San Jose, California (AINA) -- Assyrian- American Edesa Bitbadal is running for city council in San Jose.

Ms. Bitbadal is currently the Vice Chair of the Planning Commission for San Jose. She has previously worked for San Jose Council members Linda LeZotte and Kansen Chu. Ms. Bitbadal's focus has been on developing policies for economic reform, health education, public safety, job creation, and environmental protection. For almost 10 years, Ms. Bitbadal worked as Redevelopment Officer for the Redevelopment Agency of San Jose. She managed projects supporting small businesses as well as led the development of Smart Start Child Care centers.

Apart from her public service life Ms. Bitbadal is also active in volunteer programs. She is a Board Member for Crime Stoppers Silicon Valley and the YWCA; member of the Junior League of San Jose; volunteer at the Almaden Valley Rotary Club, Almaden Art and Wine Festival, Martin-Fontana Parks Association, Silicon Valley Cares, and the Almaden Valley Women's Club. Ms. Bitbadal earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University.

The city of San Jose has a total of 10 districts. Ms. Bitbadal is running for city council of district 10, where she currently resides with her husband Michael and 3 children Sharokina, Marodeen, and Adorina.

Founded in 1777, San Jose has grown into the 10th largest city in the United States. As the largest city in the Bay Area, with estimated population 958,789, San Jose is home to more than 6,600 technology companies. With approximately 254,000 people employed in technology, San Jose has the largest concentration of technology expertise in the world.