Edesa Bitbadal has over 12 years experience in public service. She began her career as Senior Legislative Aide to then Assemblywoman Elaine Alquist and Senior Policy Director to Councilmember Linda J. LeZotte. In the last six years Ms. Bitbadal served the City of San José as a Development Officer for the San José Redevelopment Agency. In this capacity she was instrumental in transforming Downtown San José through managing highly-visible programs such as the Facade Improvement Program, Public Space Programming, Business Retention and Attraction Program, and Downtown Holiday and marketing programs. Additionally, Ms. Bitbadal managed the San José Redevelopment Agency’s Child care program and development of Smart Start San José Child Care centers in San José.

Ms. Bitbadal also dedicates her personal time to improve the City of San José through her volunteer work. She is a current Boardmember of Crime Stoppers Silicon Valley, a member of the San José Junior League, and a neighborhood volunteer.

Focus Areas: Land Use, North San Jose Neighborhood, Redevelopment, Neighborhoods Commission, Media Relations, National Issues, Sister City, Office Technology, Personnel

Committee: Rules and Open Government

edesa.bitbadal@sanjoseca.gov

Margie Espinoza brings over tens years of executive assistant experience; 8 years for former Vice Mayor Pat Dando, and most recently in District 4 for then Councilmember Chuck Reed. She has extensive background in public and community service, having worked for a private non-profit community organization for nearly 22 years. Margie speaks Spanish.

Focus Areas: Councilmember Scheduling, Office Administration, Constituent Services, Event Planning

margie.espinoza@sanjoseca.gov

Stephanie Fong worked in various local and state government offices prior to joining the District 4 office, including the California State Assembly and the Governor's Office. Stephanie is a graduate of UC Davis where she received her BA in Sociology and Asian American Studies and is a Masters Candidate in Public Administration. Stephanie speaks Cantonese.

Focus Areas: Berryessa Neighborhood, Budget, Parks & Recreation, Seniors, Youth, Intern Coordination, Office Technology, Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Clean-Ups

Committee: Neighborhood Services and Education

stephanie.fong@sanjoseca.gov

Kathy Duong was born and raised in San José, growing up in District 4 and attending Sierramont Middle School and Piedmont Hills High School.  After receiving her Associates degree in Liberal Arts at De Anza College, Kathy transferred to University of California, Berkeley to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture and a minor in City Planning.  Before joining the District 4 Team, Kathy interned with the City of Cupertino's Community Development Department. Kathy speaks Vietnamese.

Focus Areas: North Valley Neighborhood, Land Use, Public Safety, Economic Development, Housing, Airport, Human Rights, Code Enforcement, Newsletter

Committee: Community and Economic Development; Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support

kathy.duong@sanjoseca.gov

Darren Ponce
Policy Analyst

Darren Ponce was born and raised in the Bay Area. Before joining District 4 as a staff member, Darren interned for Councilmember Kansen Chu. Darren obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from San José State University.

Focus Areas: Alviso Neighborhood, Environment, Transportation, Public Safety, Public Art, State Issues, Labor, Code Enforcement, Constituent Services

Committee: Transportation and Environment

darren.ponce@sanjoseca.gov