Mark Armstrong, Mayor
Marisol Rubio, Vice Mayor
Richard Adler, Councilmember
Robert Jweinat, Councilmember
Sridhar Verose, Councilmember
City of San Ramon
City Council
Agenda
San Ramon City Hall
Large Conference Room - 2nd Floor
7000 Bollinger Canyon Road
August 31, 2026
6:00 PM
Special Meeting
Agenda Questions: Contact the City Clerk (925) 973-2539 or email to [email protected].
Please refer to the end of the agenda to review options for participation in the meeting. This agenda is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a).
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. New Business
2.1. Teen Council Vice Chair Appointment
2.2. Contra Costa County Appointments - San Ramon Representatives
3. Adjournment
City Council Meeting
August 31, 2026
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City Council Staff Report
Item No. 2.1.
Date: August 31, 2026
To: San Ramon City Council
From: Joan Snashall, City Clerk
Lisa Schlotz, Deputy City Clerk
Subject: Teen Council Vice Chair Appointment
Executive Summary:
Each year the City Council is responsible for reviewing qualified applications and conducting interviews to select a candidate to serve as the San Ramon Teen Council Vice Chair.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council review the applications, conduct the interviews, and appoint a Vice Chair to the Teen Council for 2026/27. The applicant selected will become the Chair of the Teen Council for 2027/28 and the Parks & Community Services Commission Student Commissioner for a term ending June 2028.
Background:
The Parks & Community Services Commission consists of seven regular members and one Student Commissioner who also serves as the Chair of the San Ramon Teen Council.
The Teen Council amended their by-laws on March 12, 2019 changing the term of the Vice Chair to a two-year appointment that automatically rolls into the Chair position in the second year.
There is now a vacancy for the Vice Chair position. Three applications were received from qualified Teen Council members; Ananya Bollapinni, Zara Thacker, and Ira Verma.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with appointing the Vice Chair.
Alternative Option(s):
Direct staff to conduct a new recruitment process to solicit applications for the Teen Council Vice Chair vacancy.
Next Steps:
Staff will notify the appointed Vice Chair of upcoming meetings, dates, times and location.
Attachment(s):
A. Teen Council Vice Chair Applications
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
1 / 4
Q1
Full Name
Ananya bollapinni
Q2
Contact Information
Primary Address
City San Ramon
ZIP Code 94582
Email Address (Please do not use a School Loop/school
generated email address, they block any emails sent from City of San Ramon).
Phone Number
#2
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ATTACHMENT A
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
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Q6
Job or community experience:
I've engaged myself in various activities through academic and volunteer roles. I've been volunteering at my local temple weekly since last year. This has given me a strong sense of civic duty and has helped me consistently engage with my community. It has also given me the responsibility to dedicate myself to my community in any way possible. As the Secretary for the Financial Literacy Club, I organize and record what happens in each meeting, and with that information, I help decide what the club should focus on in future meetings. This has taught me to be an organized and responsible person, both of which are necessary skills needed as the Teen Council Vice Chair.
Additionally, I'm the Business Manager for my school newspaper, The Wildcat Tribune. This role includes organizing events and sponsors for our newspaper, outreaching to the San Ramon community, and designing merch. I'm learning through this position that it's important to be confident and advocate for what you need. As an active member of FBLA and my Speech and Debate club, I've dedicated my time to attending competitions, which have taught me the importance of project management and leadership skills.
Being on the San Ramon Teen Council last year also taught me several things, such as what I can do to really make the most of the privilege given when I received a spot on the council. It also gave me a sense of community with like-minded people who wanted to help out our community.
Q7
What is your favorite form of recreation or leisure activity? I've been singing Carnatic music for the past 10 years; it was something I found comfort in, and I felt peaceful whenever I was singing.
I started to dedicate my time to practicing, and I looked forward to my weekly classes. This shaped a lot of my childhood, and it has become a big part of who I am. It also led me to take my musical journey a step further to reach where I am now. Because of all the dedication and passion I put toward music, I have performed in more than eight concerts and have received a trophy for every single one. This gave me the joy of performing in my local temples so that I could share the beauty of Carnatic music. It has also pushed me to challenge myself to become a better version of myself, and because of this aspiration, I have now reached an advanced stage of my musical journey. Carnatic music has not just given me joy, but it has also taught me valuable life skills that I can use in my daily life, such as dedication and staying motivated even when life gets hard. Finally, it has taught me that I should give 200% effort to everything I do so that I always know I've done the best I can.
