1 Alby Calles
From: Pete Bertrand
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:38 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Please do not reappoint Seema Patel to city council.
Hello,
I ask that you do not reappoint Seema Patel to the city council.
Her views and policies are not in the best interest of the citizens of the city.
Pete Bertrand - concerned citizen.
1 Alby Calles
From: Vikash Bhagwandin
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:06 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Planning Commissioner Reappointment
Dear City Council Members,
It is with great sadness that I write to you in opposition of the reappointment of Commissioner Patel.
Commissioner Patel has personally articulated that she was meeting with Windy Hill ventures on the Fish Market project while aggressively advocating for Measure T on Nextdoor, which crippled our community's ability to voice their concerns. Commissioners must present themselves as politically agnostic while executing their duties in public, and on social media, despite their personal opinions.
From a personal perspective, the special interest groups of which Commissioner Patel is a leader have inappropriately and disrespectfully characterized me as a 'tinfoil hat' for advocating protections against harmful radiation with the 5G cell towers. This does not rise to the high standards of San Mateo Commissioners and lacks maturity.
Although not illegal, the mere appearance of ethical misconduct should be sufficient to disqualify Commissioner Patel from reappointment. I am sure there are more qualified candidates without the baggage.
Warmest Regards,
Vikash J. Bhagwandin, Ph.D.
1 Alby Calles
From: Christine Cook
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 5:23 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Support for Seema Patel
Mayor and City Council Members:
I’m wriƟng to express my support for th reappointment of Seema Patel to the Planning Commission. We’ve benefiƩed from her dedicaƟon and experƟse during her prior term, and I feel we’d do well to conƟnue to seek out her skills for an upcoming term.
ChrisƟne Cook
North Central
1 Alby Calles
From: Gina Fleming
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:55 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Supporting Seema Patel for Reappointment to the Planning Commission Dear San Mateo City Councilmembers,
I’m writing in strong support of Seema Patel’s reappointment to the Planning Commission.
Seema brings a thoughtful, balanced, and deeply community-minded perspective to the role. She consistently approaches complex issues with professionalism, preparation, and a genuine desire to make San Mateo a better place for current and future residents. I’ve especially appreciated her willingness to engage thoughtfully on housing, growth, and long-term planning challenges facing our city.
San Mateo benefits from commissioners who are informed, collaborative, and focused on practical solutions, and Seema has demonstrated those qualities throughout her service.
At a time when our city is navigating important decisions about housing and development, continuity and experienced leadership on the Planning Commission matter.
I hope you will support Seema’s reappointment.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Gina Fleming
1 Alby Calles
From: Uma Krishnan
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:29 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Urging you to reappoint Seema Patel to Planning Commission Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Members of the City Council, I am writing as President of the San Mateo County Asian American Pacific Islander (SMC AAPI) Alliance — and as a colleague, fellow advocate, and friend — to express my strong support for Seema Patel's reappointment to the San Mateo Planning Commission. As we close out AAPI Heritage Month, I can think of no better way to honor the spirit of this moment than by urging you to retain one of the most capable and committed public servants San Mateo has.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Seema for several years, both through our professional collaboration and through her longtime involvement with the SMC AAPI Alliance, where she serves as an active member and former board member. In that time, I have watched her navigate some of San Mateo's most complex and consequential land-use decisions with rigor, humility, and an unwavering commitment to equity. Every claim she brings is backed by data. Every initiative she leads is thoroughly researched. Her analytical depth on housing policy is genuinely unmatched in this region, and I say that having worked in data and policy spaces myself.
What sets Seema apart isn't just her expertise, it's how she uses it. She approaches planning with deep respect for her colleagues, a genuine desire to hear from the public, and a clear focus on what is best for San Mateo in the long run. She has also generously shared that knowledge with our community, including our high school fellows in the AAPI Alliance's Rising Stars Fellowship. She holds a seat at the table, but she brings us chairs.
I also want to speak plainly about what Seema's presence means to our community. As an Indian American woman myself, I am acutely aware of how difficult this moment is for South Asians in this country. Anti-Indian racism and violence are on the rise, and representation in civic leadership is protective, empowering, and necessary. She fights for our community not just in name, but in practice, every time she shows up to that commission.
Seema has served with distinction, including as Chair, and her reappointment is simply what is right for San Mateo. I urge you to act accordingly. The city, and frankly the county, would be the lesser for losing her.
Sincerely,
Uma Rao Krishnan
President, San Mateo County AAPI Alliance
SMC Central Committee Member Executive Board Member
California Democratic Party AAPI Caucus
1 Alby Calles
From: Justin Lee
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 5:02 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Strong Support for Seema Patel’s Reappointment to the Planning Commission Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for Seema Patel's reappointment to the San Mateo Planning Commission. Over the past five years, Seema has proven to be an exceptionally dedicated public servant, guiding our city through some of its most complex and consequential land-use policies with a steady, objective hand.
