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Santa Clara Valley Water District Board incumbent Gary Kremen and challenger Rebecca Eisenberg have attracted two divergent streams of donor funds, one relying on unions and the other attracting more residents in the northern end of Santa Clara County.
But both candidates for the District 7 board seat, which includes Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and southern parts of San Jose, are attracting their largest donations in the thousands of dollars from outside the county. Those contributors include friends, tech sector contacts and, in Kremen’s case, political action committees.
Kremen leads the way in campaign funding with $289,811 for the year to date, Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) filings show.
While he has four times the cash compared to Eisenberg, she has raised more than 1 1/2 times the amount from individual donors — $41,889 to his $26,317 — once their personal loans to their campaigns and rollover funding (from his campaign for county assessor) are subtracted from the equation.
Kremen’s massive pot of money was largely infused by $101,000 in loans he made to his campaign and $162,440 transferred from his bid for county assessor, which was aborted earlier this year.
He received $16,997 during the period from Sept. 25 through Oct. 22, his latest FPPC filings show. To date, he has expended $125,454 and has a cash balance of $164,356.
Eisenberg, an attorney and sustainability investor, lagged behind Kremen during the prior period with $27,978 to his $272,814 — 10 times less — from Jan. 1 through Sept. 24. She has gained some traction in the current period through Oct. 22, reducing the massive funding discrepancy to four times less than Kremen, with a total of $70,617 for the year to date. She has lent her campaign $30,000, according to her FPPC filing.
Eisenberg raised $41,889 in total from Sept. 25 to Oct. 22, including $3,100 in nonmonetary contributions. She has spent $21,026 to date and has $49,590 in ending cash.
The two candidates differ not only in the quantity of cash they have to flex their campaign muscle, but also in who donates to their causes.
Half of Eisenberg’s 59 donors during the recent filing period are from Palo Alto, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Most were for sums between $100 and $500.
Kremen, in contrast, received three out of 17 contributions in the current period from contributors from the northern section of the county. Smaller donations came largely from people he knows from out of state, a handful of residents who live in the county’s southern end and Valley Water staff members. His notable Midpeninsula donor is Mountain View City Council member Margaret Abe-Koga, who contributed $250.
Kremen’s top donors were unions and political action committees, including $5,000 from the Santa Clara and San Benito Building and Construction Trades Council PAC; $3,000 from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and $2,000 from the Laborers Local 270 PAC. He also received $1,000 donations each from the Plumbers and Steamfitters and Refrigeration Fitters; Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3; Bonneau Dickson, a construction sanitary engineer from Berkeley; and the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council.
Eisenberg, too, received multiple large contributions. Her principal donors include Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone, $3,000; Yishan Wang of Hawaii, CEO of Terraformation, $4,900; Reid Hoffman, venture capitalist at Greylock Partners and a Washington state resident, $4,950; Kevin Hart a partner at A Star Capital of San Francisco, $2,500; and Palo Alto resident Todd Glasson, CEO of InvestorFlow, who donated $1,000.
“Kremen’s top donors were unions and political action committees, including $5,000 from the Santa Clara and San Benito Building and Construction Trades Council PAC; $3,000 from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and $2,000 from the Laborers Local 270 PAC. He also received $1,000 donations each from the Plumbers and Steamfitters and Refrigeration Fitters; Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3; Bonneau Dickson, a construction sanitary engineer from Berkeley;“
This is not the only problem with Kremen. The SJ Mercury news has an editorial about why voters should OUST Kremen from Santa Clara Valley Water board.
I understand Kremen was among those behind the deceptively worded June ballot measure asking whether the Water District Board should have “term limits of four terms” Sounds reasonable to the uninformed voter, but they already had a three-term limit so this was an Expansion!
While I am not happy about the ballot measure, Mr Kremen has demonstrated expertise in water policy and delivered valuable service to north county. A portion of our property taxes have gone to Valley Water for decades with very little to show for it. He fixed that. He transformed a sleepy, rubber stamp board into something that is actually benefiting Palo Alto and north county residents.
Ms Eisenberg on the other hand has mostly been a city council gadfly. Anyone that listens to council meetings knows that she has exhibited agressive and insulting behavior towards anyone that disagrees with her and often has her facts wrong. Her behavior would trigger a much harsher bullying report than anything Kreman may have done. And she simply doesn’t appear to be qualified for the role. So while neither candidate is perfect, My Kreman appears to be the only reasonable choice.
I agree with Sue Dremann and Palo Alto Online / Palo Alto Weekly for this fantastic coverage of the facts!
