals for third-
party sustainability verification and award application.
- Developed technical specifications for Request for Proposal (RFP) inclusion; enhanced requirements
management for diverse business functions in line with environmental regulations.
Alternative and Renewable Construction
Environmental Project Manager May, 2018 – December, 2020
- Provided program management support to cross-functional teams and successfully hosted the $600M
contract Industry Outreach, resolved post-event issues and facilitated post-event meetings with
potential clients.
- Delivered onboarding and capacity building support, prepared project control deliverables, spear
headed intern mentoring and project action register management.
Diamond Pearls Agro Allied Ltd
Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Manager May, 2016 – May, 2017
- Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and management systems in line with local labor
laws and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental and Social Performance standards
in preparation for IFC’s private sector funding.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement forums for field-based staff, suppliers & host communities.
- Delivered more than fifty (50) workforce education and training presentations for executive leadership
and over a hundred staff. Maintained program budget and performed other ad hoc leadership duties.
National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency
Environmental Engineer December, 2012 - May, 2016
- Co-facilitated launch of formal electronic waste recycling and concept development of Extended
Producers Responsibility initiative and Environmental Import Clearance permitting in Nigeria.
- Performed review of more than hundred national Environmental Audit Reports and Management Plans.
Diageo Plc (Park Royal, London) - Environmental Coordinator January, 2009 – July, 2010
Guinness Nigeria Plc (Lagos, Nigeria) - Environmental Manager July, 2010 – December, 2012
- Championed the GreenIQ reduction program in line with Company’s global goals (50% Carbon, 40%
Water usage, 60% landfill diverted solid waste).
- Coordinated maiden KPMG Environmental Data Assurance exercise and spearheaded all focused
investigations in relation to regulatory violations.
- Expedited environmental coordination and technical advisory for twelve global brewery sites using data
visualization and data analysis to present KPI performance metrics to executive leadership.
- Co-facilitated successful launch of maiden innovative waste club/industrial symbiosis project.
A dditional Work E xperience
- Procter & Gamble,
- Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Company, UK Researcher 2008
- Diamond Bank Plc, Nigeria Customer Service Officer 2006 - 2007
- African Development Foundation Administrative Assistant/Office Manager 2004
V olunteeri ng E xperience
- City of Palo Alto Commissioner for Parks & Recreation 2022 – Till date
- Greene Scholars Science Fair Judge 2022
- RCCG Church Sunday School teacher 2017
- After School Development Initiative (ASTDi), Nigeria Volunteer Educator/Coach 2014 -2016
Certification
- Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program Certification 2022
- WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Certification 2022
- Corporate Board Readiness Program Certificate 2022
- Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate Certification 2021
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Certification 2021
- John C. Maxwell Leadership Program Certification 2021
- Pacific Regional Network Environmental Leadership Program Fellowship 2021
- Ethics and Corporate Governance Certificate 2021
- Sexual Harassment and Abusive Conduct Prevention Training Completion Certificate 2021
- Anti-Corruption and Compliance Certificate 2021
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification 2020
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Standards Training Certification 2020
- Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision Sustainability Professional Certification 2020
- Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Master Certification 2020
- Microsoft Office Specialist (Word, Excel, Visio, Outlook, PowerPoint) Certification 2017
- Projects in Controlled Environments Practitioner (PRINCE 2) Certification 2010
- National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Certification 2009
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:20 February 2023, 4:06PM
Receipt number:48
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Laura Granka
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Community Group
Palo Alto Weekly
Other: instagram
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I received my PhD from Stanford, BS and MS from
Cornell University, and have worked at Google since
2005 in a variety of roles. For the past 12 I have led
organizations of various sizes (up to 150 people)
largely in User Experience (UX). I currently lead a
team of researchers, designers, program managers,
and data scientists, which requires a significant
amount of coordination, strategic planning, and most
of all collaboration and leading inclusively to
represent diverse perspectives. My research
background and PhD necessitates critical thinking
and careful assessment of multiple perspectives to
reach well-reasoned conclusions, which is relevant for
the committee.
Company/Employer Name Google
Occupation Senior Director of User Experience & Data Science
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I am 41 years old with 2 children (1.5 and 4), so until
now have not had the bandwidth to give towards
public service. I now have the time and passion to
devote back to the community. Most of my
community and volunteer activities are professional
and academic — I frequently guest lecture or host
university classes, I mentor other UX professionals in
the community, and previously started a women in UX
event series.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I am an avid user of, and deeply passionate about the
amenities, parklands, and policies that Parks and Rec
is responsible for. I have lived in various
neighborhoods in Palo Alto for the past 15 years,
always using nearby parks, cycling paths, courts, etc.
I recently purchased a home in Palo Alto, and chose
this town over neighboring areas in large part due to
factors that Parks and Rec is responsible for — our
urban forests/ tree canopy, our pedestrian and cycling
routes through the city, access to many wonderful
parks and community centers and pool, and of course
the safety for my children. I am excited for the
upcoming agendas and 5 year plan for the
Commission—everything from designing new
facilities like skatepark and gymnasium, to the bicycle
and pedestrian transportation plan, to ongoing capital
improvements and renovations to existing parklands.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Of particular interest to me was the recent concerns
and policies regarding ebikes on trails. I understand
the various factors making policing ebikes a
challenge, but as a parent, am also concerned with
the speeds at which the ebikes cruise through
ped/bike-only paths. (I was also quite interested in the
recent heavy debate amongst pickleball and tennis
court priority! The passion there has motivated me to
try out pickleball :)
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
Having been a renter in Palo Alto for nearly 14 years,
and homeowner for one, I can represent the needs of
young families and children, especially those who
rent, as I find those voices are not as vocal or
engaged in public service, and yet they represent a
significant portion of our population. I am excited by
the opportunities to expand Palo Alto's footprint in
outdoor and indoor spaces, such as a new
gymnasium and a new park. I love that our libraries
throughout our city's neighborhoods mean
convenience and pedestrian access for our residents
and children, and I would especially love to help
expand our community's offerings through new gym
and park. I'm looking forward to updating the Bike-
Ped master plan in the upcoming years, with careful
consideration of community input and also any
decisions made by rail committee, such that any ped-
bike routes decided upon will continue to be useful
and appropriate if and when grade separation
construction occurs.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I have reviewed these documents, with closest
attention to the parks master plan and the bicycle-ped
transportation plan.
5 of 6
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Laura A Granka
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/20/2023
6 of 6
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:22 February 2023, 6:31PM
Receipt number:50
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Mark
Address Weiss
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
Yes
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Gunn High, 1982
Dartmouth College, 1986
Company/Employer Name Earthwise Productions
Occupation President and founder
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I am not terribly enthusiastic about applying for the
parks commission, or serving as such after numerous
previous applications, but I wish to use this moment
to remember Kent Lockhart, my friend, who was the
greatest basketball player in the history of Gunn High,
who died last month at age 59. I had spoken to the
commission previously about naming basketball
courts after famous Palo Altans.
I also spoke publicly or sent letters about renaming
Foothill Park for a poet laureate Al Young.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
See previous statement.
Also, is it OK to name here that I have a concert on the
books at Lytton Plaza March 11 with Stephan Crump,
jazz bassist and April 20 with Edu Ribeiro Brazilian
jazz trio?
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
All right, I will bite:
The amplifier ban at Lytton Plaza in effect since 2011
is not narrow tailored, and therefore likely not
constitutional. The noise ordinance is sufficient.
3 of 5
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
Pass.
(that’s a basketball joke… The aforementioned
Lockhart was the assist leader for the number five
ranked Texas El Paso Miners…pass… meaning I will
not answer..versus pass meaning throw the ball or
help a teammate or fellow commissioner)
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
For a while I had my own hard copy of the comp plan
the one that was in effect from about 1995 to 2017.
It’s a bit off topic… May be better for the library
commission if we still had one… but I recommend the
book called “ PALO ALTO…” by young author,
Malcolm Harris about democracy versus capitalism
here and worldwide
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
A0B65A49-4852-40C5-8055-996EF712C5BD.jpeg
C647C2E1-816C-479A-9A8B-EB478938755E.jpeg
70546346-9F29-4D18-8F7A-EB77CEB1CD16.jpeg
BD3EE132-EA8D-4541-BD62-663D067B3592.jpeg
F0E94648-AA7E-4529-91F8-4AC8A571598E.jpeg
5FD28650-8B77-40AC-8030-BF62B1854BCD.jpeg
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Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
4 of 5
Signature Name of signatory: Mark B Weiss
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/22/2023
5 of 5
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Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:16 February 2023, 12:28PM
Receipt number:46
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Michael Breger
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Community Group
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Since moving to Palo Alto in 2016, I have come to love
its parks and natural spaces. I spend most evenings
either walking through the city parks or riding my bike
over to Baylands or Arastradero. I frequently play
tennis and basketball at Hoover Park. As a Stanford
Alumnus and current employee, I am very interested
in giving back to this community that has given me so
much inspiration and beautiful space for
contemplation. I wish to continue the commission's
work in collaborating with community members on all
park-related matters. As a communications
professional, I believe that I would be a welcome
addition to the team insofar as I would provide a fresh
perspective on ways to field community input and
manage the relationship between the city and those
that use its park resources.
Company/Employer Name Stanford University - Walter Shorenstein Asia-Pacific
Research Center
Occupation Communications Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
In the last 5 years, I have volunteer experience with
the Boys and Girls Club of Redwood City, the SF
Marin Food Bank, California State Parks, and the
Surfrider Foundation of San Mateo County. I am an
Eagle Scout and have managed multiple community
service projects in my home state of Virginia,
particularly in Fairfax County Parks and Fairfax
County Libraries. These projects included trail
construction and maintenance, book drives, food
drives, and parks beautification initiatives (removal of
invasive species along the Potomac River and
protection of native wildflowers via trail diversion at
Riverbend Park).
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
My love for and use of the city's parks compels me to
serve on a commission that can give back to the
community. Every time I use the parks I think to
myself, "I wonder how I can get involved and help
keep these spaces functional for my fellow residents."
I wish to maintain and enhance the public's ability to
enjoy these parks both through communications
initiatives and collaboration with maintenance groups.
I am interested in maintaining open channels with
Palo Alto residents to ensure that suggestions and
concerns are heard and fielded.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The opening of Foothills Nature Preserve to the public
was a particularly contentions moment in the recent
history of the City's parks, but was an important step
forward in creating more equitable access to Palo
Alto's resources on a regional level. As a resident, I
enjoyed resident-only access prior to the public
opening, but can still appreciate the park after the
opening to the public. A suitable balance has been
struck between the needs of residents and the needs
of visitors, and I am interested to see how the
management of its access will proceed in the future. I
have followed the multiple discussions about how
best to manage this particular park on the "Our Town
of Palo Alto" Facebook group and through local
media outlets.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
Continued innovative communications campaigns to
the public, sharing the wealth of resources the City
has to offer. Many young residents do not know about
the wealth of "green space" in Palo Alto, and I would
intend to help spread the word, especially to
newcomers and young people. I would hope to
continue the committees work in preserving these
beautiful spaces, and maintaining their integrity. The
quality of facilities at City Parks and our open space is
unique in the Bay Area, and I would help keep it that
way. Furthermore, I would like to collaborate with the
Palo Alto Art Center to hold more public programs
outdoors (En Plein Air painting classes, continuing
STEM-ecological education programs for children at
outdoor spaces, cleanup days, and community
walking/cycling meetup groups for residents to meet
and appreciate our "green space."
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I have referenced the Bicycle Pedestrian
Transportation plan during my time as a Stanford
University BeWell Ambassador, in which I helped
provide resources for co-workers who were interested
in switching to bike commuting. I continue to avail
myself of the City's bike boulevards (Oregon and
Bryant). I have also reviewed the Parks, Trails, Natural
Open Space & Recreation Master plan to better
acquaint myself with the City's policies and protocols
as they relate to open space.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
BregerCV_23.docx
5 of 6
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Michael Breger
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/16/2023
6 of 6
Michael Breger
EDUCATION
Stanford University, Master of Liberal Arts, 2022.
University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts, History, Astronomy Minor, 2015.
University College, Oxford University, Study Abroad, 2013 .
RESEARCH STATEMENT
My work, which spans the disciplines of literature, cultural studies, modern history, and critical
theory, focuses on poetics at the mid-century and global cultural studies during the Cold War . I
work within and between fields to theorize and innovate my methodological approach to
archives, eco-critical inquiry, literary criticism, and literar y comparison.
Primary Fields: Literature, Contemporary and Modern Philosophy, Modern History, Musicology.
Master’s Thesis (in progress): Witnessing the Eternal Within the Ephemeral: Allen Ginsberg’s
Observational Auto-Poesy and The Fall of America, 1965-72
Advisor: Albert Gelpi
Undergraduate Thesis: Building the Panopticon: Ideology, Discourse, and Rhetorical Method in
the Presentation of Soviet Socialist Construction
Advisor: Jeffrey Rossman
RESEARCH & WORK EXPERIENCE
Communications Manager, Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC), Stanford
University, 2021-present.
Research Assistant to Professor Geoffrey Cowan, Annenberg School for Communication and
Journalism, University of Southern California, 2021-present .
Event and Communications Coordinator, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian
Studies (CREEES), Stanford University, 2018-2021.
Circulation Desk Clerk, Green Library, Stanford Universit y, 2017-18.
Marketing Associate, Incorta, 2016-17.
Analytics and Data Visualization Consultant, Oracle, 2015-16.
Public History Intern, James Monroe’s Highland, 2015.
Intern, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello , 2014.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Course Assistant: GLOBAL 101 “Critical Issues in Global Affairs”
Stanford University, 2019-21
A seminar examining globalism and globalization in historical and contemporary
contexts. Instructors: Jovana Kneževi ć and Katherine Kuhns .
Instructor: INST 1550 “School of Rock: History of Rock and Roll Music”
University of Virginia, 2014
A seminar examining the origins, development, theory, and racial history of rock music.
Taught under supervision of Scott DeVeaux, Professor of Music.
CONFERENCE PAPERS AND PARTICIPATION
“The Howling Inferno: Crying Out in Anguish to America,” Associati on of Graduate Liberal
Studies Programs National Conference, Rice University, October 2021. Winner of Student
Presentation Award.
“In a Sentimental Mode: The Literary and Philosophical Strains of Dissent in Alexander
Radishchev’s Journey from St. Petersbu rg to Moscow,” West Coast Graduate Liberal Studies
Symposium, Dominican University of California, June 2021.
“From Havana to Moscow: Allen Ginsberg’s Travel Writing Behind the Iron Curtain,” REECAS
NW: Northwest Regional Conference for Russian, East Europ ean and Central Asian Studies,
Ellison Center for Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies, University of Washington,
April 2021.
“Metropolitan Greetings: Allen Ginsberg Behind the Iron Curtain,” Midwest Slavic Conference,
The Midwest Slavic Association and The Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies,
Ohio State University, April 2021.
“Through Being ‘Cool’: Hard Bop at the Crossroads of Stylistic Evolution and Social
Revolution,” Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs Nat ional Conference, Rice
University, October 2020.
“A Bird in the Bush is Worth One in the Mind: Thoreau, Derrida, Cage, and Sonic Co -Presence,”
Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs National Conference, Rice University,
October 2019.
“Trousers That Are Not Trousers: The Primacy of Materiality in Balzac’s Paris,” West Coast
Graduate Liberal Studies Symposium, St. John’s College, Santa Fe, June 2019.
ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS
“Burning Missives Under Infernal Conditions: Speakers, Sympathy, and Dramatic Monologue in
Dante and Ginsberg,” Confluence: The Journal of the AGLSP, expected 2022.
“In a Sentimental Mode: The Literary and Philosophical Strains of Dissent in Alexander
Radishchev’s Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow,” Western Tributaries , expected 2022.
“Metropolitan Greetings: Allen Ginsberg Behind the Iron Curtain (Havana to Mosc ow),”
Beatdom, 2021.
“The Howling Inferno: Crying Out in Anguish to America,” Beatdom, 2020.
“Towards a Musical Modernity: Jazz in the Iranian Context and Imagination from 1925 through
1979,” Stanford Tangents, 2019.
Arriving at Suprematism: ‘Zaum’ and the Alogical Praxis of Kazmir Malevich's Cow and
Violin,” Stanford Tangents, 2019.
“Trousers That Are Not Trousers: The Primacy of Materiality in Balzac’s Paris,” Western
Tributaries, 2019.
STANFORD NEWS & NEWSLETTERS
“America’s Future in Taiwan,” APARC News, November 10, 2021.
“How to Solve the North Korean Conundrum: The Role of Human Rights in Policy Toward the
DPRK,” APARC News, October 29, 2021.
“Ban Ki-moon Urges Global Cooperation to Address Twin Crises of Cli mate Change, COVID-
19,” APARC News, September 29, 2021.
“Mongolian Parliamentary Delegation Discusses the Nation's Democratic Future ,” APARC
News, September 20, 2021.
CREEES Chronicle, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
“A Piece of REEES-CiS: A New Club Adapts to the Virtual Environment ,” CREEES News, May
11, 2020.
“Stu McLaughlin Awarded Boren Fellowship to Study in Kazakhstan ,” CREEES News, May 4,
2020.
CREEES Chronicle: 50th Anniversary Edition , 2019.
“Norman Naimark recasts the post -World War II division of Europe in ‘Stalin and the Fate of
Europe’,” CREEES News, October 28, 2019.
“More Than Yurts, Yaks, and Genghis Khan: A Volunteer’s Vision of Central Asia ,” CREEES
News, December 17, 2018.
“Undergraduate Lena Zlock Digitally Maps Voltaire’s Library at The Hermitage ,” CREEES
News, November 5, 2018
CREATIVE & HUMOR PUBLICATIONS
“Eucalyptus,” Tuff Poems, 2020.
“Vessel Zine,” 2018.
“Granular Synthesis,” Leland Quarterly, 2018.
“Propagule,” Rumble Fish Quarterly, 2018.
“42 Letters Zine,” 2017.
“Kava,” Rumble Fish Quarterly, 2017.
“Losers Aren’t Lost Zine,” 2016.
“Resounding Pulse,” Jefferson Journal, 2015.
“Enlightenment: Now at Participating Starbucks Locations,” The Cavalier Daily, 2015.
“Bernie Sanders: D.D.S.,” The Cavalier Daily, 2015.
“Joseph Stalin Has a Few Concerns About the New Roommate,” McSweeney’s, 2014.
EXTRACURRICULARS AND HONORS
Student Presentation Award: “The Howling Inferno: Crying Out in Anguish to America,”
Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs National Conference, Rice University, 2021.
Poetry Editor, Stanford Tangents, Stanford University, 2021-present .
Stanford Cycli ng Club, Stanford University, 2019-present.
Editor, Stanford Arts Review, Stanford University, 2017-2020.
On-Air DJ for KZSU 91.1 FM, Jazz, Rock, and Classical, Stanford University, 2016-2019.
Z Society Award, University of Virginia, 2015.
Editor-in-Chief, The Virginia Journal of International Affairs, University of Virginia, 2013-2015.
Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, Regular Member, University of Virginia, 2011-2015.
Vice President, Model UN team, Model UN Conference Committee Chair, International
Relations Organization, University of Virginia, 2011 -2015.
Founding Member and Senior Editor, Virginia Undergraduate Law Review, University of
Virginia, 2014-2015.
On-Air DJ for WXTJ 100.1FM and WTJU 90.1 FM, Jazz, Rock, and Classical, Univ ersity of
Virginia, 2012-2015.
Finalist: TEDxUVA Student Speaker Competition, 2014.
ULink Peer Academic Advisor, University of Virginia, 2014 -2015.
Moderator, Sustained Dialogue, University of Virginia, 2013 -2015.
Dean’s List, University of Virginia, 2 013-2015.
Student Astronomical Society, 2013 -2015.
History Department Representative to Undergraduate Research Network, University of Virginia,
2013-2015.
1st Place, Poe Cup for Literature, Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, University of
Virginia, 2014.
Hot Kids Sketch Comedy, University of Virginia, 2012 -2014.
Outdoors Club, University of Virginia, 2011 -2014.
1st Place, Spring Oratory Competition, Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, University of
Virginia, 2013.
Ultimate Frisbee Team , University of Virginia, 2011-2012.
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, 2010.
Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America, 2008.
ADMINSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES & CONFERENCE PLANNING
Annual Alexander Dallin Lecture, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies,
Stanford University, 2018, 2019, 2021.
Annual Stanford-Berkeley Conference on Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, Center
for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies & UC Berkeley Institute of Slavic, East
European, and Eurasian Studies, 2018, 2019, 2021.
CREEES 50th Anniversary Conference: Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at
Stanford in Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, Stanford University, 2019.
Film Festival: Images of 1969, Center for Russian, East E uropean and Eurasian Studies, Stanford
University, 2019.
Conference: Redefining Eastern Europe: Norman Naimark and the Shaping of a Scholarly
Generation, 2019.
Conference: The Communist Century: New Studies in Revolution, Resistance and Radicalis m,
Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, Stanford University, 2018.
Virginia Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Virginia, 2014.
Virginia International Crisis Simulation, University of Virginia, 2012, 2013.
Virginia Model United Nations Conference, University of Virginia, 2012, 2013, 2014.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Surfrider Foundation: San Mateo
Boys and Girls Club: Mid-Peninsula
SF/Marin Regional Food Bank
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Volunteer
LANGUAGES
French (intermediate knowledge); Italian (beginner knowledge).
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 4:46PM
Receipt number:52
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Nanci L Howe
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Palo Alto Weekly
Other: NextDoor and probably others
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
B.A. Art Education and M.A. Higher Education.
45 years experience in student affairs, including
campus recreation at Vassar College, Cal Poly,
Pomona and Stanford.
38 years in multiple student affairs roles at Stanford,
most recently as Associate Dean and Student
Activities. Oversaw all student organization activities
and events, advised student government, oversaw
campus activity spaces and served as point person
for campus protests/free speech issues. Extensive
involvement and oversight of recreation related
student groups (club sports, outdoor activities, ski
club, surf club etc). In-depth knowledge of risk and
liability issues, motivating and overseeing volunteers,
space management and balancing many, and often,
competing needs.
Retired. Current volunteer activities include Master
Gardener of Santa Clara County, Canopy (inc. Great
Oak Count of Palo Alto) and County Elections Aide.
Informally work with refugees and food insecurity.
Interests inc. hiking, birding, gardening.
Company/Employer Name Retired. Last employer: Stanford University.
Occupation Retired. Formally College Administrator in Student
Affairs.
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Local Girl Scout Leader, 1995-1998.
Palo Alto Family YMCA Board Member, 2000-2001.
Canopy Volunteer, 2017-present. Involvement: Tree
plantings, Great Oak Count of Palo Alto and
participation in Urban Forestry Program, 2022.
Santa Clara County Elections Aide and Voting Center
Lead, 2020-present.
Master Gardener of Santa Clara, 2022-present.
Training program completed in 2022. Involvement in
County Help Desk and local talks to organizations in
Santa Clara County.
Refugee Resettlement Village. 2021-present. Informal
organization that works with Jewish Family Services
of Santa Clara to settle refugees in the County.
Involvement in soliciting non-cash donations and
organizing holiday food baskets.
"Get Out the Vote" initiatives through Center for
Common Ground. National, non-partisan organization
working to empower under-represented voters
nationally. Volunteer.
Access Books Bay Area. Volunteer.
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I have extensive involvement in campus recreation,
groups and spaces. At Stanford, I oversaw campus
recreation spaces (bowling, outdoor recreation
center, Lake Lagunita and outdoor program spaces). I
oversaw about 100 recreation related student groups
focussed on a broad range of interests: martial arts,
ski, surf, climbing, frisbee, dance, trips, youth
camping, even bee-keeping. I have experience and
training in risk management, volunteer engagement
and oversight , working with minors, DEI, facilities and
new initiatives. I understand the nuances of managing
scarce resources, and at times, conflicting needs.
I have a lifetime interest in the outdoors inc. hiking,
walking, camping, birding and gardening. My husband
is an avid biker. I am devoted to open space as a
means for solace and positive mental health. My
Canopy involvement and Urban Forestry training are
assets.
As 32 year resident I used many of parks and
recreation offerings. I especially love and use the
Baylands.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
There are many. The one that most closely fits my
interests and experience is the tree ordinance and the
urban forestry plan. As a lifelong nature enthusiast, I
have long been devoted to plants, wildlife and trees,
especially native habitats. I enthusiastically support
the mission and goals of Canopy and have been a
volunteer. I am an avid gardener and new Master
Gardener, especially interested in preserving and
enhancing native habitats. The changes in the tree
ordinance plan were long overdue and will help
maintain Palo Alto's tree canopy (I participated in a
zoom public comment session prior to its passing). I
support an urban forestry plan and would like to see
Palo Alto work in tandem with other nearby
communities. I am interested in seeing a greater city
commitment to native habitats beyond trees, to
include shrubs and other perennials that support
insects, bees and birds. Side note: Last summer I
catalogued 500 oak trees as a volunteer for Palo
Alto's Great Oak Count.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
I hope os to offer my past work and volunteer
experiences in setting goals and making decisions,
thoughtfully, fairly and with an eye to the future. Palo
Alto has excellent programs and services, but cannot
accommodate all needs. I understand how to broadly
seek community input and to thoughtfully evaluate
many, and at times, competing needs with an eye to
what the future Palo Alto will and should be.
Beyond this, I am interested in:
- Ensuring all residents, and especially those in less
well-served, areas have access to services/programs.
- Ensuring participants represent the full diversity of
our city.
- Increased support of native habitats in city lands.
- Preservation of native species, especially in the
Baylands, through education and effective
management.
- Development of a land acknowledgement for Palo
Alto lands, especially our open spaces and parks.
- Meaningful connections with a broad set of
community partners and nearby communities.
- To advise and support the staff.
-
7 of 8
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
No direct involvement
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Nanci Howe
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/27/2023
8 of 8
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 5:04PM
Receipt number:62
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Niklas Miles Goodman
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Palo Alto Weekly
Daily Post
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 4
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
My name is Miles Goodman; I'm a recent graduate
from the University of San Francisco and a lifelong
Palo Alto resident. I currently work as a Team Leader
at Philz Coffee, but I have experience in environmental
preservation & sustainability efforts in San Francisco
as well as community organizing in Palo Alto.
Company/Employer Name Philz Coffee
Occupation Team Lead Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Campaign Marketing Assistant for Julie Lythcott-
Haims / Nicole Chiu-Wang
Teen Wellness Committee Member, Children's Health
Council
Steering Committee Member, Palo Alto Forward
Alumni Panelist & Arts Education Advocate, PAUSD
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I'm looking for ways to get involved in my community
and environmental preservation has always been one
of my interests, even though my career has taken a
different direction. Ensuring Palo Alto's parks and
natural preserves are accessible for allto enjoy would
be a great way to give back to this community.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
It's on the docket for the March 7th meeting but I think
the discussion of a Community Wellness Center is
critical and directly ties into a lot of the work I've done
to ensure folks have resources. Most of my research
has focused on mental health resource accessibility in
Bay Area high schools and connecting community
members with alternative intervention measures such
as allcove.
