Peninsula Division 2024-2025 Board Election
As Mayor of one of the 36 cities that make-up the Peninsula Division of the League of California Cities, you are being sent the enclosed ballot for you to select candidates to the Peninsula Division Executive Committee.
We received many excellent candidates for the Division Board, but the following candidates have been recommended by the Nominating Committee based on experience and to maintain equitable geographic rotation and representation on the Board. Your city's vote should be submitted by October 4, 2024. The enclosed electronic ballot takes approximately 4 minutes to complete.
As is the custom each year, please participate in the swearing-in ceremony at the Annual Division Breakfast in Long Beach on October 18, 2024. Details about the breakfast meeting will be distributed separately.
Thank you for your engagement with the Peninsula Division of the Cal Cities and submit your ballot by October 4, 2024.
Sincerely,
Sam Caygill
Interim Regional Public Affairs Manager
Peninsula Division
League of California Cities
* Required
1 Your First and Last Name*
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2 Title (e.g. Mayor, Vice Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem)
*
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3 Your City *
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4 Your Email Address *
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5 Please confirm (click YES or NO below) that you are the designated person to cast this vote on behalf of your city. Your city is allocated one vote on the slate of candidates to serve on the Executive Committee. In most cases this is the responsibility of the MAYOR. *
Yes
No
6 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Eddie Flores, Vice Mayor, South San Francisco
* Eddie Flores has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
I am writing to express my interest and seek your support for the role of President to the League of California Cities, Peninsula Division. Our regional body representatives are essential to ensuring the best investments possible to improve the lives of all residents in the Peninsula, and I welcome this opportunity to help lead active and thoughtful dialogue amongst our local elected leaders to ensure our communities remain well represented in each of our regional bodies.
I have successfully served as San Mateo County At-Large Representative, Secretary, and Vice President for the Division and successfully lead the CitiPac fundraising committee as chair, successfully raising a substantial amount of funds for our Division this past June at our TopGolf event.
For the last two years I have significantly led the creation and execution of our major event in partnership with the Santa Clara Council of Cities, San Mateo Council of Cities and Peninsula Division, "Legislator Address" bringing in more than 90 elected officials in our region to hear and interact with our State legislators to learn about their priorities and policy agenda for the year.
If approved to continue to serve on the Executive Board, I am enthusiastically willing and express my full intent to serve in the role and capacity. In seeking this position, I will be a representative to engage all cities in our Peninsula Division to share ideas, voice concerns, raise questions, and help set our group's priorities. I thank you for your consideration and I humbly ask for your support.
Biography & Prior Experience:
I bring over 20 years of progressive senior management experience in public, private, non-profit, and educational arenas. I have a proven track record of being a collaborative leader, previously managing senior teams in various sectors.
I am only the second Latinx member in the history of the South San Francisco City Council. Prior to that, I was only the second Latinx member in the history of the South San Francisco Unified School District Board, where I had the honor of serving as Board President. Experiences like these have highlighted the value of representation and having a seat at the table, as well as the importance of effective communication, positive relationship building, and managing efficient and productive meetings. I fully appreciate the diversity of perspectives and collaboration that this collective group of leaders brings about. I am ready to serve and engage ALL city/town members and continue enhancing the level of participation in our Division meetings.
I have the experience to successfully carry out this role. I have successfully served as Division Secretary and Vice President of the Division. In addition, I currently serve as Vice Chair of the San Mateo Council of Cities/City Selection Committee. A regional group made up of all council members and Mayors representing each of the 20 cities/towns in San Mateo County. Within this capacity, I serve as Secretary/Treasurer -overseeing the production of meeting minutes and documenting meeting happenings and carry out other essential meeting duties. I have earned undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in public health and public policy from the University of California at Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy and the School of Public Health and an MBA from San Francisco State University.
*
• Yes
No
7 CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT
Sergio Lopez, Vice Mayor, Campbell
* Sergio Lopez has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
Statement of Intent: I am excited to submit my application to serve as Vice President of the League of Cities Peninsula Division. I have been part of the Executive Committee of the Division for the past two years, first as LAC member representing Santa Clara County and for this past year as Treasurer. I have also represented our region on the HCED Policy Committee, as well as attending numerous League of City conferences and helping to plan events for our Division.
Bio: Sergio Lopez is an author and Vice Mayor for the City of Campbell, CA.
With longtime roots in his community and a lifelong commitment to service, he has worked at all levels of government, from local on to the White House. In 2020, in a historic victory that received national media attention, he was elected to City Council. A regional leader on environmental and transit issues, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and as Vice Chair of the Valley Transportation Authority.
An author and historian, his writing has been published in TIME, Teen Vogue, America, Scalawag, Sojourners, Soft Punk, National Catholic Reporter, Geez, and Hanif Abdurragib's 68to05 project. He is a monthly columnist for the Campbell Press. His first book, a work of American history, is forthcoming from University of Georgia Press.
