Alameda County District Races

AC Transit District Director, Ward 6

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

A. Curtis Silva

  • Transportation engineer
  • Public Transit: “AC Transit is a vital transportation lifeline for people with disabilities, students, seniors and low-income residents.”
  • Priorities: “I will push for: keeping the costs of bus fares low for our students, seniors and disabled; increasing bus service in Hayward and Newark; and the purchase of buses that do not pollute our environment.”
  • Experience: “Because of my 30 plus years of experience in public transit, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on AC Transit.”

Jesse Lee Gunn

  • Public school teacher
  • Public Transit: “I know the vital role that reliable public transit plays in addressing climate change and linking neighborhoods to jobs, schools, and essential services.”
  • Priorities: “If elected, I would work to improve bus frequency and reliability, enhance safety for drivers and passengers, and ensure our buses serve all riders, including the elderly, disabled, and parents with young children.”
  • Climate Change: “I will advocate for … environmentally sustainable transit system that prioritizes clean energy and modernized buses.”
  • jesse2024.com

Shonda Goward

  • Public university administrator
  • Growth: “I would forge strong partnerships with the cities of Hayward and Newark and Alameda County … I would partner with other agencies such as Caltrans, BART and VTA to support connected services.”
  • Accessibility: “I want to ensure transit is equitable and accessible to riders of all types from students, to elders, and commuters.”
  • Budget: “As a public university administrator, I manage a multimillion-dollar budget, which is an important skill because AC Transit faces a fiscal cliff and needs creative thinking to become sustainable.”

Race to Watch

BART Board of Directors, District 5

Why does this race matter?

BART is facing its biggest fiscal challenge since opening in 1972. With ridership still less than half of pre-pandemic levels, the agency has lost fare revenue and faces huge deficits starting in 2026. Board members elected this year will play a key role in charting a course through the crisis. BART’s District 5 covers portions of central and eastern Alameda County and part of southern Contra Costa County.

What does the BART board of directors do?

The nine-member board oversees a $2.5 billion annual budget and is responsible for major policy initiatives. One current example: BART has begun replacing the fare gates at all 50 of its stations because of concerns about fare evasion voiced by board members.

Key Candidates

This list represents the most notable candidates running for the seat.
Joseph Grcar
Joseph GrcarRetired Laboratory Scientist
Melissa Hernandez
Melissa HernandezAppointed Director, BART District 5

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

For Grcar

  • Alison Hayden, former candidate, Congressional District 14
  • Wendy Huang, candidate, Union City Council 
  • Luis Reynoso, trustee, Chabot-Las Positas Community College 
  • Cindy Rocha, trustee-elect, San Leandro Unified School District 
  • Steve Slauson, candidate, Alameda City Council

For Hernandez

  • John McPartland, former director, BART District 5 
  • Eric Swalwell, U.S. representative
  • Fiona Ma, state treasurer, California 
  • David Haubert, supervisor, Alameda County District 1 
  • Mark Salinas, mayor, Hayward
 

Positions on Key Issues
Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.

How has your past education, work and/or lived experience prepared you to join a transit board that administers a $2.5 billion annual budget and makes key decisions for an agency facing an existential crisis?

Grcar says, “We can ask the same about California and the United States.” Holding a mathematics Ph.D. and having worked as a research scientist “enables me to understand complex relationships.” He disagrees that the board has made “key decisions,” adding that BART directors “have just gone along to get along, and now when the going gets tough, all five whose terms end this year have decided to get out.”
Hernandez says that as mayor of Dublin, she managed a $200 million budget, "ensuring a surplus and fiscal transparency." On the Alameda County Transportation Commission, she oversaw allocation of $7 billion. As a recently appointed member of the BART board, she says her focus is fiscal accountability, "addressing challenges without compromising service." She adds: "My proven, decisive leadership as chair of the Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority equips me to prioritize affordability and maintain high service standards."

