TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Special Meeting of the Town Council
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00 PM
MAYOR: Craig Taylor
VICE MAYOR: Mary Hufty
COUNCILMEMBERS: Rebecca Flynn, Judith Hasko, Helen Wolter
A G E N D A
HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSE - 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028 Remote Public Comments: Meeting participants are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting. Please submit your public comments by using the online form, by 1:00 PM on the day of the meeting. Time permitting, your correspondence will be uploaded to the website. All received questions will be forwarded to the Portola Valley Town Council for consideration during the meeting and included in the public record. Members of the public may also provide comments in person at the meeting. The agenda and staff report will be posted on the Town’s website by approximately 5:00 PM the Friday prior to the meeting. Additionally, technology permitting, the public body will take questions using the Raise Hand button for those who attend the meeting online or by phone. The Mayor will call on people to speak by the phone number calling in. Remote participation is provided as a supplemental way to provide public comment, but this method does not always work. The public is encouraged to attend in person to ensure full participation.
In-Person Public Comments: Please fill out and submit a Public Comment card to the Town Clerk or Mayor prior to speaking. The Mayor will call your name at the appropriate time. Each speaker's time is limited to three (3) minutes. The Mayor reserves the right to limit speaker's time, depending upon the number of speakers or other circumstances.
Assistance for People with Disabilities: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Town Clerk at (650) 851-1700 or by email at [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the Town to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION VIA ZOOM
To access the meeting by computer:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85661031107?pwd=XBbPrv9WKnql1xOByNvR6a5i74XjuR.1 Webinar ID: 856 6103 1107
Passcode: 048294
To access the meeting by phone:
1-669-900-6833 or 1-888-788-0099 (toll-free)
Mute/Unmute - Press *6 / Raise Hand - Press *9
1 1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ANNOUNCEMENT OF REMOTE ATTENDANCE / ROLL CALL
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
4. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS
a. Conduct Interviews and Appoint Commission Member for the Following:
One volunteer to serve on the Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC) for a term expiring in December 2028
5. ADJOURNMENT
Public comment will only be taken on agenda items. Please submit a speaker's slip located at the front of the room to the Town Clerk of Mayor, prior to speaking. Each speaker's time is limited to three (3) minutes.
The next Regular Town Council meeting will be held on May 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Land Acknowledgement:
The Town of Portola Valley acknowledges the colonial history of this land we dwell upon the unceded territory of the Ramaytush (rah-my-toosh) Ohlone, Tamien Nation, and Muwekma (mah-WEK- mah) Ohlone, who endured a human and cultural genocide that included removal from their lands and their sacred relationship to the land. Portola Valley recognizes that we profit from the commodification of land seized from indigenous peoples and now bear the ecological consequences. We seek to understand the impact of these legacies on all beings and to find ways to make repair. 2 TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Veronica Dao, Town Clerk
DATE: May 13, 2026
RE: Conduct Interviews and Appoint Commission Member for the Following:
One volunteer to serve on the Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC) for a term expiring in December 2028
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Town Council hold interviews and appoint one resident to serve on the Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC)
BACKGROUND
The Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC) has one vacant seat for a term expiring in December 2028. Recruitment was open March 25, 2026 through April 24, 2026. During that time, the town received two applications.
ATTACHMENTS
1. ASCC Application_Ellen Vernazza
2. ASCC Application_Sonia Dhillon
3 To the Portola Valley Town Council:
My name is Ellen Vernazza and I am interested in becoming a member of Portola Valley’s Architectural and Site Control Commission.
I moved to Portola Valley 39 years ago to live in and enjoy the rural atmosphere of the area. My husband and I raised our two boys here, both going to Ormondale and Corte Madera schools.
I served on and was also the Chair of the Trails and Paths Committee for many years until I had to quit due to contracting Lyme disease and being ill for a number of years. While living in and enjoying Portola Valley, I have had a total of 4 horses, many chickens, cats and dogs.
I am interested in keeping Portola Valley as rural as feasible. Having been a realtor in Portola Valley, Woodside and the surrounding cities for 20 years, I am well aware that many people only want to live in cities where they have the walkability to Starbucks, stores and restaurants. On the other side of the coin are the people who wish to live anywhere other than a crowded city and love the idea of the ruralness and small town atmosphere of Portola Valley.
Although I’m sure I have a lot to learn, I have done many remodels in my homes since I bought my first one in 1973 and am fairly cognizant of what goes on in the building process. I have also built and gone through the ADU process at my current home and am familiar with the steps that needed to be done for that project.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ellen Vernazza
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5/6/26, 8 55 AM Manage Survey Statistics Text Report
https //www portolavalley net/Admin/Components/Form/Statistics/TextStatisticsDetail/?formId 97&itemID 101497&id 7874 2/3 Sonia Dhillon
10 Grove Drive,
Portola Valley, CA 94028
April 21, 2026
RE: Letter of Interest for the Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC) Dear Members of the Town Council,
I am writing to formally express my strong interest in serving on the Architectural and Site Control Commission (ASCC). As a homeowner and resident at 10 Grove Drive since 1990, I have a deep-rooted appreciation for the unique rural character and natural beauty that our Town’s architectural guidelines seek to protect. My 35-year history in this community, combined with my international background in architecture and sustainable design, uniquely positions me to contribute to the Commission’s vital work.
