Public Safety in San José: A Commitment to Safer Neighborhoods

Public safety is the foundation of a thriving San José. Every resident, regardless of their neighborhood, deserves to feel safe at home, on their street, and throughout our city. As your City Councilmember, I will prioritize smart, community-centered public safety strategies that strengthen trust, invest in technology, and keep San José safe for everyone.

My approach to public safety includes:

• Fully Staffing Our Emergency Responders

San José continues to face staffing shortages in both police and fire services. We must continue to invest in recruiting quality police officers. We must ensure that San José has a well-trained and well-resourced police and fire department that can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. I will advocate for competitive staffing levels, modern training, and technology that improve response times.

• Modern Tools for a Safer San José

San Jose, being the Capital of Silicon Valley, has the opportunity to be a leader in the use of technology that addresses our public safety. The SJPD has utilized technology through the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) to solve crimes and respond more quickly in emergencies. San José can lead the way in using smart, proven technology to keep our community safe. From data-driven policing tools and real-time traffic safety monitoring, technology can help law enforcement prevent crime, protect residents, and continue to safeguard privacy while building trust. 

• Investing in Safe, Welcoming Neighborhoods 

Clean, well-lit, and tree-lined streets, welcoming and vibrant parks, and engaged communities all contribute to our public safety. I will champion investments in infrastructure, blight removal, and neighborhood services that foster pride and deter crime.

• Expanding Alternatives to Traditional Law Enforcement

Not every call requires an officer. I support growing programs like SJPD’s Crisis Intervention Team and TRUST (Trusted Response Urgent Support Team), which specialize in mental health and non-armed crisis response models that can de-escalate situations and reduce strain on law enforcement.

• Invest in Crime Prevention and Youth Opportunity
  We strengthen safety by preventing crime before it starts. As a former youth coach, I understand the importance of investment in youth services, mentorship programs, job training, after-school programming, and violence prevention initiatives that build trust and provide opportunity and stability.

Public safety must be addressed using a multi-pronged approach. Safety is not just about policing; it’s about prevention, partnership, and accountability. Together, as a community, we can continue to build a San José where everyone feels safe, secure, and supported. By focusing on prevention, accountability, increasing community trust, and fostering relationships, together we can build a safer, stronger, and more resilient San José for all.

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Ending Homelessness in San José: Compassion, Action, and Accountability

Homelessness is one of the most urgent challenges facing San José. Thousands of our neighbors are living unsheltered, on our streets and along our waterways—families, veterans, seniors, and young people, many struggling with job loss, mental health issues, or the high cost of housing. This crisis demands bold leadership, compassion, and a commitment to real, lasting solutions.

As your City Councilmember, I will prioritize a comprehensive strategy to end homelessness by focusing on:

• Coordinating Regional Solutions
  Homelessness doesn’t stop at city limits. I will push for stronger coordination with the County, our neighboring cities, and service providers to align resources, close service gaps, and scale up what works.

• Bridging the Gap

Emergency Interim, supportive, and deeply affordable housing offers a vital bridge from homelessness to permanent stability. We need to continue to expand our emergency housing options and pair shelter with mental health care, addiction recovery, and job training. This array of housing options, along with wrap-around services, is a proven step toward stability and independence, moving our community closer to ending homelessness. 

• Enforcing San José’s Code of Conduct for Encampments

The Code of Conduct for encampments is essential to ensure areas near encampments remain safe, clean, and have no impact on our neighborhoods. Enacting and enforcing clear guidelines is needed while connecting unhoused residents to shelter, services, and long-term solutions. We can uphold both compassion and accountability while protecting the health, safety, and dignity of everyone in our community. 

• Preventing Homelessness Before It Starts
  The best way to address homelessness is to stop it from happening in the first place. The dollars spent on prevention efforts have shown some of our greatest gains/returns. We should continue to focus on addressing the root causes of homelessness and expand prevention/housing programs. We must continue to support, develop, and expand our shelter capacity and support affordable housing opportunities, which provide people the stability they need to thrive.

