HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2403-2771CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, April 01, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
2.Review List of Applicants for Board and Commission Openings and Select Candidates to
Interview. CEQA Status - Not a project. Supplemental Report, Presentation
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: April 1, 2024
Report #:2403-2771
TITLE
Review List of Applicants for Board and Commission Openings and Select Candidates to
Interview. CEQA Status - Not a project.
RECOMMENDATION
Review list of applicants and select candidates to interview for vacancies on the Architectural
Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Human Relations Commission, Public Art Commission,
Planning and Transportation Commission, Stormwater Management Oversight Committee, and
Utilities Advisory Commission.
BACKGROUND
The 2024 Board and Commission Recruitment closed on March 17th, 2024. A total of 45
applications were submitted during the recruitment period. 2 applicants withdrew and 7
applicants did not meet the minimum requirements mandated by the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
At the February 26, 2024 meeting the City Council deliberated on the process to select
candidates to interview. The direction provided was to allow each Council Member a limited
number of votes (number of vacancies plus 50%, round up) to select their preferred candidates
to interview with a threshold of 2 votes for an interview. The breakdown for each commission is
listed below:
•Architectural Review Board – 2 vacancies, 6 applicants, 3 votes each.
•Historic Resources Board – 4 vacancies, 1 applicant. Interview all.
•Human Relations Commission – 2 vacancies, 7 applicants, 3 votes each.
•Public Art Commission – 4 vacancies, 10 applicants, 6 votes each.
•Planning & Transportation Commission – 1 vacancy, 2 applicants. Interview all.
•Stormwater Management Oversight Committee – 3 vacancies, 4 applicants. Interview
all.
•Utilities Advisory Commission – 2 vacancies, 6 applicants, 3 votes each.
Council members will submit votes via email for their preferred candidates to the City Clerk and
a supplemental memo will be published prior to the April 1, 2024 meeting with the final vote
results.
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.
Architectural Review Board
•At least three members shall be architects, landscape architects, building designers or
other design professionals (PAMC 2.21.010). This requirement is currently fulfilled by all
5 members of the Architectural Review Board.
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). This requirement is currently fulfilled by
Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz (term expires 2026) and Gogo Heinrich (term expires 2024).
•Three members shall be architects, landscape architects, building designers or other
design professionals (PAMC 2.27.010). This requirement is currently fulfilled by
Margaret Wimmer (term expires 2024), Caroline Willis (term expires 2024), and Gogo
Heinrich (term expires 2024).
•At least one member shall possess academic education or practical experience in history
or a related field (PAMC 2.27.010). This requirement is currently fulfilled by Samantha
Rohman (term expires 2026) and Michael Makinen (term expires 2024).
Human Relations Commission
•Palo Alto residency. (PAMC 2.22.010)
Public Art Commission
•Each member of the Commission shall either be members of the Architectural Review
Board or shall be professional visual artists, professional visual arts educators,
professional visual arts scholars, or visual arts collectors whose authorities and skills are
known and respected in the community and, whenever feasible, who have
demonstrated an interest in, and have participated in, the arts program of the city.
(PAMC 2.18.020)
Planning and Transportation Commission
•Palo Alto residency. (PAMC 2.20.010)
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
•Each member shall be a resident of Palo Alto, an employee of a business located in Palo
Alto, or an owner of a real property within the City. (Resolution 9969)
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).
Currently Megan Mauter (term expires 2026) resides outside of Palo Alto; therefore, all
newly appointed members to Utilities Advisory Commission this year must be Palo Alto
residents.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Architectural Review Board Applications Redacted
Attachment B – Historic Resources Board Application Redacted
Attachment C – Human Relations Commission Applications Redacted
Attachment D – Public Art Commission Applications Redacted
Attachment E – Planning and Transportation Commission Applications Redacted
Attachment F – Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Applications Redacted
Attachment G – Utilities Advisory Commission Applications Redacted
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 9 March 2024, 6:14pm
Receipt number 64
Related form version 13
Name Ajay Kumar Mishra
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Architectural
Review Board?
Palo Alto Weekly
Personal Information
1 of 4
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Startup Founder
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:
B.Tech, Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur
Ph.D., 3D Computer Vision/Robotics, University of Maryland/NUS
Experience:
Research Scientist, Amazon: Advanced computer vision techniques.
Lead Software Engineer, Magic Leap: Led augmented reality projects.
Director of AI, Hover3D: Pioneered 3D modeling for home exteriors.
Current Role:
CEO, Trisetra: We make 3D visualization easy for homeowners.
Trisetra's app enables homeowners and professionals to collaborate
effectively by navigating and annotating 3D models of homes under
construction. This facilitates superior spatial understanding, aiding in the
optimization of architectural designs and enhancing stakeholder
communication.
My background marries technical innovation in 3D visualization and AI
with practical applications in construction and design. I'm committed to
leveraging this expertise to contribute to the Architectural Review
Board's mission of promoting sustainable and thoughtful urban
development in Palo Alto.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Though I haven't directly engaged in volunteer or civic organizations due
to intensive professional endeavors, my work, notably with Trisetra,
aligns with societal betterment through technology. We enhance home
construction and design communication via 3D visualization,
underscoring a commitment to community improvement.
I'm now eager to translate this commitment into direct community
service, particularly in technology's role in sustainable urban
development. My candidacy for the Architectural Review Board is a step
toward this goal, aiming to contribute my expertise to Palo Alto’s
inclusive and sustainable planning efforts.
I look forward to expanding my involvement in civic and volunteer
initiatives, leveraging my background to enrich our community’s quality of
life.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural
Review Board and what experience would you bring to the
position?
My interest in the Architectural Review Board is driven by a passion for
integrating technology with design to enhance living spaces. My
background in 3D visualization and computer vision, developed through
roles from Research Scientist to CEO of Trisetra, equips me with unique
insights into the transformative potential of architectural planning.
At Trisetra, I've pioneered tools that enable stakeholders to visualize
construction projects in 3D, enhancing design clarity and
communication. This experience has refined my ability to bridge technical
innovation with practical design applications, ensuring projects are both
Application Questions
2 of 4
aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.
I aim to contribute this blend of technological expertise and visionary
thinking to the Board, promoting sustainable, efficient, and user-centric
urban development. My commitment is to leverage my skills to help Palo
Alto achieve architectural excellence that mirrors its community's values
and forward-thinking spirit.
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.
The recent Palo Alto revisions to SB9, streamlining design rules from 64
to 19, caught my interest. The initial response to SB9 highlighted the
challenge of balancing community integrity with housing needs. My
passion lies in utilizing technology to bridge such gaps. I see the
confusion around SB9 applications as an opportunity to leverage
advanced visualization technologies. By presenting design rules through
clear animations instead of traditional sketches and 2D drawings, we can
demystify regulations for homeowners and architects alike. This
approach not only enhances transparency but also streamlines the
planning process, making it more accessible and engaging. My
experience in 3D visualization at Trisetra underpins my belief that such
technological solutions can significantly improve communication and
understanding in urban planning and development.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would
you help in the process?
If appointed, I’d focus on sustainable development, community
engagement, and leveraging technology. I’d advocate for integrating
sustainable design principles, ensuring projects align with environmental
goals. To enhance public involvement, I propose digital platforms for
transparent communication and feedback on projects. Additionally, I’d
champion the use of 3D visualization tools to streamline the review
process, providing clearer project insights and facilitating more informed
decisions. My expertise in technology and commitment to sustainability
will help make the architectural review process more efficient, inclusive,
and aligned with Palo Alto’s growth objectives.
4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be
examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may
include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
The Magical Bridge playground in Mitchell Park is a great example of
good architecture that combines utility and beauty.
5. Architectural Review 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, but will
help you better understand the work of the board.
I am learning about zoning codes and design guidelines but I am not
professionally familiar with the codes and guideline list
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
3 of 4
Signature Name of signatory: Ajay K Mishra
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/09/2024
4 of 4
Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 7 November 2023, 5:29pm
Receipt number 56
Related form version 6
Name Geddes Ulinskas
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Architectural
Review Board?
Community Group
Personal Information
1 of 4
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
GRADUATE OF LA JOLLA HIGH SCHOOL IN LA JOLLA CA.
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE DEGREE FROM PRATT INSTITUTE
IN NEW YORK CITY. LICENSED ARCHITECT IN NEW YORK,
CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII. MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE
OF ARCHITECTS. WORKED AS AN ARCHITECT DESIGNING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN NEW YORK CITY FROM 1990 TO 1998.
WORKED AS AN ARCHITECT IN SAN FRANCISCO DESIGNING
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE FROM 1998 TO THE PRESENT.
ESTABLISHED GEDDES ULINSKAS ARCHITECTS IN 2005. LEED
CERTIFIED IN 2012.
Employment Information GEDDES ULINSKAS ARCHITECTS
Occupation ARCHITECT
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.
BESIDES DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, I HAVE
DEVELOPED EDUCATION FACILITIES, DAY CARES AND PLACES
OF WORSHIP SUCH AS SYNAGOGUES. MY CLIENTS INCLUDE THE
RUSSIAN SPEAKING JEWISH COMMUNITY IN THE RICHMOND AND
CONGREGATION CHEVRA THIMIL IN SAN FRANCISCO. I HAVE
VOLUNTEERED FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANK AND THE
SIERRA CLUB. I HAVE ALSO PARTICIPATED IN CHARITABLE
DESIGN FOCUSED EVENTS SUCH AS BREAK THE CYCLE - TO
BENEFIT AT RISK CHILDREN, AND THE SAN FRANCISCO
DESIGNER’S SHOWCASE TO RAISE MONEY FOR UNIVERSITY
HIGH SCHOOL.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural
Review Board and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I HAVE A DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF HISTORICAL DESIGN AND
HISTORIC HOMES. MY STUDY OF ARCHITECTURE IN NEW YORK
AND PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PRESERVATION IN NEW
YORK ALLOWED ME TO WORK ON MANY CLASSICAL REVIVAL
AND EARLY MODERN HOMES ON THE EAST COAST. I AM
PASSIONATE ABOUT MANY OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS IN PALO
ALTO SUCH AS PROFESSORVILLE AND BARON PARK AND WOULD
LIKE TO USE MY EXPERIENCE TO ENCOURAGE PRESERVATION
OF HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT
OF QUALITY STRUCTURES IN WHAT IS ADDED TO PALO ALTO.
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.
I WAS INTERESTED IN THE BOARDS GUIDANCE OF THE
REPLACEMENT FIRE STATION AT 3600 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD. FIRE
STATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL SERVICES STRUCTURES AND HAVE A
CLEAR UTILITY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT THEY ARE ALSO A
BENCHMARK FOR THE QUALITY THAT THE CITY IS WILLING TO
Application Questions
2 of 4
INVEST IN ITS OWN BUILDING PROJECTS. THE BOARD
CAREFULLY CONSIDERED EVERYTHING FROM EXTERIOR
MATERIALS AND MASSING, TO THE OPEN SPACE AROUND THE
FIRE STATION AND HOW IT RESPONDED TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
AND SURROUNDING SITE. I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE
THOUGHTFUL NATURE OF THE COMMENTS BY THE BOARD
MEMBERS TOWARD THE APPLICANT AND THE SUGGESTIONS
FOR THE APPLICANT TO CONSIDER ALTERNATE MATERIAL
CHOICES AND CONTRAST BETWEEN BUILDING SURFACES.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would
you help in the process?
IF APPOINTED, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW BOARD CONTINUE ITS LEADERSHIP IN ENCOURAGING
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO DESIGN. WITH MY EXPERIENCE IN
THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FIELD AND RELATIONSHIP WITH
MANY GREEN BUILDING CONSULTANTS, I WOULD BE A
RESOURCE TO THE BOARD TO IDENTIFY PRACTICAL, EFFECTIVE
GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES. I AM ALSO AN AVID CYCLIST,
COMMUTING BY BICYCLE TO CAL TRAIN ON DAYS I TRAVEL TO
SAN FRANCISCO. I WOULD CONSTANTLY BE LOOKING FOR WAYS
TO MAKE THE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLING EXPERIENCE OF PALO
ALTO THE BEST IT CAN BE.
4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be
examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may
include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
THE NEW POWER FACILITY AT STANFORD IS A BEAUTIFUL
EXAMPLE OF THOUGHTFUL, ELEGANT DESIGN. EVEN THOUGH
THERE ARE MANY INDUSTRIAL ELEMENTS TO THIS
DEVELOPMENT, THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ARCHITECTURE IS
WOVEN AROUND THE PHYSICAL PLANT TO CREATE SOMETHING
THAT LOOKS LIKE IT IS A BEAUTIFUL ADDITION TO THE CAMPUS.
ALTHOUGH EICHLER HOMES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG
TIME, I AM A FAN OF THEIR SIMPLICITY AND ELEGANCE. I HAVE
ENJOYED SEEING HOW MANY ORIGINAL EICHLER HOMES THERE
ARE IN PALO ALTO AND HOW WELL THEY ARE PRESERVED, OR
HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN A WAY THAT RESPECTS THE INTEGRITY
OF THE DESGIN.
5. Architectural Review 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, but will
help you better understand the work of the board.
AS AN ARCHITECT, I HAVE DESIGNED PROJECTS AT 3132 SOUTH
COURT, 440 MELVILLE AND AT 1201 BRYANT STREET. FOR THESE
PROJECTS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE
PALO ALTO PLAN AND ZONING CODE, CEQA AND THE
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS. I HAVE ALSO HAD
TO UNDERSTAND THE DESIGN HISTORIC GUIDE LINES FOR
PROFESSORVILLE BECAUSE MY PROJECTS AT 1201 BRYANT AND
440 MELVILLE STREET FELL WITHIN THE HISTORIC
PROFESSORVILLE DISTRICT.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: GEDDES ULINSKAS
3 of 4
Link to signature
Date Completed 11/07/2023
4 of 4
Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 23 January 2024, 10:25pm
Receipt number 58
Related form version 13
Name Kendra Rosenberg
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Architectural
Review Board?
Other: Current sitting Vice Chair - reapplying for position
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Principal Designer
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.
Kendra Rosenberg is the principal designer of KNR Design Studio. She
has over 18 years of design experience spanning luxury hotels, high-end
residences, and modern and traditional houses. She holds a Masters in
Architecture and a Certificate in Building Science from the University of
Southern California, where she won multiple awards for her architectural
designs. Kendra is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Accredited
Professional (LEED AP BD+C) and an associate member of American
Institute of Architects (AIA). Currently serving as Vice Chair of the Palo
Alto ARB.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Kendra currently serves as Vice Chair of the Palo Alto Architectural
Review Board (ARB). She was a founding board member of The Magical
Bridge Playground in Palo Alto, providing her expertise to develop a
playground site for children of all abilities. She has also repeatedly
designed for the Dreams Happen playhouse fundraising event,
supporting Rebuilding Together Peninsula.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural
Review Board and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I have served for 2 years on the ARB and have thoroughly enjoyed the
experience thus far. As a residential designer, I regularly sit on the "other
side of the table" when presenting my projects, and have learned a lot
from the experience on this side of the decision making process.
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.
We have covered a plethora of issues that I have found to be interesting.
Having been born and raised in Palo Alto, I have a somewhat unique
perspective of having watching the city grow and change over the past 4
decades. Larger urban planning and setting standards for types of
proposed housing (townhouses, condos, etc.) are of significant interest
to me.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would
you help in the process?
I would like to see the ARB review larger urban planning for specific
areas to allow for unified, thoughtful, and comprehensive growth of the
city. With many SB-330 projects on the horizon, getting low income
housing is of critical importance, and making sure we meet our housing
growth in a considerate way will be vital.
4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be
examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may
include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
I found the new proposed building at 3300 El Camino (in front of the
existing Rivian building) to be a very interesting project that crossed
ARB's table. The methods of large timber construction, lots of glass, and
living roofs were elegant and thoughtful. Also, the proposed "Cenote"
Senior Citizen living facility at 824 San Antonio. We have a growing
elderly population and will need more of these types of buildings in the
near future.
Application Questions
2 of 3
5. Architectural Review 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, but will
help you better understand the work of the board.
I have reviewed all of these documents during my time on ARB.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Kendra Rosenberg
Link to signature
Date Completed 01/23/2024
3 of 3
Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 3 February 2024, 4:23pm
Receipt number 59
Related form version 13
Name Mousam Adcock
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?No
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Architectural
Review Board?
Other: I am a current board member.
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Architect
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.
Licensed Architect in the State of California
LEED Accredited Professional
Education:
M. Architecture – The Ohio State University – 2004
B.S. Civil Engineering – Lafayette College – 2001
B.A. Art – Lafayette College – 2001
Employment History:
Principal at CAW Architects – with the firm since 2011
Architect at Acock Associates Architects 2007-2011
Designer at WSA Studio – 2004-2007
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Currently a board member on the Palo Alto Architecture Review Board
(since October 2023).
AIA Columbus Board of Directors - 2008-2010
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural
Review Board and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I am interested in making a positive impact in my community. I have
been working in Palo Alto for over a decade and have seen the impact
the ARB can make in shaping the built environment around us. Though
my work in designing various projects at Stanford University, UC Santa
Cruz, UC Berkeley, various K-12 schools and several community facing
public and private projects in the bay area, I have learned to work within
the context of my projects, design impactful projects and be an engaged
listener for all the constituents.
I am currently a board member on the Palo Alto Architecture Review
board and I believe my experience has served me well in the ARB.
Although I have been on the board for only a few months since I was
appointed to finish a previous board member’s term, I believe I have an
effective board member providing thoughtful comments to improve the
designs that the board has reviewed in these months. I look forward to
the opportunity to continue to serve the city.
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.
70 Encina was presented to the board for preliminary review on
December 7, 2023. This project is trying to develop an existing parking
lot for much needed housing in Palo Alto. However, its site (a privately
owned parcel) directly adjacent to Town and Country posed significant
challenges to all parties – developer, architect, neighbors and the city.
This is one of those instances where a master plan for the entire street
for densifying and proving housing ahead of projects like this would be
extremely beneficial. We, the ARB, provided preliminary feedback
reviewing the project at hand, addressing the design as presented and
with attention to the unusual constraints of this project. I found it
particularly interesting because it highlighted the need for more global
planning (knowing it is difficult with limited resources).
Application Questions
2 of 3
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would
you help in the process?
I am passionate about the environment. The design community must
make impactful improvements in the way we design and build that
responds to global warming. The ARB is a catalyst that can help reduce
the built environment's greenhouse gas emissions. Though my
experience in working on LEED projects and other sustainability
measures, I plan to bring my knowledge and experience to inform the
ARB's review of projects and future developments.
4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be
examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may
include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
My own firm, CAW Architects' project, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and
Zoo is a complex project that is located next to Walter Hays Elementary
School, Rinconada Park and single family residences across the street.
The design responds to the scale of the neighborhood while creating a
large interior museum space that engages babies to teenagers and
adults. The choice of exterior and interior materials, scale of spaces
(both interior and exterior), spaces designed to house wildlife as close to
their natural habitat as possible are all pieces of the puzzle that comes
together in a way that looks effortless. The project was a very close
collaboration between the design team, the Friends of the P.A. Junior
Museum and Zoo and the City of Palo Alto. The project is not only an
example of good architecture but also of the city and the community's
commitment to provide and maintain a valuable resource.
5. Architectural Review 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, but will
help you better understand the work of the board.
