PLANNING COMMISSION
City Council Interview Schedule
CURRENT MEMBER(S) W/EXPIRING TERM(S):
Member Appointment Date Term Expiration Status
Carl Baker 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Reapplied
David Murphy 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Reapplied
Robert Rotman 06/27/2023 06/30/2026 Eligible; Reapplied
VACANCIES TO BE FILLED:
New Term Expiration Recommendation(s):
06/30/2029
06/30/2029
06/30/2029
APPLICANTS:
Applicant District Notes
Chris Ruetz 3
David Murphy 5 Incumbent
Carl Baker 2 Incumbent
Roger Montelongo 2
Robert Rotman 2 Incumbent
Robert McDonald 3
ALTERNATE CHOICE
Tad Iwan 2 *First choice is AAB
Antun Barbato 4 *First choice is AAB
Michael Faulkner 5 *First choice is AAB
Bashar Halabi 5 *First choice is Airport
Frank Parksons 1 *First choice is Airport
Chad Steinmetz Outside of PS *First choice is Airport
Jorge Romero-Lozano 4 *First choice is Airport
Monzerrath Ortiz 1 *First choice is HRC
Frank Cimaglia 3 *First choice is HRC
Levi Knapp 5 *First choice is HRC
George Nickle 3 *First choice is HRC
John Laino 2 *First choice is Measure J
David Anderson 2 *First choice is Measure J
ChadSebastian Wilder 1 *First choice is Measure J
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
Timothy Holmes 3 *First choice is Parks and Recreation
Robert McDonald 3 *First choice is Planning
Luke Fannin 2 *First choice is Sustainability
Andrew Weiss 5 *First choice is Sustainability
Matt Robinson 4 *First choice is Village Fest
PLANNING COMMISSION CURRENT ROSTER
Members Original Appointment Expires
Scott Miller* – 4 Jan. 13, 2022 June 30, 2027
Kathy Weremiuk* – 1 Jan. 7, 2020 June 30, 2027
Lauri Aylaian* – 5 June 24, 2021 June 30, 2027
Carl Baker – 2 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
David Murphy – 5 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
Robert Rotman – 2 June 27, 2023 June 30, 2026
John Morrill – 3 June 6, 2024 June 30, 2027
Megan Hernandez (NV) – 1 May 14, 2025 June 30, 2028
*Termed out – ineligible to reapply
CHRIS RUETZ
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Planning Commission
Date submitted: March 9, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Measure
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Chris Ruetz
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
1073 E. Buena Vista Drive
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(415)306-2069
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 have watched meetings regularly and have attend the past two meetings in February in person.
Education
Masters Degree in Philanthropy
Bachelors in Business
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
Currently Chair of ONE-PS, Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (for seven years prior, member of the board). I will not seek re-election as chair for 2027 Currently Community Engagement Lead, Blue Zones Project Palm Springs Former Director of Major and Planned Given, DAP Health
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
I am quite familiar with the process of commission work and meeting protocols. Rules of order. Respect for public access to information and in addressing the body. My technical / professional experience in this work is limited. I do believe my civic experience would add a dimension to the commission that is not currently obvious.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
No problems or issues, per se. My experience in neighborhood leadership as well as the understanding of what motivates (and triggers) neighborhoods could be of service to the Commission. Too often I hear the frustrations of neighborhoods about the status and the lagging timelines affecting development projects; notably hotels. I believe I could provide the Commission with a unique perspective from the largest constituency in Palm Springs, as well as ways in which the Commission could best communicate about development projects, with the goal of calming the unsettled as well as securing support, as appropriate. I would not be serving both as Planning Commissioner and Chair of ONEPS simultaneously. I am not seeking re-election to an unprecedented fourth term. However, I would remain on the board as a non-voting, ex-offcio member.
DAVID MURPHY
(INCUMBENT)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Planning Commission
Date submitted: March 26, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,N/A
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
David Murphy
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
410 E Avenida Olancha
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92264
Phone:
(415)310-3530
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 currently serve on the Palm Springs Planning Commission. My 3-year term expires June 2026. Our last Planning Commission hearing was 3/24/2026.
Education
bachelor of Science degree University of Minnesota
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
I worked for several healthcare software companies throughout my career in an executive capacity including Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Client Services, Planning & Business Development.