As this article shows, Rebecca Eisenberg’s race is 100% people-powered. For each one individual who contributed to her opponent, 23 contributed Rebecca Eisenberg for Santa Clara Valley Water District!
Given the obvious success and positive reception that Rebecca’s campaign is receiving, her opponent has resorted to lies and deflections. Meet Rebecca yourself to ascertain her personality. She is vivacious, optimistic, friendly, and authentic.
The candidate in this race who has the abusive personality, established by his OWN law firm, which found as a matter of law and fact “that Gary Kremen overstepped his authority as a member of the Santa Clara Valley Water board and abusively treated district staff.” https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/29/editorial-investigation-furthers-notion-that-kremen-should-not-be-reelected/. Kremen is simply trying to push his own short comings onto someone else.
As The Honorable LaDoris Cordell said succinctly:
“The RPLG determined that Kremen verbally assaulted a
district employee, engaged in abusive conduct that included
using profanity against another employee, and threatened to
“tear up” yet another employee. Several district employees
opted to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation by
Kremen.
It is clear to anyone with an ounce of common sense that
Kremen’s bullying and harassing behavior has contributed to
a hostile work environment at the district. Now, he wants to
be re-elected?” LaDoris Cordell, Palo Alto Daily Post, October 30, 2022, Letter to the Editor.
This confirms why voters should replace him in the Nov. 8 election.
I’m voting for Mr. Kremen who has served north county very well. As a regular Council and PTC watcher, I have watched Ms. Eisenberg for years verbally abuse and accuse public officials who simply do not share her point of view, rather than persuading them with facts. As a result, she has ineffective at moving votes her way. Mr. Kremen has been very effective representing us. He has my vote.
@consideryouroptions the trope that Rebecca is unpleasant is ridiculous and defies common sense. Gary Kremen is a documented abuser. Any time Kremen and his trolls their finger at Ms. Eisenberg, there are four fingers pointing (or one thumb and three fingers) pointing back at them. It is firmly established by a law firm hired by the district, that Kremen abused, harassed and bullied numerous employees to the brink of tears. In one instance he abused an employee who refused to follow his dubious instructions to forego the legal accounting system of the district.
Your anecdotal, at best, statements, do not compare with the TEN, yes Ten verified instances of Gary Kremen abusing people in his own commission (https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/29/editorial-investigation-furthers-notion-that-kremen-should-not-be-reelected/).
If you want to see how Ms. Eisenberg actual acts, I encourage everyone here to look at the debate in which Kremen completely discredited himself and Ms. Eisenberg was quite charming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sJaF2AQzF8. Alternatively, you can reach out to her directly at rebecca@rebecca4water.com
Vote for Ms. Eisenberg for Water Commission!
Here is an email that Concilperson Tom DuBois sent out:
Another important race is the Valley Water Commissioner race, which has not been getting that much attention. Palo Altans pay property tax which goes to Valley Water, even though we do not use them as a source of our drinking water. Over the years, we have gotten very little in return for our funds, until the latest commissioner, Gary Kremen, was on the board. Gary has worked hard to get Palo Alto $16M in funding for a recycled water plant and a multi-year agreement which would pay an additional $64M over the years for our wastewater. Whatever you think about Gary personally, he has credibility with the water district, knowledge and has delivered for Palo Alto. His opponent has none of these characteristics and has often said shocking things, speaking at 61 of the last 133 council meetings and 15 of the last 56 school board meetings. Her experience is a self-professed love for water. I believe Palo Alto would suffer if Gary is not re-elected.
SIGNED BY THE MAJORITY OF THE PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR PATRICK BURT, PALO ALTO COUNCILMEMBERS TOM DUBOIS, ERIC FILSETH, AND LYDIA KOU
We strongly recommend Gary Kremen to represent Palo Alto and the other North County communities on the Santa Clara County Valley Water Board District 7.
Palo Altans pay property tax which goes to Valley Water, even though they do not provide our drinking water. Over the years, we got very little in return for our money until Gary Kremen joined the board. Kremen has worked hard to get Palo Alto $16M in funding for a recycled water plant and a multi-year agreement which would pay an additional $64M over the years for our wastewater. In addition, he has been effective at advancing our flood protection through his role representing Valley Water on the San Francisquito Creek Joint Power Authority (SFCJPA).
Kremen has a strong voice with Valley Water, deep knowledge about water issues and he has delivered for Palo Alto. His opponent has none of these characteristics and frequently makes erratic, groundless, or nonsensical public statements such as that we need to cut our police budget in half (“Rebecca Eisenberg: Swinging for the fences,” PA Weekly,10/2/2020), or that our water shortages are not caused by drought (candidate campaign website).
