2. Parks and Community Services Commission Applications — Costa Mesa City Council, January 21, 2025

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

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

Parks and Community Services Commission
#4#4

Page 1 ends

ATTACHMENT 2
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 4
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.

Dear Members of the City Council,
My name is Jason Komala, and I am writing to express my sincere interest in serving as a Parks and Community Services Commissioner for the City of Costa Mesa. Having spent several years deeply involved in local community service, I am passionate about contributing to the development and preservation of green spaces and community services that enhance the quality of life for all residents. My background in leadership, strategic planning, and my personal commitment to Costa Mesa make me confident that I can be a valuable asset to this important role.

From 2015 to 2021, I had the honor of serving on the Cultural Arts Committee for the City of Costa Mesa, where I worked collaboratively with fellow members to promote and celebrate the arts in our city. Additionally, my volunteer work with the Fairview Park Alliance has been incredibly fulfilling, especially our current partnership with Kelly Dalton to help restore and preserve Fairview Park.

This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the vital role parks play in our community’s well-being, and I am eager to further contribute to their development and care.

I am also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Design, a journey that reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and my drive to continuously grow as a leader. This advanced degree is equipping me with cutting-edge strategies in design thinking, problem-solving, and the development of impactful systems, which I believe will enhance my ability to contribute to the Parks and Community Services Commission. My studies emphasize creating inclusive and effective solutions—a perspective that aligns closely with the city’s mission to serve all residents equitably.

I have a strong passion for ensuring our city continues to have accessible green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Parks are vital hubs for social connection, physical activity, and mental well-being. It is also essential to provide services that support all areas of Costa Mesa, particularly those that are underserved and underrepresented. I believe it is important to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the resources and spaces they need to thrive. As a commissioner, I would strive to champion this vision.

In addition to my community service experience, my background in organizational leadership gives me the skills to drive change and strategic initiatives. I hold a BA in Management and an MBA in Organizational Leadership Development, which has equipped me with the tools to lead large teams, foster a culture of collaboration, and align efforts with the city’s broader goals. These experiences, paired with my doctoral studies, have shaped my ability to think strategically and work effectively with diverse stakeholders to bring meaningful projects to life.

Ultimately, my desire to serve as a commissioner comes from a deep commitment to the future of our city. I want to contribute to the Costa Mesa we live in today and ensure it is a place our children and future generations will continue to love and call home. I look forward to the possibility of working together to make Costa Mesa an even better place for everyone.

City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 4
Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? As a Commissioner for Parks and Community Services I am not only inspired by my passion for protecting green spaces, but also because of my personal experiences as a new father and with elderly family members. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create community experiences that engage and inspire both our youngest and oldest citizens—something many people don’t think about until they need it.

For example, I remember trying to find senior center classes for my mom that would challenge her while also helping her build a social network. For my own kids, I’m always looking for activities that will help them develop team-building and social skills, while also letting them burn off some of that energy. To me, family is everything, and I believe one of the best services we can provide as a city is to help people care for those who once cared for them or those they care about. That’s why I’m passionate about contributing to the growth and development of community spaces that serve all generations.

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.

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: Jason Komala
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:

Jason Komala
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question

Page 2 ends

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

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

Parks and Community Services 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 would love to give back to the community. I have coached basketball for grades 6 to 7 and I have run over a dozen marathons and 24 half marathons. Parks and green spaces are important part of our community and I would love to help.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Helping with keeping Fairview Park clean. Organizing kids sports like basketball. Wherever I am needed.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#13# 13

Page 1 ends

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: James Peters
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:

James Peters
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

Page 2 ends

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)
#3#3

Page 1 ends

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

Page 2 ends

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

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)
#17#17

Page 1 ends

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

Page 2 ends

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.
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.