Q5
Are you available to attend evening meetings?
Yes
Q4
Grade for 2026/2027 School Year
10th
Q3
School Attending
Dougherty Valley High School
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
3 / 4
Q8
What do you consider the most critical issue facing teens in San Ramon? I think that there are two critical issues that San Ramon should be focusing on right now.
The first and most obvious is the stress and pressure teens face. There are multiple sources for this problem, including family, friends, and lifestyle changes. The biggest cause I see, especially at my school, is academic pressure. This causes teenagers to burn out at an early age, constantly feel pressured, and face much bigger problems in the future. I've seen people close to me experience this, and I've seen how much it impacts them. They lost motivation to go to school and saw the whole routine as a chore. After seeing the impact it causes, I want to make sure that no one faces stress to that degree. While we can't directly combat this because San Ramon is a competitive area, we can implement measures to make sure that teenagers feel like they are not alone and that they have resources to support them in their times of struggle. So far, I've deeply advocated for this issue; I've written multiple articles in journalism for the newspaper about these problems, discussing the causes and what we can do. I also have multiple ideas for resources and events that can help aid teens. If I am able to have the privilege of being the Vice Chair of the Teen Council, I have no doubt that I can use these ideas to make a positive impact on our community.
The other problem, which doesn't get enough attention but is just as important, is the lack of financial literacy teens face. Schools don't educate teenagers on important topics like how to spend money responsibly or how to pay taxes. This leaves teenagers financially illiterate, and while this might not be an immediate problem, it can lead to much bigger issues when they graduate high school and when some teens have to become financially independent. The solution is extremely simple: we simply have to provide the resources so that teens can become educated on this topic. When I was the Chair for the Teen Ambassador program, the topic I assisted in researching and what we ultimately presented was financial literacy. Additionally, I'm the secretary of my school's Financial Literacy Club, which focuses on removing this problem. As an active FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) member, I've worked on multiple scenarios regarding topics related to this, and I've ranked in my competitions with my pitches. All of these experiences have helped educate me on the problem and how to fix it. If I am able to become the Vice Chair, I would use all of my ideas and experiences to create programs and resources so that we can eliminate this problem.
Q9
What do you consider to be the most important contribution you can make as the Student Commissioner of the Parks and Community Services Commission?
As a Student Commissioner on the Parks and Community Services Commission, I am eager to contribute to the management, development, and programming of our city's parks, facilities, and recreational activities. With the privilege of this platform, I am confident in my ability to design impactful initiatives tailored to San Ramon’s youth. Specifically, I plan to introduce low-stress, community-oriented recreational events to help teens unplug and combat academic burnout. Additionally, I aim to utilize our city’s community spaces to host interactive workshops where young residents can build foundational financial literacy skills. By bridging these two critical needs, I hope to maximize the utility of our local parks and facilities to foster a healthier, more prepared generation.
Q10
How could you get other teens involved in the community and in teen events and activities? At The Wildcat Tribune, our school newspaper, the greatest challenge we face is a lack of student awareness regarding the unique features and stories we publish. As the Business and PR Manager, my primary responsibility is to bridge this communication gap and elevate our visibility. I see a parallel issue affecting the youth in our wider community: many local teens remain completely unaware of the excellent events and activities available to them. By applying the strategic outreach, marketing, and communication skills I have mastered at the newspaper, I can effectively broadcast upcoming city initiatives. Enhancing our digital and peer-to-peer marketing will ensure San Ramon's youth are not only informed but actively motivated to participate.
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
4 / 4
Q11
Application Acknowledgement
By checking this box you are confirming that the
information is accurate and provided by the applicant.
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
1 / 3
Q1
Full Name
ira verma
Q2
Contact Information
Primary Address
City San Ramon
ZIP Code 92582
Email Address (Please do not use a School Loop/school
generated email address, they block any emails sent from City of San Ramon).
