The City of South San Francisco
OH o Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 877-8518
CALIFORNIA
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPLICATION
APPLYING FOR (more than one may be selected)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee:
Must be a resident offor employed in South San Francisc Conference Center Authority -Business Representative
*Must represent a Business in South San Francisco Business Name:
Conference Center Authority -Community Representative
Conference Center Authority-Hotel Representative*
*Must represent a Hotel in South San Francisco Hotel Name:
Cultural Arts Commission
Equity and Public Safety Commission
Housing Authority
Housing Authority Tenant Commission*
*Must be a resident of the Housing Authority
Library Board
Measure W Citizens' Oversight Committee
Parking Place Commission
Parks & Recreation Commission
Planning Commission
Traffic Safety Commission
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Full Name: ABARCA DANA
Last First M.I.
Address: District: Burlingame
Street Address (Select One)
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CA 94080
City State ZIP Code
Telephone: Email:
1 The City of South San Francisco
Office of the City Clerk
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
CALIFORNIA (650) 877-8518
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Why are you interested in serving as a Boards and Commissions member? What do you feel you could contribute?
I am deeply committed to serving the South San Francisco community and contributing to its continued growth, safety, and livability.
Serving on both the Parking Place Commission (2019) and the Traffic Safety Commission (2020), I understand the importance of data-driven decision-making in addressing transportation and infrastructure challenges.
As a resident of South San Francisco, Old Town, I am particularly interested in improving traffic safety, parking accessibility, and ensuring that city planning reflects the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
What qualifies you for this appointment?
I am serving as a Commissioner on the Parking Place Commission (since 2019) and the Traffic Safety Commission (since 2002), where I am gaining firsthand experience reviewing city plans, evaluating safety concerns, and making recommendations that impact daily life in our community.
Additionally, as a member of Rise South City, an environmental nonprofit agency monitoring air quality in South San Francisco and San Bruno, I can see the environmental impact on our city.
What is your vision for growth in South San Francisco?
My vision for South San Francisco is to support balanced, sustainable growth that enhances quality of life while maintaining the city's unique character.
Priorities include improving traffic flow, increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety, and ensuring effective parking solutions for residents and local businesses.
The El Camino Real Mobility Plan is a strong example of a regional, sustainability-focused approach.
I support continued investment in smart infrastructure and environmentally responsible planning, with a focus on public safety, accessibility, and equity, so that all neighborhoods benefit from growth
2 The City of South San Francisco
Office of the City Clerl
400 Grand Avenu
South San Francisco, CA 94080
CALIFORNIA (650) 877-8518
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
What community activities are you presently involved in, or have been in the past? I am actively involved in community outreach efforts in South San Francisco as a founding member of Friends of Old Town, where actively support and participate in community programs and local events.
I am also involved with Rise South City, contributing to initiatives focused on climate change, air quality monitoring, and environmental education.
In addition, in my business, have mentored and supervised undergraduate students through internship programs, helping to foster education, professional development, and community engagement.
My service on the Parking Place Commission and Traffic Safety Commission also reflects my long-standing commitment to civic involvement and public service.
Are you currently receiving any form of compensation from the City for work performed? DYES • NO If yes, please explain: Parking Place and Traffic Safety Commissions Do you have any relatives serving on Council, Boards, Commissions, or Committees or are otherwise employed by the City of South San Francisco? • YES •NO
Name: Position: Relationship:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Employer: California Spice Basket, Inc. City: Burlingame CEO/ R&D From: 2016 To: Present
Job Title:
Responsibilities: Start new business (Spice development, Custom blending, and Co-packing) from the ground up and growing 25% each year.
First Spice Mixing Company, Inc. City: San Francisco
Employer:
Director of R&D/QA From: 2006 To:2016
Job Title:
Responsibilities: Developed 900+ new spice blend formulations for customers in the food, meat, and beverage industry 3 The City of South San Francisco
CALIFORNIA
EDUCATION
School: University of Chemistry and Technology City: Prague, Czech Republic 1984 To: 1987 Degree: M.S.
From:
School: City:
From: To: Degree:
DISCLAIMER AND SIGNATURE
Signature: Date: 4/15/2026
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, all statements in this application are complete and true. I agree and understand that any mis-statement of material fact will cause me to forfeit all rights to appointment to a Commission, Board, or Committee with the City of South San Francisco.
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and will remain valid 1 year from the date of submission. If you are selected to serve on a Board or Commission, you may be required to file an Annual Statement of Economic Interest (FPPC Form 700) and bi-annual Ethics Training (AB1234).
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Submission Date: Received By:
4 DANA ABARCA, MS
South San Francisco
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
California Spice Basket, Burlingame, CA February 2016-Present Owner/CEO
Start new business ( Spice development, Custom blending, and Co-packing) from the ground up and growing 25% each year. :
Each year supervised 5-7 undergraduate students from SFSU and UC Davis for their semester internship.
First Spice Mixing Company, San Francisco, CA January 2006 - January 2016 Director of R&D/QA
• Developed 900+ new spice blend formulations for customers in the food, meat, and beverage industry. • Development and Implementation of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) program for the company.
SKILLS
• Research and Food Development, Food Analysis, Commercialization, Manufacturing, Kosher Certification, Microbiology/Food Safety/Food Quality, Sensory Evaluation, Nutritional Labeling, FDA Regulations, HACCP, Specification Writing, Client Relationships, Culinary Trends, Formula Matching, Cost Reduction, Quality Assurance
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Traffic Safety Commission, South San Francisco March 2020- Present Chairperson (2022)
Advise City leadership on traffic safety, policy, and infrastructure improvements to enhance community well-being. • Advocate for safer streets, pedestrian access, and data-driven traffic solutions.
Parking Place Commission, South San Francisco February 2019- Present Chairperson (2021, 2024, 2025)
Provide guidance on parking policies, accessibility, and enforcement to support residents, businesses, and visitors. • Balance economic vitality with community needs through thoughtful parking solutions.
Friends of Old Town / HOTHRA, South San Francisco April 2015-Present Treasurer from August 2015 to present
• Co-founding member of Friends of Old Town 2018
• Supporting and participating in different programs and events of the City of South San Francisco Educate our community about the Fastrak 101 Express Lane.
Involved in a 3-phase program, Reimagine Sam Trans - better bus lines and service.
Winter Land Toy Drive with Good Tidings Foundation.
• COVID -19 Vaccination Clinic, Movie Night, Holiday Food Drives Measure J Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, May 2011- January 2017 South San Francisco School District (37 meetings)
The clerk from March 2015 to January 2017
• Ensured transparency and accountability in the use of $162 million in public bond funds
EDUCATION
Master's Degree: University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic Chemical Engineering Degree in Food Science and Biochemical Technology, 1987 Thesis: Nutritional evaluation of special cereal products for people with Celiac disease Certificate: National Meat Association & International HACCP Alliance (Oakland, CA) HACCP Development and Implementation in Meat Plants-2006