Politics as usual won't stop our progress! 💪🏼

A lot has happened over the last few weeks. Campaigns are about choices, values, and vision – but governance is about choices, too. I want to share a major update regarding my role on the Planning Commission, alongside some incredible grassroots wins for public safety and housing across San Mateo.

Thank you to Erin Livingston for hosting a lovely meet & greet at her beautiful home!

🏛️ The Work Continues (With or Without a Seat on the Dais)

By now, you may have heard the City Council declined to appoint me to a second term on the Planning Commission, in a vote that fell along political lines. As the only Asian American voice on the Planning Commission in a city that is 28% Asian, being removed during AAPI Heritage Month felt particularly jarring.

Let’s be clear about why this happened: it was a political price for being outspoken against established interests. When I joined the Commission five years ago, I made an intentional choice to do as much good as possible with the time I had. I knew that championing affordable housing, addressing the legacy of racially restrictive covenants, and raising awareness of tenants living in uninhabitable conditions could make me a political target. I did it anyway.

My promise to you as your next Councilmember is simple: I will always do the right thing – I will always vote in the best interest of this city and its residents – even if it comes at a political cost. Our community deserves leaders who vote out of conviction, not political convenience.

🚸 Huge Wins for Safe Streets!

When the community organizes, City Hall listens. Thanks to relentless neighborhood advocacy, we have secured two massive street safety improvements:

• N Delaware Ave & State St: Following a heartbreaking crash in March that left Ramon Sandoval and his two children hospitalized, advocates demanded immediate action. At a recent City Council meeting, I used public comment to suggest removing the east vehicle lane up to the north side of the crosswalks to slow traffic and improve visibility. Less than a month later, the City implemented it! The intersection now features flashing beacons, protected corners, and that vital lane reduction.

  
  

• 17th Ave & El Camino Real: Five months after the tragic crash that claimed the life of Veronica Vasquez, San Mateo and Caltrans have finally stepped up. The intersection now features a dedicated, separate pedestrian walk cycle, ensuring pedestrians can cross El Camino safely without competing with turning vehicles. (Check out my interview on Telemundo!)

🏘️ May Highlight: Affordable Housing Month

May was Affordable Housing Month, and I had the privilege of joining the Housing Leadership Council’s Policy Breakfast and Affordable Housing Bus Tour.

Getting out into the field to see successful, deeply affordable developments firsthand reinforces exactly what we are fighting for. It isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about ensuring our essential workers, young families, veterans and seniors have a stable, beautiful place to call home right here in San Mateo.

🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Growing our Team

Our movement is accelerating, and the coalition we are building is incredibly inspiring. Since our last newsletter, we have received a phenomenal wave of individual and organizational endorsements, including:

• Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens

• Assemblymember Catherine Stefani

• Palo Alto City Councilmember George Lu

• The San Mateo County AAPI Alliance

• Housing Action Coalition

• San Mateo Forward

• Peninsula for Everyone

🚀 By the Numbers

• 1 official campaign mailer landed in mailboxes - our first!

• 3 vibrant neighborhood house parties hosted.

• 100 one-on-one coffee chats completed.

• 134 incredible grassroots donors powering this race.

Thank you for your continued support! We are closing in on 150 donors. Can you help us hit that milestone today?

DONATE

Whether it’s $10 or $100, your contribution helps us print the flyers and signs we need to reach every voter in District 3.

🌈 Count Down to San Mateo in Color!

We are officially 9 days away from our summer campaign celebration, and we want you and your family there! We’re skipping the stuffy, traditional political insider kickoff and hosting a district-wide color party. Come enjoy music & snacks, hear from local leaders, and wrap up the afternoon with a massive, vibrant color powder toss.

• When: Sunday, June 14th at 2:00 PM

• Where: Laurie Meadows Park

• Special Guest Speakers: San Mateo Mayor Adam Loraine, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo and San Mateo-Foster City School District President Maggie Trinh

It is completely free, open to all, and built for families. RSVP on Facebook or Partiful so we can save enough color powder for you! 🫟

Thank you for standing with me, for fighting for a safer, more affordable San Mateo, and for proving that real community leadership can't be sidelined by a boardroom vote.

See you in 9 days!