Dear Neighbor,

We made some environmental milestones in San José with the passage of the Climate Smart Plan, and the adoption of the Vehicle Miles Traveled Policy.  Partnered  together the goal is to create the Good Life 2.0 which would enable the City Council and staff to marry transportation and housing in a more effective manner. Good Life 2.0 is the notion that families are in close proximity to shopping, employment and recreation from their homes thus reducing the need to jump in a car. The time wasted in a single  occupancy  vehicle could be better spent with your friends and family. 

My hope is that as we grow we continue to provide the resources for our residents and small businesses to thrive in their  home town. Last year, I submitted a priority setting memo that began the process to review anti-displacement policies for the City to implement.  I will continue to work hard with experts to review national policies and move forward policies to allow our community to stay whole and have the same opportunities within their city as their  parents and grandparents have had. 

If you have any questions on any of these events or policies, please contact my office at 408-535-4905. 

Many thanks,

Vice Mayor / Vicealcalde
Magdalena Carrasco

Participatory Budgeting Update 
Participatory Budgeting has officially kicked off this year.  After last year's successful funding of nine projects district-wide, we are excited to see what is in store for this year! We are in the process of implementing those nine projects and they are each at a different phase of completion. You can reach out to our office if you would like to learn more. We are hoping for a similar spread of projects this year! Please start brainstorming and thinking of the best projects that could serve District 5. 

I am thrilled to announce the 2018 Steering Committee! This committee will be tasked with setting the rules and guidelines for all participants in this project. A big thank you and congratulations to these members of our community that will kick off this project!
Joe Mosely
Mimi Hernandez
Roger Reguerin
Daisy Barocio
Antonio Kobe Lopez
Carmen Moreno
Monica Kitchiner

If you have more questions, please reach out to Sachin Radhakrishnan in our office,   [email protected] or call 408-535-4944.
New Americans Fellowship 2018

The New Americans Fellowship deadline has been extended to March 16th 2018. Thank you for your support.
 
Santa Clara County is hosting its second New Americans Fellowship program and invites all eligible applicants to apply. The fellowship is a full-time, 10-week paid internship opportunity during Summer 2018 for current DACA recipients. Selected fellows will work on a research and/or community engagement project focused on immigrant integration. Fellows will be placed at a county agency, department, board office, or participating non-profit organization.
Those eligible include:
  • Current DACA recipients who live, or work in Santa Clara County
    (MUST HAVE A CURRENTLY VALID DACA AND EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION CARD)
  • Undergraduate or graduate student or recent graduate
  • Those seeking to be involved in social justice for the immigrant community
All applications must be turned in by March 16, 2018. Selected fellows will be notified on May 1, 2018. The fellowship will start no later than June 11, 2018 and end ten weeks after the program begins.
Fellows will be compensated at an hourly rate of $20 and will be provided letter(s) of recommendation upon request.
 
To apply:
  • Download application at: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/oir/Pages/new-americans.aspx
  • Provide 1-3 letter(s) of recommendation from individuals or organization you have worked or collaborated with that can provide insight to your public service activities and leadership skills
  • Provide transcript(s)(unofficial/official) of all colleges you have attended
  • Submit application, letter(s) of recommendation and college transcript(s) to [email protected]
For all inquiries, email Miguel Santiago at  [email protected]
San José Neighbor Nights
Friday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. San José Neighbor Nights, Second Fridays of the Month - Free activities for all ages, such as arts and crafts, dancing, music, sports, movies, games and more. Held at San José's 11 community centers: Almaden, Bascom, Berryessa, Camden, Calabazas, Evergreen, Mayfair, Roosevelt, Seven Trees, Southside, and Willow Glen. For more information, please call 408-535-3570.
Alum Rock Park Trail Crew Volunteer Service
Saturday, March 10, 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Alum Rock Park Trail Crew Volunteer Service, Second Saturdays of the Month - Alum Rock Park Rangers invite volunteers to help maintain safe and walkable trails. Arrive early at the Penitencia Creek entrance and follow the "Volunteer Event" signs to the parking lot. All tools and supplies are provided. No experience necessary. Participants are encouraged to bring a filled water bottle, wear closed-toe shoes, hat, dress in layers, and wear sunscreen. Register today. For more information, please contact [email protected] or 408-595-3483.
Free Tax Assistance for Ages 50+
Now through April 15 Free Tax Assistance for Ages 50+ at Local Community Centers - The Tax-Aide Program, of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is offering tax assistance to people ages 50+ at the community centers listed below. For more information, please call 408-535-3508.

