ATCH 1 - Applications — Napa City Council, July 21, 2026

Submit Date: May 08, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
Upload a Resume
City of Napa Boards, Commissions, & Committees Appliction Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
36 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Education:

M.F.A. University of Colorado, Boulder 1980 B.F.A. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 1975
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:

Gender *
Female
Interests & Experiences
Elizabeth P. McKinne
Self Visual Artist
Elizabeth P. McKinne
ATTACHMENT 1
Note: This application allows you to apply for multiple Boards, Commission and Committees; however, only one application can be submitted. Please ensure that your responses clearly address your interest, qualifications, and relevant experience for each
Board, Commission or Committee you are applying to.

Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Cultural Heritage Commission: Submitted
Members can only serve on 1 commission, committee or board at one time. If you are applying multiple bodies, which would you perfer? Cultural Heritage Commission
Community Service Experience:

Member of Napa County Landmarks preservation non-profit Previously appointed member of the Preservation Advocacy Committee for NCL Host for Historic Old Town community event, Porchfest Host for The NCL Candlelight Tour for my residence at 459 Randolph Street Docent for The NCL Candlelight Tour
Trustee of The Oxbow School, Napa, from 2000-2006
Question applies to
Cultural Heritage Commission,
Planning 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
Other relevant experience or expertise:

I have been a commissioner for the Cultural Heritage Commission for the last 3 years and it has been an honor to do so.

Historic architecture and interiors are a near life-long passion of mine. I am an old house owner and have been very engaged in the restoration of two houses in Napa Abajo/Fuller Park, one built in 1884 and the other in 1896. I have been an advocate for my National Register District as well as other historic neighborhoods in Napa. In addition to my role as a commission for the CHC, I have attended preservation workshops held by SHPO and the California Preservation Foundation. I am actively involved in historic preservation in Napa, where I have served on the Preservation Advisory Committee of Napa County Landmarks. Much of my free time is spent trying to educate myself about preservation, period interior design and architecture as well as planning matters related to historic preservation. I have been a resident of Old Town Napa for 36 years and am familiar with many of our historic properties and architectural styles found in Napa.

I have an
education in the visual arts and was a color consultant for (primarily) residential projects.

Elizabeth P. McKinne
Additional Questions
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? The Cultural Heritage Commission has many duties, among them: The CHC makes decisions as to whether projects submitted are compatible with the Secretary of Interior Standards and Napa’s Municipal Code regarding historic preservation. It makes decisions regarding appropriate adaptation and preservation of local historic properties. The CHC makes recommendations and advises the City Council on preservation matters and historic cultural resources. The CHC considers proposed changes to a recognized historic property and decides whether these projects qualify for a certificate of appropriateness. It determines eligibility and awarding of Mills Act contracts.

Have you ever attended a meeting of this board?
If so, how many?
Many meetings over many years.

What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
Everything is interesting to me.

What activities of this board are least interesting to you? None. I am interested in all aspects of preservation brought to the CHC.

What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I would like to see the CHC fulfill one of its responsibilities as a Local Certified Government body by holding workshops and preservation educational presentations for the public. I think this would encourage preservation in the public at large and guide people toward appropriate solutions for their requested projects. I think if our residents were better informed about preservation they would gain even more of an appreciation of Napa's historic districts as a very valuable cultural resource. I believe there is a need for the Napa Planning Department to engage a dedicated preservation planner to help property owners with the process of gaining permits for projects that involve preservation questions. In many instances a specialized preservation planner may help property owners avoid having a hearing at the CHC if the issues can be handled well by the dedicated planner, one who is well trained in applying and upholding the Secretary of Interiors Standards to projects.

How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? I believe the CHC can schedule the educational projects in conjunction as this is acknowledged as part of its duties. Changes re: a dedicated preservation planner in our Planning Department and authorization of the CHC to uphold its recommendations would require approval from the Napa City Council.

Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? No. I am a member of Napa County Landmarks which also promotes preservation in Napa, a goal compatible with serving on the Cultural Heritage Commission.

How did you learn of this vacancy?

Other

Elizabeth P. McKinne
Applicants appointed to a Boards, Committee, or Commission will be required to take an oath of office. All application will be kept on file for one year from the date of application.

Public Records Act
Applications are public records that are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Information provided by the applicant is not regarded as confidential except for the addresses and phone numbers of references and the applicant's personal information including home and work addresses, phone numbers and email address.

