HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
City Council Interview Schedule
CURRE
NT MEMBER(S) W/EXPIRING TERM(S):
Member Appointment Date Term Expiration Status
Janet Hansen March 22, 2021 June 30, 2026 Ineligible; Termed out Jeffrey Herr June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026 Eligible; Reapplied Kurt Bachman June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026 Eligible; Reapplied VACANCIES TO BE FILLED:
New Term Expiration Recommendation(s):
06/30/2029 Jeffrey Herr (incumbent)
06/30/2029 Kurt Bachman (incumbent)
06/30/2029
06/30/2029
APPLICANTS:
Applicant District Notes
Larry Yarchever 2
Jeffrey Herr 4 Incumbent
Kurt Bachman 5 Incumbent
Gary Johns 5
David Hyams 4
Charlie Roddy 2 (Currently on Parks & Rec to expire 06/30/2026 – did not reapply for new term to that board)
ALTERNATE CHOICE
Tad Iwan 2 *First choice is AAB
Michael Faulkner 5 *First choice is AAB
Yehuda Gidron 2 *First choice is AAB
Frank Parksons 1 *First choice is Airport
Braulio Cisneros Outside of PS *First choice is Airport Sara Lilly 1 *First choice is HRC
Erin Sammons 3 *First choice is HRC
Andrew Johnson 2 *First choice is Library
Heidi Garza 2 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Peter Brown 2 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Vincent Devlin 1 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Evan Gray 3 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Paul DiLeo 1 *First choice is Public Arts
Roger Montelongo 2 *First choice is Planning
Robert McDonald 3 *First choice is Planning
Luke Fannin 2 *Frist choice is Sustainability
Andrew Weiss 5 *First choice is Sustainability
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD CURRENT ROSTER
Mem
bers Original Appointment Expires
Janet Hansen* - 4 March 22, 2021 June 30, 2026
Jeffrey Herr – 4 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Kurt Bachman – 5 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Katherine Hitchcock – 4 June 06, 2024 June 30, 2027
Michael Paonessa – 5 May 21, 2025 June 30, 2028
Eric McCready – 5 May 21, 2025 June 30, 2028
VACANT June 30, 2026
*T
ermed out – ineligible to reapply
LARRY YARCHEVER
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Historic Site Preservation Board
Date submitted: March 1, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Work
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Larry Yarchever
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
1633 Via Roberto Miguel
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(760)712-6568
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):
Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
I attend in person every monthly HSPB meeting since early 2024. The most recent one I attended was on February 3, 2026
Education
UCLA
Bachelor's degree, Economics 1981
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
I've lived in Palm Springs since 2020 when I purchased a Wexler Harrison home in El Rancho Vista Estates. I began a rehab/remodel of the home. I've continued the long tradition of Modernism Tours of our community each year. My home has continuously been on the Modernism tour as well as the Signature tour last month. Beginning in 2022 I hired historian Steven Keylon to work with me establishing my home at 1633 Via Roberto Miguel as a Class 1 Historic designation. With the work of Sarah Yoon and the unanimous vote of the HSPB (6-0) and the unanimous vote of City Council (5-0) in the fall of 2024 we achieved Class 1 status (#161).
CIVIC PROJECTS UNDERWAY:
Historic District Status - El Rancho Vista Estates
When I discovered that the City identified our Donald Wexler | Richard Harrison community as a potential Historic District, I gave several presentations to our homeowners stressing the vital importance of protecting our community and underscoring the city's desires. To date, I have assembled and lead a neighborhood committee, who understands the guidance of Steven Keylon to help us prepare properly, and under the guidance of Sarah Yoon, the City's Chief Preservation Officer, we are in the process of achieving this, the first and only single family detached homes designated as a Historic District. All others are either condominium or apartments.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT:
Palm Springs Holiday Parade - El Rancho Vista Estates Balloon walk As a Great Autos classic car club member, I donate my classic cars during Modernism week to homeowner tours and car events.
Home Owners Association Board Member (2014-2016)
San Marcos, California
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Branded Goods LLC
President and Owner (Since 2013)
Apparel Trading company
Jet Apparel
Vice President (1992 -2012)
Apparel Trading company
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
I have gained enormous knowledge of historic preservation challenges the board faces through the lengthy and sometimes arduous process of achieving Class 1 Historic Status through my own home's designation.