Lopez is a proud child of immigrants and was the first in his family to graduate college. He attended Yale University as a Questbridge Scholar, received his M.A. at Duke Divinity School, and attends the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. *
Yes
No
8 CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER
Juslyn Manalo, Mayor, Daly City
* Juslyn Manalo has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
1 am humbly requesting to serve on the Peninsula Division as I have the experience as a Councilmember for 7 years, Chair for the API Caucus of Cal Cities and have the passion the work collaboratively on regional issues. I believe the issues we face as cities are also issues that others face in their own jurisdictions. So sharing best practices, and also learning from others is crucial in solving many of our needs in the communities we all serve.
I believe I will provide insight and will be a great team player with the board.
Yes
• No
9 CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY
Yvonne Martinez Beltran, Council Member, Morgan Hill
* Yvonne Martinez Beltran has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
I have been very active in our area, serving on regional boards such as SVCE, ABAG and as VTA PAC Board Chair and am familiar with the regional issues our cities face. As a seasoned Council Member and a Committee Chair, I have a great understanding of local government, Cal Cities, small and large cities and have built relationships with leadership and legislators, positioning me to effectively contribute to and serve on the Peninsula Division Executive Board.
Bio and Prior Experience
Morgan Hill Councilwoman Yvonne Martínez Beltrán is committed to public service, community building and a dedicated advocate for her community. She earned her Masters in Urban Planning from the NYU School of Public Service specializing in Housing and Economic Development. She holds a Broker's License, has experience in property management and commercial real estate and co-founded Le.Catrina.com, a Latina Chic boutique. Martinez Beltran's policy leads with inclusion, equity and engaging community.
The Councilwoman serves on the Cal Cities Latino Caucus Executive Board, the Peninsula Division Executive Board, and currently chairs the Cal Cities Housing, Policy Committee. She is a Board Member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy and Sabor De Valle. She serves as the SCC Cities Association ABAG Representative and on the City/Schools Liaison Committee. *
O Yes
• No
10 CANDIDATE FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE Vicki Veenker, Council Member, Palo Alto
* Vicki Veenker has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
It has been a privilege to serve this past year on the Executive Committee of the Peninsula Division of the League of California Cities. If selected again next year to Co-Chair the Legislative Action Committee, I intend to serve the Division's policy goals in innovative ways to ensure that Peninsula cities have the voice they deserve. 2025 promises to be a pivotal year in policymaking and city leaders will need to stay current on issues affecting our residents. I am eager to build on the successful events we held this past year to inform and amplify the voices of Peninsula mayors and council members. The successful Legislative Address with state lawmakers and the advocacy meetings at the City Summit in Sacramento are examples that we can learn from and improve in 2025. Cities are vital to the strength of our region, state, and nation, and our impact comes from uniting to equitably serve our communities. I would welcome the chance to catalyze that impact.
Bio:
Vicki Veenker is a Council Member for the City of Palo Alto, where she Chairs the Council's Climate Action committee and serves on the Finance Committee.
Council Member Veenker also represents Palo Alto on the Joint Recycled Water Committee with Valley Water, Mountain View, and East Palo Alto. Outside Palo Alto, Ms. Veenker serves on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, where she Chairs the Policy, Grants, and Technology Committee. She also serves as a County Commissioner on the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission. Ms. Veenker believes in the power of cities, which led her to found Sibling Cities USA, a non-profit that builds relationships between US city pairs to bridge our regional divides. Vicki has led a wide range of community groups, including the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, WIRE for Women, and more. Ms. Veenker is one of 19 mediators appointed nationally by the US International Trade Commission to serve on its mediation roster; she also serves on our federal court's neutral evaluation and mediation panels. At the state level, on behalf of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, she convened a diverse group of state health policy leaders in Sacramento. Their recommendation for reining in healthcare costs became state law in 2022. Ms.
Veenker is a patent attorney who was a partner at New York-based Fish & Neave, before founding the Silicon Valley Intellectual Property Group at international law firm Shearman & Sterling. She also co-founded Women's Professional Soccer, which she served as General Counsel. Ms. Veenker holds a JD from Georgetown University Law Center and a BS in Biochemistry and a BA in Political Science from Indiana University.
*
Yes
No
11 CANDIDATE FOR SAN MATEO COUNTY LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE Chris Sturken, Council Member, Redwood City
* Chris Sturken has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
Statement of Intent to Serve:
I am honored to apply for the position of San Mateo Legislative Action Committee Member of the Executive Committee of the League of California Cities Peninsula Division. I strive to serve on the Executive Committee to ensure that our mutual interests continue to be represented at the state level. As a nonprofit professional, I have spent my career serving others. I have worked for community service agencies in both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, including Human Investment Project Housing and Sacred Heart Community Service. I understand our shared issues of housing, homelessness, and public safety from the ground up. As a Council Member, I understand the big picture in terms of how we fund safety net services and address the root causes and homelessness and crime. With my experience, I will bring a well-informed and nuanced perspective to the Committee and strengthen our leadership at the state level. Thank you for your consideration.