I have volunteered for many years assisting the homeless population including starting a advocasy group in Palm Springs called Community Partnership on Homelessness.
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
I have gained a solid understanding of the policies, hearing procedures, roles and responsibilities of the commissioners and the planning department staff. Over time I have developed an appreciation of the nuances associated with many different types of applications coming in front of the commission. I have also developed a working understanding of various State regulations and local zoning guidelines that impact commission decisions along side of the General Plan.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
I think probably the current most important issue relates to how the Planning Commission and the ARC navigate the softer boundaries between the role and responsibility of each body. Over time and with renewed focus, the efforts of our current Chair and the Director of Planning have been effective in improving this process during the public hearings, which can take consistent vigilance. Subcommittees comprised of members from each body also seem to be effective.
CARL BAKER
(INCUMBENT)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Planning Commission
Date submitted: April 8, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,N/A
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Carl Baker
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
1391 E Padua Way
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(310)497-5692
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
Current member.
Education
BA, MA, JD
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
Current planning commissioner. Former sustainability commissioner.
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
Current commissioner.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
Commissioners tend to veer off topic and not focus on the specific item presented.
ROGER MONTELONGO
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Planning Commission
Date submitted: April 29, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Airport Commission,Historic Site Preservation Board,Parks & Recreation Commission,Planning Commission,Public Arts Commission,VillageFest Board First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Roger Montelongo
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
200 E Francis Dr
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(512)420-7171
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 have not yet attended a Planning Commission meeting, as I have recently relocated to Palm Springs. While I am still new to the community and haven’t yet had the opportunity to be deeply involved in local organizations, I bring a strong professional background in city planning and urban design across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. My work has spanned city planning, urban design, economic development, and placemaking, often in collaboration with planning commissions, elected officials, community stakeholders, and development teams.
I am a certified planner (AICP) and CNU-Accredited (CNU-A), and have been highly active with the American Planning Association, including involvement with the national LGBTQ division, a Texas Chapter APA Leadership Program Alumni (2023), and service on the DEI Committee within the Kentucky Chapter of APA. These experiences have reinforced the importance of thoughtful, inclusive, and well-informed decision-making at the commission level.
Coming to Palm Springs as a new resident, I offer a fresh and objective perspective grounded in professional best practices, while being very mindful and respectful of the City’s unique character, history, and regulatory framework. I am committed to learning quickly, attending meetings, and engaging constructively with fellow commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public if appointed.
Education
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas State University (2016), along with a minor in Business Administration.
During my undergraduate studies, I also completed a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Location Analysis, which provided a technical grounding in spatial analysis, land use evaluation, and data-supported planning.
I also have a Master of Science in Urban Design and City Planning from the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London (UCL) in 2018. My graduate coursework focused on urban design, planning policy, and development frameworks, with an emphasis on how planning decisions shape the built environment and influence community outcomes.
I believe my educational background has prepared me to engage thoughtfully and critically in plan implementation, development review, and policy-based decision-making, a valuable skill set for the commission.
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
I began my professional career as an Urban Designer with Code Studio in Austin, Texas, shortly after completing my graduate studies. In that role, I worked primarily on form-based codes and regulatory frameworks for communities across the country, including Re:Code LA in downtown Los Angeles. This experience gave me a strong understanding of how zoning, design standards, and land use regulations are written and applied to shape development
outcomes on the ground.
From there, I moved into nonprofit work with the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, where I served as an Urban Design and City Planning Manager. My work focused on downtown revitalization and beautification efforts, along with advising on development proposals seeking TIRZ/TIF funding. That role provided direct exposure to how redevelopment goals, public investment tools, and private development interests intersect in a downtown context.
I then joined the City of Corpus Christi’s Long Range Planning Department as a City Planner, where I worked on multiple area development plans covering different parts of the city. I regularly participated in biweekly Technical Advisory Committee meetings, collaborating with city departments and external agencies to ensure that subdivision and plat reviews reflected the intent of adopted long-range plans.
I was then promoted to worked within the City’s Economic Development Department as a Special Projects Manager. There, I helped develop incentive programs aimed at attracting new development and supporting broader economic objectives. This experience strengthened my understanding of how planning decisions are tied to economic strategy, investment timing, and policy considerations.
