(, "~.:' •. City Of Application for Cultura l Commission, Historical & Landmark Commission and Senior Advisory :, • ~~~.!~. £~~-~a
Commission
Position
Board/Commission/Committee Applying For*
I Cu tural Commission
Name*
j Kuku Das
Are you a resident of the City of Santa Clara? *
(Must be a resident of lhe city of santa clara at time of application) r. Yes
Address*
Street Address
- -Address Line 2
r No
City State/ Province I Region
I Santa Clara I CA
Postal / Zip Code Country
~I 9.::.:50.=_54:__ -_ -_____ _____ ____,] I USA
Provide two forms of Proof of Residency in the City of Santa Clara Attachment 1*
K00oc1.pdf
Attachment 2 *
KOdoc2nd. p<!I
Email*
Primary Phone Number*
,- --~
Secondary Phone Number
liiiiii ..__ _ _,
Additional lnfo•mat1on
Have you attended a meeting of this Board/ Commission/ Committee?* JYes
Work Experience
Present Employer*
I Self employed
Job Title*
CEO
233 64KB
30214KB
IVED
APR 2 5 2025
c ·t , y Cle rk's O .
City of S ff.ice
anta Clara
_I
Previous Government Bodies/ Elective Offices Applicant has served Government Position/ Office Held:
Civic or Charitable Organizations to which Applicant has belonged Civic or Charitable Organization Position Held From Date ~ Odisha Society of the
Americas _J I President 17/4/2019
I IGURUKU. FOUNDATION I @resident 1 a,12,2011
Toastmaste rs Internationals Santa J President 16/28/2023 Clara Sweet Talkers
Hgh School , College, Professional , Vocational Schools attended High Schoo~ College, Professional, Vocational School Major Subject [ Utkal University, Odisha, India __ ~ English literaturE:: Political Science Special awards or recognition received
J https://www .linkedin.com/in/kulw-das -14a06223?trk=contact- info Reasons
]
7 Date
To Date
:1 7/4/2021
]1 7/3/2019
, 14/25/2025
Degree Dates I
Anticipa1ed Graduation
I
..J
1612011990 _]
Please state reasons why you want to become a member of this Comrrission, including \'\Mt specific objectives you IM)Uld be working toward as a member of this advisory board:
I've been livirYJ in the bay area for over 34 years including living in the beautiful city of Santa Clara for over 25 years. I'm involved in many organizations that work towards supporting community. arts and culture. My goal will be to promo te cultural diversity, foster comm1.11ity. engagement by bringing community together through cultural events, festivals and initiatives. I'd like to use my experience to make a posit ive impact on the community by pr?moti~ arts. culture and inclusivity.
Additional lnfonnation
Any other information which you feel would be useful to the City Council in relAe-Mng your application:
KUKU DA_S_ - l
nta Clara. CA I I 1 -----■ Ms Kul<u Das has been a successtul entrepreneur, community leader and cultural ambassador ot Odisha, India not only in the Bay Nea, California, but for much of the U.S. for more than three decades . Additionally, she is the creative brain behind establishing the organization · international Gurukul (1Gurukul) which is known as the center for excellen::e in learning and human development. She has been instrumental in propagating Odia language (Co-founded Chala Ame Odia Sikhiba/ Let's Learn Odia ), drama, and culture in Bay Area California. She has developed a curriculum for the Odia Language class at iGurtJ(ul which helps teach Odia in an interesting way for both adults and children. She has written. directed and acted in numerous plays for kids and adults. Sile also excels as a costume and set de-signer with her creative ideas and immense knowledge about Odia culture and history. She is not only an active member of tile Bay Area Odia community but also a commendable contributor to the Odisha Society of Americas. She has served twice as the cultural chair at OSA Annual Conventions, Convener of 2010 OSA Convention (San Francisco),Vice President of OSA. and President of OSA(2019-2021 ). She was Instrumental In leading ''Let's Learn Odia movement at the OSA national level and with her advocacy OSA has introduced the Odla Vocabulary ard Speech contest during both the annual convention and chapter level events. She's the proctucer of the Odla radio program for the first time in Galifornia known as 'Aame Odia' which has been airing since 2018.
She has more than 25 years of combined experience in public. private. and non-profit organizations in the areas of teaching, leadership, community building, event management, and fundralsing. She has received several awards including the OSA Service Leadership Award (2010 & 2014), Odisha Living Legend Award , Amari Bhasa Pathe Samman. Lions Club International Entrepreneur Award. Kalashree Award , OSA, USA 2018 (for promoting Odia language and culture in a foreign diaspora ) Shrestha Odiani 2019, Mahaka Mo Matira Samman. Aarya Award 2022, OSA Community Leadership Award in the year 2022, and OSA's highest honor Distinguished Odia Award , OSA, USA in 2023.
