In this episode of Redwood City Election Watch 2024, we interview Marcella Padilla, a candidate for Redwood City's District 7 Council seat. Padilla discusses her background as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for over a decade, her experiences working in both the private and nonprofit sectors and her dedication to improving Redwood City's parks, public safety and child care. She also shares her vision for supporting small businesses. As she challenges a previous council member, Diana Reddy, Padilla outlines her plans for engaging the community, building consensus and bringing a fresh perspective to the City Council.

District 7 candidate Diana Reddy, a lifelong Redwood City resident and former council member, discusses her platform focused on housing, environmental issues, and economic justice. She reflects on the city's changes, rising housing costs, and her advocacy for affordable housing. Reddy also addresses challenges like staff retention, safe routes for students, and infrastructure concerns.

Simmerdeep Kaur and Pulse Editor Michelle Iracheta explore Redwood City’s District 4 and what distinguishes it from other parts of the city. Michelle, a District 4 resident, shares insights into Elmer's appointment following Michael Smith’s sudden departure from the City Council. She also dives into some of the issues facing the district, including homeless encampments and voter apathy.

CREDITS:

Hosted by Simmerdeep Kaur

Written and produced by Michelle Iracheta and Simmerdeep Kaur

Art by Shari Chase

In this episode, The Pulse interviews District 3 candidate Isabella Chu, a Planning Commissioner and co-chair of the Friendly Acres neighborhood association, who is challenging Vice Mayor Lissette Espinoza-Garnica in a rematch of their 2020 race. Chu discusses her priorities, including public safety, infrastructure, and housing affordability, and addresses local concerns like traffic safety and flooding. She also shares her views on the city’s budget deficit, plans to leverage federal infrastructure funding, and her hopes for the November 2024 election.

CREDITS:

Hosted by Simmerdeep Kaur

Written by Michelle Iracheta and Simmerdeep Kaur

Produced by Jennifer Yoshikoshi

Art by Shari Chase

Redwood City Election Watch is a production of Redwood City Pulse and Embarcadero Media

Vice Mayor Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, running for re-election in District 3, reflects on their first term, discussing tenant protections, climate justice, rent stabilization, and affordable housing. They also share plans for expanding bike lanes, public transportation, and advocating for marginalized voices. Espinoza-Garnica offers insights on development, police reform, and sustainable growth in Redwood City.

CREDITS:

Hosted by Simmerdeep Kaur

Written by Michelle Iracheta and Simmerdeep Kaur

Produced by Jennifer Yoshikoshi

Art by Shari Chase

Redwood City Election Watch is a production of Redwood City Pulse and Embarcadero Media

Redwood City Mayor Jeff Gee, running for re-election, shares his approach to key city issues like public safety, the budget deficit, and infrastructure. He emphasizes regional collaboration on challenges like homelessness and transportation, addresses the divide between Redwood Shores and the main city, and outlines his plan for closing the $9.3 million annual deficit. Gee also reflects on his tenure and the upcoming election.

CREDITS:

Hosted by Simmerdeep Kaur

Written by Michelle Iracheta and Simmerdeep Kaur

Produced by Michelle Iracheta and Simmerdeep Kaur

Art by Shari Chase

Redwood City Election Watch is a production of Redwood City Pulse and Embarcadero Media

In this episode, we dive into Redwood City's redistricting process and its impact on the upcoming 2024 City Council elections. Our guest, former Redwood City Pulse reporter Leah Worthington, who covered the redistricting process extensively, walks us through the 2022 boundary changes and how they have shaped the city’s political landscape. We explore the reasons behind the shift from at-large elections to district-based elections, the role of community input, and the challenges faced during redistricting. Leah also shares insights on what voters in districts 1, 3, 4, and 7 can expect in this year’s election and how these changes aim to create fairer representation for all residents.

CREDITS:

Hosted and produced by Simmerdeep Kaur

Written by Michelle Iracheta and Simmerdeep Kaur

Art by Shari Chase

Redwood City Election Watch is a production of Redwood City Pulse and Embarcadero Media