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

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

I have been a Costa Mesa resident for almost 40 years and am a current PACS commissioner Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Finding options like chess boards at parks for teens
Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#2# 2

Page 1 ends

Name: Brandice Lea Leger
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:

Brandice Lea Leger
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

Page 2 ends

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

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

I am interested in serving on the Parks and Community Service Commission because I care about and love the city I grew up in. I want to help conserve our parks and promote recreational opportunities for the youth growing up in Costa Mesa. As a kid, I enjoyed playing in our parks and participating in after-school activities while my mom worked. Much of what Costa Mesa offers helped me develop as a kid and put me on the right path. I want to serve as a commissioner to not only conserve our parks but to improve them as well. As crime in Costa Mesa is on the rise, a lot of the parks that I went to as a kid are becoming emptier due to the vast amount of homeless people who use the parks as a shelter. I believe this is a major issue that I’d advocate for reform on, and I would work with the council to bring forth ideas to tackle the problem. I believe what qualifies me to become a commissioner is that I am very involved in the community. When I canvassed for various political candidates during this recent election season, I knocked on doors near 19th Street and Placentia Ave. This is a sector of Costa Mesa that is predominantly Hispanic, and I spoke with voters who voiced concerns about the lack of recreational activities for their kids in the city due to the language barrier. Many people had told me that I was one of the very first people who had knocked on their door, not just to ask them to vote for a specific political candidate, but to ask them about their concerns. Many of them felt neglected by the current governance. I am educated and informed on this city's issues and have heard from the constituents. I am qualified to use that knowledge to help the community. I’ve always come up with innovative ways to tackle issues. For example, when I was in High School, many of the seniors who were eligible to vote had no clue there was even a midterm election occurring in 2022, so I took matters into my own hands and created a whole new section of the school newspaper that was politics related and reached out to Mayor Stephens and many of our elected officials in Orange County to conduct recorded interviews to spread civic awareness in the school and make students aware of the issues that affected them. I have a strong work ethic combined with my passion for the city and understanding of what we have to do, which has developed a personal drive for me to create change that would benefit the commission. #14#14

Page 1 ends

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 commissioner, I would like to help create more recreational opportunities and advocate for youth sports in neighborhoods with low access to existing ones. To help tackle the crime and gang issue, we must help prevent it from the root cause. Another area that I’d like to work on is ensuring our parks are safe and clean. The rise in homelessness that the city is facing has affected our parks. I would work with the council to advocate for policies that prioritize public safety to tackle this issue, such as increased park patrols and working with local organizations to help those who are battling addiction and mental health issues.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Updated%20Resume%20Jose.pdf (61.1KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jose Toscano
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:

Jose Luis Toscano
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:

Respondent skipped this question

Page 2 ends

Jose
Toscano

Political Science Student

I am dedicated to uplifting our communities and society and leaving a better future for generations. I am passionate about politics, government, community involvement, and law.

Contact

Education

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE
Political Science, Aug
2023 – May 2025.

Completing IGETC
Requirements to
transfer to a 4-year
university.

Languages

English (Fluent)
Spanish (Fluent)
Experience

PAID DISTRICT OFFICE INTERN CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE

On December 12, 2024, I interviewed for a position at State Senator Steven Choi’s district office in Irvine. The interview was conducted by Senator Choi, his district director Kyle Swarts, and Chief of Staff David Orosco. I was offered a paid internship in the office, which I accepted. As of now, December 16, 2024, I am currently in the onboarding process.

POLITICAL CANVASSER 2024 ELECTIONS
May 2024 – Nov 2024
I spoke with voters in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods and successfully persuaded them to vote Republican. I knocked on doors in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Seal Beach. I canvassed and phone-banked for various conservative candidates in Orange County through campaigns and activist groups.

LOSS PREVENTION CSA II THE TJX COMPANIES, INC.

Apr 2021 - Present
I partnered with the loss prevention detective to coordinate the apprehension of shoplifters. I filed reports on external theft incidents, recovered merchandise, and saved the company thousands of dollars in shrink reduction. To deter potential theft, I wore a tactical uniform with a body camera and a tactical vest. I also engaged in customer service at the front entrance of the store.

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

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

Parks and Community Services Commission
#33#33

Page 1 ends

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.

As a longtime resident of Costa Mesa and an active member of our community, I sincerely appreciate the vital role parks and community services play in enhancing our City’s quality of life. From creating inclusive recreational spaces to fostering community connection, this commission’s work aligns closely with my passion for ensuring Costa Mesa remains a thriving, welcoming place for all residents. Serving on the Parks and Community Services Commission offers an opportunity to leverage my skills and experience to give back to the community while shaping initiatives that benefit current and future generations by collaborating with the City staff and City Council.

My professional and civic experience equips me to contribute meaningfully to this commission:

Civic Engagement and Leadership in Costa Mesa: I have a strong history of serving our City, including my roles on the Fairview Park Steering Committee and the Animal Services Committee. In these positions, we worked collaboratively to enhance environmental sustainability, community engagement, and policy development. These positions deepened my understanding of balancing preservation, recreation, and resource accessibility to serve our diverse population.