While I haven't yet served on the HSPB I am familiar with the regular functions, procedures, and duties carried out each month. I've witnessed them in action each and every month.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
The challenges I see facing the HSPB are many fold. The fine balance of preserving homes and commercial buildings in Palm Springs while at the same time approving adaptive re-use and or demolition are critical decisions board members must make in the best interests of our City.
I also see that the HSPB needs board members who have experience throughout the preservation process (as I do), own Palm Springs real estate, and have a love of preserving what came before us.
I travel southern California visiting and touring historic homes and buildings and believe we can usevl this knowledge here in Palm Springs.
JEFFREY HERR
(INCUMBENT)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Administrative Appeals Board
Date submitted: March 18, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Historic Site Preservation Board
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
JEFFREY HERR
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
7640 Calle Mazamitla
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(213)483-8381
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):
Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
Attended regularly scheduled meetings of the Historiuc Site Preservation Board as a board member including this year: 6 January, 3 February and 3 March 2025.
Education
California State University, Northridge - M.A./Art History (With Distinction) – 1988 Azusa Pacific University - B.A./English Literature – 1972
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
Curator, Hollyhock House 11/2004 –2/2020
Directed the preservation and a comprehensive restoration of the 1921 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Aline Barnsdall residence. Collaborated on the UNESCO World Heritage List nomination culminating in the 2019 inscription of “The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright”.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Commissioner – Historic Site Preservation Board, Palm Springs, CA (2023 – present) Member – Aluminaire House Launch Committee, Palm Springs Museum of Art (2024) Docent – Desert X (2023)
Director – Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy (2017 – present) Director – American Friends of Attingham (2006 – 2014)
Director – Design and Decorative Art Council, Los Angeles County Museum of Art Docent – The Gamble House, Pasadena (1990 – 1996)
Docent – Venice Family Clinic Art Walk/Artist Studios (’92 ‘94, ‘98, ‘99)
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
The HPSB reviews applications for historic site designations, major alterations, and demolitions. It is the brief of the board to ascertain whether these requests meet the criteria set forth in the city’s ordinances and make recommendations to the City Council. The board relies on a City’s preservation officer for staff reports and guidance in determining whether to recommend designation or to take no action allowing a project to proceed pending approval by City Council. The HSPB also sponsors a biannual community preservation colloquium “Preservation Matters”.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
There is no orientation manual for new board members. Three years ago I had to learn on the fly. My prior experience facilitated this process but for new members onboarding during my term, it was evident that the lack of formal instruction was an impediment to smooth
functioning. This is something that could be remedied by a board committee tasked with the creation of an orientation manual.
KURT BACHMAN
(INCUMBENT)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Historic Site Preservation Board
Date submitted: March 20, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Parks & Recreation Commission,Planning Commission,Public Arts Commission First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Kurt Bachman
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
975 E Camino Parocela
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(773)316-6707
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):
Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
I’m a current board member, wrapping up my 3rd year of my 1st term.
Education
B. Arch – Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI B.S. – Architecture (Architectural History Concentration), Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
Work Experience:
Project Manager / Designer: Eric Mullendore, Architect – Interior Designer, Evanston, IL (2000 – Present)
-High-end residential architecture and interior design firm, specializing in historical / landmark properties – in the Chicago area, and across the country.
Civic Involvement:
-Board Member (current Vice-Chair): Historical Site Preservation Board, Palm Springs, CA (2023-2026)
Other:
-Docent / Board Member: Glessner House Museum, Chicago, IL (1998 – 2002) -Docent / Board Member: Pleasent Home House Museum, Oak Park, IL (2002-2019) -Docent: Henry Clarke House Museum, Chicago, IL (1998-2002) -Docent: Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, (2001-Present) Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
HSPB – Palm Springs:
-The seven member board meets monthly to review, tour and identify potential worthy sites, and recommend & nominate potential historic sites, buildings & districts, to city council for potential landmark status.
-The board promotes public awareness & education regarding the value of The City of Palm Springs cultural heritage – buildings and sites – for the past, present and future of the community.
-Promote public awareness & educate the public and property owners re: the regulations governing preservation & restoration – and also educate and promote the value (both financially and culturally) to themselves, their immediate neighborhood, and the larger community / city / region.