3 of 4
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
My family moved to Palo Alto when I was 10 for its
amazing schools. That was over half my lifetime ago,
and now it's time that I use my voice and platform as
a young renter in this city to ensure that folks moving
to Palo Alto to start families also have the best
possible outdoor resources to enjoy.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I'm familiar with both the Bicycle - Pedestrian
Transportation Plan and the Cubberley Report from
2013, but since it's been a while since I looked at both
documents I would be happy to refresh my own
memory.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Resume 2023 (1).pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Niklas Miles Goodman
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/28/2023
4 of 4
CONTACT ME
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology | 3.80 GPA
Associate in Arts, Psychology | 3.88 GPA
Certificate of Achievement, Humanities | 3.88 GPA
University of San Francisco
Foothill College
Foothill College
2020 - 2022
2018 - 2020
2019 - 2020
SKILLS
Team Management
Policy Analysis
Public Relations
Digital Marketing
Research Design
WORK EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEERING & CERTIFICATIONS
Miles
Goodman
Social/Political Psychology Researcher,
Barista, & Community Organizer
1.2022 - 6.2022
University of California, San Francisco
MISCI-CE Social Contact Intervention Assistant
Assisted with the Memory & Aging Center's MISCI (Multi-modal Intergenerational Social Contact
Intervention) development and collaboration with other organizations within the city of San Francisco, as
well as its efforts to study the effect of intergenerational friendships in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's
disease. Attended weekly cohort meetings to discuss developments in our elder-student partnerships.
Responsible for clerical data entry and analysis, community outreach, and independent research on the
usage of receptive Music Therapy as an intervention strategy for older adults with early-onset dementia.
8.2021 -
Philz Coffee
Team Lead Manager
Joined Philz Coffee with three years of prior experience as a barista (formerly employed at Peet's Coffee
& Boba Guys) as part of the leadership team responsible for reopening the Salesforce Transbay location
after its closing due to COVID-19. Responsible for memorization and education of 25+ handcrafted coffee
recipes, day-to-day people development initiatives, inventory monitoring in conjunction with six nearby
locations, cash handling, and interpersonal conflict resolution when it arose. Transferred to the Forest
Avenue location in Palo Alto in May 2022 due to university graduation and residency change.
5.2021 -
Mental Health Action Project
Director of Research Development
Responsible for overseeing undergraduate research team at a student-led nonprofit aiming to shift the
narrative of mental health from broad awareness towards action. Tasked with understanding the impact
of MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) training and its potential implementation as part of the orientation
process at several California community colleges. Conducted thorough policy analysis on key pieces of
state legislation related to public health and higher education, approved independent research projects,
and led the process of applying for several grants as a means of securing funding for MHFA training fees.
3.2021-12.2021
ASUSF Undergraduate Senate
Transfer Student Representative
Appointed as Senator-designate to represent USF's transfer student population in February of 2021; ran
for election to a full term in April 2021 and defeated challenger by 10-point margin. Served as voting
member on Senate's committees on Internal Affairs and Marketing. Authored the AMTRAC Act to
acknowledge A.B. 928 and reform transfer credit criteria in Humanities & STEM, and drafted Survivor's
Bill of Rights to update counseling practices & increase accountability for mandatory reporters. Oversaw
the implementation of a holistic Credit Evaluation System and the Student Pathways Workgroup, a
collaborative effort from several administrative members to support non-traditional students.
Non-English
Languages
McGrath Scholar • Humanities Mellon Scholar
Nicole Chiu-Wang for Palo Alto School Board
Julie Lythcott-Haims for Palo Alto City Council
USFCA Votes
Palo Alto Forward, Steering Committee
CHC Teen Wellness Committee, 2017-18
CITI Human Subjects
Research Training
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Suicide Prevention
Dean's List, Fall 2020-Spring 2022
Dean's List, Fall 2018-Summer 2020
Dean's List, Fall 2019-Summer 2020
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:24 April 2022, 5:26PM
Receipt number:39
Related form version:3
Personal Information
Name Sanjay Hortikar
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website. I am providing the
following alternate information and request that the
following contact information below:
Alternate Contact Information - Address
Alternate Contact Information - Phone Number
Alternate Contact Information - Email
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
(621 characters max)
Education: PhD in Physics, MS in Computer Science
University of California Santa Barbara
More relevant to the outdoors:
- Avid hiker, climber, backpacker with extensive
experience backpacking, hiking in the Eastern Sierras,
Yosemite, California deserts
- Mountaineering experience from training in WA;
worked with Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit briefly
- EMT trained in Santa Barbara county
- Have hiked in all parts of Palo Alto, Bay Area since
2005
Employment Information
Company/Employer Name
Google Inc
Occupation Engineering Manager/Senior Staff Software Engineer
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
(1311 characters max)
I have not been directly involved or held offices and
think I would like to be
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
(1449 characters max)
As I mentioned in my the experience/education
section, I have extensive experience and a deep
passion for the outdoors. I am constantly in city open
space preserves hiking with my kids & dog. I have
been hiking around Palo Alto since 2005 and would
like to contribute to my community in this role. I have
ideas about making the outdoors even more
accessible and well preserved for the community and
would like to contribute.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
(1449 characters max)
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I'm interested in fire mitigation efforts for Foothill Park
and Arastradero Preserve (and other areas). As a
frequent (often daily) visitor to these areas I have an
interest in contributing to these efforts, especially as
the fire season keeps growing longer and more
dangerous.
In addition, I'd like to help with exploring funding
opportunities for these and other efforts for parks in
Palo Alto. It seems looking for private sector
contributions would also be possible as part of
environmental efforts of companies with office here.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
why? How would you suggest accomplishing this?
(1656 characters max)
The main areas of interest for me are
- Expanding our open space preserves , parks and
how to explore funding opportunities to preserve
them for the future, via community programs for
support as well as fire mitigation & other preservation
efforts to protect native species and forest habitats.
- I would like to explore private funding opportunities
for open space preserves & parks, in addition to
federal/state grants. As we saw with the great interest
in Foothills park when it was opened up to non-
residents, there is enough public interest in our open
space preserves to generate support.
- Expanding dog-friendly areas, given the increase in
dog ownership over the Covid pandemic will increase
public interest and support for these programs, too
- Bike and pedestrian path & program enhancements
to contribute to community health as well the
environment
4 of 5
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
(483 characters max)
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I have looked at the Parks, Trails, Natural Open
Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017) in the
context of the plan for Foothill park expansion and
plans to add more parks.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Sanjay Hortikar
Link to signature
Date Completed 04/24/2022
5 of 5
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:25 February 2023, 11:53AM
Receipt number:53
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name shani Kleinhaus
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I currently serve on the Palo Alto Parks and
Recreation Commission. I have Ph.D. in Ecology, from
UC Davis.
Company/Employer Name Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and CBRE
2 of 5
Occupation Environmental Advocate and Project Manager
(Ecology)
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I have been working for the Santa Clara Valley
Audubon Society as the organization's Environmental
Advocate for over 10 years. In that function, I have
served on multiple Parks, Open Space and Recreation
planning efforts (from master plans to neighborhood
parks), Citizens Advisory groups and other
environmental task forces, focus groups and
stakeholder groups throughout Santa Clara County. In
Palo Alto, in addittion to my current role as a Parks
and Rec Commissioner, I served on the Citizens
Advisory Committee for the Comprehensive Plan
update, and have been a stakeholder in the
development of the Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space
& Recreation Master Plan. I contributed to many other
planning efforts that focus on parks and open space,
the urban forest, and other environmental issues.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
Palo Altans are fortunate to have parks and open
space that span from the foothills to the Bay, and an
urban forest that residents value and enjoy. I am
interested in many of the functions of the
Commission, but my education, experience and
interests focus on nature and biodiversity, balancing
access and nature in open space preserves, and the
urban forest.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
During my year+ of service, I served on ad-hoc
committees (Electronic Conveyance, Park Dedication)
and as a liaison for Urban Forest, Foothills Park and
the Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
Some of this work is expected to continue.
3 of 5
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
I hope we continue to balance access and recreation
with the protection of nature in open space preserves.
It would be good if we can identify and even fund
additional habitat conservation and restoration
opportunities. We should also pay more attention to
lighting the impacts of light at night on environmental
and human health. In addition, I am glad we moved
ahead with the expansion of the Skating bowl at Greer
park, and hope the commission should research ways
to create opportunities for "fun" facilities and
activities for youth.
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I was on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Palo
Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017) and a stakeholder in
the preparation of the Parks, Trails, Natural Open
Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017). I am familiar
with the Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
and the Concordia Master Plan (2019). I am also
familiar with the Urban Forest and Tree Protection
ordinance. I have some understanding of the Bicycle -
Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012) and the
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report
(2013), and should spend more time on the Youth
Master Plan (200
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
4 of 5
Signature Name of signatory: Shani Kleinhaus
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/25/2023
5 of 5
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:26 February 2023, 4:37PM
Receipt number:58
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Sierra R Peterson
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Design for Delight Educator (2022)
BNY Mellon Student Fellow (2020-2021)
Legal Assistant Intern (2017-2021)
Events planning and management experience (2016-
2023)
Grant writing experience (2021-2023)
Company/Employer Name Enactus United States
Occupation Regional Program Manager II
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Enactus Student Advisory Council 1 year
SURJ Billings Chapter Leader 1 year (MT)
Rocky Mountain College Student leader 3 years (MT)
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
The Parks and Recreation Commission interests me
as it advises the City Council on policy relating to Palo
Alto’s parks. As a renter with no backyard and an
active member of the Palo Alto community, I utilize
our parks on a weekly basis. I enjoy spending time in
our parks playing tennis, pickleball, picnicking, and
attending the twilight concerts. I have spent significant
time enjoying Johnson, Rinconada, Mitchell, and
Foothills park. It is increasingly important for
individuals across Palo Alto like myself with no
outdoor space of their own to have access to our
parks, and for those parks to be kept in good
condition. This was especially evident during the
pandemic. I found myself utilizing the space while
working remotely just to get some fresh air. Green
space is crucial to health and wellness and our parks
are a jewel of Palo Alto. I would aim to protect our
parks and ensure that everyone in Palo Alto has the
opportunity for recreation and green space if elected
to the commission.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The Mitchell Park Racquet Court Policy from the
November 22, 2022 meeting has been intriguing to me
as a player of both sports. The shared usage of
courses at Mitchell Park between pickleball and tennis
players has created points of contention between
both sides and if appointed to the commission I would
aim to assist in bridging the gap for all those involved.
I have been one of the unfortunate members of the
tennis community who has had to travel to several
locations in search of an open court, simultaneously I
have had to wait longer than an hour for a pickleball
court due to lack of enough courts. I would like to see
the evaluation and 6 month policy change plan
moving forward and the development of continued
ideation that maximizes court time for all users. I think
it is important to develop a new system of shared
courts to best serve both tennis and pickleball
players.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
If appointed, one goal I would like the Parks and
Recreation Commission to achieve is the
establishment and implementation of more events in
the Palo Alto Parks. The summer concerts in the park
are fantastic and bring the community together. The
fourth of July event at Mitchell Park is another
example of a great event held in our parks. As an
experienced events planner I believe my skills would
serve the Commission well in creating more outdoor
and open space events. Another goal I would like the
Commission to achieve would be continued
development of waste management. Keeping the
parks clean is crucial to the health and survival of our
green space and I’d like the opportunity to assist in
developing resources to encourage those using the
parks to keep the space clean, safe and accessible for
others. If appointed I would also like to see new parks
and recreational spaces created.
4 of 5
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
I have read through several of the documents but I do
not have any formal experience with them.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Sierra Peterson RPM Resume PR APP.docx
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Sierra R. Peterson
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/26/2023
5 of 5
Sierra Peterson
Education
• Rocky Mountain College, Billings, MT
Major: Business Administration, Minors: Small Business Administration and Economics
graduation April 26, 2021.
Involvement
• Enactus Rocky Mountain College President 2 years
• Enactus 2021 BNY Fellow 1 year
• Enactus Student Advisory Council 1 year
• SURJ Billings Chapter Leader 1 year
• Rocky Mountain College Student leader 3 years
• Rocky Mountain College Presidential Scholarship, RMC Grant
• Emergency Medical Responder 4 years
• 4-H Member/ President 8 years
• Junior Fair Board and Junior Leadership 5 years
• Outstanding Player Award & All Academic Award
• Cory-Rawson FFA member 3 years
• Cory-Rawson FCCLA member 3 years
Work Experience and Skills
Enactus Regional Program Manager II (June 15, 2021- current)
• Manage, evaluate and foster the progress of active Enactus teams
• Identify prospective university participants and partner companies
• Compile, produce, and analyze territory data
• Collaborate with Enactus USA and Enactus Global on events and other
team goals
Student Secretary to RMC Dean of Students Office (September 2018- May 2021)
• Liaison to students
• Tasks including answering phone, email organization and response, filing
and sorting paperwork, confidential information source, general knowledge source to the
campus as well as outside community members and affiliates
• Schedule meetings and events for the Dean of Students and the Student
Life Team
Arbonne Independent Consultant (April 2019 - Present)
• Use social media to encourage sales, manage inventory, expand customer
base
• Educate and inspire others in health and wellness techniques
Lead Resident Advisor/Area Resident Director (May 2019 - May 2021)
• Work closely with team members to ensure safety, security, and a sense of
camaraderie throughout campus
• Perform nightly rounds to ensure policy standards and campus safety.
• Report any findings in a detailed nightly log
• Enforce RMC policy and report any policy violations through the
appropriate channels
• Use creativity to make bulletin boards applicable to students
• Event coordination and participation
• Ensure clear and efficient means of communication.
• Create and facilitate student events (Egg Hunt, Minute To Win It Game
Night, Summer BBQ)
• Manage roommate conflicts and expectations
• Cultivate relationships between students through group and school events
• Cultivate relationships with staff members
• Connect with students and serve as an leader and place to go within the
living community
Granite Peak Veterinary Hospital (July 2019- January 2021)
• Answer phones, Schedule appointments
• Manage customer intake and outtake
• Relay information between Doctors, Technicians, Clients, and
Representatives
• Opening tasks including cleaning and organization of front end
• Closing tasks including bank deposits, preparing next day files and
organizing end of day front end
• Promoted from receptionist to kennel technician to veterinary assistant
• Clean and maintain kennels and animal wellness
• Speak to clients establishing background and potential treatment, relay
information to Doctors
• Provide medical care to animals including vaccines, routine maintenance,
assisting surgeries, x-rays, and dosage of medications
Vans Evergreen IGA Grocery Stocker/Key Holder (February 2017- July 2019)
• Grocery Stocker with cross training in multiple departments
• Closing tasks including cash management, employee supervision, and
store facility condition
• Promoted to Key Holder Position
• Assist in several manager duties (cross trained in multiple aspects, serve as
temporary manager for various departments)
• Assist in emergency protocol including alerting emergency personnel,
crisis management, administer emergency medical treatment
References
• Karen Beiser (Enactus Advisor)
• Lisa Wallace (Enactus Advisor)
• Brad Nason (Dean of Students)
• Kristin Mills (Dean of Students Secretary)
• Shaydean Saye (Director of Residence Life)
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:23 February 2023, 10:08PM
Receipt number:45
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Star Teachout
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Other: A current Planning & Transportation
commissioner
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
•Arastradero, Foothills, Baylands park user (hiking,
running)
•PAUSD PTA Green Team - 2007 onward (up through
middle school/before COVID) with some breaks here
and there)--this involvement started with planning and
assisting with the Barron Park Elementary school
garden (2007-2015), running lunch time activities and
classroom lessons; Terman/Fletcher Middle School
Green teams (planting, zero waste, Earth Day events,
etc)
•Involvement with city sponsored sports as a parent
of participating youth (soccer, baseball, x-country,
wrestling) and recreation classes (children's science
camps, adult school photography, knitting)
•Sustainable Schools Committee attendee (not an
official member, but a concerned, contributing citizen)
•BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering
•Credentialed English teacher (with supplementaries
in industrial arts, psychology, art, science--granted
due to MS degree)
Company/Employer Name Palo Alto Unified School District
Occupation substitute teacher
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Most of my extra energy has gone into our schools,
and much of that advocacy has been in bridging the
divide between staff and our district office. I was on
Gunn's first Challenge Success team (2013), the Gunn
Cite Council (2020), and parent education related to
the community college pathway. I have occasionally
gotten involved in Safe Routes to Schools plans
(community input workshops), spoken/written on
issues coming before the city related to housing and
the environment. This would be my first foray into
formal involvement with the city of Palo Alto.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
We are nearing the end of our time in PAUSD (20 of 21
years), and I'm exploring other ways to contribute. I
am someone who wants to use our city's resources
(beautiful parks, interesting classes, interesting
people with advanced degrees, good leadership) to
bring more people together, especially those who are
less affluent and/or feel isolated in our high tech,
status-driven, environmentally-stressed world.
Perhaps unrealistic, but I feel strong city structures
(including commissions) can be anchors for people
and lead the way to healthier ways of living. Many of
our high school youth are detached from our city and
their own lives. I would imagine there is a lot of
loneliness in our elderly population too. We have
opportunities to rethink consumption and perhaps
shift some of those creative/consumptive desires
towards expanded interactions/connections with
people and our natural world. In this way our
commission's purpose includes education. One
wonders, is it the heart of our city?
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Dog parks are an interesting topic because they not
only serve the dogs but also help to socialize their
owners too! I would imagine there are quite a few
schools who would like to reduce the use of their
playgrounds by dogs due to unobservant owners
failing to pick up their fecal deposits. There are also
many rescue dogs who need a controlled area with
which they can play under supervision. Dogs are an
important part of our families, and bring many
benefits to young and older people alike with their
unconditional love.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
1. Building a stronger coalition between our schools
and city--building a city gym that provides recreation
to those who cannot afford a private club
membership, but also to bring a diversity of people
together. Would love to see a teen center for older
teens included in the gym complex, which provides
expanded art/craft/music opportunities for older teen
residents. Could we share resources--eg, open court
time in our high school basketball courts, open
summer pools?
2. Would like to expand the city-wide garage sale
concept to a city wide___________ event happening
every month or two (basketball games, knitting
circles, card/board games, more repair cafes,
whatever students and older adults would be tempted
by).
3. Offering city-sponsored summer dances for teens
(adults too :)).
4. Continued expansion of cycling around town--bike
groups/pools.
5. Advocate for the PA Utilities water-usage survey to
include energy and garbage.
6. Expansion of recreation courses; some on HS
campuses.
5 of 6
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
•Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation
Master Plan (2017)--mainly knowledgeable of the key
findings
• Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)--I
participated in one of the community outreach
workshops
• Youth Master Plan--mainly just keeping tabs on what
their doing and who it serves (eg, MakeX space)
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
DSC01993.jpg
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Star Teachout
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/23/2023
6 of 6
s:.��ffp; i'�lir
L#a,i J�
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 8:04PM
Receipt number:64
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Sunny K Paul
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Other: Facebook
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I work as a Senior Manager Analytics for a Beauty
product company called Sephora. My job is to look at
data to see how I can improve the client experience
that is helpful both for the clients as well as my
organization. I am a problem solver who is able to
look in to the cause and effect to get favorable
outcomes
Company/Employer Name Sephora
Occupation Senior Manager Analytics
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
As a parent of a 9 year old kid, I am active in all her
activities within the park and school. I was the room
parent in her school gathering feedbacks from
parents to improve overall. I play tennis with her and
have organized tennis players group in her elementary
school for parents to connect and have play dates
around tennis.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
We moved to Palo Alto 3 years ago and are thankful
for the PA parks. I feel the parks key part of our
community. There are a few ways the parks can be
improved.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am new to the community and have not participated
in the meetings. I would like to participate in the
future.
3 of 5
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
I would like to identify what we are probably missing
in the parks.
1. How can we maximize use of our Tennis courts.
Maybe we can implement tennis court reservation like
some of our neighborhood districts have done. This
would ensure that only Palo Alto residents are using
the courts and there is no abuse in usage
2. Streamline the park reservation system so that
people can reserve in advance and parents are not
anxious if they want to set up their kids birthday
3. Look at developing new opportunities. Like golf
driving range, cricket, baseball, etc.
4. Improve access to aquatic facility
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
NA
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
4 of 5
Signature Name of signatory: Sunny K Paul
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
5 of 5
Parks & Recreation Commission
Application
Submission date:1 February 2023, 6:01PM
Receipt number:42
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Yudy Deng
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Parks and
Recreation Commission?
Email from the City
Other: Attended Parks and Rec Commissiton monthly
Tuesday meetings
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Career
Investor Relations Director, 01/2021 to present @Ark7
Inc - Palo Alto, CA
Executive Account Manager, 01/2020 to 06/2021
@Afficient Academy Inc - San Jose, CA
Marketing Executive, 04/2018 to 12/2019 @Power
Valley - San Francisco, CA
Owner and Lead Instructor, 08/2011 to 03/2018 @
FIT4MOM Bellevue & Mercer Island - Seattle, WA
Management Trainee-Supply Chain Financial Analyst,
03/2008 to 05/2010 @AkzoNobel – Shanghai, China
Education
Master of Science: Economics, Finance, &
Management, 2006 to 2008 @University of Bristol -
Bristol, UK
Bachelor of Business Administration:
Accounting/ACCA, 2002 to 2006 @Shanghai Jiaotong
University - Shanghai, China
Exchange Student: Accounting, 2004 @City University
of Hong Kong - Hong Kong
Certifications
CPR certified through American Heart Association,
2019
Fitness Instructor Certificate through FIT4MOM, 2018
Certificate in Food, Nutrition, and Health from the
University of Washington, 2017
Company/Employer Name Ark7 Inc.
Occupation Investor Relations Director
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Over the years, I have been actively involved in
various community organizations. For example, I was
a board member of the Parks & Community Services
Board in Bellevue, WA, from 2016 to 2018. My passion
for civic engagement continued in Palo Alto as I led
my family and several Asian American sports groups
in donating $10,000 towards the renovation of
Cubberley Community Track and Field. Our effort was
recognized by City staff and commissioners and also
featured by Palo Alto weekly in the summer of 2022.
As a dedicated leader in the nonprofit sectors, I
served as the VP of Ways and Means for both Ohlone
PTA (current) and Duveneck PTA (2019). In addition, I
was honored to be elected president of my
university's alumni association (2020-2021) and
associate board member for the Silicon Valley
Leadership Community (current). In these roles, I have
organized many social events and fundraisers to
connect community members.
It was extremely fulfilling to volunteer and serve the
community!
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Parks and Recreation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
As a passionate advocate for community
development and an active user of Palo Alto's open
spaces and community facilities, I am strongly
interested in serving on the commission. I bring a
solid foundation in the principles of parks and
recreation management, having served on the Parks
and Community Services Board in Bellevue. During
my term on the board, I gained a deep understanding
of the challenges and issues faced by the Community
Services department, as well as developed the skills
and strategies to address these obstacles and
improve public spaces.
In addition, I am excited about the opportunity to bring
diversity to the commission, as the current lack of an
Asian representative concerns me. I believe it is
important for all communities to be represented in
decision-making bodies and to have a voice in the
planning and development of public spaces. As an
Asian female, I would be honored to advocate for this
community and ensure their needs and interests are
considered.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I have attended several monthly Tuesday meetings,
and the recent one on January 24th, with the topic of
Cubberley Community Center Playfields Restroom
Addition Project, has drawn my great interest. I
regularly run on the track and dance in the studio, my
husband plays tennis on the court, and my kids
practice soccer on the turf field. Cubberley is our
family fitness center. When Sonya Bradski and David
Moss forwarded me the survey last summer, I
immediately shared it with my running group and my
kids' soccer club. Lots of active users of Cubberley
expressed their support and concerns. There is no
doubt that we need this new public restroom, the
challenge is how we address the neighborhood
debate on the best location. I would support the
staff's recommendation of Location 1 and request
additional funds for a larger restroom and a lift
station. We can also partner with Friends of Palo Alto
Parks to raise another fundraising round to fund this
project if possible.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Parks and Recreation Commission achieve, and
how would you help in the process?
1. Improved Accessibility and Inclusivity: PRC can
work towards improving access to parks and
recreation facilities for all residents, regardless of
ability or socio-economic status. This could involve
installing accessible amenities, offering programs for
under-served populations, and working with
community organizations to ensure that all residents
have equal access to public spaces.
2. Enhancing Park Maintenance and Upgrades: Parks
and recreation facilities should be well-maintained
and safe for all users. PRC can work with city staff to
identify needed areas and allocate funds and
resources to these projects.
3. Fostering Community Engagement: PRC can work
to increase public engagement and involvement. This
can involve hosting community events, soliciting input
on park planning and development, and creating
opportunities for volunteerism and community
service.
I would work collaboratively and passionately with
other members of the PRC and city staff to achieve
our shared goals.
7 of 8
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Members work
with the documents listed below. If you have experience
with any of these documents, please describe that
experience. Experience with these documents is not
required for selection.
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, & Recreation Master Plan (2017)
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan (2017): Community Services and
Facilities Element & Natural Environment Element Baylands Master
Plan (2008)
Park Dedication Ordinance (Municipal Code)
Bicycle - Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012)
Youth Master Plan (2003)
Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report (2013)
Concordia Master Plan (2019)
The CCAC Final Report 2013 is a comprehensive
report on the future of the Cubberley Community
Center campus in Palo Alto, California. The report
provides recommendations on the future use of the
site, considering the community's needs and making
recommendations for the future development and
management of the campus. I read this report when
my family decided to fundraise for the Track and Field
Renovation Project last summer. $10k was raised and
donated.
The Palo Alto Parks Master Plan 2018 is a
comprehensive report outlining a vision for the future
of the city's parks and recreation system. The report
provides a detailed analysis of the city's current parks
and recreation facilities and makes recommendations
for their improvement and future development. The
report emphasizes the importance of sustainability,
community engagement, and accessibility in the
development and management of the city's parks and
recreation system. I studied it to prepare myself to
apply for the PRC vacancy.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Cubberley Fundraising Project on Palo Alto
Weekly.png
Moonlight Run Article by Palo Alto Weekly.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Yudy Deng
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/01/2023
8 of 8
BURN Running member Yudy Deng, center, jogs with her children, Eva Zhao, left, and Ian
Zhao, right, at the Cubberley Community Center track in Palo Alto on Aug. 19, 2022.
Photo by Magali Gauthier.