Several of the projects I have worked on have been renovations or
additions to historically significant buildings, either listed or eligible
properties. For instance, in 2023, we won the California Preservation
Foundation award for the project we designed on the U.C. Berkeley
Greek Theatre site. That was an award for Contextual Infill. Our project
was an addition to the theatre site with clarity of existing vs. new
construction – compatible with the existing context. Our projects in
historical context pay close attention to the Secretary of Interiors
Standards for treatment of Historic properties.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
MKA - CAW resume 2024.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Mousam K. Adcock
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/03/2024
3 of 3
Mousam Adcock has over nineteen years of experience in the practice of
architecture. Mousam has a diverse experience in higher education work for
private and public entities and commercial design. She brings a wealth of
experience from programming to design and construction administration.
In her 11 years with CAW Architects, Mousam has completed the design and
construction of a new 56,000 square feet conference center and office building
for the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, renovation of Hohbach Hall at
the Green LIbrary, Stanford University, a new science building for Monterey High
School, the renovation and new construction project for Merrill College, UCSC,
among others. She is currently leading the construction administration effort
for another new building for the Hoover Institution and recently completed the
design documents for a new building and a renovation for the Graduate School
of Education at Stanford University. She is also designing a new YMCA building
in Redwood City that will be a mass timber construction.
Mousam was an adjunct faculty at The Ohio State University, School of
Architecture for five years and a board member for the American Institute of
Architects, Columbus Chapter for two years during her residency in Columbus,
Ohio.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Graduate School of Education, Stanford University
Green Library, Stanford University
Schultz Building, Stanford University
Hoover Institution Traitel Building, Stanford University
Stanford Crown Hall Library Renovation, Stanford University
Wallenberg First and Fourth Floor Renovations, Stanford University
Programming and Expansion Studies, The Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Mirada House, Stanford University
Encina Commons Study, Stanford University
Merrill College Renovations & Plaza Building, U.C. Santa Cruz
Merrill Cultural Center Renovations, U.C. Santa Cruz
Monterey High School Biotechnology Wing, Monterey Peninsula Unified SD
Silver Creek High School Building K, East Side Union HSD
Greek Theater Restrooms, Concessions Building & Plaza, U.C. Berkeley
AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
Hoover Institution Traitel Building, Stanford University - AIA Silicon Valley Merit Award 2018
Greek Theater Restrooms, Concessions Building & Plaza, U.C. Berkeley - California
Preservation Foundation Design Award for Contextual Infill 2023
Her Place Design Challenge - Design Competition organized by Building Trust International
for a Women’s Empowerment Center for Devchuli, Nepal - Honorable Mention 2021
EDUCATION
The Ohio State University, Master of
Architecture, 2004
Lafayette College, Bachelor of Science in Civil
and Environmental Engineering, 2001
Lafayette College, Bachelor of Arts in Art,
2001
AFFILIATIONS
LICENSED ARCHITECT IN
CALIFORNIA (C33958)
Registered Architect in Ohio - No. 0814638
USGBC LEED Accredited Professional
NCARB Certified
American Institute of Architects, member
AIA Columbus Board of Directors - Director
(2009/2010)
MOUSAM ADCOCK AIA, LEED AP
PRINCIPAL
Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 3:29pm
Receipt number 67
Related form version 13
Name Valerie Driscoll
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?No
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Architectural
Review Board?
Other: Palo Alto City Employee
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Retired
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.
15 plus years work experience in the fields of Accounting, Bookkeeping,
Service to the Court, field of Defense, Architecture with regards to blue
prints review analysis and assistance with. Attending of County/City
Meetings, and that of the Democratic Party, and the Board of
Supervisors, present in meetings with the City of Palo Alto with regard to
transportation, permits, traffic concerns/issues, some investigation
experience, general, College Degree and Education in Business,
Psychology, Sociology, Law, and public meetings lobbying for the
needs/rights of the people of Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara County,
work experience in industry including Oil Transport, a deep knowledge
and respect for business, government, social service and I have studied
Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I have attended meetings in Santa Clara County, San Jose, Palo Alto,
with a strong interest to help improve the City and to preserve
specifically in Palo Alto the practices, traditions that support the
preservation of resources and its cultural diversity as well as its History,
Architecture, voting with the building and management decisions of the
City, the time I lived in Palo Alto and the time I have been living in San
Jose, and Santa Clara County, attended the Democratic Party meetings
and public gatherings, to some extent, making recommendations for city
and county improvement. I have worked in voter registration twice for a
former city with care and concern for the city and vote regularly.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural
Review Board and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I bring 15 plus years of experience in numerous applicable disciplines-
resume.
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.
There is no issue that came before, but many I did hear during the
meetings while living in Palo Alto, from transportation to governmental
concerns, safety, to public issues, to cultural concerns and Hi-Tech,
transportation and Traffic concerns, safety and elderly concerns,
management of lands, resources and water that all concern me.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would
you help in the process?
To preserve the Historical traditional beauty of this fine city, and maintain
its lasting legacy to the residents and generations to come, help with all
aspects of city maintenance and needs, special concerns for all citizens
in Palo Alto, for peace and prosperity for posterity.
4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be
examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may
include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
There was a parks center project I recall and Golf Course, as well as the
museum and a number of historical buildings, the J Paul project I
witnessed and other building projects, Police and Fire Department which
are all important as well as numerous old buildings with the old historic
beauty of its unique architecture which needs to me maintained, we have
Application Questions
2 of 3
more modern structures and we cannot lose the Historic beauty and
charm of the city.
5. Architectural Review 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, but will
help you better understand the work of the board.
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines I have viewed in detail and many
city council meetings when I lived in Palo Alto. Currently I have nothing
to go into specifically, but recall the progress if mentioned. I have moved
to a lovely address in San Jose,
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
HRB - Driscoll Valerie - Latest CV.docx
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Valerie Driscoll
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/17/2024
3 of 3
Valerie Driscoll
Career Objective: To Volunteer as Historic Review Board Rep volunteer.
San Jose City Democratic Party meetings until March 2020.
City of Palo Alto; City Hall of San Jose and Santa Clara County Meetings
involvement: Revenues; Transportation; Traffic; City/County Social Development;
Housing; Zoning; City/County Planning and Development; Budget. Palo Alto City
Hall: Being considered for position with City Hall: Their Historic Resources Board
position with City Council, which has been left open for me to interview for.
Internship: Investigations- Atlas Investigations, San Jose, CA: Administrative
Assistant to Owner, and database, computer input Skip Traces and Background
Checks; Filing misc. duties 12/2010-1/2011. I am a graduate of the Global School of
Investigations of Massachusetts and California.
Offered Investigations position paid or volunteer by well-known Civil, Criminal/
Bankruptcy attorney with fine reputation, well known by the Sheriff’s Dept. San
Jose CA: Thomas Salcicia. Two weeks later he died. It was a shock to the legal
community and to the Sheriff’s Dept. June 2016.
Healthcare- Breathe California, e.g. (American Lung Association) 501 C3: Teaching,
database management, article writing, general office and internet, some marketing
consulting regarding advertising, phones and accounts updating, processing:
12/2010-01/2011.
Sociology- Counseling Internship Trained by Licensed Social Worker to Counsel
Mentally Ill clients: Agency: ACT, San Jose: 2009-2010.
Political Campaign Support to David Cortese, Santa Clara Supervisor: 2010-2011.
Asked to run for office while volunteering with Alza Corporation/
2 terms: Voter Registration, Sunnyvale and San Jose.
Santa Clara County Recreation/Transportation: Dept. Land and Water
Preservation; Public Meetings: Transportation; Traffic Meetings;
League of Women Voters.
Author of Economics Book Guide, regarding City/ County Governance and the
Economy of Silicon Valley and the United States.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness Representative with the City of Palo Alto
Home Owner’s Community.
Work Experience:
Oil Transport Company, San Jose, CA: 08/1993-09/1993: Accountant Mgr.
Auditor: A/P, A/R database files, with auditing, checking year-to-date totals;
Bookkeeping office administration: Job-Costing; W-2’s, Payroll assistant
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Quick Books, Peach Tree. Education was
sought full-time in Business; Psychology: Liberal studies, as well as greater
opportunity work experiences, the goal: To find a company with a more defined
succession plan, studied Psychology/Business. Started Paralegal studies.
Cisco/Lucent: 04/1993-08/1993: Cupertino, CA: AP/AR Assistant to Management
Accounts/administration: Saved the company 1 million dollars before they became
Cisco, negotiated contracts with Working with Account vendors; Tracking;
Correspondence; Team environment; multi-tasking; bookkeeping, databases and
hard copy, files, full service. Seeking permanent position with succession plan
because company position was transitional.
Goodman Ball Defense (Missiles), Mountain View, CA: 04/1992-04/1993 Jr.
Accountant: Duties included: Assistance with payroll related functions; Use of
Peach Tree software; AP/AR in purchasing and records; Job-costing; Organization
of Logs; Fixed Asset Accounting, database files; Year-to-date files; W-2s; Double
Entry bookkeeping Data base files and hard copy; Journals, ledger input (On
Financial forms). H.R. duties were carried out. There were cutbacks in Defense
during that time/better offer toward a hope for a company with a better succession
plan.
Paid Internship and Job: Law Offices, Palo Alto, CA 12/1991-04/1992: Intern Law
Administration: Civil, Criminal and Probate: Agency type of practice on Park
Blvd. behind Superior Court. Court documents and prep for court, many.
San Mateo Apartment Complex Management: San Mateo, CA 09/1991-12/1991:
Administrative Assistant to Management, some bookkeeping;
Correspondence;Team; assisting with tenant types of issues, maintenance.
Continued education, relocated, higher education was available and opportunities
to train. Career sought, better succession plan. Transitioning during this time to
Silicon Valley training, schools, relocation to Silicon Valley.
Education: Associates Degree: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA 9/2000-6/2006
Liberal Studies/Paralegal:2000-2003; Audited: Fort Hays State University/Global
School of Investigations, MA/CA, graduate: 2009-2010; Quick Learning School:
San Jose, CA: A. Pre-licensing: Insurance: Health and B. Code and Ethics
Certificate: 4/24/2010-5/15/2010- 52 hours total, completed.
Palo Alto, San Jose City Government meetings: 2010-2015 also: Formerly San
Mateo College, San Mateo County 1980-1990.
Tech with Comp USA until Accounting position available in addition to work at
College of San Mateo: drafting, and work later in Silicon Valley with an Architect
on Blueprints and plans for building: 1982-1983 (nothing permanent available).
Healthcare, Oil industry, Bio Tech, and Non-profit 501 C3, as well, Apartment
Complex Admin. Property Manager Assistant: Strong literacy in Microsoft
Word/Windows: Excel Spreadsheets, some charts; Power Point, Outlook,
Quick Books, Peach Tree software. Was a p/t tech. with Computer USA,
built computer systems hardware computers with Stanford University
Engineers: Worked with Hardware/software- 1986; Windows XP; Windows7;
Windows 10; Explorer 9, 10; Programming and Networks skills, and html, Java;
QC in computers manufacturing; Accounts management of database; DOS;
Perl, C++; People Soft. San Mateo: College of San Mateo 80-89.
Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on
Receipt number
Related form version
1 Personal Information
18 January 2024, 10:27am
57
6
Name
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Zachary Pozner
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who No
are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently
serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or
Board Members?
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied Yes
for?
Fair Political Practices No
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?
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse No
own real property in Palo Alto?
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Architectural City Website
Review Board?
1 of 5
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Please list your relevant education, training, experience,
certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.
Experience
Director of Architecture, Senior Campus Planner
Stanford University: University Architect / Campus Planning and Design
[March 2012 - Present]
Senior Project Manager,Design Manager, Entitlements Manager
Stanford University Medical Center: Planning Design & Construction
[February 2006 - February 2012]
Senior Designer, Project Architect
SmithGroupJJR
[May 2002 - February 2006]
Designer
KMD Architects
[June 1999 - January 2002]
Designer
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
[February 1999 - June 1999]
Designer
Desmone & Associates Architects
[August 1997 - December 1998]
Education
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
Minor in English Studies
1994 - 1999
Cornell University
Architecture Study Abroad (Rome, Italy)
Architecture, Art & Planning
1998 - 1998
Kunming University of Science and Technology
Architecture Study Abroad (Kunming, China)
Architecture, Art & Planning
1997 - 1997
Licensure
Registered Architect, New York State
License #36269
Employment Information Stanford University: University Architect, Campus Planning & Design
Occupation Director of Architecture
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 5
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 I lived in San Francisco from 1999 - 2023, but never held any official
public office or had ample time to volunteer to help my local community.
After 20 years commuting to Stanford every day, I finally moved to Palo
Alto in the summer of 2023. I have spent the majority of my career
helping to guide the planning and design of the Stanford's Land,
Buildings and Real Estate, including:
Stanford University
Stanford Redwood City
Stanford Belmont
Stanford Research Park
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
Stanford Shopping Center
Activities & Volunteering:
Series Director
Stanford University Spring Lecture Series in Architecture + Landscape +
Urban Design
June 2012 – Present
Studio Critic & Lecturer
Stanford University - Architectural Design Program
Jan 2016 - Present
Studio Critic
Academy of Art University - School of Architecture
Jan 2018 - Present
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural
Review Board and what experience would you bring to the
position?
During my 20 years working at Stanford Hospital and Stanford
University, I have performed many different roles in the public process on
behalf of those institutions, including:
Entitlements Manager
Project Manager
Campus Planner
Director of Architecture
I have collaborated with CoPA Planning, Public Works, Transportation,
Fire & Police Departments. I have presented at ARB, Planning
Commission, and City Council meetings. in my capacity as landlord, I
have successfully guided dozens of Research Park and Shopping Center
tenants through the ARB process. I believe I have a strong
understanding of the values of the Palo Alto Community and the ARB,
and the public process of planning and design review.
I realize that I would need to recuse myself from Stanford projects, but I
still feel that I could make a positive impact on the ARB.
I am overjoyed to finally be living in Palo Alto, and would love the
opportunity to help the guide the future of the Palo Alto built environment.
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.
We currently have a housing crisis in the State of California, and are
woefully behind in supplying sufficient affordable workforce housing for
the Palo Alto Community. I believe that the next few years will bring
many new multi-family residential projects, and there will be a lot of
pressure on the ARB to ensure that the density and quality of these
projects meet the high standards of the Palo Alto Community. Many
existing residents love the historically low-density character of this area,
and do not want to see it change. But we must all adjust to an increased
population density, and I believe the design community is creative and
collaborative enough to solve this critical social problem.
Application Questions
3 of 5
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would
you help in the process?
One of the primary roles in my current position is to critique planning and
design within a specific context. This requires the ability to zoom in & out
of a project: focusing on the detail of how the proposed project itself is
designed, while also considering how it meshes with the broader
neighborhood. This ability to focus on different scales is critical to
guiding design professionals who do not spend as much time in our
community as we do.
I also take pride in my ability to remove my own ego from the design
process. My goal is not to make my personal imprint on a project.
Rather, it is to assist the consultant teams to reach the optimal version
of their concept & design. This often involves a skill for asking the right
questions of the designer, rather than proposing specific solutions. I
think I could help project applicants to clarify their own objectives in
order to validate (or modify) their proposed solutions.
4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be
examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may
include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.
One of the projects that I am proudest of is the Center for Academic
Medicine: 453 Quarry Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304
https://www.hok.com/projects/view/stanford-university-school-of-
medicine%E2%80%AFcenter-for-academic-medicine/
The site is at the threshold between the bustling Stanford Medical Center
and the sprawling open space of Stanford's Arboretum. This unique
dichotomy of active and passive, suburban and rural, became a key diver
for the massing of the complex. We chose to spend a premium to
construct all of the required parking below grade, and preserve a
generous portion of the ground plane for a communal plaza and
courtyard. The primary façade along Quarry Road is lifted 2 stories off
the ground in order toe welcome the community into the project realm,
and enjoy view to the Arboretum beyond. We further activated the
ground plane by locating the most communal program elements at
grade, including: restaurant (public), fitness center, genius bar, and
conference center.
5. Architectural Review 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, but will
help you better understand the work of the board.
I have reviewed all of these documents in the past as part of my job as a
project applicant on behalf of Stanford.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Zachary Pozner
4 of 5
Link to signature
Date Completed 01/18/2024
5 of 5
Historic Resources Board Application
Submitted on 11 March 2024, 1:02pm
Receipt number 10
Related form version 15
Name H. Caroline Willis
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Historic
Resources Board?
Other: currently serving on the Board
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Landlord, housewife
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.
Architectural degree from the Rhode Island School of Design
Licensed to practice Architecture in California, License # C 14615
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Former President of PAST Heritage
Docent for PAST Heritage
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Historic Resources
Board and what experience would you bring to the position?
I believe that the structures from our past have important messages to
convey to us: reminding of us of the history we are building on, how
quickly life changes, that we are making decisions influencing future
generations.
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.
The Board is currently trying to bring the Historic Inventory up to date for
the first time since its inception in the 70s. This action is long overdue.
The fact that it has been ignored for so long has created an unfounded
dread in the community that there are lurking unknown negative
consequences to being on the Inventory.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the
Historic Resources Board achieve, and how would you help in
the process?
We need to move forward and update our Inventory and create a system
for keeping the Inventory up to date. Property owners need to be
supported in their efforts to maintain their historic properties instead of
being made to feel that they are subject to additional burdens and
regulations. We need a staff person with a deep understanding of and
appreciation for preservation and the willingness to advocate for our
historic property owners.
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.
I am familiar with the PA code section 16.49 regarding preservation and
the Sec'y of the Interior Standards. I have referenced these documents
to help my decision making while serving on the Board and over the
years restoring historic houses and advising homeowners.
5. Please identify a project 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.
I am particularly partial to the Ramona Street Historic District for its
unique architecture. I love wandering through and admiring the many
handcrafted details. It contains the work of the Architect Birge Clark and
the designer Pedro de Lemos who contributed some of our most
treasured buildings around town. It represents an early destination
shopping district predating the mall concept. It pains me to see the
Application Questions
2 of 3
hodgepodge assembled in the street and I am hopeful that we will invest
in finding an appropriate response to the streetscape in the not too
distant future.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: H Caroline Willis
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/11/2024
3 of 3
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 2:30pm
Receipt number 37
Related form version 10
Name Cara Silver
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Attorney
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.
UCLA - BA in English
Loyola Law School - JD
City of Santa Monica - Deputy City Attorney
City of Palo Alto - Senior Assistant City Attorney
City of Menlo Park - Interim City Attorney
Town of Portola Valley - Town Attorney
Jorgenson, Siegel, McClure & Flegel - Partner (recently retired)
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
2006- 2019 - Active member of Palo Alto PTA; partiicipated in variety of
fundraising, academic enrichment and social activities
2010 - Volunteer Math Tutor at Ohlone Elementary School
2016 - Organized Career Week for Paly High School
2020-2023 -- Organized block parties and emergeny preparedness for
local block
2016 - Presentation on charter cities to Palo Alto League of Women
Voters
2019-2023 - Served on Cal Cities Brown Act Committee
2022 - Presented training on SB 9 to local realtor group
2023 - Volunteer for Immigration Justice Campaign
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I've always believed that local government is best equipped to protect
individual freedoms and make necessary change. The HRC is well
poositioned to assess and vet emerging policy issues for the Council. My
experience living and raising a family in Palo Alto and my professional
experience as a public sector lawyer will contribute to the Commission.
