Redwood City

I have served Redwood Shores on the City of Redwood City’s Architectural Review Committee and Planning Commission; and as a former Mayor, Vice Mayor, Councilmember, as well as on a number of County and regional agencies such as SamTrans and Caltrain.

As our community faces the current public health emergency, issues involving social justice and equity, a pressing need for affordable housing, and an economic recovery that may take years, I believe that my experience as a business leader, problem-solver, and community leader can help Redwood City and our region be stronger than ever before, be more inclusive and celebrate the diversity of our City.

Our residents and businesses need experienced leadership to ensure equal resources, programs, and a full recovery.

www.JeffGee.org

I have been an active civic leader in Redwood City for many years and now want to represent our neighborhood's interests on the City Council under the new district election system. My years of community involvement have developed my interest and skills in developing creative community solutions. This will be even more important while grappling with the impacts of Covid. Serving for 19 years on the Planning Commission, I’ve learned the importance of quality development in the proper place. My activities on the Library Foundation Board are helping to improve the Shores Library and Interpretive Center; with CityTrees, I have planted trees in multiple areas in the Shores. As a member of Bair Island Aquatic Center, I’ve learned to love the sloughs and value Redwood Shores’ connection with the waterways. My experience in Apartment Management has honed my appreciation of the importance of infrastructure. I know how to get things done within the structure of Redwood City having served on a City Commision and numerous boards. The Shores will face future needs for levee maintenance as well as attention to traffic congestion. Your concerns will be my priority on Council.

Redwood City is where I put down roots, 37 years ago ,raised my children, owned a small business, and where I have learned invaluable life lessons. I served 9 years on the Planning Commission which provided a strong foundation for my last five years on City Council. I believe development needs to serve all members of our community and developers need to be held accountable for their impacts on our city.

I have rolled up my sleeves in addressing the flooding, and active in the Friendly Acres Neighborhood Association 20 years. I will continue to bring my passion and experience as a Council member by using a social justice lens on issues ranging from police reform, affordable housing, city services and beyond.

My campaign is focused housing, transportation, equity and economic security for all residents. Sixty percent of District 3 rents and we have one of the highest rates of crowding in the city. Since 1950, our city has nearly tripled in population. This has resulted in a drastic shortage of housing which results in both a lack of affordability and crowding which has only gotten worse since the start of the pandemic. There are many places where we could both add affordable housing and make housing more affordable. Adding to the housing would bring property tax revenue to our schools, improve the ability of our children to safely walk and bike to school and reduce the costs of delivering city services.

My name is Lissette Espinoza-Garnica (she/they). As a caretaker, Pre-K teaching assistant, and an active union member, I have extensive experience in community care and in community advocacy. Recently, I have been pushing to redirect Redwood City’s $48.9 million police budget to social services, and organized a police abolition rally in Redwood City with a broad coalition of community organizations. Running for office is an extension of the radical care I advocate for, and as city councilmember I hope to put people over profit. City council is not representative of the community and as a working-class, queer, non-binary, Chicanx I will center the issues of the most marginalized in our community to ensure our city prioritizes the wellness of all residents.

I’m running for City Council for Redwood City’s 4th District to empower my community and to face tough challenges that have settled into the community. I never thought I would be running for elected office in Redwood City. I could have never anticipated having an opportunity like this to serve such a diverse, economically significant and socially rich community that is overflowing with potential. I truly believe that my experiences and expertise will help position Redwood City as a thriving hub for economic and social impact, especially through this critical juncture of its history. I believe Redwood City will require thoughtful, steady hands to steer its ship of 75,000 plus people to calm and navigable waters, and I similarly believe that my experiences and vision can help us do exactly that.

Ms. Alicia C. Aguirre is an elected official and educator. She is an elected member of the City Council in the City of Redwood City where she has served as both Vice Mayor and Mayor. She is the first Latina Mayor in the history of Redwood City. She also served as a Trustee and the President of the Redwood City Elementary School Board.

Professionally, Alicia is a professor at Cañada College. She has taught there since 1988 in the ESL and Spanish Departments.

Alicia is a regional leader focused on issues of social equity and immigrant rights, affordable housing, transportation, and economic empowerment for all socio-economic residents.

Alicia is the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, first generation to graduate from college.

We did not hear back from Chris Rasmussen.

My name is Mark Wolohan and I am running for Redwood City Council, District 7. My family has rented in Redwood City my whole life; I know firsthand the struggle of paying the rent. I graduated from Occidental College as a dual sport athlete, earning degrees in Kinesiology and Economics. Last year, I played professional basketball in the Liga Superior de Baloncesto in El Salvador. After El Salvador, I returned full-time to working at the Riekes Center for Human Enhancement a 501©3 nonprofit near North Fair Oaks. I work in the Athletic Fitness, Nature Awareness, and Community Service departments, helping people from all walks of life achieve their goals and "having to do whatever in the spirit of helping others."