Margie Matthews
January 13, 2025
Mayor and Councilmembers
City of San Jose
200 East Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers
I recommend the appointment of Danielle Christian as Interim Councilmember for City Council District 3. Danielle is a long time resident of San Jose having moved here 38 years ago to attend San Jose State University. She has lived in Council District 3 for 22 years and was active during that time in numerous community organizations while raising her children, including school, youth sports, and charitable events.
Professionally, Danielle has has extensive knowledge of the policies and processes of local government. She has 30 years’ experience working for the County of Santa Clara.
In addition to administration, her time with the Board of Supervisors means she will be able to immediately provide constituent services.
An interim appointment will allow a long term resident to represent those who would otherwise go without a voice in city government. I was honored to accept such an appointment to Council District 4 in 2015. I can state that it was a demanding but rewarding assignment, one that focused on independent policy votes and uninterrupted constituent services.
Danielle Christian is up for this job. She would bring with her vast experience in local government, independence, and a proven devotion to her district.
Sincerely,
Margie Matthews, Former Councilmember
Council District 4
December 23, 2024
San José City Council
200 E Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95112
Dear Councilmembers,
My name is Davide Vieira, and I am writing this letter in support of David Pandori for the interim position representing District 3.
I have known David for decades. When he represented District 3 as our Councilmember, he went above and beyond in his dedication to his constituents.
One story immediately comes to mind.
There was a dive bar on E Santa Clara St in our neighborhood that was a menace.
There was as much or more happening outside the bar in the residential neighborhood as there was inside the bar. David was invited to spend a Saturday night inside the home of a nearby resident to personally witness the prostitution, drug sales, public drinking, urination and defecation.
After David saw what was happening around the bar, it was shut down permanently to the relief of our neighborhood.
I urge you to approve David Pandori as our District 3 interim councilmember. He has already demonstrated his ability to represent us. Please give him that opportunity again.
Sincerely,
Davide Vieira
Roosevelt Park/Little Portugal Neighborhood
January 22, 2025
Mayor and City Councilmembers
City of San José
200 E. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
RE: Agenda #3.5 Jahmal Williams for District 3 Councilmember Interim Appointment To the honorable San José Mayor Matt Mahan and City Councilmembers, My name is Meredith Curry Nuñez. I am a resident of District 5, but my professional work and personal volunteering span all of San José, including District 3. I’m writing to support Jahmal Williams for the District 3 Councilmember Interim Appointment (Agenda #3.5).
As a resident of East San José, a nonprofit and community leader, and an advocate for our county, I have witnessed firsthand Jahmal’s leadership, passion, expertise, and expansive impact in and around the city. Jahmal has been a committed leader of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley (BLKC) for years, and I have seen his dedication, resourcefulness, and staunch commitment to this community because of my role as a member of the Planning Committee. Jahmal is the Director of Advocacy for Racial Justice at San Jose State University, and I have had the privilege of partnering with him on multiple projects and events. He has transformed San José and the Silicon Valley, from students to families to community organizations.
Jahmal will be a trusted public servant as the Interim District 3 Councilmember, leveraging his full suite of gifts, skills, and networks on planning, community building, and thought-partnering with the city and other stakeholders. Our city deserves leaders like Jahmal Williams, who are already active, revered, and valued in this community, and can thrive under pressure. He has proven experience advancing sustainable, practical, community-informed solutions that benefit all residents while also tackling the needs of the most underserved.
Please consider appointing Jahmal as the District 3 interim councilmember, to fill the vacant term. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Meredith Curry Nuñez
Founder & Principal Consultant
AdvancED Consulting, LLC
Laura Winter
January 24, 2025
The Honorable Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San Jose and Members of the City Council
200 E Santa Clara Street
San Jose, California 95113
Dear Mayor Mahan and Members of the City Council,
I am writing in support of Bob Staedler to be appointed interim council member for District 3. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with him since 2019 in a professional capacity as he is currently a consultant for a San Jose-based non-pro
fit corporation for which I serve as co-president.
