Submit Date: May 15, 2024
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
City of Napa Boards & Commissions
Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
35 years
Length of Residence in the County of Napa:
35 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Ethnicity *
Caucasian/Non-Hispanic
Interests & Experiences
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Cultural Heritage Commission: Submitted
William A Tuikka
Napa CA 94558
Retired
City Planner, Historic
Preservation Specialist
(retired)
William A Tuikka
ATTACHMENT 1
Upload a Resume
Question applies to Planning Commission,Cultural Heritage Commission Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals". Are you applying as a Design Professional, which is defined as, "a person who demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the City Council, that he or she has professional experience (in the fields of architectural design, landscape architecture, urban planning, building, sustainability, or a related field) that is sufficient to assist the member in the effective evaluation of applications for development projects." ? If you have marked "YES", please provide details under "Relevant Experience" in this section. You may attach your resume below.
Yes No
Community Service Experience:
Reading tutor for elementary school children, City of Salem, MA 1968 -1969 Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, Massachusetts 1978 -1980 Volunteer Docent, East Bay Regional Park District 1985 City of Napa Tree Commission 1990 -1999 Napa County Landmarks Volunteer 2010 - present Napa County Landmarks Board Member 2012 - present Napa County Landmarks Board Vice-President 2015 - present Eagle Cycling Club, member and Volunteer 1995 - present Napa Vine Trail, Volunteer 2014 - present Napa County Bike Coalition, Volunteer 2006 - present Current member of the Cultural Heritage Commission 2014 - present Board member, Casitas Arenas Homeowners Association, Palm Springs, 2016 - present
Education:
Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA BS Geography, Secondary Teaching Credential, 1972 San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 45 graduate units in Social Psychology, Public Administration, 1980 to 1983 San Jose State University, San Jose, CA Masters Urban Planning, (MUP) 1989 UC Extension, Certificate Program in Historic Preservation Participation in courses, 1990 through 1995 American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification Received Certification in May 1994 Other relevant experience or expertise:
Previously employed as a historic preservation planner by the City of Vallejo since February 2003 until October 2018. Position involved staff to Vallejo's preservation commission (AHLC) since 2004 and responsible for all phases of Vallejo's preservation program including serving as Vallejo's Certified Local Government Coordinator. Previous experience working on preservation projects during my employment as a planner for the City of San Rafael from November 1987 through January 2003. Principal staff to San Rafael's Design Review Board, 1994 to 2003 During the 1970's I owned and restored an 1850's brick colonial in central Massachusetts.
Additional Questions
William A Tuikka
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What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? The Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) is responsible for determining if projects are consistent with Napa's preservation policies set forth in the Municipal Code and for determining consistency with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and any applicable local specific plans and policies. The CHC is also responsible for advising the Council on a range of historic preservation issues, including designation of local, state, and Federal landmarks, and historic districts.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? I am currently a member of the CHC.
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
I am committed to preservation issues on the local level and would like to bring more awareness of historic preservation to Napa's property owners. I enjoy participating in the outreach efforts that furthers the CHC's objectives and visibility. My expertise is in applying the Secretary's Standards and the Standards required by the City of Napa's Municipal Code with regard to properties on the Historic Resources Inventory What activities of this board are least interesting to you? I am keenly interested in all aspects of historic preservation. I cannot think of any items or activities that the CHC has participated in during my tenure that I do not find engaging and relevant.
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I would like to see a process where the Commission can implement a "sub committee" that would meet informally with applicants to assist in project compliance on minor projects that do not have to come to a public hearing. I would also like to assist in preparing programs that would provide for additional public visibility of preservation issues that affects Napa's homeowners. This could be accomplished through workshops and publications. I also believe that the Commission should have 7-members in order to allow commission members greater participation in sub-committees. Additionally, as I suggested during the public hearings for the General Plan update process, I believe that the Planning Department should consider hiring a preservation consultant on an as-needed basis to assist the currently overworked staff with preservation projects.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? In addition to participation by CHC members in outreach activities mentioned above, I would like to involve other preservation experts to assist in community training and workshops.
