Agenda packet — Costa Mesa City Council, January 21, 2025 (part 4 of 4)

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 5
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

We are at a critical moment in the history of Costa Mesa: not only will the city embark on its most ambitious rezoning since its last General Plan update in the next few years, it will also lay the groundwork for the future development of the centrally-located Fairview Developmental Center. At the same time, the City is revising the master plan for its largest open space asset, Fairview Park, and our local park resources and recreational programs are facing mounting pressure from increasing maintenance and improvement costs as well as a growing regional population.

I would like to help the city meet these challenges in any way I can. I have been closely observing City Hall for some time and, thanks to prior service on the Animal Services Committee and the Finance and Pension Advisory Committee, as well as my role as board member of the Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets, I have had the opportunity to make personal connections with residents as well as City Staff in a variety of departments spanning from Public Works to Parks and Community Services to the CMPD to the Finance Department. I have enjoyed working with them on various city initiatives, including providing input on the initial FDC planning, the inclusionary housing ordinance, the consolidated master fee schedule, the temporary fencing at Harper Park, the “e-bike” updates to the bicycle ordinances and, most recently, the residential beekeeping ordinance, and I would love the opportunity to continue this work in the public interest.

My career as a corporate attorney in the private sector has given me certain transferable skills that I believe would serve the city well.

I am accustomed to leading high-stakes legal transactions from start to finish. I enjoy reading up on new areas of law or policy to better serve my clients, such that I am not intimidated by having to wrap my arms around technical rules or concepts in a short amount of time. I also have a passion for public policy and local government going back to my higher education days. And because I have never worked in government, real estate, construction, labor relations or development, I can bring an independent perspective to my public service roles.

But perhaps my best qualification is that I am a mother, a wife and a neighbor raising a family in a city that she loves. I want to preserve what makes Costa Mesa a special place while providing a sound foundation for future improvement. 694
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Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? In the planning and economic development departments, I am excited to see how major long-term projects like the Measure K site rezoning and the Fairview Developmental Center planning evolve. Each represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fully assess our current built environment and how it may adapt to changing demographics, transportation options, macroeconomics, and technology.

However, I am even more interested in making the planning process work efficiently and fairly for residents, entrepreneurs, developers and community organizations that want to invest in our city, especially in the areas that will not receive significant zoning overhauls in the coming years. Organic, resident-driven redevelopment and investment that is otherwise permitted by our zoning code and General Plan is, at the moment, discouraged by a slow, frustrating and opaque development process. I believe Planning Commissioners should play a role here by first auditing these processes, and then by holding City Hall accountable to develop useful performance metrics and streamline inspections and approvals to the extent possible.

I would also like to see a Planning Commission that makes a clear, indelible distinction between its roles as policy advisory body and an administrative body. Forceful advocacy for better city policy has its place. However, when applicants, rather than new city policies or ordinances, are before the Planning Commission, Commissioners should maintain sincere fidelity to the General Plan, the zoning code and the CMMC as written. Aggressive use of discretion, even in service to good policy, creates opportunities and incentives for influence.

Instead, I would love to see a more robust public dialogue between the Planning Commission and the City Council regarding any policy matters that arise during an application. I cannot recall the last time there was a formal report issued by the Planning Commission to the City Council, and I think that should change. If a particular application or policy reveals issues that are of far-reaching importance to the city at large, the Planning Commission should be encouraged to surface these concerns to the City Council. This communication should be done publicly to the extent practicable to ensure maximum transparency.

With respect to parks and community services, I would like to see the PACS Commission be more active in city policy. CMMC Section 12-71 states that the PACS Commission may “by its own motion, conduct studies and investigations and hold public hearings as it may deem necessary for the formulation of policies, plans, and procedures relating to parks, recreation, senior programs, recreation facilities, community facilities, and parkways, or to determine the wisdom and efficacy of such policies, plans and procedures, or to determine an action plan to pursue in implementing the city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan” (emphasis mine).

I don’t believe this aspect of the PACS Commission mission is being fulfilled. I want a PACS Commission that will dig into the reasons why our neighborhood parks projects continually languish on our 5-year capital improvement plan. I’d like to see PACS Commissioners work with the CMPD to get an accurate accounting of the cost to adequately police our various parks and school fields. The PACS Commission should interview youth sports organizers to determine whether we are meeting our current and future organized recreation needs.

I would also like the PACS Commission to consider forming a subcommittee to address the upcoming disruptions to the Senior Center programming likely to be caused by the planned housing development on the Senior Center parking lot. This is a perfect use-case for a subcommittee, as it is limited in time and scope and focused on a single project: working with Jamboree Housing Corporation to ensure that access to the Senior Center is not disrupted during construction, and that Senior Center users are kept informed of changes to traffic patterns, shuttle services, and available parking. Forming such a subcommittee would show initiative and commitment to the senior community, who will be asked to shoulder the burden of constructing (much needed) senior housing few of them will have an opportunity to inhabit.

Additionally, while the PACS Commission has encouraged City Staff to provide frequent updates on our parks-related capital improvement projects, I would encourage PACS Commissioners to have a renewed sense of urgency in 2025. The Brentwood Park project, for example, is running behind schedule, and the PACS Commission should investigate why. It should also work with City Staff 695
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to ensure future projects stay on track.

Finally, the PACS Commission should forcefully advocate the City Council to instruct the Staff to revise the Open Space Master Plan to reflect current city needs and priorities. This project has been repeatedly deferred such that the OSMP is now woefully out-of-date, which interferes with the PACS Commission’s ability to effectively advise the City Council regarding OSMP goals. This should change.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Resume%20(Jenn%20Tanaka).pdf (139.4KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act. Once appointed, Commission members must complete an Oath of Allegiance, administered by the City Clerk, required by Article XX, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of California.