What sets Seema apart is her analytical rigor and deep subject matter expertise. Whether she is reviewing the Cycle 6 Housing Element, updating the ADU Ordinance, or meticulously cross-checking parcel data to expand the Housing Opportunity Overlay District, she brings a data-driven, problem-solving mindset to the dais. She consistently dives into the granular details to ensure every policy practically serves San Mateo's future.
Furthermore, Seema possesses the exact temperament our city needs right now. She navigates highly charged community conversations with respect and a collaborative spirit, always balancing state mandates with the vision outlined in our General Plan. By carefully listening to public input and relying on objective standards, she consistently makes decisions that benefit the entire community rather than narrow interest groups.
Seema’s proven leadership as Chair and her unwavering commitment to our city's balanced growth make her an invaluable asset to the Commission. I strongly urge you to reappoint her for a second term.
Sincerely,
Justin Lee
Parkside Neighborhood
1 Alby Calles
From: Erin Livingston
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:36 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Strong Support for Seema Patel’s Reappointment to the Planning Commission Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for Seema Patel's reappointment to the San Mateo Planning Commission. Over the past five years, Seema has proven to be an exceptionally dedicated public servant, guiding our city through some of its most complex and consequential land- use policies
with a steady, objective hand.
What sets Seema apart is her analytical rigor and deep subject matter expertise. Whether she is reviewing the Cycle 6 Housing Element, updating the ADU Ordinance, or meticulously cross-checking parcel data to expand the Housing Opportunity Overlay District, she brings a data-driven, problem- solving mindset to the dais. She consistently dives into the granular details to ensure every policy practically serves San Mateo's future.
Furthermore, Seema possesses the exact temperament our city needs right now. She navigates highly charged community conversations with respect and a collaborative spirit, always balancing state mandates with the vision outlined in our General Plan. By carefully listening to public input and relying on objective standards, she consistently makes decisions that benefit the entire community rather than narrow interest groups.
Seema’s proven leadership as Chair and her unwavering commitment to our city's balanced growth make her an invaluable asset to the Commission. I strongly urge you to reappoint her for a second term.
Sincerely,
Erin Livingston and Michael Ischay
1 Alby Calles
From: Lisa Rayle
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:51 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Supporting Seema Patel’s reappointment
Dear council members,
I am writing in support of Seema Patel’s appointment to the Planning Commission.
In her tenure on the Commission, she has proven her dedication for the public good through exceptional rigor and deep understanding of complex land use policies.
Few others possess the rigor, subject matter expertise, and passion for safeguarding the interests of citizens as a whole.
We need people like her who work to represent the broad community interest. It would be easy to listen to just the interests of the loudest few. But Patel does the hard work to get the data and listen to the wider range of voices.
We need Patel’s leadership and I urge you to reappoint her.
Sincerely,
Lisa Rayle
1 Alby Calles
From: Maxwell Schaumkel
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:45 PM
To: Clerk
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Seema Patel
Attachments: Letter of Recommendation - Seema Patel.docx Sensitivity: Confidential
Please see attached for the Letter of Recommendation that I would like to submit for Seema Patel to be reappointed to the Planning Commission.
Thank You,
Max Schaumkel
To Whom it may Concern,
I am writing in strong support of the reappointment of Seema Patel to the City of San Mateo Planning Commission.
During her tenure on the Planning Commission, including her service as Chair, Seema has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to the City of San Mateo. She approaches every project and policy matter with thoughtful analysis, preparation, and genuine care for the community we serve.
As a fellow Planning Commissioner, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Seema and witness firsthand her exceptional leadership and knowledge of the complex issues facing our city. Whether discussing housing policy, commercial development, zoning updates, objective design standards, or broader planning ordinances, Seema is always well-versed in the subject matter and contributes meaningful insight to the discussion.
What has stood out to me most is her ability to balance a strong understanding of evolving state legislation while remaining a steadfast advocate for the residents and constituents of San Mateo. She understands the importance of thoughtful growth, community character, and responsible planning, and she consistently ensures that community voices remain part of the conversation.
On a personal note, when I joined the Planning Commission as a new commissioner, Seema immediately welcomed me and took the initiative to help me get up to speed. Her mentorship, professionalism, and willingness to support her colleagues reflect the type of leadership that strengthens the entire Commission.
Seema Patel has served the City of San Mateo with distinction, and I firmly believe her continued service on the Planning Commission would be a tremendous benefit to the City and its residents. I strongly support her reappointment and respectfully urge the City Council to reappoint her to the Planning Commission.
Sincerely,
Maxwell Schaumkel
Planning Commissioner
City of San Mateo
1 Alby Calles
From: Maggie Trinh
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 4:59 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Please Re-Appoint Seema Patel to Planning Commission Good afternoon,
Writing here in my personal capacity, I urge you to re-appoint Seema Patel to her seat on the Planning Commission. Seema is a very thoughtful and dedicated public servant who understands the housing challenges we face. She has a deep care for the community and she has done so much amazing work for our city, and I appreciate her strong moral compass and capacity for nuance.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Warmly,
Maggie Trinh