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 2, 2022 • Page 13
The 38th annual Palo Alto
Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk
will be held on Sept. 9 around the
Palo Alto Baylands under the full
harvest moon.
The event also is taking place
virtually in parks, on streets and
in neighborhoods near and far for
a third consecutive year for partici-
pants who prefer to run whenever
and wherever they choose.
The annual event, organized by
the Palo Alto Weekly and city of
Palo Alto, will kick off in person
on Friday, Sept.
9, with a 5K walk
followed by 5K,
10K and half-
marathon races.
Virtual partici-
pants can com-
plete the race, which kicked off on
July 28, on any day between now
and Sept. 9.
The annual fundraising event
supports the Palo Alto Weekly
Holiday Fund, which awards
grants to nonprofits that serve
children and families in Santa
Clara and San Mateo counties.
Last year’s event, which included 1,391 runners and
walkers from 10 US states, Canada and beyond,
raised roughly $37,000. Race-night registration for
all events begins at 5:30 p.m. at Baylands Athletic
Center, 1900 Geng Road, Palo Alto. Only Apple Pay
and credit cards will be accepted for race-night reg-
istration; no cash.
This year, the Moonlight Run’s traditional 5K
route returns after being rerouted last year to avoid
construction along San Francisquito Creek. The
route will follow the San Francisquito Creek levee
past the north side of the Palo Alto Golf Course and
the airport, passing the Baylands Interpretive Center.
Longtime participants in the Moonlight Run will be
able to run the tried-and-true course once again.
Along with a climbing wall and warmups, the
event will feature three food trucks: Cousins Maine
Lobster, The Cookout Fish & Chips and Kiss My
Boba. Cousins Maine Lobster is part of a large chain
of trucks and restaurants and has been featured on
television shows like Shark Tank and Master Chef.
A local outfit from Mountain View, The Cookout
Fish & Chips serves different kinds of fish, shrimp,
chicken strips and wings with many sides. A local
Tongan-family-owned food truck, Kiss My Boba,
serves boba and other drinks and desserts that have
been featured on KQED.
Results of the in-person races will be posted as
available on race night at paloaltoonline.com. To
maintain fairness to in-person runners, virtual par-
ticipants will not be eligible for awards and will not
be able to submit times.
For more information about the event, go to
paloaltoonline.com/moonlight_run/. Q
Kali Shiloh
Participants enjoy warmup exercises before last year’s race.
See course
map on
page 17.
Palo Alto Weekly’s annual
Moonlight Run & Walk marks 38th year
Fundraising event boasts several routes around Baylands
Walk starts at 7 p.m.
CORPORATE SPONSORS
A BENEFIT EVENT FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS
SUPPORTING KIDS & FAMILIES
AT PALO ALTO BAYLANDS
Half Marathon • 10K Run • 5K Run & Walk
INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:
PaloAltoOnline.com/moonlight_run/
PRESENTED BY CITY OF PALO ALTO
A great event for kids & families
SIGN UP TODAY!
FRIDAY, SEPT. 9
Kali Shiloh
People take off from the starting line in the 5K walk at the Moonlight Run & Walk at the Palo Alto
Baylands on Sept. 17, 2021.
P A L O A L T O W E E K L YP A L O A LT O W E E K LY
Page 14 • September 2, 2022 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
New members get $100!
sfcu.org/bonus
Proud Sponsor of the Palo Alto Weekly
MOONLIGHT 2022 Run & Walk
Federally Insured by NCUA
We’re on a
mission to
improve
financial
lives!
Stanford Federal Credit Union is
a not-for-profit, member-owned
financial institution providing
generous member benefits.
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 2, 2022 • Page 15
Page 16 • September 2, 2022 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
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For nearly 75 years, Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., a duly recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit, has enabled seniors to age in place, driven by a profound legacy of caring and our core values of respect,
commitment, trust, dedication and compassion. Our four core programs serve over 6,000 households and address the most pressing issues of aging adults by offering critical services to
sustain their daily physical, nutritional, emotional and mental health while achieving dignity and independence in their lives. PVl’s programs include Nutrition Services/Meals on Wheels; Adult
Day Services at Rosener House; Health, Wellness and Lifetime Enrichment offerings at Little House; and on-demand Transportation Services at Little House. I Tax ID# 94-1294939
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 2, 2022 • Page 17
MOONLIGHT RUN
RACE NIGHT GUIDE
Q Climbing wall
Q JCC instructors will lead warmups
Q Sponsor booths: DeLeon
Realty, Stanford Federal Credit
Union, Stanford Health Care,
Connoisseur Coffee, Country
Sun, Hobee’s, House of Bagels
Q Information booths
FIELD ACTIVITIES AND BOOTHS
5:30 p.m. Registration opens.
Activities, sponsors’ booths and
more on the field (see below).
6:45 p.m. Pre-walk warmups.
7 p.m. 5K walk begins.
7:15 p.m. Pre-race warmups.
7:30 p.m. Half marathon begins.
8 p.m. Pre-race warmups.
8:15 p.m. 5K run begins.
8:25 p.m. 10K run begins.
8:45 p.m. Food tables open for
5K and 10K runners. Snacks
provided by Country Sun Natural
Foods, Hobee’s and House
of Bagels. Coffee provided by
Connoisseur Coffee Co.
9:30 p.m. Awards ceremony for
the top three finishers in each
category. Race results will be
posted as available.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AND WHEN
Results of the in-person races will be
available on computer monitors at the
Baylands Athletic Center beginning
at around 9:30 p.m. on race night.
Results also will be posted online at
bit.ly/2022MoonlightRun.
Medals for first-, second- and third-
place finishers in each division will
be handed out once final results are
in, between 9:30 and 10 p.m. They
may also be picked up during regular
business hours after the race at the
Palo Alto Weekly, 450 Cambridge
Ave., Palo Alto.
To maintain fairness to in-person
runners, virtual participants will not
be eligible for awards and will not be
able to submit times.
FASTEST TIMES
FROM LAST YEAR
Here’s a look at the top Moonlight
Run & Walk finishers from each
running event in 2021.
5K — Men
First place: Kenji Tella, Palo Alto .......16:44
Second place: John Miller, Palo Alto .. 16:51
Third place: Jake Seley, Los Altos ......17:42
Fourth place: Owen Matejka,
Wellesley Hills..................................17:45
Fifth place: Kyle Louis, San Jose....... 17:48
5K — Women
First place: Ilan Jen-La Plante,
San Jose ........................................19:26
Second place: Nicole Mackey,
South New Berlin, New York ............19:48
Third place: Ariana Peck,
Menlo Park .....................................20:20
Fourth place: Alexandra Difede,
Palo Alto .........................................21:13
Fifth place: Katy Rees, Menlo Park ...23:23
10K — Men
First place: Eoin Oconnell, Palo Alto ..33:57
Second place: Chris Holve, Palo Alto .. 34:12
Third place: Eric Buysse, Los Altos ...35:20
Fourth place: Tyler Jung,
Mountain View ................................36:52
Fifth place: Nico Ross, Palo Alto ....... 37:19
10K — Women
First place: Emma Dohner,
Menlo Park .....................................38:53
Second place: Kristina Rivera,
San Jose ........................................39:12
Third place: Fenella Scutt, Stanford .. 41:14
Fourth place: Ann Marie Cody,
Sunnyvale .......................................41:36
Fifth place: Evelyn Gaskin, Palo Alto ... 44:28
Half marathon — Men
First place: Adrian Amaral ..............1:20:50
Second place: Andrew Schoenen,
Palo Alto ......................................1:20:56
Third place: Emile Choghi,
Palo Alto ......................................1:21:03
Fourth place: Daniel Aminzade,
Sunnyvale ....................................1:28:38
Fifth place: Bret Sarnquist,
Carson City, Nevada ....................1:29:55
Half marathon — Women
First place: Riley Hill, Palo Alto .......1:42:15
Second place: Amanda Bellomo,
Sunnyvale ....................................1:56:05
Third place: Linnea Bellomo,
Sunnyvale ....................................1:56:05
Fourth place: Melissa Watkins,
Sunnyvale ....................................1:59:21
Fifth place: Anitra Romfh,
Palo Alto ......................................2:00:43
RACE RESULTS
Start/Finish
Race H.Q.
10k
Half
Marathon
Run: 8:25pm
Run: 7:30pm
5k
Walk: 7pm
Run: 8:15pm
Em
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Faber PlGeng
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Geng
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Municipal
Service
Center
Palo Alto
Airport
Golf
Course
Race Registration
Sponsor Booths S.F.San Jose
E. Bayshore Rd
Turn Right
AFTER Lap 2 Turn Left
FOR Lap 2
2
MILE
3
MILE
1
MILE
6
MILE
2
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5
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Three ways to explore the Baylands
All events begin and end in the
large parking lot next to the Bayland
Athletic Center, at the end of Geng
Road. Water/aid stations are situated
approximately every 2.5 miles,
except on the 5K route, where there
is one before the 2-mile mark.
5K WALK & RUN
The 5K course follows the San
Francisquito Creek levee past the
north side of the Palo Alto Golf
Course and the airport and after the
1-mile mark turns to the south and
passes the Baylands Interpretive
Center. The trail then connects with
Embarcadero Road just before the
1-mile mark, passes the duck pond
and follows Embarcadero west past
the airport and golf club. The finish
is along Geng Road, back to the
Baylands Athletic Center parking lot.
THE 10K RUN & HALF MARATHON
The 10K and half marathon runs
each start south along Geng Road
from the Baylands Athletic Center
parking lot, take a short jog west on
Embarcadero Road, then turn south
on Faber Way. The course then
enters the Baylands and follows
a mostly straight paved path that
includes a roughly 1-mile stretch
next to the East Bayshore frontage
road. At the 2-mile mark, where
Adobe Creek flows to the bay, the
trail turns sharply to the west onto
a dirt levee and reaches the first
water station. It then traverses the
outer reaches of the Baylands,
eventually turning back to the north,
crossing a slough on a pedestrian
bridge and then turning west
toward Byxbee Park.
The two runs split at the second
water station at about 4.5 miles into
the run as the course approaches
Byxbee Park.
THE 10K ROUTE
10K runners go straight and follow
the Byxbee Park access road
back to Embarcadero Road. A
small turnaround occurs in front
of the small airport terminal and
then runners proceed west on
Embarcadero Road, back to Geng
Road and to the finish.
THE HALF MARATHON ROUTE
Half marathoners turn left at the
split (at the second water station)
and follow a trail that goes west
along a slough that takes runners
back to the first leg of the run along
East Bayshore Road for a second
lap. When they reach the Byxbee
Park water station for the second
time they turn left again on the
Slough Trail. But just past mile 11
and prior to going all the way to
East Bayshore Road, the final leg
of the half marathon course turns
to the north, goes up and down
Byxbee Hill and then rejoins the 10K
route on the Byxbee Park access
road. It does the same turnaround
and then follows Embarcadero
Road west to Geng Road and
the finish. Note: Half marathoners
who reach the split at the 9.5
milepost after 9:30 (two hours after
the race’s 7:30 p.m. start) will be
diverted and follow a shorter route
to the finish line. Q
—Palo Alto Weekly staff
MOONLIGHT RUN & WALK RACE ROUTES
Kali Shiloh
Volunteers serve refreshments during last year’s Moonlight Run & Walk.
Page 18 • September 2, 2022 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
Your health
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so why
should you?
Visit kp.org/redwoodcity today
because together we thrive.
*Some medications are excluded. For more
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With the KP mobile app and website,
members can schedule appointments, email
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and even refill most* prescriptions. So, save
your time for what’s most important.
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 2, 2022 • Page 19
CITY OF PALO ALTO • PALO ALTO WEEKLY
Proud to be a corporate sponsor of the Moonlight Run 2022
The Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation was created by the
members of the firm as a commitment to the community we serve.
www.wsgr.com
Page 20 • September 2, 2022 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
In it for the long r un.In it for the long run.
Building Wealthier LivesBuilding Wealthier Lives™ since 2005 since 2005
www.wealtharchitects.comwww.wealtharchitects.com
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 2, 2022 • Page 21
MOONLIGHT RUN
LEAD SPONSOR
Stanford Health Care
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
DeLeon Realty
Kaiser Permanente
The Six Fifty
Stanford Federal Credit Union
Wealth Architects
Wilson Sonsini Foundation
EVENT SPONSORS
Bank of the West
Oshman Family Jewish
Community Center
Omega Printing
Kiwanis Palo Alto
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
Connoisseur Coffee Co.
Country Sun
Hobees
House of Bagels
Pizza My Heart
THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS
A fter Yudy Deng moved to Palo Alto
in 2018, she settled into the commu-
nity through running. The mom and
marathon runner would routinely train at
the Cubberley Community Center’s track on
most weekday mornings after dropping off
her children at school. That’s where she met
a dozen or so other marathon runners who
met up regularly through BURN Running, a
group that organizes running meetups with
a focus on helping Asian American runners
connect within the community.
Deng’s morning runs with the group have
since morphed beyond the track.
Running, she explained, has helped mem-
bers of the group who have moved here
from other places assimilate to their new
surroundings, and now, they want to use the
sport to give back to the community they call
home.
Through fundraising events, Deng and
her running buddies have raised $10,000
in collaboration with the Asian American
Youth Soccer Academy to refurbish the
Cubberley track. And as summer winds
down, Deng and some of the group’s
runners are participating in their first
Moonlight Run & Walk benefit, which
takes place virtually and in person at the
Palo Alto Baylands on Sept. 9, to help raise
funds for local nonprofits dedicated to
helping kids and families in the Peninsula.
“We want the local community to know
that although we’re not from here, now we
live here ... so we’re going to contribute,”
said Deng, who is taking part in the event
virtually.
While running is one way for Deng to
connect with her culture and community,
for others, it is a way to connect as a family.
Los Altos resident Michelle Bodine,
who along with her husband, children and
in-laws, also will be participating in the
Moonlight Run virtually from the family va-
cation home in Montana this year, said run-
ning and hiking have proved to be a key way
for her whole family to spend time together.
The Moonlight Run, in particular, was
a family favorite while her children were
growing up because it combined their love
of running with astronomy, she said.
“As I raised my kids, I taught them lots
about the moon and enjoying the night sky,
and also about being active and how impor-
tant it is to exercise,” she said.
Even now, as arthritis has made it difficult
for her to run, the family still spends time
exercising together.
“We love exercising together,” she said.
For Palo Alto resident Vivian Neou and
her family, the Moonlight Run also is an
important tradition. She met her husband
while running the Stanford Dish Trail, and
she participated in her first Moonlight Run
with him. Since then, the couple has never
missed the race. The couple’s two sons also
participate in the annual event. Neou said
one year, one of her sons even flew back
from the middle of his trip to Japan so he
wouldn’t miss the event.
“He literally flew back from Japan, ran,
then hopped on an airplane to go back
to Japan because he was traveling with
friends,” Neou said.
For local mom Laurie Phillips, the
Moonlight Run provides an opportunity for
generations of her family to unite. Phillips
is planning to participate in the 5K walk
with her husband, their children and her
parents.
Phillips said she appreciates how the
event is welcoming to runners and hikers of
all ages and levels of experience.
“It’s just wonderful how you can do it with
three generations,” she said. “That’s pretty
cool that there are events that everyone can
do together.” Q
Courtesy Zoe Liu
Andrew and Alex Peng, sons of BURN Running member
Zoe Liu, run the Cubberley track, which they trained on
before it was refurbished, in 2020.
Magali Gauthier
BURN Running member Yudy Deng, center, jogs with her children, Eva
Zhao, left, and Ian Zhao, right, at the Cubberley Community Center
track in Palo Alto on Aug. 19.
Magali Gauthier
Members of BURN Running jog side by side at the Cubberley Community Center track in Palo Alto on Aug. 19.
Parking: Police and volunteers will
direct you to parking in nearby business
lots off Embarcadero and East Bayshore
roads. Plan on arriving early and
carpooling if possible, as lots will fill up.
We recommend arriving at least an hour
before your event. Please avoid parking
in Stanford Eye Clinic lots.
Bicycle Parking: Bike parking area is
available.
Race-night registration: 5K Walk - $45.
5K Run - $50. 10K Run - $50. Half
Marathon - $60.
Check in: Race check-in, sponsor and
race headquarters booths, first aid
and food/water are on the infield of the
Baylands Athletic Center, located at the
end of Geng Road.
Starting line: The start and finish of all
four events are in the (closed) parking
lot at the Baylands Athletic Center. All
events will head out south on Geng, turn
east on Embarcadero and then head
out onto trails and levees south toward
Mountain View. (See the course map
for more details.)
Storage: Limited checking of small
personal bags and backpacks is
available.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on the 5K
walk but not on any of the runs, where
the terrain and darkness make it too
dangerous to have them. No retractable
leashes. Bring your own cleanup bag.
Strollers: Jogging strollers welcome on
the 5K walk or at the back of the runs.
Visibility: Headlamps are highly
recommended for all runs. Q
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
Running connects families, communities, cultures
Participants in this year’s Moonlight Run reflect on why they exercise together
By John Bricker
Palo Alto Run Club
Palo Alto Kiwanis Club
Paly Key Club
Pinewood Service Learning Club
Troop 57/Troop 4057 Scouts of
America
Gunn High School Youth
Community Service (YCS)
THANK YOU TO
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:16 November 2022, 12:00PM
Receipt number:5
Related form version:4
Personal Information
Name Benjamin Piiru
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Other: I looked for the Commission specifically
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Alternate Contact Information - Address
Alternate Contact Information - Phone Number
Alternate Contact Information - Email
2 of 5
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
(621 characters max)
I've been in the energy space for 17 years, at
California electric and gas utilities, the California PUC,
the California ISO, two renewable energy developers,
and FERC. My experience is wide ranging and diverse,
as I've seen energy regulation from all possible
angles. I also went to law school for the express
purpose of learning more about energy law and
policy, regulation, and government practice.
Employment Information
Company/Employer Name
Nexamp
Occupation Electric utility relationships
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
(1311 characters max)
I and my family just moved to Palo Alto a couple
months ago. This will be my first attempt at taking
part in my community.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
(1449 characters max)
As mentioned, I have a wide-ranging set of
experiences and skills that I bring to the table, all
focused around utility regulation, climate change, and
energy. The Commission is exactly the type of role I
am hoping to give the most back to, and continue to
sharpen my sword.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
(1449 characters max)
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Recent agenda items have included issues pertaining
to climate change, either specifically or tangentially
(see i.e., sea level rise, wildfire safety, etc.). During
law school (graduated in 2019), my "senior thesis" for
lack of a better term was focused on climate change
mitigation, and I earned the highest grade in Climate
Change Law & Policy. Climate change is the
existential threat of our generation, and I am eager to
find more ways to combat it beyond my current solar
company day job.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why?
How would you suggest accomplishing this?
(1587 characters max)
I would want to strengthen the city's RPS goals,
encourage energy efficiency programs, and reduce
the city's overall carbon footprint. In my capacity as
Commissioner, I would reach out to the City Council
and advocate personally for stronger RPS goals. For
energy efficiency programs, I would seek to reduce
cost barriers to achieving energy efficiency in
residential homes, and I would connect IOU and
municipal resources to bring energy efficient solutions
to ratepayers, particularly those in most need. Lastly,
reduction of the city's carbon footprint more generally
would include reaching out to renewable energy
developers to hold seminars about services offered,
and enable more education and outreach to the
community. I would also advocate at the State level to
encourage more ways for individual residents to save
on energy and water usage.
4 of 5
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
(1035 characters max)
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I'm familiar in so far as I have read them but have not
had occasion to "work" with them.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Benjamin Piiru - resume.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Benjamin Piiru
Link to signature
Date Completed 11/16/2022
5 of 5
1
Benjamin Piiru
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Nexamp, Palo Alto, CA
Director, Grid Integration, June 2021 – Present
- Lead the development and implementation of the company’s interconnection strategy.
- Principal internal consultant and subject matter expert to 6 business organizations (Organic and
Channel BD, Interconnection Engineering, Construction, Policy, and Legal) on issues pertaining to
interconnection best practices, grid edge technology implementation, utility relationship development,
and project timeline and cost troubleshooting.
- Advocate for company strategic initiatives with utility and state regulatory leadership.
- Manage interconnection-related issue escalations and disputes by way of utility and state regulatory
formal and informal dispute resolution processes.
Southern California Gas Company, Los Angeles, CA
Supervisor, Energy Efficiency Policy, May 2020 – May 2021
- Led energy efficiency policy and compliance activities for the company.
- Oversaw the EE Policy team in the creation of data request responses, advice letters, compliance
filings, and formal and informal regulatory comments.
SunEdison, Belmont, CA
Principal, Interconnection Policy, November 2014 – July 2016
- Led cross-functional project teams to address strategic issues and resolve complex electric distribution
and transmission interconnection regulatory issues across North America.
- Oversaw the interconnection group as interim team lead.
- Managed the interconnection process for over 200 MW of solar projects across the country.
Southern California Edison, Rosemead, CA
Senior Regulatory Policy Analyst, August 2010 – November 2014
- Project managed various electric utility infrastructure policy issues at state and federal levels.
California Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco, CA
Junior Advisor to Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, August 2009 – August 2010
- Advised the Commissioner and the senior advisors on policy issues in front of the Commission.
LAW SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
Braun Blaising Smith Wynne, P.C., Sacramento, CA
UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment, and the Economy, Davis, CA
California Independent System Operator, Folsom, CA
EDUCATION
University of California, Davis School of Law, Davis, CA
Juris Doctor, May 2019
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Arts in English; Minor in mathematics, August 2009
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:18 February 2023, 7:07AM
Receipt number:18
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Bob Wenzlau
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 7
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Palo Alto Weekly
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 7
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Bob has a Masters in Environmental Engineering and
a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from
Stanford University. He is a professional engineer
though not actively practicing as a registered
engineer. Over the course of his career, Bob has
worked in local government, industry, consulting, and
as a business owner. His business, Terradex, Inc., a
Palo Alto business, protects land globally from unsafe
with remote sensing and other data services. Prior to
founding Terradex in 2002, he was a founder and
principal engineer of Pacific Environmental Group,
Inc., environmental manager for National
Semiconductor, staff engineer for EMCON Associates,
and a staff member for City of Palo Alto founding the
curbside recycling and composting programs. He also
is an owner of Huxal Mezcal, a mezcal providing
benefits to the firefighters of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Company/Employer Name Terradex, Inc.
Occupation Environmental Engineer
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Bob completed a term as President of Neighbors
Abroad since 2015. He was a founder and serves on
Palo Alto Repair Cafe, the first repair cafe in the
United States. He is currently on the board of Center
for Public Environmental Oversight. He has
volunteered on numerous city panels including the
Zero Waste Task Force, the Blue Ribbon Compost
Task Force, and the ad hoc Climate Advisory Task
Force. He is a member of the Storm Water Oversight
Committee. He has volunteered for the PTA providing
bike safety training and mapping for safe routes to
school.
Application Questions
3 of 7
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
The UAC holds purview of our water through the
interest in supply, resilience, quality, fee and
sustainability. This aligns with my experience as an
environmental engineer focused on groundwater,
storm water, sewer and supply. Bob is expert at
carbon capture and drawdown, and the UAC has the
capacity to develop drawdown approaches to
complement electrification. Finally, the UAC is an
integration between our community and staff, and my
participation would support engagement and
understanding, a shortcoming revealed in recent
January gas rates.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Two engagements with the UAC inspired my interest.
First, I observed during staff presentations of Sept
2021 that the One Water program had no engagement
from commissioners, and upon followup with a
commissioner learned that experience in water was
lacking on the commission. Additionally, when
developing concerns about drinking water quality,
found staff lacked engagement nor experience with
drinking water quality, instead relying on
representations from the SFPUC.
4 of 7
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I would support the UAC consistent with their mission
and annual work plan. My goals would be to make the
City of Palo Alto stronger as a water resource
manager aligned with the One Water Plan initiative,
provide more attention to our drinking water quality,
develop a stronger integration between climate
change and water resources, and develop a stronger
carbon offset program to complement parallel
activities of electrification. I would seek to build more
local storage and capture capacity to create strong
resilience. I would seek in the longer term that the
UAC might assume a stronger mission and authority
on climate change, and gain more authority from
Council to leverage Council in areas of climate,
electrification and water. I would strive to develop
greater balancing of commission duties between the
storm water management committee (underutilized
and with capacity to water), and the UAC which is
over utilized and lacks water resources focus.
5 of 7
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
SCAP - Experience as a member of the ad hoc climate
advisory committee, and as a contributor to offset
development working with city staff and Neighbors
Abroad to create the first agreement between Mexico
and California for forest based carbon offsets.
Urban Water Management Plan - Developing a
program for stronger organizational alignment to
support objectives of One Water Plan (a component
of the Urban Water Management Plan).
As you consider my application, my current service on
the storm water committee should be balanced. It
maybe that I can serve both roles. My interest is to
support catalyzing evolution of our city to shift to
greater focus on resource management (climate and
water) while maintaining our fiduciary obligations to
the rate payer as well as aligning with staff's interest
in zippering committees to departments. I hope to
contribute to this evolution.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Energy-Water Commission.pdf
Palo Alto Drinking Water Solids.pdf
Announcing the First Issuance of Forest Carbon
Credits to San Juan Lachao under the Climate Action
Reserves Mexico Forest Protocol - Climate Action
Reserve _ Climate Action Reserve.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Bob Wenzlau
Uploaded signature image:
rkw_signature_docusign.png
6 of 7
Date Completed 02/18/2023
7 of 7
Proposal to Transform Palo Alto Utility Advisory Commission and Stormwater Oversight
Committee into Energy Commission and Water Commission
June 25, 2022
Bob Wenzlau
The City of Palo Alto is a resource agency given our ownership of our utilities which provide
electricity, gas [methane] and water to our city. While a strong policy focus is set on
climate/energy challenges, especially on getting rid of fossil fuels and electrifying everything,
there is a lack of focus and capacity on our current water crisis. The water crisis has many
manifestations - drought, flooding, and sea level rise. And it is, of course, inextricably linked to
the climate/energy crisis.
This document outlines is a proposal to transform the City of Palo Alto Utility Advisory
Commission (UAC) and Stormwater Management Oversight Committee (SMOC) into an
Energy/Climate Commission and a Water Commission. This restructuring is designed to more
effectively and efficiently meet climate and water scarcity challenges in comparison to the
current UAC and SMOC structures. In particular, a Water Commission would emerge with
strong attention to the multitude of water challenges Palo Alto confronts addressing a lack of
focus on the UAC.
This transition also contemplates the evolution of the current SCAP working group. The SCAP
is an effective working group sponsored by the City council. The group is not burdened by the
Brown Act, and has advised on technology, finance and communication. The group does not
have permanent status, but has contributed to progress on development of SCAP programs.
