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Home My WebLink AboutStaff Report 2411-3832CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM Agenda Item 1.Review List of Applicants and Select Candidates to Interview for the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Vacancies; CEQA Status: Not a project Late Packet Report added 6 0 1 3 City Council Staff Report From: City Clerk Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Lead Department: City Clerk Meeting Date: January 21, 2025 Report #:2411-3832 TITLE Review List of Applicants and Select Candidates to Interview for the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Vacancies; CEQA Status: Not a project RECOMMENDATION Review a list of applicants and select candidates to interview for three (3) positions on the Planning and Transportation Commission; one (1) partial term, expiring March 31, 2026 and two (2) full terms, expiring March 31, 2029. The list of applicants will be available in a late packet report on January 16, 2025. BACKGROUND The City Clerk’s Office initiated a Special Recruitment on December 2, 2024 in anticipation of two PTC vacancies as a result of the November 5, 2024 election. The City Council certified the November 5, 2024 election results at its December 9, 2024 meeting, confirming then-PTC Commissioners George Lu and Keith Reckdahl as elected members of the City Council. To consolidate recruitment efforts for the current vacancies and a position expiring on March 31, 2025, staff opened the recruitment to fill three (3) positions. The City Council is scheduled to interview candidates at the February 3, 2025 meeting and appoint new commissioners at the February 10, 2025 meeting. PTC Commissioners must be residents of Palo Alto and must not be councilmembers, officers or employees of the City (PAMC 2.20.010)1. There are no other membership requirements. During the last several recruitments, the City Council as elected to interview all qualified applicants for respective Boards and Commissions or have identified and provided direction on 1PAMC 2.20.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-61282 6 0 1 3 a select cohort of applicants to continue to the interview processes. It is at the discretion of the Council to determine if they wish to interview all candidates or identify and provide direction on select qualified candidates to interview. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT There is no Fiscal/Resource Impact. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT City staff publicized the recruitment through the City’s community e-newsletter Uplift, City Clerk’s Office e-newsletters, via the City’s website and the City’s social media channels; in physical locations of the Palo Alto Libraries; and distributed by e-mail through established distribution lists to community-based organizations, individuals and City subscription-based notification lists. Staff reached out to past applicants to inquire if they would like to apply again and shared the recruitment to local community groups. The recruitment was also advertised in print and online advertisement in Palo Alto’s local newspapers. PTC special recruitment invited applications from December 2, 2024 through January 15, 2025 through the application process. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because it an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5). APPROVED BY: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk 6 2 2 0 City Council Supplemental Report From: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk Meeting Date: January 21, 2025 Item Number: 1 Report #:2501-3958 TITLE Review List of Applicants and Select Candidates to Interview for the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Vacancies. CEQA Status - Not a project. RECOMMENDATION Review a list of applicants and select candidates to interview for three (3) positions on the Planning and Transportation Commission: one (1) partial term expiring March 31, 2026 and two (2) full terms expiring March 31, 2029. BACKGROUND The PTC recruitment was open December 17, 2024 through January 15, 2025. Applicants were given the option to apply for the partial term vacancy, full term vacancy, or both. Staff received a total of 19 applicants during the recruitment period. •Benas, Daniel Philip – Full or Partial •Battacharya, Ashish – Full or Partial •Chang, Grant – Full •Fehring, Sheila – Partial •Glazier, William – Full or Partial •Hamachek, Brian – Full or Partial •Hekier, Daniel – Full or Partial •Holzemer, Terrance - Partial •James, Todd – Full or Partial •Ji, Kevin – Full or Partial •Keller, Arthur – Full or Partial •Kellerman, Thomas – Full or Partial •King, Declan – Full •Morkner, Henrik – Partial •Parak, Salim – Full or Partial 6 2 2 0 •Peterson, Forest – Full or Partial •Regula, Michael – Full or Partial •Stafford, Kellie – Partial •Yamamoto, Rika YeaKyung – Full or Partial According to Palo Alto Municipal Code1, PTC commissioners shall be residents of the city who are not councilmembers, officers, or employees of the city. The Planning and Transportation Commission has three (3) open positions: one (1) partial term expiring March 31, 2026 and two (2) full terms expiring March 31, 2029. At the February 26, 2024 meeting, the City Council set a process to select Boards and Commissions candidates to interview. The direction provided was to allow each Councilmember a limited number of votes (equal to the number of vacancies plus 50%, round up) to select their preferred candidates to interview. In accordance with that direction, each Councilmember may cast two (2) votes for the partial term position and three (3) votes for the two full term positions. The City Council may opt to follow a different process for candidate interview selection if it so chooses. The City Council is scheduled to interview the selected applicants at the February 3 meeting and make its appointment at the February 10 meeting. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A - Planning and Transportation Commission Applications - Redacted APPROVED BY: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk 1 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.20.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0- 0-0-61282 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 7 January 2025, 10:41am Receipt number 66 Related form version 15 Name Daniel Phillip Benas 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 Daily Post 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 Finance Professional; CPA Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration. If describing work experience, please include company/employer name and occupation. BS Business-UC Berkeley; MBA UCLA. CPA with active licenses in CA and TX. 44 years of progressive experience with 25 at the executive level. Worked primarily in technology companies in semiconductor, software, networking, life sciences and media tech. Have also worked in Oil and Gas and manufacturing. Lately I have been working at start-ups and turn-arounds. Large companies I have worked for are Occidental Petroleum, Xerox, Cypress Semiconductor and Berkshire Hathaway. Companies I have helped take public, ramp and/or turn-around are Cypress, Monolithic Power, Callidus, Silego Technology. Please see my linked-in profile for more details. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. My wife and I have lived and own a house in Palo since December 1995. I was a board member of my local synagogue in the 1990's. Otherwise, my role has been limited to minor participation activities as my primary role has been supporting my family and putting my children through college. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I am interested in bringing my experience of getting things done in the business world to help continue to make Palo Alto a desirable and safe place to live. In addition, diversified retail business needs to be revitalized in the city as Palo Alto business is quickly becoming an unhealthy restaurant and law firm monoculture. Too many businesses have had to leave due to difficulty in making money and doing business. Additionally, Palo Alto is losing its stature as being the Mecca of Technology, again because of cost and difficulty of doing business. We need to bring business back from incubators to start ups to mid-size and large companies. I have worked as a finance professional in some of the fiscally best run companies in SV (Cypress, Monolithic Power) and in the US (Berkshire). I can bring this experience to the table to help revitalize Palo Alto. 3. 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 applying for this role because as I resident, I feel I am not being heard. This ranges from the Charleston Corridor where the city pushed through changes and really didn't listen to the locals (much more traffic now on residential streets and virtual gridlock at rush hour) to grade separation issues to housing and density. There seems to be a silo of employees and elected officials who get limited agenda items done but otherwise create a comfortable stasis on important items where there is no consensus. Stasis and decision making will have greater impacts as we move through time which can impact the culture, tenor and stature of Palo Alto. Application Questions 2 of 3 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I like solving tough problems and helping organizations succeed. I will mention 2 items here: 1. Revitalizing Palo Alto business and 2. developing an overarching vision for the city that this commission can support at the implementation level. My experience includes bringing divergent groups together, facing constraints both financial and otherwise and getting results in a reasonable timeframe. Time, if believe, is our ultimate concern. The price of Palo Alto stasis is becoming increasingly steep at a faster rate. I believe I can be a new voice and set of hands and ideas to help the city get on a better track 5. 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. I have not had experience with these documents If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Daniel Benas Resume.2.19.24.doc Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Daniel P Benas Link to signature Date Completed 01/07/2025 3 of 3 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.Project Management Professional (PMP) certification 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 Interested in both partial or full term 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 3 January 2025, 7:23pm Receipt number 61 Related form version 15 Name Grant J. 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 Planning and Community Group Personal Information 1 of 3 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 COO of Acellent Technologies, Inc. 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. * Harvard Business School - PLD - Program of Leadership Development - Accelerated EMBA. * Acellent Tech, COO, helped company win Company of the Year for all Technology Companies Globally. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. * Honorary Commander for the United States Air Force (Travis Air Force Base). * Volunteer for the Harvard Club of Silicon Valley Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? Just a way to give back to the community that I love so much! 3. 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 project 2030 plan sounds solid and I would love to do my part be seeing it through. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? more parks and clean the potholes up a bit. 5. 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. N/A 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: Grant J. Chang Link to signature Date Completed 01/03/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 26 December 2024, 4:51pm Receipt number 53 Related form version 15 Name Sheila 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 Planning and Community Group Personal Information 1 of 4 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 Manager II, Advanced analytics 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 background in data science and policy analysis equips me to bring a data-driven approach to the commission’s work. Additionally, my experience in operations and strategic planning helps me consider long- term implications while balancing diverse stakeholder needs. My professional experience has involved building systems to solve complex problems collaboratively. For example, I developed workflows that streamlined operations across departments. In my previous role managing shipping operations for e-commerce, I was tasked with reducing shipping delays across hundreds of accounts. By analyzing data to identify root causes and collaborating with multiple teams, I implemented an automated system that reduced delays by 60%. This experience taught me the value of data-informed decisions and stakeholder collaboration—principles I aim to apply in planning and transportation projects. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. 2024 - 2025 As a member of the 2024-2025 Leadership Palo Alto cohort, I have been actively engaging in learning about local governance, civic leadership, and the intersection of business, government, and community interests in Palo Alto. This program has deepened my understanding of community challenges and equipped me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to Palo Alto’s future development. 2023 - 2024 During my time with the Berkeley MBA Partners Club, I served as Chairman, where I organized events and fostered a supportive community for MBA students and their partners. This role required collaboration, strategic planning, and leadership to ensure the group provided meaningful resources and connections for its members. 2024 to present: I have been an advocate for increasing diversity and inclusion in data science through active participation in Women in Data Science (WiDS) initiatives. I contributed to building an empowering platform for women entering the field of data science. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? My family uses Caltrain and public transportation regularly. Having lived in Hong Kong, Dubai, and China, I’ve experienced how efficient transit systems drive economic growth and connect communities. I see opportunities for positive change in Palo Alto’s transportation system, especially with the electrification of Caltrain and upcoming global events like the World Cup and Super Bowl. I want to bring my unique perspective to contribute to sustainable transportation by advocating for expanded public transit options, enhanced bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and promote environmental sustainability, ensuring our community thrives in an Application Questions 2 of 4 interconnected and eco-friendly way. 3. 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. One issue that recently came before the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) is the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update. As an advocate for sustainable transportation, I am particularly interested in the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update because it aligns with my commitment to promoting alternative modes of transportation that reduce reliance on automobiles. My international experiences in cities like Hong Kong, Dubai, and various locations in China have shown me firsthand how robust pedestrian and cycling networks contribute to economic vitality and community well- being. Implementing a comprehensive plan in Palo Alto can similarly enhance connectivity and quality of life for residents. I am interested in how the PTC engages with residents to gather input and ensure that the plan reflects the diverse needs and preferences of the community. Public participation can lead to more effective and widely supported transportation solutions. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? 1. I aim to promote policies that expand public transit options, enhance bicycle infrastructure, and create pedestrian-friendly spaces. With the electrification of Caltrain and upcoming major events like the World Cup and Super Bowl, I see an opportunity to align Palo Alto’s transportation systems with sustainability goals. My background in data-driven decision-making will allow me to analyze traffic patterns and identify practical solutions to reduce congestion and emissions. 2. I would advocate for policies that integrate housing with transit solutions, helping to address affordability and accessibility challenges. My experience in strategic planning and policy analysis equips me to evaluate zoning and land-use proposals that balance growth with community character. By bringing my data science /analytical skills, leadership experience, and a network of palo alto leadership fellows, I am committed to helping the commission make thoughtful, impactful decisions for Palo Alto’s future. 5. 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. I have experience participating in the cal ave renovation design plan as a PA resident. 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: Xinlan Tan 3 of 4 Link to signature Date Completed 12/26/2024 4 of 4 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 13 January 2025, 12:58pm Receipt number 72 Related form version 15 Name William Glazier 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 Other: Email from current PTC Member 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 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. Harvard AB, Stanford MBA Bain and Company 1985-90 Silicon Graphics 1990-95 Variety of Internet and technology startups in marketing and business development roles (Placeware (sold to Microsoft), Eloquent (IPO), Virident (sold to Western Digital) - 1995-2005 Venture Capital, Venture Partner, Redwood Ventures 2005-2011 Founder and Executive Director, Team NorCal Lacrosse 2011-2024 Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. Resident of Palo Alto for 38 years Member of Palo Alto Planning Commission 1990-95 President, Tomahawks Youth Lacrosse 501c3 2006-2025 Katherine and I made a decision when we were married to move to the West Coast and Palo Alto and raise our kids here and attend the public school system. We were very fortunate we were able to buy a house and become a part of an incredible community of people. We were thrilled our kids got to grow up here. She was very active leading many community organizations - Garden Club, Walter Hays PTA, Gamble Garden Center. Later in life, I founded a youth sports company - TeamNorCal Lacrosse - that touches over 2,000 kids yearly and worked with over a dozen public and private high schools up and down the Peninsula (including Paly and Gunn) to add the sport at the Varsity level. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? Retirement opens up new vistas for us all. My professional life was a series of roles working with extraordinary people on challenging issues. I have the time and interest once again now to devote to the PTC. My relevant experience: A) Experience as a Planning Commissioner - Experience hopefully brings wisdom. I hopefully learned from some great people I worked with at that time. B) Knowledge of the City and Understanding of the Needs of Residents - I have watched the City grow from 'a nice bedroom community for Stanford' to 'the epicenter of the Internet'. I have seen the good and the bad of this growth. C) Willingness and Ability to Serve - I have no further political aspirations, and am not looking to run for City Council or Congress in two years. I merely want to work with smart people addressing important Application Questions 2 of 4 issues about a place that I love and want to see improve. I have plenty of time and can commit to the personal investment necessary to be effective in the role. 3. 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 have been to many PTC meetings over the years, and have followed issues of interest online and vis newspapers for nearly 40 years. Recently, the 70 Encina housing proposal contains a number of issues that are likely to continue to face the City and the PTC. More housing in an area (the old Urban Lane, now PAMF, Opportunity Center, Transportation Center and more) which is a very attractive place for additional in-fill housing is a good thing. However, it is clear that their are a number of already problematic traffic problems in Town and Country Village (I long for the days when I could drive up in front of any of my favorite stores there and walk right in..). This is a perfect example of why you need smart people who can work well together to come up with the right solution. More housing is great, but only in the context of parking, traffic and neighborhood compatibility constraints. Loud yet anonymous voices shouting online is not helpful. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? 1. More housing - The jobs/housing imbalance and the affordability issues continue to create problems for us. We need to create opportunities for our kids to be able to live here - they have all been priced out. 2. Intelligent Growth - Palo Alto is not Manhattan or Tokyo. The office market is clearly overbuilt, but there are opportunities to improve specific areas. Housing will be a bigger focus, but lining University Avenue, San Antonio Avenue or El Camino with 10-20 story towers is not smart for anyone. 3. Better Traffic Management - I am tired of the traffic. 4. Progress on Cubberley HS Site - This is too big of an asset and the potential too great 5. Improve University/California Ave More important than specific goals though, is how the PTC and its members contribute to the planning/management process. Smart people who can work well together can do almost anything. I think I can offer a very thoughtful and dynamic approach and can work well with current PTC members. 5. 