She has served as the president of OSA, The Odisha Society Of The Americas from 2019-21.
She was the convener and successfully hosted The Global Odia Mahotsav. a two days online event in December 2020. where Odias from around forty countries united to celebrate Odisha.
Global Odia Mahotsav 2020 was a commemoration of Odias around the world to celebrate the rich culture. heritage and develop synergy to build Brand Odisha. This Lwo-days event had various seminars, cultural functions with participation of eminent Odia personalities.
Currently, she is serving as the CEO of iGurukul Inc. USA ·The unhindered mission iGurukul has always been to enhance inner potential, synergy, empowerment , creativity, and above all else, foster personal excellence among children, youth and ramifies. iGurukul works as a finishing school with a special foCLIS on developing emotional. social and spiritual quotients. Synergy ard Empowerment is her mantra.
She's also a member of Asoociation of lndo Americans and a part of the cultural team_. _ __ __, Conflict of Interests
Are you associated with any 0-ganizatior\/ Employment that rright be deemed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to ttlis position? No
Abstaining from Votes
City poRcy directs all advisory body members not to \Ole on matters ..wiere lhere eldsts a potential confl ict of interest Woukl you be wiling to abstlin from I.Oling if such a conflict arises?
Yes
Signature and Acl<nowledgement
Signature
By cficking subrrit you are confirrring that you are the person listed in this application. and that all information prOltded is truthful and correct Al information provided will be public information.
Date
4/25/2025
( '7-~ City of
w =) Santa Clara
Application for Cultural Commission, Historical & Landmark Commission and Senior Advisory Comm ission
Position
Board/Commission/Committee Applying For*
[cilit ural Commission ----------
Personal Information
Name*
L Anurag Dixit
Are you a resident of the City of Santa Clara?*
(Must be a resident of the city of santa clara at time of application) r. Yes
Address *
Street Address
~
Address Line 2
r No
City State / Pro..;nce / Ragon
.---
Santa Clara
Postal / Zip Code
95050
Provide two forms of Proof of Residency in the City of Santa Clara Attachment 1 *
AAuragO _ DL _ 2025.pdf
Attachment 2 *
20250108-slatements-4 733 _ ChaseMorth _2203Rosita pdf
Email*
Primary Phone Number*
------
Secondary Phone Number
c___ ----- ===i
Additional Information
CA
Country
jusA
Have you attended a meeting of this Board/ Conmission/ Committee?* No
Work Experience
Present Employer"'
[ Triple Crown (Apple)
Job Title*
I Engireer
191.12KB
209 31KB
Previous Government Bodies/ Elective Offices Applicant has served Government
.._=====---::::::::::=-==--__:_=====i
Position/ Office Held:
Civic or Charitable Organizations to which Applicant has belonged Civic or Charitable Organization Position Held
High School, College, Professional , Vocational Schools attended High School, College, Professional, Vocational School
Special awards or recognition received
,_ --
Reasons
Major Subject
From Date
Date
[___ _______ ------,__,
To Date
Degree Dates f
Anticipated Graduation
Please state reasons lM'IY you want to become a member of this Cormission , including \\Mt specific objectill8S you 1'.00ld be v.orking toward as a member of this advisory board:
Travel interests and experience gave me a better perspective of life.
Willing to contribute and enhance CoSC Cultural charter - both from national and global perspect ive.
Additional Information
Any other Information lM'lich you feel 1'.00ld be useful lo the City Council in reviewing your application:
Conflict of Interests
7 Are you associated Yoith any Organization/Employment that night be deemed a confict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position? ,~
Abstaining from Votes
City poficy directs all advisory body members not to wte on matters v.tiere there ellists a potential conffict of interest Would you be IM!Ung to abstain from .oting if such a conflict arises?
Yes
Signature and Acknowledgement
Signature
By clicking subrrit you are confirrring that you are the person listed in this application. and that all information prol.ided is truthful and correct Al information provided YoiU be pubfic information.
Date
14/25/2025
(7., City of Application for Cultural Commission, Historic al & Lan dmark Commission and Senio r Advisory :~ Santa Clara
... lo.~ ,· - ~•~ · ... -~" ·" ' ...... , . . . ..
