LATE BREAKING NEWS: City Attorney Bijal Patel Resigns Following Tracy Voters’ Resounding Rejection of the Status Quo at City Hall

Tracy voters have sent a clear message.

The people are dissatisfied with the city’s trajectory under the leadership of Eleassia Davis, Mateo Bedolla, and Dan Evans. Recent findings from the Civil Grand Jury Report underscore the glaring issues, yet this majority chose to dismiss them outright.

Rather than focusing on the needs of Tracy’s residents, the council majority prioritized opposition—blocking Mayor Nancy Young’s efforts at every turn and handing undue power to City Attorney Bijal Patel. Patel's overreach stalled progress and disrupted city operations, for which she was rewarded with an excessive retroactive pay raise.

For two years, this council has been embroiled in political infighting, leaving the people of Tracy to pay the price.

The results? A city in decline. Streets and parks feel less safe, opportunities for growth have stagnated, and promises of new restaurants, retail spaces, and jobs closer to home remain unfulfilled. Parents lack safe, enjoyable places for their children, and faith in local leadership has eroded.

Tracy deserves better. The people have made it clear: they want leaders who prioritize public safety, family-friendly amenities, and real opportunities for growth. It’s time for leadership that works with the people, not against them.

The era of gridlock and missed opportunities must end. Tracy’s future depends on it.

Elections have consequences.

While writing this article, we received the news that Bijal Patel issued her resignation last night, with her final day being December 31st, 2024.

Council accepted the resignation on a vote of 3 in support and 2 abstentions.

The beleaguered city attorney understanding the implications of the election, saw the writing on the wall and is stepping away.

The news is a sign to voters that the change and reform they are seeking is already happening.

It’s now on the new city council to start cleaning-up the messes Patel created over the last two years.