Lin Weiwen decided to run for city council in Milpitas due to increasing safety concerns in his neighborhood. He believes that effective policy-making can lead to improved public safety. His motivation stems not only from his personal experiences but also from his dedication to education, which was sparked by his children’s schooling. With over 13 years of involvement in community affairs, Lin has actively participated in various school district initiatives.
In recent years, a local homeless shelter was established near his home as part of California’s “Homekey” initiative, which aims to transform old motels into shelters. This development has led to a noticeable rise in crime in the area, with Lin often hearing the sounds of police cars and ambulances almost every night. He observed that criminal activity has become increasingly brazen, recounting incidents where thieves have stolen mail directly from residents’ mailboxes. “There have been reports of individuals going door-to-door opening mailboxes to steal letters. My home security camera even captured someone doing just that,” he shared.
A few months ago, Lin experienced a troubling incident when a man attempted to open the doors of every car parked on his street. Lin’s own vehicle, which was left unlocked in the driveway, was rummaged through. Although nothing valuable was taken, he discovered items scattered on the driveway the following morning and, after reviewing the security footage, confirmed the identity of the intruder. He reported the incident to the police, but felt frustrated with the lack of follow-up action, as they only filed a report.
These experiences have prompted Lin to enter the political arena, as he aims to advocate for policies that enhance safety in Milpitas, hoping to transform the city into a better place for all residents.
Lin Weiwen is a graduate of UC Berkeley and holds a master’s degree from San Jose State University. He has built a career in engineering and management within the Bay Area and has served on the Science, Technology, & Innovation Commission for the past 20 years, including a two-year term as vice chair. His involvement in education, driven by his children’s needs, has seen him take on leadership roles including seven years as a board member of the Milpitas Chinese School and 13 years on the Community Board Advisory Council, six of which he served as chair. Lin’s extensive community service experience underscores his commitment to improving local quality of life.