Question applies to multiple boards
Form 700 Conflict of Interest Code
California Fair Political Practice Website
Please note that appointees will be required by state law and city conflict of interest code to file financial disclosure statements.

Elizabeth P. McKinne

ELIZABETH MCKINNE/CV
BIRTHPLACE Raleigh, North Carolina

EDUCATION
1980 M.F . A., Painting, University of Colorado, Boulder 1975 B.F . A., Painting, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

EXHIBITIONS
2026 “Making Yout Mark,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA (Mark Eanes, juror)
2025 “Where the Spirit Meets the Bone,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA
(Dianne Williams, juror)
“Forma Natura,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA (Alisha Escott, juror)
2024 “Pint Size 2, Small Scale Artwork, ” Transmission Gallery, Oakland, CA
“Salon at the Triton: A 2D Art Competition and Exhibition, Santa Clara, CA (Aly Gould, juror)
2023 “Miniatures,” Spotlight Gallery, Napa Valley Museum, Yountville, CA
2022 “Gems V,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA
2021 “Happenstance,” MarinMOCA, Novato, CA (Zoe T aleporos, juror)
“Crocker Kingsley Annual,” Blue Line Arts Gallery, Roseville, CA,
(Carrie Lederer, juror) Award: 2nd Prize; catalogue
2019 “Microcosms II,” Gallery 621, Benicia, CA (Chester Arnold, juror)
2018 “No Mud, No Lotus,” Orangeland Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2016 “Forma Natura,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA (Mark Eanes juror)
2015 “Variations on Abstraction, 2010-2015,” T ransmission Gallery,
Oakland, CA
“Fragments: The Art of Collage and Assemblage,” Arts
Benicia Gallery,
Benicia, CA
“Botanica: All Things Plant Life,” Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA
(Ken Harman and MacKenzie Stevens, jurors)
2014 “2014 Juried Art Show,” Piedmont Center for the Arts, Piedmont, CA
(Carin Adams and Caitlin Haskell, jurors)
“(n)Collage,” Petaluma Art Center, Petaluma, CA, (Inez
Storer, curator)
“Altered Landscapes,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA, (Phil Linhares, juror)
“Slice: A Cross-Section of Regional Art 2014,” Pence
Gallery, Davis, CA,
(Carrie Lederer, juror) Award: 3rd Place
“Micro Visions: Smaller than Small,” Red Dot Gallery,
Sacramento, CA
2013 “Gems II,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA
“Slice: A Cross-Section of Regional Art 2013,” Pence
Gallery, Davis, CA
(Rachael T eagle, juror)
“Vessels,” Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA, (Larry Rinder, juror)
2010 “Antivore Antics,” Auction, di Rosa Preserve, Napa, CA 2007 “Moonproof Madness,” Auction, di Rosa Preserve, Napa, CA 2004 “25th Anniversary Exhibition,” University Art Gallery, Sonoma State University Art Gallery, Sonoma, CA
2003 “Au Naturel,” Auction, di Rosa Preserve, Napa, CA
2002 “Director’s Cut,” Auction, di Rosa Preserve, Napa, CA 2001 “Operating Systems,” Susan Cummins Gallery, Mill Valley, CA
“Underfoot,” Centro Cultural Alumni, Sao Paulo, Brazil
1998 “20th Anniversary Exhibition, Part II, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Rental Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1997 “Shape of Memory,” Susan Cummins Gallery, Mill Valley,

