David Collins
“My family has deep roots in Northern California, spanning four generations. In 1994, we chose to move to Ripon in search of a close-knit community with strong schools where we could raise our three children. Ripon not only met those hopes but exceeded them in every way.”

David shared that, over time, he came to appreciate “how rare it is to find a town so safe, welcoming, and family-centered,” which sparked his commitment to contribute so that future generations can inherit “the same sense of community, care, and opportunity.”

Professionally, he has owned and managed businesses since the early 1980s and has also served as a Director and or Chief Financial Officer for two nonprofit organizations, including one based in Ripon.

David was asked by former Ripon City Councilmen Curt Pernice and Chuck Winn to serve as a Planning Commissioner. “My mind is analytical, and I hope that Ripon can retain its family-friendly, safe values in the face of State Mandates of higher density.”

One project that stands out to him is the North Pointe Project. “In my view, had that proposal moved forward as presented, it would have increased Ripon’s housing stock by nearly 25 percent and fundamentally changed the family-friendly standards that define our city.” He is grateful, he said, that city staff and the City Council “stepped up to protect Ripon’s long-term interests,” reshaping the proposal into what is now the North Pointe Project.

When asked what he loves about Ripon, David said, “It’s no accident that Ripon continues to be one of the most popular cities in our area. People are drawn here because they value a safe, family-friendly community.”

His favorite quote or motto is: “Don’t shoot the good guys.” He encourages residents to visit City Hall, talk with staff, and understand the complexity behind decisions before criticizing them publicly.

Outside of city service, David serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Rage Volleyball nonprofit. “My happy place is the ocean,” he shared. “Nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my two grandchildren. Truly, life doesn’t get much better than that.”

George Saljian
“We moved to Ripon from Tracy in 2005. Several years earlier, we had enrolled our twin boys at Ripon Christian and quickly grew to love the community and the strong friendships we were building. Our minds had been made up, we were moving to Ripon, and we began the search for a home.”

George’s professional background includes Construction Management, mainly for nonprofit and church projects, and serves as a Financial Advisor at WAY Financial (Ripon). He and his wife, Anneliese, have two sons, Luke and Zack.

George shared that, having lived in a city that experienced tremendous growth in a short period, he saw firsthand that “some cities manage growth better than others.” He liked what he saw in Ripon, and “when the opportunity arose to have a voice here, I felt compelled to be part of the process.”

One project that stands out is the retail center and apartment development at the corner of W. River Road and N. Ripon Road. “The project was hotly contested. The Planning Commission carefully listened to those in support and those in opposition and gave serious consideration to all concerns.” Ultimately, the commission concluded that the benefits outweighed the objections and approved the project. “Today, years later, most of the feedback I hear speaks very positively about the outcome.”

He also addressed a common misconception: “We are volunteers and serve at the pleasure of the City Council. Planning Commissioners do not select or recruit specific businesses to come into the community. Our responsibility is to review proposals under the zoning, land-use designations, and ordinances already in place.”

What he loves about Ripon is “the sense of community. People know their neighbors, look out for each other, and take pride in where they live.”

His motto: “Love God, love people, and pray for the courage to do what’s right.”

Steve Verver
Steve Verver has lived in Ripon his entire life and attended Ripon Christian K-12. His grandparents came to the area in the early 1920s, and his family is Dutch on both sides. He also grew up in the house that was once Main Street Floral and recalls his mother arranging flowers in their kitchen. Today, that same location is home to Debbie’s Dog Grooming.

Steve served in the Navy for 22 years, including active duty and reserves, and joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2005. With a background in construction and having grown up here, he has seen how other cities have made planning errors. His goal is that “when there is growth, it happens properly to benefit all residents.”

“What I like about it is that we are all there for the same reasons,” Steve shared. “We want what’s best for our city in terms of development and growth.” His favorite project was the Ripon Christian School tennis courts. "It’s great to see our local schools improving their facilities for the students."

Steve also noted that land is designated for different types of business and that there are state requirements. Long-term planning is handled by the City Planner, and in some cases, if a developer comes forward with a use already allowed and is willing to meet requirements, “you can’t turn them down.”

Debra Van Essen
Debra Van Essen has called Ripon home since childhood. Her parents moved here in 1955, when she was about a year and a half old.

Professionally, she holds a BSN in nursing, specializing in the ICU, and her most recent role was as an insurance business owner for 22 years.

“I have been blessed to live in a wonderful community and felt I could give back to that community by serving on the commission,” she shared.

Projects that stand out to her include the apartments and shopping area at the corner of River Road and North Ripon, which she believes are well planned and serve the community. Debra shared that she is excited to see the two hotels that the commission approved. “I think our town could use this service,” she said.

Debra also addressed a common question she gets: “We don’t get to ‘pick’ or ‘recruit’ businesses.” She explained that the commission’s role is to review the City Planner's findings and recommendations and determine whether projects meet the requirements to proceed.

Her motto: “Always listen and try to understand what is important to others. Always offer kindness and respect.”

Lori Bunnell
“I was born and raised in Ripon,” Lori Bunnell shared, and she chose to raise her own family here as well.

Lori has been in the real estate and property management industry for 30 years.

“Ripon is my hometown where I grew up and chose to raise my own family,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve watched our community grow and change, and I felt it was the right time to give back by investing my time to help ensure Ripon remains the best small town it can be.”

Lori is newer to the commission and has attended a handful of meetings. She shared that she has enjoyed researching and learning about each project that has come before the Planning Commission.

She also noted that the Planning Commission “has to follow rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by either the City or State.”

Her favorite thing about Ripon is the Almond Blossom Festival, which she described as her family’s favorite event.

Her favorite quote is Ephesians 4:2–3: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Jeff Veilleux
Jeff Veilleux moved to Ripon from Tracy in 2012, after realizing their life was already centered here. “Then we realized, why are we not living in Ripon, given our whole life and most of our friends were here already. It’s one of those realizations, we should have been here all along!”

Jeff shared that they live here for community, their church, and the belief that being the “Jewel of the Valley” is not an accident. “It’s who we are or who we need to be better at becoming,” he said. “I love this beautiful town!”

He and his family own PJ’s Rebar, Inc., with locations in Fremont and Turlock. In his first career, he was a paramedic for nine years. “Both lend themselves to being a better listener than a talker,” he said.

“I love Ripon!” he shared. “Being part of the Planning Commission affords me the opportunity to learn from my peers, be engaged in decisions that positively affect our community, and allows me to listen to understand.”

One project that stands out is the BESS project. Jeff shared that he planned on voting no until he asked the Fire Chief what he thought. “Ultimately, he assured me it would be a good decision to approve it. He gained my trust and respect, that led me to vote in favor of the project.”

Jeff also emphasized that much of the work happens behind the scenes. “We spend many hours individually on each item brought before the Commission to ensure we can ask the best and most appropriate questions,” and “we do it because we love this city and our neighbors.”

His favorite quote was on the headstone of a WW2 General: “No Regrets, No Remorse, No Retreat.” Jeff shared what that means to him: “Think clearly, listen to others, make your best plans, and go forward.”