Phone Number
Q3
School Attending
Dougherty Valley High School
Q4
Grade for 2026/2027 School Year
11th
Q5
Are you available to attend evening meetings?
Yes
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City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
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Q6
Job or community experience:
As a Speech and Debate Bridge Mentor, I dedicate two hours every Thursday to mentoring middle school students in public speaking, argumentation, and confidence-building skills. As a nationally competitive speaker representing one of the top 10 speech and debate teams in the country and attending Nationals this June, I strive to inspire younger students through both leadership and mentorship.
Beyond debate, I am deeply involved in community service through my school club, where I organize fundraisers and donation drives supporting foster children, homeless shelters, senior homes, and hospitals. In addition, as a member of my school’s leadership team, I give weekly tours to new students and help organize events that create a welcoming environment for students who may feel isolated or are struggling due to moving or personal challenges. Through these experiences, I have developed strong leadership, communication, and empathy skills while working to make my community more inclusive and supportive.
Q7
What is your favorite form of recreation or leisure activity? My favorite forms of recreation are speaking, volunteering, and hosting events because they allow me to connect with people and create positive experiences for others. I genuinely love public speaking and communication, whether through speech and debate or simply bringing people together at events. Outside of school, I run a small nonprofit centered around balloon art and party planning, where for every paid event I do, I help host free parties or activities for families and children who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Seeing people feel included and celebrated is something I find incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy spending time around animals and nature, whether that is occasional horse riding, hiking, gardening, or simply being outdoors. These activities help me stay grounded, creative, and connected to the world around me while balancing my busy schedule with things that genuinely bring me joy.
Q8
What do you consider the most critical issue facing teens in San Ramon? I believe one of the most critical issues facing teens in San Ramon is the combination of transportation limitations, online safety concerns, academic pressure, and social isolation. Many students rely heavily on parents or friends for transportation, which can make it difficult for teens to participate in extracurriculars, volunteer opportunities, jobs, or community events independently. At the same time, increased use of social media and technology has created growing concerns around online safety, cyberbullying, and unhealthy comparison culture. San Ramon is also a highly competitive academic environment, and many students feel intense pressure to constantly succeed, often at the expense of their mental health and social well-being. Because of these pressures, many teens become disconnected from their community and uninvolved in activities outside of school, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. I believe creating more accessible community programs, safe social spaces, and opportunities for teens to connect beyond academics would help build a healthier and more supportive environment for students.
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
3 / 3
Q9
What do you consider to be the most important contribution you can make as the Student Commissioner of the Parks and Community Services Commission?
I believe the most important contribution I can make as the Student Commissioner of the Parks and Community Services Commission is being a strong bridge between teens and the community. I want to help create programs, events, and spaces where students feel included, connected, and genuinely heard. Through my experience in leadership, mentoring, volunteering, and organizing community events, I have learned how important it is for young people to feel involved in something larger than themselves. I would bring a student perspective to conversations about recreation, mental health, transportation accessibility, and community engagement while also encouraging more teens to participate in local programs and service opportunities. I hope to help make San Ramon a community where students not only succeed academically, but also feel supported socially, emotionally, and personally.
Q10
How could you get other teens involved in the community and in teen events and activities? I believe the best way to get other teens involved is by creating events and opportunities that feel welcoming, relevant, and genuinely fun rather than something students feel forced to attend. Many teens want to be involved but do not always know where to start or feel intimidated joining new activities alone. I would focus on building a stronger connection between schools, student leaders, clubs, and community organizations through better outreach on social media, school announcements, and peer-to-peer communication. I also think events should reflect a wide variety of interests, such as volunteer opportunities, cultural events, creative workshops, outdoor activities, mental health and wellness programs, and casual social gatherings. From my own experience organizing fundraisers, mentoring students, and hosting events, I have seen that teens are much more likely to participate when they feel included, represented, and personally invited into a positive community environment. Besides that, effective promotion of events is extremely important. Utilizing social media and inviting local teen bands, school clubs, nonprofits, and student-run businesses to participate can help encourage greater involvement, while also bringing in their friends, families, and supporters to create a stronger sense of community engagement.
Q11
Application Acknowledgement
By checking this box you are confirming that the
information is accurate and provided by the applicant.
