HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2510-5273, Staff Report 2510-5291CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
4:30 PM
Agenda Item
1.Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission (HRC), Parks and
Recreation Commission (PRC), and Public Art Commission (PAC); CEQA Status - Not a
Project Supplemental Report added, Public Comment
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
INTERVIEWS
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: October 15, 2025
Report #:2510-5273
TITLE
Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission (HRC), Parks and
Recreation Commission (PRC), and Public Art Commission (PAC); CEQA Status - Not a Project
BACKGROUND
The Fall 2025 Boards and Commissions recruitment opened on August 22, 2025, and closed on
September 24, 2025. HRC, PAC, and PRC each have three full-term vacancies.
Membership requirements for HRC, PRC, and PAC are listed below. Additionally, no
commissioners can be Councilmembers, officers, or employees of the City.
Human Relations Commission – Palo Alto residency1.
Parks and Recreation Commission – Palo Alto residency and demonstrated interest in
parks, open space and recreation matters2.
Public Art Commission - shall be either members of the architectural review board or
professional visual artists, professional visual arts educators, professional visual arts
scholars, or visual arts collectors whose authorities and skills are known and respected in
the community and, whenever feasible, who have demonstrated an interest in, and have
participated in, the arts program of the city3.
Each candidate interview will be scheduled for 10 minutes. Candidates will have an opportunity
to summarize their experiences, and the remaining time will be allocated to Councilmember
questions.
1 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 1.22.010 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-
2 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.25.020 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-
3 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.18.020 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-
Appointments are tentatively scheduled for the October 22, 2025 City Council Special Meeting.
Councilmembers will appoint candidates through live voting conducted during the meeting. The
City Clerk will announce the results of the vote.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
APPROVED BY:
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City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Meeting Date: October 15, 2025
Item Number: 1
Report #:2510-5291
TITLE
Interview Candidates for Vacancies on the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation
Commission, and Public Art Commission; CEQA Status - Not a Project
BACKGROUND
This supplemental report provides the applicant interview schedule. There will be a 15 minute
break from 5:55 PM – 6:10 PM. Two candidates for the Parks and Recreation Commission
withdrew their applications, so there is an additional break from 7:10 PM – 7:30 PM (Candidates
have been asked to arrive 15 minutes early, Council may be able to move to the next interview if
candidate is present).
Candidates have been informed that:
1. Each interview is scheduled for 10 minutes. Candidate may begin with 1-2 minutes of
their experience and/or desire to serve. The remaining time will be Q+A with the City
Council;
2. Interviews are located in Council Chambers on the ground floor of City Hall (250
Hamilton Ave)
3. Please arrive or join zoom 15 minutes before the scheduled time and check in with the
clerk;
4. If joining via Zoom, make sure to use your name so the clerk can identify the candidate.
Please use this link to join https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238. The clerk will
allow you to unmute/turn on your video when it’s your turn.
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Human Relations Commission
4:35 PM – 4:45 PM Michelle Kraus (In Person)
4:45 PM – 4:55 PM Bridget Algee (In Person)
4:55 PM – 5:05 PM Sridhar Karnam (In Person)
5:05 PM – 5:15 PM Sunny Dykwel (In Person)
5:15 PM – 5:25 PM Allyson C. Rosen (In Person)
5:25 PM – 5:35 PM Mare Lucas (In Person)
5:35 PM – 5:45 PM Salwa Ansari (In Person)
5:45 PM – 5:55 PM Raizel Rosenberg (In Person)
6:10 PM – 6:20 PM Bobi Adle (In Person)
6:20 PM – 6:30 PM Brenton Hanlon (In Person)
6:30 PM – 6:40 PM Marc Schoenen (In Person)
6:40 PM – 6:50 PM Roger Smith (In Person)
6:50 PM – 7:00 PM Vadim Axelrod (Zoom)
7:00 PM – 7:10 PM Nellis Freeman, Jr. (In Person)
7:30 PM – 7:40 PM Eedit Bareket (In Person)
7:40 PM – 7:50 PM Simon Tran (In Person)
7:50 PM – 8:00 PM Anjana Joshi (Zoom)
8:00 PM – 8:10 PM Claude Ezran (In Person)
8:10 PM – 8:20 PM Robin Mullery (In Person)
8:20 PM – 8:30 PM Donny Foley (In Person)
8:30 PM – 8:40 PM Marilyn Gottlieb Roberts (In Person)
:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
From:Marilyn li
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Support Allyson
Date:Monday, October 13, 2025 8:09:45 PM
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i
Hi, All,
I am writing to support Allyson Rosen for the Human Relation Commission. A long time
dedicated community support, she truly cares about the community and share our priorities.
For years she's been a good listener to the Palo Alto communities and advocate for those who
are in need. I sincerely believe that she will make a great contribution to the Human Relation
Commission once selected.
Thanks.
Best,
Marilyn
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From:Ling Huang
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City
Subject:Allyson Rosen for HRC
Date:Monday, October 13, 2025 12:31:24 PM
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i
Dear Officers,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the
Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares
our priorities. I know she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively
advocate for our most vulnerable.