Background
Palo Alto’s current management of resources of Palo Alto is premised on somewhat arbitrary
and historically evolved departmental structure, and not on the integrated resources
themselves. The UAC advises Utility staff and the SMOC advises Public Works staff. The
problem addressed in this proposal is that our greater sustainability challenges do not align with
departmental structure, but rather with the resources themselves – electricity, gas, and water.
Of particular focus is water, that while an integrated resource across the hydrologic cycle, is
partitioned to multiple departments. Additionally, the climate and energy work of the
Sustainability Climate Action Plan (SCAP) has inadvertently distracted and deprioritized critical
attention to water.
The stated purposes of the commissions from the City of Palo Alto website are:
The Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC)is charged with providing advice on
acquisition, development and financial review of electric, gas and water resources;
joint action projects with other public or private entities which involve electric, gas or
water resources; environmental implications of proposed electric, gas or water utility
projects; and conservation and demand management. Additionally, the UAC is
charged with providing advice on the acquisition, development and financial review
of the dark fiber network and wastewater collection utilities. As a highly regulated
industry, there may be matters not listed below that will be presented to the UAC in
accordance with current or future (local, state or federal) legislative requirements.
The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee reviews proposed
stormwater management capital improvement projects, programs and expenditures
that are funded by the Stormwater Management Fees. The City’s Stormwater
Management Fee, approved by Palo Alto property owners in 2017, funds a variety
of projects to improve our storm drain system and reduce pollution to our local
creeks and the San Francisco Bay. The Fee provides funding for increasing
capacity and maintaining the storm drain system, green stormwater infrastructure
(GSI) efforts, residential and commercial rebates, litter reduction, and flooding
emergency-response services.
Proposal Shifts from a Departmental to a Resource Focus Oversight
A recommendation for a resource based rather than organizational based committee structure is
offered. There are two triggers for this recommendation: climate and water scarcity. Our
Sustainability Climate Action Plan (SCAP) has pushed a new burden on our energy systems to
convert from fossil to electric sources. Water shortages have triggered a view to integrated
water management. This increases the work of the UAC on energy, while at the same time One
Water strategy is divided between the UAC and an underutilized SMOC.
The proposed change is to transform the UAC to the Energy Commission and the Storm Water
Oversight Commission to the Water Commission. The portfolios are adjusted based on the
resource - electric and gas to the Energy Commission and water to the Water Commission.
Each commission would operate from an area of expertise.
Water Commission.A water commission would hold responsibility for all water resources and
rates associated with the City. This would include water supply and storage, stormwater,
wastewater, flood control, mitigation of sea level rise, groundwater resource management and
quality. The commission would lead on the emerging One Water integrated resource planning
program. The commission would interact with the Energy Commission on water supply versus
hydro considerations, as well as the anticipated impact of our SCAP on sea-level rise that the
Water Commission would strive to mitigate. A corollary focus would be on wildland fires given
the need to provision water resources in the event of this major threat.
Energy and Climate Commission. The Energy Commission would manage electric and gas
resources of the City. The Energy Commission is core to the principal approach on climate,
being electrification of the gas services, and as such, assimilates Climate into the naming of the
commission. The commission would be established as the long-term forum for SCAP planning
knowing that SCAP considerations will touch all elements of city function.
The Energy and Climate Commission could assume the oversight of the SCAP working groups.
This would integrate their actions into this overall organizational focus on an Energy and
Climate Commission. While the UAC is central to climate mitigation, their role has been
sidelined. This adjustment (under an Energy Commision) would align the public bodies guiding
the City.
While the commissions would be separate, there would be multiple areas of overlay. Water is a
basis of hydro power and a water resource for potable and nonpotable use. Water is pumped
and treated, a source of energy use. Sea level rise and flooding are consequences of
representative decisions of the energy commission. Points of interaction between an energy
and water commission would be necessary.
An additional, but undeveloped consideration, is the lack delegated authority within our
commissions. The City Council would delegate more authority to the Energy and Water
commissions to relieve Council's agenda. Growing the delegated authority could leverage
Council. This could include using the commissions to provide for representation on regional
agencies. The commissions could set rate and energy/water policy with an appeal mechanism
available to the City Council.
Impact on City Staff
There may be increased city staff burden as Utility staff would need to participate in both
committees where now they would only join the UAC. However, the benefit of integrated
resource management should generate a return on extra staff commitment.
Implementation via Colleagues Memo
Implementing this could be through a colleagues memorandum between City Council members.
The memberships of the commissions need not change as each is already composed of
expertise to the energy and water missions. Given the loss of two of the three council
members, it could be prudent to develop this organizational change prior to 2023.
Conclusion.The success of the Energy Commission in electrification will be a driver of the
challenges of the Water Commission. Sea level rise that the Water Commission lessens in
impact toward the goals of electrification. There will be overlaps such as the balance of hydro
as a source of clean electricity balanced against the impact on water supply to Palo Alto.
The organizational structure applied to climate and water scarcity is as important as the
programs implemented. The “how we do it” and the “what we do” are both paramount to
meeting the challenges.
FAQ (Some discussion and response of the proposal)
●The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee is a stipulated committee in
the 2017 bond measure to fund the oversight of revenue to maintain stormwater
systems. Can the committee assimilate other duties to support overall water
resource management? A Resolution by Council anticipates but does not limit the
scope of the SMOC. The citation in the resolution follows:
Author ’s Response:The discretion appears to exist to meet the ballot measure’s
requirements for a public body to assure proper spending of funds while enjoying a
larger agenda. That discretion already is shown as staff requested use of the bond
measure funds to support One Water consulting expenses. The City Attorney will
need to judge whether this assimilation usurps the vote establishing the fund.
●City Staff does not support this proposal.Any commission takes an enormous
amount of work, and the staff believes that this would require more work. The UAC
was formed to advise our utilities, as we are unique in having a utility department.
Sustainability has also emerged as a work area that also forms a work load.
Author ’s Response:The SMOC requires a high level of staff work relative to a
small agenda. For relatively the same amount of work, the SMOC agenda could
be broadened to include water. In parallel, the UAC, as transitioned to the Energy
commission could include a large portion of the SCAP implementation, that of the
electrification of Palo Alto.
●What about Other Utilities not included?There are certain utilities not
encompassed by this model, such as the emerging fiber cable. Additionally the
structure does not encompass zero waste/waste management.
Author ’s Response.Presuming that water and energy are delegated to the
commissions, capacity would be retained on Council to manage these, and or
these could be assigned to the Energy and Water Commission. For example,
waste management might be assigned to the Water Commission given the
participation of Public Works staff, while the fiber optic would be assigned to the
Energy Commission given the participation of Utility staff.
May 8, 2021
Re: Request for the Utility Advisory Commission to Evaluate and Reduce Suspended Solids in
Palo Alto Drinking Water
Commission Members,
This email develops concerns and makes recommendations to improve the Palo Alto drinking
water quality. In short, Palo Alto's water is high in suspended solids (mud and silt) which
consequently impacts health and maintenance. The City does not monitor for this occurrence
nor does the supplier City of San Francisco Public Utility Commission (SFPUC). The
recommendation in this email is for City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) to evaluate and
characterize the siltation, and if validated, create a modest capital project to install 5 micron
filtration at the 5 points of connection between Palo Alto and the supplying water network
maintained by the SFPUC. I hope that this can find its way into the UAC's work plan being
prepared for Council.
Background
Palo Alto lives with a concept that our water is the finest in the world - Sierra water from Hetch
Hetchy. Actually, while the source may be the Sierras, the water passes through several
reservoirs where silts get entrained in our water, and is delivered "raw" to Palo Alto - no filtration.
The water is only treated for bacteria by chloramination.
I learned first hand of this quality, compared experiences across the Crescent Park, and with a
landscape contractor describing the general word on the street is Palo Alto's water quality is
poor from suspended solids. (Suspended solids measure solids that are entrained in the water,
while dissolved solids (TDS) measure solids (like salt) that dissolve in the water) However, Palo
Alto does achieve state and federal standards, but like schools, achieving minimum standards
when our health and thriving are core, is not the bar we seek to achieve. There are compelling
reasons to do better, as I introduce.
I came to this issue by trying to address another water quality challenge - I sought to remove
Trihalomethanes (e.g. chloroform - THMs) a bi-product of chloramination. The chloramination
imparts a taste, and the THMs pose carcinogenic risk by drinking and inhalation in shower
water. Their removal or destruction is via carbon filtration, but prior to carbon filtration, in order
to preserve the carbon's useful life, one provides filtration of solids to 5 micron. Through this
filtration I came to realize the sedimentation in our water.
Within 5 weeks my cartridge filter for the indoor water is spent (photos below). Initially I worked
with Utilities to request line flushing on the street with no impact. Our water mains are new.
While Utilities postulated a home issue, I queried via the CPNA group and found others afflicted
by the same problem - many of whom gave up after the persistent siltation in the water. Others
are burdened by the tedium of changing filters continuously.
I worked with city staff who constructively engaged on this topic. I learned the reliance on
SFPUC, I learned of the testing - and lack of testing for solids. I observed that the City's
knowledge of drinking water quality could be stronger, in that we were too reliant on SFPUC. I
began to evaluate the conventionality of municipal level filtration, and began to feel confident
that there are steps that could be taken. (As background, I am an environmental engineer, and
while drinking water is not my area of practice, I feel confident to develop this concern.)
Setting Direction
We are fortunate to have a water utility, and the ability to manage our water to the goals we
could set as a City. I would ask the UAC or staff to start to analyze and engineer soon. This is
a consulting engagement in all likelihood, however, I can forecast next steps.
First Analyze.The City should confirm the sediment load as Total Suspended Solids, a
distribution of particle size, and the proportion that is inorganic versus organic. Why measure
organics? As we chlorinate the water (and the chloramination drives the THM formation), the
amount of chlorine demand is proportional to the organic load in the water. As such removal of
organic load in our water, reduces the formation of THMs. The size distribution would inform any
future selection of filtration.
Anticipate a Conceptual Design Approach.Each of the five points-of-entry into Palo Alto has
the capacity to move 5,000 gallons per minute. (In total the City can utilize upwards of 15,000
to 25,000 gpm at maximum demand across all entry points.) There is conventional technology
for continuous filtration to 5 micron (equivalent to what is needed to then apply carbon in a
home). The technology has continuous automated backwashing that would remove the solids
to a purple pipe or irrigation system. A representative filtration unit is $125k, and installed and
engineered may be $500k. Therefore a total project could be $2.5 million or with contingency
$4 million, perhaps with a $200k annual maintenance. The annual water enterprise fund is
about $61 million per year, so this is a nominal expense.
There would be benefits to CPAU given a reduced need to flush lines as I expect tons of
sediments from our raw water settle into our pipes. Homeowners and businesses would see
less clogging of appliances, and more durability of drip systems that irrigate. The health impact
would be significant given a reduction of THMs into the homes and businesses. And frankly our
water would taste better.
My note is seeking to be constructive, and I have done my best with the understanding. I know
our utility staff can carry this forward, but I believe it is up to the UAC or even Council to set this
as a priority. I know that work plans are being put in place for the various commissions, and I
would ask that this be introduced as a priority to start addressing within the 6 month plan. With
data, we can better evaluate a concern, but now our City is unfortunately blind as there is no
data collected to vet the anecdotal experience of residents and business.
I am ready to provide a presentation to the UAC, but as said, be a team player to work this with
the support of staff. It just felt that to get the ball moving, I had to lift this to your attention. We
can all learn a bit about water quality along the way!
Sincerely,
Bob Wenzlau
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org)
Announcing the First Issuance of Forest Carbon Credits
to San Juan Lachao under the Climate Action Reserveʼs
Mexico Forest Protocol
December 12, 2017
The San Juan Lachao forest project in Oaxaca, Mexico is near and dear to the hearts of Reserve sta members and
others who worked on the project. It is a truly special example of how we can work together to address climate
change and create real, lasting social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities. Weʼre very
pleased to share the story of the project through the below perspectives from partners ICICO, ANCE and the City of
Palo Alto, as well as the perspective from the Reserve.
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ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ISSUANCE OF FOREST CARBON CREDITS TO SAN JUAN
LACHAO UNDER THE CLIMATE ACTION RESERVEʼS MEXICO FOREST PROTOCOL
Privacy - Terms
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20161110_165529463.jpg)
Climate Action Reserve:
By John Nickerson
The Reserve would like to announce that, at long last, it has issued 17,063 CRTs (net of bu er pool) to San Juan
Lachao, Oaxaca for two reporting periods. The project in San Juan Lachao began in 2014 and became our proving
grounds to finalize the development of our Mexico Forest Protocol, the quantification and verification guidance
documents, and our computer data management and reporting tools. This is a major milestone for our work with
the Mexico Forest Protocol and it is breaking the trail for many more credits to follow. We began the work to create a
Mexican Forest Protocol in 2010. We quickly encountered unique challenges in Mexico that we didnʼt have in the
United States, including the fact that most forest lands are communally owned and avoided emissions are managed
at a jurisdictional level instead of the project level. Many additional challenges were confronted as we developed the
protocol over a two-year timeframe with the assistance of many U.S. and Mexican stakeholders.
San Juan Lachao is an indigenous community in western Oaxaca. Many of the community members continue to
speak Chatino, their local dialect. The economy is based largely on subsistence agriculture, with co ee and honey
production, timber sales, and a little tourism providing additional economic resources. The San Juan Lachao Project
is more than a committed e ort to increase sequestration for climate mitigation. It has brought pride to the
community. They know they are being talked about in other parts of Mexico. It has brought employment to the
community as trained community members are responsible to manage the project inventory and will eventually
handle other reporting aspects of the project. The project has been accompanied with biodiversity studies and has
raised awareness within the community of the wildlife relationships associated with a well-managed forest. The
forest carbon project will provide an economic incentive that will enable them to achieve a more productive forest in
terms of timber production by rewarding them to maintain the best-growing trees in the short term.
We are grateful for the relationships that were created during the protocol development time that we continue to
treasure today. We are grateful to the The Walt Disney Company, which provided funding to help support and
develop the project. We only got the project o the ground due to the commitment, vision, and support of Carlos
Perez, Teresa Tattersfield and their team at ICICO (Integradora de Comunidades Indigenas y Campesinas de Oaxaca –
Carlosʼ consulting firm) and for their forestry expertise, organizational, and capacity-development skills. We owe
thanks to Leti Espinosa of Pronatura Mexico for building relationships and facilitating the agreement with Disney. We
are grateful to the men and women of San Juan Lachao, who gave us a chance to test our protocol on their
landscape, engaged directly in developing the inventory, and always welcomed us into their community with
exceptional warmth, good food, and a bit of mezcal. We owe a debt of gratitude to Pedro Morales of White and Case.
Pedro is our pro bono attorney that helped us sort through so many legal issues. We are grateful to the City of Palo
Alto, who is working with the community to purchase the first issuance of credits. A huge thanks to Cecilia Simon
and Amy Kessler to get to this milestone. Their perseverance and dedication to making the protocol function is why
we got to this milestone.
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DSCN1499.jpg)
ICICO:
ICICO, or the Integradora de Comunidades Indigenas y Campesinas de Oaxaca A.C., is a non-profit organization based
in Oaxaca, which provides technical assistance to rural communities. ICICO was the Project Developer for the San Juan
Lachao project.
La comunidad de San Juan Lachao Pueblo Nuevo, está marcando un precedente en la región, en estado, en país y en
el ámbito internacional, no solo por ser la primera comunidad en realizar un proyecto forestal piloto utilizando el
protocolo forestal para México de la Reserva de Acción Climática, por lo consiguiente la primera comunidad en
realizar la venta de bono de carbono en el mercado voluntario internacional, contribuyendo de esta manera a la
mitigación del cambio climático.
Cabe resaltar que este no es un esfuerzo aislado, es un esfuerzo conjunto entre los dueños del bosque, las
organizaciones de la sociedad civil y la Ciudad de Palo Alto, quien en esta ocasión es la entidad que está comprando
los bonos generados en el proyecto forestal de captura de carbono de la Comunidad.
En este sentido, queremos reconocer el papel importante que Disney ha jugado en este proyecto, así como a la
Ciudad de Palo Alto por el esfuerzo en la adquisición de 17,000 toneladas de CO2 eq., a un precio justo, quisiéramos
que municipios del país tomaran como ejemplo esta iniciativa y realizaran la neutralización de sus emisiones para
estar a la vanguardia en el tema ambiental.
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DSCN1509.jpg)
ANCE:
ANCE, or the Associacion Nacional de Normalizacion y Certifiacion, A.C., is a nonprofit entity in Mexico, which evaluates
and certifies compliance with national and international standards and regulations. ANCE was the verification body for
the pilot project of San Juan Lachao.
La participación de ANCE como organismo verificador del Protocolo Forestal para México de CAR surgió del interés
que tiene la Asociación por atender varios aspectos en torno al manejo responsable de los recursos naturales en
México; particularmente desde el área del manejo sustentable de los bosques.
A lo largo de 7 años ANCE ha sido el único organismo mexicano acreditado por la Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación
(ema) para la certificación de la norma NMX-AA-143-SCFI-2015 (2008 hasta diciembre de 2015), la cual es uno de los
esquemas con los que cuentan la SEMARNAT y la CONAFOR para evaluar el cumplimiento adecuado de las leyes y
normas mexicanas que permitan el desarrollo forestal sustentable en el país.
La experiencia de estos años, cristalizada en la certificación de 183 predios forestales a lo largo de 11 Estados, se
traduce en 1,060,478.11 ha bajo manejo sustentable, uno de ellos es la Comunidad de San Juan Lachao, Oaxaca.
Cuando nos invitaron al primer curso de capacitación sobre el Protocolo Forestal para México CAR que dio la Reserva
en Ciudad de México, nos convencimos de las ventajas que representaría tener proyectos con un esquema
reconocido internacionalmente, con garantía de estar verificando una captura de CO2 real, transparente, con
salvaguardas sociales y ambientales adecuadas a la legislación mexicana y teniendo en primer lugar el desarrollo de
las comunidades rurales. De esta manera, el involucrarnos con la verificación del Proyecto de San Juan Lachao,
hemos recorrido un camino de mejora continua en la aplicación y verificación del Protocolo Forestal para México,
desde su versión 1.2 hasta la reciente versión 1.5, lo que nos ha permitido conocer los aspectos técnicos, sociales y
ambientales que implica el desarrollo de un proyecto como este, el cual es pionero en México.
A partir de la experiencia con la verificación del proyecto de San Juan Lachao también hemos podido sugerir la
participación de algunos predios certificados con la norma mexicana, invitando a productores y Técnicos en los
estados de Puebla, Hidalgo, México, Durango, Jalisco y Michoacán, así como a las delegaciones estatales de
CONAFOR, PROBOSQUE y a la industria mexicana a conocer el protocolo CAR con la esperanza de que más proyectos
se sumen para tener una red bien establecida de proyectos forestales de mitigación del cambio climático previo al
inicio oficial del Mercado Voluntario de Carbono en México.
Puntualizando, tenemos un gran ejemplo en la comunidad chatina de San Juan Lachao, Oaxaca; dignos
representantes de las comunidades campesinas mexicanas, que a pesar de ser consideradas las más rezagadas del
país, pueden darnos sorpresas gratas con ejemplos de innovación y compromiso con sus recursos naturales y su
comunidad siendo pioneros en el manejo sustentable y conservación de los bosques.
Ojalá que el proyecto de San Juan Lachao sirva como referencia fidedigna para que muchas comunidades más se
unan a este esfuerzo.
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sjl-1.jpg)
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sjl-2.jpg)
Palo Alto:
By the City of Palo Alto
On Monday, December 4, the City Council will consider a resolution approving an agreement to purchase “carbon
o sets” to help Palo Alto maintain its net zero carbon footprint. The City has been working with its sister city,
Oaxaca, Mexico on various sustainability issues and during that process learned about a forestry project that
produces high-quality carbon o sets managed by the Integrative Organization of Oaxaca Indigenous and
Agricultural Communities (ICICO). Carbon o sets are a form of trade to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions. In this case, carbon o sets are generated through monitored and verified increases to forest stock
that result in carbon being sequestered in trees rather than released to the atmosphere.
The City will purchase 17,000 tons of carbon o sets from ICICO. Palo Altoʼs $136,000 investment is supporting
conservation and restoration activities within 5,900 acres of native forest and will neutralize about 10 percent of the
Cityʼs annual emissions from natural gas use. The remaining o sets will be purchased from projects here in the U.S.
Revenue from the sale of carbon o sets through ICICOʼs program also provides multiple co-benefits for the Oaxacan
community including fire protection, tree care, fresh water spring recharge, and transportation and equipment for
local schools.
Palo Alto has been providing 100 percent carbon neutral electricity since 2013. In July, the City also began o setting
100 percent of its natural gas carbon omissions through carbon reduction projects like this one in Mexico. You can
learn more about that here
(http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/utl/residents/sustainablehome/carbon_neutral/default.asp).
The “carbon o sets” generated by the Oaxaca forestry project are similar to those contemplated by the Carbon
Neutral Natural Gas Plan (http://www.cityofpaloalto.org /civicax/filebank/documents/54160) that was adopted by
the City in 2016. The Mexican forestry project protocol was developed by Climate Action Reserve, one of the largest
o set registries in North America that is used by the California Air Resources Board. You can read the full sta report
here (http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/62302) to learn more.
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org/wp-
content/uploads/2017/12/sjl-5.jpg)
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sjl-3.jpg)
Tags: Natural & Working Lands, including Forests (https://www.climateactionreserve.org/blog /tag/natural-and-
working-lands/), o sets (https://www.climateactionreserve.org/blog /tag/o sets/), Reserve program & sta
(https://www.climateactionreserve.org /blog/tag/reserve-program-and-sta /)
N E W S L E T T E R S I G N U P (H T T P S ://W W W .C L I M A T E A C T I O N R E S E R V E .O R G /N E W S -A N D -E V E N T S /N E W S L E T T E R /)
C O N T A C T (H T T P S ://W W W .C L I M A T E A C T I O N R E S E R V E .O R G /C O N T A C T -U S )
S U P P O R T T H E R E S E R V E (H T T P S ://W W W .C L I M A T E A C T I O N R E S E R V E .O R G /A B O U T -U S /S U P P O R T -T H E -R E S E R V E /)
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:25 February 2023, 1:41AM
Receipt number:23
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Chris Tucher
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Other: John Kelley
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
BA: Occidental College
MBA: Harvard
Professional experience:
-Internet technology sales and marketing executive,
1995-2006, incl. Netscape and LookSmart (both public
companies)
-Healthcare and health-tech sales and marketing
executive and co-founder, 2006-2021, incl. Healthline
and Conversa Health (acquired by American Well, a
public company)
-De Anza College, 2018-2020, adjunct professor,
Marketing
-Self-employed consultant - including grid and long-
duration battery startup
Company/Employer Name Self-employed
Occupation Consultant
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
None to date
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
After a career in tech and health-tech, I've recently
begun working in the field of energy and electric grid,
including consulting engagements with young
startups in the sector: a long-duration battery storage
company and a grid advisory company. My top
interest on the commission would be issues around
energy usage, power sourcing and the electrical grid.
That said, my interest extends to all aspects of Palo
Alto utilities, including gas pricing, fiber-broadband
plan and water management.
3 of 6
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
eral key issues, just a few of which are:
-Timeframe appears, loosely, to be 5 years to
completion (residential areas), but only after a 2yr
planning phase, so that completion isn’t until 2030. Is
that unreasonably long?
-Household load 15+ years in future: Do we have solid
assumptions and scenarios for load trends? Might
load actually fall as "self consumption" and microgrid
storage rises?
-How do important future technologies like grid-level
battery storage or vehicle-to-grid fit into CPAU's
modernization plan?
-What it will take for CPAU to persuasively educate
residents on implementing solar and "self
consumption" methods (e.g., battery, grid forming
inverter) in their homes?
Grid modernization and CPAU’s planning process --
incl. transmittor upgrades, staffing challenges, load
monitoring -- are important to me because (1) the cost
will be vast ($80M+?) and (2) our grid will be vital to
enabling the city's sustainability goals.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I realize the commission has a broad set of goals. I'll
just call out two. They seem related:
1) Ensure CPA has a good plan for grid
modernization, based on well-reasoned assumptions,
flexible scenarios, and clear short-term milestones.
We need a “grid for tomorrow” that can support more
robust transmission and better load management to
allow for, among other things, hourly renewable
energy matching (not year-end true-ups); smart use of
battery storage (incl. Solar+Storage PPAs); vehicle-to-
grid two-way charging and the complex billing issues
that accompany it.
2) More briefly, enable CPA to hit its 2030 energy and
sustainability goals ... because today, in my view, the
community seems not to have much confidence, or
clear understanding of how, we will do that.
I think I can help toward these goals because I have
executive leadership experience, because I have at
least a modest understanding of the technical and
budgetary aspects, and because I can communicate
well.
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have some familiarity with each of these plans, but
was not involved in discussing or drafting any of
them, hence no experience.
5 of 6
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Chris Tucher
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/24/2023
6 of 6
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:7 February 2023, 10:12AM
Receipt number:13
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Claude Ezran
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
• Retired high-tech marketing executive, 30+ years of
experience in Silicon Valley companies such as Intel,
3Com, Adobe, and start-ups, mostly at the Director
and VP level.
• Director of Marketing for Oorja Fuel Cells, a clean
energy company(2015-2016).
• Extensive experience working collaboratively in
teams.
• Member of the Board of Directors of Cable Co-op
(1992-1998).
Subscribers-owned cable TV company serving Palo
Alto households. Very similar to a publicly owned
utility.
• MBA, Harvard Business School.
• MSEE, Ecole Superieure d'Electricite (France).
Studied electricity generation and transport.
• BS. Advanced mathematics and physics
Company/Employer Name Oorja Fuel Cells (clean energy company)
Occupation Director of Marketing
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
• Human Relations Commission, including Vice-chair
and Chair:2008-2014.
• Participated in a community workshop for the
update of CPAU's Strategic Plan: 2017
• Founder and Organizer of Palo Alto World Music
Day: 2009-2019
• Member of the Board of Directors, Palo Alto
Recreation Foundation (PARF): 2010-2020
• Graduate of the Palo Alto Citizen Police Academy:
2019
• Member of the Community Advisory Group to the
Police Chief: 2010-2012
• Member of Steering Committee for Measure A
(school parcel tax): 2005
• Treasurer of the Palo Alto PTA Council: 2004-2007.
• Member of the Board of Directors, Cable Co-op:
1992-1998.
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
Three examples regarding my life-long strong interest
in energy and
utility issues:
Director of Marketing for Oorja Fuel Cells (2015-2016).