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
1 / 4
Q1
Full Name
Zara Thacker
Q2
Contact Information
Primary Address
City San Ramon
ZIP Code 94582
Email Address (Please do not use a School Loop/school
generated email address, they block any emails sent from City of San Ramon).
Phone Number
Q3
School Attending
Monte Vista High School
Q4
Grade for 2026/2027 School Year
11th
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City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
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I have contributed to my community through volunteering and various initiatives that combine youth mentorship, computer science, healthcare, and music.
Music Teacher/Tutor (50+ hours): I volunteer with an organization that provides free piano lessons for learning students and aspiring pianists to give them high-quality music education through an accessible format for low-income families. Additionally, I have supported my sibling's piano education for three years by supporting her daily practice and teaching her musicality and piano theory.
Healthcare Research/Advocate (100+ hours): I held numerous volunteering events and initiatives for an organization that supports accessible healthcare in low-income communities based in South America and Africa. I conducted research on prevalent issues in those areas and held events to support initiatives through fundraising. I have also led a team in researching synthetic biology to design neuromodulatory treatments for hippocampal deterioration caused by neurodegenerative diseases to support elderly communities struggling with brain diseases. I also worked with a team to research adverse drug reactions in response to medicinal dosages to create a bioinformatics-based recommendation system to support communities without immune genetic profiles.
Coding/Computer Science (30+ hours): I run a programming club through my school in which I visit elementary schools to contribute to their computer science education through science fairs and game demonstrations. I also have tutored young children in Scratch and other coding platforms to contribute to their coding education, because I believe that while in the age of Artificial Intelligence, the skill of coding can be overlooked, it helps young students think about problem-solving in unique ways.
Caregiving: I take care of my sibling for many hours each week, supporting her food, homework, piano, and hygiene responsibilities.
This has supported my practice in responsibility and organization of tasks.
Q7
What is your favorite form of recreation or leisure activity? I never expected fermenting cucumbers and onions in my kitchen to become one of my favorite ways to relax. Most people my age might reach for chips after school, but I reach for a jar of pickle chips instead. Ever since my mother gave me my first Grillo’s Pickle, my dreams of becoming a biomedical engineer were shattered: I was going to be a pickle. While that narrative has now shifted back to its original state, my long-standing obsession with pickles has not. Every chance I get, I find myself in the kitchen chopping onions, cucumbers, pepperoncinis, and carrots, then putting them in a jar of vinegar to enjoy later.
Q6
Job or community experience:
Q5
Are you available to attend evening meetings?
Yes
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
3 / 4
Due to the recent rise in college selectivity, I have noticed that many teens in San Ramon face extreme academic pressure and burnout. While many believe that high-stress activities are necessary to gain admission to prestigious universities, that is not entirely true; competitive participation does play a role, but there are many ways to achieve success while preserving individual mental health and peace.
However, this can sometimes be hard to individually accept because of the presence of surrounding peers: whether through social media or peer relationships, many teens that I have networked with and talked to mention that they feel that they are always behind, because they always find someone who is "ahead" of them.
Promoting other post-college pathways is done by many, but it is not always realistic for high-achieving students, which can create an unhealthy environment of pressure and burnout. To make the high school/college application process easier for teens, mental health workshops, peer collaboration, and college counseling support "from teens for teens" can work towards suppressing this issue and enhancing the well-being of teens in the San Ramon community.
Q9
What do you consider to be the most important contribution you can make as the Student Commissioner of the Parks and Community Services Commission?
One of the most important contributions I could make as Student Commissioner would be helping transform parks and community spaces from places people simply visit into places where people feel connected. In a city as academically focused and fast-paced as San Ramon, many students and families move through daily life beside one another without always having meaningful opportunities to interact across experiences. As the Student Commissioner of the Parks and Community Services, I will have the unique ability to change that.
What stands out to me about the Commission’s mission is that it is about creating community through intentional experiences. A basketball court, cultural event, volunteer program, or art workshop shapes whether people feel seen in the city they live in. I would contribute by bringing a student perspective focused on designing programs and outreach that encourage participation from people who may not traditionally feel involved in community life, such as teens.
