City of San José
Home MenuPopular Searches
68℉Staff
J.R. Fruen | chief of staff
J.R. is a third-generation resident of neighboring Cupertino. He grew up attending schools in District 1—Miller Junior High School and Lynbrook High School. He is a graduate summa cum laude of UCLA, holds a J.D. from Santa Clara Law, and has actively practiced law since 2015. Between undergrad and law school, J.R. ran a number of retail establishments on Santana Row, which reinforced his love of well-designed, active spaces. J.R. originally joined the District 1 team as Policy & Legislative Director in February 2023.
In addition to his legal training, J.R. brings special policy expertise to the District 1 team as a sitting member of the Cupertino City Council, and through his prior experience as Policy Director of Cupertino for All—a community-based neighborhood organization dedicated to making the West Valley a more inclusive and sustainable place.
J.R. is fluent in Italian and German. Friday nights will usually find him playing mahjong with his husband and friends.
Contact for policy issues, general inquiries, jobs and internships, and press relations: joseph.fruen@sanjoseca.gov
Elise Lester | Policy & legislative advisor
Elise is a Bay Area native and proud graduate of the University of Oregon, where she earned her B.A. in Political Science with minors in Spanish and Legal Studies. She joined the District 1 office in April 2025, bringing experience in state government, community engagement, and strategic communications.
Before joining the City of San José, Elise served as a Field Representative for Assemblymember Marc Berman, leading work on education, small business, and transportation issues, and coordinating youth programming and community events across the Peninsula and South Bay. She previously organized with Starbucks Workers United during the historic unionization wave. She is currently a member of the City of Mountain View’s Human Relations Committee, where she helps advise on efforts to foster equity, inclusion, and civic participation.
Outside of work, Elise enjoys surfing along the coast, trying new restaurants, and hunting for vintage finds at local thrift shops.
Contact for social media, newsletter, policy inquiries, and matters related to land use, transportation, housing, economic development: elise.lester@sanjoseca.gov
Lorena Rivera | Council Assistant
Lorena was raised in the City of San José and grew up in a Mexican household. Lorena went to Yerba Buena High School in eastside San José and attended the University of San Francisco for Political Science and Legal Studies. There, she earned Bachelors degrees in Political Science and Legal Studies. She learned about political ideologies, public administration, the impact of legislation in her community, and how she can help them to have better living conditions and opportunities.
She supports Councilmember Rosemary Kamei as a Council Assistant, helping her serve the people of San José and District 1.
In her free time, Lorena enjoys reading about history and philosophy, cooking and baking, going out with her family, watching series, and helping people from her community. Lorena speaks Spanish and has knowledge of romance languages like Latin and Italian.
Contact for Councilmember’s scheduling & calendar, events, and grant requests: lorena.riverarojas@sanjoseca.gov
Antonio kobe lopez | council assistant
Kobe Lopez is a proud son of San José and graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his degree with a focus on public service and community impact. He joined the District 1 office in May 2025, bringing a strong background in educational equity and labor advocacy.
Before joining the City of San José, Kobe worked with the José Valdés Math Foundation and the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, supporting youth development and advancing workers’ rights across the region. His commitment to building a more just and inclusive San José is grounded in his personal connection to the city and its diverse communities.
Outside of work, Kobe enjoys biking through San José’s neighborhoods, exploring local coffee shops, and reading across genres.
Contact for constituent services, events, and matters related to public safety and parks: kobe.lopez@sanjoseca.gov