CA (SOLO)
“Small Works,” Susan Cummins Gallery, Mill Valley, CA
“So Long Salon,” MIA Gallery, Seattle, WA
1996 “Drawings: Realism to Abstraction; A Contemporary Survey of the Bay Area, T riton Museum of Art, Santa Clara,
CA
“Garden Impressions,” Hewlett-Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, CA
1995 “Works on Paper,” MIA Gallery, Seattle, WA (SOLO)
“Diminutive Pairs,” Patricia Sweetow Gallery, Napa, CA
“USA Within Limits,” Galeria Milan, Sao Paolo, Brazil
1994 “Ruminations,” Codorniu, Napa, Napa, CA (SOLO)
1993 “Summertime,” MIA Gallery, Seattle, WA
“Gender Specific,” MIA Gallery, Seattle, WA
“Botanic,” Sean Elwood Fine Art, Seattle, WA
1990 “Elizabeth McKinne, Katherine Jernberg,” Gump’s Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1989 “Elizabeth McKinne, New Works,” Janet Steinberg Gallery, San Francisco, CA (SOLO)
“Columbus, 149201992,” Galleria San Benigno, Genoa,
Italy
“Drawings, Part I,” Iannetti-Lanzone Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1988 “Elizabeth McKinne, Drawings,” San Marco Gallery, Dominican College, San Rafael, CA (SOLO)
“Art LA ’88,” Janet Steinberg Gallery, Los Angeles
Convention Center
Los Angeles, CA
“Sixteen Young Bay Area Artists,” Clara Hatton Gallery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
“T enth Anniversary Exhibition,” San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Rental Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1987 “Bay Area Artists Small Works Invitational,” Janet Steinberg Gallery,
San Francisco, CA
1986 “Elizabeth McKinne, Paintings and Drawings,” Janet Steinberg Gallery,
San Francisco, CA (SOLO)
“Elizabeth McKinne, Drawings,” Hanes Art Center Gallery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (SOLO)
“The Right Foot,” San Francisco Arts Commission, San
Francisco
International Airport
“The Flower and Garden Show,” DW Gallery, Dallas, TX
“Elizabeth McKinne, Eleanor Rufty,” Reynolds/Minor
Gallery,
Richmond, VA
“Recent Drawings from Northern California,” Memorial
Union Gallery,
University of California, Davis
1996 “California Paintings,” J.B. Speade Museum, Louisville, KY “Master Lines,” Palo Alto Cultural Center, Palo Alto, CA 1985 “Elizabeth McKinne, Elements Gallery, New York, NY (SOLO) “Pro Arts Annual,” Pro Arts, Oakland, CA
1985 “Bay Arts ’85,” Arts Council of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA “Artquest ’85,” Los Angeles, CA (Finalist)
1984 “Elizabeth McKinne, Paintings,” Anna Gardner Gallery, Stinson Beach, CA (SOLO)
“Julia Marshall, Stuart Fineman, Elizabeth McKinne,”
Janet Steinberg Gallery, San Francisco, CA
“Arrangements,” San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
San Jose, CA
“The Subject is Objects,” Hearst Art Gallery,
St. Mary’s College, Moraga, CA
1982 “Works on Paper,” Sebastian Moore Gallery, Denver, CO “Vessels,” University Art Gallery, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
“Art for Limited Space,” Anna Gardner Gallery,
Stinson Beach, CA
“Small Format,” Spring Annual at The Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA (Amsterdam Art Award)
“Group Exhibition,” San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Rental Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1980 “Elizabeth McKinne, Graduate Thesis Exhibition, Sibelle- Wolle
Fine Arts Building, University of Colorado, Boulder
(SOLO)
1981 “California Works ’81,” Sacramento, CA (Honorable
Mention)
1979 “4 for Christmas,” St. Charles on Wazee Gallery, Denver, CO
1978 “Introductions ’78,” Van Doren Gallery, San Francisco, CA “Stockton National 1978, Contemporary
Trends in Printmaking
and Drawing,” Stockton, CA
1976 “Art of the Carolinas,” The 1976 Springs Traveling Art Show, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina
1975 “The Springs Mills Show,” Lancaster, SC (Honorable Mention)

TEACHING
1992 Instructor, Drawing, Sonoma State University,
Rohnert Park, CA
1988 Visiting Artist Instructor, Children’s Drawing Workshop, LEAP,
San Francisco, CA
1987 Artist in Residence, San Francisco School of the Arts, San Francisco, CA
1986 Artist in Residence, San Francisco School of the Arts, San Francisco, CA
Instructor, Drawing Workshop, College of Marin,
Kentfield, CA
1980 Graduate Instructor, Painting, Drawing University of Colorado, Boulder

ARTIST LECTURES
1988 Dominican College Lecture Series, San Rafael, CA
Sonoma State University Artist Lecture Series,
Rohnert Park, CA
1987 “Process” Visiting Artist Lecture Series, California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, CA