Bob has demonstrated to me how incredible his knowledge and care is of all of San Jose. His years of living in District 3 combined with his tenure in the Redevelopment Agency and in his current position as a land use consultant have given him broad and deep insights into our city. Although acutely aware of the challenges faced by District 3 and San Jose as a whole, he is an unfailingly proud resident and is committed to making San Jose the best it can be. Bob is an outspoken advocate for good governance and fiscal responsibility and is a skilled negotiator. He takes nothing at face value and engages in thorough research on every subject in front of him.
Bob commits to stakeholder engagement and looks for opportunities to reach conclusions that bene
fit all. His opinions and advice are based on
discovering facts, his convictions are strong, honest, and would serve San Jose well in this position of leadership.
Sincerely,
Laura Winter
If you were to ask me about a community member who has had a profound effect on my life, the first person I think about is Jahmal. I met Jahmal when I was an undergraduate student at SJSU in 2015. I remember thinking, he’s different and a breath of fresh air, our campus hadn’t had very many young Black men as staff members at that time. In the Fall of 2015, I began working at a student success center on campus and had the opportunity to have Jahmal as my supervisor when he was the Tutor Coordinator at Peer Connections.
When Jahmal became my supervisor it completely changed the way I viewed myself, my relationships, and the world around me. He was a listening ear and provided me the space to talk about my challenges and obstacles in a judgment-free environment. We would spend hours talking about challenges around the world, issues within our communities, and topics centering around self-awareness. In each conversation, his aim was always to hear my thought process and provide me with something to think about.
When I doubted myself or was unsure of decisions he spoke life into me; he provided me the confidence to pursue a path after graduation I would otherwise have been too timid to try. I became a teacher on the East Side of San Jose after graduation and I aimed to portray the same understanding and empathy in my classroom that Jahmal had graciously shown me.
One of the greatest honors I have had has been seeing Jahmal grow as a person. When I first met Jahmal he was fairly new to San Jose and did not have any kids. It has been amazing to see how many different avenues of community Jahmal has become involved in just a short amount of time. He has advised student organizations, been on various planning committees, is an active member of his church, and excelled in his career; all while balancing being a present father and husband.
You can see the pride Jahmal carries in being a dad. He ensures he not only enrolls his children in extracurricular activities but is very much present during their participation. Any time I catch up with Jahmal he is always so excited to show how his eldest daughter Noelle is growing up so fast and developing new hobbies and talents.
There is so much I could go on about when it comes to Jahmal. There are not enough words that can express the impact he has had on so many students' lives during his time at SJSU. He has the ability to connect with others and lead in a manner where everyone around him feels valued, heard, and safe. There is no one I can think of who would be a better fit to represent people other than Jahmal. I believe he will be an excellent candidate for the Interim D3 Council member position here in San Jose.
In Solidarity,
Taranjit TJ Kaur
Shelley Floyd Jr
San Jose, CA 95134
January 25, 2025
San Jose City Council
San Jose, CA
Dear Members of the San Jose City Council,
It is my great privilege, in my personal capacity, to recommend Jahmal Williams to represent District 3 on the San Jose City Council for the remainder of this term and beyond. His potential to serve as an example, a leader, and a true resource for our community is immeasurable.
I have had the honor of witnessing Jahmal’s leadership for many years in his role as President of the Black Kitchen Cabinet, a non -profit organization that thrived under his guidance and evolved into a strong and vital voice for our community. Jahmal has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the future of San Jose and is consistently available to assist our marginalized neighbors.
He is a skilled communicator with a cooperative, non -partisan approach and an admirable willingness to listen to the perspectives of others. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jahmal is a devoted husband and father, and his character is a testament to the values he upholds in both his personal and public life.
Jahmal Williams would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the San Jose City Council and the broader community. I sincerely hope you seize this opportunity to welcome him as a representative of District 3. Thank you for considering this strong recommendation.
Sincerely
Shelley Floyd Jr President,
Dear Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my strong support for Jahmal Williams for the position on the San Jose City Council, District #3.
I have worked in the areas of equity and civil rights for almost a decade in San Jose and appreciate the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives of the various communities in our City, the challenges they face and matters that are most important to them.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jahmal for over 5 years in his personal and professional capacities. I can say unequivocally that he possesses the leadership qualities, dedication and connection to the community, and the values and integrity that will make him not only an asset to the City Council but a voice for his constituents.