Commission
Position
Board/Commission/Committee Applying For*
["cuitural Commission
Name*
l vamsi Gunda
Are you a resident of the City of Santa Clara?*
(Must be a resident of the city of santa clara at time of application) r. Yes
Address *
Street Address
Address Line 2
/"' No
-
~
-
c,,
...
-0
:x
(,.) ..
0 '°
_ ._ _______________________ ______.
City
---------! Santa Clara
Postal / Zip Code
195050
Provide two forms of Proof of Residency in the City of Santa Clara Attachment 1 *
Oriversl icense2024 pdf
Attachment 2 *
Vams;_ Gunda _ santa _ ciara_ utiHly _ bll pdf
Email*
Primary Phone Number*
Secondary Phone Number
' Add1t1onal Information
Have you attended a meeting of this Board/Commissio n/ Committee?* Work Experience
Present Employer*
jApple
Job rrt1e*
I Software Engineer
State / Province I Region
CA
Country
fusA
80,3KB
80,13KB
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Previous Government Bodies/ Elective Offices Applicant has served Government Position/ Office Held:
Civic or Charitable Organizations to which Applicant has belonged Civic or Charitable Organization
c.._
Position Held
Hgh School, College, Professional, Vocational Schools attended High School, College, Professional, Vocational School Major Subject Special awards or recognition received
Reasons
From Date
Date
To Date
Degree Dates /
Anticipated Graduation
Please state reasons v.tly you want to become a member of this Comrrission, including v..hat specific objectives you IM)Uld be v,.orking IOI/lard as a member of this advisory board:
-L-
Additional Information
Any other information v.tlich you feel 1<.0uld be useful to the City Council in reviewing your application:
Conflict of Interests
Are you associated v,.ith any Organizaijon/Employment that night be deemed a conflict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position? No
Abstaining from Votes
City policy directs all adlAsory body members not to -.ote on matters \\tlere there exists a potential conflict of interest Would you be v.illing to abstain from voting if such a conflict arises?
I v es
Signature and Acknowledgement
Signature
By clicking submit you are confirning thal you are the person isted in this application. and that all information pro\ided is truthful and correct All inforrration pro\ided will be public information.
Date
3/24/2025
( --:-7 · City of Application for Cultural Commission, Historical & Landmark Commission and Senior Advisory .. "" . ' Santa Clara ,.__... n,.. r-.. ,., .. , ..,._...,._,,. ,~, ...,.
Commission
Posillon
Board/Commission/Committee Applying For*
Cultural Commission
Name*
I Aisha Othman
Are you a resident of the City of Santa Clara?*
(Must be a resident of the city of sanla clara at time of application) r. Yes
Address*
Street Address
Address Line 2
I Apt 220
r No
City State / Province I Region
Santa Clara ' CA
Postal/ Zip c_ooe______ _ _ Country
._)9_50_5_0 _____ ______ __ -_,-I L..[us)_ A ________ _ Provide two forms of Proof of Residency In the City of Santa Clara Attachment 1 *
aisha drivers ~cense pdl
Altachment 2 *
pooorl)ill.pdl
Email*
Primary Phone Number*
- --~
Secondary Phone Number
Add1t1onal Information
Have you attended a meeting of this Board/ Commission/ Committee?* I f\b
Work Experience
Present Employer*
108.01KB
94 86KB
['seit-Employed -------------- ------- -------
Job Title*
~ Horney
C.1ty Clerk'
ity Of S s Office
anta c ra
Previous Government Bodies/ Elective Offices Applicant has served Government Position/ Office Held: Date
Civic or Charitable Organizations to which Applicant has belonged Civic or Charitable Organization Position Held From Date To Date ,.__ _______ (
Hgh School, College, Professional. Vocational Schools attended High School, College, Professional, Vocational School Major Subject I Lincoln Law School, San Jose, CA 7 Ju-is Doctor
--:::::::::::::::::::::::: ____ _,
I Indiana U1iversity, Bloomington, IN B.A Computer Science Special awards or recognition received
Certification/License in the 1 O caronical ways of Quran recitation, and Arabic Calligraphy Recognition for participating in bi-annual International Arts Exhibitions in Cairo, Egypt between 2018-2021 ~
Reasons
Degree Oates/
Anticipated Graduation
[ 5/3'1/1997
[5131/1981
Please state reasons why you want to become a merrt>er of this Cormission, including what specific objectives you 'M>Uld be working toward as a member of this advisory board:
I am deeply passionate about cultural preservation, diversity. and cross-cullurat exchange, and I believe that serving as a Commissioner on the Cultural Commission will allow me to contribute meaningfully to fostering a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape. As someone of Chinese and Malaysian heritage who has traveled extensively around the world , I have gained a global perspective on how cultures shape communities. inspire creativity. and promote mutual understanding.