Her stated qualifications are a desert-living experience and a self-professed love for water. We believe Palo Altans will be better served by Kremen’s valuable experience and track record of concrete results.
It seems clear that this race isn’t really about supporting Ms. Eisenberg, it’s about defeating Mr. Kremen. A fence post with a Harvard degree tacked to it would garner support by many if they thought it would defeat Kreman.
What’s unfortunate is the press hasn’t done any serious assessment of Eisenberg’s character the way it has of Kremen’s. If it had, as I will do now and hope not to be taken down, she would be found lacking in judgement, knowledge, and self control as she has shown at countless council meetings over the years.
She has verbally fought with her husband in a zoom council meeting as everyone watched, week after week accused a respected council member of near crimes, and often opined confidentily while misinforming. She exhausts until no one listens.
Yes, Eisenberg has a gold-plated education. But for those who have seen her seeking attention over the years, we are incredulous that she is taken as a serious candidate for any public office.
It may present a dilemma to you, but think very carefully about your higher responsibility as a voter. Don’t vote for Rebecca Eisenberg for the wellfare and greater good of our County.
Wow! Gary is really desperate!! This is awesome! He is totally going to lose. This is her husband, Curtis Smolar, I love Rebecca Eisenberg and you should too! We have 2 great kids, one is a junior at Paly and one is Freshman at RPI in Troy NY. All of this hate mongering of Rebecca is disgusting and you all should be ashamed. I will call you out below on who I think needs to apologize to her for your prior statements.
I will address your horrible comments in reverse order:
1. Rebecca is Profoundly Qualified. Gary and his trolls, i.e. Pat Burt, Lydia Kou, Eric Filseth and Tom DuBois and apparently people here forget that Gary had NO qualifications but for running Sex.com and (briefly) Match.com before he was elected. Rebecca is profoundly more qualified then him TODAY.
2. Rebecca’s character. Rebecca was the second lawyer at PayPal, and the General Counsel of Reddit. Both Reid Hoffman, of PayPal (and Linkedin) fame, and Yishan Wong both PayPal and Reddit fame have been major donors to her campaign. Why? Because she is awesome.
3. Fighting with Her Husband: That’s me and I call BS on you. Where is this proof. You are a troll.
4. Fix the Creek: Gary has not brought in 1/5th of the money needed for the Pacheco Dam. You are either Gary, or a labor union member in the trades who donated tons of money so you can build a dangerous, environmentally unsound, and antiquated dam.
Bottom line is that Gary is wealthy (by his own admission) and not very good at what he does (see https://rebecca4water2.com/in-the-news/kremen-abuses-powerreport-concludes); https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/29/editorial-investigation-furthers-notion-that-kremen-should-not-be-reelected/;https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/29/editorial-investigation-furthers-notion-that-kremen-should-not-be-reelected/;https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/11/02/valley-water-board-race-eisenberg-gains-local-donor-support-kremen-attracts-unions) Vote for someone who is good at what she does VOTE REBECCA!!!
I agree with Curtis. @Fixthecreek, you have been a troll since the beginning. Gary has not done ANYTHING for Palo Alto. His claim to fame is writing checks to politicians, a la Marc Bermand and Josh Becker. Both of whom regardless of the outcome here are going to suffer irreparable harm from the association with Gary. It should be noted that (1) the creek “fix” ended up in litigation; (2) the Pacheco Dam, already in litigation; (3) Gary’s harassment, litigation; (4) the creek–litigation; and (5) the anderson dam–litigation. This plus a 15% increase to our water bills each year by the SVWD. Oh, and the lawyers are very happy to take our money to defend all these lawsuits. Let’s be very clear, Gary Kremen is COSTING EVERYONE A LOT OF MONEY. Who is coming to his defense? Those few he has given promises to and donations. Marc Berman–$3000 last cycle, $2000 this cycle; Josh Becker $4700 in 2020, current amount unknown, and the rest of the politicians, there is not enough time to review the donations. Rebecca Eisenberg has not had to pay people for their support. They believe in her. Why? Because she is effective and smart. The powers that be are afraid because they don’t care about your bills. They do not care about you. Vote for Rebecca, she cares!
Once in a while, I’ll listen in on PAUSD board meetings. I recall at least two where Rebecca would speak on every…single…issue. Repeating the same comments incessantly shows me she has little to no self-awareness. Fortunately, I don’t recall her berating board members as much as she has city councilmembers. Honestly, many of us teachers are glad she ran for water board because we were worried she’d run for school board.
Chris, I’m glad you chimed in because we at Paly still remember how you stalked our principal on campus for an hour last year without an appointment. Multiple administrators had to be called in to handle you and Rebecca.