Community Building and Advocacy: As a leader in organizing local events, I’ve demonstrated my commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among residents, officials, and stakeholders. I bring a track record of successfully uniting diverse groups around shared goals and priorities.

Strategic Communications and Project Management: As the CEO of a strategic communications agency, I’ve honed skills in community engagement, stakeholder communication, and project coordination. These skills are critical for facilitating public input and ensuring that commission initiatives are aligned with the community’s needs and values.

Passion for Parks and Green Spaces: My active participation in Costa Mesa’s community has reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible, well-maintained parks and recreational programs. From personal experiences as a dog owner visiting Fairview Park and TeWinkle Park almost daily to supporting family-focused events like the annual Barktober, I understand the unique needs of residents and the value these services provide.

Commitment to Inclusive Services: Through my professional and volunteer work, I’ve championed initiatives that promote inclusivity and equity. I am passionate about ensuring that all Costa Mesa residents, regardless of background or ability, can access recreational opportunities that enrich their lives.

My leadership style is rooted in collaboration, shaped by years of experience guiding diverse teams and managing initiatives that prioritize community needs. I approach challenges with an open mind, leveraging collective insights to develop thoughtful, practical solutions that address our City’s unique opportunities and complexities.

I am deeply committed to listening to and amplifying the voices of Costa Mesa’s residents, ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent, inclusive, and reflective of our community’s diverse perspectives. My goal is to represent all residents, fostering a sense of trust and shared ownership in our initiatives.

With a forward-thinking perspective, I strive to balance preserving our natural resources and community assets with the innovation needed to ensure our parks and community services remain relevant, accessible, and vibrant. By embracing tradition and progress, we can create spaces and programs that resonate with current residents and future generations alike.

Serving on the Parks and Community Services Commission would be more than a role to me; it is a chance to deepen my connection to Costa Mesa and contribute meaningfully to the city’s well-being. Collaborating with fellow commissioners and community members would be an honor to shape initiatives that enhance our quality of life and strengthen our shared sense of community.

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 prospective Costa Mesa Parks and Community Services Commission member, I am particularly interested in championing initiatives that enhance our community’s quality of life, promote environmental sustainability, and foster inclusive engagement. Drawing from current trends and best practices, here are several ideas and projects I would advocate for:

Consideration of Water-Wise Pocket Parks: Implementing small-scale, drought-tolerant green spaces can provide recreational areas while conserving water—a critical consideration for Southern California. Such parks have been successfully introduced in nearby communities, offering environmental and social benefits.

Community Engagement in Park Planning: A comprehensive community engagement strategy ensures that park developments reflect our residents’ diverse needs and desires. Resources like the National Recreation and Park Association’s Community Engagement Resource Guide can help create equitable access to high-performing parks.

Promotion of Inclusive Recreational Programs: Developing programs that cater to all age groups, abilities, and cultural backgrounds fosters inclusivity and community cohesion. Engaging with diverse community members during the planning process ensures that recreational offerings meet the varied needs of our population.

With a forward-thinking perspective, I aim to balance preserving our natural resources and community assets with the innovation needed to ensure our parks and community services remain relevant, accessible, and vibrant. By embracing tradition and progress, we can create spaces and programs that resonate with current residents and future generations alike.

We can further strengthen Costa Mesa’s parks system by focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and responsiveness to our community’s evolving needs.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Board%20Bio%20CRS.pdf (124.2KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Cara R. Stewart
Address:

Address 2:

City/Town:

ZIP/Postal Code:

Email Address:

Phone (cell):

Cara R. Stewart’s combination of strategic acumen, entrepreneurial success, and boardroom experience positions her as an ideal director for startups seeking innovative leadership and growth-oriented guidance.

Cara’s career began at the Orange County Register, where she honed her ability to craft compelling narratives and gained a deep understanding of public engagement. Leveraging her journalism background, she transitioned into strategic communications roles at global corporations such as Ingram Micro and Toshiba America Information Systems, as well as public agencies like the City of Anaheim Public Utilities.

These roles laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial pursuits and leadership in high-stakes industries.