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. Having spent 5 years on the PTC from 1990-95, I am very familiar with many of these documents, having participated in the creation/and or modification/interpretation of prior versions of these. Having been a homeowner who has done substantial renovations on a home considered for a historical designation, I have learned in more detail than I ever thought possible the zoning, building and design guidelines. I walk the Baylands almost daily with my black lab Shasta, so we can tell you in precise detail what a fabulous asset that is for the community (along with a. few suggestions for improvement). 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: William G Glazier 3 of 4 Uploaded signature image: Screenshot 2025-01-13 at 12.57.17 PM.png Date Completed 01/13/2025 4 of 4 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 10 November 2024, 7:06am Receipt number 48 Related form version 10 Name Brian Hamachek 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 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 Chief Technology Officer Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration. If describing work experience, please include company/employer name and occupation. I was born at Stanford Hospital and raised in Palo Alto, attending Walter Hays Elementary, Jordan Middle School, and Palo Alto High. With deep roots in this community, I have a unique perspective on Palo Alto’s growth and evolution over the years. Currently, I’m the Chief Technology Officer for an event ticketing startup, where I lead technical strategy, product development, and team operations. Beyond my current role, I've founded my own companies and worked across a range of environments, from nimble startups to major organizations like Microsoft and HP. These experiences have taught me how to tackle complex challenges, balance diverse perspectives, and work effectively with people from all walks of life. My adaptability, broad professional experience, and lifelong connection to Palo Alto make me well-suited to contribute meaningfully to the Planning and Transportation Commission. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. I have a deep-rooted connection to the Palo Alto community, beginning with my first volunteer experience at age 8, when I joined a city-wide effort to redesign the street median at Lowell Avenue and Bryant Street. In 2012, I served as a judge for the city’s civic hackathon, supporting innovation and community-driven solutions. Over the years, I have actively supported local entrepreneurship by mentoring Stanford students interested in tech and startups. In addition, I founded a website to help Palo Alto tennis players connect, and I host several local meetup groups for photography and tennis, fostering a sense of community and shared interests. I'm also a member of the Old Palo Alto Neighborhood Association, where I stay involved in local issues and engage with fellow residents. 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 a deep love for Palo Alto—it’s not just where I live; it’s where I was born, where I met my wife in kindergarten, and where I started both my career and my family. For me, it’s truly the best city in the world to live. I understand that Palo Alto’s unique character is the result of generations of residents who have invested in its future, caring more deeply than most people do about their city. Preserving what makes Palo Alto so remarkable will require a commitment to that legacy, with residents who are willing to put in the work and make tough decisions to safeguard its long-term future. I want to be part of that effort to ensure that Palo Alto remains extraordinary for generations to come. No other candidate has the same depth of love for Palo Alto, nor the same willingness to work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. 2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the One persistent overarching issue before the Commission that resonates Application Questions 2 of 3 Interested in both partial or full term 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. with me is the debate surrounding housing density and zoning adjustments to address Palo Alto’s housing shortage. The challenge of balancing the need for affordable housing with the preservation of Palo Alto’s character and quality of life is a critical one. I’m particularly interested in this issue because it speaks to the future of our community —ensuring that Palo Alto remains accessible and livable for people of all backgrounds while managing growth sustainably. As someone who grew up here and has witnessed Palo Alto’s evolution, I understand the importance of strategic development that respects neighborhood character, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances the overall livability of the city. I believe this issue requires innovative approaches, long-term thinking, and collaboration with residents to make informed decisions that will positively shape Palo Alto’s future. 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, my primary goal for the Planning and Transportation Commission would be to provide City Council with clear, well-reasoned recommendations that promote balanced development, sustainable transportation, and preserve the unique character of Palo Alto. I would advise Council on addressing housing needs in a way that respects neighborhood quality of life, along with strategies to enhance transit options and alleviate traffic congestion, such as expanding bike infrastructure and improving public transit access. My approach would be to deliver recommendations grounded in thorough research and a strong understanding of community impact. I would assist Council in weighing immediate needs against long-term goals, ensuring that planning decisions reflect Palo Alto’s vision for the future and are informed by resident perspectives. My aim is to support Council in making decisions that are both progressive and aligned with the core values of our community. 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 campaign for City Council, I became familiar with many of the core documents and policies used by the Planning and Transportation Commission. Engaging in debates and public discussions provided me with a hands-on understanding of critical issues in housing, transportation, and development, as well as a unique insight into the concerns and priorities of Palo Alto residents. In addition to this experience, I bring extensive expertise in analyzing complex regulatory, policy, and planning documents from my work in the tech and startup sectors. I have regularly engaged with compliance and regulatory frameworks, aligning technical strategies with legal requirements, which has strengthened my ability to interpret detailed documentation and understand its practical applications. 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: Brian Hamachek Link to signature Date Completed 11/10/2024 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 15 January 2025, 3:37pm Receipt number 58 Related form version 15 Name Daniel Hekier 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 Community Group 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 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 currently work as corporate counsel at Google. In that role, my day to day responsibilities involve collaborating with stakeholders (internal and external) and taking into account existing company policies towards achieving a desired outcome. While the subject matter differs from that which comes before PTC, this experience should translate to the process of reviewing matters that do come before the PTC and in working with staff, the other commissioners, and taking into account stakeholder concerns towards issuing a recommendation to Council. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. After moving to Palo Alto in September 2018, I quickly became involved in volunteering at my local synagogue (Congregation Emek Beracha) by joining the board. I served as president of the board for three years from June 2020 to June 2023, through the Covid lockdown, reopening, and a broader re-engagement of the community. I've continued serving on the board as a director in a past president role, and am now seeking a public/community service opportunity to serve a broader constituency. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? When I moved to Palo Alto in 2018 with my family, we immediately fell in love with the community. Having access to playgrounds, parks, and bike trails transformed our experience as a family. I am interested to serve on the Commission in order to support the city's pursuit of fulfilling it's housing development goals while maintaining the best of the city's character. I would bring my professional experience of working with a variety of stakeholders towards an optimal outcome, and my community service orientation from having served on the synagogue board. 3. 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've been interested by the Commission's work on retail rejuvenation over several meetings, beginning with the retail study introduced at the PTC meeting on October 25, 2023, continuing with the establishment of the Ad Hoc committee and the full Commission's review of the retail study, and concluding with recommendations to Council to amend code impacting retail uses in the city at the August 14, 2024, meeting. I was interested to see the Commission's recommendations to Council addressing a broad range of matters such as parking, types of retail, and standardizing CUP approval criteria. This area is of interest because of the role that retail plays in fostering community by attracting the participation of local residents. I was also interested by the Commission's discussion acknowledging the challenges that retail has faced in Palo Alto, and deliberation of how revisions to code would impact the viability of retail rejuvenation. Application Questions 2 of 3 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I would like to join the Commission to support it in advising Council as to the matters where the Commission's recommendation is sought, particularly: (1) Successful implementation of the Housing Element to meet the City's objective by 2031; (2) Continued development and enhancement of safe bike and pedestrian paths; and (3) Retail revitalization. I would be excited to contribute to this process by balancing stakeholder concerns along with the city's commitments under the Housing Element to ensure Palo Alto continues to thrive. 5. 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. I'm becoming familiar with these documents in preparing to serve on the commission, and am studying them on an ongoing basis. 