I then moved to Durham, North Carolina, where I served as Director of Creative Activations for Downtown Durham, Inc, a Business Improvement District. In that position, I worked closely with local businesses and arts organizations to develop downtown programming such as Third Friday art walks, while also advocating for policy changes that supported downtown employees, including reduced parking options.
In my current role, I am an Urban Planner with WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. I work within the transportation planning practice on projects such as Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plans, downtown master plans, resiliency-focused transportation plans, and land use- and transportation-based corridor studies for communities across the country.
Across these roles, I have gained firsthand experience with planning and development from multiple vantage points, including the regulatory, design, economic, and implementation-focused aspects. This experience has shaped how I would evaluate projects and policy choices, and I believe it would allow me to contribute thoughtful, practical insight to the Planning Commission’s work in Palm Springs.
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
I understand that the Palm Springs Planning Commission serves as both a decision-making and advisory body responsible for reviewing development applications and evaluating land use matters for consistency with the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Municipal Code.
The Commission reviews items such as conditional use permits, subdivision maps, architectural and site plan matters, and other land use entitlements, with many actions being final unless appealed to the City Council.
Iam familiar with the Commission’s procedures, including how meetings are structured around staff presentations, applicant testimony, public comment, and Commission deliberation, and how actions are limited to properly noticed agenda items in compliance with open meeting act requirements. I also understand the Commission’s role within Palm Springs’ broader planning framework, including coordination with planning staff and related review bodies such as the Historic Site Preservation Board.
My professional experience closely aligns with these functions. I have worked directly with planning commissions and technical advisory committees in public meeting settings, reviewing development proposals, subdivision plats, and long-range planning efforts for consistency with adopted plans and policies. I am accustomed to reading and writing staff reports, evaluating findings, asking clarifying questions, and weighing project-level details against broader planning goals from both the perspective of a reviewer and as a practitioner supporting the process.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
A key challenge facing the Palm Springs Planning Commission is managing increasing development pressure while preserving the City’s unique character and responding to state-mandated housing requirements. As growth continues, it can be easy for plan reviews to become overly focused on the specifics of an individual site without fully considering how a project fits into the City’s broader priorities and long-term vision.
I believe the Commission plays an important role in maintaining that bigger-picture perspective. Grounding discussions and recommendations in the City’s adopted plans, policies, and strategic goals helps ensure that individual decisions contribute to meaningful, balanced outcomes rather than isolated approvals. Consistently tying project-level reviews back to overall citywide objectives can support better judgment, clearer decision-making, and a more thoughtful balance between growth, community character, and housing needs.
ROBERT ROTMAN
(INCUMBENT)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Planning Commission
Date submitted: April 29, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,N/A
First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Robert Rotman
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
2490 N Janis Drive
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(310)720-1384
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 am currently a Planning Commissioner and the latest meeting I attended was April 28, 2026.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, University of California, Berkeley Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
Prior to establishing my own design firm, R2d Design, in 2009, I worked for 22 years at David Jay Flood Architect in Santa Monica where I was Vice President. I have designed numerous architecture projects including over 1,600 units of multi-family housing, 30 projects at universities (CSU Channel Islands, USC & Loyola Marymount University, Pepperdine University, Occidental and Pomona Colleges), community centers, recreation facilities and master plans for housing, educational campuses & an 8,000 acre resort. Some of my projects have been recognized by the AIA, ASU, PCBC, Pre-stressed Concrete Institute & Curbed LA.
I served on the Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee for 7 years as Vice Chair and on the Planning Commission for the last 2 1/2 years. I’ve made presentations at the Municipal Green Building Conference & the WACUHO annual meeting. I served on Long Beach’s Green Ribbon Committee, charged with creating policy for the development & construction of sustainable projects in the City.
I am active with the Little Tuscany Neighborhood Organization, having served on its board and various committees and I have organized several neighborhood home tours for Modernism Week. I was a founder of the Borderline Neighborhood in Santa Monica & Co- chair of the Improvement Committee where I helped institute a street tree replacement program and the design/construction of a fully-sustainable “Living Street”, the first of its kind in the country. I also served on the Art Selection Committee for the Longfellow St. project in Santa Monica.
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
During the course of my professional career, I have had many opportunities to present projects before Zoning Administrators, Architectural Review Boards, Planning Commissions and City Councils. I am very familiar with zoning regulations and the role and authority the Planning Commission has in reviewing projects and making recommendations to approve or deny a project based on compliance, design, aesthetics and a good community fit.