Throughout my career, particularly through the Dhillon Marty Foundation, I have championed the philosophy that architecture should not be about imposing walls, but about opening up to one’s surroundings—nature and humanity alike. This "fluid" approach to design aligns directly with Portola Valley’s ethos of ensuring that buildings remain subservient to the land.
My experience includes significant high-level collaborations and academic leadership in the field of architecture, which I believe would be an asset to the Town:
International Collaboration: I have worked closely with world-renowned architects such as Kengo Kuma and structural engineer Jun Sato. My work wit the Kengo Kuma Lab at the University of Tokyo has focused on "Material Equilibrium"—finding a balance between built structures and the local environment.
Design Advocacy: I have organized and led design charrettes, including the "Architectural Challenge" at my property, Champ de Portola, where I collaborated with Stanford University’s Architectural Design Program to mentor students and professional architects in creating sustainable, sitesensitive designs.
Global Leadership: My work with UNESCO and various international conferences in Punjab, Tokyo, and Paris has involved rethinking the role of the built environment in fostering community and ecological sustainability. These experiences have given me a sophisticated understanding of how to evaluate complex development applications while upholding rigorous aesthetic and environmental standards.
Having lived in Portola Valley for over three decades, I understand the delicate balance required to evolve as a community while preserving the scenic views and historic character that make our Town exceptional. I am eager to apply my technical knowledge and my passion for site-specific design to help the ASCC maintain the visual integrity of our neighborhoods.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in global architecture and my long-term commitment to Portola Valley can serve the Town Council and my fellow residents. Thank you for your time and for your consideration of my application.
Sincerely,
Sonia Dhillon
Do you have any personal or financial interest that could be perceived by others as a conflict of interest relative to your service on the commission? If so, please describe.
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8 Founder/President, Dhillon Marty Foundation
Portola Valley, CA | Paris, France
2011 – Present
● Launched and chaired global discussions on economic empowerment, particularly for caregivers in families.
● Produced public art projects, conferences, and formed partnerships with international organisations, including UNESCO and government entities. ● Organised global conferences in collaboration with 12 universities and governments from Punjab to France.
Founder/President, Consulting
Tokyo, Japan | Paris, France
2011 – 2025
International Market Development & Real Estate Investment ● Market Entry Architecture: Engineered global expansion strategies and feasibility studies for institutional and private entities across the Tokyo-Paris-Silicon Valley corridors.
● Strategic Partnerships: Secured high-value local partnerships and designed financial infrastructure to mitigate regulatory risk and establish sustainable operational footprints.
● Investment & Funding: Facilitated capital-raising and institutional funding for large-scale real estate developments and government-backed infrastructure projects.
● Fiduciary Governance: Implemented ongoing consultative training to align international property holdings with global tax, compliance, and fiduciary standards.
Business Development, SITA/Equant
Redwood City, CA
1998 – 1999
● Managed business development within the IT sector, supporting the sales team. ● Organised and led an IT sector town hall during an international sales conference in Paris.
Business Development & Finance Manager, Cisco
San Jose, CA
1993 – 1998
● One of the first 1,000 employees at Cisco, managing finance for international subsidiaries.
● Led financial analysis and budgeting for Cisco’s global operations. ● Contributed to M&A activities, market research, and product marketing management.
Financial Analyst, Frame (Adobe)
9 San Jose, CA
1992 – 1993
● Conducted financial analysis and reporting for the VP of Finance.
Certified Public Accountant, Deloitte
San Jose, CA
1990 – 1992
● Earned CPA certification within two years.
● Audited banks, hospitals, public entities, and IT companies.
Financial Analyst, Connor Peripherals
San Jose, CA
1988 – 1989
● Financial analysis and budgeting reporting to VP of finance while working on MBA in Finance.
Education & Professional Certifications
● FT Non-Executive Director Diploma – 2024
● The Board of Directors Training Institute of Japan (BDTI) – 2021 ● Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – 1992
● MBA, Finance and Accounting – Santa Clara University, 1990 ● BA, Fine Arts – Punjab University, India, 1981
Professional Memberships
● American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
● California Society of CPAs (CalCPA)
● American Citizens Abroad (ACA)
Leadership & Skills
● House Committee – Tokyo American Club, 2022-2023
● Budget Committee – Tokyo American Club, 2023
● Research Fellow – The University of Tokyo, 2015-2017
● Advisor, Architecture Program – Stanford University, 2012-2014 ● Languages: English (bilingual), Punjabi (native), Hindi (native), French (elementary)
● Nationality: U.S. Citizen; Japanese Permanent Resident; Overseas Citizen of India
● Additional Certifications: Japanese Liquor License; Wine studies at the Culinary Institute of America, Napa, CA, and UC Davis
● Technical: Trust & Estate Tax Law, Fiduciary Accounting, International Tax Compliance, M&A, Advisory Board.
10 Interests & Memberships
● Interests: Skiing, Swimming, Tennis, Golf, Yoga, Meditation, Hiking, Music, Dancing, Wine, Ikebana, Bonsai, Farming, Contemporary Art, Architecture ● Memberships: Amis du Centre Pompidou, Tokyo American Club, Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club
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