AFFILIATIONS
2000-2006 Trustee of The Oxbow School, Napa, CA

SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Ackland Loan Collection, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Americana Hotel, San Francisco, CA
Amoco, Denver, CO
ArtVentures, San Francisco, CA
Atlantic Richfield, Dallas, TX
Horne, McClatchy and Coblentz, San Francisco, CA
Itel Corporation, Chicago, IL
Kaiser Permanente, Roseville, Pleasanton, South Sacramento and Vallejo, CA
Kimpton Investment Co., San Francisco, CA
F .R. Mayer Investments, Denver, CO
McClutchen, Doyle, Brown and Enersen, San Francisco, CA Betty Irene Moore Hall, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA
Nordstrom, Corte Madera, CA
Pacific Bell, San Francisco, CA
Paine Webber, Inc., San Francisco, CA
Paribas T echnology, San Francisco, CA
Cindy Pawlsen, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, St. Helena, CA Progressive Corporation, Pepper Pike, Ohio
SSI, San Francisco, CA
Saintsbury, Napa, CA
Somach, Simmons and Dunn, Sacramento, CA
UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
Unisource Financial Group, San Francisco, CA
Yokahama Royal Park Hotel, Yokahama, Japan
Western Paintings Conservation, Denver, CO

BIBLIOGRAPHY
New American Paintings, Book XXXI, Open Studio Press, January 2001.

Miller, Alicia. "Scott Greene and Elizabeth McKinne at Susan Cummins Gallery." ARTweek, CA, August 1997.

T elford, Anne. "Elizabeth McKinne." Art, Northern California Home & Garden, CA,
October 1989.

Baker, Kenneth. “Group Show at Iannetti-Lanzone.” San Francisco Chronicle, June 21,
1989.

Tromble, Meredith. "Elizabeth McKinne at Janet Steinberg," T ranscript of radio show,
West Coast Weekend, KQED-FM, San Francisco, CA, March 5, 1988.

Nadaner, Dan. "Direct Marks and Layers of Mystery," ARTweek, CA, May 30, 1987.

Jordan, Jim. "Drawn to Richmond, Bay Area Drawing," East Bay Express, Oakland, CA,
July, 10, 1987.

Tromble, Meredith. "Bay Area Drawing," Transcript of radio show, West Coast
Weekend, KQED-FM, San Francisco, CA, May 16, 1987.

Kutner, Janet. "Exhibits of a different color." The Dallas Morning News, TX, April 16,
1987.

Merritt, Robert. "Rufty, Drought expand imagery." Richmond Times- Dispatch, VA,
May 24, 1986.

Winter, David. "Elizabeth McKinne." ARTnews, NY, Summer 1986.

Shere, Charles. "T wo-woman exhibit is alive with spontaneity." Art Scene, The Tribune,
Oakland, CA, March 18, 1986.

Dickson, Joanne. “Art Notes.” Point Reyes Light, CA, April 26, 1984.

Bragdon, Phyllis. "Everything she does focuses on her everyday environment." Marin
Independent Journal, CA, April 23, 1984.

Singletary, Suzanne M. "Works on Paper at Sebastian-Moore Gallery, Denver."
Art Space, Summer 1982.

McDonald, Robert. "T wo Emerging Artists." ARTweek, CA, July 29, 1978.

Frankenstein, Alfred. "He's Ushering in The Brave New World." At the Galleries,
San Francisco Chronicle, CA, July 22, 1978.

Bloomfield, Arthur. "Little Refreshment on the Art Gallery T our." S.F.

Examiner, CA,
July 12, 1978.

Submit Date: Jun 12, 2026
First Name
Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address
Suite or Apt
City
State
Postal Code
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
Employer
Job Title
Upload a Resume
City of Napa Boards, Commissions, & Committees Appliction Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
24 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?

Yes

No
Education:

University of California, Berkeley - Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Design, Architecture University of Washington, Seattle- Masters of Architecture MA / Certificate of Historic Preservation and Planning
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:

Gender
*

Female

Interests & Experiences
Sarah
L
Van Giesen
Self
Architectural Designer /
Project Manager
Sarah L Van Giesen
Note: This application allows you to apply for multiple Boards, Commission and Committees; however, only one application can be submitted. Please ensure that your responses clearly address your interest, qualifications, and relevant experience for each
Board, Commission or Committee you are applying to.

City of Napa Cultural Heritage Commission - 2003 - Present, Chairperson Napa County Landmarks -
2007 -
2018 - Vice President, Secretary Downtown Specific Plan Steering Comm. - 2009 - 2012, Preservation Professional Alta Heights Magnet School Site Council - 2010 - 2016, Chairperson;
Leadership Napa Valley - Class 25 - 2012 - 2013 Napa High School Sports Booster Board Member - 2017 - 2023
See attached resume
Question applies to
Cultural Heritage Commission,
Planning Commission
Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals".