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: Daniel Hekier Link to signature Date Completed 01/15/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 15 January 2025, 11:47pm Receipt number 59 Related form version 15 Name Terrance Holzemer Cell Phone Number Home Phone Number Email Address holz@sonic.net 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 Community Group Personal Information 1 of 3 Transportation Commission?Email from the City 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 Substitute Teacher 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. Graduate/BA Degree in Public Relations, San Jose State, 1980. California CLAD Clear Teaching Credential 2005, PAUSD Substitute Teacher of the Year Award, three-times. Worked in both federal governmental agency (NASA-Ames Research Center -- 5 years), private industry (Rudolph & Sletten, 10years; Hewlett-Packard, 1-year) and now teaching (20+ years). Was the Chief Editor and Writer of several government and industrial publications, including the "Brown Paper Wrapper" and the "R&S News". Won two IABC Bay Area Silver Awards for excellence in writing and editing in 1994. Since 2002, my experience in teaching spans every grade level, from kindergarten to high school as well as functioning as the school librarian (2022-2023) and P.E. instructor for several semesters. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. Since 1995, I have served on the Board of our homeowners association, Palo Alto Central, located in the Mayfield neighborhood. I have served as a Board Member, President (for ten years) and currently now Vice President. I was also appointed by the Council to serve as a volunteer member on the NVCAP (North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan) Working Group from 2018 to 2021, attending and participating in over 14 separate meetings. In addition, I'm an City-trained Emergency Services volunteer (CERT) to assist in our community in the event of a major earthquake, natural disasters (including floods, etc.) or even a man-made event (chemical spill or terrorist situation). I have both CPR and heart defibrillator training. As a CERT, I have participated in several community-wide events, including the May Fete Parade, and St. Thomas Aquinas Easter Walk. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? As a long time resident and home owner (30+ years), I've had the great privilege to learn and appreciate the elements that make up the community of Palo Alto today. Whether it is the City's fabulous parks and the variety within them, its inclusive community events (May Fete Parade, 3rd Thursdays, Summer Twight Music Series, etc.), or its unique residential neighborhoods, Palo Alto is a special place that I have come to love and enjoy every day. I believe my experience as a Board member, knowledge gained through the NVCAP Working Group, and my skills and abilities as a PAUSD educator for 20 years, I believe I have the right combination to serve on the Planning and Transportation Commission. 3. 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 Over the past 30 years, I have both observed and participated in numerous PTC and City Council meetings. I have had a wide variety of interests in several issues that have come before the PTC over the years including the President Hotel, 429 University, Castilleja Expansion, the Application Questions 2 of 3 Midpen Media Center.current Housing Element, and one of my special interests, the NVCAP area, which is in my neighborhood and the destruction of part of California's history, the Thomas Foon Chew Cannery Building (otherwise known as 340 Portage Avenue). Although I agree with some of the City's goals of obtaining affordable housing land, which is needed in our City, I do not agree and fought against (at the HRB, PTC, City Council) the destruction of one of the most important and significant historic structures still remaining, intact, in our City. It's remains a major loss to our entire community and it's unfortunate that there were close-door negotiations with the developer that allowed for no real public input or discussion. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? My goals would be the following: 1) Having an increased community outreach and discussion program with residents directly about what they want their City to be in 20-30 years. The Town Halls, held by the City over the past two-three years are a good start, but it is too slow in being organized. There should be a dedicated City team that goes into the neighborhoods and asks them -- not telling them -- what their issues are. I suggest the City work with well-established organizations or neighborhood associations, like PAN. I see little or no support of these organizations from the City. 2) Residential concerns and issues should be the PTC's primary focus, not developer-led ones. We need to ensure that residential voices are heard and appreciated. 5. 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. The single document that have some knowledge of is the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which I have reviewed on several occasions. 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: Terrance Holzemer Link to signature Date Completed 01/15/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 11 January 2025, 9:00pm Receipt number 71 Related form version 15 Name Todd James 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 Other: A close personal friend 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 Former Sr. Photo Editor, National Geographic 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. After attending the University of Missouri, School of Journalism, I worked in publishing for more than three decades at National Geographic magazine, Fortune and Businessweek. I worked as a draftsman in my father’s architectural firm and in construction while in college. My interest in urban planning spans from the competing visons of Frank Lloyd Wright and Corbusier a century ago to modern concepts of walkable, people-centered places advocated by San Francisco architect and urban planner Peter Calthorpe (who grew up in Palo Alto) He is a founding member of the Congress of New Urbanism and was central to a National Geographic magazine cover story on designing Cities of the Future that I worked on. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. During my 26 years at National Geographic I volunteered to teach at photo camps for underserved communities in Chad, The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Little Havana in Miami, and Philadelphia. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I have always been interested in urban planning and architecture. Growing up, I watched as my architect father found novel ways to blend his craft and his social concerns to design, build, and fund affordable housing for the Chickasaw Nation and the elderly community in Oklahoma where we lived. I would like to apply those same sensibilities and blend my own interest in urban planning and architecture with my perspective and skills as a journalist to help shape and improve my community. 3. 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. Watching the PTC balance community interests of livability and developer’s interest of profitability is fascinating. Affordable housing seems to be the principal currency in this negotiation along with the impact of design details like setbacks, parking and garbage collection on the neighborhood. One project gave priority for affordable housing units to teachers but at a cost few teachers could afford. It appeared to solve a problem in principle but not in practice and at a cost to the city from waived development fees. Another development behind Town & Country showed how complex and competing interests can result in an overbuilt project that is less than desirable to almost everyone even though it adds more needed housing. The project I found most encouraging was an apartment complex on San Antonio. Everyone on the Commission found something to admire about this project, and so did I, showing that principle-driven design can serve both the community and property developers. Application Questions 2 of 3 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I would like to explore whether a framework can be developed to estimate the value of the exceptions that developers are asking for to ensure they are in balance with the costs of those exceptions to the city and the value they return. Detailed digital mapping is being used in creative ways including urban development planning. I want to learn more about what is available and whether there are mapping solutions that could enhance the PTCs ability forecast how individual decisions could collectively influence livability over time, for example by altering the tree canopy and green space. I also want to better understand how other cities are resolving similar challenges like downtown infill development. For instance, San Luis Obispo seems to have balanced a slow-growth and historical preservation mindset with modern construction in a harmonious way. 5. 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. I have no experience working with these documents If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Todd James Uploaded signature image: Todd Signaure.jpg Date Completed 01/11/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 14 January 2025, 11:25pm Receipt number 73 Related form version 15 Name Kevin Ji 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 Other: Palo Alto PTC 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 Software 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 have a strong background in transportation planning and data analysis. Founder, Stanford Data and Mapping for Society(dams.stanford.edu): I founded DAMS to apply data science to real-world issues. During my leadership, we completed these projects: California Transportation Commission: Developed visualizations to map out awarded projects for the Solutions for Congested Corridors, Trade Corridor Enhancement. Transportation Authority of Monterey County(https://www.tamcmonterey.org/collision-data-map): Designed a dashboard to analyze collision frequency and severity. Contra Costa Transportation Authority(https://kevinji.shinyapps.io/CCTA_pems_tims_dashboard): Created a tool to evaluate traffic patterns along the I-680 corridor. AC Transit: Developed a live bus tracking system and geospatial complaint map. City of Oakland(https://tinyurl.com/damsoakland): Built a platform to visualize demographic, economic, and housing data. I took classes at Stanford in transportation policy. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. Palo Alto Youth Council (2014-2017), Secretary (2015-2016): I chaired the events committee, where I led the creation of a high school intramural sports program and organized a job fair for teens to connect with local businesses. Palo Alto Bryant Street Garage Fund (now Think Fund) (2015-2017): I secured grants to support community-focused initiatives, such as organizing financial literacy workshops and developing programs to spark teenagers' interest in history. Michelle Obama's Better Make Room Initiative (2016-2021): I served as a student representative supporting programs that encouraged students, particularly those that are first-generation or low income to pursue higher education. Stanford University’s Computer Science capstone course (2022-2024): I guided student teams on creating technical plans, and effectively communicating with stakeholders. The teams worked on projects for organizations like the LA Dodgers, Meta, and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz's parent company). Personal and Job Experience 2 of 4 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I have been a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, attending Fairmeadow, Terman, Gunn, and Stanford. Since childhood, I have been passionate about contributing to the community, starting with serving as a crossing guard at Cowper and Meadow in fifth grade, participating in the Palo Alto Youth Council during high school, and continuing to find ways to give back today. These experiences instilled in me a deep dedication to community service and a strong connection to Palo Alto. My background in transportation planning and data-driven policy further equips me to serve effectively on the PTC. With the recent departure of Palo Alto's head transportation official, Phillip Kamhi, I see an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to support the city through this transitional period. I am eager to leverage my experience and skills to develop innovative solutions for the pressing transportation and planning issues that lie ahead in my hometown. 3. 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. Street safety is a cause I am deeply passionate about. During the first PTC meeting I attended, the "Safe Streets for All" (SS4A) Action Plan Collision Analysis was presented. Having relied on biking as my primary mode of transportation—from Fairmeadow to Gunn to Stanford—I understand the challenges cyclists face. Living near Meadow Drive, a key corridor for young cyclists, I often witness safety issues, especially on El Camino Way, a major route for both bikes and commercial traffic. While working with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, I analyzed collision data to support safety-focused grant applications. This experience taught me how data-driven strategies can improve traffic safety. I aim to apply this expertise to the SS4A program and help create safer streets in our community. The PTC’s work to analyze traffic data is essential for enhancing street safety. I am eager to contribute to these initiatives to ensure safer, more accessible streets for all. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I am excited to be involved in the development of the San Antonio Road Coordinated Area Plan. Approximately one-third of the RHNA housing units identified in the housing element are located along San Antonio Road. However, from a transportation standpoint, the area is not yet equipped to accommodate this significant population increase effectively. To address these challenges, it is essential to proactively develop strategies for managing congestion and transforming San Antonio Road into a safe, sustainable, and accessible corridor for the new residents. The Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) has a critical role in shaping the future development of this area. With the transportation department currently understaffed, I believe my prior experience working with local municipalities and county transportation agencies can contribute significantly to the planning and execution of effective solutions right here in Palo Alto. 5. 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. In the past year, I have familiarized myself with significant parts of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code, particularly about Planned Community (PC) zones. I also have limited familiarity with the city charter. Application Questions 3 of 4 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 Ji Link to signature Date Completed 01/14/2025 4 of 4 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 15 January 2025, 7:15pm Receipt number 65 Related form version 15 Name Arthur Keller 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 Planning and Community Group Personal Information 1 of 3 Transportation Commission?Email from the City 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 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 Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford. I taught courses most recently at UC Santa Cruz. I serve as expert witness on patent cases and advise startups. I also am President of Exir Bio, a company in the biotech space. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. Environment and Water Resources Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water District (including Vice Chair and Chair). For City of Palo Alto: Housing Element Working Group, (Comprehensive Plan) Citizens Advisory Committee (Co-Chair), Electric Vehicle Task Force (Development Center), Website Committee, Planning and Transportation Commission (Vice Chair). Facilities Steering Committee and Public Transit Coordinator for Gunn High School. Adobe Meadow Neighborhood Association (Founder and President). The Girls’ Middle School (Board Member). Ohlone Elementary School (Site Council). Cong. Kol Emeth (Board Member). Electric Auto Association (Board Member). Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I served on the PTC from 2006 through 2014. During this time, I chaired the Communications with Staff Committee, was a member of the Comp Plan Amendment Timing and Issues Committee, PCs and Development Agreements Committee, Report to Council Committee, Policies and Procedures Committee, Forums Committee, and Leveraging Technology Committee, and was a liaison to the Liaison, Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Stakeholders Group. I believe that my knowledge of planning issues as well as transportation issues would benefit the PTC and the City overall. 3. 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. Stream corridor protection is an issue that I consider as a homeowner and as a member of the Environmental and Water Resource Committee. I wonder why the staff report had Table 1 Streamside Regulations for streamside setback within Urbanized Areas (between Foothill Expy and US 101) Channelized Stream set equal to the same as Natural Stream and the PTC appeared to agree. There was some unspecified exception for floodwalls between Foothill Expy and 101, and I look forward to hearing about how this matter resolves when it returns to the PTC. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I would like to see the PTC fulfill its role as a recommending body to the City Council by thoughtfully considering proposals for ordinance changes and evaluating public input. I believe PTC meetings do not garner sufficient public attention for the requisite public input to be obtained. I would like to consider how to raise the profile of the PTC if I am appointed. Application Questions 2 of 3 5. 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. I served on the committee that wrote the edits to the Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2017). I served on the PTC when the Baylands Master Plan (2008) and the El Camino Real Master Plan (2007) were adopted. I was familiar with El Camino Real Design Guidelines when changes were considered in 2013. I reviewed the Zoning Code then as well. I'm familiar with CEQA reviews. 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: Arthur M. Keller Link to signature Date Completed 01/15/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 3 January 2025, 3:15pm Receipt number 55 Related form version 15 Name Thomas W Kellerman 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 Palo Alto Weekly Personal Information 1 of 4 Transportation Commission?City Website Read the code, and check only ONE option below:I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk. 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. Western Illinois University, BA 1976, Major: Economics UCLA, JD 1980 Member of the State Bar of California I have been a corporate attorney in private practice since 1980, focusing on corporate advice and governance matters, public offerings and private financings, merger and acquisitions and related corporate transactions. My practice has primarily involved companies in the technology industries, ranging from start-ups to Global Fortune 500 corporations. I am currently a Senior Counsel at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, an AmLaw 100 law firm. I was previously a partner with the firm, and served as the Managing Partner of the Palo Alto office for 13 years, as well as Co- Chair of the firmwide Venture Capital and Emerging Business Group and firmwide Deputy Leader of the firmwide Corporate Practice Group. I previously practiced in San Francisco and, for four years, in London. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. I have previously served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including: (i) Director (2003 - 2018) and Chair (2016 - 2017) of the Silicon Valley Campaign for Legal Services; and (ii) Director (2008 - 2015) and Chair (2014) of Computers for Everyone. In addition, I regularly serve as outside, pro bono counsel to non-profit organizations, including: (i) assisted in the formation and represented Community Housing Partnership for many years, an organization that builds and operates permanent housing for formerly homeless residents; (ii) currently serve as outside counsel to the Riekes Center, a Menlo Park community center, and as U.S. counsel to GOAL, an NGO providing relief to refugees globally. I currently serve on the Board of the Outreach Committee of the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, and I volunteer with Second Harvest. I have also been active in monitoring and providing input to the City Council regarding the Palo Alto at-grade crossing design efforts. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I have a lifelong interest in transportation and urban planning, stretching back to my economics studies in college. I believe that zoning and transportation planning can have an enormous impact on communities Application Questions 2 of 4 and individual well-being. I have lived in Palo Alto since 1992 and I have benefited greatly from the quality of life available here. While the City does an excellent job of long-term planning, many goals remain unfulfilled. I would be honored to contribute to the process of implementing our community's goals. While I do not have an urban planning background, I believe I have a skill set that would be useful for service on the PTC. I have spent 44 years assisting clients in the development and implementation of complex corporate plans. I have extensive experience in developing and negotiating solutions in complex, highly-charged commercial settings. I am detail-oriented and willing to put in the time necessary to understand problems and collaboratively find solutions. 3. 