Under Mayor Mahan’s leadership, San José has begun tackling homelessness with urgency, accountability, and compassion. While much work remains, I will continue to support these initiatives that are paving the way toward a city where everyone has a safe place to call home.

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Clean, Safe & Vibrant Neighborhoods for All

Every resident of San José deserves to live in a neighborhood that is clean, safe, and full of life. Our parks, local businesses, and public spaces should reflect the pride we have in our community and provide places where families can gather, neighbors can connect, and everyone feels secure.

As your City Councilmember, I will work to ensure our neighborhoods remain places we can all be proud to call home by:

• Clean & Well-Maintained Spaces

A focus on keeping parks and public areas clean with regular maintenance, graffiti removal, and litter prevention.

• Safer Streets & Stronger Policing

Improving public safety through fostering relationships and building trust with our first responders. Working with our neighborhoods to enhance communication and community safety, and promoting crime-prevention initiatives.

• Thriving Local Businesses

Promoting the support of small businesses and restaurants to keep our community businesses healthy and thriving. Working towards streamlining permits, cutting red tape, supporting minority-owned businesses, and revitalizing business corridors like Blossom Hill and Union Avenue. 

• Walkable & Accessible Neighborhoods

Improving safety and walkability with more high-visibility pedestrian crossings, especially near schools and parks. The inclusion of sensible bike lanes, accessible pathways, and improving our trail system and open spaces.

• Stronger Community Connections

Hosting more neighborhood events, programs, and public spaces that bring people together.

• Beautiful, Welcoming Streets

Enhancing our city with landscaping and public art that reflects the spirit of San José.

Clean, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods aren’t just a vision; they’re a promise. With the right leadership, we can deliver real improvements that enhance the quality of life across every part of San José.

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Housing for All: Building a More Affordable San José

San José is in the middle of a housing crisis that affects everyone, from young professionals and working families to seniors and lifelong residents. The cost of housing continues to push people out of our city, and too many are one rent increase or an emergency away from losing their homes. We need more housing, of all types, from market-rate to affordable, to ensure San José is affordable and livable for generations to come.

As your City Councilmember, I will champion a bold, balanced approach to housing that includes:

• Accelerating the Production of Housing
  We must build more homes that working families, teachers, nurses, and essential workers can afford. 

I will look to streamline approvals, work to reduce bureaucratic delays, and prioritize funding for truly affordable housing across the city.

• Encouraging a Mix of Housing Types
  From townhomes and duplexes to senior housing and mixed-use developments, San José needs a diverse range of housing options that reflect the needs of our community. I support thoughtful infill development that adds density where appropriate and near transit, while working with the community to respect the character of each neighborhood.

• Partnering with Local and Regional Stakeholders
  No one city can solve the housing crisis alone. I’ll work with our regional partners and nonprofits to leverage resources and share best practices, producing more housing opportunities in San José and our South Bay Region.

Housing is a basic need and a building block of a strong city. With smart policy, real investment, and community-driven planning, we can create a San José where everyone, regardless of income, has a place to call home.

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Fiscal Responsibility & Efficiency: 

With a projected $52 million shortfall next year, experience will be essential to moving our city forward. San José residents deserve a city government that makes every dollar count. With our limited resources and growing demands, we must prioritize smart, transparent budgeting and ensure taxpayer funds deliver real results.

As your District 9 representative, I will work to:

• Demand Accountability and Transparency

Every budget decision should be clear and open to the public, with measurable outcomes that build trust.

• Invest in Proven Strategies

Focus funding on programs with proven results and redirect resources from ineffective initiatives.

• Streamline City Operations

Cut unnecessary bureaucracy and modernize systems to save time and money while improving services.

• Leverage Partnerships

Collaborate with community organizations, businesses, and regional partners to maximize impact without duplicating efforts.

• Plan for the Long Term

Make fiscally sound choices that avoid passing today’s costs to future generations.

San José can’t afford wasteful spending or short-term fixes. By being efficient and accountable, we can strengthen essential services, public safety, clean neighborhoods, and infrastructure, while maintaining fiscal health.

Together, we can build an effective and efficient city government that respects your tax dollars and works as hard as you do.