Born and raised in San Leandro, and now raising my children here, I have a special understanding of our history and a true dedication to our future.

My parents have been in San Leandro since the 1940's and still live in the Marina Faire neighborhood where I grew up. As long-time residents and part of the larger Senior population, my parents and their peers deserve a dedicated Senior Center with activities to keep them engaged and active for many more years in San Leandro.

My husband and I live in the Marina Vista neighborhood where we are raising our two children. We appreciate all that San Leandro has to offer to families and I'm committed to improving activities for our youth and families. My goal for our families and children is to open the Competitive Pool at the San Leandro Family Aquatic Center in Washington Manor Park. This will provide healthy, fun summer activities for our youth and will support both local swim teams with a clean, safe competitive swimming pool.

My education includes graduation from San Leandro High School at the top of my class, a BS in engineering from Harvey Mudd College, with Honors, and a Masters degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech.

I served on the San Leandro School Board from 1994-1998 where we accomplished:

• Reduced class sizes K-3 to 20 per class
• Passed the first Bond for construction in 30 years
• Received California Distinguished School honors for 3 Elementary Schools, both Middle Schools and San Leandro High School
• Provided staff and teacher salary raises each year
• Granted $450,000 Annenberg collaborative grants for 3 Elementary Schools

From 1998 to 2004

• Served on the City Council Blue Ribbon Task Force on Facilities Financing
• Served on the EBMUD Community Liaison Group
• Successfully led the citizens campaign to modernize Stenzel Park Playgrounds
• Successfully lobbied the City to add crosswalks and benches for Stenzel Park
• Actively participated in the Marina Vista Homeowners Association
• Started a successful Computer Support business called Starotech, providing technical support to individuals and small to medium sized businesses

In 2004 I was elected to serve on the San Leandro City Council and have been honored to serve District 4 for the last 4 years. Some of my work:

• Improved the City's finances from $3M structural deficit to a full 20% reserve
• Returned 8 sworn Police Officers positions to the SL Police Force
• Added 3 Compliance Officers for Community Preservation
• Re-opened the Main Library on Sunday
• Restored the Cherry Festival
• Opened the Manor Branch Library on budget with additional staff
• Opened the San Leandro Family Aquatic Center on budget with additional staff
• Revitalized the Homeowners Association in Washington Manor

I have always worked hard to make things better. I am committed to a better San Leandro.

Please vote for Joyce Rutledge Starosciak on June 3, 2008