-
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
All boards, communities and cities face issues / problems – how we engage w/ these issues, over come them, is the key. The HSPB does a good job across the board, and one aspect of
their operation that I especially appreciate is the in-depth and sometimes quite passionate (and varied) views of the board itself, and also w/the property owners, community members and the public at large. One issues that we have been looking at – in stops and starts over the past almost 3 years is how to continually shape the narrative, the discussion, the approach as we all move thru time together – adjusting and adapting (and editing) approaches that maybe have worked in the past (but no longer serve), or new views on new approaches and ways to serve the goals and community better in the future. Always adjusting evolving conditions and views and weaving them into the bigger picrture and approach.
GARY JOHNS
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Historic Site Preservation Board
Date submitted: April 4, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Historic Site Preservation Board
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Gary Johns
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
2428 South Sierra Madre
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(760)327-7290
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):
Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
I would like to serve on the HSPB again, I am a former board member and have served as chair of the HSPB. I have experience in the workings of the board.
I am currently the (volunteer) president of the non-profit Palm Springs Preservation Foundation and secretary (volunteer), board of directors, Modernism Week. I enjoy contributing to my community and have 20 years of institutional knowledge of preservation successes and losses in Palm Springs.
I believe experience, knowledge and my personal commitment for bettering Palm Springs through preservation of our historic resources make me a good candidate.
Education
I have no educational background in historic preservation.
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
I am a full time, career (50 years) Realtor and am active in the Palm Springs market, representing both buyers and sellers of Real Estate.
I serve on the boards of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation and of Modernism Week.
I have presented an educational talk during Modernism Week entitled: Lost, Saved and Endangered. This free talk educated as well as entertained audiences. Over a 12 year period this talk was updated yearly to stay current with preservation activities in Palm Springs. The “talk” is currently on hiatus.
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
I have served on the HSPB previously and am familiar with the board’s function.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
This is an exciting time for the city and for the HSPB. Through ongoing education the community has developed a favorable view on the merits and benefits from preserving our historic resources. I believe there are preservation actions on the city’s horizon that will be coming to the HSPB that I am well suited to help guide.
DAVID HYAMS
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Historic Site Preservation Board
Date submitted: April 19, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Measure
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
David Hyams
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
650 S Compadre Rd
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(925)999-5630
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):
Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
Feb 3 – Goulding Residence
Mar 3 – Dezart
Apr 7 – Snyder Residence
Education
1978 AA College of Marin
1980 BS Finance San Jose State University
1980 BS Accounting San Jose State University
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
1981-2015 Chevron Corporation
2026 Coachella Valley Senior Inspiration Honoree – Palm Springs Neighborhood Historian – Little Beverly Hills neighborhood 2020 championed a Walk of Star to the Alexander Family – left a lasting economic legacy to our City
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
Fosters public awareness and appreciation of our rich Cultural and Architectural heritage.
Id’s, nominates, recommends potential historic sites and districts What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
Suggestions:
1) Whenever possible recognize the Contractors – crews comprised City residents. Dieter Crawford told me that many crew members lived in Desert Highlands. 2) Foster education of residents on how to research their home and neighborhood history.
Empower Stewardship.
3) Assist neighborhoods with a high % of low income residents to better participate in the overall Modernism/Historical circuit. Demuth Park and Desert Highlands are examples of neighborhoods that could benefit
CHARLIE RODDY
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Historic Site Preservation Board
Date submitted: April 30, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Work ,Human Rights Commission,Public Arts Commission First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Charlie Roddy
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
2950 South Redwood Drive
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(760)567-8260
What other committees would you like to apply for if not selected to this committee? (List of all applicable open committees):
Interests & Experiences
Regarding the commission you are applying for, list dates of most recent meetings you have attended or watched
Online meetings
Education
U Masasachusetts B.S. 1973
UCLA M. Ed 1980
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
Director Of Development – Palm Springs Animal Shelter 2017-2018 Campaign Chair – Les Young for Palm Springs City Council 2118-2019 Communications Officer – ONE-PS 2019-2022
Alumni Relations Coordinator - Community Outreach 2022-2024 Director of Alumni Reltions – Amen Clinics 2024-2026
City of Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Commissioner 2024-2026 Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board is responsible for reviewing and protecting the city’s historic landmarks, districts and architcturl resources by overseing prservation standards, property cahnges, landmark designations and advising city leadership on historic preservaation policy.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
None at this time.