In 2002, Cara founded WunderMarx, a solo consultancy that she scaled into one of the top three PR and marketing agencies in Orange County, California, in less than four years. WunderMarx set itself apart in the Southern California market by combining robust business consulting with integrated marketing communications. The agency served a diverse client portfolio—including distribution, logistics, semiconductors, enterprise SaaS, fintech, and medical devices—and played a key role in developing the brand reputation of emerging-growth companies. Notably, Cara led efforts that helped six client companies successfully navigate mergers, acquisitions, and significant institutional investments.

Cara’s entrepreneurial success continued with MyJane, a pioneering wellness-focused cannabis startup for women. Recognizing the untapped potential in the adult-use cannabis market, Cara accelerated MyJane’s growth through targeted branding and go-to-market (GTM) strategies, resulting in a successful acquisition by ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation within one year. At ManifestSeven, she served as Vice President of Marketing, leading a team of 24 specialists across two states and managing a $5 million P&L. She integrated acquired brands into a cohesive strategy and pivoted the company to a digital-first approach that drove a 40% year-over-year increase in e-commerce sales and listing on the CSE.

Areas of Expertise
Startup Strategy & Market Growth: Expertise in guiding early-stage companies through ideation, scaling, and achieving successful exits.

Integrated Marketing & Brand Development: Skilled in creating strategic brand and GTM plans that elevate market position and drive growth.

Boardroom Governance & Leadership: Proven experience advising boards and serving on nonprofit boards, providing strategic oversight and policy development.

Financial Acumen: Experienced in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and aligning marketing strategies with financial KPIs.

M&A and Change Management: Successful history of leading brand integrations post-acquisition and executing change management strategies.

Cara R.Stewart

S T R A T E G I C A D V I S OR , S T A R T U P

E X E C U T I V E & E N T R E P R E N E U R

BIOGRAPHY
Key Accomplishments
WunderMarx Growth: Founded and scaled the firm to a top-tier status in Orange County, achieving $3.1 million in annual revenue within four years. Led brand equity efforts for clients that contributed to six successful mergers and acquisitions, including Axiom Microdevices (acquired by Skyworks), GloNav (acquired by Broadcom), and OptionEase (acquired by Solium Capital).

MyJane: Co-founded and drove the rapid development of a unique wellness-focused cannabis brand for women, resulting in a strategic acquisition by ManifestSeven. Spearheaded market research with 42,000 Gen X and Baby Boomer women, built demand through focus groups and educational initiatives, and secured seed funding.

ManifestSeven Leadership: Oversaw an integrated marketing team, developed multi-brand GTM strategies, and introduced a digital-first approach that increased e-commerce sales by 40% YOY.

Initiated the company’s first community relations and cause marketing programs, launched educational retail events, and implemented a customer loyalty program.

Board and Advisory Experience
Startup Advisor: Provided strategic guidance to startups, focusing on market validation, GTM strategies, and growth.

Board Service: Active on the boards of nonprofit organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County and Irvine Valley College Foundation, contributing to governance, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Collaborative Philosophy
Cara brings wisdom, analytical depth, and visionary thinking to her board roles. Her approach is characterized by strategic foresight, balanced decision-making, and an ability to inspire high-level collaboration.

Skills and Competencies
Strategic Vision & Market Insight: Identifies market opportunities and devises strategic plans that position startups for success.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Skilled in managing large, multigenerational teams across various functions and locations.

Crisis Management & Communications: Developed industry-specific crisis communication protocols, including for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Effective in forging partnerships and building trust among stakeholders, board members, and key business partners.

Commu nity Leadership and Advocacy
Cara’s commitment to community service is evident through her advisory roles and civic involvement. She has been a mentor to startup founders, an advisor for SPARK Orange County, and a participant on city committees such as the Fairview Park Steering Committee and Animal Services Committee in Costa Mesa, reflecting her dedication to fostering both entrepreneurial growth and public service.

Contact Information

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

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

I am very passionate about my community and believe it is important for people to have a space to come together and feel a sense of belonging. I work for a Nonprofit and understand the importance of having dedicated volunteers to help further a mission.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I am interested in the ongoing revamp of lions park and finding a way to enhance Tewinkle park so that others may enjoy it as much as I do. In line with my career, I am interested in the Senior Center and all of their programming.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#34#34

Page 1 ends

Name: Lauren Weiss
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:

Lauren Weiss
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

Page 2 ends

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

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

Parks and Community Services Commission
#15#15

Page 1 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 2 / 4
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 can enhance this community through the careful stewardship of our public services and parks, and that is why I am applying to be considered for membership on the commission. My background as a consultant and project manager, where I've focused on leveraging data to meet concrete business objectives, aligns closely with the needs of this commission. My personal attachment and growing connection to our community further strengthen my candidacy.