BART is facing annual operating deficits of at least $350 million starting in less than two years. Those shortfalls could force the agency to make drastic service cuts. What can BART do — apart from any regional tax measure or seeking other outside aid — to address this crisis?

Grcar says he would begin by laying off what he calls "do-nothing management and no-show employees," then build a budget that provides only the essentials: adequate numbers of train drivers, security officers, maintenance engineers, custodians and grounds crews. "I see no need for service cuts, which will only further reduce revenue," he says.
Hernandez says, "BART is at a critical juncture, and I am focused on taking action to avoid drastic service cuts … As an Alameda County transportation commissioner, I ensured tax funds were spent as promised to voters, and I continue this commitment as a fiscal watchdog on the BART board." She advocates steps like streamlining operations, reducing unnecessary costs and supporting local businesses. "I’m dedicated to maintaining essential services while navigating this financial challenge," she says.

BART and its customers have suffered through a long series of service disruptions this year. Is BART service reliable in your view? If not, what would be your highest priority for improvements?

Grcar says he "would have to see statistical rather than anecdotal evidence before I believe service disruptions have increased." He notes that service cuts would be far more disruptive than any problems the system is having now. "My highest priority for investment is to replace fare gates with access control gates," he says.
Hernandez notes that "BART’s service disruptions have been tough on our riders, and I understand how frustrating that is," and says her “priority is to make BART a service our community can rely on every day." To ensure this, she says, she's focusing on proactive maintenance, reducing disruptions, and improving communication with riders. "By demanding results and enhancing real-time updates, I’m committed to keeping riders informed and prepared."

In response to customer complaints about crime and fare evasion, BART has taken a number of steps it says will improve passenger safety, including increased police patrols and installation of new fare gates. Do these measures go far enough? Too far? What would you do differently?

Grcar says that in his experience, BART riders are most concerned about personal security. "The problem is not fare evasion," he says. "Rather, the problem is criminals who evade fares to enter the system." He advocates replacing current fare gates with gates that "genuinely control" access to BART. He says doing that "will eliminate most of these perpetrators from the system and will have the added benefit of lessening the need for armed security."
Hernandez says, "BART’s steps are a start, but more comprehensive solutions are needed to ensure passenger safety." She says that "in addition to increasing police patrols and installing new fare gates, integrating mental health resources is crucial for a holistic safety strategy that tackles root causes." She emphasizes the need to strengthen community engagement, improve BART ambassador visibility and expand safety programs "to enhance security and make BART a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone."

BART's post-pandemic loss of ridership and imminent deficits have tended to focus attention on the agency's "now" rather than on a vision for the longer-term future. What ideas do you have for improving BART and ensuring it thrives in coming decades?

Grcar notes that many believe the future of personal transportation is per-trip rentals of autonomous vehicles, a.k.a. robotaxis. "I have not heard anyone say fixed-rail systems have a bright future," he says, adding that BART's fiscal crisis despite enormous subsidies "suggests fixed rail has no future." But he adds, "I hope with good management the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District can prove naysayers wrong."
Hernandez calls BART "a vital lifeline that connects us all." She says that to ensure BART thrives in that role, “we must prioritize sustainable growth and thoughtful planning. This means modernizing our fleet, expanding service to underserved areas, and investing in infrastructure. By fostering vibrant, connected communities around our stations, we can keep BART thriving and accessible for everyone."

Race to Watch

BART Board of Directors, District 7

Why does this race matter?

BART is facing its biggest fiscal challenge since opening in 1972. With ridership still less than half of pre-pandemic levels, the agency has lost fare revenue and faces huge deficits starting in 2026. Board members elected this year will play a key role in charting a course through the crisis. BART’s District 7 covers parts of Contra Costa, Alameda and San Francisco counties.

What does the BART board of directors do?

The nine-member board oversees a $2.5 billion annual budget and is responsible for major policy initiatives. One current example: BART has begun replacing the fare gates at all 50 of its stations because of concerns about fare evasion voiced by board members.

