SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Finally after years of drought we can once again enjoy a Spring with green hills and flowing rivers. Now is the perfect time to dust off your bike, hiking boots, or running shoes and go enjoy nature. In honor of the month when we celebrate Earth Day, it is fitting that we make a conscious effort to actually try and enjoy it's beauty. It's easy to get caught up at work all day or in front of the TV all night (doesn't help with our Sharks making the playoffs, the Warriors making history and baseball opening their season) but that's even more reason to go outside. This world, our Earth, offers so many natural wonders and spaces. Even in the heart of an urban center like the downtown, we can escape to places like the Guadalupe River Trail and walk along the same paths that our original city inhabitants called home. 
 
Sharing my birthday with the Earth has always been of special significance to me. I have taken pride in knowing that I can honor our planet in no better way than to value its preservation. It's no secret that we as a human race have had some very detrimental and unsustainable impacts on our Earth, but we also have the knowledge and the ability to change our course. San José has led the way with initiatives like the plastic bag ban, our bike lane network and our riparian set back rules. There is still so much more we can do and I am excited about opportunities where I can help play a major role like in plans such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and our very own Green Vision plan. 
 
It is a hope and goal of mine to help move San José into an even greater leadership role as a champion for sustainability. This goal, the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and our own sustainability goals will all require buy in and support from you, our community, but I'm confident we can achieve them. It starts with a recognition that we need to change and then an understanding on what and how. I encourage everyone to read more on San José's current efforts on the SDGs and support our work in the City as we strive to be a better partner in this magnificent place we call Earth.

Gratefully,

There are also many new highlights and upcoming events in our district that are noteworthy this month:  
Vote Now on Your $100,000!

District 3 residents have submitted numerous project ideas to improve our community.  Vote on the projects that you want to see fully funded by our $100,000 Participatory Budget Program.  Projects with the most votes will be funded.

Voting valid only between April 1st to April 15th.  District 3 residents age 15 and above eligible to vote.

Great American Litter Pick Up

It is that time of year again, we are looking for volunteers to take part in our Great American Litter Pick Up. This year we will have 5 different locations to choose from:
We will be meeting up at 8:00 a.m. for registration with a fun celebration after the cleanup at noon. Free food will be provided to all volunteers. Below is a link where individuals can go to register. This will help us keep track of how much food to have on hand. We want to make sure we can feed everyone a great lunch for all their help!
Attention Educators! Groundbreaking Documentary Now Available

CreaTV San José is pleased to announce that the documentary "Changing Boundaries: The History of San José" is now available to view and download for free on the CreaTV website.

Bay Area Bike Share is Expanding!

In May 2015, Bay Area Bike Share announced a ten-fold system expansion and immediately began a public outreach process to determine future expansion Bike Share locations. The expansion will roll out in phases over a two year period.
We invite you to download the maps below and take a closer look at future stations in your neighborhoods. Should you have any feedback, please fill out the survey forms below.


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 4/30 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Plaza Garibaldi in the Roosevelt Neighborhood at 1170 E. Santa Clara Street.   
 
Can't make it that weekend?  Each month, I'll host a similar chat at rotating venues throughout the district.  Join me next month at Bestor Art Park in the Spartan Keyes Neighborhood at S. 6th & Bestor St. on Saturday, 5/28 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
LOCAL BUSINESS CORNER
WHAT'S THE BIZ?
AJ Auto Detailing
Voted "The Best of Silicon Valley" since 2008, AJ Auto Detailing, Inc. specializes in luxury, exotic, classic, and specialty vehicles. Our mission is to provide an amazingly pleasant, richly satisfying experience for every single one of our customers.
GOOD EATS IN D3!
Second Story Bakeshop
Located right down the street from City Hall, Second Story Bakeshop  share a passion for using organic ingredients sourced as locally as possible. They are excited to be located in the Valley of the Heart's Delight and are working hard to become an integral part of the local sustainable food economy.
OUT & ABOUT IN D3
CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW TO LEARN MORE.

Wed, Apr 13 - Investing in Nature In Your Neighborhood -  Please join us for one of the community meetings listed below to provide input on the development of the new Urban Open Space program. We want to hear your ideas about trails, open space, community gardens, and nature parks.
Wed, Apr 13 - Boards and Commissions Resource Fair - Learn about San José's Boards and Commissions and how you can provide input on important community issues affecting your city!
Sat, Apr 16 -  San José Taiko's Rhythm Spirit Concert - SJT will be presenting its Rhythm Spirit concert at the School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza. SJT has endeavored to create a contemporary musical style unlike any other taiko group in the world since its formation in 1973.
Sat, Apr 23 - Mimozart - Join CMSV for the first annual Mimozart pop-up brunch fundraiser featuring a delicious brunch, musical selections by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and of course, Mimosas! 
Sun, Apr 24 - SJ Steamrollers vs. Crushers - Come cheer on the San José Steamrollers as they take on other Bay Area and Southern California Power Wheelchair Soccer teams on their home court.
Tue, Apr 26 - San José Career Fair - Are you looking for a job? Are you tired of sending resumes left and right and never getting an answer? If you are, dress in your best professional clothes, bring resumes and visit our San José career fairs. You will have the opportunity to meet top employers and to interview for several positions during the course of the day.
Wed, Apr 27 - Celebrating Partnerships: CommUniverCity's 11-year Anniversary Celebration! - Learn more about CommUniverCity's projects led by San José State University faculty and students in partnership with community members!
Thu, Apr 28 - Envision Urban Ag - Join Garden to Table, The Health Trust, SPUR, La Mesa Verde and other local food advocates to discuss San José's potential to expand urban agriculture, and how Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones can create a better local food system. Light refreshments will be served.
Sat, Apr 30 - San José Taiko Public Workshop -  You've seen San José Taiko play - now it's your turn! Join fellow taiko enthusiasts in learning the basics of SJT's style in a fun and engaging three-hour workshop.  
STAY CONNECTED