Oorja was a clean energy company that
manufactured power systems based
on methanol fuel cells. These systems reduced
operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions in a
wide variety of applications such as wireless
telecommunications and materials handling.
Member of the Board of Directors of Cable Co-op
(1992-1998)
Cable Co-op was a cable TV company serving 28,000
households around
Palo Alto. It was owned by its subscribers. In many
ways its mission
and its functioning were very similar to those of a
publicly owned utility.
MSEE, Ecole Superieure d'Electricite (France).
My engineering School was partially funded by EDF
(Électricité de France), a state-owned utility which is
one of the largest utilities in the world. I studied
electricity generation and distribution in great detail
and visited many different types of power generation
plants.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am very interested in the plans for an Advanced
Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and how that could
improve conservation of water and energy, as well as
provide customers with information they are currently
lacking to better manage their consumption.
Given likely water shortages in the future due to
climate change and droughts, I am interested in the
use of recycled water and also water purification. I
visited both the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
and the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification
Center.
Resiliency is another important issue for the
Commission that I am very interested in. We need to
look at what can be done to decrease the frequency
and duration of power outages by looking at all the
factors that impact reliability: equipment quality,
equipment placement, redundancies, risk
management, human factors, etc. I am also
concerned by the vulnerabilities highlighted by the
major power outage of 2010 that was caused by a
small plane crash in East Palo Alto.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
• Continue the focus on: clean energy, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, transition from gas to
electricity, and improving sustainability.
• Continue to improve recycling rates, but also focus
also on reducing waste in the first place. I am
particularly thinking about food waste, especially
from restaurants.
• Address the long term negative effect that progress
toward our
Zero-Waste objectives will have on refuse collection
fees, maybe
through a new financial reserve to be established and
also improved efficiencies in the collection system.
• Secure long-term green electric, gas, and water
supplies at
competitive rates in order to better moderate the rise
in utility
rates. The currently very high prices for gas are
definitely a concern.
• Energy conservation programs, green building
codes, etc.
• Smart meters to improve conservation of water and
energy.
• Improved reliability and resiliency of the electric grid.
Look at the entire chain of factors that impact them.
7 of 8
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I read these documents in the past and will definitely
spend more time on them if selected for the position.
I participated in a community workshop for the update
of the Strategic Plan, in 2017.
I do, also, closely follow the news about the City
utilities, mostly through the Palo Alto Weekly.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Claude Ezran
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/07/2023
8 of 8
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:26 February 2023, 2:10PM
Receipt number:26
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Greg Scharff
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Other: Current Commissioner
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 4
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I was on the city Council for 9 years, Mayor twice and
served as Palo Alto's Representative to NCPA from
2013-2021. At NCPA I served on the executive board
as wewll as various leadership roles. I am also a
current UAC Commissioner
Company/Employer Name Bay Conservation and Development Commision
Occupation General Counsel
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
City Council 2009-2018
Mayor 2013, 2017
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
City Council, Finance Committee 8 years, NCPA 8
years and Current UAC Commission member. Utilities
is a a large portion of our budget and is also a key to
meeting our climate action goals
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am very interested in most of the issues that come
before the UAC. Fiber to the premises is of particular
interest and ensuring that we get it done and that we
do it in a cost effective manner without undue risk to
the City.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
1. Continue to move towards our environmental goals
while at the same time keeping our utility rates rates
at their historical relationship with PG&E and the other
bay area public power cities. 2. Make fiber to the
premises successful. 3. Ensure with a transition to
electrification that we have the capacity to serve our
electrical needs and that the transition is smooth. 4.
Ensure that Palo Alto has an adequate supply of
water and uses it efficiently.
3 of 4
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have experience with all of these documents through
my work as a City Councilmember and UAC member.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Greg Scharff
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/26/2023
4 of 4
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 12:42PM
Receipt number:27
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Gregory Hood
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 7
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Daily Post
Other: Chamber of Commerce
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 7
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
With over 4 decades of construction experience
across the county, and now as a resident of Palo Alto,
I welcome the opportunity to give back to our
community by serving as a member on the Utility
Advisory Committee. With a masters in civil
engineering from Berkeley with a focus on
Construction Engineering and Management, I have
worked on a number of award winning public works
projects, including Fontana Park, which involved
coordinating construction across easements for both
the San Gabriel Water Company and SCE’s primary
UHV transmission lines. More recently, I was the
electrical project manager with Blocka Construction
on Folsom Dam’s new spillway. Other projects with
Blocka include water treatment plant upgrades for
Silicon Valley Water and the Hayward Water District.
In addition to being a certified Project Management
Professional (PMP), and licensed contractor (B, C-10),
I am a real estate broker and am currently developing
a property management business here in Palo Alto.
Company/Employer Name Hood General Contracting, Inc. / Hood Properties, Inc.
Occupation General Contractor / Electrician / Property
Management
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Habitat for Humanity (Team Leader, 1993-1996)
Associated General Contractors, Los Angeles (Board
Member, 2004)
Associated General Contractors, Riverside
(Apprentice Instructor, 2004-2015)
Project Management Institute - Inland Empire (Director
of Social Media, 2013-2014)
Rebuilding Peninsula (House Captain, 2017)
ACE - Architecture, Construction, Engineering (High
School Student Mentorship - Mentor, 2017 – Present)
Project Management Institute - Silicon Valley (Event
Facilitator, 2021-Present)
Leadership Palo Alto - Class of 2020
3 of 7
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
As an electrician, general contractor and construction
project manager, who has requested services and
coordinated plans with utility engineers and having
built schedules for service I can provide a new and
fresh perspective to the committee. Where I can be
most helpful is understanding the principles ranging
from logistics (supply chain from a customer
perspective) to electricity and where challenges might
arise as CPAU serves our community during an
environmental disaster. Part of my experience
includes working for Northrop Grumman in
Sustainment and Support for the U.S. Army (work
included generator based temporary power and
microgrid power generation) and as a member of San
Bernardino County’s Search & Rescue. As we face,
growing environmental challenges, utility responses
and coordination with first responders will be critical -
utility preparedness and agency coordination. At no
point are utilities under greater stress than when an
environmental event strikes.
4 of 7
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Grid modernization is the issue. It is clear that having
more than one EV is a challenge to the grid. I have
personally installed both 225A, and derated 400A
(residential 320A) panels for customers with multiple
EVs. With the push towards all-electric homes, the
demand will only increase, even with the offset of LED
lighting solutions (many of which are only 4 watts of
load per fixture, or 5.3% of a standard 75w
incandescent bulb). The other factor that seems to be
overlooked is how climate change will impact
customer cooling demand. Another added load that
will come into play is water purification. When our
water supply is at risk of contamination, consumers
are sure to operate their own filtration systems. This
is sure to require additional energy. Lastly, the
greatest challenge facing CPAU is housing density.
The state’s mandate for Palo Alto to add 6,086
housing units, if met, could result in a demand
increase of 23.3% for electricity as well as other utility
services.
5 of 7
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
General Goals
Electrical training and safety
Utility security - cyber terrorism response (see
12/7/2023)
Planning for continued disruption of natural gas
pricing and supply
Residential electrical code compliance - consumer
awareness
Specific Goals
Bi-directional power distribution (transformer
upgrades), See AIM 12/7/2022 Meeting
Transmission undergrounding and installation of
vaults with subsurface switchgear
Stormwater management in relation to
undergrounding electrical distribution
I could offer review and recommendations for the
planning and implementation of a modernized
electrical distribution system. As an ongoing
committee focus, the addition of all-electric
households, conversion from gas, the addition of high
density residential zones including ADU and
compliance with SB9, and the ‘Builder’s Remedy’ we
can reasonably anticipate an increase on CPAU’s
load. My contribution would include using analytic
tools to assess and support program decision
making.
6 of 7
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
N/A
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Gregory Hood
Uploaded signature image: IMG_2576.jpg
Date Completed 02/27/2023
7 of 7
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:3 January 2023, 7:43PM
Receipt number:8
Related form version:5
Personal Information
Name Jason Titus
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I have been a resident of Palo Alto since 2003 and
have been involved in the PV Partners program since
2008. During my 8 years at Google I managed their
developer programs - partnering with startups and
software developers building upon Google's
technologies. My team launched multiple
sustainability accelerators around the world and
worked with companies that are changing how people
and companies interact with energy, water, and their
world around them. Since leaving Google in July of
2022 I have been advising and investing in cleantech
startups from window installed heatpumps to
superdeep geothermal energy (disclosed in my form
700).
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I was a member of the Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive
Plan Citizens Advisory Committee from 2015-2017,
and party co-host for Addison Elementary, and a
volunteer for the Pescadero Pancake Breakfasts.
Application Questions
3 of 5
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
I've been interested in renewable energy and water
conservation for over 20 years and have installed
solar on 4 different properties we have owned in that
time. In the near future we will need shift how we
source energy and water as well as rapidly evolve our
infrastructure to be more dynamic and responsive.
The city wants to electrify residences and businesses
and yet most do not have the panel capacity to do so.
It will need to facilitate smarter infrastructure to
enable them to install heat pumps, induction stoves,
EV chargers and more. The utility will need to deeply
understand the load requirements and the pace and
trajectory of these shifts and plan accordingly. These
changes are similar to the challenges I faced
managing and iterating large scale services such as
Yahoo! Mail where modeling and capacity
management were vital. I understand the need for
careful transitions while evolving infrastructure and
understand how to make it easier for customers to be
part of the migration
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The discussion of permitting and inspection timelines
for electrification permitting is of interest to me. Every
step of my own home's electrification process last
year (heat pump water heater, heat pump heating,
and EV charging and the associated electrical work)
was called out by my vendors as notably slower and
more complicated than other municipalities. I am
interested in solutions like SolarApp+ for all of the
steps towards electrification as well as processes to
facilitate electrification at time of need (i.e. heat pump
water heaters ready for install when water heaters fail
for customers).
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
Help Palo Alto become best in class for electrification,
renewable energy, system resilience, and water
conservation. Track time and number of transitions,
gather comparative data from leaders in the field and
neighboring cities, score ourselves quarterly, and set
goals to get to the top cohort of utilities.
4 of 5
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have tracked the Fiber to the Premise plan and the
followup discussions on fiber and have submitted
feedback to the evolving fiber plans. I have also taken
part in some of the public discussions of the
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and some
follow-on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Ad
Hoc Committee meetings.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Jason Titus
Link to signature
Date Completed 01/03/2023
5 of 5
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 1:36PM
Receipt number:30
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Katie Causey
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Currently in the process of trying to be eligible for a
Master's in Bioengineering which has included general
engineering course work on city infrastructure.
Company/Employer Name Post Grad Student
2 of 4
Occupation Student
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Life long Palo Altan, previously involved in League of
Women Voter's Climate Change committee, Palo Alto
Recreation Foundation, and currently on the board of
the Palo Alto Renters' Association.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
I've completed coursework related to both subjects of
general engineering and have worked with the most
vulnerable members of Palo Alto understanding how
they're impacted by climate change, internet access,
and rising utility bills.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Issues around workforce and filling line men
positions.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
Helping elevate the perspective of how the most
vulnerable Palo Altans are impacted by climate
change, rising utility rates, and can be benefit from
fiber.
3 of 4
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
No
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Katie Causey
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
4 of 4
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:11 February 2023, 5:19PM
Receipt number:17
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Maximillian Rayner
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
BA (double major in computer science and
engineering)
MBA (Finance)
Management consultant
Company/Employer Name Hudson Crossing LCC
2 of 4
Occupation Management and technology consultant
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
PAUSD PK-12 Computer Science Curriculum Design
Advisory Committee (2018)
Judo teacher - Palo Alto Judo Club
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
My mixed background in computer science,
engineering, and finance has armed me with the
intellectual prerequisites to be able to contribute to
the Commission
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Current rates and incentives for solar installations are
of keen interest to me.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
Most progress to be made is a matter of incentives &
constraints, and a full understanding of the second
order effects (i.e. to look beyond intentions to actual
effects)
3 of 4
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
The lack of faster progress in Fiber to the Premise,
Electrical and Gas plans is the key takeaway from my
experience with those documents. If elected I would
look to understand better what changes if any might
allow for greater progress in Palo Alto.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
MAX-RAYNER-short-bio-2023.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Maximillian Rayner
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/11/2023
4 of 4
MAX RAYNER
Maximillian Rayner is a Partner at Hudson Crossing, a strategic advisory firm where he focuses on
market and technology strategies, agile business transformation and product innovation. Hudson
Crossing clients range from global hotel brands to private equity and venture capital firms, world
leading financial services companies, leading casino and entertainment groups, airlines, travel
distribution and technology companies and startups in e-commerce and big data solutions for
digital marketing.
In his practice areas, Mr. Rayner has advised some of the world’s leading companies on
transformational investments and technology projects: Amadeus, American Express, Booking
Holdings, Choice Hotels, Expedia Group, Flight Centre Travel Group, Four Seasons, Hilton
Worldwide, Hotelbeds, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Lychee.com, Mandarin Oriental, Travelport, and
leading investors such as Battery Ventures, Comvest, EQT, Thoma Bravo, and Warburg Pincus.
Prior to becoming a partner at Hudson Crossing, Mr. Rayner served as TravelClick’s SVP of Product
Engineering & General Manager for Reservations Solutions.
Mr. Rayner also served as CTO at Travelzoo, where he led Travelzoo’s Product Development,
Engineering and IT.
Prior to that, Mr. Rayner served as EVP of Products & Services and CIO at information security
provider SurfControl (sold at a 63% stock value premium).
Mr. Rayner served as VP of Systems Architecture at Salesforce.com where its team designed
Salesforce.com’s Internet-scale hosting platform, and as head of Sun Microsystems' business
intelligence systems and global Internet engineering.
Mr. Rayner holds an MBA from UCLA (Finance) and a BA from Dartmouth College (Computer
Science & Engineering).
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:2 February 2023, 10:43AM
Receipt number:11
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Meagan Mauter
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Other: Referred by colleague
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
BS, M.E.E in Environmental Engineering, Engineer in
Training (EIT) certification, and PhD in Chemical &
Environmental Engineering. I am currently an
associate professor in Stanford's Civil &
Environmental Engineering Department. I also serve
as the research director for the National Alliance for
Water Innovation, a U.S. Department of Energy
Energy-Water Hub (and co-funded by the CA
Department of Water Resources and State Water
Resources Control Board) focused on minimizing the
cost, energy, and carbon intensity of securing non-
traditional water supplies. We are especially focused
on early stage applied research and demonstration
projects related to energy efficient water reuse. I also
have expertise in energy systems and in coordination
of water and electricity grids.
Company/Employer Name Stanford University
Occupation Associate Professor
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I have occasionally volunteered for the Children's
Center of the Stanford Community, served on several
grant review panels in the water sector, and work
closely with municipalities across California in
developing robust water supply portfolios, and served
on several California Council on Science and
Technology panels/webinars/reviews. Finally, I am a
member of the Stanford Faculty Senate. I have never
formally held office in a civic organization.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
I am passionate about securing water supply for
California cities under changing climate, water
demand, and regulatory constraints. I am also
passionate about facilitating a n affordable and just
transition to a clean energy economy. My applied
research focuses on identifying, quantifying, and
exploiting synergies across water, energy,
transportation, and telecommunications infrastructure
systems in a municipal setting. Finally, I have a deep
interest in federal financing of infrastructure projects
to accelerate adoption of resilient and sustainable
infrastructure systems by local communities and have
written on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
I am interested in expanding my engagement beyond
Santa Barbara and focusing closer to home on the
myriad of infrastructure challenges and opportunities
in Palo Alto.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am particularly interested in issues of urban water
supply and energy resiliency. The urban water
management plan adoption in May 2021, including
planning for the future implementation the Bay Delta
plan, appropriate specification of design droughts
under future climate scenarios, demand side
management interventions, distributional impacts of
rate increases, and the transfer agreement with Valley
Water are all areas in which I have technical expertise.
I am especially interested in issues related to the safe,
cost-effective, and energy efficient expansion of
recycled water use throughout the Bay Area.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
As a commissioner, I would bring my knowledge and
expertise of potable and non-potable reuse facility
designs, operating costs, and outreach efforts to
ensure that our region develops reuse facilities
commensurate with future demand, safe drinking
water standards, and energy efficiency targets. I
would like to support the relationship between Palo
Alto and Valley Water and provide balanced and
thoughtful oversight throughout the finalization of
design. I am also interested in supporting the
Commissions ability to look across infrastructure
projects for potential synergies and cost savings.
Multifunctional infrastructure upgrades, for instance
designing recycled water facilities with the intent of
intermittent operation to support local electric power
grid stability, are going to be critical to cost effective
municipal decarbonization and resiliency plans.
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have experience analyzing urban water management
plans for the city of Santa Barbara. I am also familiar
with municipal climate action plans across the state. I
do not have direct experience working on or with the
master plans in Palo Alto, but I have read several of
them.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
5 of 6
Signature Name of signatory: Meagan Mauter
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/02/2023
6 of 6
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:25 February 2023, 11:02PM
Receipt number:24
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Michael D Albertine
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Other: John Bowie
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I am a registered nurse with two certifications within
the field of Critical Care. I hold two bachelor's
degrees, one in science in nursing from Samuel
Merritt University and the second in history from
Whitman College. I have long been interested in
sustainability of infrastructure and construction and
how to mitigate the impacts of climate change. I have
been looking for a productive outlet to channel this
energy and I believe the Commission would be a great
opportunity to serve my community and learn more
about this interesting field.
Company/Employer Name Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Occupation RN
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I am recently returned from a year-long sabbatical in
Malaga, Spain. My wife and I took our two small
children to learn a new language and culture to be
better citizens of the world. While there I was the
delegate for my Spanish language class for the
University, where my primary role was to liaise
between the school and the student body.
Prior to that I have been involved with the Whitman
College Alumni organization in supporting and
recruiting future students.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
The Utilities Advisory Commission fulfills my interest
to have an impact in my community in the name of
climate change. My interest in climate, infrastructure
and city planning has lead me to seek out this
opportunity. I strive to live my beliefs by riding my
bike to work, living in apartment style housing, and by
owning a single car for a family of four. I believe that
sustainable living will not degrade but improve the
quality of life we already enjoy. However, the
transition to this future needs active participants to
usher it in. I hope to be that participant.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The issue of purchasing geothermal power that came
before the Commission is exciting because of the
rarity of the renewable base power generation. I have
an interest in geothermal primarily for its higher
efficiency for heating and cooling of homes and
businesses. I believe geothermal has many benefits
over stand alone heat pumps that government policy
could assist in reducing the upfront costs. However,
the ability to use geothermal from a natural steam
well should not be overlooked and the commissioners
were correct to seek out further availability of power
from the NCPA. Additionally, the Commission should
be seeking to diversify its power portfolio at all
reasonable costs.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
As a life long tenant I would like to see the
Commission work to support tenants abilities to
become more sustainable and investigate ways in
which landlords and tenants can help achieve the
visions of the Commission.
I would like to see the Commission investigate the
feasibility of community based solar grids, where an
array is placed in a location and then is owned
through a cooperative allowing for renters and those
unable to afford the upfront costs to participate in
solar.
In the role as a commissioner I would act as an
advocate and facilitate dialogue between the
stakeholders to achieve a mutually beneficial
outcome.
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I do not have experience with these documents but
have familiarized myself with them.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
5 of 6
Signature Name of signatory: Michael Albertine
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/25/2023
6 of 6
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 10:35PM
Receipt number:10
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Natalie Geise
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Education:
BS and PhD in Chemistry
Work Experience:
Graduate Student Researcher, SLAC National Lab,
2015-2021
I studied battery and energy materials to correlate
their performance with underlying structural changes
during their use.
Analyst, Powerhouse, 2022-present
Powerhouse is an innovation firm that helps
corporations find, partner with, or invest in startups in
clean energy, mobility, and climate. I lead startup
sourcing and engagement to expand our database
and network. I manage projects and deliverables
where I identify technologies and startups that align
with the goals and needs of our clients.
Company/Employer Name Powerhouse
Occupation Consultant
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Volunteer, Palo Alto Repair Cafe, 2020-present
- I help community members repair clothing and
textiles to encourage reuse and zero-waste practices.
Member, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource
(SSRL) User Executive Committee, 2017-2020
- The UEC represents the scientists who use SSRL, a
Dept. of Energy User Facility, to SSRL management
and federal government. We provided feedback on
user needs for short-term improvements and long-
range planning for the synchrotron facility.
Co-founder and Leader, Chemistry Association in the
Interest of Minority Students, Stanford Chemistry
Department, 2016-2021
- I facilitated and developed voluntary DEI
programming reaching 80+ attendees at
seminars/town halls and ~20% of department grad
students each year in small-group events.
Member, Stanford University Board of Judicial Affairs,
2017-2021
- We set community guidelines and oversaw
processes related to academic integrity and student
conduct.
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
I currently work at Powerhouse, an innovation
consulting and venture capital firm focused on clean
energy, climate, and mobility. Our clients include
major utilities, energy retailers, tech companies,
renewable project developers, and engineering
consultancies.
I support research and scouting projects related to
decarbonization, energy markets, renewable project
deployment, and utility operations. I can bring new
perspectives to the UAC from utility projects around
the world.
Prior to my role at Powerhouse, I worked at SLAC, a
Department of Energy National Lab. I researched the
degradation of battery and energy storage materials. I
can apply my understanding of energy materials and
technical background to the work of the UAC in
looking at new technologies.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Grid resiliency and modernization have recently come
before the Commission. The grid is challenged by
aging infrastructure with limited capacity. Meanwhile,
decarbonization efforts have incentivized
electrification of vehicles and home appliances. This
can lead to outages due to increased electricity
demand with limited local substation capacity. While
some of the demand is flexible, the utility is not
sufficiently utilizing that flexibility to control demand
and prevent outages.
I am interested to better address demand
management, which can defer substation upgrades. I
would prioritize studying and implementing managed
charging, demand response, vehicle-to-grid, and
similar programs.
Further, the integration of additional distributed
energy resources, such as residential solar and
storage, can provide resiliency during outages. Often,
this provides resiliency at the single-household level,
so I would like to identify and promote solutions that
provide community resiliency.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
1) Procurement for reliable and affordable access to
energy, heat, water, and telecommunications
I am interested to review PPAs, water supplies,
infrastructure plans, and the like to ensure that we
have adequate resources at reasonable costs. I will
work to ensure that short-term and long-term risks are
considered, such as the impacts of technological
shifts or climate change.
2) Improve Customer/Engagement Programs
I will provide feedback and help develop customer
engagement programs (such as electrification and
energy/water efficiency incentives) and rate designs
(such as those for time-of-use, demand response, and
charging) to contribute to resiliency, demand
management, and decarbonization.
3) Increase Pilots through the Program for Emerging
Technologies
I'm excited to bring my experience with start-ups and
innovation partnerships to help recruit more
applicants and ultimately enable more pilot projects.
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have reviewed the Sustainability and Climate Action
Plan, but do not have experience with the others. I
would review those documents as needed upon
joining the UAC or as issues relating to them came up.
7 of 8
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Natalie Geise
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
8 of 8
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:6 February 2023, 12:00PM
Receipt number:9
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Rachel E Croft
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
For the last 7 years I helped develop and launch a
digital health product for behavior change - to help
people stop smoking and nicotine - at Pivot Health
Technologies. The product is an FDA cleared
biometric sensor plus behavior support app. I led
early development of the app, working with scientific
advisors to select and implement behavior change
models, designing the user path and program content,
and used data for program iteration. I later
transitioned to lead Marketing and Corporate
Development (I’m currently a consultant to this
company).
Prior to that I spent 18 years in strategic marketing,
product and business development in the medical
device industry, working in compliance with FDA and
EU regulations. This included 6 years working on
surgical weight loss, which has a large behavior
change component. Prior to that I spent 5 years in
investment banking.
BS Industrial Engineering, Stanford
MBA in Finance, Wharton U Penn
Company/Employer Name Pivot Health Technologies
Occupation Corporate Development Consultant, past employee
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Escondido Elementary School:
- PTA communications chair - 2 years (2020-2022)
- Safe Routes to School Rep - current (2022-current)
- Room parent - 3 years (current, 3 years out of the
last 6)
Palo Alto: I worked actively in my local neighborhood
community (Southgate) over 4 years (2018-2022) to
organize feedback regarding Caltrain grade
separation, communicating rail crossing activities to
the community and organizing and communicating
the community's response back to CAP, XCAP and
City Council.
Nextdoor: neighborhood lead for Southgate
Attended PA Climate Summit in November 2022
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
- I’ve spent 12 years working on products to help
people change behavior for health. There are proven
behavior change models that I would love to see
tested to reduce the demand side of utility use, and
help users shift the hours they are using energy to
times when renewables are available.
- I have 30 years of experience in the corporate
regulated industries (finance and health care) leading
strategic marketing and dealmaking functions.
- I’m passionate about climate change and
environmental conservation. I've personally made
many changes in our house / way of living to conserve
energy, water, gas, and reduce waste, not all of which
were easy, and some of which were thwarted. Since
cities are a critical piece of the climate equation, I'd
like to understand and help our city make decisions
about utilities that lead us to sustainability while still
meeting our residents' and businesses' needs.
Link to my professional experience:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelecroft/
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I'm very interested in all issues concerning
sustainability and climate change. Cities will play a
key role in reaching net zero and preserving the
environment, and I'm personally interested in
participating in the transition.
I watched the 2 most recent meetings online.
Examples of areas of interest:
- One Water Plan: As a lifelong peninsula resident and
14 year Palo Alto resident, I'm concerned by our
drying climate, and I'm interested in helping the city
solidify our long term water supply and reduce our
collective demand. I personally removed my lawn, and
installed rain sensors, smart irrigation, and a low flow
toilet, but I would like to do more, and help Palo Alto
help people reduce.
- Modernizing our grid for the gas to electric shift: I've
made some energy efficiency changes to our house,
but I tried and failed to get a heat pump furnace. I'm
interested in helping PA create processes and
services to ease electrification and make sure the grid
can handle the increased demand.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I would like to see measurable progress toward
sustainability goals:
- Increased electrification: motivating and enabling
our residents to electrify easily through procedures,
permitting and grid upgrades - measured by
electrification activities over 3 years, coupled with
reductions in gas use.
- Maintain stable, fair energy prices for residents while
maximizing PA's use of clean energy, measured by
demand curve, energy source and prices.
- Solidify long term sources of water, grow efficiency
programs, and increase reuse especially in landscape
applications, measured via per capita water use,
supply vs demand analysis, and reused water metrics,
with a specific goal of decreasing PA's per capita
water use during the next 3 years.
- Broadly, my goal would be to be a productive
contributing member of the commission by listening
to input from the city staff, residents, and regulatory
agencies, contributing creative ideas, and helping
make smart, equitable decisions for our community.