I have witnessed first-hand his tireless commitment to community involvement and how deeply he cares about the well-being of others, especially those in marginalized and underrepresented communities. Jahmal’s endless list of involvement in community events, volunteer efforts, leadership roles in local organizations, or simply lending a hand to others in need, is a true testament to the individual he is and the leader he is certain to be for District 3 . Jahmal is passionate about equity and all its facets and is certain to advocate for an inclusive community for everyone.
Jahmal has a unique ability to lead, while also encouraging others to take leadership opportunities and make an impact to their community. I have personally spoken with an individual who have said that Jahmal encouraged them to not drop out of college, supported them through graduation, and then helped them obtain meaningful employment in a community focused role.
Through a personal anecdote, I attest to Jahmal’s encouragement and support. When I first moved to San Jose over 8 years ago, it did not feel like home. I often felt isolated and struggled to find a supportive community. When I met Jahmal through a community organization event, he without hesitation invited me to lunch and asked genuine questions about my goals personally and professionally. He identified solutions in improving my experience in San Jose, and then connected me to those resources. Because of Jahmal, I have sought opportunities to involve myself in and give back to community, and this effect is not isolated to me but to many San Jose residents.
Lastly, I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing Jahmal in his role as a husband, parent, and friend. He manages to seamlessly prioritize the demands of family life without compromising his commitment to service.
I wholeheartedly endorse Jahmal Williams . He is the voice for the voiceless and represents many constituent groups in many spaces. His leadership, passion for equity, and unwavering commitment to our community are recognized and appreciated by many, and I have no doubt that he will continue to advocate for fair and positive change to help build a brighter future for all of us.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mark Greene
Please note, this letter is a personal endorsement, and the views expressed are my own, and do not reflect the views of my employer.
SJSU Human Rights
Institute
College of Health and
Human Sciences
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0107
https://www.sjsu.edu/hri/
January 24, 2025, 2024
RE: Letter of Support – Jahmal Williams Candidacy for District 3 Councilmember
Dear San José City Council Members,
Please accept this letter as my full support of Jahmal Williams’ candidacy to be the interim San José City District 3 Councilmember. I have known Jahmal Williams for five years as a friend and a colleague. We both work at San José State University (SJSU) and in my working relationship with him he has shown me nothing less than a commitment to addressing issues related to social justice and equity, being in community with others in San José, and ensuring that the most marginalized communitas are heard. Moreover, as a friend, Jahmal has treated me with love and care, ensuring that I am seen for who I am. I can think of no one else better suited to be the interim District 3 councilmember. In what follows, I speak to the attributes that make him such.
First, I want to acknowledge that while I work with Jahmal at SJSU, I was born and raised in San José. As such, I have seen the drastic changes to the downtown core. I know that downtown is an epicenter of businesses and people. It is a place where San José is constantly changing. We need someone who understands that this change is happening, while also not forgetting the people that live in the surrounding neighborhoods. His attention to intersectional issues such a social and racial inequality. As District 3 may encounter more challenges over the next couple of months he will be the right candidate to steady the ship. Jahmal will be a leader in advocating for change that benefits everyone and leaves no community behind. I have seen him on campus stand up in front of a crowded room, with no fear, and comment one of the most pressing issues this past year (e.g., Palestine). His leadership, his voice, and his authenticity are sorely needed in San José, especially in District 3.
Second, as a colleague at SJSU, Jahmal has been my confidant and mentor. In his roles in the Office of Government Relations and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion he has assisted me as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and the current Director of the Human Rights Institute (HRI). For example, in August 2022 he facilitated a meeting between SJSU faculty and staff, and leaders from the Vietnamese American Services Center (VASC). Because of this meeting, I have been able to collaborate with leadership from VASC to work on community based participatory research on topics related to health and wellness. Thus, his relational character highlights the ability to collaborate and bring people together. We need someone to bridge communities together in San José. As the interim District 3 council member, he will facilitate these relationships across neighborhoods, businesses and the university.
Third and finally, Jahmal’s already community involvement and commitments bears no comparison to others.