As a Palo Alto resident, I have personally known Allyson for more than ten
years. She is one with the highest integrity and devotion to the well-being of
all students and communities. She has a great personality. She is diligent.
She is a gem.
Thanks for your support for her!
Best regards,
Ling Huang
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From:Becky K
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Support Allyson Rosen
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 11:29:29 PM
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on links.
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know she will listen to the
citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Thanks,
Becky
Sent from my iPhone
From:Billy Liang
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Council, City;
Veenker, Vicki
Subject:Support Allyson Rosen for human relations commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 11:25:38 PM
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i
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations
Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know
she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Thank you,
Billy
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From:Zixia Jiang
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Support Allyson Rosen
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 10:20:56 PM
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on links.
Hi,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know she will listen to the
citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Zixia
From:geruifang
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Support Allyson Rosen for the Human Relations Commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 9:58:34 PM
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i
Dear City Council members,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations
Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know
she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Thanks for your attention to this matte.
Best regards,
Ruifang
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From:Xiangfei Zhu
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Support for Allyson Rosen"s appointment
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 9:52:57 PM
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i
Dear Palo Alto Public Officials,
As a Palo Alto resident, I am writing to express my strong support for Allyson Rosen's
appointment to the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has a long history of dedicated service to our community and consistently
demonstrates a commitment to our shared priorities. I am confident that she will actively listen
to the citizens of Palo Alto and be a powerful advocate for our most vulnerable residents.
Sincerely,
Xiangfei Zhu
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From:Peggy Yao
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Council, City;
Veenker, Vicki
Subject:Support of Allyson Rosen!
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 9:48:23 PM
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i
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a Palo Alto resident. I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member
of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know
she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Thanks,
Peggy
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From:Mohit Thawani
To:Lauing, Ed; Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer;
Gaines, Chantal; Pierce, Kojo; Shikada, Ed; Council, City
Subject:Human Rights Commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 9:46:01 PM
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i
Dear PA City Council members,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations
Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for several years, and she shares our priorities. I
know she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most
vulnerable.
I hope you give Dr. Rosen candidacy due consideration.
--
Mohit Thawani
PA Resident since 2012
Cell (347) 224 7292
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From:S S
To:Lauing, Ed; Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer;
Gaines, Chantal; Pierce, Kojo; Shikada, Ed; Council, City
Subject:support for Allyson Rosen
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 9:28:21 PM
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!
Hello Respected Palo Alto Gov. Team,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations
Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for several years, and she shares our priorities. I
know she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most
vulnerable.
Thank you for your support & leadership!
Srikanth
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From:Mohan Gummalam
To:Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Gaines, Chantal;
Pierce, Kojo; Shikada, Ed; Council, City
Subject:Allyson Rosen
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 9:16:57 PM
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on links.
Hello, my name is Mohan Gummalam, and I have been a resident of Palo Alto for over 25 years.
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for several years, and she shares our priorities. I know she will listen to the
citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Thank you!
Mohan
From:Sophie Sha
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:support Allyson Rosen
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 7:52:04 PM
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i
Hi, I am a long time Palo Alto resident and voter. I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to
be chosen as a member of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know
she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Thank you!
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From:Yiyi Zeng
To:Veenker, Vicki; Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer;
Council, City
Subject:Support Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations Commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 7:26:36 PM
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i
Dear all,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations
Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know
she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Best regards
Yiyi Zeng
Palo Alto resident of 16 years
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From:Huiling Gong
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Allyson Rosen as a member of Human Relations Commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 7:25:46 PM
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i
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations
Commission.
Dr. Rosen has supported our community for many years, and she shares our priorities. I know
she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable.
Your consideration will be greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Huiling Gong
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From:Qinmei Li
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:Supporting Allyson Rosen to become a member of the Human Relations Commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 7:24:15 PM
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on links.
Dear Palo Alto Council Members,
I am writing in support of Allyson Rosen to be chosen as a member of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Rosen is a deeply caring citizen who has been dedicated to advocating for critical community issues for years.
I personally experienced Allyson's support when my son faced unfair treatment at school. Despite being a complete
stranger, Dr. Rosen was immediately empathetic and supportive, taking the time to understand the issue before
connecting me with the people who had the expertise to help.
As a mental health expert, Dr. Rosen is also actively involved in the school district's and city's efforts to find
effective suicide prevention solutions.
I truly admire Dr. Rosen’s commitment and dedication to improving our communities and feel she shares our
priorities. I know she will listen to the citizens of Palo Alto and effectively advocate for our most vulnerable
residents.
Sincerely,
Qinmei Li
From:Jennifer Gu
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Subject:In support of Dr. Rosen for Human Relations Commission
Date:Sunday, October 12, 2025 7:12:06 PM
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i
Dear Palo Alto Leaders,
I am writing to express my strong support for Dr. Allyson Rosen’s
appointment to the Human Relations Commission.
For many years, Dr. Rosen has been a caring and active presence in our
community, always willing to listen and lend help where it matters most.
She truly understands the needs of Palo Alto residents and will be a strong,
compassionate advocate for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Best,
Jennifer
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