As a former committee member of ARC and a current Planning Commissioner, I understand the relationship between the Planning Commission and City Council and I have worked to make the best possible recommendations that support Council’s priorities.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
Since the Zoning Code has not been updated since the 1980’s, one of the biggest challenges facing the Planning Commission and the City will be to review the new proposed draft Zoning
Code. Palm Springs has changed dramatically over the last 40 years. The problem today is to try to anticipate and plan for what potential changes could occur in the future and how the new Zoning Code will address them. Understanding how current priorities, environmental impacts, technology advances, housing demands and market pressures will shape the future, while still trying to maintain Palm Springs’ uniqueness is the challenge ahead.
ROBERT McDONALD
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Commissions, Boards and Committees Application
Planning Commission
Date submitted: April 30, 2026
Profile
Please indicate whether you live, work, or go to school within Palm Springs:
Live ,Historic Site Preservation Board,Parks & Recreation Commission,Planning Commission First Name: Middle Initial: Last Name:
Robert McDonald
Email Address:
[email protected]
Street Address:
431 Dion Dr.
Suite or Apartment:
City: State: Postal Code:
Palm Springs CA 92262
Phone:
(415)309-5070
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
Planning Commission. I attended the workshop at the conference center regarding changes to zoning and height. I have watched several planning commission meetings over the course of the last year.
Education
1) Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obpiso, California.
2) Masters in Public Administration, Public Policy and Analysis: San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California.
3) Landscape Architecture, Garden Design Certificate: University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California.
Background/Work Experience/Civic Involvement:
SUMMARY: Experienced Urban Planner with over 26 Years of shared experience as a city planner, long-range planner, recreation and parks planner, Design Review Commissioner and Planning Commssioner (City of Sonoma). Skills focusing on current planning and building permit processing, architectural and landscape review, environmental review, and project management.
1) Planning Commissioner: City of Sonoma – March 2015-January 2023 2) Design Review and Historic Preservation Commissioner: City of Sonoma – March 2007- March 2013
3) Rental Manager and Owner – Sonoma Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, Vacation Rentals:
January 2005-January 2023
4) RMC Landscapes – Landscpe Design and Consulting: Principal Designer and Owner: January 2005 – September 2015
5) Senior Planner – Long Range Planning, City and County of San Francisco: March 1998 – March 2005
6) Associate Planner – City of San Mateo: July 1992- March 1998. 7) Assistant/Associate Planner – County of Solano: October 1989-July 1992. 8) Planning Technician – County of San Mateo: Jun 1988-October 1989.
Describe your knowledge of the functions, regulations and procedures of the commission you'd serve:
PLANNING COMMISSION: Working as an Unrban Planner, Project Manager and serving on a Planning and Design Commission, I understand the guiding principles of urban planning, environmental review (CEQA), building permit plan checking and the review of technical reports (design sections, soils, geotechnical, traffic, shadow, and landscaping ) necessary to properly review projects and make informed recommendations. I understand the components of a City’s General Plans, its Specific Plans and Capital Plans that are the oundation for the urban development of a City. I also am familiar with local Zoning Codes, the objective standards for construction and development. I am able and capable to read and understand staff reports and the analysis needed to make findings for approving or denying planning projects. I have served and chaired two commissions in the past and understand its basic function, order, format and the role and responsibilities of a commissioner.
What issues or problems face the board/commission? Do you have any suggestions to address them?:
All California Cities, partiularly Palm Spring face numerous challenges. Recent changes to State Law and the need to update and revamp plans and codes to reflect these laws in a timely manner. Along with responding to these changes to State Lawn, Palm Springs must face balancing its low-density mid-century charm, character, and resort-styled environment, with the need to increase housing, accommodate higher density and height, as well as expand residential services to serve these new residents, many of whom will be permanent and not seasonal. With additional growth and expansion, Palm Spring will need to work on establishing nodes and areas that can accommodate higher desnity residential growth that are sensitive to existing neighborhoods and districts, develop a comprensive transportation and business parking plan to better serve the community as tourism grows and improve public transportatation to accomodate higher desnity. The local Housing Element will need to address thresholds and housing unit numbers and types to comply with law, and match this housing with local employment, which is primarily seasonal and lower-paying.