This is a race to the bottom, but I’m voting for Gary.
Curtis Smolar said “This is her husband, Curtis Smolar …Gary and his trolls, i.e. Pat Burt, Lydia Kou, Eric Filseth and Tom DuBois…” (end quote)
Well, that sealed the deal for me. Both candidates have unappealing personalities, but if Gary Kremen is supported by Burt, Kou, Filseth, and DuBois, that is good enough for me. Dubois’ email posted earlier in this thread by “Fix the Creek” is compelling.
I think Rebecca and Curtis do not realize how much support and respect this group has among many in Palo Alto. These council members have been elected and re-elected by comfortable margins many times.
My opponent’s offensive lies are sexist (dismissing my 30 years of legal & business success in Silicon Valley) and possibly anti-semitic (lying about a “desert experience” qualification). My website disproves his falsehoods: http://www.rebecca4water2.com & our recent debate reveals our temperaments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sJaF2AQzF8 .
He must be scared, and I can see why:
1. As this article shows, I have out-raised him by **more than 150%**.
2. In contrast to my opponent (funded by himself & large trade unions), my campaign is 100% people-powered, having taken zero money from any special interest group, business, organization, or PAC.
3. While my opponent received contributions from only 3 individuals during the recent reporting period, I received donations from 69 people. His donor list is 4% the size of mine. Four percent.
5. Every newspaper that made an endorsement solely endorsed me. Mercury News https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/09/24/editorial-water-board-needs-new-faces-elect-cantrell-eisenberg-2/ , Los Altos Town Crier https://www.losaltosonline.com/opinion/editorial-eisenberg-for-valley-water-board/article_afc3df4a-4984-11ed-82d1-97318606ef35.html and Merc News again: https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/29/editorial-investigation-furthers-notion-that-kremen-should-not-be-reelected/ None endorsed him.
6. The firm my opponent hired to clear his name instead found him liable for numerous violations of Valley Water governance provisions. (It did not investigate for sexual harassment, so gave no “vindication”)–see eg Judge Cordell’s second letter: https://sanjosespotlight.com/cordell-valley-water-directors-treatment-of-staff-cant-be-ignored/
7. The SCC Grand Jury found his Measure A to be intentionally unethical & deceptive.
As the Merc wrote on 10/29: “Kremen is wrong on policy issues and willing to mislead voters to extend how long he can serve.”
The website told me I had too many URLS, so I had to cut this one — about my opponent’s deceptive ballot measure: https://www.mv-voice.com/news/2022/10/14/grand-jury-takes-aim-at-political-chicanery-in-ballot-language
If the 4 writers of this (potentially slanderous) letter hold so much power in Palo Alto, then why have I received approximately 50 donations from Palo Alto residents to my opponent having received virtually zero. Supporters vote with their dollars is what Tom Dubois always claimed. Yet none of them gave a dime to my opponent, while big trade labor unions gave thousands – so clearly he did seek contributions.
Regardless, the District goes well beyond Palo Alto, to Los Altos (whose local paper endorses me), Mountain View, Los Altos Hills, Monte Serreno, Los Gatos, and parts of San Jose (whose regional paper endorses me).
I do not think that voters should have to abide by the personal attacks being made by my opponent (who refuses to post with his name) and his similarly anonymous shills. Yet, I can see how people would not want to associate their names with his, especially given this regrettable and low integrity smear campaign. How rich to witness these baseless personal attacks being made in the false name of civility. Do you shoot people in the name of gun control?
Our community deserves better than this low-integrity nonsense. I encourage everyone to read the article, even its headline: “Valley Water Board Race: Eisenberg Gains Local Donor Support; Kremen Attracts Unions.” https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/11/02/valley-water-board-race-eisenberg-gains-local-donor-support-kremen-attracts-unions
I’ll put my partial list of endorsers & supporters in the next post because it is too long to post here.