Jahmal moved to San José almost ten years ago, and over the course of this time he has integrated in many different communities. He serves as the co-chair of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley, in 2022 was one of ten people selected to represent the City of San José at the Young Americans Leadership Program hosted by Harvard Business School and has been a member of the Racial Equity Action Leadership group formed by Sacred Heart Community Service. He is simply committed to being in community and working with others to advocate for positive social change.
It is my pleasure to endorse and provide my full support of Jahmal Williams. Both as a colleague, and more importantly as a friend, I know he will do right in his interim time as District 3 Councilmember.
Mich
ael S. Dao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & Associate Chair
Department of Kinesiology
Director, Human Rights Institute
San José State University
January 26, 2025
Mayor Matt Mahan
Vice-Mayor Pam Foley
Councilmember Rosemary Kamei
Councilmember Pamela Campos
Councilmember David Cohen
Councilmember Peter Ortiz
Councilmember Michael Mulcahy
Councilmember Bien Doan
Councilmember Domingo Candelas
Councilmember George Casey
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
The most qualified person to serve as the appointed Councilmember for District 3 is Bob Staedler. Bob is prepared to serve District 3 now. He already tracks City Council and Council Committee agendas. He has a deep understanding of how the City makes decisions and decades of institutional knowledges about how past Council decisions were made. Bob also has a deep professional understanding of land use and the impact the development of Diridon Station and BART will have on the City. From his Redevelopment days, he values and understands how to collaborate with neighborhood leaders and City staff. He knows the Mayor, City Councilmembers, city staff leadership, neighborhood leaders, lobbyists, non-profit leaders, political leaders, business leaders, union leaders, and reporters. This is not to say he has their support – nor should he. But the appointee needs to understand the priorities of everyone from day one.
I have lived in the Diridon Station area for more than 44 years. I understand politics, neighborhoods and most importantly – development. In 2019, I helped lead a group of neighborhood leaders in the Diridon station area. We hired Bob to help guide us through the changes proposed by the Google development and expansion of the downtown core. As a group, we used our personal funds to pay Bob’s greatly reduced fees. We did not have corporate money or grant funding. We wrote personal checks. This is how much we valued his advice.
I know what it takes to be a candidate who wants to serve the residents of District 3. In 2014, I was a candidate. I have complete faith in Bob and his ability to work with everyone and I know that no other candidate can match his depth and breadth and institutional knowledge of District 3.
Thank you for your consideration,
Kathy Sutherland
Delmas Park Resident
January 27, 2024
To: Mayor Matt Mahan and San José City Council
200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
Re: Interim District 3 City Council vacancy
Dear. Mayor Mahan and San José City Councilmembers,
It gives me great pleasure to give my support in recommending Mr. Jahmal Williams for San José interim District 3 city councilmember.
Mr. Williams has demonstrated his sincere commitment and dedication to the city of San José in various ways. He is a director at San José State University, serves on the board of directors of SOMOS: Mayfair; and also leads as chairperson for the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet.
District 3 residents need a responsive leader who understands their needs and concerns. Mr.
Williams is well-prepared to handle those matters. He a good listener, a problem-solver, and able to tackle difficult situations with calm, collaboration and consensus.
Jamal is a husband, father, and fully committed to serving all segments of the community, including those underserved and underrepresented. For these reasons and others, I implore your strong consideration for Mr. Jahmal Williams as interim District 3 city councilmember.
Respectfully,
Wm. Derek Grasty
Board Trustee, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District
Member, 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley, Inc.
President, Bella Madeira HOA and Mutual Water Co.
Santa Clara County School Board Asso., Legislative Action Committee La Raza Community Round Table de California
APISBMA (Asian Pacific Islander School Board Members Association) et. al.
(Affiliations and memberships listed for context, not specific endorsements by the organizations.)
Dear Members of the City Council,
My name is Jeremiah Lineberger. I work in District 3 and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree at San José State University. I’m here today to express my full support for Jahmal Williams as the Interim District 3 Councilmember. I firmly believe he is the best candidate to represent our district.
I have known Jahmal since I was an undergraduate student at SJSU in Spring 2023. As I began my career as a young professional, Jahmal became a mentor and supporter throughout my journey. He is not only a dedicated community leader but also a proud Black father raising beautiful daughters, a loving husband, and someone who continuously pours his heart into serving the people of San José.