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I'm familiar with the SCAP process and website, but I
have not done any work directly with SCAP
documents.
7 of 8
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Rachel E Croft
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/06/2023
8 of 8
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:10 February 2023, 1:14PM
Receipt number:16
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Rajmohan Rajagopalan
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Palo Alto Weekly
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I am pursuing an Exec MBA at MIT Sloan School of
Management (just about to graduate in June 2023)
focusing on Sustainability. I also have a Master's
degree in Computer Science and a Bachelor's degree
in Mechanical Engineering.
2 of 4
Company/Employer Name Microsoft
Occupation General Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Volunteer in local community temple, board director
in a non-profit focused on building sustainable habits
among consumers -- Ecochallenge.org
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
Sustainability focus at MIT Sloan, Board member at
Ecochallenge.org. Tech Industry veteran to help focus
on the software and systems.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
City’s Electric Grid Modernization Analysis presented
on 02/01/2023. I'm interested in it as a resident of Palo
Alto, one of the best and most advanced chartered
cities anywhere on the planet, to understand where
we are and what our roadmap looks like.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
1) I'd like to see Palo Alto the best city when it comes
to modern and sustainable utility policies and
incentives to residents and be a role model for other
cities in the Bay Area, and the rest of the world to
emulate.
2) I'd help as a principled and innovative leader and
leverage my MIT network and my Microsoft
experience and network for the city to achieve its
goals.
3 of 4
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
FIber to the Premise Master Pland and Long Term
Electric Acquisition Plan. Interested in both of these
plans.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Rajmohan Rajagopalan
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/10/2023
4 of 4
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:10 February 2023, 11:02AM
Receipt number:15
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name RAMARAO V Digumarthi
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 4
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I am a Palo Alto resident for 40 years. I have Ph.D.
From Standford University in Aerospace Engineering.
I worked in the Energy industry including green
energy research for 20 years at International Power
Technology and RANN. I worked as Senior Research
Scientist at Lockheed Martin Palo Alto Labs. I have
always watched the UAC work as a citizen of the Palo
Alto and its effects on my utility bill.
Company/Employer Name White Plume of Freedom Fiduciary Services / Self
employed
Occupation Professional Fiduciary
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I was an active member of the PTA and local AYSO
organizations. I am the current NPC for Fairmedow
neighborhood and CERT.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
I worked in the power industry in both research and
production. I understand the energy industry and its
effect on citizens including my utility bill as citizen of
Palo Alto.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I have not recently attended any of UAC meetings. I
shall watch some of the recent archived videos
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I would moderate or reduce the cost of power in Palo
Alto. I would like to accelerate the implementation of
fiber across the city (it has taken very long time). I
would like to see a further increase in the green
energy portion of the power used in Palo Alto.
3 of 4
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I read thru the documents.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: R.V. Digumarthi
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/10/2023
4 of 4
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 11:45AM
Receipt number:28
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name robert foley
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
BS Mathematics College of the Holy Cross Worcester,
MA
MS Mathematics Iowa State University Ames, Iowa
IBM manager for 25 years
Current company QView Medical Inc. Los Altos, CA
a resident of Palo Alto since 1972 - on leave to Dallas
Tx 1979-1982.
involved in community affairs through the local
Church, St. Thomas Aquinas
Stanford University IBM Resident scholar 1984-1986
Company/Employer Name QView Medical, Inc.
Occupation Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Jail ministry Redwood City San Mateo county 1991-
1993
Board member Thomas Merton Center Palo Alto (St.
Thomas Aquinas Church) 2001 -2003 and current
member - Thomas Merton Center supports activities
in East Palo Alto, supports Elizabeth Seton School,
Palo Alto.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
Business operations in the past 30 years with three
startups - 2 were acquired, and one is still active.
I am involved in healthcare -- breast cancer early
detection, which has perhaps more stringent
regulatory requirements than utilities. I acted as
regulatory affairs chief while gaining FDA approval for
all three companies.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The price of natural gas increases has been in the
national and local news. All Palo ALto Altans have
been effective. The process of commission approvals,
movement of reserves to the general fund, and
bridging the gap if something like this does and will
happen again.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
Oversight of budgets, reserves, the safety of
residents, affordability as best as can be done in
these rising costs
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
none
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
4 of 5
Signature Name of signatory: robert foley
Uploaded signature image: rmf signature.jpg
Date Completed 02/27/2023
5 of 5
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 6:08PM
Receipt number:29
Related form version:6
Personal Information
Name Robert Phillips
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
Yes
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Palo Alto Weekly
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
PhD in Engineering Economic Systems from Stanford
University, Bachelor Degrees in Mathematics and
Economics from Washington State University.
Previously Consultant and Advisor on Energy Policy
to US Department of Energy and South Korea.
Previously consulted on electric power planning and
pricing to Pennsylvania Power and Light (PP&L), TVA,
and Powergen (UK). Previously managing partner at a
quantitative consulting company (Decision Focus
Incorporated) and Professor of Professional Practice
at Columbia Business School. Fellow of the
International Federation of Operations Research and
Management Science. Author of a MBA-level textbook
on dynamic pricing including electric power.
Company/Employer Name Retired
Occupation Retired
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Former Board Member for Environmental Volunteers
2006 - 2008.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
Electric power and natural gas are complex markets. I
am interested in helping Palo Alto Utilities work within
these markets to provide energy to the city that is
affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable. I
have an extensive background in both complex
markets and in electric power markets and
understand the underlying economics of electric
power and natural gas.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I am particularly interested in the questions of how the
commission plans its acquistion of both electricity
and natural gas, particularly in the context of the
recent rate spike the city experienced in natural gas.
Are we doing all we can as a city to cushion as much
as possible Palo Alto citizens from future spikes?
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I would like to ensure that our plans for natural gas
and electricity supply and the contracts that we enter
into are consistent with the goals of providing reliable
and environmentally sustainable energy to our
citizens at the lowest cost, where environmentally
sustainable includes reducing carbon emissions.
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have read the strategic plan and the long-term
electric acquisition plan.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
4 of 5
Signature Name of signatory: Robert Phillips
Uploaded signature image: Signature.jpg
Date Completed 02/27/2023
5 of 5
Utilities Advisory Commission
Application
Submission date:12 March 2022, 6:24PM
Receipt number:1
Related form version:3
Personal Information
Name Siyi Zhang
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities
Advisory Commission?
Community Group
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Alternate Contact Information - Address
Alternate Contact Information - Phone Number
Alternate Contact Information - Email
2 of 5
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
(621 characters max)
I am very passionate about grid infrastructure and
energy technology, with years of experience working
in energy storage at Tesla, where I launched Tesla's
ConnectedSolution Virtual Power Plant for National
Grid & Eversource in Massachusetts. I also worked in
EV charging (EV Connect), and currently focusing on
home electrification at Lunar Energy. I see utility
partnership a key for everyone to get reliable,
affordable clean energy.
I hold engineering degrees from MIT and Stanford in
renewable energy.
Linkedin Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/greensiyi/
Employment Information
Company/Employer Name
Lunar Energy
Occupation Hardware Product Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
(1311 characters max)
I am an active volunteer at Sun work, a local NGO that
installs solar and heat pump water heaters for single-
family homes across northern california.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission
that is compatible with your experience and of specific
interest to you, and why?
(1449 characters max)
My whole career revolves around clean energy, and I
believe forward-thinking utilities have to act now to
transition to a zero-carbon future. I hope to bring my
industry experience to the commission, initiate
meaningful conversations with industry veterans,
academia to make informed decisions, and take
actions that solve the long-term need of our
community.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
(1449 characters max)
Archived videos are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I want to make solar and battery more accessible for
Palo Alto residents. In my recent solar installation
experience, five local installers outright declined to
work with me because they don't want to deal with
CPAU. I can't imagine how many potential solar
owners in Palo Alto have turned away like me. I want
to make the process easier for CPUC and installers so
that all residents can benefit.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and why?
How would you suggest accomplishing this?
(1587 characters max)
See above.
5. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any
of these documents, please describe that experience.
Experience with these documents is not required for
selection.
(1035 characters max)
The Utilities Strategic Plan (2018)
The Long Term Electric Acquisition Plan (2012)
The Gas Utility Long-term Plan (2017)
Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
Ten-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Ten-Year Natural Gas
Energy Efficiency Plan (2012)
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP)
Fiber-to-the-Premise Master Plan (2015)
I have worked at the MIT office of sustainability in the
past on the university's overall climate action plan.
I am also very passionate about energy efficiency - in
the process of retrofitting and electrifying my house in
Palo Alto. Can provide real feedback on incentives,
and ways to help home owners more educated.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
4 of 5
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Siyi Zhang
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/12/2022
5 of 5
This consent form will not be redacted and will be attached to the
Application and posted to the City’s website.
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Utilities Advisory Commission?
(Select more than one if applicable)
Community Group
Email from the City
Palo Alto Weekly
Other: NextDoor website
Daily Post
City Website
Flyer
List relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, or
professional registration: (621 characters)
PhD in Experimental Physics/ Stanford
19 year career at Stanford from 1970's thru 1980's, including Nobel prize winning research
(team member).
Deputy Operations Director at SLAC, prior to joining the private sector.
In the 1990's Varian R&D manager, Varian CIO, and CEO of my own software company.
Also designed and managed a private corporate fiber network.
Employment
Current Employer
Employer: Self (Wynn Martin Teechnology)
Occupation: Corporate information architect
Last Employer
Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations: (1311 characters)
Not much beyond assisting my neighbors solve household problems.
I am applying now only because I think my technical and business management background
could be useful to improve Palo Alto Utility service.
Dr. Terry Martin
Page 2
Utilities Advisory Commission
1. What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest
to you and describe why you are interested in it. If you have never been to a Commission meeting
you can view an archive
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Utilities Advisory Commission
achieve, and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this?
4. Utilities Advisory Commission Members work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
5. Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook: Yes a No
Signature: (Please type or sign) Terry Martin
Date: 2/27/23
Dr. Terry Martin
Page 5
Utilties Advisory Commission
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:7 February 2023, 10:54PM
Receipt number:26
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name ALEX COMSA
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Education: BA in Marketing and Finance
License: Realtor
Certifications: Global Luxury Specialist
Wielding a treasure trove of real estate intel and
charm, and boasting over 15 years of experience,
Alex is a breath of fresh air in the Palo Alto real estate
scene. A high-achieving professional, Alex has been
awarded membership into the Coldwell Banker®
International President’s Elite for sales in the top 3%
of agents worldwide.
Approachable, committed and calm, Alex is focused
on building long-term relationships with his clients
and treats them all equally, with tenacious hard work,
abundant good humor and the Golden Rule in mind. In
fact, they often become friends. “In a league of his
own,”
Between real estate and fitness objectives, Alex
maintains a balanced lifestyle, so he can enjoy time
with family and friends. He is a father of two teenage
boys, and he loves being involved with them and their
sports hobbies.
Company/Employer Name Comsa Group LLC / Coldwell Banker
Occupation Real Estate Professional / Realtor
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Coached AYSO, as a volunteer, when my kids were
younger, for about 7 years.
Currently volunteering for ESV (Emergency Services
Volunteer) - part of City of Palo Alto, as Block
Coordinator for my Community Center neighborhood.
I ran for City Council last year and that was a good
experience, and I was asked by so many people to
consider volunteering for PTC as it is up on my alley.
In fact, even The Daily Post recommended that too.
3 of 5
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
My work experience comprises of a decade of
corporate experience in Finance and Operations and
about 15 years of real estate experience.
Was also involved in a handful of projects that
included entitlement work, construction bids, so I have
a good understanding of the building codes, local
rules, and I build a house from scratch for my family,
so that was a great experience. As a realtor, I interact
with Planning Dept on behalf of my clients. I truly
believe that PTC is up on my alley.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Affordable Housing is my top priority, and we need to
add lots of housing per the
Housing Element. This topic intrigues me and I believe
I can be a good resource for the city re housing in
general. In particular, affordable housing for essential
workers such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, etc.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
I would like the PTC help the city meet the housing
element requirements, and I can work with other PTC
members in order to identify potential sites that are a
good fit for development, especially affordable
housing.
4 of 5
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
I have a bit of experience with pretty much all these
docs and I look forward to gain even more granular
experience if I get elected to serve.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Alex Comsa
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/07/2023
5 of 5
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:12 February 2023, 10:29AM
Receipt number:29
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Allen Akin
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Other: Recommendations by current PTC member
and former Council member
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
BS Information and Computer Science with Electrical
Engineering minor, Georgia Institute of Technology
MS Information and Computer Science, Georgia
Institute of Technology
40+ years experience in a mix of computer
programming, engineering management, and
consulting. Worked for Microsoft, Digital Equipment
Corporation, Silicon Graphics, and several startups as
well as consulting.
Company/Employer Name Retired
Occupation Retired computer programmer
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Member of Professorville Historic District Design
Guidelines Committee 2011-2016.
Active in informal citizens' groups addressing traffic
and parking issues. Designed and built traffic
measurement devices deployed 2013-2021. Presented
to Council, Planning, and Office of Transportation
staff.
Known for analytical commentary on Palo Alto Online
and other forums regarding traffic, State housing
laws, and housing development economics.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I've lived and worked in Palo Alto for 37 years. My
interest in transportation issues rose along with the
85% increase (from 2013 to 2018) in traffic on Lincoln
Avenue, and the parallel increase in accidents at
Lincoln and Middlefield near Addison School. As our
region has grown, the links between transportation
systems on the one hand, and housing and
commercial development on the other, have been
strained and as a result life has become more difficult
for everyone. When the State mandates for increased
housing arrived, it became obvious that planning and
transportation issues had to be better-coordinated if
our policies were to be effective and economically
viable. In Palo Alto, I think PTC is the best place to do
that, not only as an individual contributor, but as part
of a larger resource for Council, Staff, and the public.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Of course the new Housing Element is the most
important issue to come before the PTC recently. It's
of more than "particular interest"; it's determinative
for the nature of the City for at least the next decade.
It had to be a good-faith effort to meet the HCD and
ABAG requirements, and I believe it cleared that bar. It
also had to be viable and equitable with regard to
where new housing should be located and how the
infrastructure (particularly transportation) needed by
the residents of that new housing should be funded
and built. For the most part I believe it succeeded, but
I felt it could have been improved by rezoning
Stanford Research Park to develop more housing by-
right there (because transportation service is good,
land is available, taller buildings can be constructed
without disrupting existing neighborhoods) and I
provided that feedback. I was glad to see Council
request changes along those lines, though more
remains to be done.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
Once HCD feedback is available, we'll need to wrap
up the final version of the Housing Element. Specific
transportation improvements for San Antonio will be
necessary. We'll also have to resolve the open
questions about grade separations at Charleston,
Meadow, and Churchill. We should at least initiate the
Coordinated Area Plan for Downtown, which will have
significant effects on grade separation at the Alma
crossing and on housing in Downtown North and
possibly at 27 University. To address the specific
issue that started me on this path, I'd also like to see
Lincoln Avenue modified to reduce cut-through traffic
routed there by navigation apps and to reduce
accidents at Middlefield. I would help by doing the
grunt work of analysis that's needed to ensure
proposals are functional and economical; by listening
to and communicating clearly with residents,
businesses, Staff, and Council; and by learning the
things that I don't know that will be required to make
all this successful.
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
I've read much of the Comp Plan and often cited
specific sections in commentary to Council and the
public. For example, consider T-4.2.1 which requires
periodic traffic measurement in residential areas.
I've built a house in the Professorville National
Register Historic District and served on the
Professorville Design Guidelines Committee. As a
result I have a good deal of experience with the
portions of the Code that pertain to historic
preservation and the design of single-family
residences.
My house required developing an EIR from 2007 to
2010, so I'm personally familiar with the CEQA review
process, and I suspect I'm one of very few residents
who've read the entire CEQA guidelines.
I've studied the portions of the SOFA plans that
pertain to parking in order to comment to Council on
recent project proposals in the area.
5 of 6
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: T. Allen Akin
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/12/2023
6 of 6
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:25 February 2023, 11:27PM
Receipt number:35
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Arthur M. Keller
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I serve as advisor to startups and as expert witness
on patent infringement cases as Managing Partner at
Minerva Consulting. I received a PhD and a MS in
Computer Science from Stanford University, where I
taught and performed research until 1999. I also
taught at UC Santa Cruz in the Baskin School of
Engineering from 2001 through 2005 and continue to
have an affiliation there. I previously taught at The
University of Texas at Austin and also at Brooklyn
College of the City of New York, where I received my
BS with honors in Mathematics and in Computer and
Information Science.
Company/Employer Name Minerva Consulting
Occupation Consultant
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
For Palo Alto, I served on the Housing Element Work
Group from 2021 to 2022, as Co-Chair on the
Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Group from
2015 to 2017, as a Planning and Transportation
Commissioner from 2006 to 2014 (vice chair, 2013-
2014), on the Website Committee from 2008 to 2009,
on the Electric Vehicle Task Force from 2013 to 2014. I
served on the Environmental and Water Resources
Committee of SCVWD from 2015 to 2022 (vice chair,
2018-2019, chair, 2020, vice chair, 2021-2022). I
continue to serve as Public Transit Coordinator for
Gunn High School PTSA since 2007, even though my
twin daughters graduated in 2011. I served on the
board of the Girls Middle School from 2005 to 2008
and on the Site Council for Ohlone Elementary School
from 2001 to 2003. I served on the board of the
Electric Auto Association from 2007 to 2010. I served
on the board of Cong. Kol Emeth from 1996 to 2000.
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I previously served on the Planning and
Transportation Commission from 2006 to 2014. I am
interested in helping to make Palo Alto a community
whose strengths survive for years to come. These
include a balance of parkland, community facilities,
schools, and housing. We need to integrate change,
such as additional housing and other developments in
a manner the preserves the character of the existing
neighborhoods, while ensuring the livability of new
neighborhoods. It is important that Palo Alto is a place
where people of all ages can thrive.
The PTC reviews the Capital Improvement Project
budget, and as part of that review, I initiated the
funding of a study of a potential bicycle and
pedestrian crossing over US 101 in south Palo Alto
that culminated in the bridge being completed last
year. I also caused Palo Alto to fund SFCJPA's study
of the SAFER Bay project of Sea Level Rise
adaptation in Palo Alto that resulted in the current
studies by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Although I have attended many PTC meetings, I most
recently attended the February 22, 2023 meeting.
There were two agenda items. The first was a request
to subdivide a RMD property, which the Commission
rejected. The second was a revision to the ADU
ordinance. The Commission made thoughtful changes
in response to a changing state legislative landscape
as described by HCD.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
In particular, I am interested in participating in the
rezoning process in response to the new Housing
Element post-adoption. I also think we need the
develop an area plan for the Fabian/San
Antonio/Charleston region where much of this
rezoning will occur. We need to incentivize the
creation of parkland along with the housing, and also
lot consolidation south of San Antonio Road and east
of Charleston Road. I would also like the City to work
with the County to plan for an entrance onto
southbound US 101 from San Antonio Road (replacing
the entrance from Charleston Road in Mountain View)
and creating an auxiliary lane continuing to the
offramp onto Rengstorff per Comprehensive Program
T8.3.1.
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
Yes, I am familiar with all of these documents. I think
the El Camino Real Design Guidelines should soften
the requirement for a build-to line and replace it with a
prohibition of parking in front of the building. I believe
that the front facade of the building should be left up
to discretion of the Architectural Review Board.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
5 of 6
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Arthur Keller
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/25/2023
6 of 6
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:12 December 2022, 6:44PM
Receipt number:20
Related form version:4
Personal Information
Name Brian Hamachek
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 5
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Alternate Contact Information - Address
Alternate Contact Information - Phone Number
Alternate Contact Information - Email
2 of 5
Personal and Job Experience
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration.
(621 characters max)
I was born in Palo Alto and have lived here most my
life. I am also a software engineer and an
entrepreneur. I have been interested in city planning
for over a decade.
Employment Information
Company/Employer Name
HP
Occupation Software Consultant
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
(1311 characters max)
Having lived in Palo Alto for almost my entire life, I've
been a member of numerous local organizations over
the years. I was a judge at the City Hackathon in 2012.
I have done CERT training. I have organized block
parties for my local neighborhood. I have been a
member of the Palo Alto Tennis Club for over a
decade. Most recently, I ran, unsuccessfully, for City
Council in 2022.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
(1449 characters max)
Being born in Palo Alto and having lived here most my
life has given me a unique perspective on what makes
this city so special. I absolutely love Palo Alto. It's
more than just a city to me; it's my home. The work
that the PTC does has real impact on the lives of
residents. I want to help create vibrant, resilient, safe,
and livable neighborhoods. I have a natural interest in
the arcane aspects of city planning. It interests me. I
actually love reading documents such as the
Comprehensive Plan and the Housing Element.
3 of 5
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
(1449 characters max)
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I'm interested in almost every project that has come
before the commission. Recently, I have been closely
following the next Housing Element. This document
defines the future of Palo Alto.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and why? How would you suggest accomplishing this?
(1587 characters max)
If appointed, I would be sure to ask the difficult
questions about proposals that come before the
commission. I would take the time to really
understand the nuances and unintended
consequences of decisions being contemplated.
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
(1173 characters max)
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
As a result of having ran for City Council in 2022, I am
intimately familiar with all of these documents. Even
before having ran, I was familiar with the
Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code.
4 of 5
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Brian Hamachek
Uploaded signature image: signature.jpg
Date Completed 12/12/2022
5 of 5
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:27 February 2023, 12:55PM
Receipt number:39
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Brigham Wilson
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Other: email from friend
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I am a passionate student of city planning. For the
past 7 years, I have closely followed our city's plans
and policies to balance increasing our housing supply
while maintaining the character and desirability of our
development. My training has been self- study of
relevant text books and thought-pieces on land use,
urban design, and construction.
Company/Employer Name Google
Occupation Program Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Member and Chair of the Library Advisory
Commission (2017-2020)
Palo Alto Police Department Citizen Police Academy
participant (2017)
Community Gardener at Johnson Park (2018-Present)
Member of Stanford Congregation of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2016-2020)
Teacher, Clerk and Organist for The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints near Middlefield and E.
Charleston (2020-Present)
Application Questions
3 of 6
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I am interested in serving on the Planning and
Transportation Commission because the design of
our city is important, I have the knowledge for urban
design, and I have the passion for civic oversight and
committee workings. As Palo Alto continues to grow,
keeping a balance between new construction and
renovations along with our history and character is
integral to our community's personality. I look forward
to reviewing proposed residential, commercial, and
landscape proposals and analyzing their merits
environmental impact, impact on housing supply, and
ensuring they meet residential and commercial needs,
open space conservation, and have visual appeal.
Having been on the Library Advisory Commission and
chairing it for one year, I understand how to
collaborate with City Council, review and decide on
proposals, and request and respond to input from
fellow citizens.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
On Nov 30, the PTC reviewed a proposal to redevelop
the 3200 Park property. I am interested in this issue
because we need to build more housing in our city
and we need to partner with developers, but it is also
challenging to balance the different needs and
priorities of stakeholders. This location is interesting
because it is large, low-density, and near good
transportation options. Being creative and
considerate as we improve and upgrade areas of Palo
Alto will be important as we continue to meet the
needs of our community.
4 of 6
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
While serving on the Planning and Transportation
Commission I would help create the mandated 6,086
units by 2031 in a manner that preserves the character
of each neighborhood. We would increase density
where it is most appropriate aesthetically and focus
on parcels that are underused or vacant or near major
transit centers. As a non-homeowner but 6+ year
resident, I would be an impartial collaborative partner,
able to balance the needs of the many stakeholders
involved in these discussions while being loyal and
driven to find the optimal outcome.
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
When I was on the Library Advisory Commission, I
read the Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017) to
ensure that our recommendations aligned with the
long-term vision of the city. I have begun reviewing
these documents and will continue to study them
upon my being selected so that I know the regulations
and requirements necessary.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
5 of 6
Signature Name of signatory: Brigham Wilson
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/27/2023
6 of 6
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 10:53AM
Receipt number:40
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Cari Templeton
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
Yes
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
EDUCATION
* Stanford University, Master of Liberal Arts
* Vanderbilt University, BS in Classics & Computer
Science, magna cum laude
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
* 20-year career as a Technical Program Manager;
worked in or adjacent to Palo
Alto since 2006, including SLAC (Stanford Linear
Accelerator Center) and over 10 years at Google
* District Representative for the California State
Senate in the Office of Senator Josh Becker since
2021
Company/Employer Name California State Senate
Occupation District Representative, Office of Senator Josh Becker
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
CIVIC APPOINTMENTS
* North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan Working
Group (NVCAP) (May - Dec. 2018)
* Planning & Transportation Commission (Dec. 2018 -
Present)
* Expanded Community Advisory Panel (XCAP) (2019-
2021)
* Valley Water's Renewed Safe, Clean Water & Natural
Flood Protection: Independent Monitoring Committee
(2021-present)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
* Homeowner and resident of Palo Alto since 2005
* Regularly attend or view City Council, School Board
meetings, and participate in public conversations in
Palo Alto and neighboring cities.
* Fletcher PTA Treasurer 2021-2022
* PTAC Honorary Service Awardee, 2021
* Palo Alto League of Women Voters Board Member,
2021-Present
* Advocate for diversity in working groups with a
focus on women and neurodiversity
* Preschool Family, 2010-2013
* Ohlone Elementary volunteer in PTA, Girl Scouts,
Boy Scouts, and after school programs, 2013-2021
* My family attends numerous extra-curricular
enrichment programs in Palo Alto community centers
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I raised my two children in Palo Alto, first in Ventura
and now in Barron Park. They learned at Ohlone and
Fletcher, danced at Cubberley, and participated in
scouts, camps, and theater at Lucie Stern. Together,
we enjoy every part of this City and make frequent
use of the streets, bike paths, and walkways, as well
as parks, hiking trails, campgrounds, and open
spaces.
In 4+ years on the PTC, I contributed to discussions
on some of the most difficult issues to face the City
by asking probing questions that help my fellow
Commissioners, and ultimately the Council, view the
Staff reports from multiple angles and develop a
shared understanding of the intricacies and
implications of the agendized items. In my 20+ year
career as a Program Manager, I led complex, cross-
functional, multi-million dollar projects to success,
through planning, communicating, getting buy-in,
soliciting feedback, and working cross-functionally
with stakeholders. I bring this energy of collaboration
to the dais.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
In March 2021, Staff asked the PTC Staff to “Review
and Discuss Two Concept Plan Alternatives for
Improvements to the Alma Street and Churchill
Avenue Intersection and Recommend a Preferred
Alternative to City Council.” The PTC discussed the
road safety issues for cars and students biking to
school near the train tracks at Churchill. We
concluded that the stacking space was too small for
the number of bikes waiting for the train to cross
during peak school commute hours. We had one of
the most memorable, collaborative, productive
discussions we ever had in my time on PTC, wrestling
with the pros and cons, diving into the details, and
arriving at consensus: a unanimous 6-0 vote (with one
absent).