rebecca4water2.com/endorsements
Sole endorsement by:
The Mercury News &
Los Altos Town Crier
Plus:
Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters
100% Planned Parenthood Rating
Elected Officials (partial)
Hon. Barbara Keegan, Director, Santa Clara Valley Water District
Hon. Linda LeZotte, Director, Santa Clara Valley Water District
Hon. Brian Schmidt, Former Director, Santa Clara Valley Water District
Honorable LaDoris Cordell, Municipal Court Judge (Retired), Former Council Member, Palo Alto City Council
Hon. Ann Ravel, Former Chair, FEC, Former Chair, FPPC, Professor of Ethics
Hon. Larry Stone, Santa Clara County Assessor
Hon. Gail Price, Former Council Member, Palo Alto City Council
Academics (partial)
Dr. Adina Sterling, Associate Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Prof. Kristin Hansen, Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Dr. Shashank Joshi, Professor, Stanford Medical School
Historian Rick Perlstein, Award-winning author, Nixonland, Reaganland
Hon. Samuel Bagenstos, Professor, University of Michigan Law School, Civil Rights, General Counsel, US Federal Departments
Dr. Roberta Ahlquist, Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University
Dr. Melissa Michelson, Dean of Arts & Sciences, Menlo College, Former Lecturer, Stanford University
Business Executives (partial)
Yishan Wong, Founder & CEO, Terraformation
John Witchel, CEO, King Energy, Founder, multiple solar energy companies
Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder, LinkedIn
Amy Halpern-Laff, Nonprofit Executive, Sustainability Expert
David Samson, Former President, Miami Marlins
Giselle Galper, Founder & CEO, Chea Seed
Nora Rousso, Business & Employment Attorney
Community Leaders (partial)
Jamal Harrision, Community Mentor & Coach, Confidence2Succeed Baseball
Angie Evans, Housing Advocate
Michelle Haznedar, At-Home Mom and Volunteer
Nicole Thom, Community Volunteer
Hon. Patti Regehr, Former Commissioner, Palo Alto Human Relations Commission
Jack Kenney, Water and Wildlife Activist, Point Reyes Elk
@FixtheCreek,
“His opponent has none of these characteristics and has often said shocking things, speaking at 61 of the last 133 council meetings and 15 of the last 56 school board meetings. “
What an odd combo that Kremen hasn’t raised money from local donors and the known people defending him are Burt, Kou, Filseth, and DuBois who sound a bit Middle School with attacks about Eisenberg’s council meeting attendance. This doesn’t convince me that Kremen is worth keeping at all.
Rebecca, the fact that you thought it necessary to make three consecutive lengthy comments in an article about yourself is indicative of the type of public official you’d be: petty.
Let’s be clear: the most important reason why you have support is you opportunistically chose to run against a very flawed incumbent.
If you win, I wish you’ll learn how difficult it is to serve as a public official and exercise some of that humility the next time you speak at a school board or city council meeting.
I received the following letter from Mr. Smolar this morning, sent to several newspapers and city council members:
All:
Not to quibble, but the case at issue is Goldwater v. Ginsburg (414 F.2d 324 (1969)). In that case so called “professionals” made “assessments” on Barry Goldwater’s character. The Second Circuit of New York held that regardless of New York Times v. Sullivan, non-experts who make findings about a candidate’s competency are not protected under NYT v. Sullivan. In fact, statements regarding someone’s competency are lible per se and the declarant and the publisher are both liable.
I am a litigator with 25 years of experience. In my opinion, everyone who was involved in the witch hunt against Rebecca can and would be liable for any and all damages relating to your statements. Read: you are going to lose and owe us money. The only question is how much we will be entitled to. I am busy, so I would much rather not pursue you all, however, if you do not cease and desist in your statements, i.e. tell Gary to stop running the ads with your letter (which, by the way, is a gold mine for any plaintiff’s lawyer) , I will be forced to have to pursue.
Best regards,
Curtis Smolar, Esq.
@Eric Filseth,
“I received the following letter from Mr. Smolar this morning, sent to several newspapers and city council members:”
If the letter Mr Smolar is referring to has the content shared by FixtheCreek, I’m not a litigator but it sounded very personal. How can sitting officials chide someone for the amount of times they attended council meetings. Isn’t showing up democracy?
I’m embarrassed that you are acting as a group with such pettiness, and it does not reflect well on you or on our community. IMHO you owe Ms Eisenberg an apology.
As for Kremen, this sounds like the type of thing he is used to being a part of.
Go Ms Eisenberg!
Lets talk about civil discourse – do we need another gadfly given all the issues we have. By my count, she made comments at 61 of the last 133 meetings City Council meetings and made comments on 15 of 56 Board of Education meetings. What about someone who sends cease and desist letters to our city council members?
Eisenberg has repeatedly insulted members of the city council – even during interviewing for being on the planning commission – https://youtu.be/VvP6uZofJnM?t=7200 Starts at 2:00:00 hours exactly, and goes for about 15 minutes. (Check in around minute 8 and minute 12 if you don’t have time to watch the whole video.)