Name: Jennifer Tanaka
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Jennifer Leigh Tanaka
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question

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Jennifer L. Tanaka

EDUCATION
University of Michigan Law School 2009-2012
Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
University of Chicago 2008-2009
Master of Arts, International Security and Political Economy, Honors Duke University 2004-2008
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History, magna cum laude, Honors 2018-Present

LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Pathway Capital Management, LP
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Irvine, CA • Led the secondaries practice within the legal team and significantly grew the practice; independently completed
over $300 million of buy- and sell-side secondary market transactions, including rollovers • Negotiated primary investments in private equity and venture capital funds and co-investments on behalf of multiple limited partners, including pension plans, funds-of-funds and non-profit corporations • Served as a product owner of an internal workflow and data management platform for the legal department, now a blueprint for a system for all other Pathway departments Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villenueve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP 2015-2018 Corporate Associate, San Diego, CA and New York, NY
• Represented venture-backed companies and venture capital funds in financing transactions, including private equity offerings, IPOs, venture debt financings, and venture capital investments; also represented venture-backed companies in merger and acquisition transactions on both buy- and sell-side Hyperloop Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Hyperloop One Fall 2017 Corporate Counsel on Secondment, Los Angeles, CA
• Served as temporary corporate counsel on secondment reporting directly to the General Counsel; led negotiations on behalf of the company for a $50 million convertible note round and independently managed numerous compliance and regulatory matters
Summer 2011, 2012-2015 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Summer
Associate and Corporate Associate; New York, NY
• As a junior, mid-level and lead associate, represented investment banks, public corporations and private companies in a variety of financing and other transactions, including initial public offerings, bond and stock offerings, mergers and acquisitions, an d debt financings

BAR ADMISSIONS
California State Bar 2017-Present
New York State Bar 2013-Present
2021-Present

VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATIONS
Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets
Vice President
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Jonathan H Zich
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Planning Commission
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

Having served on the Commission for the past six years it's apparent to me that I bring a voice, and perspective representative of a large segment of the community.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Pursue housing where it makes sense, preserve and foster retail, commercial, and industrial land uses, and advocate for adequately parked projects, and acquisition/conversion of more land to active public park space.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
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ATTACHMENT 3
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Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jonathan H Zich
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Jonathan H. Zich
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question
Q12
Please share your background and experience or
knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts
education, arts administration and community
outreach/engagement:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Jeffrey M Chon
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

As a resident and business owner in Costa Mesa for the last 2 decades, I have come to truly fall in love with the progression of commerce this city has achieved. I have had my own experiences with the planning commission and appreciate the impact that intentional and thoughtful planning have on this community. I have owned and developed a few businesses in this city (Tabu Shabu, Oak & Coal, The Wayfarer, Love & Puree Baby). With this experience of my own planning actions, as well as my involvement in the community I believe I can truly be an asset to the future development of this city.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Hospitality Projects (Restaurants & Lodging), Housing Developments, Community Development Centers Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
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Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jeffrey Chon
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Jeffrey Chon
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Daniel Baume
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Parks and Community Services Commission ,
Planning Commission
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

Im enthusiastic about improving our community and ensuring that public spaces and urban planning reflect the needs and ideas of the residents. As a Head Coach for youth athletics , a charter member and board member of the Goat Hill Lions club, a original board member and service leader of Labors of Love, a constant volunteer and advocate of Fairview Park alliance and many more services. I have been serving the City of Costa Mesa as a volunteer for over 20 years. I am passionate about helping create accessible, and inclusive public spaces.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Im very interested in the Fairview Park master plan,as well as the recent purchase of land on Shalimar street. Bike lanes and road diets as well are of high interest.

Q5
Optional Resume:
inbound8369832681676586972.docx (16.9KB)
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Dan Baume
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Daiel Joseph Baume
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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703
Daniel Baume

ORK EXPERIENCE
Orange County Fairgrounds Operations Manager 1995-2010 Drxfixit Construction Assistant General Manager 2010 – 2021 J&F Custom Painting Lead Painter 2010 – Present
Newport Mesa Unified School District Custodian 2023 – Present City of Irvine Senior Athletic Lead 2023-Present

EDUCATION
Costa Mesa High School Graduated 1998
Orange Coast College General Education 2000-2002

SPECIALIZED SKILLS
OSHA 10 Certified
Carpentry
Electrical
Tile Application
Rough Framing
Finish Framing
Dry Wall
Mudding
Texture & Paint
Cabinetry Construction/Installation
Plumbing
Facilities Maintenance
CPR Certified
Microsoft Suite

VOLUNTEER WORK
Costa Mesa Little League Assistant Coach 2005-2008 Costa Mesa Pop Warner Football Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Admin 2002-2018 Fairview Park Alliance Board Member/V olunteer 2017-Present Socal Elite (Basketball League) Head Coach 2021-Present Newport Harbor Lions Club Member 2020-2022
Costa Mesa Sanitary District Citizens Advisory Committee Member 2016-2022 Costa Mesa Historial Preservation Committee Committee Member 2020-2024 Fairview Park Steering Committee Committee Member 2020-Present Costa Mesa Goat Hills Lions Club Charter Member/Board Member 2022-Present Love Costa Mesa – Labors of Love Program Project Manager 2022-Present

AWARDS
Melvin Jones Fellowship Award Highest Form Recognition of Lions Club 2023 Love Costa Mesa Neighboring Champion Award 2023
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Johnny Rojas
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I have been on the planning commission for the past few years and have enjoyed being part of the committee that has an influence on projects that impact our city.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I am looking forward to learning and being part of the housing solutions team and process.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
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Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jose "Johnny" Rojas
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Johnny Rojas
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Syed Zia Hussain
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Arts Commission (Complete Questions 9-17 on the
NextPage)
,
Parks and Community Services Commission ,
Planning Commission
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

I have AS degree in Architecture and later pursue Urban Planning because my interest has always been to view the city development process with regards to its impact on its users (residential and commercial).

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? My ideal Costa Mesa is the city of Orange County that attracts people from other cities to visit it for commercial and pleasure reasons.

I will bring in the aspect to make Costa Mesa more and more people friendly which means safer, more economical, and environmentally friendly.

At this moment I am serving as member of Mobile House Park Advisory Committee at City of Costa Mesa. https://www.costamesaca.gov/government/commissions-and-committees/mobile-home-park-advisory-committee/committee-members- and-staff
Q5
Optional Resume:

URP%20RESUME.pdf (273.6KB)
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Syed Zia Hussain
Address:

Address 2:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Syed Zia Hussain
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Serra Sol Senior Living
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Activity Assistant
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

In-Process to start a Non-Profit Organization that emphasizes on encouraging quality education and knowledge of Urban planning.