Additionally, many homeowners believe that owning a historic property makes changes and improvements to their home a bit daunting. I would like the City's workshops to be instrumental in educating homeowners that preservation can be economically rewarding, aesthetically good for the community, and is not complicated! Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? I serve as a Board member for Napa County Landmarks (NCL), and also the co-chair of the Napa County Landmarks Preservation & Advocacy Committee. I do not believe that my participation with Napa County Landmarks would be in conflict. My volunteer efforts with Napa County Landmarks simply underscores my interest and expertise in historic preservation. Furthermore, having worked in local government for approximately 30 years, I am familiar with the applicable conflict of interest rules and policies.
William A Tuikka
ATTACHMENT 1
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Other
William A Tuikka
ATTACHMENT 1
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Submit Date: Jun 07, 2024
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
City of Napa Boards & Commissions
Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
25 years
Length of Residence in the County of Napa:
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Ethnicity *
Caucasian/Non-Hispanic
Interests & Experiences
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Cultural Heritage Commission: Submitted
Sarah L Van Giesen
t
Napa CA 94559
Self
Designer / :Preservationist /
Project Manager
Sarah L Van Giesen
ATTACHMENT 1
Upload a Resume
Question applies to Planning Commission,Cultural Heritage Commission Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals". Are you applying as a Design Professional, which is defined as, "a person who demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the City Council, that he or she has professional experience (in the fields of architectural design, landscape architecture, urban planning, building, sustainability, or a related field) that is sufficient to assist the member in the effective evaluation of applications for development projects." ? If you have marked "YES", please provide details under "Relevant Experience" in this section. You may attach your resume below.
Yes No
Community Service Experience:
Please see attached resume. Volunteering continues to be a priority in my life! I worked to create and launched a new non-profit in 2023 to provide an outlet for our next generations to find meaningful and active pathways to preserve our world's environments - check it out - it's called We Save The World. Bold, I know...but we need to be! Since I can remember, my parents put volunteering in our families' lives as a priority to give back to our communities, I continue to do so, and have created two more excellent and active volunteers in my kids. I love our City of Napa and plan to continue to be a very active volunteer and steward as long as possible!
Education:
U.C. Berkeley - Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, College of Environmental Design University of Washington, Seattle - Master of Architecture and Certificate of Historic Preservation Planning and Design
Other relevant experience or expertise:
Please see attached resume.
Additional Questions
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? To serve as best I can to represent the will of the City Council. To listen to the public and do research on specific topics to make fair and informed decisions. To provide the City Council with further ideas / programs to keep our City a Certified Local government - historic preservation education / outreach to the community, etc.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? 20 years worth
Sarah L Van Giesen
ATTACHMENT 1
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
Working with staff and the fellow commissions on the more challenging Certificate of Appropriateness applications to find an excellent compromise that all will find acceptable. By working hard to find an acceptable and approved COA, the commission's efforts will then produce an excellent project that will be a City of Napa success story for years to come! Really enjoy visiting the proposed projects and getting on site clarifications from the owners / design professionals about the project / design intentions. and details What activities of this board are least interesting to you? Although it's very important to all commissions, the Brown Act training still remains some of my least favorite activities.