The PTC’s role in evaluating the Council’s Covid
recovery plan in 2021 was also very rewarding,
because the City experimented with rapid prototyping
of parklets & street closures, while also soliciting and
hearing direct feedback from the community about
what worked and what needed adjustment.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
I have a keen interest in transportation and safety.
Transportation issues have the potential to save lives,
shorten commutes, and make our local businesses
and neighborhoods more convenient to reach. Before
joining the PTC, I participated in public discussions
about recommendations to and from the PTC,
including Ross Road feedback, California Avenue
transportation management, and Charleston-
Arastradero Corridor projects. As Chair in 2020, I
advocated for the PTC to have increased presence
and participation by the Department of
Transportation, who now regularly sends a staffer to
share updates with the PTC. However, we still see far
too few Transportation projects come before the PTC
for discussion and review. I want to see more
engagement on transportation issues at the PTC,
including how to make it safer for students who use
these roads to bike to school. The PTC should
continue to encourage Transportation engagement
and provide valuable input on Transportation projects.
7 of 8
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
In my time on the Planning and Transportation
Commission, I have had the opportunity to review,
work with, apply and/or recommend updates to many
of these documents, including the Comprehensive
Plan, Zoning Code, Charter, CEQA, Baylands Master
Plan, and area plans like SOFA and NVCAP, as well as
others not named, such as the Bike and Pedestrian
Plan, Parking Plan, Rail Corridor Plan, Housing
Element, and Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
What we have not dealt with, sadly, is the El Camino
Real Master Plan, despite the imminent repaving
project upcoming from CalTrans this year. While
other neighboring cities have plans in place and will
be implementing safety improvements as part of the
ECR repaving project in Northern Santa Clara County,
Palo Alto does not have such a plan in place. It feels
like a huge missed opportunity, especially given the
high frequency of collisions, even loss of children’s
lives on this wide, busy road.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Cari Templeton
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
8 of 8
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:4 January 2023, 1:34PM
Receipt number:21
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Forest Olaf Peterson
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 6
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 6
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Earned doctorate in Civil and Environmental
Engineering with an emphasis in Computer Science
from Stanford University
Past employment with Granite Construction Heavy
Construction Division as a project engineer on large
transportation projects (>$250M) in California, Utah,
and Nevada: estimating office, design office, and
construction oversight experience.
Through doctoral thesis research, worked on the CA
high-speed rail project developing project planning
and control theory.
Extensive experience in prevailing wage labor
standards for public works.
Company/Employer Name Stanford University
Occupation Civil engineering staff research affiliate
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 6
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Santa Clara Valley Water District–Safe, Clean Water &
Natural Flood Protection: Independent Monitoring
Committee 2022 to present
co-Chair, Digital Twin (Building Information Model and
Artificial Intelligence) sub-group of the Committee on
Visualization in Transportation at the National
Academies' Transportation Research Board 2021 to
present
California Democratic Party Caucuses Environmental,
Chicano Latino, Progressive, and Labor–a
crosssection that covers infrastructure public policy
2021 to present
Steering Committee, Santa Clara County Wage Theft
Coalition 2017 to present
ASTM International, Committee E60 Subcommittee on
Water Use 2021 to present
The American Planning Association–Northern
California (urban planning) 2021 to present
California Association of Environmental
Professionals–Monterey/Silicon Valley 2021 to present
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
My role in development and delivery of large
transportation projects fits with the ongoing need for
the City of Palo Alto to develop new transportation
corridors for both rail and vehicles.
4 of 6
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The rail corridor study of elevated above grade or
depressed below grade is a topic similar to a rail
corridor project I helped design and construction in
Reno, NV.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
I am fascinated by the public policy implications of
knowledge I have gained from my colleagues in
transportation through my role as chair of the
DigitalTwin subgroup (information model and artificial
intelligence) at the National Academy's Transportation
Research Board, crossed with my professional
experience in design and delivery of large
transportation projects, and my background in large
public works theory development at Stanford
Engineering. I bring to the board a background in
advanced technology and theory.
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
Non specific experience, though I am aware of these
documents and understand the California
Environmental Quality Act implications.
5 of 6
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
fpeterson_cv_PAPTC.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Forest Peterson
Link to signature
Date Completed 1/4/2023
6 of 6
Forest Olaf Peterson
0 10/6/2022
BIOGRAPHICAL AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Forest Olaf Peterson
Stanford University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Center for Integrated Facility Engineering
The Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building
473 Via Ortega, Room 293, MC: 4020, Stanford, CA 94305-4020, USA
Currently: Postdoctoral Staff Research Affiliate
ACADEMIC HISTORY
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Stanford University, 2010 to 2020
Principal Advisor: Kumagai Professor of Engineering Martin Fischer
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2020
Dissertation: Communication to Align Ideal with Reality: A Contribution to Virtual Design and Construction
Theory for Infrastructure Projects
Stanford University, 2007 to 2015
Principal Advisor: Kumagai Professor of Engineering Martin Fischer
Engineer in Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2015
Dissertation: A Study of Input and Output Field Quantification in Heavy Civil Construction
Stanford University, 2006 to 2007
Principal Advisor: Obayashi Professor in Engineering Clyde Tatum
Master of Science in Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, 2007; 3.4 GPA
Master of Science in Engineering, Structural Engineering degree candidate, no anticipated completion date
University of Nevada Reno, 2006
Master of Science in Economics degree candidate, no anticipated completion date
California State University, Chico, 2004 to 2005
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, 2005; 3.3 GPA
Sierra College, 1994 to 2003
Associate of Science for Transfer in Business Administration (public accounting emphasis), 2003; 3.3 GPA
Associate of Art in Liberal Arts, 2003
Live Oak High School, Morgan Hill Unified School District, 1991 to 1994
High School Diploma (Regional Occupational Program, machinist), 1994
SCHOLARSHIPS AND HONORS
2020–21 ECMCF Fellow in Postsecondary Career Technical Education Research
2016 The John F. P. Brahtz Fellow in Civil Engineering
2013 Stanford University Clarkson Oglesby Graduate Fellow
2012 Stanford University Homer Olsen Fellow
2010–11 Stanford University Construction Engineering Management Fellow
2008 Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) Seed Award—Automating Activity Coding
from Model and Sensor Data
2007 Stanford University Dean E. Stephan / Charles Pankow Builders Stanford Fellow
2004–05 California State University Chico Dean’s List—Two of Three Semesters
2004 Laborers Local 185 Scholarship
Forest Olaf Peterson
1 10/6/2022
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
ACADEMIC TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Fall 2022: Gavilan College Division of Career Education Construction Management Program for Transfer
Associate faculty–Construction Management
Introduction to the fundamental concepts and an overview of the elements associated with construction
management operations. I was responsible for open lab hours as well as graded lab assignments.
Fall 2019: Evergreen Valley College Division of Business and Workforce Building Information Model
Program
Associate faculty–Building Information Model
Concepts of sustainability economics, system optimization, life cycle costing, basic project finance, and
formal decision-making theory. I was responsible for open lab hours as well as graded lab assignments.
Summer 2019: Evergreen Valley College Division of Business and Workforce Building Information Model
Program
Associate faculty–Virtual Design and Construction
Concepts of sustainability economics, system optimization, life cycle costing, basic project finance, and
formal decision-making theory. I was responsible for open lab hours as well as graded lab assignments.
Winter 2019: Stanford University School of Engineering Sustainable Design and Construction Program
Teaching Assistant–Construction Law and Claims
Concepts of preparation and analysis of construction claims, cost overrun analysis, schedule delay analysis,
general legal principles, contracts, integrated project delivery, public-private partnerships, and resolution
of construction disputes through ADR and litigation. I was responsible for supplemental lectures,
supervised lab, as well as graded lab assignments and exams.
Winter 2017: Stanford University School of Engineering Sustainable Design and Construction Program
Teaching Assistant–Stanford Sustainable Living Lab (Engineering economy style)
Concepts of sustainability economics, system optimization, life cycle costing, basic project finance, and
formal decision-making theory. I was responsible for supplemental lectures, supervised labs.
Spring 2013: Stanford University Construction Engineering and Management Program
Teaching Assistant–Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Creation, management, and application of Building Information Models (3D computer representation of
building components and geometries). Organizing and operating on models to produce architectural views,
construction documents, renderings, animations, and interface with analysis tools. I was responsible for
supplemental lectures, supervised lab, as well as graded lab assignments and exams.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Fall 2021 to present: Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University School of
Engineering
Post-doctoral Staff Research Affiliate
Project: Labor standards enforcement and wage theft data science
Fall 2020 to Fall 2021: Joint North Carolina State University College of Education and the Center for
Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University School of Engineering
Research Fellow
Project: Post-secondary CTE in Virtual Design and Construction in collaboration with the Digital Learning
Lab University of California, Irvine School of Education
Spring 2017 to Fall 2020: Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University School of
Engineering
Research Assistant
Project: Civil Virtual Design and Construction (VDC); cadwork Informatik AG (CH)
Forest Olaf Peterson
2 10/6/2022
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Macro and Monetary Economics (6-semester units)
Mathematics: Real Analysis (3-semester units), Linear Algebra (3-semester units), Calculus/Multivariable
Calculus (9-semester units)
Programming in C++ (Stanford CS course)
PUBLIC SERVANT EXPERIENCE
2020 to 2021: The County of Santa Clara Emergency Operations Center
Staff COVID-19 Community Public Health Enforcement Data Scientist III
Under limited supervision, design, develop, and maintain a public health enforcement database by
receiving large datasets of county-wide health protocol applications and health enforcement inspection
reports, examining and analyzing records, recommending resolutions to public health violation trends; and
disseminating information related to COVID-19 public health enforcement to all parties within the County of
Santa Clara.
2020 to 2021: The County of Santa Clara Division of Equity and Social Justice Office of Labor Standards
Enforcement
Staff Labor Standards Investigator III
Under limited supervision, maintain an investigation caseload by receiving complaints, interviewing
involved parties, examining and analyzing accounting, business, and financial records and recommending
resolutions and/or penalties related to labor standards and wage violations; and disseminating information
related to wage regulations to all parties contracting with the County of Santa Clara.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
2021 to Present: Palo Alto Data Group, Palo Alto California
Staff Data Analyst III
Forensic accounting certified payroll in construction industry wage theft.
2014 to 2016: Rhumbix Inc., San Francisco California
Labor Standards Corp Compliance Officer
As a founding employee (emp. #7), I developed the crew-based wearable technology concept in the StartX
incubator with the business founders for one year prior to obtaining what eventually rose to over $55
million in venture capital funding. In addition to verifying technology development compliance, I led action-
partnering with labor unions and contractor associations in hazardous material, roofing, and waterproofing
industries: Bravo Zulu award 10/30/2015 for collaboration with Roofers and Waterproofers.
2005 to 2007: Granite Construction Company, Heavy Construction Division #300, Western United States Region
Design-build Field Engineer–Earthwork (CSI Division 31)
Reno Transportation Rail Access Corridor (ReTRAC), $275 million design-build lump sum project - 2007
American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Project of the Year. One of six field engineers, each
supervised 9 foremen and $8M per year of self-performed operations for final design, schedule, and cost, as
well as managed several specialty subcontractors. Designed: Downtown drainage and grades to comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act; A preliminary design to exhaust gases from subterranean diesel
locomotives.
2000 to Present: Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 185, Sacramento California
Journeyman (Foreman) Laborer #3807895 entry 08/28/2000 - inactive mid-2005 - reentered 05/10/2012
#4612848
As a LiUNA represented laborer, each season either I was dispatched or ‘rustled’ a new project–this is typical
for laborers. I followed a pair of cement mason foremen across several highway white paving and bridge
projects; typical of infrastructure these ranged from a $2M bridge rehabilitation to the $2.6B San Francisco
International Airport Project.
Forest Olaf Peterson
3 10/6/2022
PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
OUTSIDE SERVICES
2021–Present Appointed Member (District 7) of Santa Clara Valley Water District--Safe, Clean Water &
Natural Flood Protection: Independent Monitoring Committee (3-year appointment
confirmed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors)
2021–2022 co-Chair, Digital Twin InfraBIM and AI sub-committee of the Data, Planning, and Analysis
Group (AED) Visualization in Transportation (AED80), National Academy of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine Transportation Research Board (TRB)
2021–Present Appointed Delegate to California Democratic State Central Committee Assembly District 24
(Congresswoman Hon. Anna Eshoo appointee)
Member of the California Democratic Party Environment Caucus
Member of the California Democratic Party Labor Caucus
Shirley Chisholm Member of the California Democratic Party Progressive Caucus
Member of the California Democratic Party Children's Caucus
2020–Present Elected Executive Board Member, Santa Clara County Construction Careers Association
2017–2021: Founded a student-run organization that provides continuing education
to community college, apprentice program, and high school instructors—500+
participants
2014–2016: Career Fair Expo BIM station and invited guest talks
2016–Present Steering Committee, Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition
2016–Present: Founded an organization of 80+ volunteers that provides data
analysis and technology development on wage theft, supervised by Martin Fischer,
Ph.D., and Ruth Silver Taube, Esq.
JOURNALS REVIEWED
Automation in Construction (7)
Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education (1)
Journal of Management in Engineering (4)
CONFERENCES REVIEWED
2010–2019 International Conference of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC)
2009 International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering, ASCE, Austin, Texas, U.S.
MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATIONS
2011–Present Friend, Data, Planning, and Analysis Group (AED) Visualization in Transportation (AED80),
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
2021–Present Member, ASTM International, Committee E60 on Sustainability, subcommittee on Water Use
and Conservation
2021–Present Member, The American Planning Association (APA) Northern California Chapter
2021–Present Member, California Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) – Monterey/Silicon
Valley Chapter
2012–Present Board member, Santa Clara County Construction Careers Association (S4CA)
2000–Present Member (Foreman Virtual Technician and Journeyman Concrete Laborer), Laborers
International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 185, Sacramento California
Forest Olaf Peterson
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AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES
AWARDS
2020 Certificate of Reviewing by the Editors of Automation in Construction (Elsevier)
2019 Stanford University GradEd Champion for Commitment to Graduate Students
2019 Commendation from City of San Jose for Combating Wage Theft in the Construction Industry
2017 Certificate of Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing by the Editors of Automation in
Construction (Elsevier)
CERTIFICATES
2021 Certificate of Harassment Prevention and Title IX (CA) (self-paced web course) GetInclusive
Cert #60212260-1156 https://app.getinclusive.com/verify/60212260-1156
2021 Transportation Research Board (TRB), Highway Engineering Exchange Program (HEEP), and
buildingSMARTUSA BIM for Infrastructure in the U.S. Transportation Industry--Using Model
Based Digital Delivery in Design & Construction, 2 hrs.
2020 Certificate of Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying Prevention Training: Non-
Supervisory Staff (expires 6/1/2022)
2016 Title IX Sexual Assault Prevention Program: Stanford Campus SaVE/VAWA, Haven Plus (self-
paced web course)
2016 Stanford University Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter (self-paced web course)
2016 Stanford Working with Minors at Stanford (self-paced web course)
2016 Working with Minors at Stanford and Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement (curriculum)
2015 Autonomous Drone – Stanford Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Enthusiastic Engineers (SUAVE), 12
hrs.
2012 CE News-Zweig White Designing with BIM on Large Transportation Projects, 1 hr.
2011 CE News-Zweig White Infrastructure Projects: Optimizing Designs Through Visualization, 1
hr.
PRESENTATIONS
CONFERENCE AND PAPER PRESENTATIONS
“Inclusive Pathways Utilizing Culturally Responsive Computing for Social Justice,” co-presented with Ryan
Lundell (ESUHSD) and Jonathan Montoya (UCI) The Educating for Careers Conference, virtual, March
2021.
“Opportunity Gap and Women in the Energy Infrastructure Workforce: Paper Presentation,” co-presented with
Jon Montoya (UCI) and Sade Bonilla (UMass), Flipped IRS PBL Moving toward a virtual PBL Community,
Aalborg University Denmark, March 2021.
“Student Social Mobility in CTE Promoted by a Researcher-Practitioner Partnership,” co-presented with Ryan
Lundell ESUHSD and Jonathan Montoya (UCI) The Educating for Careers Conference, Long Beach,
February 28, 2020. https://2020.educatingforcareers.org/files/2020_program.pdf
“Predicting, Analyzing, and Educating on Wage Theft with Machine Learning Tools,” 2nd Annual Public Works
Educational Conference (co-presented with Dr. Tessa Johnson, InSight Data Science), San Jose,
December 18, 2018.
“Community Scale Research-based Integrated Education Experience” Presenter, 19th biannual Summer Study
on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Asilomar
Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, California, August 26, 2016.
Forest Olaf Peterson
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“Civil Virtual Design and Construction: A Phenomenological Perspective with a Vertically Integrated
Contractor” Presenter with co-presenter Fugitt, C., 7th International Symposium on Visualization in
Transportation, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Beckman Center, Irvine,
California, October 25, 2013. www.trbvis.org/visualization-symposium/
“Teaching Integrated Scope-Cost Methods with Model-based Tools,” Presenter, 26th International Conference
on Managing IT in Construction–CIB W078, Istanbul, October 1-3, Turkey, 2009.
“Programming for Field Engineering Quantity Collection: A Case Study,” Presenter, Twelfth International
Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing–CC2009, Funchal, Madeira,
Portugal, September 1-4, 2009.
“Project Monitoring Methods Exploratory Case Analysis: Industry Responses,” 2009 ASCE International
Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering, Austin, Texas, U.S., June 24-27, 2009.
“Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost Model System for Civil Works,” Presenter, 1st International Conference on
Improving Construction and Use Through Integrated Design Solutions–CIB IDS 2009, Espoo, Finland, June
10-12, 2009.
“Location-based Scheduling Linked to a BIM Integrated Scope-Cost-Schedule Model in Virtual Design and
Construction (VDC),” Presenter, FIATECH 2009 Technology Conference and Showcase, Henderson, NV,
April 6, 2009. fiatech.org/images/stories/events/techconference/2009/LocationbasedScheduling.pdf
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
“Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost,” Civil engineering undergrad course, Universidad de Los Andes, September
30, 2021.
“Workforce Virtual Design and Construction 2022,” Santa Clara County Construction Careers Association
Meeting, September 24, 2021.
“Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost,” Workforce Virtual Design and Construction program, Center for Integrated
Facility Engineering, September 16, 2021.
“Foundational Rework,” Stanford University, Human-Computer Interaction Group Computer Science
Department Lunch Talk, March 31, 2021.
“Infrastructure-Virtual Design and Construction,” University of California Santa Cruz, February 2020.
“Industry Foundation Classes: A heavy construction case,” Transportation Research Board meeting,
Washington D.C., January 2020.
“Workforce Education Recap Virtual Design and Construction (2013 - 2020),” Santa Clara County Construction
Careers Association Meeting, September 6, 2019.
“Workforce technologies development,” Laborers’ International Union of North America, September 14, 2018.
“Introduction to Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Project Control with Integrated Building Information
Modeling (BIM),” Invited Guest Lecture at Google to the Real Estate and Works Spaces Group and the Data
Center Construction Group, December 10, 2015.
“Lead Paint in Escondido Village Student with Children Housing,” Invited Guest Lecture at International Union
of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 16, April 8, 2015.
“Construction Project Planning–Field to Replanner Feedback,” Invited Guest Lecture in undergraduate Civil
Engineering CE131 Project Management for Civil Engineers, San José State University (Henry Tooryani
htooryani@microestimating.com, Instructor), March 18, 2015.
“Virtual Design and Construction Civil Information Model for Planning, Estimating, and Project Control,”
Invited Guest Lecture in graduate Civil and Environmental Engineering CE239 Information Technology in
Construction, San José State University (Henry Tooryani htooryani@microestimating.com, Instructor),
March 4, 2014.
Forest Olaf Peterson
6 10/6/2022
“BIM Estimating for Heavy Construction,” Invited Guest Lecture in undergraduate Civil and Environmental
Engineering CE131 Introduction to Construction Engineering, San José State University (Henry Tooryani
htooryani@microestimating.com, Instructor), October 3, 2013.
“BIM Site Logistics,” Invited Guest Lecture in graduate Civil and Environmental Engineering CE239
Construction Operations and Procedures, San José State University (Henry Tooryani
htooryani@microestimating.com, Instructor), February 27, 2013.
“Integrated Virtual Design and Construction Systems,” Invited Guest Lecture in graduate Civil and
Environmental Engineering CE239 Information Technology in Construction, San José State University
(Henry Tooryani htooryani@microestimating.com, Instructor), October 10, 2012.
“Integrated Project Planning and Control: Merced Highway 99 Overhead Project Case Study,” Invited Guest
Lecture in graduate Civil and Environmental Engineering CE239 Information Technology in Construction,
San José State University (Henry Tooryani htooryani@microestimating.com, Instructor), September 5,
2012.
DEPARTMENTAL PRESENTATIONS
“Virtual Design and Construction,” Project-based Learning Lab: Global AEC, February 2020.
“Workforce Virtual Design and Construction: Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost, Building Trades Virtual
Technician, and Public Policy in Labor Standards,” Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford
University, January 2020.
“Social Media 4 BIM,” Evergreen Valley College, December 2, 2019.
“Wage Theft Technologies Development,” Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University,
October 10, 2019.
“VDC Summary and Recap,” Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University, July 27, 2019.
“Workforce Virtual Design and Construction,” Poster session presented at the STEM Core Convening, SLAC,
Stanford University, March 7-8, 2019
“Google Timeline and a Virtual Timecard,” Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University,
October 1, 2018.
“Scope-Schedule-Cost,” Stanford University Civil and Environmental Engineering Managing Sustainable
Building Projects (CEE100), October 1, 2018.
“The Big Problem: I Want Phenomenological Empowerment,” Invited Guest Lecture for Center for Integrated
Facility Engineering Research Seminar (Professor Martin Fischer fischer@stanford.edu), Stanford
University, January 28, 2015.
“A Phenomenological Perspective,” Invited Guest Lecture in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction
(AEC) Project-based Learning (PBL) Global Teamwork Project (Dr. Renate Fruchter pbl.stanford.edu/),
Stanford University, January 17, 2015.
“Daedalus: A Collective Knowledge Theory and Related Methodologies,” Invited Guest Lecture to visiting Civil
Engineering students from City University of Hong Kong, Stanford University, May 23, 2014.
“Delta-P Scope, Time, Cost Projects Management,” Invited Guest Lecture in Civil and Environmental
Engineering CEE100 Managing Sustainable Building Projects, Stanford University (Professor Martin
Fischer fischer@stanford.edu), October 2, 2013.
“Integrated Scope-Cost-Schedule Generation for Civil Works,” Invited Guest Lecture for Center for Integrated
Facility Engineering Research Seminar (Professor Martin Fischer fischer@stanford.edu), Stanford
University, February 6, 2013.
“Virtual Construction,” Invited Guest Lecture in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Project-
based Learning (PBL) Global Teamwork Project (Dr. Renate Fruchter pbl.stanford.edu/), Stanford
University, January 19, 2013.
Forest Olaf Peterson
7 10/6/2022
SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS
ResearchGate Forest-Peterson: 4.14 RG Score, 157.2 Research Interest, 16 recommendations
Google Scholar: 250 citations, h-index 5, i10-index 2
Scopus Author ID: 35099034000
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9694-8434
REFEREED PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHED
Montoya, J., Peterson, F., Bonilla, S., and [PI TBD] "Opportunity Gap and Women in the Energy Infrastructure
Workforce." Journal of TBD, (in preparation).
Montoya, J., Lundell, R., Peterson, F., Tarantino, S., Ramsey, M., Katz, G., Bini, D., Fruchter, R., Fischer, M., and
Warschauer, M. “Shifting Perceptions of Building Industry Occupations Through Project-based Learning,”
Journal of Civil Engineering Education Special Issue: The Role of Emerging Technologies in AEC
Education, (Accepted).
Montoya, J., Peterson, F., Kinslow II, A., and Bustamante, A. “Fiddlers Green College: Looking for Equitable
Workforce Pathways in Silicon Valley,” Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education (2021).
Peterson, F., Hartmann, T., Fruchter, R., and Fischer, M. “Teaching construction project management with BIM
support: Experience and lessons learned,” Automation in Construction (2010),
doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2010.09.009
THESES
“Communication to Align Ideal with Reality: A Contribution to Virtual Design and Construction Theory for
Infrastructure Projects,” Thesis Ph.D., Stanford University, 2020.
“A Study of Input and Output Field Quantification in Heavy Civil Construction,” Thesis Engineer, Stanford
University, 2015.
REFEREED CONFERENCE OR SYMPOSIA PROCEEDINGS
Lundell, R., Montoya, J., Peterson, F., Kinslow, A., II., Fruchter, R., Fischer, M., Bustamante, A. S., Nava, P.
“Looking Beyond Fiddlers Green College: Social Justice in Workforce Engineering education pathways,”
IACEE2022 Proceedings 18th World Conference on Continuing Engineering Education, July 2022.
Montoya, J., Peterson, F., and Bonilla, S. "Opportunity Gap and Women in the Energy Infrastructure
Workforce." 8th International Research Symposium on PBL, Educate for the future: PBL, Sustainability
and Digitalization, Aalborg University Denmark, August 2020.
Montoya, J., Peterson, F., Tarantino, S., Lundell, R., Ramsey, M., Katz, G., Baldini, R., Fruchter, R., and Fischer,
M. “Building Sustainable Communities: A Project-based Learning Approach to Modify Student
Perceptions of the Building Industry,” Proceedings of the 2018 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency
in Buildings, Pacific Grove, CA, August 12, 2018.
Tarantino, S., Peterson, F., Copper, A., Struthers, N., and Fischer, M. “Community Scale Research-based
Integrated Education Experience,” Proceedings of the 2016 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in
Buildings, Pacific Grove, CA, August 21, 2016.
Peterson, F., Fischer, M., Seppänen, O., Tutti, T., See, R., and Wingate, T. “Teaching Integrated Scope-Cost
Methods with Model-based Tools,” A. Dikbas, E. Ergen, H. Giritli (Editors), “Proceedings of the 26th
International Conference on Managing IT in Construction / Managing Construction for Tomorrow,” 2010
Taylor and Francis Group, London, UK, pp 63–73, 2009. ISBN 978-0-415-56744-2,
w78.civil.aau.dk/program_ws/2009_istanbul/w78_istanbul_content.pdf
Peterson, F. and Fischer, M. “Programming for Field Engineering Quantity Collection: A Case Study,” in B.H.V.