Key Candidates

This list represents the most notable candidates running for the seat.
Victor E. Flores Jr.
Victor E. Flores Jr.Environmental Policy Advisor
Dana Lang
Dana LangTransportation Funding Advisor

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

For Flores

  • Rob Bonta, attorney general, California
  • Lateefah Simon, director, BART 
  • Buffy Wicks, state Assembly member
  • Mia Bonta, state Assembly member
  • Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, mayor, city of Alameda

For Lang

  • Keith Carson, supervisor, Alameda County 
  • Nate Miley, supervisor, Alameda County 
  • Robert Raburn, director, BART 
  • Elihu Harris, former mayor, Oakland
  • Willie Brown, former mayor, San Francisco
 

Positions on Key Issues
Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.

How has your past education, work and/or lived experience prepared you to join a transit board that administers a $2.5 billion annual budget and makes key decisions for an agency facing an existential crisis?

Flores notes he was born and raised in Oakland. He highlights his work for two city council members, including contact with departments like public works and transportation. "I’ve led land-use policy initiatives, advocated for green spaces and supported Oakland general plan updates," and helped with public engagement for the Oakland-Alameda Adaptation Committee on climate resilience, he says. "I bring the vision, coalition-building skills, and relationships necessary to effectively navigate BART's fiscal challenges and regional coordination.”
Lang says, "I’ve secured hundreds of millions in transportation and security grants serving as the Federal Transit Administration liaison for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, San Francisco Muni security grants coordinator, SF Police grants unit manager and small business affairs officer for SFO.” She notes she earned a BA in economics from Wellesley College and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and currently serves as vice chair of BART’s Police Civilian Review Board.

BART is facing annual operating deficits of at least $350 million starting in less than two years. Those shortfalls could force the agency to make drastic service cuts. What can BART do — apart from any regional tax measure or seeking other outside aid — to address this crisis?

Flores favors pursuing a "rail plus property policy" that he says would capture the value of BART’s real estate and allow the agency to diversify revenue sources. "It also gives BART more funding to build more homes at our stations, creating more riders," he says. He also says BART should create "community hubs" at its stations, turning them into destination points and increasing their use for non-work-related trips.
Lang says, "Bringing riders back to BART is critical” to recoup much-needed fare revenue." With ridership still at less than half of pre-pandemic levels, BART must build rider confidence that its system is safe and reliable, she says. Interagency collaboration could create a more seamless experience and help bring riders back, she notes, adding that BART should consider new funding streams, such as leasing, licensing, and retail and service kiosks.

BART and its customers have suffered through a long series of service disruptions this summer. Is BART service reliable in your view? If not, what would be your highest priority for improvements?

Flores says, "We should always strive for service excellence." He points out that BART is known for service delays related to heat and rain and that climate change means extreme weather impacts will continue to grow. "Working in the climate-resilience space, I prioritize integrating resilience into our improvements and nature-based solutions with multiple co-benefits," he says. "I want to explore building green corridors to reduce the impacts of heat and rain on our system."
Lang says that new trains have generally made BART more reliable, but maintenance needs to be re-established as a top priority given recent equipment failures. "Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance is supposed to prevent what has recurred throughout the summer," she says. "So BART needs to closely examine and modify its maintenance planning at a minimum and/or add resources to preventative maintenance to keep riders safe and to increase confidence in the system."

In response to customer complaints about crime and fare evasion, BART has taken a number of steps it says will improve passenger safety, including increased police patrols and installation of new fare gates. Do these measures go far enough? Too far? What would you do differently?

Flores wants to expand BART's ambassador and crisis intervention programs while also working to fill police vacancies and keep response times under five minutes. "These efforts also need two key components: station activation and alternative accountability pathways," he says. "Station activation through commercial activity, arts, culture and building homes creates community cohesion and safety. Accountability doesn’t have to result in fines and incarceration. We should have diversion programs that allow people to do community service."
Lang says, "Safety is the number one rider concern, so safety measures are a positive step." She calls BART's ambassadors and crisis intervention specialists "great additions" to its safety efforts. Lang adds that it's important to collect data to monitor the effectiveness of the agency's new safety measures. She says BART should produce videos to enhance public awareness of common crimes and to promote safe responses to harassment or physical encounters.

