REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Conduct Applicant Interviews and Appoint One Applicant to the Cultural Commission to Serve One Full Term Ending June 30, 2030
Report
BACKGROUND
At the February 24, 2026, City Council meeting, Council declared one vacancy on the Cultural Commission for one full term ending June 20, 2030.
Advertising of the vacancy was done via the City’s website, and social media outlets and the Santa Clara Weekly. The City Clerk’s Office also emailed vacancy notification to all parties listed on the email vacancy interest list.
DISCUSSION
The City Clerk’s Office held a recruitment for six weeks and received five (5) applications by the April 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. application deadline. There was one applicant who withdrew from the process on June 23, 2026 leaving a total of four applicants to be interviewed.
A past practice has been that upon appointment to fill a vacancy, the City Council may choose to establish an eligibility list with an applicant(s) of their choice for six months should a vacancy arise.
The City Clerk’s Office proceeds with the recruitment/interview process with the following candidates:
1. Sandip Bhattacharya
2. Ana Vargas-Smith
3. Kumar Viswanathan*
4. Shawn Williams
*Also applied to the Senior Advisory Commission and Historical and Landmarks Commissions
Each candidate meets the requirement of being a resident of the City of Santa Clara and have submitted proof of residency.
Attached are the voting guidelines (Attachment 2) for the appointment of Boards and Commissions members, which outline the process for conducting interviews.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Appoint One Applicant to the Cultural Commission, to Serve One Full Term Ending June 30, 2030; and
2. Establish an Eligibility List for Six Months should a Vacancy Occur.
Staff
Reviewed by: Nora Pimentel, Assistant City Clerk
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Applications
2. Voting Guidelines