My desire and willingness to eliminate barriers, promote all kinds of
equity and to expand access to Palo Alto's great resources align well
with the Commission's 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.
The hearing on the rental registry and tenant protections particularly
interested me. Approximately half of Palo Alto's housing stock is rental
and one of the best natuarlly occuring affordable housing options. While
the Housing Element policies may displace some of this affordable
housing stock, it is important to have policies in place that will ensure the
existing tenants will be able to remain in our community.
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 support all of the issues the HRC is currently working on. I am
particularly interested in teen mental health issues; finding ways to keep
our adult kids and seniors in the community (i.e. housing options) and
activating Midtown as a major community center. Listening sessions and
passing information through local networks is a good way to tackle these
issues. Also these issues are related and it's important to recognize the
synergies.
Application Questions
2 of 3
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.
1. The Human Services Needs Assessment is conducted every 3 years
to assess the needs of Palo Alto's service providers to ensure that Palo
Alto's HSRAP funding aligns with the current needs of the community.
2. Muni. Code 9.72 establishes a landlord/tenant mediation program
which allows either tenant or landlord to submit disputes to non-binding
mediation. This program is funded in part by HSRAP grants. Recently,
this Muni Code section was also amended to require a landlord registry.
3. The Community Services Element is a voluntary element of the
Comprehensive Plan. Historically, Palo Alto has given great priority to its
community services and facilities. This Element surveys existing facilities
and programs and sets goals for maintaining and enhancing them
through 2030.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Cara Silver
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/17/2024
3 of 3
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on 16 March 2024, 3:26pm
Receipt number 34
Related form version 10
Name Donald Barr
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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
Palo Alto Weekly
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, and of Education - Stanford University
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 had a successful professional career as a practicing physician
and as a Professor at Stanford. My work as a physician included helping
to found the Peninsula Healthcare Connection, a Federally Qualified
Health Center based at the Opportunity Center that provides medical
care and psychiatric care to homeless and low-income residents of the
Palo Alto area. I also have a PhD in Sociology from Stanford, with a
focus on health care access and health status of low-income and other
disadvantaged population groups. For 28 years I taught classes to
undergraduate students at Stanford about the structure of the US health
care system and about the sources of health inequality among different
population groups.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
In 1999 I founded the Community Working Group (CWG), a 501c3 non-
profit organization focused on addressing the needs of the homeless
population and of low-income individuals and families. Under my
leadership and with financial support from the City of Palo Alto and the
County of Santa Clara, the CWG developed the Opportunity Center,
which provides permanent supportive housing and other supportive
services to the homeless. We also collaborated with Eden Housing to
develop the low-income family housing at 801 Alma in Palo Alto. Since
retiring from Stanford in 2022 I have continued to serve on the Board of
Directors of the Peninsula Healthcare Connection. I also serve on the
Board of Directors of the Avenidas senior center in Palo Alto. In 2023 I
helped to found the Mid-Peninsula Senior Housing Alliance, 501c3
organization that works to develop new housing for low-income seniors in
the mid-peninsula area. I also currently serve on the Santa Clara County
Health Advisory Commission.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
As I described in the previous section of this application, I have been
involved in developing housing and providing health care for
disadvantaged populations in our community. My extensive leadership
work on multiple non-profit organizations provide me with a background
that I believe would facilitate my work as a HRC Commissioner. As a
Commissioner, I would continue my commitment to providing supportive
services to members of our community. I would also work with other
members of the Palo Alto City government to finds ways to work
collaboratively on thee issues. As a former Professor of Pediatrics at
Stanford, I would also work as a Commissioner to understand the needs
of disadvantaged children in our community and to work collaboratively
to address those needs.
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.
I have support for and a strong personal interest in two areas that have
been Goals of previous year work plans of the HRC: Housing and
Homelessness; and ways to
improve implementation of current City renter protections. Recent data
Application Questions
2 of 3
have demonstrated that renters on Palo Alto and other local communities
are experiencing substantial personal and economic strain due to rising
costs of housing. Similarly, the unhoused population of our community
need housing resources such as the new Homekey Palo Alto transitional
housing facility being developed on San Antonio Road near the Palo Alto
Baylands. Both of these issues are linked and deserve ongoing attention
by the HRC.
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 would encourage the HRC to continue its focus on housing and
services for unhoused members of our community. I would also
encourage the HRC to focus its efforts on the needs of low-income and
racial/ethnic minority members of our community, in order to support
inclusion as members of our community.
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.
I am not personally familiar with these documents.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Barr Publication.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Donald A Barr
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/16/2024
3 of 3
Health Disparities in the United States
Social Class, Race, Ethnicity, and the Social Determinants of Health
Donald A. Barr, MD, PhD
Johns Hopkins University Press, third edition
Publication Date August 20, 2019
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on
Receipt number
Related form version
1 Personal Information
17 March 2024, 11:47am
36
10
Name
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?
Address
City
Postal Code
Marc Schoenen
Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who No
are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently
serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or
Board Members?
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied Yes
for?
Fair Political Practices No
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?
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse No
own real property in Palo Alto?
How did you (earn about the vacancy on the Human Relations Email from the City
Commission?
1 of 4
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Human Resources Director - Compensation
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.
Master’s of Business Administration - Harvard
Bachelor of Arts, Dual Major: Economics and Business Administration,
Franklin & Marshall College
People’s Playbook Podcast - Guest Interviewee - Subject “Setting
Boundaries”
Carta - Interviewed as a contributor / rewards leader on the topic of
location-based pay for remote workers in the post-Covid pandemic
workplace environment
Member and Contributor - World at Work
Member - Conference Board - Compensation Council
Member - Conference Board - Executive Compensation Council
Member - HR Policy Association
(Work Experience) Former Director, Global Compensation - Google
(Work Experience) Former Sr. Director, Global Compensation - Uber
(Work Experience) Former Vice President, Total Rewards - Impossible
Foods
(Work Experience) Current - Director, Compensation, General Motors
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Patron/Contributor/Performer - Western Ballet
Patron/Contributor - Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
Patron/Contributor - Palo Alto Players
Patron/Contributor - iSing
Patron/Contributor - Palo Alto City Library
Coach - Palo Alto Little League (2011-2013)
Lector/Eucharistic Minister - St. Thomas Aquinas Church
Mentor - Harvard Business School - to multiple current students
Former Volunteer - GlassDoor - Homeless Shelter when we lived in
London (2015-2019)
Contributor - Palo Alto Partners in Education
Patron/Contributor/Volunteer - Greenmeadow Swim Association
Patron/Contributor/Volunteer - Diabetes Youth Families (2019-present)
Patron/Contributor - JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) -
Northern California Chapter (2019-present)
Contributor/Volunteer - NorCal Crew
Contributor - Gunn Foundation (spouse is on Gunn Foundation board)
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
We first moved here in 2011. As parents and community members, we
have seen greatness across our community: The creation of Magical
Bridge playground, the re-opening of the Mitchell Park Library with Ada’s
Cafe; there is so reason for optimism. Concurrently, there are challenges
in advocating for vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 pandemic upset
all of society with disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
National issues, like George Floyd, were brought home with local
marches, and local issues highlight struggles with mental health,
particularly in teen populations (e.g. ongoing tragedy with death by
suicide). We are involved in local theater, sporting groups, and frequent
Application Questions
2 of 4
the many small businesses that help our ecosystem thrive. In my day
job, I have worked in Human Resources for nearly 15 years across
industries and believe my experience serves me well to understand the
types of challenges that exist in promoting fairness, inclusion and
equitably across all populations.
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.
January’s HRC had a listening session for local Jewish experiences in
the face of growing anti-Semitism. This topic really hits home for me. I
am a frequent speaker at our church, and the importance of religious
freedom is a fundamental human right Particularly with the ongoing
conflict between Israel and Palestine, it is ever more important to ensure
that all religions feel safe to practice and not experience discrimination
based upon their belief systems To hear the experiences of Palo Alto
residents evidences the need to promote inclusion and a community that
is free from hateful rhetoric and actions. Especially given the rise of anti-
Semitism and how it inculcates fear from members of our Jewish
community. While many of the issues that HRC deals with are critically
important, the current zeitgeist of a rise in anti-Semitism brings a
significant concern in our community of a critically important issue with
such cultural history and significance and implications on a global level.
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?
Two areas I’m most passionate about are Teen Programs and Affordable
Housing. On Teen Programs, I’d like to work with PAUSD (Don Austin et
al) on revamping teen outreach initiatives, with specific, actionable plans
to address the social and mental health needs of Palo Alto teens. While
much has been done to adapt initiatives after the pandemic, it is clear
additional thought needs to be put in place to ensure there are
mechanisms for teens to combat loneliness, build community, and
perhaps even avoid the harmful effects of certain types of social media
engagement. On Affordable Housing, there are a plethora of interested
parties on this topic: elders, new residents, first-time buyers. Across all
of these constituent groups, Palo Alto can do better in achieving a
thriving, sustainable community offering affordable housing while not
alienating long-time residents. I would be committed to searching for
solutions with this community so Palo Alto may continue to thrive for
decades to come.
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.
I do not have specific experience with these documents. I have been
involved in some of the community outreach and listening sessions as it
involved the expansion fo the bicycle corridors as Palo Alto has extended
its network to achieve a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community
designation.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Marc R Schoenen
Link to signature
3 of 4
Date Completed 03/17/2024
4 of 4
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on 15 March 2024, 2:50pm
Receipt number 31
Related form version 10
Name Mark Weiss
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Human Relations
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Arts administration
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 class of ‘82
Dartmouth class of ‘86
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Earthwise Productions 1994-current
Assistant Coach Gunn JV basketball 2024
Neighbors Abroad Oaxaca delegate 1981
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I am a single-issue candidate running to raise awareness of antisemitism
in our community, especially since the October 7 2023, terrorist attack in
Israel and the propaganda effort corresponding, or in its wake. I spoke at
a public hearing at HRC recently on this topic.
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.
Ibid
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 would say, beyond what I just mentioned, I would mostly listen for the
first year and then try to put into action what I might learn in the last year
of my term. I was a previous candidate for this board and garnered some
but not enough support from leadership at the time.
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.
None
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Mark B Weiss
Application Questions
2 of 3
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/15/2024
3 of 3
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on 13 March 2024, 5:06pm
Receipt number 28
Related form version 10
Name Mary Kate Stimmler
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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?
Other: I am currently a commissioner.
Personal Information
1 of 4
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Lecturer, UC Berkeley
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 EXPERIENCE:
Consultant/Lecturer
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (Dec 2023-present)
--Design curriculum and teach courses on data ethics and AI for
computational social science program.
Future of Work Program Manager
Google, Mountain View, CA (April 2022- Dec 2023)
--Provided strategic guidance related to workplace flexibility, return-to-
office, hybrid work, and performance management.
People Analytics Sr. Manager
Google, Mountain View, CA (July 2011-April 2022)
--Defined and led a comprehensive employee lifecycle evaluation
strategy, including development of statistical and AI tools for evaluating
and reporting employee experience.
EDUCATION:
2013 University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business
PhD Business Administration, Management and Organizational
Research
2003 London School of Economics
MSc Media and Gender, highest possible honors
2000 Columbia University, Barnard College
BA English, magna cum laude, departmental honors
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
May 2023-Present
City of Palo Alto
Human Relations Commissioner
Involvement has included:
*Represented the HRC at Black History Month events
*Analyzed Asian American Hawaiian Native Pacific Islander Survey
results, promoting and hosting listening sessions, and creating a
presentation
*Co-created recommendations on inclusion efforts to address fears
within the Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab Communities
*Hosted a listening session focused on the needs of the elderly,
including 6 local non-profits
*Represented HRC on selection of King Residency artist
*Representing HRC on meetings related to the needs of RV dwellers
*Made recommendations for three quarterly cycles of Emerging Needs
grants
* Working with local environmental student organization to create report
on the impact of climate change on local vulnerable communities.
August 2021-Present--Parent Volunteer, PTA Special Ed Rep, Duveneck
Aug 2016-Dec 2019, Palo Alto Menlo Park Parents Club (PAMP), Co-
President
Personal and Job Experience
2 of 4
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I am social scientist with over 10 years of professional experience and a
PhD in Organizational Behavior and being an HRC commissioner has
been a nearly perfect way to use my skills and experience to benefit my
local community. For example, last year the City Council asked the
Commission to understand the unique needs of Palo Alto residents with
Asian American, Native Hawaiin, and/or Pacific Islander backgrounds.
Although I wasn't initially assigned to the subcommittee for this project, I
was invited to help the committee make sense of the survey results.
Using skills I gained leading a team at Google at analyzed over 1 million
survey results per year, I analyzed the responses and created a
presentation. We then held a listening session and used the Palo Alto
City Survey from 2023 (with demographic information) to better
understand how AAHNPI residents' experiences are similar and different
from others. We hope to share the results with Council during Asian
Heritage Month in May.
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.
The last three HRC meetings have addressed the needs of our Jewish,
Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and Israeli communities. I have to admit that I
was initially opposed to addressing the Israeli/Palestine conflict in the
HRC because it seemed so far out of our jurisdiction. However, I was
wrong not to see immediately the impact that the conflict is having on the
local experiences of Palo Alto residents. During the two listening
sessions we held, it became extremely clear that Palo Alto residents
have felt unsafe and excluded from our community. For example, parents
have told their children to hide their religious identities when in public for
fear of harassment and, indeed, there were stories of children
experiencing just that kind of hateful harassment and even assault. I
know much of the energy during City Council public comments has
focussed on the conflict abroad, but I hope we can hear the local
experiences and find better ways to build unity here in our City.
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 think the HRC's current priorities and work plan reflect many of Palo
Alto's greatest needs, and we still need to make progress on many of
them. Since Oct. 7th, we have chosen to pause many of the
workstreams while we focused on the emerging needs of our Jewish,
Muslim, Arab, Israeli, and Palestinian communities and addressed
tremendous fear in those communities. If I were to add one additional
focus for the HRC, it would be mental health, especially for young adults.
While I appreciate the work being done in PAUSD (as a commissioner I
reviewed the National Alliance on Mental Health grant for part of this
work)--more can be done in the broader community. For example, we
should ensure clear lines of support for parents of young adults
(including those who have graduated HS) because parents are often the
frontline of defense in this public health crisis.
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.
I don't have direct experience working with any of these documents,
outside of tangential mentions of them as part of my work as a
commissioner (e.g. when reviewing funding requests).
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Application Questions
3 of 4
Signature Name of signatory: Mary Kate Stimmler
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/12/2024
4 of 4
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 11:24am
Receipt number 35
Related form version 10
Name Miles Goodman
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation District Representative, State. Sen Josh Becker (CA-13)
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:
B.A. Psychology, University of San Francisco co. 2022
A.A. Psychology, Foothill College co. 2020
A.A. Humanistic Studies, Foothill College (2024-)
Employment:
Casework Manager and Field Representative for Sen. Josh Becker, CA-
13
Team Lead Manager at Philz Coffee
Prior Experience:
Research & Development Director, Mental Health Action Project (2021-
23)
Social Contact Intervention Assistant, UCSF Memory & Aging Center
(2022)
Transfer Student Representative, ASUSF Undergraduate Senate (2021-
22)
Teen Wellness Committee Member, Children's Health Council (2017-18)
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Chapter Lead - Peninsula for Everyone (2023-)
Campaign Marketing Assistant - Nicole Chiu-Wang for Palo Alto School
Board (2022)
Voting Registration Volunteer - University of San Francisco USF Votes
(2021-22)
Panelist and Mental Health Advocate - Palo Alto Unified School District
(2018-)
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
As a lifelong Palo Alto resident and a mental health advocate, I've come
to understand that everything is a wellness issue. Education, social
justice, funding the arts, even housing.
My background is in social psychology; specifically, understanding the
behavioral aspects of social justice advocacy and how bias interferes
with our ability to understand each other. Through both my research
experience and my current role as a Caseworker for a State Senator, I
bring a perspective of constituent service that is rooted in holistic
understanding of the self, and through my lived experiences, I bring the
voice of a young person of color which is imperative to a commission
whose policies impact the lives of those who share those facets.
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.
In my capacity with Senator Becker's office, I attended January's open
forum on the rise of antisemitism in our community and was taken aback
by hearing the stories of local leaders and students who have
experienced discrimination and prejudice that were heightened by
Application Questions
2 of 3
Hamas' attacks on October 7th. Understanding and combatting bias is
personal to me, not just in terms of my own identity but in my
background.
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 see increased collaboration between commissions on topics
that intersect one another, such as a partnership between HRC and the
Arts Commission to develop strategies on using recreational art as a
wellness promotion tactic. Growing up half-black and oftentimes being
surrounded by peers that didn't look like me, music was my way of not
just connecting with my black heritage, but it was a way to escape from
the stressors that were always around me. The latter is a mindset that
many share, and the prospect of using the arts to empower, uplift, and
educate is something I've cared about deeply for my whole life - and
something I'm excited to explore in my capacity as a commissioner.
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.
I am a previous applicant for a seat on the commission and have
reviewed all these documents thoroughly.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
resume2023.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Niklas Miles Goodman
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/17/2024
3 of 3
MILES GOODMAN
EDUCATION __________________________________________________________________________________________
University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology GPA: 3.80
•Transfer Student with previous Associate’s Degrees in Psychology & Social Science from Foothill College; Recipient of
Mellon Foundation Scholarship and USF Transfer Academic Award. Involved in student mental health advocacy work,
undergraduate student government, independent social psychology research, the McGrath Scholars program, and peer
mentor partnerships for students within the College of Arts & Sciences. Graduated Magna Cum Laude.
EXPERIENCE __________________________________________________________________________________________
California State Senate - Sen. Josh Becker, CA-13 West Menlo Park, CA
District Representative June 2023 - Present
• Serving as a Field Representative for State. Sen Josh Becker, representing California’s 13th Senate District. Acting as a
governmental affairs liaison to the cities of Menlo Park, Los Altos Hills, Stanford, and East Palo Alto and maintaining
stable relationships with elected officials and commissions in San Mateo County; also assisting with constituent casework
relating to unemployment, disability leave, and Department of Motor Vehicles complications. Currently acting as liaison
to the district’s Black and LGBTQ+ communities and providing aforementioned updates to the district office about issues
pressing to those constituencies.
Philz Coffee San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Team Lead Manager August 2021 - Present
• Oversaw the re-opening of Philz’s Salesforce Transbay Community & Mobile-only storefronts; responsible for
preparation of hand-crafted coffee beverages while simultaneously providing in-the-moment coaching for baristas and
trainees. Responsible for People Development initiatives, deescalation tactics in interpersonal conflicts, monitoring daily
inventory (Google Slides, Excel) and cash handling. Transferred to Palo Alto Forest Avenue location in June 2022 due to
residency change.
Mental Health Action Project - Public Health Nonprofit Remote
Director of Research & Development May 2021 - June 2023
• Responsible for overseeing team researching the implementation of Mental Health First Aid training as part of the
onboarding student procedures at several California community colleges. Conducted policy analysis on several state-level
legislative developments geared towards public health, led data-driven outreach efforts towards administrators and
stakeholders, and led grant application process to secure funding for training.
UCSF Memory & Aging Center San Francisco, CA
MISCI Social Contact Intervention Assistant January 2022 - May 2022
•Assisted with UCSF MISCI (Multi-modal Intergenerational Social Contact Intervention) development and partnership
with other San Francisco-based nonprofits. Participated in a triad consisting of two undergraduate students enrolled in
Psychology Practicum at the University of San Francisco. Conducted independent research projects (PowerPoint, Canva)
and assisted with multiple clerical tasks, including statistical data analysis (Qualtrics, R, Excel) and conducting follow-up
telephone interviews with previous program participants.
