Gabby Chavez-Lopez
Running for:
City Council District 3
Campaign Website:
1) The severely neglected state of Willis Polk's 1905 First Church of Christ, Scientist across from St. James Park has vexed residents and City officials for years. As D3 Councilmember, what actions would you take to hold current owner Z&L Properties accountable for their neglect? What actions would you take to facilitate its urgently-needed rehabilitation? Do you have a vision for the adaptive reuse of the structure?
Z&L Properties has repeatedly proven to be an unreliable and negligent developer, failing our community on multiple fronts. As D3 Councilmember, I would take decisive action to hold them accountable, including exploring remedies such as receivership to ensure that ownership is transferred to a responsible steward. Additionally, I would push for the enforcement of all available penalties for their continued neglect.
To facilitate the urgent rehabilitation, I would actively seek funding from city, state, and federal sources, as well as private and philanthropic partners, to accelerate restoration efforts. I would also work closely with preservation advocates and the community to explore adaptive reuse opportunities that respect the building’s historic significance while serving the needs of downtown residents. My vision for its future would be shaped through direct engagement with the community, ensuring that redevelopment aligns with their aspirations and enhances the vibrancy of Downtown San Jose.
2) Are there other properties on PAC*SJ’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 “Endangered Eight” lists, or any other culturally important sites, whether in District 3 or beyond, that you would use your power of elected office to help address, and how?
The two District 3 properties on PAC*SJ’s “Endangered Eight” list are clear priorities for me, and I am committed to using every tool available to protect and restore them. Beyond D3, I deeply admire the Burbank Theatre and MACSA, both of which hold significant cultural and historical value. I would advocate for their rehabilitation and preservation by exploring city resources, state and federal funding opportunities, and partnerships with preservation organizations, community stakeholders, and private investors. Additionally, I would push for stronger policy measures to prevent further neglect of historic and culturally important sites across San José because we must honor our city's diverse heritage while ensuring these spaces continue to serve and uplift our communities.
3) In the past five years alone, at least ten vacant historic buildings in San José have been lost to fire. Often, these properties are left vacant after tenants are displaced in anticipation of future development that may never materialize. Would you support entitlement conditions that hold property owners accountable, such as: ensuring sites are occupied and actively used by residents or businesses, rather than sitting vacant; providing effective physical and electronic site security and monitoring if occupancy is not feasible; providing surety bonds to ensure payment of fines for code violations or loss of historic structures; and allowing PRNS to designate appropriate City parklands as receiver sites for historic buildings suitable for relocation?
Absolutely. Vacant buildings and unactivated spaces contribute nothing to our community and, in many cases, become safety hazards. If property owners are unwilling to activate and preserve culturally significant and historic buildings, we must step up as a city to ensure these spaces remain assets rather than liabilities by holding property owners accountable, including requirements for active use, proper security measures, and financial accountability. We must protect our city's cultural fabric, prevent further losses, and ensure that historic buildings continue to contribute to the vibrancy and identity of San José.
4) In 2022 California passed SB9, which allows by-right redevelopment of up to four new units on most R1 (single-family-zoned) parcels statewide, but exempted historic properties, historic districts, and R2 (duplex-zoned) neighborhoods from eligibility. In 2025, City Council will consider expanding SB9-type entitlements to include historic properties and R2 districts. Do you believe this type of development can be appropriate for historic homes and older neighborhoods? If yes, how, and if no, why not?
I believe that increasing housing density can be appropriate in historic neighborhoods if done thoughtfully and with strict property code accommodations that protect the character and integrity of historic buildings. I would advocate for robust community engagement as a core part of any significant land use decisions. Residents and preservation advocates must have a voice in shaping policies that impact their neighborhoods.
5) What role do you believe that historic places should play in building a vibrant and culturally diverse future for District 3 and San José? Is there a particular project or effort you have undertaken or would propose to undertake, either professionally or personally, that best embodies your vision for sustaining these places in San José?
Historic places play a vital role in shaping a vibrant and culturally diverse future for District 3 and all of San José. These spaces add character, serve as community anchors, and should be a core component of any downtown revitalization strategy. Preserving and activating historic sites not only honors our past but also fosters strong communities by bringing people together across cultures.
As a resident of the Hensley Historic District, I’ve seen firsthand how historic neighborhoods create a sense of identity, pride, and connection among neighbors. When preserved and activated thoughtfully, these districts become unifying spaces where history, culture, and economic vitality intersect. Japantown and Little Portugal are perfect examples of how cultural identity can drive business retention and economic success, demonstrating that when we invest in historic spaces, we also invest in thriving, inclusive communities.
There are many historically significant sites that deserve attention, including those identified here, but I have a particular affinity for the theater building on East Santa Clara Street. We must do more to integrate and amplify historic spaces as part of San José’s cultural and economic fabric. As a Councilmember, I would advocate for stronger policies and incentives to preserve and adaptively reuse these spaces, ensuring they continue to contribute to the vibrancy and identity of our city.