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 noted with interest the discussion in the December 2024 meeting regarding the HIP and AHIP proposals. I am particularly interested in the efforts to develop additional housing units in Palo Alto. While the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the El Camino Real Master Plan Study, the South of Forest Avenue 2003 Plan, and other planning efforts have emphasized the need to develop additional housing, particularly some more affordable housing, the implementation of these plans is incomplete. The HIP and AHIP are significant steps towards implementing these plans. While there are many challenges outside the control of the City, I believe it is essential that we continue to do all we can to advance the housing goals that have been adopted in the City's various planning documents. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? Palo Alto has committed countless hours towards producing detailed, thoughtful development and transportation plans. I believe that our citizens, elected officials and City staff are committed to making significant progress in implementing these plans over the next few years. The PTC is a crucial part of this process. I believe my experience in seeking compromise and crafting solutions to complex problems, and assisting diverse constituents in reaching agreement and moving forward collaboratively, can be useful as the PTC works to fulfill its mission and achieve the stated goals of the City in its adopted plans. 5. 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. I have been involved in the discussions regarding the Palo Alto At-Grade Crossings and proposed infrastructure construction alternatives. In that process, I have had the opportunity to review the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and parts of some of the other documents listed. 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: Thomas W. Kellerman 3 of 4 Link to signature Date Completed 01/03/2025 4 of 4 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 4 January 2025, 4:50pm Receipt number 62 Related form version 15 Name Declan King 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 Other: Nextdoor 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 Student in urban planning at San Francisco State 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 am currently a student at San Francisco State University studying urban planning and policy. I also have ties with Palo Alto and have been involved in the Rinconada community garden. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. I worked under the garden liaison in the Rincon community garden. I also volunteered at the Palo Alto children’s theater. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? At 23 years old, I bring a fresh perspective, a strong passion for urban planning, and a commitment to shaping equitable and sustainable communities. As a USP major at San Francisco State University, I’ve immersed myself in studying land use and transportation, exploring critical issues like gentrification and the relationship between autonomous vehicles and traffic. My academic pursuits are complemented by hands-on experience, such as volunteering at the Rinconada Community Garden and contributing to community efforts at BORP, where I developed a deep appreciation for the connection between public spaces and quality of life. I have grown up in Palo Alto my whole life and have seen the many changes it has been through. 3. 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. One issue that I have recently posted about to my Nextdoor was the discussions about expanding protected bike lanes on el Camino for cyclists. The repaving of El Camino Real includes the addition of a bike lane, which has resulted in narrower traffic lanes in the southbound section. This caused quite the debate on my post. I Although I do drive down El Camino almost daily I believe this development is making the sidewalks safer and reducing car dependency. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? One goal for myself would be to create more community outreach to the older generations through apps like Nextdoor and through places where meme we of our community gather like libraries and churches. Getting everyone’s input would help myself advocate for the public. I would make it my own personal goal to help to preserve the character of Palo Alto while addressing its modern challenges. 5. 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. I have some familiarity with the El Camino Real Design guidelines. Application Questions 2 of 3 If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Declan King_ Resume 2024.pdf Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Declan King Link to signature Date Completed 01/04/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 8 January 2025, 1:38pm Receipt number 68 Related form version 15 Name Henrik Morkner 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 Email from the City Personal Information 1 of 3 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 Semi-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. Education MSEE, San Jose State University, 1989 BSEE, San Jose State University, 1984 Associate in Arts, Art History, Mission College, 2022 Experience Vice-President(Part time), CFC INC, 2015-present- Investment management Director of Engineering, MACOM, 2010-2015 - Microwave & Wireless circuit design R&D Manager, BROADCOM, 2001-2010- Microwave & Wireless circuit design Designer, AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES 2001-2005- Project management & IC design Designer, HEWLETT-PACKARD 1991-2001- Project management & IC design Test Engineer, AVANTEK, 1984-1991- model extraction, write test code PATENTS 9013237, 8829997, 8301091, 7239020, 7232708,6211729, 6118338 PUBLICATIONS Over 40 peer reviewed publications in IEEE MMIC, RFIC, and Microwave Journal Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. none Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I am paralyzed waist down from a family farm accident (burst L3) in 2019. I typically use a wheelchair but can manage a few steps with crutches. While I am sure Palo Alto is very ADA compliant, I feel I can bring a unique and inclusive perspective to the commission from a handicap perspective. Sometimes even simple changes to plans and access can make huge differences to the disabled. Many times these are things that those who have never experienced disabled challenges would never think of. That being said I have always been a practical and hands-on person. I never asked my engineers or staff to do something I had not tried myself, even badly. I use to love the HP “management by walking around” mentality. A good organization is a family and work together, not apart. 3. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Commission that is of particular interest to you and describe A good example would be the 12/11/24 review of 4075 El Camino Way Applicant’s Request for an Amendment to a Planned Community Zone Application Questions 2 of 3 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. District (PC-5116) to Allow for Modifications to an Existing 121-Unit Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility. Many people in assisted living have the same challenges as myself. Developers want to maximize space and profit and may make access and usage secondary. The commission may not even notice the reality of the changes to the disabled, even if ADA compliant. Having a practical engineer well versed in construction and materials combined with first hand knowledge of disabled transportation and access is very important. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I would simply want to add a balanced and inclusive perspective of disabled needs and wants to the commission. This can be simple changes to plans to accommodate stair placement, ramps. rails, clearances, lighting, slopes, and visibility. Many things can be done in early stages to make life easier for the disabled for little to no additional cost if planned appropriately. I am practical and educated so I feel my inputs could be well valued. 5. 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. I am well versed in the Zoning Code as I have drawn, submitted and received approval for plans of my present home in Palo Alto. I have gone through the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, City Charter, and California Environmental Quality Act (my wife is a registered professional environmental engineer). I have only browsed the El Camino Real Design Guidelines and Master Plan Study. If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Henrik Morkner MRES38.pdf Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Henrik Morkner Link to signature Date Completed 01/08/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 7 January 2025, 10:19pm Receipt number 67 Related form version 15 Name Salim Parak 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 Email from the City 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 Technical Educator 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 role at my job has been in the training delivery and curriculum development at companies such as Google (close to 14 years), Linkedin, Tiktok. I create and deliver training (live and eLearning) + certification programs. I have certificate in Cybersecurity. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. I have been volunteering with coaching a referring soccer and baseball in Palo Alto. I help with organizing my local neighbourhood's block party each year. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? Since my work has been very close to my residence in Palo Alto, I normally rode my bike. I bring many years of commuting by bike, walk and public transit. I love riding my bike and bike for errands and pleasure in Palo Alto. 3. 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. Micromobility. I have generally traveled to work using either my bike, walk, carpool or public transit while living in Palo Alto. I was surprised when someone recognized me as the bike guy. I would like to research more into bring car alternatives to the city 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? Consideration of both transportation other than cars for new residential builds 5. 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. 