ASUSF Undergraduate Senate San Francisco, CA
Transfer Student Representative January 2021 - December 2021
• Appointed as Senator-designate before running for a full term; defeated challenger by 12-point margin to serve the
University of San Francisco’s transfer and non-traditional student population. Acted as direct line of communication
between transfer-oriented student groups and administrative figures; authored multiple resolutions relating to credit
articulation agreements (AMTRAC Act) and improving culture of student leadership in its relation to Title IX; held
positions in Senate’s committees on Internal Affairs and Marketing and served as a non-voting student representative on
the Board of Trustees’ Subcommittee on Academic Affairs. Oversaw the implementation of a revamped university-wide
Credit Evaluation System for prospective students and the administrative workgroup on Transfer Success and Belonging.
Human Relations Commission Application
Submitted on 16 March 2024, 2:26pm
Receipt number 29
Related form version 10
Name Uzma Rashid Minhas
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Human Relations
Commission?
Community Group
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Policy Lead at Google
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.
Bachelors degree from University of Texas at Austin
My career has centered around online policy adherence, program
management, and operations. I'm adept at addressing ambiguities in
policy and translating them to be readily understood by a diverse
audience. Well respected for championing teamwork amongst different
departments such as Sales, Operations, and Engineering. I currently
work in the Android and Google Play policy space.
Google, Policy Lead, February 2022-present
Stripe, Risk Strategist Sep 2018-Aug 2021
Pinterest, Program Manager, 20116-2018
Google, Legal Specialist, 2008-1016
My Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzma-minhas-b779764/
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I was on the PAUSD Middle School History-Social Science Textbook
Selection Advisory Committee for 2017-2018
I'm currently an active Junior League Palo Alto Mid Peninsula Member,
and have been since October 2021. I am the current Junior League
Community Committee Chair for Project STEAM which partners with the
Redwood City Library.
I am the Global Policy Lead for Allyship and Education for the Muslims
ERG (Employee Resource Group) at Google, which is a volunteer
leadership position.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Human Relations
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I’m most passionate about my work when it deeply impacts the people in
my community. In my past experience on PAUSD’s Middle School Social
Studies Textbook Committee, I worked collaboratively to ensure we
chose a textbook where every child feels represented and can easily
engage with the material, particularly those with special needs. This
experience enhanced my understanding of what equity means in the
school academic setting.
Currently, as an active member of the Junior League of Palo Alto Mid
Peninsula, I chair Project Steam, a partnership with the Redwood City
Library aimed at providing educational opportunities for at-risk children.
Additionally, my role as the Google Muslims ERG Global Lead for
Allyship and Education allows me to cultivate an inclusive culture within
Google, benefiting the well-being of all employees.
These experiences directly align with the Human Resources
Commission's mission and have equipped me with leadership skills
essential for the role.
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.
As a visibly Muslim woman, the past few months have been challenging,
as our community has seen a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian
racism, and anti-Arab racism. I knew this was an opportunity for
Application Questions
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education and bridge building, so I reached out to HRC Chair Kaloma
Smith for a meeting to discuss our community’s concerns. He graciously
gave us the opportunity for a listening session with the HRC. I led our
community in preparing for this session, created the presentation with
our requests for the HRC, and was one of the three main speakers.
For me, this was the first step in continuing civic activism in Palo Alto. I
learned that our local agencies, like HRC, are a resource for us, and
when engaging with them respectfully and in good faith, beautiful
synergies and relationships can be created.
Now that the HRC has released recommendations from our listening
sessions, I’m excited to be part of the HRC to see these implemented in
a way where all our community feels safe and heard.
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?
If appointed, I can bring a diverse viewpoint that currently lacks
representation. With an intersectional identity, I’m Muslim, Pakistani,
woman, and daughter of immigrants, I understand the importance of
humanizing communities often misrepresented in our society. I aspire to
be a voice for all individuals in Palo Alto who may feel invisible.
I believe that respectful listening and learning, in line with the Palo Alto
way, can bridge gaps and foster understanding across diverse
backgrounds. Specifically, I am passionate about driving Allyship
programs that extend support beyond my own identity. As someone who
values being an ally to various marginalized groups, I am dedicated to
advocating for the rights and well-being of all individuals in our
community. I have experience in Allyship training through my work, and
I’m excited for the opportunity to take my learnings and help to create a
city wide initiative where we can all learn how to be allies to each other.
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.
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.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Uzma Minhas
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/16/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 12 January 2023, 6:47am
Receipt number 1
Related form version 5
Name Allison Huynh
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
City Website
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
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.
Stanford University BS
Stanford University Senior Fellow
Prolific art collector specializing in living women artists and artists of
color. Works include originals by Yayoi Kusama, Susan Rothenberg,
Kuhinde Wiley and up and coming young female artists of color including
Chloe Ryoko Wong.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
Volunteer Science and Computer Science teacher at Synapse School.
Lead Coordinator and Fundraiser for Palo Alto High School TEAMS
program. 2022-2023
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
To enrich our community with Art, inclusivity and different modalities for
creative expression.
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.
As a city with a strong focus on science and technology; I think it’s
important to develop and fund more programs to support young emerging
artists such as visual arts, musical theater, music and alternative
modalities to deep technology and computer science heavy curriculum
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
I would like to create a fund for public project works whether through a
voluntary basis or a small city tax to fund artists and creativity. I believe
this will allow the city to increase the long term vitality and creative spirit
of the town beyond being ground zero for silicon. valley
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I don’t have experience w this plan
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Allison Huynh
Application Questions
2 of 3
Link to signature
Date Completed 1/12/2023
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 15 March 2024, 8:46pm
Receipt number 10
Related form version 7
Name Amber J Smith
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation I’m a Mixed Media Mosaic Artist that explores the theme of endangered
animals, disadvantaged people, and at risk habitats using materials that
can be unfriendly to our environment. My goals are to raise awareness
and create dialogue about the way our contemporary lifestyle adversely
affects the environment, our social fabric, and our personal well being.
My artistic practice incorporates recycled and repurposed materials,
usually treated as mosaic tiles, to bring attention to the overuse of
plastic that are abundant and is having an adverse effect on our climate.
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.
Bachelor of Fine Arts at UC Berkeley,
Art studio space at Art Bias in San Carlos.
Awarded Palo Alto ArtLift Microgrant in 2022 - Cuppa Joe
Website: www.asmerakiartstudio.com
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
Community Events: Cuppa Joe Neighborhood Art Project at Hoover Park
- community members were encouraged to collect their used Keurig cups
for the making of Cuppa Joe - a 4ft tall coffee cup on 8ft diameter saucer
made from over 4000 Keurig Cups. Installed in Hoover Park July -
October 2022
Midtown Residents Ice Cream Social: Art Activity**
Ventura Residents Ice Cream Social: Art Activity**
**Activity included art projects where kids used recycled materials to
make sea turtles and learn about endangered animals and the
importance of recycling
May Fete Parade: Community members were encouraged to contribute
to the making of a mural by affixing recycled bottle caps onto an image of
an endangered humpback whale, participants were encouraged to
collect bottle caps for the project, and all participants signed an artist
page.
Parent Volunteer: Barron Park, Fletcher Mid, and Gunn
Co-Chair Annual Fundraising Auction 2013-2016
PTA Board Member 2014-2018
Event and Fund Raising Photographer
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I call Palo Alto my home. I would like to see it grow in its outward
celebration of its unique diversity and culture — Where all residents are
seen, represented, and valued.
As an artist, I’m relatively new in the public art space, but I’ve had a
passion for it my entire life. It is what I’m called to do. Public art is
powerful in its ability to shape community, spark dialogue, and foster a
sense of identity and belonging among residents. It can beautify urban
spaces, convey cultural heritage, provoke thought, and even address
social or political issues. It should be chosen carefully so that it is
appropriate and welcomed warmly by its residents.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the
Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe
I’m excited by the various artworks discussed on Feb 15: two murals and
20 utility boxes. I have waited expectantly for the painting of utility boxes
Application Questions
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why you are interested in it.to come to Palo Alto for quite some time. I am thrilled the funding has
finally come through. These colorful little boxes have the ability to add so
much character to a street or intersection. They are memorable and
unique, and they celebrate the artists local to our area.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
Murals have the ability to create destinations on a map. They are
memorable. I would like to see more murals in Palo Alto that celebrate
the unique nature of the Silicon Valley melting pot that results from our
diverse community.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I have no experience with the Public Art Master Plan, but after reading
through it, I felt the goals set forth were quality objectives.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Amber J Smith
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/15/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 11 March 2024, 6:51pm
Receipt number 11
Related form version 7
Name Claude Ezran
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Retired high-tech executive
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.
• Extensive experience working collaboratively in teams
• MBA, Harvard Business School
• MSEE, Ecole Superieure d'Electricite (France)
• BS. Advanced mathematics and physics
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
• Human Relations Commission, including Vice-chair and Chair:2008-
2014
• 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
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I have extensive experience in the arts, and I will bring a different and
broad perspective:
• Took art classes at The Louvre Museum
• Visited art museums in about 80 countries and in many US cities
• Most extraordinary museum ever visited: Savitsky Museum in Nukus,
Uzbekistan. World-class avant-garde soviet art that was forbidden under
Stalin
• I am about to visit the extraordinary National Palace Museum in Taipei,
Taiwan
• Attended the huge Art Basel Miami show in 2019
• Attended several big local exhibitions of Bay Area artists,
• Participated in Burning Man 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. One of
the key attractions of Burning Man, at least for me, is seeing all the
incredibly creative pieces of art, some of which end up as public art (San
Jose, San Francisco and Reno are examples of cities that have
displayed Burning Man art)
• Took ceramics classes at the Art Center and at Paly (Adult Education)
• I collaborated with many artists when I was organizing Palo Alt World
Music Day
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.
Murals to be painted at the Cubberley campus and Fire Stations 4 and 5.
Quite frankly, public art in Palo Alto tends to be bland and unremarkable.
I would like to see more of a wow factor, more creativity.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to Public art in Palo Alto tends to be bland and unremarkable. It is barely
Application Questions
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see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
noticeable, not memorable, and does not trigger conversations. I would
like to help bring more of a wow factor, more of a sense of wonder, more
creativity to Palo Alto. Let us make Palo Alto more of a destination, not
just for its restaurants but also for its art, a bit like what I accomplished
with World Music Day. I would also love to explore the opportunity of
hosting some of the highly creative and stunning art pieces from Burning
Man artists.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I read it.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Claude Ezran
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/11/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 10:18am
Receipt number 16
Related form version 7
Name Harriet Stern
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 4
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation I am an arts professional, having spent years working in the fine art field.
I received two PA Artlift Microgrants, one for Andre Thierry to play
"Accordion Soul Music" in Mitchell Park (2021) and the other for "Pets of
Palo Alto--A Family Portrait Project" (2022) displayed at Mitchell Park.
Recently I curated "We Are What We Eat" the Neighbors Abroad
exhibition at the PA Art Center (2024). I am a nonprofit community
relations professional (Curator of Community Kindness for the Magical
Bridge Foundation). I am also a parent to two teens, a caretaker for my
father and partner to my wonderful husband. I try to be an active and
compassionate friend. I manage two homes. I am a dog mom, a news
junkie, an avid audio book, podcast and radio listener. My extended
family is in the Bay Area from Mill Valley to Corillitos. We see each other
often. I love to watch soccer, especially the World Cup. I go to the gym.
Travel is a passion. I meticulously plan our family trips. These are my
occupations.
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, Art History and the Integrated Program of Humane Studies, Kenyon
College, Gambier, OH
Graduate Studies, Modern Art History ,Theory and Criticism, School of
the Art Institute of Chicago
Diploma, Interior Architecture, Inchbald School of Design, London
Internships: Hirshhorn Museum, Washington D.C.;
Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, IT;
Chicago Park District, Archives Dept.;
Art Institute of Chicago, Dept. of 20th Century Art
TA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Asst. Director, White Pine Gallery, Chicago
Corporate Art Consultant, Merrill Chase Galleries and Corporate
Artworks, Schaumberg, IL
Between 1996-2010 and 2016-2018 I was a expatriate spouse with my
husband in six cities: Amsterdam, Milan, London, Paris, Shanghai, Hong
Kong.
Curator, IBEW Local 1245, Vacaville, CA
Curator of Community Kindness, Magical Bridge Foundation, Palo Alto
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
In my community I have taken a number of classes at Pacific Art League,
Mid-Peninsula Media Center, The Art Center. I attend lectures and music
at Stanford, follow local visual and performing arts, including attending
King Residency and Artlift workshops. My kids attended PAUSD since
2018. My volunteering centers primarily around school. These are my
recent longer term volunteer commitments: Odyssey of the Mind Coach,
Elementary Division—2017 World Championship Qualifiers, All Students
Matter Literacy Volunteer, Ravenswood School District 2018/19, Palo
Alto High School, College Career Center/Career Speaker Series
Volunteer 2019/20/21/22/23, The Reach Foundation Mentor, Santa Clara
HS and SJSU 2020/21/22/23/24, Campaign Volunteer 2020, Palo Alto
HS Class of 2025 Parent Lead 2021/22/23, Administrator of Sister Cities
International, Youth Artists and Authors Showcase 2022/23/24,
Neighbors Abroad Arts Organizer 2023/24. I also volunteer one-off where
needed, for example at CodeArt.
Personal and Job Experience
Application Questions
2 of 4
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
Our public art reflects Palo Alto's values and vision. In PA we welcome
all and encourage open expression and creativity. The Public Art
Commission serves a critical role in guiding first impressions of our city.
I would like to serve on the PAC to:
1.reach segments of the community not currently engaged by the public
art program and build greater awareness about the program and the
collection.
2.guarantee that the community trusts that decisions made around public
art are completely transparent and accountable.
3.support local artists and arts professionals and promote art within the
community.
4.continue the long-term plans of in the Public Art Master Plan and New
Cal Ave Plan and strategize future long-term needs for the collection and
programming.
As a lifelong collector and professional in the arts, I have practical
experience working with artists, end-users, framers, printers and
installers on project development, proposals, acquisitions, commissions,
and installations.
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.
Recently Stephen Galloway presented his proposal for an art piece to be
installed at Fire Station No. 4 on the corner of Middlefield and East
Meadow. Almost daily I pass by there. I look forward to the renovation of
the firehouse and Mr Galloway's piece, Commonweal. Commissioners
asked great questions. Commonweal was enthusiastically approved.
Given the scale and format of the piece and its placement on the
building, my concern is that it may not read as clearly from the street as
the current renderings show. A mock-up would help inform the issues for
all.
The material selected is like an old fashioned sign, baked porcelain on
steel. In this case; colorful, luminescent and durable. Wonderful. It was
great to see Joe Saxe as the project manager. I had only seen him
preparing/ installing art. His representation of PA on this project is
commendable. He is obviously well invested in the process, working with
Stephen, the end-users, build/design team, fabricators and doing PA
proud.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
I would like to see the Public Art Commission seek out underserved
populations to engage in public art. I would collaborate with senior
citizens or disabled populations to introduce public art in terms
meaningful to them. Another idea would be to encourage cooperative
projects between East Palo Alto and Palo Alto. I would like to create
rolling grant for Palo Altans who wish to create public art projects. This
would mean selectively funding a number of small grants available to PA
citizens with an idea they would like to share with the public.
There is great potential to work with our International Sister Cities on art
exchanges as evidenced by the response for We Are What We Eat.
I would love for Public Art to be collaborative with Cubberley Artists.
They are producing some amazing work. Besides the open studio days,
there should be other exhibition opportunities. As a Commissioner I
intend to attend community art events, meetings when invited and grant
recipient openings.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
Yes, I am familiar with the Master Plan. I attended a focus group with the
authors and have read the final document. I know that we are about
three-quarters through the ten year plan.
The Master Plan has effectively established a professional approach to
our Public Art Program and its administration. The goals and timeline are
very clearly stated.
The Cubberley Artist Studios are included in the Master Plan as a point
of discussion. It is my very strong opinion that if Cubberley is used for
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something else in the future, Palo Alto should maintain subsidised artist
studios somewhere within our city limits. Artists enhance diversity of our
community. They can't afford to be here without our support.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Pets of Palo Alto PAPA.docx
Andre Thierry Artlift Microgrant.docx
Sister Cities International YAAS 2023 participants.docx
We Are What We Eat Art Exhibit PDF2- NEIGHBORS ABROAD.pdf
IMG_3040.jpeg
IMG_3037.jpeg
IMG_3042.jpeg
IMG_3041.jpeg
IMG_3039.jpeg
IMG_3034.jpeg
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Harriet Stern
Uploaded signature image: IMG_4120.jpeg
Date Completed 03/17/2024
4 of 4
Pets of Palo Alto – A Family Portrait
Project
On Display: October 2022 outside Mitchell Park Community Center
Arts professional Harriet Stern in collaboration with photographer Federica Armstrong
held a series of community photo sessions across various outdoor locations in Palo Alto
to photograph families with their pets. The project concludes with an exhibition of the
photographs at the Mitchell Park Community Center Basketball Court displayed during
the month of October.
Project Website
Photo credit: Federica Armstrong
Related Information
• Instagram
Andre Thierry: Zydeco Live Performance
Mitchell Park Bowl: August 28th, 5 - 7 PM
Masterful on all accordion types, Andre Thierry is a phenomenal award-winning
musician who has been capturing the attention of music lovers all over the world. Andre
Thierry and his band deliver energetic performances, blending his own electrifying
sounds with stirring dance beats. Put your best dancing shoes on as Thierry's soulful
rhythms will get you moving.
I heard Andre on the radio, contacted him and wrote the grant proposal for him to play.
Sister Cities International's
Young Artists and Authors
Contest
Showcasing Young Artists and Authors from
Palo Alto and Surrounding Communities
Sister Cities International, the national non-profit that serves as the umbrella
membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across
the United States, is presenting its annual Young Artists and Authors
Showcase. This annual art and writing competition encourages young people
aged 13-18 to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original
artwork, writing, photography, and music. The theme for 2023 was "Peace by
Piece: Food Security in my Community."
The competition has six categories: Classic Art, Digital Art, Photography, Essay,
Poetry, and Musical Composition. Winners receive cash prizes and will have their
artwork displayed on the Sister Cities International website and other places.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the local submissions from the 2023
contest and stay tuned for 2024:
ART - CLASSICAL MEDIUM CATEGORY
Bread for Always
Prismacolor pencil on paper
Maya Caran, age 15
"Bread is an important food that connects many cultures around the world, but
made from humble ingredients using a simple process. Throughout history,
family cooks performed the familiar routine of bread-making each and every day
so that their loved ones could depend on its sustenance. Their techniques were
passed down from generation to generation, but somehow, much of this tradition
has been lost today.
I created this image of a little girl delighting in learning how to make bread from
her grandmother because I hope it will rekindle interest in bread-making, and
with it, the security of self-sufficiency."
Equal Food for All
Acrylic paint and pencil on paper
Meher Birari, age 12
"In this world, food insecurity and unequal amounts of food are very common.
The wealthy parts of society have access to varieties of food, and in great
amounts, yet waste so much. While the poorer parts of society barely have
scraps to stay alive. Why is the world like this? Food is food after all. It is a basic
necessity needed to survive and can go away easily, yet people treat it as
replaceable. Not just this, but food holds a special place in everybody's hearts.
