Newark short‑term council candidates focus on housing, infrastructure and schools; all back Measure LL

The League of Women Voters hosted a forum in Newark for three candidates competing for a two‑year City Council seat, where Lucia Gutierrez, Eve Marie Little and Renu Malhotra outlined priorities that centered on housing, infrastructure, and the city’s relationship with the school district.

Moderator Dave Fishwa opened the forum, explained timing rules and said audience questions were pre‑collected and would be screened for relevance. Each candidate had 90 seconds for most answers and two minutes for closing remarks.

Renu Malhotra said she has lived in Newark for 20 years and brought a technology and entrepreneurship background that she would apply to city work. “My slogan my campaign slogan has been renew to renew,” she said, adding that her top priorities are “public safety, affordable housing, and modernization of the infrastructure.” Malhotra advocated a data‑driven, modern approach to zoning and development and said two years is ample time to lay foundations for change.

Lucia Gutierrez described long involvement in local youth programs and Spanish‑language outreach, saying she would continue existing council plans—particularly park projects—while adding an equity lens. “As a short term city of Newark council member, what I plan to accomplish in 2 years or less…is to continue the goals of our current city council,” she said, citing partnerships and liaison committees with the school district and county as tools to expand services.

Eve Marie Little, a hospitality professor and event planner, emphasized communication and outreach. She urged stronger ties between the city and the Newark school district and said better public information would help attendance at local events: “People don't know what's going on,” she said, urging surveys and more visible programming. Little also pushed for ‘responsible housing’ and suggested rethinking large parcels such as the local mall and underused warehouses for community uses.

On development and land constraints, candidates agreed on the need to protect the city’s small‑town feel while finding ways to increase affordable housing. Lucia proposed partnerships to access land for teacher and community housing; Renu pointed to organizations like the Greenbelt Alliance for preservation‑minded approaches; Eve argued against building in wetlands and urged careful, responsible building.

All three candidates voiced support for Measure LL, a ballot measure to raise the city’s hotel tax (candidates referenced an increase from 10 percent to 14 percent). Eve said the measure’s forecasted revenue is about $2.1 million to $2.2 million annually and recommended dedicating the funds to infrastructure, parks and operational improvements rather than salaries: “This should be in the operational funds, not salaries,” she said. Renu and Lucia also said they support the measure and said additional revenue could help roads, parks, first‑responder facilities and tourism promotion.

Candidates addressed parks, maintenance and homelessness by urging better budgeting, community surveys and partnerships with county and state agencies—each noting the city’s limited solo capacity to address complex social services. On sea‑level rise and shoreline development they urged data‑driven planning: Lucia called for comprehensive data and ongoing environmental partnerships; Renu emphasized careful projection review; Eve warned against building in wetlands.

In closing statements, candidates reiterated themes of service, inclusion and collaboration. Eve urged voters to evaluate candidates’ character and accessibility; Lucia highlighted her nonprofit board service and prior school board membership; Renu emphasized results‑oriented renewal and applying professional experience to city governance.

The League reminded voters of its voter‑information site (vote411.org) and asked attendees to vote by Nov. 5. The League also announced a second forum for four‑year council seats would begin about 15 minutes after the event.