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: salim parak Link to signature Date Completed 01/07/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 13 January 2025, 9:04am Receipt number 63 Related form version 15 Name Forest Peterson 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 Community Group Personal Information 1 of 4 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. At Palo Alto Data Group, I lead products in AI-based labor standards enforcement. I keep my foot in academics at CIFE, mentoring new generations of doctorates. Evenings, I am a community college professor. Before my career in heavy construction, which started with a shovel, I had a humble beginning, building hundreds of homes -- culminating in my own home in the Sierras. My doctorate is a joint degree from Stanford Engineering and Doerr School of Sustainability. I transferred from the UNR grad program in Economics. I served a year of public service as the first investigator in the County’s Division of Equity and Social Justice, where I led COVID compliance. The doctorate requires an industry component, which I completed in software at Cadwork Informatik in Basel and Rhumbix in San Fransisco. Pre-academic, I was a design-build engineer on Reno's rail corridor. I paid for my education by shoveling concrete. See my professional and educational history linkedin.com/in/forest- peterson Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. During COVID-19, I co-lead 501c3 Step Forward's outreach project -- encouraging the workforce to report concerns through a social media network. I care about environmental sustainability: the Camp Fire destroyed my home and community and took the lives of my neighbors. My three kids are enrolled in public schools: Greene and Paly. I participate in council and board meetings across the County through community groups: 2021-25 Chair, Valley Water, bond flood protection subcommittee 2021-25 Chair, National Academy Transportation Research Board, AI subcommittee 2021-25 President, SV Working Blue Dem Club 2020-25 Director, SCC Construction Careers Association 501c3 My grandmothers were feminists, which I honor by supporting women at the League of Women Voters and through Parents in Academia. I mentored Dr. Montoya's thesis in feminism at UC Irvine, “Promoting Equitable Pathways in Engineering and Career Technical Education.” See my volunteering history linkedin.com/in/forest-peterson Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Application Questions 2 of 4 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? My perspective is common to Palo Alto, though underrepresented on the PTC. I am a father of three, an apartment resident with a blue-collar background, and a daily patron of public transportation. For the past decade, I've walked forty-five minutes to my lab at Stanford, and daily, my family relies on a network of walkways, rail, bus, air, and ride-share. We made the leap and never looked back! For thirty years, I've worked in the built environment. For the past few years, I've volunteered with policy-focused groups. My expertise is in information models, which will become a focus in regional planning with AI-based visualizations in a range of 'what if' scenarios. My three policy visions: (1) Work with staff and the Commission on acceptable compromises. (2) Define development agreements that include data-driven community impact mitigations. (3) Advocate for public transit networks linked to affordable housing similar to the excellent example of the teacher housing at 231 Grant. 3. 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. A riparian information model! I agree with the Commission's return of the 10/24 proposed 18.4.140 stream corridor. The current design flooded in ‘19 and ‘22. The proposal incorporates the ‘07 water collab guideline. However, a complexity issue is at play: 2,600 scenarios given 3 segments, 3 types of channels, …, etc. What remains unknown? After 4 hours, the Commission moved to postpone to an unknown date. Adjacent land planning is unknown. On 10/23 at the County, I commented on bioswales to limit runoff in the Stanford Community Plan (see Land Ch6). I did the same in the aborted ‘19 GUP. Two of 3 creeks drain Stanford lands deforested by a history of grazing. The design cfm of runoff is key to know. An info model visual of the complexity could highlight those 200 likely problem lots of 6,600, which Reckdahl (1:59:55), Summa (2:27:00), and to some degree, Hechtman (2:39:00) asked for an informational visual. Also, our rail corridor would be my third (Reno 2004 and High-speed 2011). 4. 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, specific goals: First, I would continue with the commission's focus on reducing staff time demand by limiting ad-hoc follow-ups and setting clear priorities. Second, we should increase the use of technology, particularly in the case of significant developments. I chair a DigitalTwin subgroup (information model and artificial intelligence) at the National Academy's Transportation Research Board. That method of modeling as part of planning is not often used -- at best, I see renderings of buildings at the meetings. I bring that focus to the Water District, where it has been understandably a process as the capability develops. Third, my priority is a compromise between short-term livability and long- term sustainability regarding environmental and social objectives. 5. 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. The California Environmental Quality Act is professionally where I have a working knowledge regarding large public works projects. During the Stanford General Use Permit (GUP), I successfully co-led a community organization in what was at that time the controversial inclusion of community impacts mitigations in the CEQA public discussion -- also at that time, acquiring a familiarity with the County General Plan. 3 of 4 In my role chairing the Water District bond flood control subcommittee, I am familiar with the Baylands Plan within the San Franscrito Creek JPA. During this application, I read through the CA Title 18 public revenue and the PA City Municipal Code. Regarding the Comprehensive and El Camino Corridor plans, I have a non-specific experience with similar corridor documents throughout my thirty years in the built environment professions: some of which I have taught at Stanford, and others I worked extensively with professionally. 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: Forest Olaf Peterson, PhD Link to signature Date Completed 01/13/2025 4 of 4 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 14 January 2025, 7:04pm Receipt number 69 Related form version 15 Name Michael Regula 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 Community Group Personal Information 1 of 3 Transportation Commission?Palo Alto Weekly 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 Techno Commercial Manager 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 current a Techno Commercial Manager in the Energy Systems group at Birla Carbon, a company based in Marietta, GA. Working remotely, I am a subject material expert in designing materials that power lithium-ion batteries. Interfacing with prospective customers is also a major components of my role, which includes attending industry trade shows and conferences to learn about the materials needs for battery manufacturers. Many of the battery manufacturers with whom I interact have ambitions to manufacturer batteries for use in electric vehicles, giving me a valuable perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of this technology as we plan our city for the future. I earned my PhD in chemical engineering from Penn State University in 2018, wherein my doctoral dissertation explored new materials for lithium-sulfur batteries. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. For over a decade now, I have found myself drawn to sports as a way to bring people together. In my year since moving to Palo Alto, I have been active in the Silicon Valley Disc Golf Club (SVDGC). I ran a 9-week league during the summer of 2024 in which over 100 people from the greater San Jose came out for friendly competition. The league and my continued involvement in the club have been an excellent way to make this area feel like home. As a graduate student at Penn State, I founded Philanthropic Fantasy Sports (PFS), an organization that uses fantasy sports to raise money for causes that are promoting the welfare of others. I continue to serve as an advisor for an organization that has raised and donated over $50,000 since 2015. These experiences have been helpful in seeing the tremendous benefits that finding a common bond can have on people. I look forward to learning about and perhaps even founding organizations that do likewise in Palo Alto. Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? Since I was a junior in high school, my career objectives have been to have an impact on making our transportation systems both economically and environmentally sustainable for all. Local government and specifically the Planning & Transportation Commission make decisions that can enable our community to thrive for generations. My voices as a battery engineer, as a newer resident to the community, as a renter in the community, and as a person in their mid-30s all give me a perspective that would be valuable for the commission and city council. I hope that my voice and the voices of those that end up serving on the commission can allow Palo Alto to achieve and go beyond the goals set forth in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Affordable housing and equitable transportation are two of the biggest challenges facing our community. Having the opportunity to directly have an impact on Application Questions 2 of 3 addressing those challenges would be an honor. 3. 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. In the October 30, 2024 PTC meeting, the commission had a study session regarding the conducting a feasability study on the implementation of a micromobility program in Palo Alto. All programs that increase the efficiency of our transportation systems should be explored. There are several details that must be addressed, however, to ensure successful adoption within the community. One common gripe with micromobility devices, like electric scooters, are that they often become littered on the city's sidewalks with seemingly no penalties to any parties. There was an interesting discussion about being able to use the provisions in the state's new daylighting law to potentially solve this issue. The success of a potential micromobility program is directly related to other decisions made by the PTC, including successful implementation of the city's Housing Element. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? In 2022, the City of Palo Alto adopted an ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% from 1990 levels. At that time, transportation accounted for more than 60% of Palo Alto's emissions. This on-going issue not only has to do with the powertrain by which the majority of our transportation is still powered (i.e. gasoline powered combustion engines), but also with the way the city is currently designed that still largely demands private motor vehicles to live. Palo Alto is the best city I have lived in because it does give people a fighting chance to walk, bike, and take public transit to important places. Palo Alto has many economic, environmental, and political advantages that offer clear opportunities to accelerate our reduction in transportation-related emissions. In addition to our emissions goals, I would like for Palo Alto to resolve to strive zero traffic-related deaths year over year, which has been accomplished in other cities in the United States. 