This is what inspired my artwork, EQUAL FOOD FOR ALL."
Thief
Soft pastel and colored pencil on paper
River Wu, age 15
"A person is eating a sandwich, on that sandwich is field of dead crops where a
skeleton stands, hungry. My community is the one that is eating, the bread is
made out of wheat, that wheat could be from local farms but also could be from
farms in South Africa and South Asia where there are large farms that produce
lots of wheat that the rest of the world eats. The effects of climate change on
those farms are extreme weather conditions that make it more difficult for them to
grow crops, the crops that not only feed them but also what they sell to make a
living. My community takes the little amount of crops due to weather and leave
those families struggling in poverty and hunger. And my community has added to
climate change and global warming much more than they have, we have stolen
so much from them and while they are struggling we are still able to eat well.
Donations and other acts can help these families, and reversing climate change
and global warming will not only help these families but help our world."
ART - DIGITAL MEDIUM CATEGORY
Helping Hands
Adobe Fresco
Maya Caran, age 15
"The vibrant diversity of vegetables being grown in the community garden by my
neighbors inspired me to create this image. I was amazed by the multi-cultural
spectrum on display: the many shades of emerald from Asian leafy greens, reds
of tomatoes and Central American peppers, yellows and oranges of American
squash. Grandmothers worked side by side with young children to grow an
abundance of food. I learned that local food security organizations here use
community gardens to support families by offering gardening workshops,
supplies, and resources. Because fresh produce is usually too fragile for food
banks to distribute, the helping hands of my neighbors come together to grow
crops that provide a welcome supply of healthy fresh vegetables to those in
need."
Leftovers
Procreate
Polina van Hulsen, age 15
"My artwork was inspired by the concerning effects of food waste in my
community. There are many places where food is not as plentiful as it is in my
community and through my artwork, I wanted to acknowledge the fortunate
position that we have as a community that has food security. Each year, nearly
119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States, meaning that about
40% of all food in the U.S is wasted, and this percent continues to increase.
When I learned about this statistic, I was shocked and was inspired to create this
artwork, which depicts someone throwing their dinner into the trash. There are
large negative effects when wasting foods, not only does it waste money, but it
also negatively effects the planet as resources and energy are wasted as well. I
think that it is incredibly important to decrease food waste by creating a meal
plan, storing food correctly, and saving leftovers after each meal. While some
people have enough food security to throw foods out, others do not have enough
to eat. I want us to acknowledge the importance of saving food so that we work
together towards a sustainable and food secure society with enough food for all."
MUSIC CATEGORY
Starving for the Moon
Piano and Noteflight
Carson Packard, age 16
Listen here
"My main goal with this piece was to illustrate the beauty of music and how
instrumentals can have just a message about food security just as strong as a
song with vocals. The piece builds, just like the ever-growing problem of world
hunger, but each section that builds also represents the efforts against world
hunger and protecting food security. Each section is not only growing hunger but
also each effort against hunger growing stronger. Sonically, the piece gets
crowded and dense, portraying the rumble of empty stomachs. At other times,
the piece is light and beautiful, illustrating the dreams of many unfortunate
children who can't do what they're destined to because of hunger."
Resilience
Original music
Parker Smith, age 14
Listen here
"Many things inspired me to write a song on food insecurity. One in particular
was when I visited Kenya last December. Seeing the less fortunate villages made
me realize how lucky I am to know where my next meal is coming from and that I
can have three meals a day, every day. Another reason was because I wanted to
bring awareness to all social issues including food insecurity, and music is a
wonderful platform to do that. Music has the power to inspire people, and that
was the goal of my song. Many musicians in the past have written about social
issues, which was very inspiring to me. For example, Queen wrote Is this the
World we Created...? addressing food insecurity. Although I intentionally made
my song an instrumental song, I think that the feelings towards insecurity are
portrayed. I believe that music and social issues go hand in hand, and
communities can promote both. A primary example on how they can do this is
through fundraiser concerts. Communities can also raise food drives, education
programs, and food pantries that can be enhanced with music to create a more
welcoming environment. I chose to name this song Resilience because of how
strong people who struggle from food insecurity are. They have to overcome
adversity and be able to withstand difficult situations. They have to adapt
mentally and physically. When I wrote my song, the first emotion that came to me
while listening was Resilience. The song reminds me of people not giving up and
staying on their feet."
ESSAY CATEGORY
Cows and Climate Change: An Uncertain Future
Maya Abouav, age 13
"I chose to write this essay because climate change matters to me. I think about
it often, and I observe the silent rise it follows as it affects each and every part of
our lives. I know a handful of things about food security when it comes to our
species' future, so I figured this would be a great opportunity to make my voice
heard and spread the word that climate change is more than heat."
Walking into a restaurant today, it’s likely you’ll find numerous ways to ingest
caffeine. With sugar, with foam, and of course, with milk. So many kinds of milk.
Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk - one might wonder what sudden epiphany
the public had to implement this many alternatives. And it's not just the milk
industry - that restaurant likely serves a vegan or veggie burger, too. Why all the
choices? The answer may be climate change.
When we think of climate change, we think of dry deserts, rising seas, and
extreme seasons. But the fact of the matter is that climate change affects every
aspect of our daily lives - particularly when it comes to food security. We try hard
not to think about it. The human brain prioritizes the near and the obvious, a
double edged sword that we carry in our pocket. One that has brought us to this
day and yet may be our demise.
Most of us have met a vegetarian or vegan person at one point or another. While
their motives all differ, a common reason for the diet is to boycott the
unsustainable meat farms that hurt the climate. According to the US
Environmental Protection Agency, 37% of human methane emissions are from
our current livestock practices (Agriculture and Aquaculture: Food for Thought).
But with a growing population and more mouths to feed, it feels counterintuitive
to alter our farming practices when, if anything, we need to use them more. Raise
more animals, feed more children. In protest, our vegan friends boycott the
system and find other foods to eat.
But there’s a problem - many vegan folks still like milk. Beef, too. And this is fine,
but if we won’t consume animal products, we must replicate our own. Thus, all
the alternatives on the restaurant menu. But while the western world can avoid
cow products, not all countries can afford such luxuries.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, beef makes
up a quarter of all meat consumed. It provides essential proteins that are hard to
replicate. If we suddenly banned eating cow products from unsustainable
sources, we’d be setting ourselves decades back in the battle against hunger.
The wealthy’s methods only fix the problem for the wealthy themselves.
So, developed countries leave the developing world to fix the problem. The
financial gap between countries has caused inordinate frustration and bitterness
across the globe. Food alternatives offer one of many ways to better the climate,
but if we can’t sync ourselves with the rest of the world, the progress we make is
in fact, futile. Wealthy countries need to lend a helping hand to poorer ones
consistently and without fail. We can give money to start alternative dairy and
meat production in other countries. We can boycott unsustainable farming
practices.
We can save the Earth and stop hunger - it’s not hopeless. But if we really want
to achieve them both, we need to prove it.
Busy as a Bee
Taarini Kadambi, age 13
"I was at a honey farm, and found it really fascinating how honey bees put so
much effort into creating their delicious honey."
Food security is crucial for the survival of all species. An amazing example of
food security within the natural world is shown by Apis Mellifera, more commonly
known as the honey bee. Honey bees create and store enough honey during
months when flowers are blooming, thereby securing food for when they need it.
These honey bees collaborate as a colony to produce honey.
When bees form their colony, they create tightly-packed hexagonal honeycomb
using beeswax. This is a team effort. These hexagons are an efficient use of of
space, allowing maximum number of cells in the smallest available area.
Hexagons provide strength and stability, as they are tightly packed, ensuring no
wasted material. This shape is also easy to construct.
Honey bees can travel as far as a mile away from their hive to find flowers. In
addition, they show other colony members exactly where the flower patches are
in relation to the hive. This allows the other bees to go find that patch and collect
more nectar. Collaboration allows them to make even more honey during the
year.
The bees proceed to ingest the nectar they collect from the flowers. Their
stomach enzymes help digest the nectar, and convert it into honey. Bees
regurgitate honey into the honeycomb. The colony works all spring and summer,
so when winter comes, they have food to nourish themselves. Honey does not
rot or go bad when stored in honeycomb, so it can stay there until it is needed. In
1922, preserved honey was found in Egyptian tombs, and it was perfectly edible.
When the snowy blanket of winter arrives, the bees can no longer go out and
collect nectar, as all the flowers have died. For nourishment, the bees break
open the honeycombs they filled with honey in the previous months, and eat the
honey. This honey lasts them through the winter, and into the spring, when they
make more honey.
In regions with snowy winters, local beekeepers can harvest summer honey only,
as this is the only time of year where honey is manufactured by the bees.
However, in other areas, where there isn’t snow during winter, there is both a
summer and winter harvest, as bees can collect nectar throughout the year.
Bees have an extraordinary way of making sure they have enough food for when
the time comes, and they are truly remarkable and incredible little insects. As a
result of storing honey for such a long time, these creatures have a secure food
bank, for when the need arises. This way, they’ve ensured their survival.
These amazing creatures have shown that they have the capability to build a
storage facility, create food, and preserve it perfectly, all with minimal waste. A
perfect lesson in food security for us human beings. Don’t you agree?
POETRY CATEGORY
A Poem About Food
Jacob Kinsky, age 15
"I was inspired to write my poem because food security is an issue that is
prevalent in my area. I thought that this project would be an interesting
experience, and that the issue I would write about would be one that is relevant
to my community."
Amidst the field of budding sprouts
Farmers farm to feed our mouths
Their produce taken from their fields
To be plated for our meals.
Food is universal human right
Regardless of race, gender and creed.
Its guarantee is consistent
Except for those who live a life of inconsistencies.
Its a problem faced by many
A universal human right,
followed by a universal human question?
How to guarantee consistency?
Everyone is different
People live different lives
Yet everyone has one thing in common,
The need for food.
But that begs the question:
If everyone needs it, why doesn't everyone have it?
There is no answer, no remedy, no solution.
a wound that will never heal, regardless of how many fields you plow.
The universal human question.
Where there is no solution
Can there even be improvement?
It is after all a universal human right.
We Are What We Eat= Gu■ Era a ry Heritage. o1 Our Sister Cities
SpB G:a■ Exti ibit at 'it ir.B i=.a■o Ai"to Art C e r -ter
February —Ma rc r. 2024
IS 1
I
01 1=17
ASS 111111CM=
Sister Cities international
}
•
i
Young Artists and Authors Showcase 2023
Peace by Piece Food Security in nay Community
Dinner at MY House -
C I rocClay
Dinner at MY i use -Fond. Habib at Home'
the continuation Of 1'e Are What %Pie Eat exhibited In the
Meeting Rocirn
P hot graplvy teacher iseru1 I Gallagher's Palo Alba High 5chood students
supply the Iixal portion of We AXE Wrbt We Erst—GuISrNa ry i','rrrrra de of
4wtr sest,er ants. Students across all phut e8raph_y clads.es. Pmin% PPeal 1
to Advanced Plate-m._-nt, were asked t€e decomern their al tables at
humor during winter break. All of us viewing these images can relate to
al leastone if net morn of their if (From the big, helida',
spread to a few tacos Gel a plate to take out or grah and go.. (ginner at
h ome takes. nanyr fours.
The students elev.3Le simple rr rr'rent- of .'e4' day life through their ease
of eangres:Alt�ry and: itghiinG.:prcducing. work which can make us arerrile,
eN,ole memories and even siirnulale hurter -. r pevihapts all threearid
rrn.re! C4ru der how these (photographs OF fcod, dining. arid family
{pictured ar implied by their place settings) dcfrnc Palo Alta. As th sir
images show,.. we are far from nano) WI; ti .r,, the Burn of our
independent parts, FIoyveve•r.. what is the recipe for a, cnmaruunety ?
We celebrate this vibrant sample-= censlderang that each 5Ludent`s
irldiridual'hew is in foci this bindirg factor in this aasortthent of
irexeclients. r,llealtin-c- is urr-rryrisi5ierlt and unique per home, yeti 311.
these young photographers are fsix Gallaghor's stu:lents. Pala .eSltans
4and'arikcs}. YF '.arty observe an assembly of 7040 Paly i.L edcrrts,,.
diFferencns at home are invisible. It Is orris, ttrroush the _stuelenL`x cue,
their knvitation to reveal the ingredients, that wa can appreciate the
variations under the surface. 11 'i' -j. photos, thimr' it r• -six Starnes. of
dinner ai. Mir hduse. Let uscieli,g"ht,nthntS> Lit -r of what wemat and
whoYie are.
1
144arryr thanks 10 the Pali. Alto HIgh Sc Iva rl students for
theirihiughful ph<.ti'ikraphr5•orDinner c.! MVdiOrlc.F.pou, 3it'Ts t
Home ante to Kenna gellugha-r Our their erii husla5tic part:} ipatl1rt'in We
Arc What We Ear and fur s,tpplying these tcrrGii[ imams.
msyrietSFeror ExiistbWon argurndzer
Dinner at MY House -Food Habits at HOrne
the Conti nuo do rn of We Are What We Eat exhibited in the
Meeting, Room
Photography teacher Kenna Gallagher's Palo Alto High School students
supply the local portion of VVe Are What We Ear -Culinary Heritage of
our Sister Cities. Students across all photography classes, from Photo 1
trx Advanced Placement, were asked to +docu anent their meal tables at
home during winter break. All of us viewing these images can relate to
at (est one if not more of their dinning diaries. From the big h of iclay
spread to a few tacos on a plate to take out or grab and go, dinner at
home takes many forms.
The students elevate simple moments of everyday life through their use
cif composition and lighting, producing work which can make us srniie,
evoke memories and even stimulate hunger -or perhaps all three and
morel Consider how these photographs of food, dining, and farJJ+
(pictured or .implied by their place s=etti ngs) define Palo Arto. As these
images shown,, we are far from monolithic, we are the sum of our
independent paints. However, wl-iat is the recipe for a community?
We celebrate this vibrant sampler considering that each student's
individual view is in fact the binding factor in this assortment of
ingredients. Mealtime is inconsistent and unique per ho rive, yet all
these young photographers are Mx Gallagher & students, Palo AItans
{and V'i kes)_ if you observe ari assembly of 2C110121 students„
differences at home are invisible. It is only through the. student's eye,
their invitation to reveal the ingredients, that we can appreciarte the
variations under the surface. Thirty-six photos, thirty-six stories of
dinner at my house. Let us delight in the diversity of what we eat and
who we are.
Many thanks to the Palo Alto High School students for
their thoughtful photographs of Dinner atMY. Ouse -Food Habits at
Home and to Kenna Gallagher for their enthusiastic participation in We
Are Whirr We Eat and for supplying these terrific irnageS.
"cruet Stern, Ex
bAkin Organizer
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 15 March 2024, 5:19pm
Receipt number 18
Related form version 7
Name Hsinya Shen
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Other: I am currently on the Public Art Commission
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Attorney, Board Member and life long art supporter.
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 educational background includes a BA in Art History from Wellesley
College, and I have actively participated in property renovation and
community building in Palo Alto, reflecting my commitment to improving
our community through the arts.
Through my good fortune of serving on the Palo Alto Public Art
Commission since 2017 (Chair from 2023 to 2024), I have gained
significant experience and knowledge about the roles each of the city
council, city staff, public art commission, and community members play
in creating and supporting public art in Palo Alto. I hope to share this
knowledge with the new generation of Public Art Commissioners,
fostering future public art leadership.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
Since joining the Public Art Commission in 2017, I've engaged in
numerous civic events in Palo Alto, leveraging my position to contribute
to our city's cultural landscape. Beyond this, my decade-long tenure on a
community bank's board and my legal expertise have enabled me to
support community reinvestment, outreach programs, and provide pro
bono legal services, including citizenship drives.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I'm driven by the belief that art fosters community, enhances
communication, and cultivates the human spirit. Palo Alto's unique blend
of suburban charm and international appeal, coupled with its diverse
population, presents a rich canvas for public art to connect and enrich
our community. My experiences as a resident and my appreciation for
the artistic contributions from our community inspire my vision for the
Public Art Commission to create inclusive spaces through diverse art
projects.
Also I've been with the Palo Alto Public Art Commission since 2017,
serving as Chair from 2023 to 2024. I hope to share my experiences with
new members of the Public Art Commission and support the next
generation of public art leaders 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.
The discussion around the mid-town poetry mural—its accidental
acquisition, maintenance challenges, and emotional significance—taught
me a lot about how much care goes into curating public art for a city.
Through the initiation of a new mural program in 2023 I learned how we
can positively add and update public art pieces in public spaces.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
I aim to champion projects that celebrate Palo Alto's history, such as
using the redevelopment of Fry’s Electronics site as an opportunity to
create meaningful public art that reflects its past as an orchard and
cannery, and its legacy as a place supportive of diversity. Through public
Application Questions
2 of 3
art, we can educate, celebrate our diverse heritage, and foster dialogue
within our community.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
My engagement with the Public Art Master Plan has deepened my
appreciation for its role in shaping Palo Alto's public art landscape. This
plan's strategic vision ensures the continuation of a vibrant and engaging
art scene across the city, enriching Palo Alto's cultural and social fabric.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Hsinya Shen
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/15/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 13 March 2024, 3:21pm
Receipt number 13
Related form version 7
Name Ken Joye
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Other: city staff
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation I work as a sculptor, began my practice in 2012. I have a single, long-
term project: a series of wood carvings of human skulls, inspired by a
2002 exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences.
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 served on a panel which selected an artist for the Boulware Park
renovation currently underway.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
I currently am serving as the Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinator
for the Ventura neighborhood (program beneath the Office of Emergency
Services). I am a member of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory
Committee.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I am a working artist and have a sense for the creative process. I am an
appreciator of public art and recognize that it is only placed in the
community when the process is followed. I would like to contribute
toward that end.
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.
I offered public input during the consideration of work at the Fry's site
(Bayside Cannery). How would we acknowledge the accomplishments of
a Chinese-American businessman in a neighborhood which had been
the only non-redlined area of Palo Alto?
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
Frankly, I have no specific goal. My general goal would be to support the
independence of selected artists to execute their vision without overly
prescriptive input from the community.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I have opened the document in a separate browser tab but have not yet
studied it. I will do so after completing this application.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Ken Joye
Application Questions
2 of 3
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/13/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 16 March 2024, 5:48pm
Receipt number 15
Related form version 7
Name Sonia Patwardhan
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Art gallery owner and curator
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.
Undergrad in business followed by MBA in marketing
Worked in advertising, market research and brand management for 10
years for Heinz in Pittsburgh and on Unilever brands
Established Laasya Art in 2013 and running the art gallery since then. I
represent a lot of artists from south Asia in the US and we work with
clients from all over the US. One of the key benefits we provide which
clients find very useful is art advisory services - we work with clients
closely to recommend artworks for their spaces, given their aesthetic
sensibility, space and price range. We mostly work in wall art and
occasionally sculptures too. The idea is to make recommendations that
speaks to them and is an extension of who they are as people, and
works within their price range.
Our clients are from the Bay Area but all from other states within the US
where we work remotely with clients via Zoom/FaceTime video calls.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
I have volunteered on an ongoing basis when my children were in
PAUSD be it in the classroom going through math corrections on weekly
basis for the entire academic year or teaching kids Bollywood dancing in
class.