Throughout my career, I have utilized data aggregation tools like Excel and Google Analytics to deliver actionable insights for clients, ensuring their business objectives are met efficiently. I take pride in my proficiency with Excel, which I understand is a valuable asset in municipal governance. With access to data sources, I can format information into a digestible format or, if necessary, create new data sets from existing artifacts which can then be analyzed.

I deeply understand the importance of maintaining safe, clean, accessible, and verdant public spaces, recognizing their significant positive impact on community well-being. Conversely, I am aware of the negative effects that neglected or unattractive public areas can have on our city's quality of life.

My experience collaborating with business team leaders and stakeholders to align financial strategies with community goals demonstrates my collaborative nature. I have managed demanding clients, preparing me to handle the varied expectations of our community members with grace and efficiency.

Appointing me to the Parks and Services Commission would not only leverage my existing skills but also fulfill a personal passion for public service. With the exception of parenting, Public Service numbers among the most thankless of tasks. Nonetheless, it is one of the highest callings that we as Costa Mesan's, Californians, and indeed as Americans we can embrace. Being of service to those around you is integral to a person's satisfaction with their own lives; and I am personally committed to this ethos in all its dimensions.

By appointing me, you would be ensuring conscientious management of our community resources, enhancing our city for everyone, and embracing my dedication to this wonderful community I have come to know and love. I am ready to serve and am available for any further discussion or questions you might have.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? Park Improvements; Tewinkle "Bark Park", Heller Park (recent vandalism there). Review and streamline staffing efforts and focus (Parks indicate no pattern of systematic management).

Generate New Community Events In Parks To Attract Businesses (Markets and Events).

Q5
Optional Resume:

Stephen_Smith_Parks_Service_2025.pdf (55KB)
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 4
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Stephen Smith
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:

Stephen Moore Smith III
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

Page 2 ends

Stephen M. Smith
LinkedIn • Costa Mesa, CA

Professional Experience
TTEC-Digital Costa Mesa, CA• September 2021 to Present Consultant, Technology Consulting (Technical Account Manager) • Elicit and document customer requirements from business users. • Work with developers to scope, estimate effort and manage the development process. • Translated technical issues into Amazon Connect and AWS solutions and services

Software Support Engineer
• Write code to maintain and improve customer call center performance. • Coordinate with Clients regarding improvements, additions and problem resolution in Amazon Connect and suite. • Manage, Update and implement solutions within Client code base to ensure operational efficiency and cost minimization.

Advanced Sterilization Products Irvine, CA • October 2019 to May 2020 Data Analyst
• Collaborated with Regulatory affairs to work through SAP data issues to ensure transition to new SAP instance. • Developed VBA tools to aid in rule reprogramming reconciliation efforts. • Initiated comprehensive cross system analysis of different product entries to conform to compliance issues.

Bravo Business Media Plymouth Meeting, PA •November 2017 to October 2018 Product Data Coordinator
• Wrote complex SQL queries around business problems to perform QA tasks. • Managed the data integration and quality assurance activities for over 200+ brands. • Created VBA tool to facilitate the identification and removal of problematic data patterns. • Conceived, developed and managed outreach campaign for brands through e-mails and phone calls.

Education
American University, B.A. Political Science • Washington, DC

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

Page 1 ends

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

Page 2 ends

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.

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.

Page 1 of 4 ends

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

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

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

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

I have had the privilege of serving on the PACS Commission for the past 4 years. My recent experiences have been involved in moving from plans and supporting our community during COVID lock downs, to planning and supporting the re-boot of community services, events, and planning for park renovations to planning on future resources and facilities across the city.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? I look to continuing my focus on expanding pickle ball courts, working on Fairview Park's plans to include educational resources to ensure it is protected for all future generations, updating and upgrading parks and playgrounds, curbing dogs off leash through education and resources, supporting the continued expansion of the partnerships between the city, NMUSD, and now OCC. The goal of my volunteer work and dedication is continued expansion of the quality of life for all through parks, community services, and events that enhance all residents and businesses in Costa Mesa.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Elizabeth%20Dorn%20Parker%20BIO_2024.pdf (97.2KB)
#9#9

Page 1 ends

Name: Elizabeth Dorn Parker
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 Dorn Parker
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

Page 2 ends

Elizabeth Dorn Parker, Ed.D.

BIO

Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker, Ed.D. has dedicated much of her career to working in public education, non-profit organizations supporting education, and volunteering in community-based organizations.

After retiring from her job at Orange Coast College Foundation as a foundation development, alumni and outreach specialist, she moved to being elected to the Coast Community College District Board. In her position at the OCC Foundation, she was responsible for developing and coordinating the activities for the Foundation, large donor development, community and business partner outreach, alumni engagement, and establishing new and on- going fundraising campaigns. In her new elected position, she continues to support not only OCC, but also now Golden West College and Coastline College with resources, partnerships and businesses.

From 1982 to 2014, Elizabeth served as an elected trustee on the Orange County Board of Education.

During her 32 years on the Orange County Board of Education, she was elected to leadership positions as President of O.C. School Boards Association and President of the California County Boards of Education. Additionally, Elizabeth was responsible for outreach and collaboration with business leaders, educational organizations, institutions, and legislative initiatives and laws on the local, state and federal levels.

Liz has an extensive history of being active in the community. Currently she is a member of the Samueli Academy Board of Education, a public charter high school serving foster and low-income students through innovative work-based learning. She is currently service at Costa Mesa’s PACS Commission Chair and recently joined the board of Save Our Youth (SOY). She has also volunteered her time as a board member and vice president of the Newport Harbor High School Foundation and board member and president of Newport Harbor Baseball Association and AYSO Soccer Region 97, and the Costa Mesa Women’s Club.

Liz received her Bachelor’s degree in Art History from University of California, Los Angeles, a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton, and a Doctorate in Education with a concentration on Community College Leadership at California State University, Fullerton. The doctoral research was a 9-year study of Community College Foundations across the country.

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

Page 1 ends

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.

Page 2 ends

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.

City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 4 / 4
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
City Website
City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 1 / 3
Q1
Full Name:

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

I am reapplying to serve on the Parks Commission because I care deeply about creating community spaces that are accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. My time on the Parks and Community Services Commission has given me valuable experience, from gathering public input on community gardens to giving feedback on $15 million in Capital Improvement Projects. I have worked through challenging discussions, provided thoughtful feedback, and stayed focused on the needs of our residents. As a local business owner, I understand the importance of balancing enhancements with maintaining the character of our community. I am open-minded, hardworking, and ready to contribute to shaping the future of Costa Mesa’s parks and green spaces.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? As a Parks Commission member, I’m interested in projects that expand and protect green spaces, make parks more accessible, and encourage community use. I’d like to explore adding more community gardens, outdoor dining areas, and family-friendly spaces like playgrounds and accessible seating. I’m also passionate about creating safe walking and biking paths that connect parks to neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses, making it easier for anyone to enjoy them. As we improve our parks, I’d like them to become more sustainable as well - using native plants and water-wise landscaping to keep our parks environmentally friendly. Most importantly, I want to help us listen to the community better to make sure our parks meet the needs of Costa Mesa residents.

Q5
Optional Resume:

Respondent skipped this question
#26#26

Page 1 ends

Name: Shayanne Wright
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:

Shayanne Wright
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

Page 2 ends

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

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

In my career I've worked at multiple summer camps in charge of recreation and games (Bayside Church & Forest Home summer camps). In these roles I was in charge of games and activities for high school youth. I've also been involved in a variety of Church youth groups.

My career is in technology and I've worked for sport tech companies and am currently working for iFIT (a Treadmill and Bike tech company).

A lot of my experience is in programing games, sports and being involved in the fitness world. I like in Eastside costa mesa with my wife, we have been here for 3 years and have been int he Newport/Costa Mesa area overall fore 8 years. I love Eastside and hope to have my kids grow up here one day and would love to be a part of building that.

Q4
As a Commission member, what ideas or projects are of interest to you? - Adult & Teen sports leagues
- General events
- Getting involved with more events on 17th street. I think that the Santa Walk in CDM is big hit. 17th is such a lively area, I would love to help come up with ideas to make that area more of a community hub for events. #27#27

Page 1 ends

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

Jordan%20Annis%20Resume%202024.pdf (56.6KB)
Q6
Contact Information:Note: This contact information will not be posted on the City's website or distributed to the public.