BART's post-pandemic loss of ridership and imminent deficits have focused on the agency's "now" rather than on a vision for the longer-term future. What ideas do you have for improving BART and ensuring it thrives in the coming decades?

Flores says, "My vision for BART is for every rider, especially parents and children, to be confident when riding the system." The system, he says, should be “safe, clean, reliable, and, most importantly, enjoyable,” with each station becoming a vibrant hub of community building that people want to spend time in. “When BART implements my community hub idea and ‘rail-plus-property policy,’ we will unlock new revenue and improve the ridership experience."
Lang says, "My vision for BART is that it can meet ridership needs in ways that are sustainable, holistic, clean, safe and vibrant — and seamlessly link riders to all parts of the service area." The agency, she adds, needs to address its fare structure, mix of income streams and security improvements. "I will use my expertise in transit funding and security to reflect equity, fairness and respect for employees and the public."

Alameda County Water District Director, Ward 5

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Aziz Akbari

  • Alameda County Water District Director, Ward 5
  • Water Rates: “I continue to advocate for a tiered rate structure, which, when combined with our low-income rate assistance program, will offer relief to many of our District’s ratepayers.”
  • Experience: “My background in industrial engineering, resource planning, and cybersecurity informs my fight for these positions.”
  • Infrastructure: “I have supported the district’s investments to modernize our IT systems, which offer new methods of engagement between ratepayers and the district, and to complete seismic upgrades to our infrastructure as part of our Main Renewal Program.”

Raymond Ojeda

  • Retired probation officer
  • Statement pending or not available.

Castro Valley Sanitary District Director

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Daniel M. Akagi

  • Castro Valley Sanitary District Director
  • Experience: “CVSan board member 29 years, UC Berkeley B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil/Sanitary Engineering, Professional Civil Engineer 40 years, 32-year CVSan resident.”
  • Service Rates: “On our watch you have benefited from among the lowest sewer service fees in the Bay Area while CVSan meets regulatory requirements to protect public health and the environment.”
  • Priorities: “Future challenges include nutrient control to protect SF Bay, and complying with tightening regulatory requirements.”

Timothy McGowan

  • Castro Valley Sanitary District Director
  • Experience: “I have served as a board member of the Castro Valley Sanitary District for 20 years … I am a senior civil engineer at the East Bay Municipal Utility District with over 30 years of experience.”
  • Environment: “As a Sierra Club member, I am committed to protecting the environment and promoting recycling. I enthusiastically support our Zero Waste Program.”
  • Waste Disposal: “I will work with our partners in the East Bay Dischargers Authority to reduce nutrients from the region’s wastewater, which will help to reduce potential algae blooms in the San Francisco Bay, and negotiate a new solid waste disposal agreement.”

Dave Sadoff

  • Castro Valley Sanitary District Director 
  • Experience: “As a member of the board of directors of the Castro Valley Sanitary District for the past 13 years, I have been committed to serving the public interests of Castro Valley through safe, efficient, and cost effective wastewater and solid waste management.”
  • Efficiency: “During my years of service to you, the Castro Valley Sanitary District has been recognized as an efficient and innovative agency and has been the recipient of numerous awards.”
  • Service Rates: “Continue to strive to make sure that the Castro Valley Sanitary District provides you with the best possible service at the lowest possible rates.”

Joseph Grcar

  • Retired laboratory scientist
  • Statement pending or not available.

Kenneth Owen

  • Retired sewer contractor
  • Statement pending or not available.

Darshan Saini

  • Program manager
  • Statement pending or not available.