Another example our her behavior – https://rle.medium.com/part-3-5-things-said-by-the-palo-alto-city-council-while-allegedly-reviewing-a-modest-compliant-8d9ac9086903
@FixtheCreek,
“Lets talk about civil discourse”
Apparently, your idea of discourse is when people are silenced. The number of times that a highly educated and accomplished resident attends Council meetings should be celebrated. Last I heard there is no style police at those meetings except boring. Everything in monotone and transparency is as clear as mud.
What bothers you more, that this resident spoke 65 times? Or that she was there at all. Shame on you if you happen to be one that has the privilege of sitting on a dais. I applaud the cease and desist letters which are directed to the individuals and not “our council members.” I feel “our council members” crossed the line to use their position for this vendetta.
rebecca4water2.com/endorsements
Sole endorsement by:
The Mercury News &
Los Altos Town Crier
Plus:
Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters
100% Planned Parenthood Rating
Elected Officials (partial)
Hon. Barbara Keegan, Director, Santa Clara Valley Water District
Hon. Linda LeZotte, Director, Santa Clara Valley Water District
Hon. Brian Schmidt, Former Director, Santa Clara Valley Water District
Honorable LaDoris Cordell, Municipal Court Judge (Retired), Former Council Member, Palo Alto City Council
Hon. Ann Ravel, Former Chair, FEC, Former Chair, FPPC, Professor of Ethics
Hon. Larry Stone, Santa Clara County Assessor
Hon. Gail Price, Former Council Member, Palo Alto City Council
Academics (partial)
Dr. Adina Sterling, Associate Professor, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Prof. Kristin Hansen, Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Dr. Shashank Joshi, Professor, Stanford Medical School
Historian Rick Perlstein, Award-winning author, Nixonland, Reaganland
Hon. Samuel Bagenstos, Professor, University of Michigan Law School, Civil Rights, General Counsel, US Federal Departments
Dr. Roberta Ahlquist, Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University
Dr. Melissa Michelson, Dean of Arts & Sciences, Menlo College, Former Lecturer, Stanford University
Business Executives (partial)
Yishan Wong, Founder & CEO, Terraformation
John Witchel, CEO, King Energy, Founder, multiple solar energy companies
Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder, LinkedIn
Amy Halpern-Laff, Nonprofit Executive, Sustainability Expert
David Samson, Former President, Miami Marlins
Giselle Galper, Founder & CEO, Chea Seed
Nora Rousso, Business & Employment Attorney
Community Leaders (partial)
Jamal Harrision, Community Mentor & Coach, Confidence2Succeed Baseball
Angie Evans, Housing Advocate
Michelle Haznedar, At-Home Mom and Volunteer
Nicole Thom, Community Volunteer
Hon. Patti Regehr, Former Commissioner, Palo Alto Human Relations Commission
Jack Kenney, Water and Wildlife Activist, Thule Elk
To readers confused as to why this is important: there is SO MUCH at stake in this election. My opponent the incumbent wants to build a dam and reservoir that will flood 8 miles of vulnerable ecosystem, pushing several species of fish much closer to extinction when they already are almost extinct. His dam also will destroy sacred ancient indigenous grounds, as well as Amah Mutsun artifacts that could be 3000 years old. He wants to do this at the cost of $2.9 billion, costing each taxpayer $1500/each. To pay for this, he has pushed for 15% water rate increases every year, blaming the “drought.”
His universally criticized plan is why the Amah Mutsun Tribe, the Sierra Club, and private property owners are currently suing him and his allies on the Board. See stoppachecodam.org https://stoppachecodam.org/
Meanwhile, Santa Clara County is one of the least-sustainable Water Districts in the country. While the national average of water recycling is 10%, Valley Water recycles barely 5%. The govt grants are available to upgrade our infrastructure to support recycling – as Orange County and other Water Districts have done — but my opponent refuses to invest District money in upgrades, instead requiring local water retailers, and taxpayers, to foot the bill.
My opponent’s non-sustainable plans are why so many environmental experts are opposed to him. You will see many names on my partial list of endorsers, and others asked for anonymity due to fear of retribution. My opponent likes to sue a lot. He already threatened me with several lawsuits since I filed to run. I do not post those threats, however. It is distracting.
Please VOTE in this race! It is a very clear choice and all you need is in the Mercury News and other legitimate publications. Please read them. E.g. https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/29/editorial-investigation-furthers-notion-that-kremen-should-not-be-reelected/
Santa Clara County is being treated terribly, and we deserve better.
