27
YEARS ROOTED IN EAST SAN JOSÉ
$709 MILLION
SECURED FOR STUDENTS & COMMUNITY
1,000+
FAMILIES SERVED THROUGH INNOVATIVE LEARNING
HER STORY
Born here. Built here.
Karen Martínez was born and raised in East San José — and she never left. Married to her husband, Angel for 27 years, they raised their blended family right here, in these schools, these parks, these neighborhoods.
Karen isn't still figuring out what East San José needs. She's been doing the work — on the ground, without a title — for decades. She knows that the issues keeping families up at night aren't abstract policies. They're broken sidewalks, unsafe streets, and whether kids have a real shot.
Her approach never changes: work hard, build trust, and stay focused on what actually matters.
Founding Parent & School Board Member
Alpha: Blanca Alvarado Public School — now serving 1,000+ East San José familiesSJECCD Board of Trustees (2018–present)
$709 million secured for students; balanced budgets; expanded college accessCommunity leader before she had a title
Neighborhood association volunteer, cheer coach, team mom — showing up first
What she'll fight for from day one
East San José is not a place to be managed. It's a community to be invested in. Here's how Karen will deliver.
Public Safety & Vibrant Neighborhoods
Fully staffed police, reduced crime, better traffic safety — and real partnerships with residents to fight blight and rebuild trust, block by block.
Real Solutions on Housing & Homelessness
Build more affordable housing, cut red tape, and humane shelter solutions — while keeping streets and parks safe and clean for every family.
Infrastructure That Works
Potholes, broken sidewalks, and neglected parks are not acceptable. Karen will fix what's broken and make neighborhood clean-ups a visible priority.
A City Hall That Works for You
Transparency, accountability, and real access — not bureaucratic runaround. Clear reporting so residents always know where their tax dollars are going.