Dublin San Ramon Services District Board of Directors, Area 3

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Rich Halket

  • Dublin San Ramon Services District Board of Directors Member, Area 3 
  • Budget: “As a longtime controller, I bring extensive financial knowledge to the Dublin San Ramon Services District Board of Directors … I support a prudent balance between keeping rates as low as possible while maintaining the district’s financial health.”
  • Water Source: “I believe DSRSD must seek additional water sources so we are not held hostage to events in the Delta.”
  • Wastewater: “I support continued investment in our local and regional wastewater systems to bolster our ability to create recycled water for irrigation and other beneficial uses.”

Javier Lopez Rivero

  • Asset accounting manager
  • Experience: “With seven years of experience in utilities and a master’s in accounting, I know how to manage resources effectively. I have worked in two of the largest utilities in Southern and Northern California as a leader.”
  • Water Rates: “I am committed to keeping our utility costs low and our water safe. I want every household to have reliable and affordable services.”
  • Infrastructure: “I can help improve how we use our resources and deliver our services better. I believe in strong infrastructure and efficient energy use.”

EBMUD District Director, Ward 5

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

John E. Lewis

  • Construction manager
  • Statement pending or not available.

Alex Spehr

  • Parent/tech support
  • Experience: “I have a BA in physics from the University of Chicago … I sit on the Navy’s Restoration Advisory Board, which is currently overseeing PFOS/PFAS groundwater treatment of the old Alameda Point Navy base.”
  • Emergency Preparedness: “We have the challenges of earthquakes, climate change (saltwater intrusion, decreased watershed quality, increased loss of evaporation), aging infrastructure, and fire risk (and we have to be able to fight fires with no power!).”
  • Service Rates: “We need to hold rates down for taxpayers. It’s a tough balancing act, but I’m ready to do it.”

Jim Oddie

  • Technology executive
  • Experience: “As a former Alameda City Council member and former district director for then-Assemblymember (now Attorney General) Rob Bonta, I have developed a keen understanding of water, climate, and environmental policy.”
  • Priorities: “A commitment to highest quality clean water, ensuring a stable water supply, doing our part to address the climate crisis, and maintaining reasonable rates.”
  • Emergency Preparedness: “We need to be proactive in preparing for the climate crisis and all that it brings: drought, flood, wildfire, and sea level rise.”
  • www.OddieforEBMUD.com

EBMUD District Director, Ward 6

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Richard De Vera

  • Entrepreneur
  • Water Contamination: “Medications and drugs get in our water supply. Our water filtration system does not truly solve this issue, and these contaminants can go into our body system.”
  • Infrastructure: “Together, let’s create a future with affordable, sustainable water we’re confident to drink. This requires a sustainable infrastructure and efficient renewable energy.”
  • Public Health: “It’s my duty to advocate for only those investments that protect public health and the environment in a fiscally responsible manner.”

Valerie Lewis

  • Attorney
  • Climate Change: “I am running to address the pressing challenges of climate change on our water supply.”
  • Priorities: “My top priorities include maximizing, protecting, sustaining, and supplying clean, affordable water.”
  • Budget: “I am committed to ensuring transparent funding for projects supporting infrastructure investment, conservation education, superior service and reasonable rates for EBMUD customers.”

Oro Loma Sanitary District Board of Directors

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Moira “Mimi” Dean

  • Environmental studies educator
  • Priorities: “My priorities will be in public outreach to educate residents about zero waste best practices, ensure money is spent appropriately, and oversee effective policies to combat the effects of climate change.”
  • Experience: “I am well-acquainted with Oro Loma’s mission as I worked with the district for 30 years with its annual Earth Day contest … Living and teaching in the Bay Area for over 40 years has shaped me as an environmental studies educator.”
  • Sustainability: “I volunteer with local nonprofits teaching families and advocating for composting, recycling, and practical solutions for climate change.”