Jahmal’s contributions to our community are nothing short of inspiring to me as a young Black man. He serves as the President of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet, works tirelessly in DEI initiatives at San José State University, and always supports Bible Way Church—whether by volunteering as an usher or fostering community connections. Jahmal also created a space for Black fathers to engage through a Sunday basketball league, promoting fellowship and unity in our community.
Beyond his impressive community involvement, Jahmal has deep roots in District 3, having lived here his entire life. His understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our youth is unmatched, especially through his work at SJSU, where he connects with students on a personal and impactful level.
His leadership has not gone unnoticed. Last year, Jahmal was recognized as the “Man of the Year” by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, highlighting his unwavering commitment to San José and marginalized communities.
Jahmal embodies all the qualities of an exceptional leader:
● His vision and ideas for a stronger, more inclusive District 3. ● His ability to thrive under pressure and collaborate effectively with others. ● His unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and supporting the youth.
For these reasons and many more, I urge you to appoint Jahmal Williams as the Interim District 3 Councilmember. His leadership, dedication, and love for this community make him the best choice to serve and represent us all.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeremiah Lineberger
District 3 Resident and San José State University Master’s Student
January 27, 2025
Honorable Mayor and City Council
San José City Council
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
As a proud resident of San José, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Jahmal Williams as a candidate for the interim appointment to the District 3 council seat.
Jahmal is a dedicated community leader with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our city. His ability to bring people together, even in the most challenging situations, sets him apart as someone who is not only a leader but also a collaborator. As a parent and a passionate advocate for our community, Jahmal embodies the values and resilience that District 3 deserves in its representation.
Jahmal’s vision for our district is rooted in ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background, feels seen and valued. His history of meaningful community involvement reflects his commitment to marginalized communities and his ability to build bridges between diverse groups to drive meaningful change. I am particularly inspired by his ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and determination, always centering the needs of those most impacted.
As the leader of a nonprofit organization based in downtown San José, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that our vibrant community presents. In these pivotal times, San José needs leaders like Jahmal—leaders who combine vision with action, heart with intellect, and determination with humility. I have no doubt that Jahmal will serve as a thoughtful, steady and effective councilmember, ensuring that District 3 is well-represented and that the city continues to progress in a way that benefits all its residents.
Thank you for considering Jahmal Williams for this important role. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like further input on my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Darcie Green
San José Resident
Vaughn Villaverde
San José, CA 95131
January 27, 2025
The Hon. Matt Mahan, Mayor, and
Members of the San José City Council
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
Subject: Letter of Support for Appointing Jahmal Williams as Interim District 3 Councilmember
Dear Councilmembers,
My name is Vaughn Villaverde, and I am a resident of San José’s 3rd council district. I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Jahmal Williams’ application to be appointed as interim city councilmember for district 3. Given the shock and disappointment district 3 residents like me are feeling over the circumstances of the district 3 vacancy, we need an interim councilmember with a proven track record in the community of working with honesty and integrity. I strongly believe that Jahmal Williams not only has the necessary skills but has demonstrated the values and commitment to ethics needed to restore trust in this elected office.
In my role as Director of Advocacy for Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)1, I have worked with Mr. Williams in the Santa Clara County Race Equity Action Leadership (REAL) coalition, where he served as a volunteer co-chair from 2023 to 2024. While in this role, Mr. Williams demonstrated a collaborated leadership style, ensuring that our work centered around advancing equity while advocating for community voices—especially those most impacted by the policies we were discussing—to be included in our decision-making. During this time, Mr. Williams was also an excellent thought partner, always asking questions and approaching issues from multiple perspectives to ensure we arrived at thoughtful conclusions that centered community and that aligned with our mission and values. Having collaborated with him on issues ranging from pandemic recovery, race equity, public budgeting, health, and housing (to name a few), Mr. Williams does not shy away from difficult conversation and thrives under pressure. He is thoughtful, driven, organized, and exceptionally well-spoken—all of which would serve him and the City of San José well in the roll of interim district 3 councilmember.
