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Meet Doria

I was born in Chicago, IL, one of three children. My mother was a costume designer and a graduate of the Goodman School in Chicago. My father worked in television and film. He was also active in our community and politics.  My parents inspired me to be creative, open to new ideas and politically involved. My mother was a great cook, seamstress and reader. My father used his skills as a carpenter and builder to remodel a former garage and stable into our homes.

I attended The Art Institute of Chicago, spending one year abroad in Rome at The Tyler School of Art. I graduated from The Art Institute of Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.  In addition to Palo Alto, I have lived in Chicago, Rome, Stockholm and New York.

My History in Palo Alto

I moved to Palo Alto from the Midwest more than 35 years ago, immediately falling in love with Palo Alto and the Bay Area. I have lived here ever since – initially as a renter and then as a homeowner.

My husband and I both love living in Palo Alto – there are few places in the world that provide the amenities of Palo Alto with easy access to the ocean and the mountains combined with a diverse and welcoming community.  I believe that the quality of life we enjoy in Palo Alto is exceptional and, as we grow and welcome newcomers to the community, we should make sure we retain the aspects of the city we value so much.

My background is in film and video production and I worked on a number of movies after moving here in 1986. I left the movie industry about 20 years ago and, since then, my time has been primarily devoted to volunteering for my neighborhood and the city. I began working with my neighborhood association (College Terrace Residents’ Association) in 2008 and was elected President. I worked on the Traffic Calming Committee and Residential Parking Permit Committee. Both of these resulted in actions by the city that improved the quality of life for residents, which showed me how civic action can result in real, positive change.

I began serving on committees addressing issues such as improving the functioning of Palo Alto’s Development Center, which deals with homeowners and contractors on permitting issues. I also was appointed to serve on the committee tasked with updating Palo Alto’s Comprehensive Plan that sets the strategic vision for the city’s future. I am extremely interested in how planning can affect the residents of different neighborhoods, so I served on the North Ventura Area Plan Committee.

In 2016, I had the honor of being chosen by the City Council to serve on Palo Alto’s Planning and Transportation Committee. I have served on the commission since then, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair.

A major role of the Planning and Transportation Commission is to review and improve policies and projects before they go to Council for decisions. The experience and knowledge gained there has taught me that there are no simple answers: all issues are complex with intended and unintended consequences.

My experience on the Planning and Transportation Commission has educated me to the many different perspectives of residents throughout our city. On Council, I will continue to respect and remember these differences in perspectives.

It would be an honor to serve the people of Palo Alto as a Council Member.

My Record of Community Service

 

  • Planning and Transportation Commission (2016-present, Chair, 2023-24)
    • Ad Hoc Committee on Affordable Housing (2018)
    • Review of 2023-2031 Housing Element
    • Reviews of ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Ordinances and Policies
    • Reviews of Height Transitions Near Existing Residences
    • Reviews of Objective Design Standards for State-Prioritized Housing
    • Reviews of Rezoning Proposals for High-Density Housing
    • Studies of Proposed Reductions to Parking Requirements
  • 2030 Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee Member
    • Land Use Subcommittee for 2030 Comprehensive Plan
    • Natural Environment Subcommittee for 2030 Comprehensive Plan
  • College Terrace Residents’ Association, Board Member (2009-2016, President 2016)
    • College Terrace Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project
    • College Terrace Residential Parking Permit Program Committee
    • JJ&F / College Terrace Centre Task Force (2008-2014)
    • College Terrace Library Advocacy
  • Citizen’s Committee to update Palo Alto Tree Ordinance
  • California Avenue Concept Plan workshops
  • California Avenue Tree Replanting and Streetscape Project
  • Palo Alto Art Center tree and greenspace preservation
  • North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan Working Group Member
  • Development Center Advisory Group Community Representative
  • Wildlife Rescue / Peninsula Humane Society Board Member
  • La Comida Board Member

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