I think one overlooked challenge today is that many young people are constantly connected online, yet disconnected from the places and people around them. Parks and community programs can become one of the environments where students build real relationships and experience a sense of belonging outside of academics or social media. As Student Commissioner, I would want to advocate for programs that help community members leave feeling more connected to their neighbors.
I would also bring curiosity and a willingness to listen. Strong communities are supported when residents feel that their perspectives matter, especially younger voices that might be underrepresented in city conversations. I hope to help bridge that gap by communicating what students need for their well-being, whether that involves mental health, volunteer opportunities, or educational Q8
What do you consider the most critical issue facing teens in San Ramon? Recently, I have been experimenting with pickles from different cultures, such as Kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage), Sauerkraut (Chinese cabbage in rice wine), and Aam ka Achar (Indian mango pickle). Not only have these condiments taught me about the amazing taste of food from different cultures, but they have also given me the privilege to explore them with my own taste palettes and learn about their interesting backstories as I enjoy a mouthful of pickles, my favorite form of recreation and leisure activity.
City of San Ramon Student Commissioner Application
4 / 4
I would focus on making teen involvement feel less like “attendance” and more like collaboration. A lot of students don’t participate in community events because they don’t see themselves reflected in how those events are presented or promoted.
One way to change that is by meeting teens where they already are, such as schools and social spaces, while using peer-to-peer outreach instead of only official announcements. I have noticed that teens are much more likely to show up if they hear about an event from someone they trust, while seeing someone their age helping lead it.
I would also advocate for more teen input in the design of events. If teens help choose themes or music, the events naturally become more relevant, which supports engagement. Creating a small set of recurring teen programs that build a sense of community over time, rather than a one-time event, which can support real connection over time as opposed to occasional participation.
With increased teen engagement in events, volunteering, and collaboration, their input and support play a vital role in supporting teen involvement to help their educational and social involvement, while creating a sense of community through the synthesis of ideas and perspectives.
Q11
Application Acknowledgement
By checking this box you are confirming that the
information is accurate and provided by the applicant.
Q10
How could you get other teens involved in the community and in teen events and activities? support.
To me, the Commission’s mission comes down to creating a city where people are proud not only of the parks themselves, but of the community formed within them. That is the contribution I would strive to make through the position of Student Commissioner.
City Council Staff Report
Item No. 2.2.
Date: August 31, 2026
To: San Ramon City Council
From: Joan Snashall, City Clerk
Lisa Schlotz, Deputy City Clerk
Subject: Contra Costa County Appointments - San Ramon Representatives Executive Summary:
The City Council is responsible for appointing San Ramon residents to serve as representatives on various Contra Costa County advisory bodies. The City received four applications for three committees: the Contra Costa County Advisory on Aging, the Contra Costa County Library Commission, and the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council review the applications, conduct the interviews, and make appointments to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging, the Contra Costa County Library Commission, and the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee.
Background:
The Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) advises the County Board of Supervisors on matters associated with the planning, development, and administration of programs relating to older adults. ACOA membership includes representatives from each of the County's municipalities. The City representative position, which was vacated due to a resignation, is a two year term ending September 2028. The City received one application from Judy Knight.
The Contra Costa County Library Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian. The Commission provides a forum for community input concerning library operations and recommends proposals to the Board of Supervisors and County Librarian that may improve library services. The vacant alternate representative position has a term ending June 2028. The City received one application
from Hanunah (Nina) Alsabur.
The Contra Costa County Transportation Authority (CCTA) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) reviews transportation issues pertaining to Contra Costa County and advises and provides recommendations to the CCTA Board. Among other transportation issues, the CAC assists the CCTA in reviewing the Biennial Growth Management Compliance checklists submitted by local jurisdictions. The vacant representative position on the CCTA CAC is a four-year term ending August 2030. The City received two applications from Edward Carranza, Jr. and Jeffrey Joh.
The City Clerk listed all the vacancies on the City's website and social media accounts to solicit applications for each of the County vacancies.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with these appointments.
Alternative Option(s):
The City Council may direct staff to conduct a new recruitment to solicit applications for any of the Contra Costa County vacancies.
Next Steps:
Following City Council action, City staff will notify the appointed applicants and the appropriate County staff contacts of the appointments to complete the respective onboarding processes.
Attachment(s):
A. County Applications
ATTACHMENT A