In addition to his relevant skills and experience, I have personally witnessed Mr. Williams’ integrity, trustworthiness, and unwavering commitment to serving our diverse communities. At a time when district 3 residents like myself are feeling a sense of deep disappointment in our elected officials, it is critical that the City appoint an interim councilmember like Mr. Williams who can engage honestly with the community and help restore trust in this role.
1 For identification purposes only. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, AACI does not endorse any specific candidate for public office.
January 26, 2025
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to you today as a long-time resident (20+ years) of District 3 in support of appointing Jahmal Williams as the interim city council member to represent our district prior to the spring election. Jahmal is a strong leader within the broader South Bay community and has been a resident of district 3 for many years; he has excellent communication/leadership skills and can quickly step into a challenging situation and create positive change.
I have known Jahmal personally and professionally for more than a decade, and know him to be a person who cares deeply for the communities in which he has lived. From the time he moved into our city and district he has been actively engaged in community organizations working to uplift the Black community of the South Bay. His leadership helped to strengthen the work of the Black Kitchen Cabinet organization, and he has partnered with NAACP leaders on a variety of community issues and campaigns. On campus at SJSU, he has led the charge to support students, faculty, and staff of color in his role as the Director for Advocacy for Racial Justice. He has been in the role of liaison between the campus community and the downtown community, and has helped facilitate community conversations about problems such as housing, public safety, and public health needs. The reason for his success with such activities is that in addition to being a great communicator, Jahmal is recognized by those he works with as an honest, straightforward, trustworthy person who is sincere in his desire to improve the lives of everyone in the community. I believe he will do an excellent job with bringing different interest groups together to problem-solve and address the various needs of our district. He has his finger on the pulse of D3’s challenges, and can work well with whoever is elected in the spring to transition the role.
Jahmal is a father, friend, organizational leader, community organizer, scholar, and all-around asset to our great city and county. I can think of no other person who is better suited to this particular role in this challenging time for our district. I urge you to give serious consideration to his candidacy as an interim council member; our district will benefit greatly from his effort, energy, and enthusiasm. If you have any questions, please call me at or email me at
In community spirit,
Chris Cox
January 25th, 2025
San José City Council
San José City Clerk
200 E. Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
Dear Members of the San José City Council and the San José City Clerk, I am writing to express my support for Jahmal Williams as a candidate to represent District 3 as an Interim San José City Councilmember. As a San José State University faculty member, I have had the privilege of witnessing Jahmal’s dedication to both the university and the larger San José community firsthand. I am confident that he will make a positive and lasting impact in this role.
Jahmal possesses the qualities of an outstanding city council member, particularly his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the community. I have been especially impressed by his dedication to marginalized communities, where he has consistently amplified diverse voices and created opportunities for them to be heard. His work as the Director of DEI Partnerships and his Transforming Communities programming highlights his ability to address systemic inequities with insight and compassion.
In addition to his professional qualifications, Jahmal excels at listening to the needs of the community and fostering collaboration to achieve meaningful solutions. I have had the privilege of collaborating with him personally and have seen his ability to bring people together to enact positive change.
I wholeheartedly endorse Jahmal Williams for District 3 Interim City Councilmember. As a lifelong resident of San José and former city employee, I believe his leadership, vision, and passion for the community will bring about transformative change, and I am excited to see the impact he will make as a member of the San José City Council.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Estella Inda
Research Services and Social Sciences Librarian
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
January 27, 2025
San Jose Mayor and City Council
200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
Re: Letter of Support for Jahmal Williams (Item #3.5)
Dear Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers,
My name is Céline DinhJanelle. I am a D3 resident, nonprofit attorney, and mother. I write to enthusiastically recommend Jahmal Williams for the District 3 Councilmember Interim Appointment.
I know Jahmal in his capacity as a neighbor and loving father. In his personal life, Jahmal brings together neighbors and community members, builds bridges, and encourages relationships between people. He is a natural connector.
Jahmal also is beloved community leader, with deep roots in San Jose. He holds multiple leadership positions in a variety of local institutions – Director of Advocacy for Racial Justice at San Jose State University, Co-Chair of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet of Silicon Valley, Board Member of SOMOS Mayfair, and more. His broad experience working with the San Jose community, and his background in clinical therapy, DEI, advocacy, and community and government relations work, makes him an adept leader, excellent listener, and creative problem solver.