I have been part of the Art of Living community for almost 10 years now -
it is a non profit that's present in over 150+ countries and teaches
meditation and breath techniques to help cope with stress and promote
overall wellbeing.
As a business, we consistently donate artworks to multiple non profits in
the area to help raise money in their auctions - Maitri is one such
organization and help victims of domestic violence.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I have been living in Palo Alto since 2012 and call this city my home
now. I would like to contribute is some way if I can - I have a good eye
for design and space and have been curating art for people's home for
11 years now and have over time become very good at it.
We have been in business 11 years now and represent about 30 artists,
including wall art and sculptures across different mediums.
I have been working with artists as a collector (before becoming a
curator) since 2008 now and can very quickly get a since of their
credentials, quality of work, how to get the best out of them and how
easy it will be to work with them.
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.
The painting of the garage door of the fire station is of interest -
specifically what type of mural, what type of paint material,
understanding how this door is used during work hours, if this is in a
residential area and what the aesthetics are in the nearby location, what
type of art may be pleasing - colors, theme, overall aesthetics, timelines,
Application Questions
2 of 3
the selection criteria of the artist who may be good options for this and
so on. This is the type of thing I do often with clients but for their homes
and it is always fascinating to convert a space from blank wall into one
that has a voice through art.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
First and foremost, would be to have more high quality art at key
locations in Palo Alto. Identify which of these locations are high priority
locations and get some high quality (not necessarily expensive) art for
these places. And then get it done in an efficient manner. I would like to
be identify different artists, make a shortlist and help make it happen,
very simply. We have a beautiful city. It would help a lot to add more art
in public places here.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I do not have experience with this document.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Sonia Patwardhan
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/16/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 8 February 2024, 2:21pm
Receipt number 6
Related form version 7
Name Tara de la Garza
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?No
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Artist, Curator and Non Profit Founder
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 studied a BA in Fine Art at Curtin University in Western Australia am
currently in a resident studio program at Cubberley in Palo Alto, CA
My work is in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of
Art’s Watson Library, NYC. I have had two solo exhibitions at The Lodge
Gallery in NYC. I also exhibit extensively throughout the US in museums
and galleries such as Mass MOCA, Chicago Art Institute, Cornell
University, San Diego Art Institute, Palo Alto Arts Center, Palace of Fine
Arts SF, SF Design Week, numerous Spring/Break art fairs and at
Context Miami.
I am self employed
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
I regularly host free workshops in my studio for my non profit (social
practice) and as an artist at Cubberley
I am a member of ARTSRWC
I have created a pop up art space
I volunteer as a yoga instructor at San Mateo County Jail
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I have lots of experience with Public art, founding a non profit in NYC
called No Longer Empty to bring art to empty storefronts. I have been
commissioned to create public art. I have hosted two art fairs in my
home town with audiences of 10,000 people
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.
In the Nov 2023 meeting the developer Ahora asked for an architectural
screen to be considered as their percent for the art component.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
I would like Palo Alto to be seen as an epicenter for public art in Silicon
Valley and would work towards achieving that.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I have read the Public Art Master plan and like the recommendations
especially to utilize and integrate the existing resources to make art
integral to the city's planning efforts.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Application Questions
2 of 3
Signature Name of signatory: Tara de la Garza
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/8/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 25 January 2024, 8:41pm
Receipt number 4
Related form version 7
Name Vadim Axelrod
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Software Startup Founder
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.
Avid fan and occasional collector of art. Liberal arts undergraduate
education (Pomona College) commissioning artwork from art students
after graduation. Several art museum memberships and frequent visits to
exhibits and lectures.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
First moved to Palo Alto in 1991. Served on Parks & Rec and on
Economic Development commissions in San Carlos, CA and Rye Brook,
NY. Stanford Peninsula Alumni Club board member, coach for several
kids teams (softball, soccer, destination imagination).
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
As an avid art appreciator and owner of multiple properties in Palo Alto I
hope to offer ideas and perspective on how to make our city even more
beautiful, engaging and amazing.
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.
Fire station 4 art - the public participation and surveys conducted were a
good way to raise awareness of upcoming projects (and constraints).
The two public art murals on Cal Ave have added to the ambiance to the
farmer's market and the caltrain users.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
As a first-time member of the Public Arts Commission board, I would aim
to learn the specific near-term goals of the city and available artists and
the upcoming goals of the board. I would like to see a lot of involvement
from local artists and make sure there is representation from a variety of
mediums represented while blending in and enhancing the ambiance of
where the artwork is installed.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I first encountered the master plan during this application process.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Vadim Axelrod
Application Questions
2 of 3
Link to signature
Date Completed 01/25/2024
3 of 3
Public Art Commission Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 11:14pm
Receipt number 17
Related form version 7
Name Yuri Chang
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Public Art
Commission?
Email from the City
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation I am an independent scholar who is currently working on my book which
is based on my PhD dissertation. I am also an IHSS provider for my
disabled child, who has complex medical needs and developmental
disabilities. I completed an internship at the Ewha University Museum as
part of my master's degree in art history in South Korea.
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 areas of expertise include modern and contemporary art, urbanism,
public art, and government-sponsored international art exhibitions. I
completed my Ph.D. in Art History from Binghamton University, State
University of New York, in 2022, under the guidance of Dr. Tom
McDonough. My doctoral thesis, titled "Negotiating Urban Identities:
International Art Events and the Cultural Identities of Korean Cities,
1988-1995," explores how various stakeholders, including city officials,
local and international artists, curators, and business elites, negotiated
to represent complex issues related to the identities of cities and their
urban landscapes through exhibitions and public art. I also contributed to
translation projects for publishing various anthologies on topics such as
public art, feminism, and post-modernism and had one of my dissertation
chapters published in a book and a scholarly journal.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations.
I have worked with various organizations to advocate for better
accessibility and inclusion for disabled people. I have also organized
several events to celebrate disability culture. I am an accessibility
advisory committee member of Palo Alto City & Palo Alto Junior Museum
and Zoo, an executive board member at Palo Alto Community Advisory
Committee for Special Education, and Juana Briones Elementary PTA
Inclusion & Accessibility Representative. I have been teaching diversity,
equity, and inclusion lessons to students at Juana Briones Elementary
School, as well as leading training sessions for other adult volunteers as
a site leader for the YMCA Project Cornerstone ABC Social Emotional
Learning Program. I volunteered for the gallery service at the Cantor Art
Center. I provided visitors with exhibition and museum information and
assisted with the museum’s community outreach programs.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Public Art
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I have expertise in modern and contemporary art history, public art, and
urbanism, which can aid in developing meaningful, site-specific public art
projects that inspire our community. Additionally, I have organized
several community building events to celebrate disability culture,
diversity, and inclusion, and have actively engaged with various local
organizations related to the PAUSD and the Palo Alto city government. I
have collaborated with the Palo Alto City Library and Junior Museum and
Zoo. With my community connections and partnerships with local
organizations and the disability community, I can provide diverse
perspectives from our 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.
I am interested in the King Artist residency, municipal building public art
projects, and the Code: ART festival. As an advocate for diversity,
equity, and inclusion, I think the King Artist residency is an excellent
program that encourages artistic dialogue on this subject. The municipal
Application Questions
2 of 3
building public art projects enhance the community’s environment. I look
forward to the Fire Station 5 mural, as my kid’s school is right next door.
I was impressed by the Code: ART 2023 festival, which was the most
inclusive and accessible art event for disabled individuals, including my
child. The festival showcased our city's innovation and creativity by
connecting art and technology and provided a full sensory experience
that welcomed all bodies, including those with disabilities. This was a
rarity for the disability community, as most art exhibits are not easily
accessible or touchable. I look forward to the next Code: ART festival
and would be thrilled to contribute to its development process.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Public Art Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
I aim to amplify the voices of underserved communities, particularly the
disability community, in public art. My goal is to improve the accessibility
of public art to all community members, especially those who are often
overlooked. Additionally, I seek to help find authentic and high-quality
public art projects that represent the diversity and innovation of our city.
4. Public Art Commission Members work with the document
listed below. If you have experience with this document, please
describe that experience. Experience with this document is not
required for selection.
I enjoyed reading the document. This document provides specific ideas
about the visions and goals of the public art projects, the city’s identity,
partners, stakeholders, funding resources, and the process of the works.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Yuri Chang 2024 CV.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Yuri Chang
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/17/2024
3 of 3
Yuri Chang (Binghamton University, Art History)
CV 1
Yuri Chang, PhD
Education
2009–2022 PhD, History and Theory of Art and Architecture
Binghamton University, The State University of New York
Dissertation: Negotiating Urban Identities: International Art Events and the
Cultural Identities of Korean Cities, 1988-1995
2002–2006 MA, Art History (Honor Thesis Award Recipient)
Ewha Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
Thesis: From Machine-Man to Cyborg: Human Image and Technology in
Modern and Contemporary Art
1998–2002 BA, Art History and Clothing & Textile Design (double majors)
Ewha Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
Fellowships and Awards
Fellowships
May 2018 Student Conference Travel Grant, International Conference of
NextGen Korean Studies Scholars, Nam Center for Korean Studies
at the University of Michigan
Mar 22–24, 2017 Fellow of Dissertation Workshop, Association for Asian Studies
(Mentors: Drs. Justin McDaniel, David Szanton, Mary Alice
Haddad, and Ritu Khanduri)
Jun–Aug 2014 CKS Graduate Research Fellowship,
Center for Korean Studies at Binghamton University
Jul 1–5, 2013 Fellow of Korean Studies Dissertation Workshop,
The Social Science Research Council and the Korea Foundation
(Mentors: Drs. Robert Oppenheim, Jun Yoo, Jennifer Chun, and
Serk-Bae Suh)
Fall 2013 Academy of Korean Studies Scholarship,
Center for Korean Studies at Binghamton University
2010–2013 Teaching Assistantship, Binghamton University
2003 Research & Teaching Assistantship, Ewha Women’s University
Awards
Fall 2013 Graduate Student Employees Union Professional Development
Awards
Fall 2012 Graduate Student Employees Union Professional Development
Awards
Spring 2012 Conference Travel Grant, Center for Korean Studies at Binghamton
University
2003 Honor Thesis Award, Ewha Women’s University
Yuri Chang (Binghamton University, Art History)
CV 2
Conference Presentations
May 11-12, 2018 “The Art of Rent in Gwangju: from City of Massacre to City of Art,”
The 2018 International Conference of NextGen Korean Studies
Scholars, Nam Center for Korean Studies at the University of
Michigan
Feb 3, 2016 “Negotiating Urban Identities: Spectacles and Conflicts in the 1995
Gwangju Biennale” in the Session Here and Abroad: The
Globalization of K-Art and Other Myths, College Art Association
(CAA) Annual Conference
Oct 24, 2013 “The Production of Space and Memory Politics in South Korea: The
Olympic Sculpture Park and the Gwangju Biennale,” Invited
Speaker for South Korean Literature, Film, and State-sponsored
Visual Art conference, Asian and Asian American Studies and
Center for Korean Studies at UC Berkeley
Apr 20, 2013 “Making Monuments: The Creation of Political Spaces and post-
Gwangju Memories of South Korea,” Myth, Memory, and History:
New Approaches to an Elusive Past, The 35th Annual Warren and
Beatrice Susman Graduate Conference, Rutgers University
Apr 14, 2012 “Making a National Icon: Minjung, Olympics, Museum, and Nam June
Paik,” Crossing the Boundaries XX: Icons, Binghamton University,
The State University of New York
Mar 10, 2012 “The Seoul Olympics and Nam June Paik: The Imagined Future as a
Spectacle of Deception,” Deception, The 12th Annual East Asian
Studies Graduate Conference, University of Toronto
Mar 5, 2011 “The Market as Producer: Chinese Cultural Identity as Spectacle After
Deng Xiaoping’s Economic Reform," Spectacle: The 11th Annual
East Asian Studies Graduate Conference, University of Toronto
Publications
Articles
2017 “Monumentalizing Gwangju: the 1st Gwangju Biennale and the Anti-
biennale [Kwangju rŭl Kinyŏmhagi],” in Nanjie Yun, ed., Korean
Contemporary Art: Since 1990 [Han'guk tongsidae misul: 1990-yŏn
ihu], (Seoul: Sahoe P'yŏngnon, 2017)
2016 “Negotiating Urban Identities: Spectacles and Conflicts in the 1995
Gwangju Biennale,” Journal of History of Modern Art [Han'guk
Misulsa Yŏngu], No. 40, December 2016, (Seoul: Korea
Association for History of Modern Art [Han'guk Misulsa Hyŏphoe])
Yuri Chang (Binghamton University, Art History)
CV 3
Translations (English to Korean)
2015 Patricia Phillips’s "Temporality and Public Art," in Nanjie Yun, ed,
Public Art [Konggong misul], (Seoul: Noonbit, 2015).
2009 Susan Squier’s "Reproducing the Posthuman Body: Ectogenetic Fetus,
Surrogate Mother, Pregnant Man," in Nanjie Yun ed, Feminism and
Art [Pʻeminijŭm kwa misul], (Seoul: Noonbit, 2009).
Teaching Experience
Class Teachings
May 31–July 1, 2011 Mannequin, Robot and Cyborg: the Machine Aesthetics in
Visual Culture, Binghamton University, The State University
of New York
Lectures
Apr 11, 2013 Humbugs for Highbrows: Marcel Duchamp’s Readymades,
Binghamton University, The State University of New York
Apr 20, 2012 Korean Modern Art: Negotiating Cultural Identity, Binghamton
University, The State University of New York
Oct 26, 2011 Japanese Zen Art: The Enlightened Brush Stroke, Binghamton
University, The State University of New York
Section Teachings
2013 Art History and Visual Culture
2012 Introduction to Art and Architecture in the Asian World
2011 Introduction to Art
2011 Constructs of Modernism
2010 Introduction to Architecture
2003 Introduction to Art
Organization Activities
2010–2013 Conference Organizing Committee of Crossing the Boundaries:
The Art History Graduate Conference at Binghamton
University
Fall 2012 Event Coordinator for the Undergraduate Art History
Association, Binghamton University
Museum Experience
2008 Gallery Service, Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
2002–2003 Intern for Special Exhibition Art in Comics, Comics in Art,
Ewha Women’s University Art Museum
Yuri Chang (Binghamton University, Art History)
CV 4
Volunteer Experience
2020–present YMCA Project Cornerstone ABC Social Emotional Learning
Program Reader, Site Lead (2023–), Juana Briones
Elementary School
2019– present PTA Inclusion & Accessibility Representative, Juana Briones
Elementary School
2017– present Executive Board Member, Palo Alto Community Advisory
Committee for Special Education
2017– present Accessibility Advisory Committee Member, Palo Alto Junior
Museum and Zoo
Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 15 March 2024, 9:08pm
Receipt number 46
Related form version 10
Name Ashish Bhattacharya
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 City Website
Personal Information
1 of 3
Transportation Commission?
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Engineer
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 Computer Engineering graduate and have taken management
courses at Stanford and USC. I manage a large team at my cyber
security company. I'm involved in planning, strategy and execution of
large initiatives
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I am an active member of Canopy which is spearheading the green
revolution. I have assisted my daughter to run a farm to table non profit
which helps farmers conney with local communities. I've been a model
PA citizen for the past 17 years having put my children through
education and participated in all relevant community activities.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
I want to improve the infrastructure in the city. The roads are in a very
bad shape. There is a very big homelessness issue and we will need to
build reasonable accommodations. Also I'm worried about the pedestrian
accidents that happen regularly. I will find new means and ways to
improve all of this through technology and outreach
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.
Pedestrian safety
Biking lanes.
Overbridges on train intersections
Senior housing and safety
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?
Better infrastructure
Use latest technology to improve driver and pedestrian safety
Address homelessness and plan development of residential and
commercial units
Improve roads and manage traffic congestion.
Children safety
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 zoning code
El Camino real master plan
Application Questions
2 of 3
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Ashish Bhattacharya
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/15/2024
3 of 3
Planning & Transportation Commission
Application
Submitted on 27 January 2024, 10:14am
Receipt number 41
Related form version 10
Name barton hechtman
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Other: I am a PTC Commissioner who's term is expiring.
Personal Information
1 of 4
Transportation Commission?
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Attorney
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 California-licensed attorney, specializing in land use, zoning and
eminent domain law, since 1987. I am a member of the law firm
Matteoni, O'Laughlin & Hechtman.
I have appeared before Planning Commissions, City Councils, and
Boards of Supervisors well over one hundred times, primarily within
Santa Clara County, but also in surrounding counties.
I was the assistant City Attorney for the City of Scotts Valley for three
years ('91-'94) where my principal responsibilities were to advise the
Planning Commission and Planning Staff.
I have been a PTC Commissioner since January of 2020.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Served on the Crescent Park Neighborhood Association Board of
Directors for perhaps three years approximately twenty years ago.
Was a member of the Site Council for one or two years at Ohlone
Elementary School more than fifteen years ago.
Was an AYSO referee for two or three years, an assistant basketball
coach for NJB one year, and volunteered for various tasks with the
Greenmeadow swim team and Palo Alto little league during the years our
three kids were in those programs.
Served on the Board of Directors at Congregation Etz Chayim from 6/10
until 1/18, including two years as president of the Board. Active before,
during and after my Board duty as a class parent, design committee
member and in a variety of other roles.
Have been a PTC Commissioner since January of 2020
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning &
Transportation Commission and what experience would you
bring to the position?
I have spent most of my career in work related to urban development.
The kind of planning issues faced by the PTC are at the core of my law
practice.
In my land use work, I am often retained to assist with new residential
and/or commercial projects, or use permits for new businesses. I
frequently study the local jurisdiction's planning documents to help shape
the project to fit the regulatory scheme, and sometimes seek to change
the regulatory scheme to fit the project. Most of this work includes
interaction with planning staff, and often, appearances before the local
planning commission.
Application Questions
2 of 4
Similarly, planning issues are at the heart of my eminent domain
practice, because a condemnation case requires an analysis of the uses
to which the land is adaptable under applicable regulations to determine
its value.
I enjoy this work and for the past four years, I have used my knowledge
to help Palo Alto make wise planning decisions. I would like to continue
to do that for four more years.
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.
Since Castilleja last passed through the PTC on its way to completing its
epic journey through our use permit amendment approval process,
certainly the most important issue the PTC has wrestled with is the
updated Housing Element.
I have no illusion that 6087 new residential units or anything remotely
approaching that will get built by 2031, and I share the belief that the
methodology by which the HCD arrived at that number is flawed. But the
planning that is now legally required to make that volume of development
a possibility is a Herculean task that has and will continue to occupy the
PTC, the City Council and our planning staff.
I'm interested in this issue because this city is my city, these housing
pressures are going to dramatically change my city, and the leaders of
this city are going to have to decide whether we want that change thrust
upon us, or will we shape that change by planning in a way that
incentivizes and makes feasible the kind of change we want.
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?
If appointed, I would like to see the PTC achieve decision-making
authority. Palo Alto is the only jurisdiction I am aware of (both in this
County and in all the other Bay Area cities and counties I have worked
in) where the planning commission is a purely advisory body. Providing
the PTC with decision-making authority for appropriate types of
decisions, subject to appeal to the City Council, will empower the
Commission and provide a more rewarding experience for its
commissioners. Additionally, I believe that the City Council will find that it
results in a reduction in the City Council's workload (because most
appealable decisions are not appealed) and more robust public
participation at PTC hearings (since the decision might be final), without
any reduction in the City Council's power (because PTC decisions can
be appealed). I would help in that process by creating a matrix of the
"review authority" in all other jurisdictions in this County to illuminate the
options available.
