Candidate for
Council Member; City of Walnut Creek

ABOUT CINDY

I am a native Californian, born and raised in Santa Cruz. My parents were active members of the community. As long-time local business owners and school and community volunteers, they taught me the importance of giving back to the community.

I am a long-time Walnut Creek resident and have been an active member of the community as an independent business owner and a volunteer. My husband Tom and I have been married for 25 years. We have one daughter, Katie, who is a 2005 Las Lomas graduate and a 2009 graduate of the University of Washington.

EDUCATION

I was fortunate to attend the University of Southern California on a full academic and financial-need scholarship. I graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Journalism. I also completed masters work in Communications Management at the Annenberg School of Communications at USC.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

I have nearly 35 years of business experience in marketing and communications in industries as diverse as telecommunications, biotech, and the non-profit sector. Since 1980, I have owned my own consulting business -- originally Eisley Communications, Inc., now Eisley Silva Communications.

In the Bay Area, I have worked with Hill Physicians Medical Group, the largest network of independent physicians in northern California (2005-2008); the Walnut Creek Library Foundation (2006); PeopleSoft (2001-2002 and 2003-2004); Nektar Therapeutics (2002-2003); and AirTouch International (1993-2000), now part of Vodafone and Verizon.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

I love Walnut Creek and believe there is no better way to serve our community than by giving back my time and energy. I have been an active community volunteer for many years--working with our schools, on youth sports programs, with our local education foundations, and on improving our local libraries. Prior to my election to City Council in 2006, I was a member of the Planning Commission (2004-2006).

Since my election to City Council, I have expanded my volunteer work. Most significantly, over the last 3-1/2 years, I have given hundreds of hours of my time to the community effort to raise more than $5 million in private funds for the new library--a tremendously successful endeavor by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation. I also served on the Library Opening Day Committee, providing pro bono marketing and communications services.

In 2009, I worked actively with the grassroots Yes for Walnut Creek group to ensure to our community had a voice on Measure I. The success of Measure I will ultimately bring more jobs to Walnut Creek, improve downtown parking, and strengthen local business.

This year, I am serving as chair of TRANSPAC, the regional transportation planning committee of Central Contra Costa. Through this group, I am leading our efforts to find regional solutions to local transportation and safety issues, including school crossing guard programs, major roadway improvements, and bike-pedestrian enhancements like the Treat -Iron Horse Trail overcrossing.

A list of some of my community activities and leadership responsibilities appears below:

COMMUNITY

Mayor Pro Tem (2010) and City Councilmember (2006-present)

Chair (2010) and Member (2008-present), TRANSPAC (Central County Regional Transportation Planning Committee)

Director, East Bay Division, League of California Cities (2010)

Member, Housing, Economic and Community Development Committee, League of California Cities (2010)

Member, Community Services Committee, League of California Cities (2009)

Alternate, East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (2007-present)

Planning Commissioner (2004-2006)

East Bay Women's Conference Committee (2008-present)

Graduate, Leadership Contra Costa (2006)

Graduate, Walnut Creek Citizens Institute (2005)

Walnut Festival Service Club Food Booth Chair (1991-1994)

Rossmoor Liaison, Acalanes High School District School Funding Measure (2005)

Siofok Sister City Soccer Team Visit Committee (2004)

EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS

Las Lomas PTSA, President (2003-2005)

California State PTA Continuing Service Award Recipient (2005)

Acalanes Union High School District Measure A Oversight Committee (2005-present)

Acalanes Union High School District Revenue Committee (2002)

Walnut Creek School District Strategic Planning Committee

Las Lomas Student Carpool Parking Committee (2004-2005)

Las Lomas WASC Accreditation Committee (2004-2005)

Walnut Creek Education Foundation, Director (2001)

Co-chair and committee chair positions to provide our schools with essential local funding

LIBRARIES

One City, One Book Steering Committee (2006-present)

Co-Chair, Yes! A New Walnut Creek Library Committee (2005)

Walnut Creek Library Advisory Team (2005-2006)

Measure Q Campaign Committee (2002)

Youth and Recreation Activities

Fountain for Youth Foundation, Scholarship Chair (2006-present)

Walnut Creek Swim Conference, President, Meet Director, Board Member (2001-2004)

Mother Advisor, Concord Rainbow Girls (1992-1994)

Walnut Creek Soccer Club, Fields Director, Game Scheduler, House Tournament Director, Board Member (1999-2004)