5. 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. My experience with these documents is very-high level in nature. I am aware that they are guiding the decisions made about housing, transportation, and several other topics within Palo Alto. I am excited to learn more about their applicability to the specific projects that come through the PTC. If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. 20250114_Regula_Michael_Resume.pdf Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Michael Regula Link to signature Date Completed 01/14/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 11 January 2025, 10:51am Receipt number 57 Related form version 15 Name Kellie Stafford 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 Community Group 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 Sales 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 Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. I have a certification in public relations and diversity and inclusion. I am currently enrolled in a project management certification course. I have worked in social services and for the United States government and I understand how different levels of the government operates. For the last 15 years, I have worked in sales collaborating with customers in Northern California and other cities and states. I have worked locally with small businesses for the last 7 years. This is relevant to PTC because I am used to working with multiple stakeholders. I am skilled in negotiations, communications, and developing relationships. All these skills are relevant when assessing the needs of our community and influencing decisions that will impact the citizens of Palo Alto. Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. 2023 - Present: Licensed foster parent in Santa Clara County 2023 - 2024: Volunteered for local government officials campaigns 2022: Fruit picker, Village Harvest, Pick fruit from local farms for distribution to food closets 2022: Event Manager, Barron Park Board Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I am 4th generation Palo Alto resident. I have seen the city change tenfold. While change is inevitable, how things change is manageable. Palo Alto is a beautiful and thriving community and I want to be a part of helping to take care of our city. My experience working with local residents and listening to what they have to say has given me insight to what is important to them. I have experience in research and data analysis, so I can make informed, fact driven decisions while keeping our community wants and needs in mind. I have experience working with first responders, legal teams and business owners which is important when making decisions that can impact these services. My skills in negotiation and being able to acknowledge and take into considerations other opinions and viewpoints will be crucial when serving on the committee. 3. 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. As a resident living on the same street as the Creekside development project, I have followed this project closely since its initial presentation. The plan to demolish both the historic Creekside Inn, a valuable local hospitality asset, and the Driftwood Market, a small business that has served our community for half a century, threatens to erode Palo Alto's essential character. At a time when we should be protecting our small businesses, this development moves in the opposite direction. The Application Questions 2 of 3 project's parking plan is inadequate. The proposed parking spaces will not sufficiently accommodate all residents, leading to overflow parking on nearby neighborhood streets that are too narrow to handle additional vehicles. While the development claims to address Palo Alto's housing needs, its initial rental rates of $4,500 for a 600sq.ft. apartment put these units out of reach for many. Our city needs affordable housing, but this development, fails to meet that crucial requirement. 4. If appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Planning and Transportation Commission achieve, and how would you help in the process? I would like to see the PTC effectively balances growth with community character. We need to carefully evaluate housing proposals to ensure they truly serve community needs - prioritizing projects that offer genuine affordability while maintaining appropriate density and parking requirements. My experience as a resident who has closely followed developments like Creekside gives me practical insight into how these projects impact neighborhoods. Also, we need to make it a goal to preserve small businesses while reviewing zoning changes and development proposals. The city needs to prioritize preserving spaces for local businesses that serve neighborhood needs. Having witnessed the potential loss of long-standing establishments like the Driftwood Market, I understand the importance of maintaining commercial diversity through careful zoning and development decisions. 5. 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. I do not have experience with those documents. 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: Kellie Stafford Link to signature Date Completed 01/11/2025 3 of 3 Planning & Transportation Commission Application Submitted on 16 January 2025, 12:08am Receipt number 75 Related form version 15 Name Rika YeaKyung Yamamoto 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 4 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 Chair of the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education 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 ● SungShin Women’s University School of Social Science, Psychology B.S ● Eastern Gateway Community College, Paralegal Study - Ethics, Legal Writing, Tort, Family, Estate, Real Estate, Contract PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ● Legal Courses- Affordable Housing, Alternate Dispute Resolution Conference and Special Education Advocate Training I,II,III with COPAA ● Real Estate Planing Process and Redevelopment Training with NJ Redevelopment Authority ● Real Estate Commercial Investment Courses with CCIM PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE ● NJ Licensed Real Estate Associate for 19 years- Relo REDAC,Inc, Coldwell Banker Commercial ● Special Education and Disability Advocate ● Principal for Residential Real Estate Project and Property Manager ● In Flight Supervisor, Asiana Airlines Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held. COMMUNITY SERVICE ● 2022- Current: Chairperson, Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education ● 2017- 2022 : Parent Education and Support Lead, Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education ●2022- Current: PAUSD Parent Representative, Santa Clara SELPA Community Advisory Committee ● 2021-2022: Assistant Executive Vice President, Palo Alto Council of PTAs ● 2019-2021: Parliamentarian, Palo Alto Council of PTAs ● 2018-2022: Treasurer, Board of Directors, Palo Alto High School Robotics Boosters ● Enews Editor, JLS Middle PTA and Greene Middle PTA ● English for Second Language Volunteer Tutor for Adults Personal and Job Experience 1. For which vacancy are you applying (check all that apply)?Partial term, Expiring 3/31/2026 Full term, Expiring 3/31/2029 2. Why are you interested in serving on the Planning & Transportation Commission and what experience would you bring to the position? I am passionate about serving on the PTC to support Palo Alto in achieving the vision outlined in its Comprehensive Plan. The Plan’s focus on guiding preservation, sustainable growth, and community values resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering balanced development and inclusivity. I bring over 19 years of experience as a licensed real estate associate, with expertise in zoning, redevelopment, and project management. I also bring leadership experience as Chair of the Palo Alto CAC for Special Education, where I successfully Application Questions 2 of 4 collaborated with diverse stakeholders to address community needs. My background in legal studies and advanced real estate training equips me to evaluate policies and development projects through a lens of compliance and long-term community impact. I am eager to contribute to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for Palo Alto. 3. 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. One issue of particular interest to me is The Academy project at 3265 El Camino Real, which proposes 100% affordable housing for educators and classified staff in Palo Alto. This project addresses a pressing challenge: the high cost of living forcing 87% of our teachers to reside outside the city. As an advocate for equitable community development, I see this project as a vital step toward strengthening our schools, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transit-oriented design, and aligning with the city’s Comprehensive Plan. It represents a commitment to retaining quality educators and fostering a sustainable, inclusive community. 4. 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 focus on advancing sustainable and equitable development, particularly through implementing the Comprehensive Plan's priorities. Key goals include expanding affordable housing, supporting transit-oriented development, and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure. I would also prioritize community engagement, ensuring diverse voices are reflected in decisions, and promoting racial and social equity through planning policies. With experience in real estate, redevelopment, and zoning processes, I bring a practical understanding of land use and housing challenges. My leadership roles, such as Chair of the Palo Alto CAC and involvement in PTA organizations, demonstrate my ability to collaborate with stakeholders and advocate for community-focused solutions. By leveraging my skills and knowledge, I aim to help the Commission craft policies that balance growth, environmental sustainability, and community needs. 5. 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. I had my experience with Zoning Code. For my current residence in Palo Alto, I worked on zoning and permit applications to convert an attached garage into a master bedroom suite. This involved collaborating with contractors, submitting required documents, and adhering to city zoning ordinances. I reviewed and completed building permit applications, including construction specifications and contractor licensing requirements, ensuring compliance with city and state regulations. This hands-on experience provided me with practical knowledge of Palo Alto's zoning processes and development standards. If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below. Rika Yamamoto Spring 2024 .pdf Please confirm that you have read the Boards and Commissions Handbook. Yes Signature Name of signatory: Rika Yamamoto Link to signature 3 of 4 Date Completed 01/15/2025 4 of 4