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.
During my time as a PTC Commissioner, I think that the two areas to
which the PTC has devoted the most time are zoning code amendments
and the new Housing Element, which is part of the 2030 Comp Plan, we
apply CEQA to every discretionary project, and I believe I have
interacted with the other listed documents to a lesser extent.
Additionally, I have analogous experience with similar documents in
numerous other Bay Area jurisdictions. I have worked extensively with
general plans, specific plans, zoning codes, design guidelines, and
overlays, and understand the hierarchy of these planning documents,
how they work together, how to harmonize inconsistencies between
them, and what happens when you can't.
A substantial part of my law practice involves representing applicants for
discretionary governmental approvals; those require CEQA review. I
have worked on projects involving every category of CEQA document
and have defended governmental CEQA decisions in court on four
occasions.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
3 of 4
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Barton Hechtman
Link to signature
Date Completed 01/27/2024
4 of 4
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 10:18pm
Receipt number 5
Related form version 7
Name Ambika Pajjuri
Cell Phone Number 4085642130
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Storm Water Community Group
Personal Information
1 of 4
Management Oversight Commission?
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation I am a Product Management leader that recently left my job at Amazon
and am currently on a sabbatical. In ~9 years of experience at Amazon, I
built products and teams at multiple organizations at Amazon (Amazon
Retail, AWS and Amazon Devices) and we brought delightful products to
market ranging from Amazon Echo (Alexa) to Augmented Reality
experiences like virtual try-on of Lipstick using ML.
As a leader of the Product Management organizations I led teams with
first defining the vision and then bringing the big picture concepts to life.
This needed robust prioritization (using data driven inputs from
customers and clarity on business differentiation), collaboration with
stakeholders across the organization and building the optimal strategy
and right go to market. As a Palo Alto resident of over 15 years, I am
looking to give back to the community through volunteering my time and
apply my expertise gained through the corporate world.
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 professional education includes an MSEE degree from Columbia
University and have taken various technical, product management and
branding courses.
My most recent corporate work experience is at Amazon, where I was a
GM that led product teams (product management, design and program
management) at various orgs within Amazon over the last 9 years.
Relevant Professional Experience:
- I have completed the Board Readiness program administered by
Neythri (https://neythri.org/) and am prepared to join non-profit and
corporate boards as a director and advisory board member. I am also an
advisory board member at a stealth startup.
- Prior to Amazon, I was an Entrepreneur and Product Management
professional at various startups (Inquus/OpenStudy, KidSenz,
Itron/Silverspring networks, 2Wire, Airvana)
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I have been an active participant in volunteer organizations at school. I
believe we need to get more women into STEM and leadership roles and
some of my volunteer activities are reflective of this passion. A few
activities I have been involved include:
- A registered Girl Scouts volunteer since 2012 to present
- Currently volunteer for Space Cookies, a girls-only high school FRC
(FIRST Robotics) robotics team.
- 2012-2024, Advisory Board member at WomenStartup, a Bay area
organization focused on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in
technology, helping them grow and succeed in the technology sector.
- 2011 - 2015 - Volunteer at YMCA Project Cornerstone
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee and what experience would
I am passionate about using my expertise and experience to volunteer
for community and environmental causes. Cleaning up waste and
Application Questions
2 of 4
you bring to the position?building sustainable solutions are critical for our planet's future. Palo
Alto's Stormwater Management Committee particularly interests me.
I like California's strong focus on storm water quality and have followed
some of the approaches and innovations. My skills will be useful in
working with the committee to review and help shape strategies and
proposals for projects funded by Stormwater Management Fees. To me,
this is an opportunity to leverage my experience to help develop
programs that manage pollution and also utilize storm water as a
resource for more sustainable solutions.
I believe my skills in developing and implementing plans, along with my
passion for environmental well-being, would make me a valuable asset to
the committee. I'm eager to contribute to this role.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the
Storm Drain Oversight Committee that is of particular interest
to you and describe why you are interested in it.
I am interested in what's being done to help alleviate flooding events like
was expected with the new year's eve storm event. As one of the few
cities that got the funding measure approved, I understand that we have
started proactively fixing infrastructure issues by installing new storm
systems and upgrading others. With climate change increased rainfall
seems to have become a norm resulting in flooding issues in Palo Alto
continuing each year. I am interested in seeing parallel processing of
projects and also regularly including Green Stormwater Infra
improvements happen. It will also be good to report on goals/forecasts
vs accomplishments each year to show what is working and areas for
improvement.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Storm Drain Oversight Committee achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
With delayed projects and increased inflation, project costs keep rising. I
would like to see if the committee can help reduce delays. For example,
can the committee influence or recruit help to move Google
dependencies if those are a source for delays? Another example is to
identify combining projects if they garner more competitive bids. I also
liked the examples presented by the staff of opportunistically putting in
flap gates when possible to reduce flooding scenarios - given the long
term benefits, I would ask the committee to recommend doing this as a
goal for most ongoing infra projects to get more of these to happen in a
planned way. Another improvement I can help with is to reporting on
goals/forecasts vs accomplishments each year to analyze what is
working and areas for improvement.
4. Storm Drain Oversight Committee 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.
I do not have direct experience with these plans or budgets but have led
and participated in rigorous planning and budgeting in my corporate job
each year.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Ambika Pajjuri
3 of 4
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/17/2024
4 of 4
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
Application
Submitted on 26 February 2024, 10:50am
Receipt number 3
Related form version 7
Name Gregory Bennett
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Storm Water Other: Instagram
Personal Information
1 of 3
Management Oversight Commission?
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation I am currently an investor and non-profit executive, and I invest in and
drive non-profit funding for climate change related technology.
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 Bachelor's degree in International Political Economy, an
interdisciplinary major from the University of Illinois at Champaign-
Urbana. I have worked in finance for over ten years now, in various roles
and in various countries. My LinkedIn (which is public) describes my
work experience more effectively.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I recently moved to Palo Alto, so I have not held any offices/volunteer
positions here before. I have volunteered at numerous community
focused activities since I was a teenager, a few of which include:
teaching SAT Prep to low income students, park clean up days, local
summer festivals, citizen safety commissions/neighborhood watch.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee and what experience would
you bring to the position?
Last winter, our property flooded due to an atmospheric river. The City of
Palo Alto was excellent about letting residents know ahead of time and
getting them prepared with sandbags, etc. I would like to lend my service
to the city since they helped us ahead of time, and I'd like to add my
experience in understanding the effects of climate change on our local
watershed.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the
Storm Drain Oversight Committee that is of particular interest
to you and describe why you are interested in it.
The management of the stormwater management fund and the
implementation of the 2017 ballot measure improvements are very
interesting to me - precisely because it is the business of the town being
done!
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Storm Drain Oversight Committee achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I would like to lend my skills to the administration of the stormwater
management fund, and I would like to offer my experience to ensure that
the most up to date climate science is being integrated into future
stormwater management plans.
4. Storm Drain Oversight Committee 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.
I have read and understand all of these documents.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Application Questions
2 of 3
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Gregory Bennett
Link to signature
Date Completed 2/26/2024
3 of 3
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
Application
Submitted on 22 February 2024, 4:24pm
Receipt number 1
Related form version 7
Name Kevin Mayer
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Storm Water Other: Multiple sources
Personal Information
1 of 3
Management Oversight Commission?
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Retired Environmental Engineer, US Environmental Protection Agency
(Senior Superfund Project Manager); Project Management including
planning, community involvement, regulatory and contract oversight.
Specialization in Groundwater and Stream Remediation, Hydrogeology,
Water Chemistry and Treatment of Hazardous Chemicals
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.
California Professional Engineer (Civil Engineering) License 54367 -
Current, issued 1995
B.A. (1975) Rice University, Houston, TX, double major in Biology and
Behavioral Sciences
M.S. (1980) University of Washington, College of Forest Resources,
Seattle WA, (chemistry and microbiology of soil and water)
M.S. (1989) Stanford University, Civil/ Environmental Engineering
(groundwater contaminant transport and remediation) Admitted to PhD
candidacy.
US Environmental Protection Agency, Pacific Southwest Region 1990-
2017, Superfund Senior Project Manager, primarily remediation (cleanup)
of contaminated groundwater, also major stream water and soil cleanup
projects. Expertise in federal and state regulations, large contracts,
scientific and engineering planning and oversight, legal enforcement,
formal and informal interagency work with federal, state (CA and NV),
tribal and local entities, and major responsibilities for involving and
communicating with local communities and media.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
(1990 -2017) Coordinated and participated in direct communication and
face-to-face meetings with local communities in US EPA Superfund
projects, forging strong ties and communication links with community
members and organizations with extraordinarily positive results for both
the community and the EPA projects. Leveraged resources and expertise
to benefit community needs and priorities, which would not be possible
without understanding the specific local community situation.
(2018 - Present) ESV (Block Coordinator) in the Adobe Meadow
neighborhood.
As a Palo Alto resident since January 1984 with two daughters in
PAUSD (1996-2009), I volunteered with many youth and adult athletic
organizations in soccer, running and bicycling.
(1980-1984) Project Coordinator with Seattle Metropolitan wastewater
division (now King County) with responsibility for community
communication for projects to reuse treatment solids as soil
amendments.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee and what experience would
you bring to the position?
I have no agenda to bring to the position. I offer objectivity,
professionalism, and experience in many of the areas addressed in the
reports and documents listed in part 4 below.
Since my retirement I have been interested in serving the community as
a volunteer. Until recently, I was not able to make the structured time
commitment. My career has been in public service, and this continues to
be a personal priority.
Application Questions
2 of 3
I am always delighted to learn in a wide spectrum of fields, and I know
the importance of remaining open to unfamiliar perspectives as well as
technical insights.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the
Storm Drain Oversight Committee that is of particular interest
to you and describe why you are interested in it.
I prefer not to opine on specific issues until I am educated on the
Committee's deliberations and actions.
During implementation in the "real world" there can be many specific
issues and decisions which are appropriate topics for consideration and
oversight. Observations from the actual residents can be invaluable.
Some examples from my own experience in Palo Alto: 1) Rain barrel use
by a homeowner requires a certain dedication to maintain and operate
year-after-year. 2)Common knowledge supports the assumption that dry
wells (very local groundwater recharge) are inappropriate in our high
water table and low permeability (clay/ 'Bay Mud') soils. Yet I was
surprised at how effective it is at my own residence. 3) It is common
sense to avoid contaminated groundwater plumes. On the other hand,
some well-considered clean water input near plumes ("recharge",
injection, groundwater "mounding") have benefited plume control at some
major Superfund projects.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Storm Drain Oversight Committee achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
Oversight is a serious responsibility. As mentioned above, there can be
decisions to make within a large project which profit from community
insight and involvement. I have found remarkable value in perspectives
from people with tangential technical expertise and local experience. I fit
this description and am open to seeking and accepting perspectives from
other residents and professionals.
4. Storm Drain Oversight Committee 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.
I have read and considered these reports and documents which provide
a thorough background on the analyses and priorities already developed
and in place. The City Council's policy of moving forward on decisions
rather than revisiting deliberations is laudable. I respect the expertise of
professional staff and outside consultants and do not want to second
guess their foundational work.
These documents do leave open questions, particularly regarding
implementation of general and aspirational goals. Staff, not the oversight
committee, should be the lead in exploring options in filling these gaps.
Direction and advice from the community-based Committee must be
strongly considered if projects are to have serious prospects of short- or
long-term success.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Kevin P Mayer
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/22/2024
3 of 3
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
Application
Submitted on 22 February 2024, 5:05pm
Receipt number 2
Related form version 7
Name Ronald Owes
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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 Storm Water Other: currently a member of this commision
Personal Information
1 of 3
Management Oversight Commission?
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation retired Professional Civil Engineer
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.
University of Washington BSCE, 1968, MSCE, 1971, Licensed Civil
Engineer (PE), Instructor in Environmental Engineering at University of
Washington, 1973, Practiced in Civil/Environmental Engineering for over
40 years as a Partner in Harper/Owes, as a Senior Vice President of
HDR, etc, and as an expert witness in over 20 legal cases dealing with
environmental issues.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I am a current commission member Palo Alto's Storm Water
Management Oversight Commission, and a City of Palo Alto Emergency
Services Volunteer
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee and what experience would
you bring to the position?
I am presently serving on this Committee and believe this experience
allows me to utilize my background and experience to help the City of
Palo Alto.
2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the
Storm Drain Oversight Committee that is of particular interest
to you and describe why you are interested in it.
The annual audit and the role of this commiittee are important to
understand.
3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to
see the Storm Drain Oversight Committee achieve, and how
would you help in the process?
I would like to help the committee understand if storm water expenditures
are appropriate.
4. Storm Drain Oversight Committee 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.
I am concerned with loss of permeability and green infrastructure
required in these plans and measures as changes in the city's
development occur.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Application Questions
2 of 3
Signature Name of signatory: Ronald Owes
Uploaded signature image: rons sig.jpg
Date Completed 2/22/2024
3 of 3
Utilities Advisory Commission Application
Submitted on 5 March 2024, 1:16am
Receipt number 40
Related form version 8
Name Abraham Bagherjeiran
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices Yes
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
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Applied Researcher, Artificial Intelligence
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 Sr Director of Applied Research at eBay where I lead e-
commerce search ranking. I have a PhD in Computer Science and
specialize in machine learning. I am a member of the Association of
Computing Machines, and industry professional group. I was an adjunct
faculty member of Northeastern University, Silicon Valley, in the
computer science department. For my undergraduate degree I minored
in Electrical Power Technology. I own an electric vehicle and am a
residential customer of the Palo Alto utilities.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I am President of the Palo Verde Elementary PTA.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Utilities Advsory
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I am a regular customer of the Palo Alto utilities. I bring a strong
analytical background to decisions. As a customer, I am interested in
lowering costs while improving the quality of service.
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.
I am interested in the standing goal of preparing the gas supply for
winter. I was hit with a $4000 gas bill in January 2023 and would very
much like to do what I can to make sure something like that does not
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?
I would like the commission to change usage calculations to be more
accurate, especially in light of fluctuating supply prices.
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.
I have signed up for the fiber to home project a few years ago and am
familiar with that plan.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Yes
Application Questions
2 of 3
Commissions Handbook.
Signature Name of signatory: Abraham Bagherjeiran
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/05/2024
3 of 3
Utilities Advisory Commission Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 11:19pm
Receipt number 44
Related form version 8
Name Ambika Pajjuri
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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?
Community Group
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Product Management leader: A Product Management leader, I recently
left my job at Amazon and am currently on a sabbatical. In ~9 years of
experience at Amazon, I built products and teams at multiple
organizations at Amazon (Amazon Retail, AWS and Amazon Devices)
and we brought delightful products to market ranging from Amazon Echo
(Alexa) to Augmented Reality experiences like virtual try-on of Lipstick
using ML. Previously I worked at Itron on smart meter networks and
demand forecasting. As a leader of the Product organizations I led teams
with first defining the vision and then bringing the big picture concepts to
life with robust prioritization (using data driven inputs from customers and
clarity on business differentiation), collaboration with stakeholders
across the organization and building the optimal strategy and right go to
market. As a Palo Alto resident of over 15 years, I am looking to give
back to the community through volunteering my time and apply my
expertise gained through the corporate world.
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 professional education includes an MSEE degree from Columbia
University and have taken various technical, product management and
branding courses.
My most recent corporate work experience is at Amazon, where I was a
GM that led product teams (product management, design and program
management) at various orgs within Amazon over the last 9 years.
Relevant Professional Experience:
- I have completed the Board Readiness program administered by
Neythri (https://neythri.org/) and am prepared to join non-profit and
corporate boards as a director and advisory board member. I am also an
advisory board member at a stealth startup.
- Prior to Amazon, I was an Entrepreneur and Product Management
professional at various startups (Inquus/OpenStudy, KidSenz,
Itron/Silver Spring Networks, 2Wire, Airvana). My work at Itron on smart
meter networks and demand forecasting gave me insights into Utilities
and related regulation.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
I have been an active participant in volunteer organizations at school. I
believe we need to get more women into STEM and leadership roles and
some of my volunteer activities are reflective of this passion. A few
activities I have been involved include:
- A registered Girl Scouts volunteer since 2012 to present
- Currently volunteer for Space Cookies, a girls-only high school FRC
(FIRST Robotics) robotics team.
- 2012-2024, Advisory Board member at WomenStartup, a Bay area
organization focused on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in
technology, helping them grow and succeed in the technology sector.
- 2011 - 2015 - Volunteer at YMCA Project Cornerstone
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Utilities Advsory
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
I am passionate about leveraging my experience to contribute to a
sustainable future. Palo Alto's Utilities Advisory Commission particularly
Application Questions
2 of 3
position?interests me. My skills can be valuable in advising the City Council on
long-range planning for our utilities, including water conservation and
environmental impact. This aligns with my desire for innovative solutions.
My proven ability in developing and implementing plans, coupled with my
interest in sustainability and prior experience at Itron that pioneered
smart meters for utilities, makes me a strong candidate. I'm eager to
contribute!
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.
I am interested in the issue that was discussed when presenting the
recommendation to amended Palo Alto CLEAN Program Rules and
Requirements, Handbook, and Power Purchase Agreement. It was clear
that there is a need to make it easy to sell power generated from Solar
programs and to entice more participants for the Clean Programs. I am
interested in improving the program and potentially revamping it to attract
more participants
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the
Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
My goals would include making it easier to participate in the Palo Alto
CLEAN program for apartments and buildings with options for Solar
roofs. These establishments could decide to add a solar roof if the
program is enticing. Another goal would be to evaluate improving the
Fiber-to-the-Premise projects by intentionally combining them with other
projects like Storm Water System upgrades and new infrastructure
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.
I do not have direct experience with these plans but have led and
participated in rigorous planning and roadmapping of products and
services in my corporate job each year.
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Ambika Pajjuri
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/17/2024
3 of 3
Utilities Advisory Commission Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 11:09pm
Receipt number 41
Related form version 8
Name Chris Tucher
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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?
No
Fair Political Practices 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
City Website
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Consultant & board member
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: Harvard Business School, MBA
Consultant to healthcare and electric battery start-ups
Boards:
-Kirkwood Mountain Public Utility District
-Embarcadero Media Foundation (i.e., Palo Alto Weekly news group)
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
In 2024, I was elected to the board of the Kirkwood Mountain Public
Utilities District (five candidates, one empty seat, on the public ballot
Nov'23 in Alpine County, CA). The KMPUD is responsible for delivering
power, water and waste-water services to all residential and commercial
customers in Kirkwood, as well as snow removal services. This ties in
with my commitment to community service and my interest in utilities,
especially electricity.
In 2024, I was appointed to the new non-profit board of Embarcadero
Media (aka Palo Alto Weekly). This ties in with my keen interest in local
journalism (I began my career as a reporter and a newspaper publisher)
and my commitment to the Palo Alto community.
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Utilities Advsory
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
After a career in tech and health-tech, I've recently begun working in the
field of energy and public utilities, with a special interest in electric grid
modernization. Since first applying for UAC in 2023, I subsequently ran
for and won a seat on the board of the public utility district in Kirkwood,
CA (near Tahoe), which provides electric, gas, water and waste-water
serves to all residential and commercial customers of this Lake Tahoe
community (Vail Corp. is the largest customer), in addition to snow
removal services.