Lets compare Eisenberg’s list of elected officials (3) to Kremen’s endorsements – listed below
Palo Alto Mayor, Pat Burt
Palo Council Member, Lydia Kou
Palo Alto Councilmember, Tom DuBois
Palo Alto Councilmember, Eric Filseth
Former Palo Alto Mayor, Judy Kleinberg
Former Vice Chair, Planning and Transportation Commission, City of Palo Alto, and Vice Chair, Environmental and Water Resources Committee, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Arthur Keller
Palo Alto School Board Past President, Melissa Baton Caswell
CA State Treasurer, Fiona Ma
CA State Senator Josh Becker
CA State Assemblymember Evan Low
CA State Assemblymember Marc Berman
CA State Assemblymember Ash Kalra
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen
Santa Clara Valley Water District Boardmember Tony Estremera
Santa Clara Valley Water District Boardmember Richard Santos
Santa Clara Valley Water District Boardmember John Varela
Santa Clara Valley Water District Boardmember (incoming) and Former CA State Senator Jim Beall
Los Altos Councilmember Johnathan Weinberg
Los Altos Hills Town Councilmember Kavita Tankha
Los Altos Hills Town Councilmember Stanley Mok
Mountain View Councilmember, Margaret Abe-Koga
Mountain View Councilmember, Lisa Matichak
Mountain View Councilmember, Ellen Kamei
Mountain View Councilmember, Sally Lieber
Mountain View Mayor, Lucas Ramirez
Mountain View Councilmember, Alison Hicks
Mountain View Councilmember, Pat Showalter
Guadalupe Resources Conservation Boardmember, Gail Bautista
Former Los Altos Mayor David Casas
Organizations
NAACP and NAACP President Bob Nunez
League of Conservation Voters, Santa Clara County
IFPTE-Local 21
Operating Engineers – Local 3
LiLuna – Local 270
Moviem
Eisenberg Record of attacks of City Staff and City Council
I. Attacks on council Members
1) Eisenberg accuses the whole council of a lack in leadership, totalitarianism, malfeasance and corruption and asks councilmembers to step down.
City Council Retreat – January 30, 2021 https://youtu.be/gRRXGUhUYg8?t=13451
“Thank you. I filled out your survey, but anyone who has taken even just statistics 101 could tell you how flawed that survey was.
By far the biggest challenge facing the city today is the lack of effective leadership. Everything said today has been said hundreds of thousands of times before, yet the problems increase, not decrease. This morning you chose to waste three hours of the community’s time to walk us through a presentation to teach you the skills that you all claimed you have already how to lead during challenging circumstances. This by itself demonstrates a lack of good judgment. Leadership involves courage and integrity, not top down, totalitarianism, silencing of the community…
You lack a parliamentarian to advocate on behalf of Community interest and an ombudsperson with whom residents can complain about your own malfeasance and corruption with a broken system. Broken results follow. Learn to lead. Or maybe step down. Thank you for your time.”
2) Eisenberg asserts that the council is the dominant caste and that two seats on the City Council be required to be held by African American women.
a) City Council Meeting – January 19, 2021 https://youtu.be/MS6vaNGHnCA?t=14197
“Here we are. A mostly lower caste group of residents pleading our case to the almost entirely dominant caste individuals that serve in elected office. This is year 2021, and it’s shameful even that this is happening.”
b) City Council January 11, 2021
https://youtu.be/SHarF-fvm8w?t=1440
“How about putting two more members back on the City Council and requiring that those seats go to African Americans?”
Have put together a list of things to consider in this election – https://bit.ly/3U6E4D8
Is that cease & desist letter from Curtis for real? A candidate for a serious elected office has their spouse sending Trumpish cease & desist letters to people that say bigly bad things about them? Wow. Well, water board meetings are certainly going to be entertaining.
This is nuts. Wednesday next cannot come soon enough.
Here’s how I’d reform campaigning: 1) set a fundraising limit and a spending limit for each level of office; 2) disregard where the money comes from, but cut it off when the cap is met; 3) DQ any candidate who cheats on that in any way; and 4) designate a campaign season that is no longer than 6 weeks (this would allow those who are elected and seeking to be reelected to actually work at the jobs they were elected to do) and 5) declare campaign mailers illegal on the grounds that they are a waste of paper and an affront to the environment. I have a stack at home that is nearly 1” high. And they are all essentially the same. People can use social media instead – or actually go out and walk precincts.
Think about it: if every candidate for local office had a max of $20k and 6 weeks to make his or her case, we’d see who is creative, who respects the rules of the game, who cheats, who is resourceful, and who is persuasive. If a candidate wants to spend his or her limited time dissing opponents, that tells you what that candidate values. This dragged out nonsensical approach that defines American campaigns is absurd, wasteful, and horribly divisive.