Already organized two seminars (hybrid) with Sustainable and Transport management dept Malmo University, Sweden and California. produced two urban planning related documentaries. And starting a community education program that highlights information on Architecture and urban designs

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 3
Q12
Please share your background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

Member of UNESCO-CID 2024, qualified IDTA, UK. (International Dance Teachers Association) Gold Level, organized cultural events in Leeuwarden Town Netherlands covered by local TV channels and newspapers grants paid by the Town hall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2-CJBE12oM), President of Music society at InterCollege Nicosia, Cyprus. Band member of Lasers released three albums and managed the group. I was the songwriter, singer and produced music. Contributed in art directors for our song videos. Appeared in Tv shows. (https://www.youtube.com/@lasersmusicpk) Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the City of Costa Mesa? I believe with my background experience in performing arts and also my ethnicity I will bring diversity in our Arts Commissioner. My background is from Pakistan and as you can see I have international qualification and experience also.

Q14
Please share your vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

I believe the connection between urban planning/design and Art goes I long way back. Copenhagen (city in Denmark) is an example of how Art and urban design plans a role in neighborhoods security, economy, and social health. I would like to see my Costa Mesa promote similar role.

Q15
Please share your experience in producing and/or participating in Arts and multicultural programing:

I have produced several art projects in Pakistan (family festival in my home town, released three music albums, appearances on TV channels and press coverage, Netherlands (multi-cultural promotional events with Expect-Leewuarden, and freelance projects with town hall grants, on local channels and press, and Cyprus (President of Music society) Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:
all mentioned above
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
I am a regular follower of City of Costa Mesa.
709
1 Syed Zia Hussain
Member of Mobile Housing Committee, City of Costa Mesa, CA.

“StrengthFinder Personality Test” Type ESFJ: Helpful, Harmony, attention to clients’ needs, work well with others to achieve goals, take commitments seriously, structured, and organized, best in organizing people to get a job done! Education
Cal Poly Pomona, California, United States. updated Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning GPA 3.16 Orange Coast College. California, United States. Dec 2019 Associate degree in Architecture
Associate Degree in Event Management GPA 3.36
Orange Coast College. California, United States. Dec 2016 Associate Degree (Honors) in Event Management GPA 3.36
Work Experience:

Freelance Projects (YouTube: Smart City Developers - YouTube) 2023 - updated Produced a documentary on “Students Design Net-Zero House - Sustainability Decathlon” 2024. “Impact of McBride Park Long Beach, CA.”
SCD-Seminar I & SCD-Seminar 2rd. (hybrid event with research exchange between California and Sweden) Community Service Leader II: City of Costa Mesa (Recreational Dept) Part-Time. Jan ‘24 – Mar ‘24 Support R.O.C.K after-school program. Require self-motivation and team-player abilities. Assist with program planning on field; maintain record of schedule and log-book of day to day duties and hours of work. Supervise check-in and check-outs, activities, fire drills, help with homework, artwork and games, and keep a health and safe environment.

Student Connect SoCal Community Outreach: SCAG Project May ‘23-June ’23 Engage public to fill out surveys, conduct street events, Research and suggest new locations for more survey Planning Aide Intern: June ‘22-July ‘22 Cal Poly Pomona Facility Planning and Management, CA.

Record keeping, cold calls, drawing figure grounds, site analysis, printout architectural drawing, keeping files, report writing, and administrative work.

Administrative Intern Oct ‘21- Feb ‘22 City of Tustin Department of Community Planning, Tustin, CA.

Review variance, condition permits, and design reviews, Quality control and update code files. Customer service and attend phone calls. Review General Plan, zoning, subdivision, and environmental report review. Work as a team and individually.

Event Planner Unpaid Intern June ‘15 – Dec ‘15 American Family Housing, Tustin, CA
Outreach, promotion, and marketing for “Summer Festival for Homeless Veterans”. Sold out a stall and raise more than $ 3,000 through bringing in vendors.

Awards and Recognitions:

Research on Walkability, presented at OCC Symposium 2019 and 2020. And at Cal Poly Pomona, CA. 2023.

Topic: ”Effects of New High-Density Residency on Walkability in Costa Mesa, CA”.

Topic: “How Mix-Use Land Contributes to Walkability in 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA.” 2023.

Skills: MS office, Sketch up, Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Micro-Station, ArcGIS, and InDesign.

Administration Skill: Comfortable working in, group and individual setting, research, excellent customer service skills, and marketing and sales experience, organizational skills, general clerical tasks, data managing, data entry, report writing, and event management.

Clubs and Organization:
- Member of OC- American Planning Association.
- Member of Young Transportation Planners, LA, and American Planning Association. - Orange Coast College: Scholarship in Architecture, and m ember Architecture Club. 710
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Dillon Knight
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I would like to serve on the Planning Commission because I want to participate in the progress and change of our city. After settling in Costa Mesa, I have decided that this is the community I plan to live in and grow my family. As such, I want to actively participate in and give back to my community. I have spent over a decade in the commercial real estate industry and feel that I can employ the skills and knowledge I have garnered from my professional experience to give back to the city. Costa Mesa is a thriving place that is undergoing so much growth. I want to do what I can to continue to foster that growth while maintaining an objective perspective on land use to benefit all of us that live in this community. I am a licensed real estate salesperson in the State of California and have spent over a decade representing commercial occupiers and owners, as well as navigating land use and zoning codes on their behalf.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? There are many projects that interest me, but the two topics that seem most relevant to the community are residential expansion, and redevelopment spurred by the adoption of Measure K. These two elements are primary drivers to conversations related to land use in our city. Our local government has an incredible amount of responsibility when it comes to navigating the growth that Costa Mesa has undergone. That growth is a direct byproduct of Costa Mesa being a great place to live and work, and it requires thoughtful stewardship from its leaders. One Metro West is a key example of our city’s growth and the necessity to accommodate population increase going forward. Measure K and the areas that it directly affects will be a driver for land use discussions for years to come, and its impact, along with housing development, will shape our city for the foreseeable future #31#31

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Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Dillon Knight
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Dillon Knight
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 5
Q1
Full Name:

Scott Cobett
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Planning Commission
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 5
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

Why I Wish to Serve on the Planning Commission:

As a long-time resident and parent of two young children who are actively involved in community and athletic events, I am deeply invested in ensuring Costa Mesa thrives as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city. I want to help shape a future that not only benefits current residents but also creates lasting opportunities and a bright future for the next generation, including my own children.

Experience and Qualifications:

1. Leadership and Strategy:

As a seasoned marketing executive, I’ve led initiatives for companies across various industries, developing and implementing strategic plans to drive growth. My experience includes managing complex projects that require collaboration between diverse stakeholders, a skill that aligns closely with the commission’s collaborative work.

