City Clerk - Boards and Commissions Application
Reference # 18415601
Status Complete
Applying For (You may check more than one) Planning Commission (4-year term) Are you interested in participating in the Citizen’s
Academy?
Yes
First Name Kaleolani
Last Name Diego
Street Address
City
State
Zip Code
Email Address
Phone Number
Cell Phone / Alternative Contact Number:
Are you a registered voter in Union City? Yes
What is your District of Residency? 4
Have you attended any meetings of the
commission/board for which you are applying?
No
The primary role of the Planning Commission is
to act as a steward of the City’s long-term vision
by reviewing development proposals, land use
policies, and planning initiatives to ensure they
align with adopted plans, zoning regulations,
environmental standards, and the broader public
interest. The Commission balances growth,
sustainability, equity, and quality of life, providing
informed recommendations to City Council while
ensuring development decisions are transparent,
What is the primary role of the Planning
Commission?
lawful, and responsive to community needs.
How vital should aesthetics be in approving
development?
Aesthetics are important, but they should be
considered as part of a broader framework that
includes functionality, environmental impact,
neighborhood compatibility, and long-term
livability. Thoughtful design can enhance
community pride, walkability, and safety, but
aesthetic considerations should support and not
override critical goals such as housing
availability, accessibility, sustainability, and
affordability. Well-designed projects can meet
practical needs while still contributing positively
to the city’s development.
As land values increase, “affordable housing”
becomes increasingly scarce. What are your
thoughts on the City’s responsibility to plan for
and provide affordable housing?
The City has a responsibility to proactively plan
for affordable housing as part of a balanced and
inclusive community. This includes encouraging
mixed-income developments, leveraging state
and regional housing programs, supporting
adaptive reuse where appropriate, and
partnering with nonprofit and private developers.
Affordable housing is essential for workforce
stability, economic diversity, and long-term
community resilience, and planning decisions
should reflect the reality that housing affordability
is a shared civic responsibility, not solely a
market outcome.
What do you feel are some factors that make a
residential neighborhood a “good place to live?”
A good residential neighborhood offers safety,
accessibility, and a sense of belonging. Key
factors include walkable design, access to public
transportation, parks and open space, quality
schools, nearby services, and thoughtful
integration of housing types. Equally important
are opportunities for community interaction,
cultural inclusion, and design that supports
people at different life stages. A neighborhood
should feel both functional and communitycentered.
What role should the economics of the
development (city taxes received and the project
costs) play in planning
decisions?
Economic considerations are important, but they
should not be the sole driver of planning
decisions. While tax revenue and fiscal
sustainability matter, developments should also
be evaluated on long-term community impact,
infrastructure capacity, environmental
responsibility, and social equity. The most
successful projects are those that provide
economic benefit while also strengthening the
city’s livability and reducing future public costs.
What types of businesses should Union City
seek and why?
Union City should seek businesses that provide
quality jobs, reflect the diversity of the
community, and contribute to a sustainable local
economy. This includes small and mid-sized
businesses, creative industries, healthcare,
education, manufacturing, and sustainable
technology. Supporting locally rooted enterprises
alongside responsible larger employers helps
create economic stability, reduces commuting
burdens, and fosters a more vibrant and
connected city.
In 1996, the voters approved Measure II,
enacting very stringent development policies in
the hillside area.
Pressure is mounting to allow some development
in the hills. If Measure II were proposed for
amendment,
under what conditions, if any, would you favor
relaxing the policies?
Any consideration of amending Measure II
should be approached with caution and
extensive community and environmental input. I
would only consider limited relaxation if it could
be demonstrated that development would not
compromise environmental integrity, public
safety, or long-term sustainability. This would
require rigorous environmental review,
infrastructure analysis, and a clear pathway for
public benefit such as addressing critical housing
needs, while preserving the intent of the Measure
to protect natural resources and community
character.
I want to serve because I believe meaningful
civic impact happens where community
experience and decision-making meet. Boards
Why do you want to be a Board/Commission/
Committee member? What do you feel you could
contribute?
and commissions play a critical role in shaping
how cities grow, allocate resources, and ensure
residents feel represented in the spaces they
live, work, and gather in.
Through my professional and community work,
I’ve seen how thoughtful governance can expand
mutual opportunity and how gaps in
representation or lived experience can
unintentionally limit it. Serving on a board or
commission allows me to contribute
constructively to decisions that affect long-term
community wellbeing, cultural vitality, and
economic sustainability.
For me, it's more than just a position. It’s about
responsibility to the community, and helping the
city make informed, inclusive, future-oriented
decisions for everyone.
What are my contributions?
~Grounded insight from working directly with
residents, creatives, small businesses, youth,
and nonprofit partners
~Strategic thinking that considers both
immediate outcomes and long-term impact
~Cultural competency and sensitivity to how
policy decisions affect visibility, access, and
representation
~Collaborative problem-solving, with respect for
staff expertise, public input, and process
~Consistency and preparation, showing up
informed, engaged, and ready to contribute
meaningful direction
I approach leadership as service. My goal is to
help strengthen trust between institutions and the
communities they serve, and to support
decisions that allow the city to grow in a way that
reflects its diversity, resilience, and shared
future.
Brings community-informed insight, systems
thinking, and ethical decision-making to support
inclusive, sustainable planning outcomes for
Union City.