* Mondays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Southside Community Center
* Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Berryessa Community Center
* Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Camden Community Center
* Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Yu-Ai-Kai Senior Center
* Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - The Villages Senior Resource Center
* Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - Cypress Community Center
* Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - Almaden Community Center
Adopt-the-Village
East San Jose's newest neighborhood association, Alum Rock Village Action Committee (ARVAC), has launched their Adopt-the-Village neighborhood beautification and reclamation program. The intention of the program is two-fold: one to address the litter and blight issue in the Alum Rock Village area and, secondly, to reinvigorate and remind the youth and community members that it is the community's responsibility and honor to take care of their surroundings. 

Neighborhood private school, St. John Vianney (SJV), was the first organization to kickoff the program this past Saturday, March 3rd. SJV School along with James Lick High School, who will be out on the streets every third Saturday, are the first to join the program which intends to clean-up the Village area at least twice a month throughout the school year. This partnership aims to bring more vibrancy, unity, and strength to an community that is considered a hidden gem by it's members but unfortunately has laid dormant under layers of neglect and a long-standing bad reputation. ARVAC believes it's time for this community to shine - ARVAC is dedicated to the Beautification, Transformation, & Reclamation of the Alum Rock Village area - the gateway to the gem known as the Alum Rock Foothills. If your organization would like to participate in the program - please reach out to Kat Da Silva at [email protected] or 408-759-5880.



 It's easy & FREE to get rid of your junk!
Do you have old items you've been meaning to get rid of that don't fit in your garbage or recycling cart? San José residents can schedule free appointments to have large items (such as mattresses, sofas, refrigerators, tires, and more) picked up by their recycling collection company.
Call your recycling company to schedule your pickup:
* For downtown, north, east, and south San José, call California Waste Solutions at (408) 213-7800
* For west San José, call GreenTeam of San Jose at (408) 282-4400
* Apartments and condos in all areas of San Jose, call GreenTeam of San Jose at (408) 282-4400
* Not sure? Look up your recycling collection company atsjenvironment.org/lookup

Visit  www.sjenvironment.org/junkpickup for more information, frequently asked questions, and a list of eligible items.

Keep our neighborhood clean! Report illegal dumping: Download My San Jose or call 408-535-3500. Visit  www.sjenvironment.org/illegaldumping to learn more about the City's initiatives to combat illegal dumping.


Know Your Rights 
The San José Housing Department has put together a guide for landlords and tenants whose properties are covered by the City's Apartment Rent Ordinance (ARO), Tenant Protection Ordinance (TPO), and Ellis Act Ordinance (EAO).  To learn more about how these new laws affect you, click below. 

 https://issuu.com/rentalrights/docs/owner___tenant_guidebook

More information on Dumpster Days
We had over seven dumpsters full of junk and debris removed from the homes of our Ryan residents in our East Side at the end of January. My office hosted our first dumpster day after being informed at our community coffee meeting about illegal dumping concerns in our Ryan neighborhood located in our Story Rd. We are so thankful so many residents packed up 280 tons of debris from their homes; junk that would have been on the streets of our precious East Side.
 
We do not always have to wait for a dumpster day in your area. Remember to download the My San Jose App to report illegal dumping on the public right of ways. Also, please visit sjenvironment.org/junkpickup or call 408-535-3500 for the three item pick up program.
 