Topping, L.F. Costa Neves, R.C. Barros (Editors), “Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference on
Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing,” Civil-Comp Press, Stirlingshire, UK, Paper
291, 2009. doi:10.4203/ccp.91.291, www.ctresources.info/ccp/paper.html?id=5580
Forest Olaf Peterson
8 10/6/2022
Peterson, F. and Fischer, M. “Project Monitoring Methods Exploratory Case Analysis: Industry Responses,” C.
Caldas, W. O’Brian (Editors), “Computing in Civil Engineering: Proceedings of the 2009 ASCE International
Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering,” ASCE, Austin, Texas, U.S., pp 105–114, 2009.
doi:10.1061/41052(346)11, cedb.asce.org/cgi/WWWdisplay.cgi?0907043
Peterson, F., Fischer, M., and Tutti, T. “Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost Model System for Civil Works,” K.
Belloni, J. Kojima, I. Seppä (Editors), “VTT Symposium 258: 1st International Conference on Improving
Construction and Use Through Integrated Design Solutions,” Julkaisija - Utgivare, Helsinki, Finland, pp
176–199, 2009. ISBN 978-951-38-6341-8, www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/symposiums/2009/S259.pdf
NON-REFEREED CONFERENCE OR SYMPOSIA PROCEEDINGS
Martin, P., Costa, D., Rutledge, R., and Peterson, F. “Labor Standards Enforcement in California Agriculture,”
Workforce perspectives with technology solutions, Agricultural Labor Research University of California,
Davis, March 2021.
Johnson, T., Peterson, F., Silver Taube, R., Myers, M., and Fischer, M. "Predicting, Analyzing, and Educating on
Wage Theft with Machine Learning Tools." 2nd Annual Public Works Educational Conference, 2018.
TECHNICAL REPORTS AND WORKING PAPERS
Thai, B., Silver Taube, R., Modica, J., Peterson, F., and Fischer, M. “Child Care in Silicon Valley: A Policy
Proposal on Labor Standards, Equity, and Affordable Housing Infrastructure,” Stanford University CIFE
Working Paper ##, (In preparation).
Tayag, M., Silver Taube, R., Mondina, F., Nasol, K., Kinslow, II., A., Peterson, F. “Wage Theft in Low-Wage
Industries: Mixed Methods Research in Silicon Valley,” Stanford University CIFE Working Paper 147,
November 2021. https://cife.stanford.edu/wage-theft-low-wage-industries-mixed-methods-research-silicon-valley
Peterson, F. “A Study of Input and Output Field Quantification in Heavy Civil Construction,” Stanford
University CIFE Working Paper 137, October 2015. cife.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/WP137.pdf
Peterson, F., Fischer, M., Akinci, B., and Lepech, M. “Heavy Construction Virtual Technician Wiki Technical
Report,” Center for Integrated Facility Engineering Technical Report, last accessed February 15, 2013.
cife.stanford.edu/wiki/doku.php?id=granite:home
Peterson, F. and Fischer, M. “CIFE Wiki Technical Report: Civil VDC Guideline.” CIFE wiki. Center for Integrated
Facility Engineering, Stanford University, last accessed February 15, 2013.
cife.stanford.edu/wiki/doku.php?id=granite:civil_vdc
Peterson, F., Winograd, T., and Eckles, D. “Connections: Facilitating Language Pragmatics: A Heavy Civil
Engineering Breaking Point in Feedback,” Stanford University Human-Computer Interaction CS378
Working Paper, 2010. hci.stanford.edu/courses/cs378/term-papers/Forest%20Peterson%20-%20Connections.pdf
Peterson, F. and Fischer, M. “Case Study: Scope-Cost-Time Integrated Model with Work Breakdown
Structure,” Stanford University CIFE Working Paper 115, April 2009.
www.stanford.edu/group/CIFE/online.publications/WP115.pdf
Peterson, F., Fischer, M., and Tutti, T. “Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost Model System for Civil Works,”
Stanford University CIFE Working Paper 114, April 2009. www.stanford.edu/group/CIFE/online.publications/WP114.pdf
Peterson, F. and Fischer, M. “Case Study One: Programming for Field Engineering Quantity Collection,”
Stanford University CIFE Working Paper 113, April 2009. www.stanford.edu/group/CIFE/online.publications/WP113.pdf
Peterson, F. and Fischer, M. “Project Monitoring Methods Exploratory Case Analysis: Industry Responses,”
Stanford University CIFE Working Paper 112, April 2009. www.stanford.edu/group/CIFE/online.publications/WP112.pdf
OTHER PUBLICATIONS AND GRANT PROPOSALS
California COVID-19 Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP I and II), State of California Department of Industrial
Relations (DIR) Labor and Workforce Development Agency, 2021. (funded $446,100)
“East Side Career Pathways,” 2018-22 K12 Strong Workforce Pathway (SWP) (funded $1,971,697)
Working Session to Develop Tools and Platforms that Build Power for Workers, The Workers Lab and SEIU 775,
2016. (selected project team for venture capital funding)
Forest Olaf Peterson
9 10/6/2022
“Data-Driven Wage Theft Investigations,” DataKind.SF, August 2016 (accepted for data dive)
“Worker Report,” The Workers Lab, Ruth Silver Taube Principal Investigator, 2016. (funded $20,000)
Venture Capital Proposal, Rhumbix, Greylock partners, Series A, August 2015. (funded $6,100,000)
Venture Capital Proposal, Rhumbix, StartX, Stanford University startup accelerator and seed round, May 2014.
(funded $1,000,000)
TEACHING
OTHER TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2017–Present Lead Instructor, Workforce Virtual Design and Construction Summer Certificate Program,
Center for Integrated Facility Engineering, Stanford University.
2009–Present Team Mentor, Architectural, Engineering, and Construction PBL pbl.stanford.edu
international integration project team (Dr. Renate Fruchter, Lecturer), Stanford University
School of Engineering, winter and spring quarters.
2009–2012 Team Owner, Architectural, Engineering, and Construction PBL pbl.stanford.edu
international integration (Dr. Renate Fruchter, Lecturer), Stanford University School of
Engineering.
CONSULTING AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT STUDIES
LABOR STANDARDS
2018–Present Prevailing wage certified payroll analysis for wage and hour violations: Python, Pandas, and
C++
Santa Clara County pilot program to combat wage theft
https://sanjosespotlight.com/santa-clara-county-pilots-program-to-combat-wage-
theft/
2016 Invited Hackathon: First Place--Digital Tools for Worker Power; RAZE team, SEIU 775, Seattle
WA
2015 Smart Cities Prevail Wage Theft Technology: develop technology to detect wage theft of
building trades workers’ wages by contractors
2015 Audited Labor Law and Policy, Industrial Relationships: Negotiations, Strikes, and Dispute
Resolution; National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Taught by Michael Walton (Construction
Employers’ Association) at Stanford University
CREW-BASED FIELD TECHNOLOGY
2022–Present United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers field technology and
supervisors’ technology course; Stanford University IRB approved study and supervised by
Professor Martin Fischer
NBC Bay Area: Communidad Del Valle – Roofers Take Over Stanford University (Part 1
and 2) https://www.nbcbayarea.com/community/comunidad-del-valle/part-1-roofers-
take-over-stanford-university/2904868/
2015–2017 Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) field technology survey and
supervisors’ technology course, collaboration with Foundation for Fair Contracting; Stanford
University IRB approved study and supervised by Professor Martin Fischer
AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
2010 Munich Airport (MUC) Virtual Construction, 3D modeling of 3rd runway with link to cost and
schedule (4D simulation), supervised by Professor Martin Fischer
Forest Olaf Peterson
10 10/6/2022
2010 Munich Airport (MUC) Virtual Construction, Construction activity dust and air traffic impact
analysis, provided project team useful insight into when, where, and during what scheduled
tasks dust could impact flights, supervised by Professor Martin Fischer
RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE
2007 Virtual ReTRAC Case Study, a retrospective look at project data through 4D simulation and
line of balance applications, I found a large gap in the project’s as-built schedule that had
made it past the project team’s audits
COMMERCIAL AND EDUCATION BUILDING
2010 Stanford Law School William H. Neukom Building; Precast Concrete Institute (PCI)
Sustainable Design Award and Best University Project (2012), BIM Engineer/VDC Engineer -
BIM process design, Building Information Model coordination, MEP-FS clash detection,
observation and documentation of processes, jointly employed by Dome Construction and
Stanford University Land, Buildings, and Real Estate; during this project, I observed the
contractor aversion to electronic scheduling, as well as faking the BIM coordination
2010 Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Open Integrated Project ‘Reno’ Student
Competition, I implemented a Building Information Model (BIM) approach to the
competition and used a 4D simulation to present my team’s plan–our panel of judges had
never seen a 4D simulation nor had they seen a model-based schedule, nor a model-based
cost estimate–in subsequent years these have become standard in the competition
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 1:28PM
Receipt number:33
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name George Lu
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 8
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
City Website
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 8
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I'm currently a Product Manager at Meta, building
models to identify problematic content (such as hate
speech, misinformation, violent threats). Until
November, I was the product lead for election
misinformation.
From 2018 to 2020, I was a Product Manager at Bird, a
scooter sharing company in over 100 cities. I built
software for both cities and riders, including features
like geofenced parking, lower-income affordability
programs, and city data sharing integrations.
I care deeply about using technology to improve
communities. My professional and educational history
is on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgelupm/
Company/Employer Name Meta
Occupation Product Manager
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 8
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
From April to October 2020, I volunteered full-time at
the US Digital Response, a non-profit helping
governments use technology to respond to Covid.
I led a project to help cities implement California's
Great Plates Delivered program. The program offered
free meal delivery to seniors from local restaurants,
but came with novel logistical and compliance
challenges.
We developed software and found logistics partners
for cities in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda,
Marin, and Los Angeles counties, ultimately helping
deliver hundreds of thousands of meals.
I was also a DJ at KZSU (Stanford's college radio
station) for 6 years. I've spent my share of time
staffing the radio station's console during City Council
broadcasts.
Application Questions
4 of 8
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I could bring new perspectives and experiences: I live
in a condo; I've ridden a scooter, bike, train, or bus
almost daily for the last ~6 years; and I spent 4 years
from 2016 to 2020 in Santa Monica, where I closely
followed planning and transit developments.
From my time at Bird, I could also bring experience on
how to make micromobility programs work for the
city.
I'm deeply passionate about:
1) filling business districts with life and community.
Ideas include encouraging weekday farmer's markets;
reducing parklet fees; etc.
2) repurposing surface parking lots for mixed-use
housing and open space. (I’m happy to see council
reconsider using public lots for affordable housing.)
3) building affordable housing in general, especially in
the vein of teacher housing at 231 Grant which can
reduce traffic and keep essential workers in the
community.
4) ...enabling conditions so a business like the Nut
House can sustainably open on Cal Ave again.
5 of 8
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
I have mixed thoughts on the Sobrato development at
Park / Portage (Fry's site), which came up on 11/30,
10/26, and 10/12 meetings.
I live ~1000 feet from the site in Evergreen Park. On
balance, I support the development.
It feels like a missed opportunity. As Commissioner
Chang said, we could build 400 homes a few blocks
from Caltrain.
That said, the proposal is the fastest way to build
housing and park space for Ventura. For our own
credibility, we should also build on past decisions
when reasonable.
There's still room for improvement. We could explore:
1. significantly upzoning the smaller Audi R&D site to
encourage affordable housing development (instead
of office space) or in exchange for more community
benefits.
2. a protected bike lane through the site, connecting
Park Blvd to Stanford Research Park.
3. minimizing car traffic through the site for better
park space.
6 of 8
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
1. Prioritize continuous, protected bike lanes between
Downtown, Cal Ave, North Ventura, Stanford
Research Park, and Bol Park / VA.
My ultimate goal is reducing traffic and emissions,
while improving cycling access. I’d work with the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transport advisory committee
on both large improvements and quality-of-life issues
like bike parking.
2. Prioritize mixed-use development at Stanford
Research Park and Shopping Center.
I’d work with council to improve dialogue with
stakeholders like Stanford, Tesla, and the Simon
Property Group. With so much untapped potential
(and surface parking), we could feasibly have vibrant,
human-scale development with affordable housing,
transit connections, public space, and amazing
architecture.
3. Simplification
Planning staff is asked to efficiently tackle hundreds
of programs and requests simultaneously. I’d work to
reduce ad-hoc followups, bias toward simplicity, and
set clear priorities.
7 of 8
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
I've previously read large chunks of the Palo Alto 2030
plan, zoning code, and North Ventura Area Plan in the
context of:
1. understanding proposed developments around my
home
2. investigating solar panels for my condo
3. exploring options for opening a small business
around Cal Ave
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: George Lu
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/28/2023
8 of 8
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:28 February 2023, 7:29PM
Receipt number:31
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name James Domine
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 7
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Community Group
City Website
Other: Word of mouth
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 7
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I’m an engineering and technology executive, a parent
with 3 kids in our schools, and a Palo Alto homeowner
since 2001. I’m currently the Chief Technology Officer
for Avail Medsystems, a medical device startup, and
have held executive Engineering and Product
Management positions at TiVo, Ericsson and
Microsoft. I have led organizations from several
hundred people down to small teams. These positions
have taught me critical thinking, analysis,
collaboration, leadership, and communications - all
necessary skills to rise to my current position. I’m able
to “run the numbers” and estimate - a classic
engineering skill. At Avail, I run regulatory (FDA) and
infosec compliance. Both are new roles for me and
highlight my ability to learn new regulatory
environments and interpret them to determine
applicability. I believe my detail-oriented yet
strategically minded skills, coupled with a startup
drive to get things done, will be very relevant to the
PTC.
Company/Employer Name Avail Medsystems
Occupation Chief Technology Officer
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
3 of 7
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
As a father of 3 (currently 13 through 16), I’ve mostly
been involved in kids schools and events. Up until
recently, my career required frequent domestic and
international travel that limited more formal civic
commitment. Since joining Avail in mid-2021, I don’t
have this travel obligation and with kids now older I’m
looking for a deeper involvement in our city. In past, I
coached both AYSO and Little League teams for all 3
kids, and pushed to form and coach El Carmelo’s (at
the time) first mixed boy-girl T-ball team. I was an
organizer of El Carmelo’s annual “Dragon Camp”
Father/Kid(s) Weekend fundraiser in both 2018 and
2019 (the last year it ran - we canceled in 2020 due to
COVID). My wife is very active with PiE and PAUSD,
and I’ve worked with her to support items like El
Carmelo’s New Families Ice Cream Social and
chaperoning JLS dances (2022). I’m also a member of
the Synapse School “Constructivists Parent Band”
(now as an “alum parent”) since last year.
Application Questions
4 of 7
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
A major task in front of Palo Alto in general and the
PTC in particular is to guide our development through
a tremendous housing growth. It is critically
important. I’ve watched the families of kids’ friends
move away, and seen businesses unable to hire, due
to inability to find housing in our city - so this isn’t just
theoretical. I’m used to setting & communicating
strategic direction as well as making tactical
decisions daily. Yet those decisions, direction &
strategy aren’t something created in a vacuum or top-
down. The best plans and decisions are a result of
collaboration from different viewpoints and critical
analysis of those viewpoints. This is true for me today
in business - where my inputs come from employees,
customers, and the broader market - as it is in the
civic arena. Growth and change must happen while
we also care for our existing constituents. Change can
be guided - and I’ve spent much of my career being a
change agent and balancing opposing viewpoints.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
At the Feb 8 meeting, there was a recommendation
from Staff on a permanent ordinance to address SB9.
The Commissioners requested several clarifications
to the recommendations that highlighted both the
complexity of the issue and the need for detailed
review of the approach. SB9 is one element that can
and will be used to increase our housing stock. We
must use it effectively - and that means our
ordinances and our Objective Standards need to do
the right things. If they put too much red tape in the
way, we won’t get the growth desired (not to mention
risk of litigation). If they don’t address neighbors’
concerns, we risk failing in the other direction - losing
character that makes Palo Alto desirable and unique,
creating needless contention between neighbors.
More importantly, we need a process of continuous
improvement - measuring how our ordinances and
Standards perform and working to improve them over
time. I want to help guide this growth and evolution.
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3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
With reference to the PTC 2022 Work plan, following
the completion and approval of the Housing Element
(Goal 9), I believe we need to increase the priority of
the Neighborhood Planning activity (Goal 3).
Neighborhood Planning is critical if we intend to
achieve our City goals. Housing planned without
associated services - transportation, retail and
education - is far less likely to succeed. Conversely,
by providing guidance, encouragement and regulation
that aligns all services we can drive housing that is
meaningful and desirable. Given the 23% increase in
net housing units we need to attain, when we are not
starting from anywhere near a blank slate, an
integrated approach is called for. I’d like to see this
goal become more concrete with objective measures
of success for the 2023 year. A second area of
interest is the development of Cal Ave as a vital retail
hub (Goal 4, related to Goal 2). Cal Ave is important to
a dynamic Palo Alto, and can be an anchor for
multiple neighborhoods.
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
Reviewed Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code and
Housing Element docs.
6 of 7
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: James Domine
Uploaded signature image: JD-sig2.jpg
Date Completed 02/28/2023
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Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:20 February 2023, 8:35PM
Receipt number:27
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Leonard Ely
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 4
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
Yes
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to
the City’s website the attached Board and
Commission Application intact. I have read and
understand my rights under Government Code
Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any
time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City
Clerk.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 4
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
I am currently a licensed Real Estate Salesperson.
Company/Employer Name Renault & Handley
Occupation Commercial Real Estate Sales and Leasing
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Current Employer
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
I have lived in Palo Alto for 73 years. I am a graduate
of Leadership Palo Alto. Was on the Palo Alto CDBG
grant Committee. Have been involved in various non-
profits in Palo Alto and a Board member as well as
hold different offices or positions.
Application Questions
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
As a long time resident I see the need for a
Commission member who has seen Palo Alto grow
and change over the years. Now with my Real Estate
background I have seen a different side of the coin.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
Many. ABAG required housing, seeing builders taking
advantage of the City, Sitting at stop lights with no
one driving by.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
Enforcing the Zoning Rules as written. Making Palo
Alto an easy place to get around and at the same time
reducing pollution. Having signs work or take them
down.
3 of 4
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
Was involved in speaking about the Comprehensive
Plan. Built a house so understand the Zoning Code
pretty well. I know about the California Environment
Quality Act but would like to know more. Because of
my focus of Real Estate in Palo Alto I am familiar with
the El Camino and South of Forest plans.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Leonard W Ely III
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/20/2023
4 of 4
Planning & Transportation
Commission Application
Submission date:1 February 2023, 5:00PM
Receipt number:24
Related form version:7
Personal Information
Name Scott O'Neil
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your
household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto,
who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are
Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term
applied for?
Yes
1 of 9
Fair Political Practices
California state law requires board/commission members to file a
disclosure of financial interests (Fair Political Practices Commission,
Conflict of Interest, Form 700).
Do you/your spouse have an investment in, or do you or your spouse
serve as an officer or director of, a company doing business in Palo Alto
which you believe is likely to:
1. Engage in business with the City;
2. Provide products or services for City projects; or
3. Be affected by decisions of this Board or Commission?
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your
spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Planning
and Transportation Commission?
Email from the City
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home
address, phone numbers, and email address from the
attached Board and Commission Application prior to
posting to the City’s website.
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 9
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional
registration. If describing work experience, please
include company/employer name and occupation.
Hannibal Construction, Unskilled Laborer, summer of
1993.
B.A. in Math/Computer Science: Revelle College, UC
San Diego, 2002.
M.S. in Computer Security, Computer Science &
Engineering Department, UC San Diego, 2004.
14 years in software development at Microsoft, 2004-
2018.
Company/Employer Name Microsoft
Occupation Principal Software Design Engineer
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last?Last Employer
3 of 9
Please describe your involvement in community
activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including
dates and any offices held.
Board Member/President, Vantage of Palo Alto HOA.
2012-Present.
* Solved vehicle speeding issue by designing traffic
calming measures.
* Oversaw multi-million dollar construction defect
litigation & settlement.
* Produced and deposed as witness.
* Recruited and vetted winning bid for construction
management contract.
* Oversaw reconstruction effort, TBC early 2023,
within budget.
* Co-leading parking policy reform.
* Chaired all meetings as President for last 3 years.
Volunteer, Palo Alto Forward and Penninsula for
Everyone: 2021-Present.
* Elected/Candidate outreach.
* Housing Element compliance.
* Op-Ed in SJ Mercury News. "Housing Crisis
Christmas," Dec 18 2021.
Board Member, Palo Alto Forward - 2022-Present.
* Community outreach and event organizing.
* Developer outreach.
* Volunteer organizing for Housing Element
groundtruthing effort.
* Co-lead research, drafting, editing of our 62-page
Housing Element letter.
Application Questions
4 of 9
1. W hat is it about the Planning and Transportation
Commission that is compatible with your experience and
of specific interest to you, and why?
I grew up in the East Bay, and have slowly watched
my generational cohort get displaced to cities with
better housing affordability. Esp. Portland & Phoenix.
To the extent that my friends have children, their
grandparents need plane tickets to see them. As a
father of two amazing children, I do not want that to
be me in 20 years. And there's ample time to avoid
that.
Less selfishly: homelessness is a housing problem. [1]
Our failures on housing are directly translating into
the abject immiseration of our less fortunate
neighbors. Such are the moral stakes.
Housing supply is a regional problem, and state policy
is helping -a lot- but the best way to make progress on
it quickly enthusiastic local support on commissions
and councils. The best way to change a system is
always from inside it.
[1]
https://www.sightline.org/2022/03/16/homelessness-is-
a-housing-problem/
5 of 9
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before
the Commission that is of particular interest to you and
describe why you are interested in it. If you have never
been to a Commission meeting, you can view archived
videos from the Midpen Media Center.
Archived video meetings are available from the Midpen Media Center.
The Housing Element. Beyond my other remarks, I'll
point you at our letter, [1] and add two thoughts.
The first is Alameda. They have enthusiastic pro-
housing people serving in local government. They
were first to adopt a compliant Housing Element. This
illustrates that the key to maintaining local control is
not fighting the responsibility that it is tied to. Let's
stop complaining about Sacramento, roll up our
sleeves, and get to work. Do the people who disagree
with me on policy really prefer the Builder's Remedy?
I can help them.
My second thought is that housing and transportation
are connected. Housing makes transit easier. Transit
makes housing easier. Chicken and egg. So, which
comes first? The one you make happen first, comes
first.
[1]
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62a9436bd6d4
d10e631a56f0/t/63af75c93294e244b7902955/16724433
49611/Palo+Alto+Forward+-
+Comments+on+Draft+Housing+Element+%2812_6_2
022%29.pdf
6 of 9
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see
the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve,
and how would you help in the process?
I want the state to adopt a strong and compliant
housing element within the next year.
I want Palo Alto's discretionary rezoning process to
be reformed to catch up to the timeline of the median
California city within the next 4 years, even after we
fix the measurement of those timelines to start the
clock at the receipt of the pre-application. (APRs
currently start at time of *formal* application, and we
are fifth slowest in CA.)
Within four years, I want our building permits to take
no longer than twice as long as Redwood City's,
completing in under 180 days.
Within four years I want half our applications to use
objective standards. (Up from zero, I think.) This
means zoning must accommodate real projects.
I bring significant knowledge of Housing Elements,
and am pretty good at reasoning about workflows. At
my last gig at Microsoft I got a team that could only
ship their product 2-3 times per year down to a two-
week delivery cadence. This was without being
anyone's manager.
7 of 9
4. Planning and Transportation Commission Members
work with the documents listed below. If you have
experience with any of these documents, please
describe that experience. Experience with these
documents is not required for selection.
Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017)
Zoning Code
City Charter
California Environmental Quality Act
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
El Camino Real Master Plan Study (2007)
Area Plans such as the South of Forest Avenue (SOFA) I (2000) and II
(2003) Plans
Baylands Master Plan (2008)
I know more than most about the Housing Element of
the General Plan. I've also been making it a project to
better our zoning code. You can check my work
disentangling it, if you like. [1] This was toward
understanding why we aren't getting any objective
standards projects.
I think it mostly boils down to height and FAR. Take
RM-30. If SummerHill needs to double FAR (.6) and
exceed height (35 ft) just to build townhomes at 24
du/acre --then what actually is allowed in RM-30? It's
not townhomes or bigger.
The zone also has a minimum density of 16 du/acre.
This seems to preclude everything sparser than
townhomes. So the answer to "what's legal?" seems
to be: whatever was grandfathered in. It may be
impossible to get an objective standards project in
this entire zone.
(SummerHill isn't in RM-30, but it's in a zone that uses
those standards.)
[1]
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12kI6SaPrxx
oSr0MMAvXA7PgBhe_fsGgtnj1aClQXRdU/edit?
usp=sharing
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
View the Boards and Commissions Handbook.
Yes
8 of 9
Signature Name of signatory: Scott O'Neil
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/1/2023
9 of 9
Selection of Applicants Board and Commissions Recruitment 2023
March 6, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
1
PAMC 2.16.060
2.16.060 Manner of appointment.
a)The City Clerk shall advertise vacancies or pending vacancies in boards and commissions at least fifteen (15) days before
such vacancies are scheduled to be filled. The City Clerk shall exercise his or her discretion in choosing the method of
advertisement that will most effectively reach potential candidates.
b)Concurrent with the advertisement of vacancies or pending vacancies on boards and commissions, the City Clerk shall
publicize the application and evaluation procedures that will apply to such vacancies, including the last day on which
applications will be accepted for such vacancies.
c)The City Clerk may extend the deadline for applications, as necessary to ensure a sufficient number of qualified candidates.
d)Applications received after the deadlines set by the City Clerk shall be held until the next regularly scheduled or special
recruitment for the applicable board or commission.
e)The City Council shall review all applications and shall make a final selection and appointment at a regular City Council
meeting after the period for submittal of applications has expired.
f)All members of boards and commissions shall take an oath of office before commencing their service.
(Ord. 5208 §2, 2013: Ord. 5090 §10, 2010)
1
Open Positions & Applications Received
•Historic Resources Board 3 Positions/ 3 Applicants
•Human Relations Commission 2 Positions/ 5 Applicants
•Parks & Recreation Commission 4 Positions/ 18 Applicants
•Planning & Transportation Commission 3 Positions/ 11 Applicants
•Utilities Advisory Commission 4 Positions / 18 Applicants*
1
Interview Options –For Discussion
•Council can choose to interview all or selected applicants
•Direct the Council CAO Committee* to interview all or selected applicants, make
recommendation to the Council
•Propose an Ad Hoc Committee (or multiple) to interview all or selected applicants,
make recommendation to the Council