In the precise moment – given all that is happening nationally and locally – San Jose needs someone like Jahmal to apply his broad experience and vision of equity for San Jose. I urge you to appoint Jahmal as the District 3 Interim Councilmember. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Céline DinhJanelle
D3 Resident
Reasonable accommodations are a legal right, not a privilege.
Denying them violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California law, and constitutional principles of equality and fairness.
Public entities have a duty to ensure all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to services and opportunities.
Failure to do so amounts to discrimination, which the law prohibits.
When an accommodation request is denied—whether due to
ignorance of the law or failure to engage in the required interactive process—it reflects a failure of responsibility. Ignorance is not an excuse; public officials are obligated to know and comply with the law, and to take action when a need for accommodation is raised.
I call on the city to act immediately. First, engage in a fair process to assess and fulfill reasonable accommodation requests. Second, ensure proper training for officials to prevent further violations of disability rights. Lastly, address and correct any existing failures in the system to prevent ongoing discrimination.
This is about more than compliance; it is about justice, dignity, and equal rights for all. By fulfilling its obligations, the city can show leadership, protect civil rights, and uphold the principles of fairness and inclusion. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in public life, and it is the city’s duty to ensure this happens. Thank you.
January 27, 2025
Toni Taber
Office of the City Clerk
200 E. Santa Clara St.
Tower 14th Floor
San José, CA 95113
RE: Support for Jahmal Williams for Interim D3 Councilmember Appointment
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
I write to submit my support for Jahmal Williams, a candidate for the interim District 3 (D3) Councilmember appointment.
As a small employer based in D3, San José State University alumna, and former downtown resident (of 7 years), I have a vested interest in who represents D3 on the City Council.
Jahmal understands people, communities and systems - and his impact within San José proves he identi
fies solutions, implements ideas and delivers results. His background in clinical social work and higher education combined with a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) lens has produced change across our local technology sector, nonpro fit
coalitions and higher education institutions in San José and beyond. We first met a half decade ago, while I was overseeing the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s Racial Justice and Equity (RJE) Committee; Jahmal was a committee member who skillfully built bridges and addressed the complex and nuanced nature of discussing race, equity and justice in corporate settings. He also served as the co-chair of the Race Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Coalition, a coalition of nearly 100 health and human service nonpro fit providers across Santa
Clara County.
Jahmal’s leadership as the Director for Racial Justice and Advocacy at SJSU extends far beyond the campus. I am con
fident that with his knowledge, experience, relationships and heart for service that he is the best positioned and prepared to restore and move D3 forward.
I hope you will give him your strongest consideration as you apppoint our next leader on the City Council.
In community spirit,
Dr. Angelica Cortez
San Jose, CA 95113
Dear Honorable Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my strong support for Jahmal's appointment to the San Jose City Council representing District 3. Having worked closely with Jahmal for nearly three years on San José State University's Community and Government Relations team, I can personally attest to his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to our community.
During our time working together, I witnessed firsthand Jahmal's remarkable ability to build bridges between diverse stakeholders while consistently advocating for underrepresented voices in our community. His approach to community engagement goes beyond mere representation – he actively works to create meaningful dialogue and sustainable solutions that benefit all residents.
What sets Jahmal apart is his authentic leadership style and ability to collaborate effectively across different sectors of our community. He possesses a unique talent for bringing people together, even in challenging circumstances and maintaining focus on achieving positive outcomes for San Jose residents. His work at SJSU demonstrated his deep understanding of both governmental processes and community needs, making him exceptionally well-qualified for this position.
Jahmal has been a powerful voice for racial justice and equity in our community, approaching these critical issues with both passion and pragmatism. He consistently demonstrates the ability to translate community concerns into actionable policy recommendations, a skill that would serve him well on the City Council.
While the appointment period may be relatively short, I believe Jahmal's impact would be significant and lasting. His experience in community relations, proven leadership abilities, and deep connection to San Jose make him an ideal candidate to represent District 3. He understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing downtown San Jose and has the skills and vision to help address them effectively.
I strongly encourage you to appoint Jahmal to this position. His selection would not only benefit District 3 but would also strengthen the Council's ability to serve our entire community effectively.
Sincerely,
Ryan Ward