I do not have a link for you, but I can tell you that 60 Minutes did a segment on political fundraising a few years ago and it was shocking to learn how much time the DNC and the RNC require elected officials to dedicate to fund raising. They are supposed to be in office to work for “the people” not to fund raise for “the party”.
Annette: I agree. I hate fundraising. If I could, I would spend ALL my time walking door to door and meeting constituents at Farmers’ Markets and community events. My favorite part of running for office is meeting with the community. I learn so much through this process.
There is too much money in politics, and that is killing democracy. My race has no campaign contribution limits. That is inappropriate and harmful.
Because my prior campaign did not focus on fundraising, I was told that this time, I needed to raise at least $60,000 in 6 weeks to show my ability to bring in donations. I beat that goal, and made it to $71,000. But I didn’t enjoy it. Transactions can impede conversations and strain relationships. Relationships are key to progress.
When elected, I am dedicated to working towards greater democracy, transparency, and community input, at least on the water district board. One easy low hanging fruit is removing the requirement that candidates pay to have their 200-word statements published in the voter guide. While most governing boards, such as the Palo Alto City Council, subsidize candidate statements in the voter guide, Valley Water did not, which meant that even before being allowed legally to start my fundraising, I had to come up with a check for $5290 for my 200-word statement to be published in the voter guide. That started my campaign with an almost $5300 deficit. According to the Santa Clara County Registrar’s Office, whether a candidate has to pay for inclusion in the voter guide is up to the office of the governing body they seek — in my case, the Water District. That should change.
I also think that we need effective term limits, not revolving doors, and I know I will not stay for all 4 terms — that is far too many. If an elected official cannot get things done in 8 years, they should not serve.
There are many ways for voters to get to know candidates. I welcome a creative approach.
Well said Rebecca. Also important to know that our Santa Clara Grand Jury found proponent bias in election language for Propositions on the ballot. Molly Stump rebutted this, however many of us know this to be true. Stop these unfair impediments and unfair advantages for incumbents and City sponsored taxes. I also support Term Limits!
Many comments about outrageous comments at City council meetings but school board is just as illuminating. Ms Eisenberg seems unable to make a point without attacking the personal character of those she’s trying to get to change their mind. I really hope the voters do their homework on this one. Electing Eisenberg would be a huge mistake.
How about we focus on the candidate’s positions on relevant issues, which as best as I can see are:
(1) Pacheco dam – Eisenberg is opposed and Kremen is in favor. Several water/fisheries folks I know, ones who are strongly conservation inclined and have decades of experience with CA water and Bay/Delta policy, think the Pacheco dam is a rare example of a dam that is worth building.
(2) The Delta tunnel: Eisenberg is opposed and Kremen is in favor. Most of the Bay/Delta science, engineering, and policy folks I know think that the tunnel is not worth the cost and may have some signficant environmental downsides. Palo Alto’s involvement in this issue comes about because SCVWA (but not Palo Alto) gets State Water Project water. Kremen makes a reasonable argument that there are equity issues involved in ensuring a stable water supply, perhaps the most important reason (according to its supporters) for building the tunnel.
(3) Water reuse – both support this, although it appears that Eisenberg is a stronger proponent of doing so than is Kremen.
(4) San Francisquito Creek – I am told that Kremen has been a strong proponent for the flood control project that would include replacing the Pope-Chaucer bridge (only 25 years after the 1998 flood). I couldn’t find anything to indicate Eisenberg’s views on the Creek.
Since we are now talking policy note that the Pacheco Dam is not essential – fix the Anderson Dam NOW. There was a big discussion about a pipeline from the big dam further down the road where 152 hits HWY 5. That is in a different county so are we arguing state water or county water?
The state now has to focus on fixing the exisitng canals that are being destroyed by multiple factors – the biggest is age and lack of attention.
Another big factor is all of the creative ideas of agencies who want to captilaize on the location in general – many ideas for power plants, Amazon distribution center, etc. HSR is another boondoggle that is flying in the wind down here – it needs to come across and connect with the tracks in Gilroy.
Maybe all of the single focus agencies that are plotting to take over down there can collectively construct a map of where all of the different elements will be located, timelines, and energy needs for those elements. Other wise we are being driven into a no-win situation due to lack of clear and informed planning.
Addition to previous comment – now in the papers we have the previous Mayor of San Jose with a company that wants to put a power plant in Coyote Valley. So now the Anderson Dam closure and release of valuable water becomes clear. Since the power plant idea is long in planning then the decisions concerning the Pacheco Dam become more clear. Of course no mention of the San Luis Resevoir down 152 at I-5. Bottom line is that each issue is presented with no notation of the existntial planning in process for these water bodies. Water is the very complicated element in CA governance.