Founder & Director of NABUHA — Union
City–rooted organization operating at the
intersection of community development, culture,
wellness, and small business support
Community-Based Leadership Experience
working directly with residents, creatives,
entrepreneurs, youth, and nonprofit partners
across Union City and the greater Bay Area
Systems-Level Perspective evaluating how land
use, zoning, development, and public space
decisions impact long-term community wellbeing,
economic vitality, and cultural sustainability
Experience Reviewing Proposals & Programs,
balancing feasibility, compliance, community
benefit, and long-term impact
Strong Analytical & Decision-Making Skills, able
to synthesize staff reports, public input, and
policy considerations into thoughtful, objective
recommendations
Understanding of Inclusive Development
What qualifies you for this appointment?
Principles, including mixed-use spaces, small
business viability, and equitable access to
community-serving environments
Cultural & Economic Development Insight, with
practical knowledge of how planning decisions
affect visibility, opportunity, and retention of local
businesses and cultural initiatives
Professional Communication Skills, experienced
in structured discussions, public-facing dialogue,
and collaborative problem-solving across diverse
stakeholders
Ethical Awareness & Accountability, with a clear
understanding of public service responsibilities,
conflict-of-interest boundaries, and transparency
requirements
Local Commitment, demonstrated through
ongoing work, partnerships, and civic
engagement within Union City and surrounding
communities
My vision for the Planning Commission is to help
Union City grow in a way that is intentional,
inclusive, and sustainable. To balance economic
development with community wellbeing and longterm livability.
I believe the Commission should function as a
guide to the city’s future: carefully evaluating
development not only for compliance and
feasibility, but for how it shapes opportunity,
access, and quality of life for current and future
residents. This includes supporting development
that strengthens local businesses, encourages
mixed-use and community-serving spaces, and
reflects the diversity and character of Union City.
What is your vision for the committee/
commission you are applying to?
I envision a Planning Commission that:
Makes decisions grounded in data, policy, and
public input
Considers long-term impacts alongside
immediate needs
Supports responsible growth without eroding
community identity
Serves as a trusted bridge between city staff,
elected officials, developers, and residents
My goal is to contribute a perspective that values
both technical rigor and lived experience, helping
ensure that planning decisions lead to a city that
people can invest in, remain rooted in, and feel
represented by. Ultimately, I see the Planning
Commission as a place where thoughtful
collaboration can guide Union City toward growth
that is not just successful, but lasting.
My vision for service on the Planning
Commission directly supports the Council’s 5-
Year Strategic Plan by reinforcing its core
priorities around responsible growth, economic
vitality, community wellbeing, and inclusive
governance.
Thoughtful planning is foundational to achieving
long-term strategic goals. By approaching land
use and development decisions with an
emphasis on sustainability, equity, and datainformed analysis, the Planning Commission helps ensure that growth aligns with the City’s
broader objectives rather than working at crosspurposes with them.
How does this vision support the Council’s
priorities as stated in the 5-Year Strategic Plan?
Specifically, this vision supports the Council’s
priorities by:
~Encouraging balanced economic development
that supports local businesses while attracting
responsible investment
~Promoting inclusive growth, ensuring
development benefits diverse residents and does
not erode community character
~Supporting long-term livability through careful
consideration of infrastructure, mixed-use
spaces, and community-serving environments
~Strengthening public trust and transparency by
valuing staff expertise, public input, and clear
decision-making processes
By grounding planning decisions in both policy
and lived community experience, this approach
helps translate the Council’s strategic goals into
practical, on-the-ground outcomes. My intent is
to serve as a collaborative partner in
implementing the Council’s vision—supporting
growth that is economically sound, socially
responsible, and aligned with Union City’s longterm direction.
Are you currently receiving any form of
compensation from the City for work performed?
No
Do you have any relatives serving on Council,
Commissions, Boards, and Committees or
otherwise employed by the City of Union City?
No
Newark Memorial High School — Newark, CA
Graduate; long-standing connection to the TriCity area and surrounding communities Name and location of high school/college/
university/technical or trade school along with
degrees received.
College of Alameda — Alameda, CA
Associate of Arts (A.A.), Apparel Design &
Merchandising
Certificate of Completion
High Honors
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
+NABUHA Visionary Summit - An annual
community-centered gathering bringing together
creatives, entrepreneurs, educators, wellness
practitioners, and cultural leaders. Designed to
foster connection, dialogue, and visibility across
disciplines.
Features include:
~Wellness-led grounding experiences
~Creative showcases and fashion presentations
~Live performances and community storytelling
The Summit functions as a platform for local
talent, cross-sector collaboration, and cultural
exchange, reinforcing community pride and
shared identity
+Heritage Market - A community market
experience highlighting local artists, small
businesses, and cultural vendors.
Created to support economic visibility and
sustainability for underrepresented creatives and
entrepreneurs
~Encourages community participation through:
~Cultural goods and handmade products
~Educational and storytelling elements
~Accessible, family-friendly engagement
What community activities are you presently
involved in, or have been in the past?
Serves as both an economic and cultural
activation, strengthening local networks and
neighborhood cohesion
+Community Wellness Workshops - Openaccess workshops offered to the public, focused on wellbeing, self-awareness, and creative
expression
Programming integrates:
~Sensory experiences (such as fragrance and
creative design)
~Mindfulness and reflection practices
~Cultural grounding and identity exploration
Designed to support mental, emotional, and
social wellness, especially for individuals
navigating stress,...
... disconnection, or transition
+School-Based Wellness & Educational
Programming - Wellness programming
implemented in local schools, supporting both
students and staff
Workshops are intentionally aligned with core
curriculum and educational development goals,
including:
~Social-emotional learning (SEL)
~Creative problem-solving
~Focus, confidence, and engagement
Programs are structured to:
~Reinforce classroom learning through
experiential formats