Name: Jordan Annis
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:

Jordan Annis
Q9
Current or Most Recent Employer:
iFIT Health and Fitness
Q10
Current or Most Recent Job Title:

Product Manager

Page 2 ends

City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 3 / 3
Q11
Key Accomplishments:
- Launched AI Fitness trainer to over 600,000 users
Q12
Please share your background and experience or knowledge of the arts (visual and performing), arts education, arts administration and community outreach/engagement:

I've spent years running and managing recreation for summer camps for teenagers.

Q13
Why are you applying to be an Arts Commissioner for the City of Costa Mesa? I want to get involved in Cost Mesa and our recreation and events. I love this city and want to make it a better place for my friends and future kids.

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

Respondent skipped this question
Q15
Please share your experience in producing and/or
participating in Arts and multicultural programing:

Respondent skipped this question
Q16
Please share any other relevant work experience,
volunteer work, community activities or memberships:

Respondent skipped this question
Q17
How did you hear about this opportunity?
Instagram
Jordan
Annis
Product Manager

EDUCATION
2015
Bachelor of Science,
Marketing
Azusa Pacific University
2020
Intro to Python Course
Udemy.com
SKILLS
● Python
● Javascript
● Figma
● Swift
● Jira
● Asana

CONTACTS

WORK EXPERIENCE
AI Product Manager| iFIT Health and Fitness
November 2023 - Present
● Manage AI Fitness Coach Product (in beta)
● Prioritize and write requirements for features for AI Fitness Coach product ● Work with marketing to create product education campaign ● Manage internal stakeholders expectations on product and feedback ● Review and work with Engineering team on AI prompts to ensure quality UX ● Implemented CSAT survey to identify customer needs and validate product Product Manager| Tenant (Property Management Software)
May 2023 - November 2023
● Managed Accounting product
● Prioritized and wrote requirements for features for Accounting product ● Worked with customers to identify use cases
Product Manager| iFIT Health and Fitness
October 2021 - November 2022
● Managed customer engagement and subscription products ● Collaborated with finance executives to build revenue generating initiatives ● Worked with over 30 engineers to deliver on product initiatives ● Delivered “Digital Trophy Case” to over 1 million users ● Communicated product initiatives to executive stakeholders ● Reviewed and set KPIs and metrics for product division to execute on division goals

Product Manager| Self-employed
April 2020 - August 2021
● Built a website where customers can sign up for pilates classes (Squarespace + Mindbody Integration)
● Consulted for a Tax Investigation company and product managed a customer intake flow
● Consulted as a product manager on a Loan Origination system specializing in disclosure integration; managed document integration with the system Product Manager| Trace (Youth Sports Computer Vision Highlights) March 2019 - April 2020
● Worked with Head of Product and CEO to come up with iOS app strategy and initiatives
● Built inventory and logistics system for hardware (grew business to $2M ARR) ● Oversaw feature (iOS and Hardware) that allowed customers to view the uploading status of sensor and video data
● Managed 2 full-time and 4 part-time employees in the Logistics Department ● Managed 2 full-time employees on the Customer Service team for ~4 months;

builttieredcustomersupportandoutsourcedteamtoscalewhiledoublingcustomernumbers● Collectedfeedbackfromcustomersregularly(5-10timesperweek)

ProductManager|EthosLendingApril2016-January2019● Partneredwithsalesexecutivestoexecuteonrevenuegeneratingproductfeatures● Deliveredfeaturesforfinancialsoftwareplatformthatfunded$5.5Binloans● BuiltBrokerPortal(coreproduct)productredesign● Ledteamof10engineersandanalystsasproductmanagerandScrumMaster● Managedgrooming,road-mapping,andbacklogprioritizationwithexecutives● Wrotereleasecommunicationforinternalstakeholdersandcustomers● Builtintegrationwiththirdpartydocumentmanagementplatform● MaintainedspringplanningandScrumMasterduties 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
#28#28

Page 1 ends

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.

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.

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 City of Costa Mesa Application for City Commission (Dec 24'- Jan 25') 4 / 5
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.

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

Page 2 ends

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

Costa Mesa City CouncilJanuary 21, 2025

Costa Mesa City Council
January 21, 2025