Form Name: Boards and Commissions Application
Unique ID: 1306092648
Applicant Information
Name Dana E Katzenelson
Are you a Sunnyvale resident? Yes
Description Area Residence Notice:Unless otherwise noted, your principal place of residence must be in Sunnyvale. You must live in Sunnyvale at the time of appointment and at all times during service on a board or commission.
Current Main Residence
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Email
Phone
Are you currently a registered voter in
Sunnyvale?
Yes
When was the last time you voted?
Month/Year
11/2024
Have you ever served on a City of
Sunnyvale board or commission?
No
Have you attended a meeting of the City
Council, or a board or commission?
No
Have you attended meetings of the
board(s) or commission(s) for which
you are applying?
No
Board or Commission Selection
First Choice Board of Library Trustees (R)
Applicant Qualifications
What motivated you to apply for this
board or commission?
I saw a post about the opening on the r/Sunnyvale subreddit. I check out books from the library regularly and am interested in getting more involved with the community.
Dana Katzenelson
-
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What skills or attributes can you bring
to this board or commission?
I represent a regular library user with a common local profession (software engineer). I am organized and proficient with common office software for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. I collaborate well with others and am willing to learn more about how this process works.
The primary role of a board or
commission member is to provide
advice to City Council on policy issues
that are within the scope of the board or
commission. What steps would you take
to effectively exercise this specific
board or commission role?
I would keep abreast of policy issues by attending City Council meetings and using existing recommended resources. I would form my own opinions based on experience and consult with other stakeholders such as librarians, Friends of the Sunnyvale Library, and other community members including my neighbors. I would summarize the results of the collective findings in a document or presentation as needed and would be happy to present them formally or informally and discuss them in detail.
Education – List college degrees,
majors and any relevant training or
experience that demonstrates your
ability to effectively serve on this board
or commission.
I have an A.B. (Bachelor's) Cum Laude from Harvard in Computer Science.
Back in high school (Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, valedictorian), I participated as the only student representative on the Strategic Planning Committee, an advisory committee about the long term direction for the school. These days I'm serving on the Culture Club at my remote-first workplace (Panther Labs) which focuses on building community within the company despite the distance between employees.
Describe your involvement in
community activities, volunteer and
civic organizations.
I am currently trying to get more involved with the community. I recently started taking pottery and metal embossing classes through the city and signed up to volunteer with the Friends of the Sunnyvale Library.
Description Area The City has a Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials and an Attendance Policy (7.2.19), 2 G (II) that appointed members are required to follow.
Do you have any concerns related to the
above code and policy?
No
Are you willing to accept a temporary
appointment for the remainder of an
unexpired term?
Yes
Board or Commission-Specific Questions
Board of Library Trustees
Dana Katzenelson
Community demographics and
technology are constantly changing.
What do you think are the principal
issues the Sunnyvale Public Library
may be addressing over the next few
years?
The biggest one is almost certainly how to move forward given that the ballot proposition to fund the new library failed. The need that led to that ballot proposition is still present and we must find a new way to fulfill it that is supported by our community. Beyond that, I would imagine many smaller issues like developing programming, maintaining community engagement, deciding what to add to the collections, and ensuring funding.
Demographic Information
Your age 18-44
Your gender Female
Description Area LGBTQIA+ Identity (LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and the “+” is an all-inclusive way to include additional terms used to describe one’s gender, romantic, and sexual identities for those who do not identify with heterosexuality or the gender binary.)
LGBTQIA+ Identity Prefer not to answer
Race or Ethnicity (select all that apply) White
Other
Short Answer Ashkenazi Jewish
Do you speak a language other than
English?
No
Household Income Over $161,670
Residence - Are you a Renter
Do you live in a Apartment/Condo
Your Agreement
Dana Katzenelson
Description Area IMPORTANT NOTICE – READ BEFORE SIGNING:By selecting both “Yes” and “Submit Form” below I am adding my digital signature to this application. I am also agreeing with the following statements:All statements I have made on this application are true and correct.I authorize the City of Sunnyvale (City) to investigate the accuracy of this information.I release the City from all claims and liabilities arising from such investigation.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application will be grounds for the City to deny my appointment. A false statement discovered later, will be grounds to dismiss me from my appointment at any time.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application could lead to criminal charges.
Charges could fall under California Penal Code, Section 115 or other applicable law.
I agree Yes
Your full name Dana Katzenelson
Date Jan 16, 2025
Dana Katzenelson