REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Appointment of Cultural Commission Member and Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member to the Santa Clara Station Area Plan Task Force (SATF)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development
BACKGROUND
On December 6, 2022, the City Council reviewed the recommended SATF members and appointed the following seven individuals:
§ Jonathon Evans - Representative of Old Quad Residents Association (OQRA)
§ Dan Ondrasek - Representative of Reclaiming Our Downtown (ROD)
§ Dave Schoenwetter - Representative of Santa Clara University (SCU)
§ Patricia Leung - Representative of the Historical and Landmarks Commission
§ Candida Diaz - Representative of the Cultural Commission
§ Rob Mayer - Architect and Santa Clara resident
§ Jane Casamajor - Representative of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
Following an application and interview process, the City Council appointed four additional members to the SATF on April 11, 2023:
§ Jill Hough - Professional Transportation Planner
§ Dylan Plane - Real estate professional
§ Michael Stockwell - Chairman of the South Bay Historical Railroad Society
§ Ray Hashimoto - Planning consultant and Santa Clara resident
In November 2023, Jane Casamajor, who represented the BPAC on the SATF, resigned and the BPAC selected and, subsequently City Council appointed, Sukrit Ganesh to the SATF.
In November 2024, Candida Diaz, who represented the Cultural Commission on the SATF, resigned from the SATF. Jonathan Marinaro was appointed to the SATF to represent the Cultural Commission.
In June 2025, Sukrit Ganesh (BPAC) and Jonathan Marinaro (Cultural Commission) concluded their terms on their respective committees.
DISCUSSION
At its June 23, 2025 meeting, the BPAC selected Vernon Shure to serve as its new representative on the SATF.
At its July 7, 2025 meeting, the Cultural Commission selected Neetu Garg to serve as its new representative on the SATF.
This proposed action would implement the BPAC and Cultural Commission recommendations for representation on the SATF.
If appointed, the SATF roster will be as follows:
§ Jonathon Evans - Representative of Old Quad Residents Association (OQRA)
§ Dan Ondrasek - Representative of Reclaiming Our Downtown (ROD)
§ Sean Collins - Representative of Santa Clara University (SCU)
§ Patricia Leung - Representative of the Historical and Landmarks Commission
§ Neetu Garg - Representative of the Cultural Commission
§ Rob Mayer - Architect and Santa Clara resident
§ Vernon Shure - Representative of BPAC
§ Jill Hough - Professional Transportation Planner
§ Dylan Plane - Real estate professional
§ Michael Stockwell - Chairman of the South Bay Historical Railroad Society
§ Daniel Huynh - Alternate appointed in June 2025
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(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment. The Santa Clara Station Area Plan itself will undergo environmental review and an environmental document will be brought to the City Council at the time when the Council considers the Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City for appointing the Santa Clara Station Area Plan Task Force other than administrative staff time and expense.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
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
Appoint Vernon Shure to represent the BPAC and Neetu Garg to represent the Cultural Commission on the SATF.
Staff
Reviewed by: Afshan Hamid, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager