Sports and politics putting us in the spotlight.

Never before has the Bay Area and specifically San José been in the spotlight as much as it has in recent weeks. Holding strong as the tenth largest city in the Unites States, it has been difficult to receive the same level of national recognition as other major cities. Sitting in the shadow of one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world, we San Joséans have regularly described ourselves in geographical context with San Francisco. This year I believe we can finally begin to see ourselves emerging with our own identity and that means our own internationally news worthy moments, for better or for worse.
 
Starting with Super Bowl 50 in February, there began to be a sense of pride amongst city officials, staff and our partners. When the San José Sports Authority helped cement a downtown hotel as the official NFC team host and the SAP Center as the official opening night venue, there was a measurable buzz going around. Fast forward to this past week, downtown has now played host to three more internationally newsworthy and historical events.
 
A few weeks ago both Democratic presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton made campaign stops in San José. Last Thursday night, while the Centennial of COPA America was having a kick off VIP celebration at our City Hall Rotunda, some San Joséans were helping to create national news with an inexcusable and disappointing display of violent protesting outside of the Trump rally at the McEnery Convention Center.
 
Friday afternoon, one of the greatest soccer players of all time was practicing at Spartan Stadium while fans were laying on the ground just trying to get a peek at him. Later that evening after the US National team lost to Colombia, downtown SubZero Festival guests could see lines of Colombia's visiting fans still donning their jerseys and patronized bars in the SoFA District.
 
On Saturday night the SAP Center hosted its first Stanley Cup Hockey game as our San José Sharks played their very first championship home game. The Sharks won the game with a spectacular overtime goal and created what may very well have been one of the single most prideful and exciting nights for San Josèans in a long time. The city had been shining teal all week with support pouring in from all over and after Saturday's win, the streets of downtown were flush with Sharks fans celebrating into the early morning.
 
I would be remiss if I didn't mention our friends to the Northeast, the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Needless to say there are plenty of San José residents who are also enjoying the spectacular and historic run that this team is having. I'll note that the SAP Center kicked off the Warriors preseason this year by hosting a game here in San José and fans even received a fantastic Stephan Curry bobble head with him wearing a Sharks Jersey. For those who caught it you may have also noticed Marreese Speights wearing his own personalized Sharks jersey prior to his team's game 2 win on Sunday.
 
Tomorrow marks a very important day in both national and local politics and I know I will be very keenly focused on the results. To keep your sports fix going, have no fear, San José is gearing up to become Gymnastics City USA once again when we host the Women's Gymnastic Olympic Trials early next month. Our very own San José Earthquakes are still undefeated at home and the San José Giants continue to farm their talents to their Major league ball club in that little city to our North.
 
Thank you to every one of our downtown residents, businesses and community partners for making  San José shine brighter into the future.
 
Go Sharks! 

There are also many new highlights and upcoming events in our district that are noteworthy this month:  
Dine Downtown Restaurant Week

Downtown diners can experience a new hot spot every night over 10 days this June, when restaurants offer specially priced, three-course meals for Dine Downtown.
 
From June 10 to June 19, downtown restaurants create special menus for Dine Downtown. Options include new up-and-coming restaurants and recognized, award-winning downtown icons.  There's a meal to meet every want - from Hawaiian to Asian-inspired comfort food to steakhouses, Italian food and beyond.  
Vacancies on Boards & Commissions

The City of San José invites interested members of the community to participate in the process of City Government by serving on one of several Boards and Commissions. All positions are voluntary and most appointed by the City Council. 

Our office is looking to fill the following vacancies:
  • Youth Commission
  • Human Services Commission
  • Downtown Parking Board
  • Senior Commission
San José Digital Arts Camp

Looking for things to do this summer? Check out San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Digital Arts Summer Camps. All camps are located at Seven Trees Community Center or Roosevelt Community Center and start late June.

Info on Illegal Fireworks

As Fourth of July is rapidly approaching, please take time to educate yourselves about the danger of unsanctioned fireworks.  Click the learn more button below to stay up to date on upcoming information on illegal fireworks enforcement.

SJFD is Recruiting!

Interested in becoming a  SJFD Firefighter? The  San José Fire Department is starting recruitment efforts for prospective firefighters.  If you are interested in a career that is life-saving and critical to our city infrastructure, consider becoming a firefighter!


Coffee with my Councilmember

D3 neighbors are invited to come out for some one-on-one face time at our casual "Coffee with My Councilmember" on Saturday 5/25 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Jon Jon's BBQ in the Orchard Park Neighborhood at 1305 Oakland Road.   
 
Can't make it that weekend?  Each month, I'll host a similar chat at rotating venues throughout the district.  We will be going on break in July so join me in August at Martin Park Soccer Fields in the Mckinley-Bonita and Olinder Neighborhood at 22nd Street or Forestdale Ave. on Saturday, 8/27 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
LOCAL BUSINESS CORNER
WHAT'S THE BIZ?
BOLOvintage: Be On The Lookout
BOLOvintage  is an online and events vintage clothing retailer, known to expo at events in the SoFa district.   You can find them throughout the Bay Area at special events selling excellent and fashionable products.

GOOD EATS IN D3!
Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme Catering & Events
Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme (PSRT) was founded over 25 years ago with a mission to bring great food to others. Since then, they have continued to discover new flavors and evolved culinary technique serving all types of venues from weddings to fundraisers.
OUT & ABOUT IN D3
CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW TO LEARN MORE.

Sat, Jun 11 - SJPD Women in Law Enforcement Career Seminar - This is a free law enforcement career seminar open to the general public.  Our emphasis will be on knowledge, preparation and your success towards in a career as a female police officer with the San José Police Department.  Get to know what opportunities await you.
Sat, Jun 18 - El Día de San Juan Festival -  Come join in this joyous celebration of music, dance, food, culture, language, ownership, history, and hopefulness. 
Sat & Sun, Jun 18-19 - Juneteenth in the Park Festival - Juneteenth, a celebration that historically referred to a timeframe of the freeing of African Americans during the civil war, has expanded its scope of diversity with the inclusion of the Spanish and Asian cultures. 

Thu, Jun 23 - Zumbathon - Come and dance to high energy electronic music while getting fit.
Fri, Jun 24 - Music in the Park Ft. Los Lobos - You can expect that there will be a good crowd for Los Lobos, who rose to fame with their 1987 cover of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" and are touring to support their new album, "Gates of Gold."
Sat, Jun 25 - The Chile Pepper Cha Cha with Master Gardener Jim Maley - Garden to Table is proud to bring this introduction to the wonderful world of peppers will be part history lesson, part food culture and cooking tips, and part gardening advice. This workshop is everything you need to know about growing and eating peppers this summer.
Mon, Jul 4 - Downtown Rotary Fireworks Show - Join the Rotary Club of San José and Symphony Silicon Valley in celebrating Independence Day at Discovery Meadow with free, world-class fireworks.
STAY CONNECTED