REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Conduct Applicant Interviews and Appoint Two Applicants to the Cultural Commission to Serve One Partial Term Ending June 30, 2028, and One Full Term Ending June 30, 2029
Report
BACKGROUND
At the March 11, 2025, City Council meeting, Council declared two vacancies on the Cultural Commission for one partial term ending June 30, 2028, and one full term ending June 20, 2029.
Advertising of the vacancy was done via the City's website, and social media outlets. 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 six (6) applications by the March 25, 2025, 5:00 p.m. application deadline.
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. Kuku Das
2. Vamsi Gunda*
3. Aisha Othman**
4. Charles Pontious
5. Esther Rubin
*Has applied to multiple Commissions (BPAC, Historical & Landmarks Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission)
**Has applied to Historical & Landmarks Commission
Each candidate meets the requirement of being a resident of the City of Santa Clara and have submitted proof of residency.
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
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