YAN ZHAO MAKES PROGRESS HAPPEN
YAN ZHAO SEEKS SANTA CLARA ASSESSOR POSITION
BY GERRYE WONG AUGUST 2025
After a successful 3 decade government career as Santa Clara County Assessor, Larry Stone announced his eminent retirement. Thus followed a flurry of interest from numerous interested candidates to step into his position. I have had the opportunity to meet Mrs Yan Zhao at many community events, and was pleased to hear of her interest in running for the office of assessor. Knowing she was still very involved as Saratoga City Council member, and served as Mayor in 2021 and 2024, I asked her why she wanted to take on the bigger job as Assessor. Giving me her winning smile, she answered, I’m running for County Assessor because I believe it’s time for modernization, transparency and renewed public trust. This office plays a very crucial role in funding our schools, public safety and vital services, a fact most people don’t fully understand how it impacts their daily lives. When an office has been under the same leadership for over 30 years, sometimes the office becomes behind the times. I feel it’s time to bring 21st century innovation and integrity to this vital office for our Santa Clara County citizens,” she continued.
After earning a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley followed by a Masters at Santa Clara University, Yan and her husband, Mr. Tri Hong, and their three children moved to Saratoga, CA. Although a busy mother employed full time at National Semiconductor, Yan immediately immersed herself in the community, serving with Saratoga Historical Foundation, PTA Board and the Rotary Club. Community leaders, probably sensing her enthusiasm and dedication, immediately appointed her to the Saratoga Planning Commission and the Santa Clara County Commission on the status of women. Seeing her in action these past few years, I asked what prompted her desire to get so involved. Her answer to me clearly showed how her community passion came about. She explained, “When I first arrived in the U.S. I received a lot of help, including scholarships from private foundations and colleges so I have always felt deeply grateful and wanted to give back. I immediately started volunteering with non profit organizations which gave me much fulfillment.”
A key question asked of any candidate for public office is what do you think YOU can bring to the position. Her quick response was “I want to take the office to the next level, starting with advanced technology upgrades and continuing with an unwavering commitment to customer service. I believe tax payers are not just constituents, but the customers of the government they fund. I champion open, accessible and responsive governance.” Hearing often that when a woman, much less one of color, enters public service, they face many barriers, so I asked Yan if she had experienced any such problems. Her reply was , “As a Chinese American, especially as an immigrant woman, of course I have experienced racial barriers in my life – both subtle and direct. During my first run for Saratoga City Council, some people said bluntly that they only vote for white people. Whether it be in professional settings or community meetings, I’ve sometimes had to confront assumptions about what I could or couldn’t do because of my race, gender or accent.”
Yan Zhao isn’t all work and no play. She says her loves have also been running, traveling and playing bridge, but admits being in and running for office takes her away from home and hobbies a great deal, She says she has always believed that holding political office is important because public service is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting, positive change. She ended our talk session, saying, “ Political office to me is about service, representation and the opportunity to make a difference. As a Chinese American immigrant woman, I realize how important it is for people in the community to see someone who looks and speaks like them in leadership roles in public service office. If elected to Santa Clara County Assessor, I will always be there for our citizens’ inquiries, suggestions and advice. In promoting fairness and accountability in government, I want to listen and uplift those voices that have heretofore been too often overlooked by our leaders,” she adds emphatically.
“ I hope I will be given the opportunity to serve as Santa Clara County Assessor, and if so, my guiding principles will be to solve real problems, be visible and vocal with my local citizens.” After meeting with Yan Zhao, I find her to be a modest lady but behind her is a forceful energy to serve the community in whatever way or manner she finds herself embroiled in. Good luck, Yan Zhao, and we look forward to watching your career path to be there for the common man.