If you feel your area needs a dumpster day, please call Omar Torres at 408-535-4905 or email him at  [email protected] 
 
Anti-Graffiti and Anti-Litter Programs Annual Report
Earlier this year our Anti-Graffiti and Anti-Litter programs gave their annual report to the City Council. One of the most noteworthy points throughout their presentation is the increase in volunteer hours through cleanups and other events like the Great American Litter Pickup our volunteer hours increased by a whopping 200% from the 2015-2016 fiscal year to the 2016-2017 fiscal year. This increase in volunteer involvement also resulted in a 90% increase in bags of litter collected from the previous litter. Statistics like this show that the community is taking action and stepping up to keep their neighborhoods beautiful. 

So a salute to all the residents who have taken the initiative to address any blight issues in their areas and kudos to our Anti-Graffiti and Anti-Litter Programs for supporting our residents with the resources and materials to perform their community cleanups. For anyone looking to report graffiti please do so on our MySanJose app through your smartphone. 

Pedestrian Improvements 
White & Madeline
Enhancements at this crosswalk included the installation of yield lines and signs to give notice to drivers where they should stop in advance of this crosswalk.  The City has also discussed with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) relocating the bus stop on the west side of White Rd, further south of the crosswalk to improve visibility of pedestrians waiting to cross.  VTA plans to relocate the crosswalk within the next month.  The City is also exploring additional enhancements at this location to further improve pedestrian safety.


 
Story and Lancelot
Enhancements at this crosswalk included the installation of yield lines and signs to give notice to drivers where they should stop in advance of this crosswalk.  A tree that was blocking visibility of one of the flashing beacons was also trimmed. The City is also exploring additional enhancements at this location to further improve pedestrian safety.



Climate Smart San José
On February 27th the City Council unanimously supported the Climate Smart Plan. 
Climate Smart San José will make San José a climate leader, putting the City on a path to meet Green House Gas reduction targets under the Paris climate agreement. The plan has three components: energy, mobility and water. It aims not only to reduce the city's carbon footprint but also to improve quality of life for those who live and work in San José. 

The transformation of our City requires multiple stakeholders to come together: city departments, related agencies, the private sector, and, ultimately, our residents and community groups. Thus, The Plan introduces a radical new framing that we call the Good Life 2.0 - one that gains traction by articulating the quality of life benefits of sustainability. By addressing benefits through resident priorities of an affordable home, time with their loved ones, and pleasant open space for them and their families to enjoy in San Jose, The Plan generates excitement around tangible issues that matter to our community. 

San José takes its role seriously and, in addition to our commitment, our plan uses the best data available to chart an economy-wide strategy that is aligned with the decarbonization goals of the Paris Agreement.

For updates on Climate Smart San José, subscribe here.




Business Corner
This month's business corner is a new restaurant that has already caught the attention of hungry folks looking for some good food. Some delicious items include garlic shrimp, spicy pork, and BBQ chicken. And for those who don't eat meat, Nabi Q offers an extensive vegan menu with many healthy and equally tasty options. Happy to see new businesses in the district for everyone to enjoy a good meal. Nabi Q is located at 1780 Story Rd. #20 San Jose, CA 95122 stop by whenever you are in the area. You can find more about NabiQ at http://nabiq.com/. 





2nd Annual Service Day - Beautify Your Branch
You're invited to participate in San José Public Library's 2nd Annual Service Day. By volunteering on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at any of our  24 locations , people will have the opportunity to reduce, or even eliminate, their library fines at a rate of $20 per hour, while helping to beautify their branch library. Participants are invited to help clean books, dust shelves, and organize library materials.

For more information and to learn how to register, visit: www.sjpl.org/serviceday
 

Vice Mayor Magdalena Carrasco | 408-535-4905 | [email protected] | http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district5
200 East Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113