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? This is FIRST AND FOREMOST these 2 items are still a priority for me: 1) After working on creating, designing and implementing the City of Napa Historic Signage program, I want to FINALIZE getting the first Historic District Designation Signs finally installed in the Calistoga Historic District! I also want to complete the process to finalize the deal to install the informational monumental sign that talks about the Calistoga neighborhood! 2) I would also like set into motion the continuation of the Signage Program in the other Potential Historic Districts. Therefore, we as a City should really look to set up a phased approach to designate the next City of Napa Historic Districts as noted in the Page and Turnbull City Wide Historic Context Statement. Coming in as a close Third Priority: I also want and hope our commission will be able to get further clarity on the priorities of and help to implement the City of Napa Historic and Cultural Resources Element as outlined in the City of Napa 2040 General Plan adopted in October of 2022. Looking to help the City refine and update the upcoming Design Guidelines for our historic districts. Hope we can really focus on best rehabilitation and renovation practices for our existing gems and give sound Secretary of Interior Standards guidelines for possible new infill structures. Really want to work to get the CHC Commissioners familiar the priority of using "green" building practices. And a fourth BIG PRIORITIY - is to truly update the HRI - which needs significant additions and revisions to bring the survey to an accurate and effective preservation document to properly protect our historic resources.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? Districts: Work with City Planning Staff to discuss first getting Napa Abajo / Fuller Park designated as a LOCAL historic District. We can write a grant if need be to work with SHPO to get this in motion. Or? CLG: Plan and implement some educational outreach for our community about the importance of "green" building practices, how homeowners can use the CSHBC to their advantage to renovate historic homes and show current practices, and thus encourage seismic strengthening projects for the owners of our historic buildings. More topics can be added as we create a planned workshop schedule...as we previously used to do! HRI UPDATE: Work with the City of Napa Planning Staff to schedule WHEN and how we can get this is the city of Napa Budget and plans for implementation.
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? NO.
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
Sarah L Van Giesen
ATTACHMENT 1
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Other
Sarah L Van Giesen
ATTACHMENT 1
SARAH L. VAN GIESEN – VAN GIESEN DESIGNS
.
Napa, California 94559
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
• Communication: Proven ability to work on multiple tasks in a coordinated team effort to achieve common goals. Excellent verbal presentation and written communication skills.
• Management Experience: 22 plus years as a manager of people, design, & construction. Proven expertise in troubleshooting and quickly reaching solutions for difficult situations.
• Comprehensive Design / Construction Training: Experience in the development of projects through all phases of design and construction. Solid foundation with schematics, design development, construction documents, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, construction admin. and punch lists.
• People Relations: Successful experience working with Clients, Engineers, Architects, Tenant Coordinators, Owner’s representatives, subcontractors and vendors as a liaison between all involved parties.
EDUCATION:
Master of Architecture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA Certificate of Achievement in Historic Preservation Planning and Design
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, College of Environmental Design, University of California at Berkeley
Graduated with Honors
PERSONAL AWARDS:
College of Architecture and Urban Planning Award for Group Projects, U of W Student Award for Outstanding Preservation / Adaptive Reuse Project, U of W Associated Students of UC Berkeley, Bears Lair Design Competition Awarded 1st place in an open competition for a $1.2 million renovation of the restaurant & bar / entertainment facility.
AFFILIATIONS / HOBBIES:
We Save the World, Vice President and Board Member, 2022 to Present Napa High School Volunteer roles:
Mascot Retirement Committee
Sports Booster Executive Committee
Boys Soccer Team Rep – 3 yrs,
Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) – Class 25, 2012.
Member of Chaperone Group that took U12 Premier Soccer Team to Budapest Hungary – summer 2016 Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) – Class 25, 2012.
Alta Heights Magnet School - School Site Council, Chairperson, August, 2010 to 2016 Downtown Napa Specific Plan Steering Committee Member, June 2009 to 2012 Chair of 300+ person fundraiser, Gator Royale, Alta Heights Elementary School, August 2009 to March 2010 Joint Venture Committee of Napa County Landmarks & Napa County Historical Society, Oct. 2011 to 2015 Napa County Landmarks, Vice President and Board Member, October 2007 to October 2018 Commissioner on City of Napa Cultural Heritage Commission, June 2003 to present Member National Trust for Historic Preservation, Napa County Historical Society & CA Preservation Found.