You may attach your resume below.

Yes

No
Other relevant experience or expertise:

Please see attached resume.

Additional Questions
Sarah L Van Giesen
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? My understanding of the Commission's role is to serve the City Council by helping protect and preserve Napa's historic and cultural resources. This includes reviewing and making decisions on Certificates of Appropriateness, providing recommendations based on the Historic Resources Element and preservation policies, and ensuring that proposed changes to designated historic properties are appropriate and sensitive to their historic significance.

The Commission also plays an important role in educating the public, promoting awareness of Napa's cultural heritage, and advocating for thoughtful preservation throughout the community.

Have you ever attended a meeting of this board?
If so, how many?
YES - too many to count for the last many years
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
The Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) process remains the most interesting, challenging, and rewarding aspect of serving on the CHC. When a project comes before the Commission, I value the opportunity to work through the process from start to finish, considering community perspectives and project goals to reach a thoughtful and appropriate outcome. It is especially rewarding to collaborate with staff and applicants to find solutions that balance the needs of the applicant, the City, and the surrounding neighborhood. Serving in this role on behalf of the City and Council has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my years on the CHC.

What activities of this board are least interesting to you? Policy training and regulatory updates are an essential part of serving on the CHC, though perhaps not the most exciting. The process can be lengthy and detail-oriented, but it is a necessary and informative responsibility that helps us serve the community effectively.

Sarah L Van Giesen
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? Historic Signage: I would like to see the City build on the success of the Calistoga Avenue Historic District signage project by creating a sustainable citywide historic signage program.

There is renewed interest from neighborhood groups, particularly in the Napa Abajo–Fuller Park area, and I would support forming a CHC subcommittee to pursue funding opportunities, perhaps through measure G, and partnerships to advance future signage installations.

Historic District Designation: A related priority is moving identified "potential" historic districts toward official designation. The Page & Turnbull Historic Context Statement has already identified and prioritized several (9) districts worthy of recognition. Working with City Council to designate these areas would help preserve Napa's historic character while strengthening cultural tourism and community identity. I would especially like to see Napa Abajo–Fuller Park become the next local historic district and serve as a model for future preservation efforts.

Public Education and Heritage Programs: I would also like the CHC to continue supporting projects that celebrate Napa's history, including the Napa RiverLine (where more emphasis can be placed on Napa's Historic Chinatown), and the Legacy Businesses Program (partnering with Napa County Landmarks).

I feel the CHC may have a
positive impact on providing more active support to NCL as we have done for so many years.

These projects provide opportunities for public education, interpretation, and community engagement while highlighting the stories that make Napa unique.

Preservation / Reuses of
Historic Resources: The upcoming renovation of the 93-year-old historic Franklin Street Post Office presents an important opportunity to preserve one of Napa's key civic landmarks. I would like to see the CHC play an active role in ensuring a thoughtful review process, with adequate time and comprehensive application materials to evaluate the project's preservation approach and long-term impact.

I would like to explore opportunities to reuse
significant historic materials, such as the stonework from the former Napa Creek bridge, in future civic projects or public art installations. Perhaps they can finally be used as public art in some areas of the RiverLine or Riversound Projects.

Preserving and repurposing these
tangible pieces of Napa's history would create a meaningful connection between the City's past and its future.

How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)?

1. Historic Signage Program: Work with City staff, fabricators, and Public Works to complete the design, fabrication, and installation of historic district signs and monuments in appropriate and well-considered locations.

Look for funding through Measure G and other
community partnerships.

2. Napa Abajo–Fuller Park Local Historic District: Partner with neighborhood residents, preservation advocates, City staff, and SHPO to create an efficient nomination process. Conduct public outreach and informational meetings to build awareness and support for local district designation.

3. Potential Historic Districts: Collaborate with
neighborhood groups, City staff, SHPO, and preservation consultants to prioritize and advance the designation of the historic districts identified in the Page & Turnbull Historic Context Statement.

Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? No
How did you learn of this vacancy?

Other

Sarah L Van Giesen
Applicants appointed to a Boards, Committee, or Commission will be required to take an oath of office. All application will be kept on file for one year from the date of application.

