1 Alby Calles
From:
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2026 2:34 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc:
Subject: Consent Calendar Item16, Boards and Commission Appointment Subcommittee - Appointment Recommendations
Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers,
Social media is abuzz of why Seema Patel was not recommended for immediate reappointment to the Planning Commission by the selection committee, comprised of all members of the current city council except for Lisa Diaz Nash.
The outcry from her supporters that it was a political move was expected by anyone and everyone who has paid attention to city politics during and since the Lee era. Clearly those who benefit from the bias Patel has openly touted are quite unhappy.
Her sycophant pawns continue to employ the toxic rhetoric she is known for.
Simply put, it isn’t political:
1 - Patel isn't qualified, per the city’s own criteria, to be on the Planning Commission because of her publicly flouted bias (Prominent featuring on her social media postings at the “YIMBY Prom” and HLC’s 2022 Housing Leader Awardee, etc.) She should never have been appointed to a seat. THIS alone is makes the recommendation to not reappoint required.
2- Patel’s behavior, which many consider an obnoxious tyrant, and her documented insults and demeaning of those who oppose her, are perhaps subjective. However, they are contrary to the city’s Code of Conduct. That she has avoided some of her outlandish behavior since the enforceable rules have taken eƯect does not excuse the behavior. Her proxies do well in speaking for her. 3- She was critically outspoken regarding Trina Pierce, an older black woman and single mother, struggled with destructive tenants living in her mother's home and was treated horribly by city staƯ who botched the investigation into housing complaints. This council felt the investigation was so flawed that it voted to grant Ms. Pierce her appeal. Patel’s apparent proxies, mainly upper middle class white males, continue to attack Pierce who they refer to as the “landlord". The continue to spread the toxicity observed to be the hallmark of Seema Patel.
That Patel is listed as eligible (#2), and next in line for appointment if there is a vacancy on the Planning Commission during the next six months, is inexplicable. This is what is political, not that she was selected for immediate appointment.
We pray for the good health of the current commissioners and their willingness to continue serving the community.
2 Dave Cohen
San Mateo Resident
1 Alby Calles
From: sean schochet
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2026 4:13 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Seema Patel - Planning Commission
Dear Council Member,
Seema has done a great job and I trust her to continue to do excellent work for the things I care about.
Please reappoint her to continue a positive and sustainable vision for San Mateo.
Thank you,
Sean
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
1 Alby Calles
From: Erin Leydig Stallings
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2026 9:32 AM
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 Stallings