Biography:
Chris grew up in Belmont and graduated from Carlmont High School and SF State with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. He worked part-time as a grocery employee throughout college and was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 5 for 5 years. After serving a year in AmeriCorps with the City of Hayward, he began a career in the nonprofit sector in direct service of others, advocating for open space and promoting affordable housing. He was appointed to the Redwood City Transportation Advisory Committee in 2021 and the City's Planning Commission in 2022. He is an appointed member of the County of San Mateo LGBTQIA+ Commission and an elected member of Redwood City Council, representing District 2 including downtown Redwood City. He serves on the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance Board (Commute.org) and is a member of the Finance Committee. He is Vice Chair of the C/CAG Airport Land Use Committee. As a Council Member, he has championed housing at all income levels, supported small businesses, promoted public safety, and preserved consumer privacy. *
Yes
No
CANDIDATE FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE
David Cohen, Council Member, San Jose
* David Cohen has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the board of the Peninsula -Division of the League of Cities. As a member of the San Jose City Council, i have served on the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities as a Large City representative. I have also served on the ABAG Board, the BAWSCA Board, and the Recycled Water Policy Advisory Committee, and currently as an alternate on the VTA Board. After serving on the Berryessa School Board for 14 years, 1 was elected to City Council in 2020. I represent District 4, which includes Berryessa, North San Jose, and Alviso. I am chair of the city's Rules Committee *
and the Transportation & Environment Committee.
O Yes
No
13 CANDIDATE FOR SAN MATEO COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE
Adam Loraine, Council Member, San Mateo
* Adam Loraine has been recommended by the Nominating Committee and is unopposed for this position.
I humbly ask your support for selection to our Division's Board of Directors. I'll bring my passion for collaboration and continuous improvement toward our shared goals, to help us grow and achieve together.
Nearly all the top challenges our cities face— climate change, housing, transportation access and more—are not contained within individual city boundaries. These challenges are too large for any one city to solve alone, and decisions can impact neighboring communities and others in the region. We all benefit by networking, sharing best practices and staying educated on the latest innovations.
After almost two years on City Council, I've gained an immense appreciation for organizations that help cities learn and work together. I'm grateful for CalCities and for the Peninsula Division's work, and I'd be honored to contribute to their mission. Thank you for your consideration.
Yes
• No
14 CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE CAL CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REPRESENTATIVE
Ellen Kamei, Council Member, Mountain View
(See list of candidates below in Question #16)
*Ellen Kamei has been recommended by the Nominating Committee.
I humbly ask your support for selection to our Division's Board of Directors. I'l bring my passion for collaboration and continuous improvement toward our shared goals, to help us grow and achieve together.
Nearly all the top challenges our cities face climate change, housing, transportation access and more-are not contained within individual city boundaries. These challenges are too large for any one city to solve alone, and decisions can impact neighboring communities and others in the region. We all benefit by networking, sharing best practices and staying educated on the latest innovations.
After almost two years on City Council, I've gained an immense appreciation for organizations that help cities learn and work together. I'm grateful for CalCities and for the Peninsula Division's work, and I'd be honored to contribute to their mission. Thank you for your consideration.
15 CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE CAL CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REPRESENTATIVE
Yan Zhao, Mayor, Saratoga
(See list of candidates below in Question #16)
Statement of Intent to Serve
I am honored to express my intent to serve on the Peninsula Division League of California Cities executive committee. With over six years of dedicated service on the Saratoga City Council and eight years on the planning commission, I have gained invaluable experience in municipal governance, community engagement, and strategic planning. My commitment to public service, coupled with a strong understanding of the diverse needs and challenges facing our cities, positions me to contribute effectively to the committee. I am passionate about fostering collaboration, advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for our residents, and supporting the League's mission to strengthen local governance. It would be a privilege to work alongside fellow leaders to address regional issues and promote sustainable growth and innovation across the Peninsula.
Bio of Yan Zhao
Yan Zhao is the current Mayor of the City of Saratoga. She was first elected to the Saratoga City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2021. Before her election to the City Council, Yan served 8 years on the Saratoga Planning Commission, 4 years on the Saratoga Madronia Cemetery Board of Trustees, and 9 years on the Commission on the Status of Women in Santa Clara County.
Yan holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University.
Yan has over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, specializing in Analog IC design, technical marketing, business development, and sales. She has worked for prominent companies, including National Semiconductor Corporation, Rambus, and Analog Devices Inc.
Throughout her career, Yan has received multiple awards, including:
Woman of the Year in California Assembly District 28
• Woman of the Year in California Senate District 15
National Community Service Award
California Asian Pacific Islander Women Leadership Award San Jose Business Journal Woman of Influence in 2024.
16 Select one of the following for the STATEWIDE CAL CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPRESENTATIVE *
Ellen Kamei
Yan Zhao
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