My objective as a member of this advisory board would be to:
1. Promote Cultural Diversity and Representation - Advocate for programming and initiatives that highlight the rich cultural traditions of diverse communities, ensuring that all voices and heritage are represented.
2. Strengthen Cross-Cult ural Engagement - Encourage cultural exchanges, collaborations, and events that bring different communities together, fostering deeper appreciation and understanding.
3. Support Arts and Cultural Programs - Work toward expanding opportunities for artists, performers, and cultural practitioners to showcase their work, ensuring accessibility to cultural resources for all.
4. Preserve and Celebrate Heritage - Support efforts lo document, preserve, and educate the public about cultural traditions, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.
5. Enhance Global Connections - Leverage my international experiences to bring global cultural perspectives into local initiatives, making the community a hub for diverse cultural interactions.
Through my background and experiences, I hope to bring a fresh, globally informed perspective to the commission while honoring the traditions and stories that make our community unique. I am eal;ler to contribute my knowledge, experience, and passion for cultural advocacy to help shape policies and initiatives that celebrate diversity, foster unity, and enrich the cultural fabric of our . society.
Additional lnf-ormation
Any other information v.nch you feel would be useful to the City Council in rel.ie>Mng your application:
Conflict of Interests
Are you associated Y<ith any OrganizaUon/Employment that mght be deemed a confLict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to lhis position? ! No
Abstaining from Votes
City policy directs all ad.-isory body members not to \Qte on matters ~re there e.xists a potential conflict of interesl Would you be v.ilfing to abs1ain from voting if such a conflict arises?
I Yes
S1grature and Acknowledgement
Signature
By clicking submit you are confirming that you are the person isled in this application , and that all information pr0'1ded is u-uthful and correct All information pro,ided will be public information.
Date
~
(___~~ ;i ~~i~r~l~ra Appl ication for Cultural Commission , Historical & Landmark Commission and Senior Advisory Commission
Position
Board/Commission/Committee Applying For*
I Cultural Commission
Personal Information
Name*
I Charles Pontious
Are you a resident of the City of Santa Clara?*
(Must be a resident of the city of santa clara at time of application) r: Yes
Address*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
r No
State I Province/ Region
[ santa Cla~
Postal / Zip Code
f 95050-5200
j CA
Provide two forms of Proof of Residency in the City of Santa Clara Attachment 1 *
umity bill.pd!
Attachment 2 *
Charles CA Drivers License.par
Email*
Primary Phone Number*
---
Secondary Phone Number
------~
Additional Information
Have you attended a meeting of this Board/ Conwnlsslon/ Committee?* Yes
Work Ex.oerrence
Present Employer*
I Guitar Center
Jobrdle *
I Guitar Instructor (part time)
Country
f usA
491 75KB
118.15KB
-
Previous Government Bodies/ Elective Offices Applicant has served Government Position/ Office Held:
Santa Clara County - June 2009 to December I
2020
Behavioral Health Board, Vice Chair
Civic or Charitable Organizations to which Applicant has belonged Civic or Charitable Organization
South Bay Guitar Society (a
nonprofit allied with the Arts
Council)
Old Quad Residents Association
Position Held
SBGS - Member of Community
Engagement Team
tigh School, College, Professional, Vocational Schools attended High School, College, Professional, Vocational School Major Subject From Date
11,1,2020
I Galifornia State University, Sacr~rto l
Special awards or recognition received
, Applied Music, Classical Guitar
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Community Hero, 2021 District 5 Holiday Decoration 1st place winner, 2024
Reasons
Date
i 12I1I2020
To Date
JI 4I211202s
Degree Dates /
Anticipated Graduation
]
[6ITT/1981 7
Please state reasons why you want to become a member of this Commssion, including what specific objectives you IM>Uld be working to.vard as a membef of this advis()()' board:
I am oow retired and I would like to contribute to my community. I have an strong interest in the arts, especially music, painting and sculpture. I have a hobby of studying languages and am interested in the peoples and cultures of variolls countries. I have traveled to many countries and have dual citizenship in Italy.
I would like to explore with the City Council removing restrictions which make live music impractical for bars and restaurants in the City.
Additional Information
Any other information which you feel oould be useful to the City Council in reviewing your appication:
I regularly perform and my clients include 4 Senior Living Facilities. I would like to see more concerts and programs al out Senior Center for the benefit of our community possibly connecting with other cultural organizations such as the SBGS to help organize.
