Ruben Abrica
Candidate for City Council (At-Large), East Palo Alto · Substitute Teacher
Ruben Abrica has served on the East Palo Alto City Council for decades, including on the city's first council following its 1983 incorporation, an effort he helped organize as a grassroots activist. He was appointed vice mayor in December 2025.
Positions in brief
News coverage describes a record of advocating for affordable housing and for regional flood-control efforts near San Francisquito Creek.
According to Palo Alto Online, Abrica's tenure has been marked by advocacy for affordable-housing policies and for representing the city in a regional effort to improve flood control near San Francisquito Creek. No personal campaign website with a detailed issues platform was found.
On the issues
- Government, Elections & Democracy
Says city government must be transparent and responsive to residents of all ages, citing his push to remove abandoned cars and offer free parking permits after public input.
“City Government must be transparent and responsive to the voices and needs of residents, youth, adults, and elders.”
Source → - Housing & Homelessness
Says he will push developers for strong community benefits, jobs, and affordable housing opportunities for tenants and first-time homebuyers.
“I will advocate for strong community benefits, jobs, and affordable housing opportunities for tenants, and first time homebuyers.”
Source → - Public Safety & Policing
Supports community-based policing as the best approach to public safety and trust-building, citing safety gatherings he started with the police chief, fire district and schools.
“Community based policing is the best approach to enhance public safety and build trust.”
Source → - Infrastructure & Transportation
Wants to upgrade water pipes, parks, streets, and flood projects, and build a new library and senior center.
“upgrading infrastructure like water pipes, parks, streets, and flood projects; a new library and senior center”
Source → - Economy & Jobs
Says support for small and micro businesses is crucial to sustaining the local economy.
“Support for small and micro businesses is also crucial to sustain the economy”
Source →
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