2. Community-Focused Initiatives:

My experience in brand-building often involves understanding and addressing the needs of diverse audiences. This perspective will be valuable when considering how planning decisions affect different groups in our community.

3. Problem-Solving and Innovation:

Throughout my career, I’ve successfully navigated challenges that required innovative solutions and long-term planning. This mindset is essential for addressing the complexities of urban planning and development.

4. Engagement with Stakeholders:

My ability to connect with and understand the priorities of various groups, including businesses, residents, and community leaders, positions me to contribute to decisions that reflect the broader needs of the community.

5. Commitment to Growth and Sustainability:

I believe in fostering environments that encourage both economic and cultural growth while prioritizing sustainable and inclusive practices. This aligns with the planning commission’s mission of guiding responsible and forward-thinking development. 714
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 5
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? As a Commission member for Costa Mesa, I am particularly interested in ideas and projects that focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents while supporting sustainable and strategic growth. Here are some areas I would prioritize:

1. Creating Family-Friendly Public Spaces
Developing parks, recreation areas, and athletic facilities that cater to families and children. As a parent of two young children involved in community and athletic events, I recognize the importance of accessible, safe, and engaging spaces for families to gather and thrive.

2. Supporting Small Businesses and Local Economy
Promoting projects that encourage small business growth and entrepreneurship, which are vital to Costa Mesa’s vibrant character and economic health. This includes zoning updates or incentives for mixed-use developments that blend retail, residential, and community spaces.

3. Enhancing Transportation and Walkability
Improving pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure to create safer, more accessible routes throughout the city. Projects like expanding bike lanes, improving sidewalks, and connecting neighborhoods to commercial hubs align with Costa Mesa’s focus on sustainability and accessibility.

4. Prioritizing Sustainable Development
Supporting environmentally conscious initiatives, such as renewable energy projects, green building standards, and water conservation strategies. Sustainable development ensures Costa Mesa remains resilient in the face of future challenges.

5. Fostering Inclusive Housing Solutions
Exploring ways to balance housing affordability with quality, ensuring that Costa Mesa remains a welcoming and diverse community for people of all income levels. This includes supporting projects that integrate affordable housing without compromising community character.

6. Strengthening Community Engagement
Encouraging public input and transparency in the planning process, ensuring that residents feel heard and represented in decisions that shape the future of Costa Mesa.

These focus areas align with my personal and professional values, as well as my desire to create a bright future for all Costa Mesa residents, including my children. As a member of the Commission, I would work collaboratively to bring thoughtful, actionable solutions to these priorities.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 4 / 5
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Scott Cobett
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

William Scott Cobett
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

John Terrence Witkowski
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I am passionate about the built environment and how it intersects with the needs of my local community here in Costa Mesa.

I have a master's degree in urban planning from UCLA, which gives me educational experience that ties directly into city planning and being well equipped for this position. My educational background helped teach data analysis for population growth, housing needs, traffic patterns, and environmental impact—critical tools for evaluating proposals that will come before the planning commission. My experience at UCLA also included methods for engaging communities through participatory planning, including direct fieldwork in this area, a critical process that must be considered with the decision-making ability of a planning commission appointment.

Professionally, I work for a nonprofit affordable housing developer, National Community Renaissance, as a senior development manager. My job often involves working with local jurisdictions to finance, construct, and operate multifamily affordable housing projects. I am therefore quite familiar with the local planning and architectural design process as it relates specifically to housing development, but that can be applied to many other development types. I am quite familiar with federal, state, and local regulations governing land use and how that intertwines with decision making on a local level.

I believe both my educational, as well as professional experience on the developer side of the planning process, would add valuable knowledge and insight to the planning commission. I am also passionate about my community and seeing it grow in a inclusive and welcoming way for all residents. My goal is to create a more equitable, sustainable, and playful city. #21#21

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? The expansion of affordable multifamily housing and housing in general. I believe that the City of Costa Mesa can do more here in order to provide for current and future residents of our city; while also making sure the city is in compliance with its own housing element and HCD's RHNA allocation for the city.

Thoughtful urban design that helps activate street fronts and creates greater walkability and the use of bike infrastructure within the city. I am very happy to see the bike infrastructure that has been put into place along 19th Street and Placentia. This has created safer streets for those who bike in the city. I believe the city can do even more here, as well as working on ways to create better walkability along certain corridors such as 19th Street, 17th Street, and Harbor Boulevard.

Q5
Optional Resume:

John%20Witkowski%20-%20Resume%20(12.2024).pdf (104.8KB) Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: John Witkowski
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

John Witkowski

Page 2 ends

718

JOHN WI TKOWSKI

ABOUT ME
Highly motivated, organized, and dedicated
professional focused on development and
finance of affordable housing, utilizing
background in urban planning and tax
accounting.

EDUCATI ON
2016 - 2018 • University of California, Los Angeles
MA Urban and Regional Planning
2011 - 2014 • University of Hawaii at Manoa
BBA Accounting
Jamboree Housing
Project Manager, November 2019 - February 2022
Assistant Project Manager/Development Associate, July 2018 - November 2019 Wide array of financing application experience including 4% & 9% tax credit applications, multiple HCD programs (VHHP, NPLH, MHP), AHP, Project Based Vouchers, and OC Housing Finance Trust
Experience with new, adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and single family home construction. Completed complex construction rehabilitation of an eight building 126 unit project in Santa Ana that involved temporary relocation of all residents Strong financial proforma skills, from initial underwriting through financing, closing, and construction draws
Homes4Families (formerly Habitat for Humanity SFV/SC)
Urban Planning Research and Data Analyst - Intern
Spearheaded data collection and analysis of key demographics to help Homes4Families understand veteran community needs for new projects Development of asset maps for future communities using QGIS mapping software • Urban Planner - Affordable Housing Development •

EXPERI ENCE
2018 -
2022
2017
Community HousingWorks
Project Manager
Managed multiple rehabilitation projects through a challenging placed in service review process
Active work on both new and rehabilitation construction projects, navigating challenging budget and schedule delay issues
Volunteered as OKR Coach, guiding and leading multiple departments through the process of creating ambitious goals
Mentorship of assistant and associate project managers, including training on budgets, proformas, file organization, and career development 2022-
2024
National Community Renaisance
Senior Development Manager
Helping to develop difficult two-phase affordable housing project in the City of Murrieta for both families and seniors incorporating multiple city and county funding sources.

Actively competing in City of Anaheim selection process for redevelopment of city owned land that incorporates affordable multifamily housing, commercial space, and for sale homeownership components.

