Safer Streets. Revived Parks. Real Results.

Rebuilt Willow Oaks Park

Willow Oaks wasn’t on the City’s project list. I proved that District 2 got shortchanged on Measure T and fought for funding. We delivered a new playground, basketball court, dog park, bike paths, picnic tables, and restrooms. A game changer for parents. We expanded the project to also include the renovation of the Burgess playground. After the Willow Oaks opening, kids couldn’t easily go from the field to the playground. I got a gate added. Result: Willow Oaks is our community hub.

Saved Gymnastics and KinderGym for Menlo Park families

After the pandemic, the City was ready to keep these programs shut down for good. One council member argued that the city shouldn’t run a gymnastics program. I disagreed. I organized parents to email the Council and speak at meetings. That pressure worked. We brought the program back. Without that campaign and my leadership on Council, we would have lost a program so many Menlo Park families treasure.

Solved RV encampments on Bohannon Drive

RVs were creating health and safety hazards behind the Lorelei Manor neighborhood. I met with residents and business owners, documented the issue, saw to it that an oversized vehicle ordinance was drafted and that support was also offered to RV residents. I lost the first Council vote but brought it back until it passed. Result: Streets cleared with compassion and rule of law. Other cities still struggle with this issue.

Made Willows streets safer

Concerned residents flagged speeding on Willow Road and Gilbert Avenue. I got neighbors and staff on-site. Result: Speed feedback signs, new striping and quiet asphalt resurfacing on Willow, a new stop sign at Gilbert/Pope, upgraded crosswalks at Woodland/Middlefield, plus a protected left-turn light at Willow/Gilbert.

Secured nearly $1M to fix Bay Road

Flood Triangle residents asked for help. I worked with neighbors and staff to get Bay Road added as a Capital Improvement Project for summer 2026. Result: Full resurfacing, new striping, and sidewalk repairs are coming.

Coleman Avenue safety upgrades

Coleman is how many of our kids get to Laurel Lower Campus and Menlo-Atherton High. But the project to make it safer was stuck for years. Split between the City and County, buried in the bureaucracy. I told the city manager: let’s build our part now. Result: Council approved stop signs, speed humps, a bike lane, and removed parking. Our kids now have a safer route to school.

Landscaping Highway 101’s entrance

The Willow/101 Interchange opened in 2019 with no landscaping. An eyesore at our front door. I pushed through funding challenges and pandemic delays. Result: The project is out to bid. Construction starts summer 2026. I won’t stop until it’s done.

Balanced Leadership

Voice for Measured Approach to Downtown Parking Lots

I support developing the downtown parking lots. That’s why I voted for the RFP. But I pushed to start with just one parking lot. A phased approach would have let us address concerns, especially around parking replacement, more thoughtfully and methodically.

First to challenge the Sunset Campus project

I was the first on council to question the logic and feasibility of this proposal. I’ve publicly demanded the environmental review required by law. I’ve also taken the lead in connecting city staff with our state representatives to ensure accountability and visibility at every level. That’s the oversight Menlo Park and District 2 deserves.

Advocate for Climate Action

I support the city’s climate projects, from the BHCC microgrid to solar on city buildings. I’ve also been clear: we can’t ignore the burden resident-targeted programs can create. Going all-electric at our home was the right move for my family and the environment, but it also showed me that we still need to get costs down and cut red tape.

Community Back Together

Brought back the events that make us neighbors

Council was indifferent to community events coming back after the pandemic. I believe they're an essential part of Menlo Park. I kept pushing. Result: the Summer Concert Series, Holiday Tree Lighting, Spring Egg Hunt, Halloween Hoopla, Breakfast with Santa, 4th of July Celebration, now with Circus Bella, are all back. We have record crowds. All this has sparked new resident-led celebrations: the first Menlo Park-Atherton Ramadan Iftar, which I helped launch, and Hanukkah at Fremont Park.

Championed small businesses

For Spiffy Pottery Studio, Haven Wine and Cheese Bar, Willows Market, Cafe Zoe/Neighborhood Pizza Guy and other small businesses, I check-in regularly with owners and help them navigate the city's bureaucracy. Result: Spiffy and Haven opened to rousing community support. The outdoor space at Cafe Zoe was retained. Small business owners know I’m always only one call away.

Outreach You Can Count On

No slogans. Just showing up. 200+ Saturday community office hours at Cafe Zoe. Monthly newsletters that explain my vote on major issues, not just a calendar of events. A level of engagement and communication with residents that's unmatched. You elected me to be your voice. I make sure residents understand what I'm saying, what I'm doing and where they can find me.

Integrity When It Was Hard

Reasoned Voice on Pool Operations

While there has been tensions over the pools for some time, I've stayed focused on residents. Feedback from residents about pool operations has been positive. Staff validated the operator’s finances, which was hit hard by lagging traffic at the new pool. I quickly favored extra funds to stabilize both pools. Result: We finally got 3 votes. Operating hours restored.

Stood up during City Hall chaos

During my first term, when a council member tried to fire the city manager by scheduling what the press referred to as a "secret meeting," I called it out publicly. After that effort failed, I met with senior staff to stabilize morale. And when it came time to pick an interim city manager, I cautioned against the outsider some wanted and steered my council colleagues to the stability and expertise offered by a well-respected senior staff member. I was validated when months later, the council unanimously voted to formally offer that staff member the job.

Warned against raiding the Utility Tax

Council majority wanted UUT money diverted to home electrification programs. I knew that voters approved it to close budget gaps, not fund projects. The Council ignored that warning and residents lost trust. A lawsuit led to Menlo Park losing the UUT. Over the next decade that loss could amount to as much as $20M.

Made public safety a priority

At the 2026 Priority Setting Workshop, some council members said Public Safety shouldn’t be on the priority list. I pushed back and made the case that residents' sense of safety should, of course, be a priority. Result: opposition fell away and Public Safety was added as a priority.

Prioritized Both Flood Protection and the Creek's Natural Contours

As Menlo Park’s representative on the San Francisquito Creek JPA, I prioritized flood protection while respecting the creek’s natural contours and the deep connection Menlo Park residents share with it.