Sarah L Van Giesen
SARAH L. VAN GIESEN – VAN GIESEN DESIGNS

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: 25 plus years as a manager of people, design, & construction. Proven expertise in troubleshooting and quickly reaching solutions for difficult situations.  Comprehensive Design / Construction T raining: 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, T enant 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
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 – Non-Profit Napa High School Volunteer roles:

Mascot Retirement Committee
Sports Booster Executive Committee
Boys Soccer T eam Rep – 3 yrs
Leadership Napa Valley (LNV) – Class 25
Member of Chaperone Group that took U12 Premier Soccer T eam to Budapest Hungary – summer 2016
Alta Heights Magnet School - School Site Council, Chairperson, 2010 - 2016 Downtown Napa Specific Plan Steering Committee Member, 2009 - 2012 Chair of 300+ person fundraiser, Gator Royale, Alta Heights Elementary School, 2009 - 2010 Joint Venture Committee of Napa County Landmarks & Napa County Historical Society, 2011 - 2015 Napa County Landmarks, Vice President and Board Member, 2007 - 2018 Commissioner on City of Napa Cultural Heritage Commission, 2003 to present Member National T rust for Historic Preservation, Napa County Historical Society & CA Preservation Fdn.

Lifetime Member University of California Alumni Assn. and NCAA / California Varsity Women’s Crew Alumni
Hobbies include: Painting, sketching, photography, travel, triathlons, skiing and singing in choral groups.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - NEXT PAGE
SARAH L. VAN GIESEN – EXPERIENCE
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 MCM style. 3) Napa Home renovation/addition of 30’s Bungalow. Etc. 4) Northstar at T ahoe - 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. 2014 – 2020 NAPA DESIGN PARTNERS
(NDP)
Napa,
CA

DESIGNER, PRESERVATIONIST, PROJECT MANAGER
Design and Preservation work Include: Submitted and received approval for NPS Preservation Historic T ax Credits (3.7 million) for the Gordon Building; consulting on Historic renovations to the Gordon Building. Providing historic preservation and design services/guidelines to maintain the historic integrity in the new hotel design in the Historic Franklin Post office. 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. Performed Several Historic Resources Surveys for properties in the Napa Valley.
1998 – 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 / RFI’s on site. Responsible for creating construction budgets & schedules and for managing the professionals. Projects include: Don Fisher (Gap CEO) Residence; SEPHORA – West Flagship; Williams-Sonoma and PB stores.
1997 - 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 T amalpais & Mill Valley Residences. 1996 - 1997 BACKEN ARRIGONI AND ROSS, INC. (BAR)
San Francisco,
CA

JUNIOR ARCHITECT / JOB CAPTAIN
Responsibilities: 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; Rhoda Goldman Assisted Living and Adult Day Care facilities for seniors / JFCS renovations / adaptive re-use to historic building. 1996 – 4 months SIMON MARTIN-VEGUE WINKELSTEIN

MORRIS (SMWM)
San Francisco,
CA

DESIGNER / TEAM LEADER
Responsibilities: Worked directly with Karen Alschuler on Berkeley Civic Center and Berkeley downtown master plans. Performed presentations on Berkeley HS renovation and Hunters Point Shipyard Redevelopment Plan. Worked with Cathy Simon on the schematic design for Bard College Redevelopment.
1995 - 1996 CLARK ASSOCIATES (current name – CLARK /

BARNES)
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 docs and permitting. Renovated Commercial Kitchen choosing new equipment and finishes. Chose new windows as well as new FFE for overall building renovation.

Submit Date: Jun 22, 2026
First Name
Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address
Suite or Apt
City
State
Postal Code
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
Employer
Job Title
Upload a Resume
City of Napa Boards, Commissions, & Committees Appliction Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
35 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?

Yes

No
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
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:

Gender
*

Male

William
A
Tuikka
Retired
City Planner, Historic
Preservation Specialist
(retired)
William A Tuikka
Interests & Experiences
Note: This application allows you to apply for multiple Boards, Commission and Committees; however, only one application can be submitted. Please ensure that your responses clearly address your interest, qualifications, and relevant experience for each
Board, Commission or Committee you are applying to.

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
Question applies to
Cultural Heritage Commission,
Planning Commission
Some Commissions and Boards require specific seats to be designated as "Design Professionals".

You may attach your resume below.

Yes

No
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.

William A Tuikka
Additional Questions
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! William A Tuikka
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.

How did you learn of this vacancy?

Other

Applicants appointed to a Boards, Committee, or Commission will be required to take an oath of office. All application will be kept on file for one year from the date of application.

William A Tuikka

Napa City CouncilJuly 21, 2026

Napa City Council
July 21, 2026