Experience working with fully integrated affordable housing developer and the complex interaction between various in-house departments such as general contractor and property management.
2024-
Present
719
www.linkedin.com/in/john-t-witkowski
Gilford Sato & Associates
Tax Accountant
Independently completed complex corporate, individual, and trust tax returns Applied quantitative skills to complete numerous tax returns under strict tax filing deadlines
2014 -
2016
2005-
2009
United States Navy
Sonar Technician – USS Chosin (CG-65)
Swiftly attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5) in less than four years Developed into a highly efficient operator and technician on equipment vital to the safety and successful operation of the ship
Awarded Global War on Terrorism, Good Conduct, and Expeditionary Force medals
Achieved qualification as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist 720
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Elizabeth (Betsy) C. Densmore
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I want to help keep Costa Mesa a well-run and innovative city. I have decades of experience as a community activist, educator and business manager which have particularly honed my skills as a good listener, facilitator and problem solver.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Re parks, helping to maintain and improve the ones we have, especially Fairview. Re Planning, supporting efforts to make it easier to attract, build and renovate housing and businesses so that Costa Mesa continues to thrive.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Densmore%20Bio2024.pdf (78.9KB)
#20#20

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Elizabeth (Betsy) C. Densmore
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Elizabeth C. Densmore
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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722

BIO-SKETCH

Betsy Densmore is part owner and business manager for Great Mex Grill, LLC, where she provides accounting and financial oversight, coordinate marketing and advertising strategies and advises on personnel and operational issues. She is also Founder of the Academies for Social Entrepreneurship (ASE), an educational organization which has helped to start or scale nearly three hundred social enterprises, catalyzing approximately ten million dollars in new revenue for innovative, mostly charitable ventures.

She previously managed an office and lead programs for a global training and development organization for six years. Her past experience also includes a decade of service as the Executive Director of a community foundation, running an energy services social enterprise, and serving as the Manager of Consumer and Community Affairs for a Fortune 100 retailer.

Densmore has taught entrepreneurship at Golden West College and Pepperdine University and currently serves as consulting faculty for courses at UCLA and USC. She is frequently asked to speak about social enterprise at colleges and to a variety of service and professional organizations locally.

Densmore has a long history of community service. She currently serves on the Boards of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and her local church, St. John the Divine in Costa Mesa. She is also a District 5 Coordinator for the Neighboring Initiative of Love Costa Mesa/Trellis. She previously served on the Boards of Innovative Housing Opportunities, an affordable housing developer, and Someone Cares Soup Kitchen.

She holds an MA in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

723
If you DO NOT receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact our office at (7'14) 754-5225.

City of Costa Mesa
Application for Commission Appointment
All information on this page o33y, is considered public information and will be released to the public, including being posted on the City's website.

Name: Jacob Husen
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Planning Commission and/or Parks and Community Service Commission City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

1. Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached. (Note: All information contained on the resume is public information, will be distributed to the public and posted on the City's website).

My wife and have lived in Costa Mesa for the past 5 years. We recently bought a home here and this is where we will raise our family. We currently have 2 boys with another baby on the way. The reason I want to join the Commission is because I want to give something back to the community that my family and I are part of.

As a practicing attorney, I believe I have a skillset that could be helpful to the Commission. My job is centered around working with people. This is one of my favorite parts of my profession even though it can be challenging. In my job, you have to be a good reader and writer as well as a critical thinker. Ultimately, to be good at my job, you need to be a good problem solver. I think that combination of enjoying working with people and being an effective communicator makes me a good candidate for the Commission. Also, as a small business owner, I understand the challenges of running an efficient, effective and profitable business.

Presently, we are working with the City's Planning Department for a project on our home. I'm learning first hand about all of the departments that are involved and need to come together to approve and move projects forward in the city.

A part from that, my family and I use the City's parks all the time. Whether it's taking the kids to the playground, walking our dog at Fairview Park or going to ride the train, we cherish all that Costa Mesa offers to it's residents. Last but not least, I'm ambitious and really want to be part of the Commission so I can learn more and hopefully give back at the same time.

2. As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? For the Parks and Community Service Commission, I'm interested in the Fariview Park master plan. This is an area, that we use all the time and I'm excited about the proposed changes that are coming. Also, we love the events that the City offer to the public, like the Concert in the Park series. I'd like to be a part keeping projects like that available for everyone.

For the Planning Commission, like I mentioned above I've experienced how many moving parts come together for projects in our community. A huge role in my career has been to grow the firm and operate it efficiently. I would love the opportunity to learn more about the City's operations be a part of that future growth.

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724
Please complete the additional Arts Commission questionnaire and include with this application.

Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public. However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

4. Contact Information:

Name: Jake Husen
by the City
r! By checking this box and typing my name below, I am electronically signing my application.

Signature: Jake Husen Date:
1/8/25
Please submit application by mail, email or bring to City Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025.

The appointments are tentatively scheduled for the January 21, 2025 City Council meeting.

Mailing Address: City Clerk's Office
City of Costa Mesa
P.0. Box 1200
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-1200
Phone: (714) 754-5225
Fax: (714) 754-4942
cityclerk(lcostamesaca.qov

Page 2 of 4 ends

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Jake Husen, Esq.

Law Offices of Brad Husen
2200 Vesper Cir, Ste, F7, Corona, CA 92879
(951) 751-9457  [email protected]

EXPERIENCE

Law Offices of Brad Husen
Attorney December 2018- Present
Our firm exclusively practices plaintiff’s personal injury law. My Dad started the firm over 30 years ago.

Today, my dad, my brother and I run the firm. I oversee all aspects of representing our clients, including, but not limited to: jury trials, arbitrations, negotiating claims and regular client contacts. In addition, I am responsible for supervising a support staff of 7 employees.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Straus Institute--Mediating the Litigated Case Certificate of Completion Pepperdine—Caruso School of Law April 2024
This was a 40-hour immersive program that helps attorneys, judges and non-lawyers prepare for the practice of mediating litigated cases. This course covers topics from distributive bargaining vs. facilitative bargaining to culture and ethical issues. The program also included numerous small-group and large- group breakouts to practice the skills we were learning.

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles September 2018 – Present Organization dedicated to educating members through collaborating and sharing ideas, experiences and strategies inside and outside the court room.

Orange County Trial Lawyers Association March 2020 – Present Plaintiff’s organization that offers events and resources to teach and train lawyers on the best practices for their clients.