Benny Lee

  • Oro Loma Sanitary District Director
  • Fiscal Responsibility: “Fiscal responsibility continues to be a top priority while investing in our staff and infrastructure to ensure services have no disruption for you, our customers.”
  • Climate Change: “Climate change has proved to be a growing threat with climactic events that will challenge our infrastructure as it has shown in the past few years.”
  • Infrastructure: “Oro Loma Sanitary District has led in replacing our aged sewer infrastructure with state-of-the-art newer pipes that have cut unplanned service calls and promises reliability for our long-term future.”
  • bennylee.us

Damaris Villalobos-Galindo

  • Water resources engineer
  • Experience: “I am a highly driven water resources engineer with over 12 years of experience in water resources management.”
  • Infrastructure: “Rebuilding, and improving our aging public infrastructure, making it more resilient for our ever-changing future while using engineering practices for the preservation, support, recovery, and restoration of the natural environment.” 
  • Priorities: “Continuing to provide sewer collection, treatment, and disposal services; solid waste collection services; and recycle and compost services … expanding the educational opportunities, involvement and participation of the community served by the district and together look for additional opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Bob Glaze

  • Small-business owner
  • Experience: “I have served on the Oro Loma Sanitary District Board and I understand the functions of the district and more importantly, I know how to listen to you. My background includes extensive education and training in government affairs, finance, personnel relations, information technology, project management and construction.”
  • Public Service: “The daily life experience of serving and promoting all people and their needs is paramount.”
  • Inclusivity: “I believe in service and providing opportunities for everyone who strives to be counted.”

Luis Reynoso

  • University professor
  • Statement pending or not available.

Eden Township Healthcare District Director, Area 4

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Sabrina Aranda

  • Educator/programs director
  • Experience: “My education in the Hayward and San Lorenzo school districts has fueled my unwavering dedication to local well-being. I have successfully secured over $35 million in grants to enhance the well-being of residents of the Eden Health District.”
  • COVID: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I took decisive action as a school district director, ensuring that our families had timely access to testing, vaccines and essential resources.”
  • Health and Wellness: “I am resolutely committed to improving health and wellness outcomes for seniors and families, especially in unincorporated areas.”
  • vote4aranda.com

Luis Reynoso

  • Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Trustee, Area 1
  • Statement pending or not available.

East Bay Regional Park District Director, Ward 2

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Lynda Deschambault

  • Environmental scientist 
  • Experience: “I am the only candidate with field experience spanning 37-years in environmental science, including 20 at the US-EPA, policy experience as mayor, founder and director of Contra Costa Climate Leaders. The only candidate with 5+ years’ service as a Parks Advisory Commissioner.” 
  • Indigenous Land: “As an advocate, I fought for settlement dollars for tribes and communities affected by toxic harms … I honor the seven generations principle of Native wisdom.”
  • Climate Change: “I have a deep understanding of current challenges: fire, algal blooms, sea level rise and the urgency to act now.”
  • lyndad4parks.com

Shane Reisman

  • Lafayette Parks Commissioner
  • Statement pending or not available.

Casey Alyson Farmer

  • Policy advisor/parent
  • Youth: “I’ve seen transformation happen when kids experience the outdoors … I’ll champion environmental science, mental health and physical wellbeing programs for youth.”
  • Experience: “I’ve built a proven track record making local government work better-teaching special education in Oakland schools, supporting local policy makers working to improve our communities, leading Alameda County’s successful 2020 Census Initiative, and more.”
  • Priorities: “I’ll lead the way for wildfire prevention, climate resilience, and well maintained parks, accessible to all.”
  • farmer4parks.vote

East Bay Regional Park District Director, Ward 4

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Taryn Edwards

  • Librarian/writer
  • Experience: “As a resident of San Leandro, I bring my experience as a librarian, historian, and writer to this role.”
  • Accessibility: “I believe that safe access to the outdoors is a human right and essential for a healthy mental, physical, and social life for people of all ages and abilities.”
  • Climate Change: “Together we may help preserve and improve the East Bay Regional Parks’ natural and cultural resources. My goals are to ensure these resources are protected from climate change-related hazards and made accessible for all visitors.”