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.
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.
Grid modernization: There seems to be lack of clarity around several key
issues, just a few of which are:
-Timeframe appears to be 5yrs 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. transmitter
Application Questions
2 of 3
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.
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:
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) 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.
I have read and reviewed these documents but have no other experience
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.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Chris Tucher
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/16/2024
3 of 3
Utilities Advisory Commission Application
Submitted on 2 March 2023, 9:02am
Receipt number 33
Related form version 6
Name Richard Craig
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
Fair Political Practices 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
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
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.
Technical Education: BS Berkeley Physics, PhD UCLA Electrical
Engineering
Technical Work Experience: 5 years Laser Research, 5 years Laser
product engineering
Management Experience: 25 year managing (CEO & President) multiple
public and private companies in areas related to light. For two of these
companies the primary value was improved energy efficiency of lighting.
Vast experience dealing with Government agencies is many different
roles. Comfortable with all aspects of budgets and finance. Skilled at
listening to complex problems.
Company/Employer Name Retired
Occupation Technical Manager
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.
No current involvement in civic organization.
Personal and Job Experience
1. What is it about the Utilities Advisory Commission that is
compatible with your experience and of specific interest to
you, and why?
We face difficult and interesting problems. I view this opportunity as a
way to contribute to solutions.
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.
I currently have two areas of interest. The need to phase out natural gas
and the move to the all electric household seems both quite important
and very tricky to fairly execute. I want to know more. Palo Alto has been
talking about fiber optic access for as long as I have lived here (33
years). I would love to see progress on this topic.
3. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the
Utilities Advisory Commission achieve, and how would you
help in the process?
My goals are very generic, improve the vision and working of my city. I
cannot take a position on specific projects without more learning.
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.
None
Application Questions
2 of 3
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Richard Craig
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/02/2023
3 of 3
Utilities Advisory Commission Application
Submitted on 22 February 2024, 12:14pm
Receipt number 39
Related form version 8
Name Sean Holman
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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?
Community Group
City Website
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Technology (Software)
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 a BS in Computer Science from the Univ. of Maryland. While my
background is in software engineering, I have worked for 10+ years with
public utilities and cities on energy sustainability (primarily during my
time at Opower). I am now working with a company called Kaluza
focused on helping energy retailers to change their business model and
serve their customers to support a carbon neutral future.
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Duveneck PTA
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Utilities Advsory
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
One of the things I I love about Palo Alto is our community based
approach. I care deeply about our shared energy future, data security
and my community here in Palo Alto. We have the means to do great
things here and I'd like to help serve that purpose. Our energy systems
are rapidly evolving and as an engineer I am fascinated to learn and
consider how to make the best choice for the people in our community
and our planet.
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.
Recent issues of particular interest to me are our cyber security and
data protection strategies (as an engineer with background working on
these topics) and the Electric Grid Modernization plan. I think the plan is
the key to having a strategy for electrification but also for creating an
equitable future grid.
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 am particularly interested in evolving a long term strategy that adapts to
the changes needed for further electrification and that supports programs
that considers the needs of all members of the community including
renters (like myself) and lower income households.
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.
From my work with Opower I am familiar with utility strategic plans and
integrated resource plans. We were particularly focused on building
energy efficiency programs and metrics into those plans.
Application Questions
2 of 3
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Sean.Holman.Resume.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Sean Holman
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/22/2024
3 of 3
SEAN HOLMAN
Palo Alto, CA •
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT LEADER
Extensive product management and team leadership experience ranges from start-up companies to
Fortune 500. Strong track record of building products that yield breakthrough results, contributing
to exponential company growth, and assembling top -performing teams.
• Deep passion for leading the development of technology products that make a difference in the lives of consumers.
• Strategic, data -driven decision -maker who combines a big -picture vision with executable steps for product success.
• Trusted technical expert on cloud platforms, data engineering, machine learning (ML), software development, and IoT.
• Polished communicator with a strong ability to deliver compelling presentations to a variety of targeted audiences.
• Respected leader, coach, and mentor who can lead, hire and empower teams.
Highlights:
Workday: Led the strategy and launch of Workday on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Lacuna Technologies: Pioneered a groundbreaking, open -source cloud platform for mobility.
Verizon: Key catalyst driving launch for some of the first 5G solutions in major cities nationwide.
Opower: Rollout of Opower data platform, growing to $150M+ ARR, at 30+ utilities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WORKDAY — Pleasanton, CA — 2022-2023
Leading cloud provider of HCM and Financial Management solutions for mid to large enterprises.
Principal Product Manager
Led the global, multi -cloud platform product strategy, delivery (expanding from AWS to GCP), and cloud -native
development effort of the secure, scalable foundation services supporting the delivery of all Workday's applications.
• Delivered the first release of Workday Cloud Platform 2.0 on schedule, coordinating efforts across
teams including 100+ engineers and enabling the company to deploy their applications on Google's Cloud.
• Responsible for monthly executive strategy and review meetings of the program of delivery.
• Balanced managed and built features to achieve a scalable, cost-effective platform based on Kubernetes
Resource Model, GitOps, Istio, Consul, managed MySQL/Postgres, Kafka, Redis, ArgoCD, OPA, and CoreDNS.
LACUNA TECHNOLOGIES — Palo Alto, CA — 2018-2021
Start-up company providing digital solutions for cities and transportation agencies to manage their public infrastructure.
VP of Product
Directed all product management functions as one of the company's founding employees. Created and guided the product
strategy, engaged directly with key customers, and executed the product launch, with a goal of creating a new product
and new market segment for a ML -based transportation management, geospatial data and visualization platform.
Hired, onboarded, and led the Product Management and UX Design teams, incorporating Agile methodologies and setting
a high bar for our development process. Worked with large cities on transforming their transportation management
infrastructure and processes via the Lacuna product.
• Built, architected and launched LADOT's transportation management cloud platform (using AWS
Lambda, Postgres, Redis, and Kafka) in under 6 months, achieving under -budget results and managing the
deployment of 35K+ eScooters and 1B+ data points, during initial rollout.
• Played key role in raising $33M+, building Product and Engineering to 20+ team members and
growing the company from a concept to a functional product used in L.A., Miami, and other major cities.
• Teamed with other Lacuna executives to found and empower a new open -source foundation (Open
Mobility Foundation) for collaboration between L.A. city transportation leaders and the private sector. Authored
many of the foundational Mobility Data Specification (MDS) API standards.
• Pioneered a curb management system for LAX Airport, leveraging MDS standards and machine learning to
predict demand as well as reduce operating losses.
• Accelerated key technical partner engagements with Amazon, Microsoft, NASA, UPS, Lyft, and others.
Engaged in discussions with each partner, presenting path to overcoming significant challenges and achieve buy -in.
VERIZON – San Jose, CA – 2016-2018 Currently at 121M+ subscribers as the largest wireless carrier in the U.S.
5G Solutions Strategy & Engineering Manager
Retained by Verizon following its purchase of Sensity to accelerate product development on multi-access edge computing.
Founded an engineering team and provided leadership for the Sustainable City Solutions Group. Formulated and deployed
solutions using ML, Kubernetes, computer vision, real-time sensors, and vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies.
◆ Awarded patent for an interface to aggregate real-time curb usage and availability data. Applied for
patent based on work with MapQuest, securing a patent to benefit Verizon on immediate and future goals.
◆ Launched some of the first 5G solutions in major cities in partnership with Intel, Samsung, and others,
including New York, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Seattle.
SENSITY SYSTEMS – Sunnyvale, CA – 2014-2016 Specializing in a smart lighting IoT network and API developer platform NetSense that enables conversions to energy-saving LEDs.
Director, Solutions Architecture
Hired to lead the Solutions Architecture function and team. Managed multiple global partner integration and deployment
activities with Cisco, Verizon, and GE. Assisted cities in leveraging LED lighting solutions to save energy and create an open
IoT sensor platform in 35+ cities, including Dubai, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv, Guangzhou, Seattle, and Kansas City.
◆ Contributed to the $350M acquisition of Sensity Systems by Verizon through role as Technical Expert in
the Verizon partnership. Delivered demonstrations that highlighted the viability of Sensity’s product offering.
◆ Accelerated the launch of 30+ new U.S. and international deployments with Cisco Systems, working
closely with cities to ensure successful rollouts and mitigate/resolve issues.
◆ Spearheaded a 50+% reduction in pilot scoping and delivery times while leading the expansion to
international deployments.
OPOWER – 2008-2013 Software platform that helps the world’s largest utilities transform their customer experience and facilitate energy savings.
Director, Solutions Architecture (2011-2013)
Customer Success Manager (2009-2011)
Data Engineer (2008-2009)
Hired as the company’s 12 th employee and progressed rapidly through increasingly responsible positions. As Director of
Solutions Architecture, built and managed a global Solutions Architecture team within the Sales organization as the
business grew from $1M to $150M ARR. Served as the primary customer point of contact and managed the program
design/measurement functions. As Data Engineer, accelerated and scaled ETL process, data QA and deployment timelines.
◆ Spearheaded launch of Opower platform at 16 utility partners (initially worth $30M+), including Exelon,
EDF, and National Grid. Redefined the company’s demos and product storytelling to customers.
◆ Created a scalable ETL process and data pipelines to ingest utility data and automate data quality analysis.
◆ Reduced implementation times by 35% through rollout of a project management system.
ADDITIONAL POSITIONS:
Software Engineer, ATG (2007-2008) – Developed click-to-call technology that powered online sales conversions at leading
companies, including Amazon, Best Buy, American Airlines, Dell, TD Bank, and 500+ additional companies.
Team Leader, U.S Department of State (2003-2007) – Led software deployments onsite at 20+ embassies and consulates.
Software Engineer, Sun Microsystems/ Scient / Aspex (1999-2003) – Focused on Java and web application development
and managed production Oracle databases. Customers included MLB, Chase, Verizon, DoD and others.
EDUCATION & SKILLS
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND – College Park, MD
Professional Training – Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate , Deep Learning Specialization (Andrew Ng), Coursera
Technology Skills – Systems Architecture, API Design, ETL/ELT, Enterprise Software, Authentication, applied ML,
TensorFlow, IoT, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, Redis, PostGIS, BigQuery, JavaScript/Typescript, Python, Go, Java, Google Cloud
Platform, AWS Lambda, Jira, Git, ArgoCD
Patents/Honors – Patent: Obtainment and display of real-time information for a set of block-faces. Issued Mar 16, 2021;
Banneker Key Scholarship (full merit-based academic scholarship)
Utilities Advisory Commission Application
Submitted on 18 March 2024, 1:40am
Receipt number 45
Related form version 8
Name Utsav Gupta
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident?Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
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
Fair Political Practices 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
Personal Information
1 of 3
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.
Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website
Occupation Startup Co-CEO
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
Georgetown University Law Center, JD, 2015
UC San Diego, BS in Bioengineering: Biotechnology and BA in Political
Science, 2011
SELECTED WORK EXPERIENCE
Co-CEO, Filarion, Inc. - working in spatial computing and artificial
intelligence, 2021-present
Previously a patent litigator at Tensegrity Law Group and Dechert LLP
from 2015-2021. One litigation involved understanding internet service
provider technology.
Student Counsel, Appellate Litigation Clinic, Georgetown University Law
Center, 2014-2015
Clerk, United States Senate Judiciary Committee, 2013
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
California Bar
Patent Bar
Admitted in the following U.S. courts: Federal Circuit, Ninth Circuit,
Northern District of California, Central District of California
Please see LinkedIn for further information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/utsavgupta/
Please describe your involvement in community activities,
volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any
offices held.
Board of Visitors, Georgetown University Law Center, 2023-current
South Bay Chair, Northern California Alumni Board, Georgetown
University, 2019-current
SELECTED PREVIOUS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
Member, SF Bay Area IP Inn of Court, 2017-18
Board of Governors, Georgetown University Alumni Association, 2014-15
President, South Asian Law Students Association at Georgetown Law,
2014-15
Georgetown International Environmental Law Review (now Georgetown
Environmental Law Review), 2014-15
Director of Alumni Initiatives and Delegate, Student Bar Association at
Georgetown Law, 2014-15
Board, Student Intellectual Property Law Association, 2014-15
President, Associated Students of UC San Diego, 2009-2010
Personal and Job Experience
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Utilities Advsory
Commission and what experience would you bring to the
position?
I’d like to help as I can with the city's FTTP plans. The UAC has done a
great job leading this effort. I am excited for Phase 1 and the planned
Dec 2024 start. Once available, how can we best encourage residents to
use the service and meet our projected take-rate, so that we can expand
the service to remaining residents? I have litigated networking and
internet service patent disputes and have some understanding of the
technology.
Application Questions
2 of 3
My interest also extends to water quality. Palo Alto has excellent water.
How can we explore options to continue to improve the health of our
water, particularly to address any trace contaminants that may pose
health risks, such as forever chemicals and microplastics? On
microplastics, there have been proposals to help reduce their infiltration
into the water supply, including by Samsung at CES 2023 with filters
compatible with their washing machines (clothes are a large source of
microplastics). What options are there and what can we do as a 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. If you have never been to a
Commission meeting, you can view archived videos from the
Midpen Media Center.
The SCADA and AMI cybersecurity presentation that came before the
Commission on February 7, 2024, was of particular interest, where I was
happy to see there is a focus on being prepared for *when* a
cyberattack happens. Along with my technology interests, I have had an
appreciation for cybersecurity and how to secure endpoints like user
devices (that is, how to prevent attacks on the human layer). Having
witnessed these sophisticated phishing attacks successfully unfold
against sharp and technologically colleagues, these issues will only
become harder to prevent and more prevalent with the distribution and
democratization of generative artificial intelligence.
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 FTTP eventually offered to every resident in Palo Alto.
High-bandwidth applications are the future. It has always astonished me
that large, commercial ISPS provided legacy service despite Palo Alto as
a center of innovation in the Silicon Valley. I even investigated running
my own fiber installation to this condo building downtown, or using a line-
of-sight 1G or 10G microwave dish connection from 3000 El Camino
(Palo Alto Square) (unfortunately, no line-of-sight). To help achieve
reaching everyone, I believe I can help be an advocate for FTTP and
why our residents should use community fiber. including performance
aspects like cost, shared vs unshared connections, latency, bandwidth,
jitter, reliability, and most importantly upload speeds.
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.
Having an interest in community fiber, I have reviewed the FTTP Master
Plan a few times from curiosity. I have also reviewed the City of Palo Alto
Special Meeting on September 19, 2022, at that time concerning FTTP
and the corresponding UAC Sub-Committee Recommendations
presentation and corresponding report "Joint Study Session With City
Council and Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) Regarding Fiber-to-
the-Premises Efforts."
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please
upload below.
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.
Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Utsav Gupta
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/18/2024
3 of 3
Supplemental Report Item No. 2. Page 1 of 3
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Meeting Date: April 1, 2024
Item Number: 2
Report #:2404-2843
TITLE
Supplemental Memo: Review List of Applicants for Board and Commission Openings and Select
Candidates to Interview. CEQA Status - Not a project.
BACKGROUND
Candidates that receive at least two votes will move forward to the interview stage tentative ly
scheduled for April 8 and April 22. The vote results are listed below and candidates that
received at least two votes are bolded and underlined.
Architectural Review Board
• Ajay Kumar Mishra: Burt
• Geddess Ulinskas: Lauing, Veenker
• Kendra Rosenberg: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Mousam Adcock: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Valerie Driscoll
• Zachary Pozner: Lythcott-Haim, Stone
Historic Resources Board
• Caroline Willis
Interview has been placed on hold due to insufficient number of applicants. The City Clerk’s
Office is conducting a special extended recruitment to fill the remaining vacancies.
Supplemental Report Item No. 2. Page 2 of 3
Human Relations Commission
• Cara Silver: Burt, Kou, Lauing
• Donald Barr: Burt, Lauing, Veenker
• Marc Schoenen: Stone
• Mark Weiss
• Mary Kate Stimmler: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Miles Goodman: Lythcott-Haims
• Uzma Rashid Minhas: Kou, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
Public Art Commission
• Allison Huynh: Burt, Kou, Stone
• Amber J Smith: Kou, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Claude Ezran: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haim, Stone, Veenker
• Harriet Stern: Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Hsinya Shen: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Ken Joye: Burt
• Sonia Patwardhan: Lauing, Stone, Veenker
• Tara de la Garza: Burt, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Veenker
• Vadim Axelrod
• Yuri Chang: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims
Planning and Transportation Commission
• Ashish Bhattacharya
• Barton Hechtman
All candidates for Planning and Transportation Commission will be interviewed.
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
• Ambika Pajjuri
• Gregory Bennett
• Kevin Mayer
• Ronald Owes
All candidates for Stormwater Management Oversight Committee will be interviewed.
Supplemental Report Item No. 2. Page 3 of 3
Utilities Advisory Commission
• Abraham Bagherjeiran: Kou
• Ambika Pajjuri: Stone, Veenker
• Chris Tucher: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
• Richard Craig: Burt, Lythcott-Haims
• Sean Holman: Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Veenker
• Utsav Gupta: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Stone
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Boards and Commissions Interview
April 1, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
April 1, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
Architectural Review Board: 6 applicants for 2 positions
•Ajay Kumar Mishra: Burt, Tanaka
•Geddess Ulinskas: Lauing, Veenker
•Kendra Rosenberg: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka, Veenker
•Mousam Adcock: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
•Valerie Driscoll:
•Zachary Pozner: Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka
TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
April 1, 2024 www.cityofpaloalto.org
Human Relations Commission: 7 applicants for 2 positions
•Cara Silver: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Tanaka
•Donald Barr: Burt, Lauing, Tanaka, Veenker
•Marc Schoenen: Stone, Tanaka
•Mark Weiss:
•Mary Kate Stimmler: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
•Miles Goodman: Lythcott-Haims
•Uzma Rashid Minhas: Kou, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
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Public Art Commission: 10 applicants for 4 positions
•Allison Huynh: Burt, Kou, Stone, Tanaka
•Amber J Smith: Kou, Lythcott-Haim, Stone, Veenker, Tanaka
•Claude Ezran: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haim, Stone, Veenker, Tanaka
•Harriet Stern: Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker, Tanaka
•Hsinya Shen: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka, Veenker
•Ken Joye: Burt
•Sonia Patwardhan: Lauing, Stone, Veenker
•Tara de la Garza: Burt, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Veenker
•Vadim Axelrod:
•Yuri Chang: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Tanaka
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Planning and Transportation Commission: 2 applicants for 1 position
•Ashish Bhattacharya
•Barton Hechtman
All candidates for Planning and Transportation Commission will be interviewed
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Stormwater Management Oversight Committee: 4 applicants for 3
position
•Ambika Pajjuri
•Gregory Bennett
•Kevin Mayer
•Ronald Owes
All candidates for Stormwater Management Oversight Committee will be interviewed
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Utilities Advisory Commission: 6 applicants for 2 positions
•Abraham Bagherjeiran: Kou, Tanaka
•Ambika Pajjuri: Stone, Tanaka, Veenker
•Chris Tucher: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Veenker
•Richard Craig: Burt, Lythcott-Haims, Tanaka
•Sean Holman: Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Veenker
•Utsav Gupta: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Stone
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Historic Resources Board: 1 applicant for 4 positions
•Caroline Willis
Interview has been placed on hold due to insufficient number of applicants. The City
Clerk’s Office is conducting a special extended recruitment to fill the remaining
vacancies.