Lifetime Member University of California Alumni Association and NCAA / California Women’s Crew Alumni Hobbies include: Painting, sketching, photography, travel, triathlons, skiing and singing in choral groups.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - NEXT PAGE
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SARAH L. VAN GIESEN – EXPERIENCE
August 1999 - Present VAN GIESEN DESIGNS
Napa, CA
DESIGNER, PROJECT MANAGER, PLANNER
Designs Include: 1) S. F. Pacific Heights Renovation-interior finishes & colorist consultant; re-design of all window fenestration. 2) Vallejo House renovation from Bungalow style to 50’s MMM style. 3) Napa Home renovation/addition of 30’s Bungalow. Etc. 4) Northstar at Tahoe - gutted 1972 condo and oversaw renovation of one bath/one bedroom to two baths/two bedrooms. 5) Scientopia Discovery Center-site acquisitions/design. 6) Various Home renovations / consultations – Napa Valley. Currently writing proposals September 2014 – January 2020 NAPA DESIGN PARTNERS (NDP) Napa, CA
DESIGNER, PRESERVATIONIST, PROJECT MANAGER
Design and Preservation work Include: Submitted and received approval for NPS Preservation Historic Tax Credits (3.7 million) for the Gordon Building ; consulting on Historic renovations to the Gordon Building. 2) Providing historic preservation and design services/guidelines to maintain the integrity of the new hotel design in the Historic Franklin Post office. 3) Historic Goodman Mansion – renovations to the EQ damage; new decks, and steel construction with custom detailing 3rd floor egress stair. Renovations to Wine Management office.
August 1998 – June 2000 FISHER DEVELOPMENT, INC. (FDI) (current name - FISHER) San Francisco, CA
PROJECT MANAGER / ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Responsibilities: Reviewed and analyzed all cost implications for Architects and Engineers Sketches / Bulletins as on site construction manager. Contributed to the resolution of architectural / construction detail revisions on site. Responsible for creating a construction budget & schedule and for managing a team of professionals &.
Projects include: Don Fisher (Gap CEO) Residence; SEPHORA – largest store in the West ; Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn stores.
May 1997 - July 1998 BALDAUF CATTON VON ECKARTSBERG ARCHITECTS (BCV) San Francisco, CA
JUNIOR ARCHITECT / PROJECT MANAGER
Responsibilities: Assisted Principals with design and responsible for construction documents, permitting, and construction admin on an upscale residences. Worked on design development and construction documents for high-end retail & restaurants. Responsible for design development, permitting, and construction documents on well-respected bakery. Projects Include: Pottery Barn & Williams-Sonoma stores; Broadway Pointe retail shops; Il Fornaio & Piatti restaurants; Artisan Bakers; Napa Valley-Big Ranch, Mount Tamalpais & Mill Valley Residences.
May 1996 - May 1997: BACKEN ARRIGONI AND ROSS, INC. (BAR) San Francisco, CA
JUNIOR ARCHITECT / JOB CAPTAIN
Responsibilities: Performed design development and construction documents on high-end retail stores & complexes. Of a two-person team responsible for schematics and design development on large Assisted Living facility. Projects Include: Pottery Barn & Ralph Lauren-Polo; Disney-Japan, Marine Learning Center at Ft. Mason; UCSF/Mt. Zion Assisted Living and Adult Day Care facilities for seniors.
April 1996 - May 1996 SIMON MARTIN-VEGUE WINKELSTEIN MORRIS (SMWM) San Francisco, CA
DESIGNER / TEAM LEADER
Responsibilities: Worked on Berkeley Civic Center and downtown master plans. Performed presentations on Berkeley HS renovation and Hunters Point Shipyard Redevelopment Plan. Schematic design for Bard College redev.
January 1995 - January 1996 CLARK ASSOCIATES
Seattle, WA
PROJECT MANAGER / LEAD DESIGNER
Responsibilities: Designed and developed the Saint Martin’s College Old Main Building, a fast-track fire renovation in Olympia, WA. Conducted all CA. The project phases included contractual issues, site analysis, building design, construction documents and permitting. Chose finishes for overall building renovation.
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