Leo A. Deegan Inns of Court July 2019 – July 2020
Training in civility, ethics, legal skills and professionalism as well as an opportunity to network with other attorneys and judges in the Inland Empire.

EDUCATION

California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA
J.D., magna cum laude, April 2018
• California Western Law Review and International Law Journal, Associate Editor, 2016 -2018 • Trial competition, Honorable mention, 2016
• Moot court school wide competition, 2016
• Entertainment and Sports Law Society Member

San Diego State University, CA
Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing (IMC), Minor in Environment and Society; December 2014 • Dean’s List Fall and Spring 2014
• Intermural Basketball Champions 2013, 2014
• Thesis Projects:
o Integrated Marketing Plan for The San Diego Archaeology Center o Small Business Consulting for La Costa Gourmet

726
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Robert L. Dickson, Jr.

Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I have been a proud resident of Costa Mesa for 30 years and am a homeowner on the Westside. Our children have grown up here and attend NMUSD schools. We plan on staying in our home and are currently remodeling it. Costa Mesa's future is my family's future, and the nature, success and quality of the development of our community is critical to that future. I previously served on the Planning Commission from 2011-2016, including as Vice Chair and Chair. My service on the Planning Commission, career and professional experience have provided invaluable insight into how Planning Commission actions help protect what makes Costa Mesa a dynamic and unique city while improving the quality of life for Costa Mesa residents and businesses. I have lived in the Newport-Mesa area since 1979, and have lived and worked in Costa Mesa for over 30 of those years. I have worked in the environment and land use fields for 30 years, assisting private and government entities with everything from the entitlement and development of single-family residences in the Coastal Zone to 20,000-unit communities, stormwater compliance, energy siting, water and air quality, wildfire mitigation, environmental remediation, litigation, regulatory compliance, etc. I know and love this community and am cognizant of its many strengths as well as the areas where there is work to be done. Costa Mesa has an extraordinarily bright future, with significant planning and development opportunities. The Planning Commission will play a pivotal role in shaping that future, and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to contribute my experience and knowledge. #29#29

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? The implementation of Measure K and the redevelopment of the Fairview Developmental Center are of great interest to me. Both present opportunities for innovative and meaningful growth that maintains Costa Mesa's unique character. I am also interested in working collaboratively with City staff and the Council on achieving Housing Element compliance. These are major efforts, but every single project is interesting, and if appointed, I look forward to the many exciting projects and initiatives that our dynamic residents, property owners and the City undertake.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Robert L. Dickson, Jr.

Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Robert L. Dickson, Jr.

Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question

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728
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Christopher Karjala
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I have spent nearly my entire career in the Architecture and Engineering field, including residential Land Planning, Community Design, and Site development. I currently operate a commercial Electrical Engineering firm and provide design services for both municipalities as well as private owners on a wide variety of commercial and residential projects including public and regional sports and multi-use parks, public street lighting, custom residential, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and wireless projects. I feel that my understanding of utility infrastructure, design, and the permitting process gives me experience that will benefit the people of Costa Mesa.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I am keenly interested in maintaining a high quality of life for the residents of Costa Mesa through improvements to zoning, permitting and approvals, and planned upgrades integrating Community input.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#11#11

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729
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Christopher Karjala
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Chris Karjala
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 4
Q1
Full Name:

Kathryn Boren
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I am interested in serving my local community. I moved to beautiful Costa Mesa about two years ago, previously I lived in Fresno for 13 years and served on several appointed boards for non-profits and local government. Professionally, I have been in Public Relations and Public Affairs for the last 25 years and hold a Masters in the Science of Law with a focus on Water and Environmental Law. I was formerly the Senior Communications Officer for the California Department of Public Health's VaccinateALL 58 campaign which ran a $100m advertising and public relations/affairs program for the State during the pandemic, and currently work with environmental and sustainability clients in California and nationally.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I am particularly interested in helping Costa Mesa pursue its forward thinking agenda. I will go where I am most needed and my professional and education background will be of most service to my fellow community members.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#22#22

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 4
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Kathryn Boren
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Kathryn Boren
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Self Employed
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Principal and CEO
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Successfully stewarded large creative campaigns for clients and the state of California which included enlisting local artists who speak directly to their community for several commissioned projects.

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 4
Q12
Please share your background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

During my time in public relations and marketing, specifically on the VaccinateALL 58 campaign for the California Department of Public Health, we enlisted several local muralists throughout the state to represent their communities during one of the most difficult times in our recent history as a state and nation. We worked with over 127 different non-profits and local organizations to ensure the representation of the community was grounded in the community voice, allowing them to lead. I am proud to say that those murals survive today and are integral parts of the legacy of the pandemic that contribute beauty to the surrounding area commemorating a time and the people lost that indelibly remains with all of us.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the City of Costa Mesa? My grandmother passed away from COVID in 2021, she taught me to paint. I can remember hours spent with her when I was young laboring over oil paintings and watching her skillful hand sweep across the canvas. She imprinted an appreciation for art, what it does for the soul and how it can bring to life a place within oneself that is otherwise underrepresented with words. I want to serve on the Arts Commission to honor her legacy and to continue her pursuit of educating others about art.

Q14
Please share your vision for the arts in Costa Mesa:

I believe art is for everyone, it comes in so many forms and is so deeply personal to each that observes or creates it. My vision is one of education and exposure, ensuring we are promoting the arts in a versatile and accessible way.

Q15
Please share your experience in producing and/or participating in Arts and multicultural programing:

As mentioned above, an achievement I am particularly proud of are the COVID murals throughout the state, but I have participated in putting together many multicultural programs for and with the state and during my time at Fenton Communications. Fenton is the preeminent progressive communications agency in the country, focused on promoting diversity and inclusion through its work and subsequent thought and behavior change. During my time at Fenton I participated in some of the most forward thinking multicultural strategies for communication and implementation in the country. My clients included Amnesty International, Climate Action League, WK Kellogg Foundation, Irvine Foundation, Annie E Casey Foundation, Santa Barbara Foundation, Chef Ann Foundation, State of California and more. Although most of my time was spent on strategic communication, this comes with a great deal of art work, from digital graphic design to printed materials, murals all the way to billboards. In each on of our campaigns we looked at how to best spend dollars in a responsible and culturally competent way when producing artwork. It is of paramount importance to have first-person experience when representing a community, and I believe we did this work extremely well.

Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience, volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Please see above.
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 4 / 4
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
City Website
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Page 1 of 4 ends

If you DO NOT receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please contact our office at (714) 754-5225.

City of Costa Mesa
Application for Commission Appointment
All information on this page only, is considered public information and will be released to the public, including being posted on the City’s website.

Name:

Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

2. As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Russell Toler
Planning Commission
(see page 4)
(see page 3)
735

Page 2 of 4 ends

3. FOR ARTS COMMISSION APPLICANTS ONLY
Please complete the additional Arts Commission questionnaire and include with this application.

Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City’s website or distributed to the public. However, this information is still subject to release pursuant to the Cal
ifornia Public Records Act.

4. Contac
t Information:

Name:

Note
: Once appointed, Commission members must complete an Oath of Allegiance, administered by the City Clerk, required by Article XX, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Cal ifornia.

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am electronically signing my application.

Date:

Please submit application by mail, email or bring to City Hall no later than 5 p.m. on Friday , January 10, 2025.

The appointments are tentatively scheduled for the January 21, 2025 City Council meeting.

Mailing Address: City Clerk’s Office
City of Costa Mesa
P.O. Box 1200
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-1200
Phone: (714) 754-5225
Fax: (714) 754-4942
[email protected]
Russell Toler
1/6/2025
736
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission.

I think that the quest to get our built environment right is worthwhile and fascinating. Of course, “right” is subjective and an emotional topic for many, which is why it’s so important to have clear-thinking and rational community members to help guide us into the future. Such leaders need to be able to listen to and understand the needs of the community, to understand the basics of how local government works, and to grasp the realities of land economics. There are not many of those people around that are both able and willing to step up and serve in this capacity.

In the twentieth century cities drastically changed, along with the processes by which they evolve. Changes that used to happen incrementally based on immediate needs and economic feasibility now must navigate through overwhelming mazes that require specialists to navigate.

This has led to the emergence of an entire industry of bureaucratic professionals known as “planners.” I decided to become one of these planners–not because I enjoy the maze, but because I believe that the quality of the built environment really matters. Whether we realize it or not, it is tangled into the essentials for human thriving: beauty, community, safety and comfort, peace, freedom, convenience, and environmental stewardship.

In the twenty-first century, U.S. cities desperately need generalists–those who can see through the emotional impulsiveness of the masses and through the technical quicksand of the bureaucrats. We need people that can not only imagine better neighborhoods and cities–those that are human-scaled, green, and able to evolve incrementally from the ground up–but those who are committed to figuring out the best ways to improve them, whether that means smart government actions, or (more likely) getting government out of the way.

I am committed to this topic both personally and professionally. Personally I have served as a planning commissioner for four years, have helped lead the local safe streets advocacy group Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets for five years, and have helped organize several local Strong T owns gatherings. Professionally I am a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), serve on the board of the Orange County chapter of the American Planning Association (OC-APA), and work as a senior designer for a planning, urban design, and architecture firm.

The reason that I continue to involve myself in my hometown of Costa Mesa is because I truly believe that Costa Mesa is a special city, and that it has potential to become an even better version of itself. I wouldn’t say that about most Orange County cities, but I do say it about ours.

We’ve inherited Costa Mesa from previous generations who invested in this place and imagined a great future, and we should take this responsibility seriously–especially at our current crossroads. As we continue to grow–both artificially because of state intervention and organically because of sheer popularity–we must ensure that we grow well.

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As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I’m interested in the projects that will significantly shape Costa Mesa’s future: the Fairview Developmental Center Specific Plan, the large pipeline projects north of the 405, and the rezoning of the Measure K sites along our arterial corridors.

Regarding ideas, I look forward to contributing to discussions on policy, the zoning code, and our design guidelines). There is a lot of opportunity to revisit our 2015 General Plan policies, and refine them to better match what our vision has become over the last ten years. We should be striving to have straightforward review and approval processes that don’t screen out small players, as well as clear design expectations that prioritize what truly matters without burdening applicants with unnecessary minutiae.

My approach to urban design emphasizes allowing market forces to guide growth while ensuring the resulting environment remains humane and livable. Urban design isn’t everything, but it plays a critical role in shaping thriving communities. My approach is influenced by the ideas of Christopher Alexander, Strong T owns, and Jan Gehl, and I aim to thoughtfully apply these principles to Costa Mesa’s unique context.

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Jeffrey Harlan
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

As a former City Councilmember and Planning Commissioner, I have been intimately involved in the land use and development issues facing Costa Mesa for more than a decade. And as a land use attorney and urban planner who has served both public agencies and private property owners and developers for more than 25 years, I am well versed in big-picture policy planning as well as on-the-ground processing of development applications. I possess the local knowledge, technical skills, and subject matter expertise that is necessary to evaluate development applications and provide recommendations to the City Council on policy matters.

In addition to my institutional knowledge, I understand the complex (and sometimes competing) dynamics we face to serve current and future residents and businesses. Like other communities, we are subject to significant challenges--regulatory, economic, environmental--and establishing a solid foundation now for future planning and implementation is vital. I would be honored to continue serving the community and help shape our growth for the next generation of Costa Mesans.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? One of my primary interests is ensuring that Costa Mesa provides a variety of housing opportunities for existing residents as well as those who want to establish roots here. Having been involved in all aspects of the Housing Element update, I am eager to see the City implement critical programs to facilitate development of much needed housing. We have a number of initiatives—rezoning for Measure K sites, updating the Zoning Code, completing the master plan for the Fairview Development Center and our commercial corridors— that are critical to encouraging smart investment and will require the Planning Commission’s input. #24#24

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jeffrey Harlan
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Jeffrey Harlan
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question
Q11
Key Accomplishments:

Respondent skipped this question

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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

Garrett Whitfield
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

I aspire to join the City of Costa Mesa Planning Commission to proactively guide our community’s development, ensuring it remains a vibrant, sustainable place to live. Drawing on my background in real estate entitlements, construction, and development, I possess a thorough understanding of the challenges involved in the application and approval process, as well as the expertise needed to navigate the City of Costa Mesa Municipal Code, the 2015–2035 General Plan, and the Specific and Urban Plans. This foundation enables me to address complex decisions surrounding land use, zoning, and urban planning in alignment with the City Council’s goals.