Susan Gonzales

  • Retired HR manager
  • Experience: “I have considerable experience with the district, having served as the human resources manager for 16 years … I understand the mission of the organization.”
  • Insight: “I can provide insight and value that is currently not being provided.”
  • Priorities: “Let’s make a change to improve existing park infrastructure and public access, continue land acquisition, and increase emphasis on resource conservation.”

Luana España

  • Community affairs representative
  • Experience: “For over ten years, I have advised leaders and made policy recommendations on the executive committees of the East Bay Regional Park District Park Advisory Committee, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Board, and Hayward Area Recreation & Park District Citizen Advisory Committee.”
  • Priorities: “I am prepared to address pressing issues such as climate resiliency, equitable access, and sustainable planning.”
  • Open Spaces: “I am a trail runner, backpacker, and NOLS wilderness school alum. This personal connection and first-hand experience have given me a deep understanding of open spaces and wilderness areas.”

Tim McMahon

  • Attorney
  • Statement pending or not available.

Hayward Area Recreation & Park District Directors

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Louis Manuel Andrade

  • Hayward Area Recreation & Park District Director 
  • Budget: “In 2016, overwhelming community support passed a $250 million bond, and with that, HARD got to work on long needed repairs, spectacular renovations and the acquisition and development of new parks.”
  • Parks Facilities: “Coming out of the COVID lockdown, the demand for parks and recreation services has never been greater. HARD has met this challenge with increased recreation programming; new and revitalized parks and facilities; up-to-date internal operating systems; and increased public transparency.”
  • Recreation Services: “I am proud to be part of the team that has delivered, and continues to deliver, these needed parks and recreation opportunities.”

Rick Hatcher

  • Hayward Area Recreation & Park District, Director
  • Experience: “I’ve been a Castro Valley insurance professional for 28 years and Director with HARD for the last 9 years.”
  • Infrastructure: “During my tenure with HARD we passed a $250 million bond to upgrade existing parks and community centers, build new parks, expand walking trails, new soccer fields, pickleball and basketball courts.”
  • Inclusivity: “I will continue to lead HARD in areas of equity, justice, diversity and inclusion through active listening and programming for marginalized groups.”

Luis Reynoso

  • Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Trustee, Area 1
  • Statement pending or not available.

Joseph Grcar

  • Retired laboratory scientist
  • Statement pending or not available.

Kenneth Owen

  • Attorney
  • Statement pending or not available.

Peter Rosen

  • Hayward Area Recreation & Park District Director
  • Experience: “As president of the H.A.R.D. board this year, I have worked effectively with H.A.R.D. staff and collaborated with other agencies to help H.A.R.D. be more successful.”
  • Covid Recovery: “H.A.R.D. emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever. We have had a 25% increase in use while keeping our rates much lower than other agencies.”
  • Budget: “We are building and investing in parks throughout the district, and our projects are being completed on time and under budget.”

Livermore Area Recreation & Park District Directors

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Matt Bogdanowicz

  • Recreation supervisor
  • Statement pending or not available.

Jan Palajac

  • Livermore Area Recreation & Park District Director 
  • Experience: “As a landscape architect who, for 17 years, was responsible for the design and construction of parks and trails in San José, I bring a unique perspective to the LARPD Board where I have served since 2017.”
  • Recreation Services: “The pandemic highlighted the importance of LARPD to provide programs and facilities for our community.”
  • Priorities: “My priorities will be to promote a diverse variety of programs, especially for the underserved communities; address the maintenance of our facilities to ensure that they provide the level of quality the public expects; and explore additional funding sources to support the growing demands for more programs and facilities than our current budget can support.”

James Boswell

  • Livermore Area Recreation & Park District Director 
  • Recreation Services: “As a director, I have worked closely with the other directors, management, and staff, to improve operations and expand the overall programs and services we provide.”
  • Financial Performance: “We have also improved our financial controls and performance.”
  • Experience: “My work history includes senior management/executive positions at Bank of America, Apple Computer, Apple spin-off Connect Inc., and ADP. I have also served in law enforcement for over 19 years.”

Jacob Vital

  • Residential contractor
  • Statement pending or not available.

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