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Council fills Cultural Commission seats; candidates emphasize inclusion and events
Summary
After interviews, the Santa Clara City Council appointed Kuku Das and Charles Pontius to Cultural Commission seats and placed Esther Rubin on the eligibility list; candidates urged more inclusive events and public art.
The Santa Clara City Council on Thursday appointed two residents to the Cultural Commission and placed a third candidate on an eligibility list after a series of interviews.
Kuku Das was appointed to the partial term ending June 30, 2028; Charles Pontius was appointed to a full term ending June 30, 2029; and Esther Rubin was placed on the eligibility list. The council voted unanimously in favor of the slate.
Applicants described varied cultural and community experience. Kuku Das, who co-founded iGurukul to promote language and cultural programming, summarized her approach with the phrase, “Synergy and empowerment is my mantra,” and said she would draw on decades of community leadership and event experience. Charles Pontius, a local musician and longtime volunteer, suggested using vacant commercial façades and other public spaces as rotating art canvases and proposed smaller-scale concerts and neighborhood music events to broaden participation.
Council and applicants discussed existing festivals and potential new offerings, including multi-ethnic food events and Lunar New Year celebrations that would include multiple Asian communities. Candidates urged careful planning tied to available budget and community priorities. Esther Rubin, who holds advanced degrees in cross-cultural communication and runs a local marketing business, said she would help promote events and create higher-quality outreach materials to increase participation.
The council recorded its acceptance of the interviews and directed staff to proceed with onboarding of the appointees and to keep the eligibility list for future vacancies. Members noted the city’s eclectic population and recommended cultural programming that both reflects local diversity and creates broadly appealing community events.
Councilmembers present at the vote were Councilmember Gonzales, Councilmember Shahald, Councilmember Hardy, Councilmember Park, Vice Mayor Cox and Mayor Gilmore. Staff will follow up with the appointees about oaths and orientation.