By serving on the Planning Commission, I hope to foster thoughtful development while preserving Costa Mesa’s unique character— particularly safeguarding the fabric of single-family residential communities and resisting rezoning efforts that threaten their integrity. I also plan to strengthen the Commission’s ability to streamline an applicant’s approval process by ensuring each project aligns with the General Plan, and the objectives of both the City Council and the residents they represent. Leveraging my business acumen, I will strive to strike the right balance between fostering economic progress and ensuring strategic, sustainable growth that benefits current and future residents of Costa Mesa.
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 3
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? As a member of the Planning Commission, my priorities would include:

1. Safeguarding Single-Family Neighborhoods
Protect the character of single-family residential areas by resisting rezoning efforts that could undermine their integrity.

2. Streamlining Approvals for Thoughtful Development
Expedite the approval process for projects aligned with the General Plan and the objectives of the City Council and the local residents they represent.

3. Promoting Affordable Housing
Expand diverse housing options for all income levels within existing zoning guidelines.

4. Enhancing Transportation and Mobility
Improve roads and transit corridors to reduce congestion and facilitate better connectivity.

5. Boosting Community Engagement
Encourage broader participation in planning through workshops, forums, and digital platforms to ensure larger developments align with community needs.

6. Strengthening Economic Development
Support small businesses, attract new industries, and encourage tourism to foster a vibrant local economy.

7. Implementing Smart City Technologies and Upgrading Infrastructure Encourage the modernization of municipal services and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and create a better experience for residents.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Garrett%20Whitfield%20Resume.pdf (535.8KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Garrett Whitfield
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.
742
GARRETT S. WHITFIELD

WORK EXPERIENCE
07/16 – Present GSW DEVELOPMENT INC, Costa Mesa, CA
President
The Sora – San Pedro - 63 Unit Mixed Use Apartments
The Glendora Public Market & Residences – Glendora - Food Hall & Residences The Row at 2820 – Silver Lake – 6-Unit Small Lot Development 291 Walnut Street – Costa Mesa – Custom Single Family Home 284 Walnut Street – Costa Mesa - Custom Single Family Home 279 Flower Street – Costa Mesa - Custom Single Family Home 203 Opal Ave – Newport Bch - Custom Single Family Home

10/13 – 07/16 QUESTAR CONSTRUCTION, Irvine, CA
Project Manager
Chapman University Digital Media Arts Center (Phase 2) – Orange - $6.6 Million – Historic Chapman University Digital Media Arts Center (Phase 3) – Orange - $2.6 Million – Historic Chapman University Harry & Diane Rinker Vivarium – Irvine - $4.8 Million Centinela Hospital Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum – Inglewood - $3.2 Million – OSHPD Church of the Resurrection – Escondido - $7.8 Million
Irvine Company Verizon Campus – Irvine - $1.8 Million
FVRMC Emergency Generator & Service Upgrade – Fountain Valley – $1.5 Million – OSHPD Irvine Company Market Place Center – Irvine - $1 Million Irvine Company Sand Canyon Business Center Ext. Renovations – Irvine - $3.5 Million College Hospital Costa Mesa OR HVAC & Re-Roof – Costa Mesa - $2 Million – OSHPD Doctor’s Hospital of West Covina Materials Testing – West Covina – Under $1 Million Dignity Health Aesthetic Assessment of California Hospitals – Nor Cal – Under $1 Million Kaiser Permanente Brea Breezeway Additions – Brea – Under $1 Million Hoag Hospital Women’s Breast Ctr Upgrades – Newport Bch – Under $1 Million - OSHPD Hoag Hospital Co-Gen Water Leak Phase 3 – Newport Bch – Under $1 Million – OSHPD Tenet Healthcare Fountain Valley Hospital Upgrades -Fountain Valley- $5 Million - OSHPD

08/10 – 10/13 SUNDT CONSTRUCTION, San Diego, CA
Senior Project Engineer
Santa Monica High School Science & Tech. Bldg – Santa Monica - $55 Million –CHPS - DSA LAUSD South Region Elementary School #9 – Los Angeles – $21 Million – CHPS - DSA

06/08 – 06/10 WEBCOR BUILDERS, San Mateo, CA
Project Engineer
San Francisco General Hospital - San Francisco - $887 Million - LEED Silver Ritz Carlton Hotel & Residences at LA Live - Los Angeles - $550 Million – LEED Silver

EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, CA.

Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Graduated: May 2008
AFFILATIONS Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity - President (12/06 – 12/07) American Society of Civil Engineers Associated General Contractors of America Toastmasters International American Concrete Institute U.S. Green Building Council Round Table of Orange County

SKILLS Valuable Leadership Experience, Strong Writing Abilities, Excellent Communication Skills, Great Client Relations, Effective Time Management, Capacity to Handle Pressure. 743
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 5
Q1
Full Name:

Jennifer Leigh Tanaka
Q2
Indicate the name of the Commission you are interested in serving on:

Parks and Community Services Commission ,
Planning Commission
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City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 5
Q3
Indicate why you wish to serve on this Commission. Provide any experience or qualifications you may possess that you think would be beneficial to this Commission. A resume (optional) may be attached.

My career as a corporate attorney in the private sector has given me certain transferable skills that I believe would serve the city well.

But perhaps my best qualification is that I am a mother, a wife and a neighbor raising a family in a city that she loves. I want to preserve what makes Costa Mesa a special place while providing a sound foundation for future improvement. 745
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 5
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? In the planning and economic development departments, I am excited to see how major long-term projects like the Measure K site rezoning and the Fairview Developmental Center planning evolve. Each represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fully assess our current built environment and how it may adapt to changing demographics, transportation options, macroeconomics, and technology.

Additionally, while the PACS Commission has encouraged City Staff to provide frequent updates on our parks-related capital improvement projects, I would encourage PACS Commissioners to have a renewed sense of urgency in 2025. The Brentwood Park project, for example, is running behind schedule, and the PACS Commission should investigate why. It should also work with City Staff 746
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 4 / 5
to ensure future projects stay on track.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Resume%20(Jenn%20Tanaka).pdf (139.4KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jennifer Tanaka
Address:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Q7
Signature Required:

By checking this box and typing my name below, I am
electronically signing my application.

Q8
Full Name:

Jennifer Leigh Tanaka
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Respondent skipped this question

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Jennifer L. Tanaka

BAR ADMISSIONS
California State Bar 2017-Present
New York State Bar 2013-Present
2021-Present

VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATIONS
Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets
Vice President
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Costa Mesa City CouncilJanuary 21, 2025

Costa Mesa City Council
January 21, 2025