Biography

Council Member Evelyn Tolbert was first elected to the City Council on November 3, 1998 after having served on the Tracy Planning Commission. She was re-elected in 2002 and in 2006. She is now serving her third four-year term. Ms. Tolbert recently announced that she is running to become the next Mayor of Tracy.

Ms. Tolbert represents the City of Tracy on the Deuel Prison Citizen Advisory Committee, the San Joaquin County Library Task Force, and as the City-Chamber of Commerce Liaison Committee.

Evelyn Tolbert has provided demonstrated leadership in addressing the more serious issues facing our city of Tracy. Evelyn proposed, and the City Council approved an "Equitable Affordable and Workforce Housing" program. A consultant began work during the month of May, 2008 to facilitate the City of Tracy implementing its commitment to affordable and workforce housing. Evelyn Tolbert recruited citizens from throughout Tracy who care about the environment into a "Sustainability Project". The group decided not to become an incorporated non-profit, but to work directly with the City Council. The City Council approved funds to have a "Sustainability Project" consultant hired to lead the City of Tracy into becoming "Green". Evelyn Tolbert proposed and the City Council approve the creation of the "Mayor's Community Youth Support Network". This progressive program in Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression has as it objective preventing our young people from disconnecting from the main stream; and helping those who are disconnected to find their way to reconnect with positive community elements. Evelyn's vision has been accepted on the local, county and state levels and was funded for One Million Dollars in the City of Tracy 2008 - 2009 budget. As further support of this program, Evelyn Tolbert proposed and is actively working on additional recreational and family programs that will be conducted within the next few months

Evelyn Tolbert previously served for nine (9) years as a Trustee of Sutter Tracy Memorial Hospital. She is Founder of the Tracy Women's Forum Association, which recently celebrated its Tenth Annual "Tracy Women's Forum". Evelyn Tolbert was a principal figure in the formation of the Tracy Youth Advisory Commission and additionally created "Legislative Day' for elected officials and government leaders to address young people in a forum format. Evelyn was a founding member of the Golden Agers, a senior service organization and also created the "Enhancing Access for Older Americans Forum" for elected officials to address senior issues which is held each year during May which is Older Americans month.

Evelyn Tolbert has founded six scholarship programs; one to encourage young women to enter into politics and policy-making careers. The second for students enrolling in majors that will be of service to senior citizens. The third is for Entry College students majoring in acting and as musicians. The fourth scholarship that Evelyn Tolbert has founded is entitled "Star Quest" and is for singers and is patterned after American Idol with the community voting for their favorites. The most recent scholarships that Evelyn Tolbert founded are "Show Us What You've Got!" for dancers and "Tracy's Next Producer Director" which will culminate on Saturday, July 12th in the Stellar Awards Gala.

Evelyn earned a baccalaureate of Psychology and Liberal Arts from San Jose State University graduating magna cum laude. She also earned a Masters of Public Administration from San Jose State University. Evelyn Tolbert graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Law School of the University of Santa Clara. She is an inactive California attorney, a credentialed community college instructor, and worked as a manager for the City of San Jose for over 20 years.

Evelyn founded the Tracy Performing Arts Foundation that produces the musical she creates each year entitled "Tracy, Our Town, USA." Evelyn writes the book, the song lyrics and the music for the musical, which is produced in honor of Founder's Day with all proceeds going to support community and school performing arts.

Evelyn has four children and is the proud grandmother of twelve and the great grandmother of six. She is an active member of the Good News Missionary Baptist Church in Tracy.

Evelyn has been the recipient of numerous awards for her leadership and community service including: Citizen of the Year in 2004. Evelyn loves to serve and prides herself on being in tune with community needs.