I have attended Dancing in the Streets most years since it's inception.
I currently study Italian, Spanish, Mandarin. Vietnamese. French, and German. I nave studied Japanese in the past.
Conflict of Interests
Are you associated with any Organization/E"1)1oymeot that rright be deemed a confict of interest in performing your duties if appointed to this position? [ t-b
Abstaining from Votes
City poicy directs all acMsory body members not to \Ole on matters 'Mlere there e»sts a potential conflict of interest Would you be wilring to abstain from -.oting if such a conflict arises?
------------ ----
Yes
Signature and Acknowledgement
Signature
By clicking submt you are confirmng that you are the person fisted in this appfication. and 1hat au information pro1.1ded is truthful and correct All information provided will be public information.
Date
r--~:.
( ;_- _) ~:xt~fClara Application for Cultural Com m ission, Histo rical & Landmark Commission and Senior Advisory Comm iss ion
Pos,tior
Board/Commisslon/Commttee Applying For*
I Cultural Commission
Name*
I Esther Rubin
Are you a resident of the City of Santa Clara?*
(Must be a resident of 1he city of santa clara at time of application) r. Yes
Address*
Street Address
Address Line 2
r No
City State / Province/ Region
~ nta Clara lcA
Postal / Zip Code Country
~lg~so~~--------------JI iusA
Provide two forms of Proof of Residency in the City of Santa Clara Attachment 1 *
Esther R_Proof of Residence 1.pdf
Attachment 2 *
Esther R._Proof of Residence 2.pdf
Emaff*
- ia--------
Prima.ry Phone Number*
Secondary Phone Number
Additional Information
Have you attended a meeting of this Board/ Corrmission/ Conwnittee?* No
Work Experience
Present Employer*
j Worldshakers Internat ional LLC
Jobrdle *
I CEO and Founder
292.06KB
168.24KB
APR _2 5 2025
City Clerk 's Off
City of Santa Ci~~=
-1
Previous Government Bodies/ Elective Offices Applicant has served Government Position/ Office Held: Date
-----= = =-- --.:::.:::.:::..:::.:::.:::..:::..:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::~-----' Civic or Charitable Organizations to which Applicant has belonged Civic or Charitable Organization Position Held From Date To Date c===============c===============
Hgh School, College, Professional, Vocational Schools attended High School, College, Professional, Vocational School Major Subject ! PhD lntercultural Communication
Special awards or recognition received
I have received many scholarships while pursuing higher education. I was one of the very few PhD students who received the Vice-Chancellor's commendation at Macquarie University, Australia.
Reasons
Degree Dates/
Anticipated Graduation
14/13/20 16
Please state reasons Ykly you want to become a member of lhis ComJTisslon. including 'Mlal specific objectives you would be working toward as a member of this advisory board:
I have spent many years sit.dying languages and cultures and hold a Ph.D. in International Studies. My research proje<:t is primarily in lifll!luistics, & intercultural communication. I'm an immigrant and have lived 1n different places and traveled extensively. I also hold 3 master's degrees (cross-cultural communication, linguistics, & MBA). I thought I should give this opportu,ity a shot as I'm interested in both learning from lte community and contributing my insights, ideas and advice to roster multiculturalism and multilingualism which 1s in line with the diversity in ethnicities, languages and cultures we see in Santa Oara .
Additional Information
Any other information v.t1ich you feel 'MJUld be useful to the City Council in relliewl,:ig your application:
--------,
I have spent many years studying languages and cultures and hold a Ph.D. in International Studies. My research project is primarily ,n linguistics, & intercultural communication. I'm an immigrant and have lived in different places and traveled extensively. I also hold 3 master's degrees (cross-cultural communication, linguistics. & MBA} and a Bachelor of Arts in English. I thought I should give this opportunity a shot as I'm interested in both learning from the community and contributing my insights. ideas ard advice to foster multiculturalism and multliingualism which is in line with the diversity in ethnicities, languages and cultures we see in Santa Oara .
Conflict of Interests
I
I
Are you associated with any O-ganization/Efl1)1oyment that night be deemed a con1lict of interest in perfoming your duties if appointed to this position? Abstaining from Votes
City policy direc1S an adl.isory body members not to 1.0te on matters 11mere there elCists a potential conflict of interest. Woold you be v,;11ng to abstain from voting if such a conflict arises?
[ es
Signature and Acknowledgement
Signature
By clicking subrri t you are confirJTing that you are ltle person listed in this application, and that all inf<Xmation pro1,1ded is !ruthfui and correct All inforrration provided will be public information.
Date ------
( 4/25/2025