A San José native, Raul has dedicated his life to service and advocacy. After graduating from San José State University and becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree, Raul became an educator, working as a substitute teacher and mentor with various at-risk youth programs. In 2007, he joined the San José Police Department, and served as an officer until he was elected to the City Council in 2014.

While an officer, Raul continued to be committed to supporting local youth. He volunteered as a big brother with Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Bay Area for six years, and regularly at Silicon Valley FACES Camp Everytown. Raul also became the only active duty police officer to substitute teach at Osborne School at Juvenile Hall.

Raul was motivated to run for office because he saw an opportunity to further support his community. As an active resident, Raul was Vice President of the Rosemary Gardens Neighborhood Association, he served on the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission, and as an appointed delegate to the California State Democratic Party.

In his role as Councilmember, Raul has been a leader on several key issues facing the City. He has tackled public safety needs, the housing crisis, and transportation improvements, as well as helped spur sustainable and equitable economic development, all while maintaining quality city services for residents. Raul also represents the City on several regional and state boards and committees as a voice for the Capital of Silicon Valley.

In early 2017, Raul married Victoria Ramirez. They live in the Rosemary Gardens neighborhood of greater downtown San José with their two dogs, Zoey and Birkin.

Roles, Recognitions & AwARDS

• City of San José Councilmember, District 3, 2014 - present
• Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Community Hero Award, 2017
• Silicon Valley FACES Outstanding Philanthropist Award, 2017
• City of San José Green Trips Commuter Award, 2017
• QueenHype Community Champion for Women Empowerment, 2017
• Great American Pickup - Most Volunteers Award, 2016 and 2017
• Cupertino High School Hall of Fame, Inducted 2016
• City of San José Police Officer, 2007 - 2014
• Vice President, Rosemary Gardens Neighborhood Association*
• Human Relations Commissioner, Santa Clara County*
• CA State Democratic Party Delegate, Office of Congresswomen Zoe Lofgren
• Founding Charter Member, San José Silicon Valley Global Lions Club
• 2013 Asset Champion Adult Role Model, YMCA Project Cornerstone
• 2013 Emerging Leader, Silicon Valley Latino
• Alternative Education Substitute Teacher, Santa Clara County*
• Emergency Medical Technician, Santa Clara County*
• Public Relations Manager, Stand Up For Kids Silicon Valley*
• Big Brother, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Bay Area*
• B.A. Mathematics, San José State University, 2004
• Cupertino High School, Class of 2000

*Former

As our community continues to make great strides towards rebounding from some challenging years, I am committed to supporting our residents and realizing our hopes for the future of our City, together. San José is growing and changing at a never before seen pace and it is important that we do so in a sustainable and equitable way. A way that ensures San José is a place where everyone can afford to live, find dignified work and play in peace.

Before you elected me to serve you at City Hall, we were having conversations about the issues important to you. I remain focused on the priorities I've heard from our residents and I am always hopeful on our ability to improve our City. Below are some of the main issues we are working on to do just that.

I enjoy listening to you and bringing our conversations to action, if you should have questions or information about these or any other city matter, please contact us at voteperalez2018@raulperalez.com.

Thank you,

TRANSPORTATION

Improving transit corridors for our roads and public transportation systems is the next big innovation challenge facing Silicon Valley. We have taken on city and regional efforts to relieve traffic congestion and provide better route options for our residents, workers, and visitors. As a member of the Valley Transit Authority (VTA) Board, I am working to ensure success and accessibility as we re-envision San José’s major transportation hub at Diridon Station with the arrival of High Speed Rail and BART to the South Bay. Working with community members, we are expanding Bus Rapid Transit services, increasing bike lanes and pedestrian access areas, and addressing the ‘first mile - last mile’ challenge. I am also happy to have won the 2017 Council Green Trips Award for most conscientious commuter by increasing my bycicle, carpool, and public transportation use earlier this year. 

Public Safety

Safety continues to be a top priority for our City. While the benefits of pension compromise are yet to be fully realized, we have seen an increase in police academy recruits and rise in officer retention rates. As we work to meet staffing goals, new initiatives and a focus on community policing are helping to improve conditions for many of our neighborhoods. Additionally, we have been able to allocate new resources, helping to fully re-staff Fire Station 30 and provide a fire engine in this critical location of the district. In early 2017, our City, and specifically District 3, was also severely impacted by heavy flooding. And while natural disasters or flooding of reservoirs are not something the City can directly prevent, we quickly recognized the need for improvements. We have since reinstated Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and elevated our Emergency Services Director position in an effort to improve timely and adequate notification during emergencies. Knowing that natural disasters could strike at any time, it is important that we continue to prioritize our resources to respond during any major incident.  

We have built bridges for a community more united. Thank you for working respectfully together for the collective good and helping us realize healthy growth for our city. I love being your Councilmember and hope to earn your support again.