The Housing Department released a memo on July 28, 2017 outlining new criteria for the Bridge Housing Community (BHC) sites. The new criteria considerably reduce the number of viable sites to four across the entire City. This memo is troubling to me because two of the four sites are either in or adjacent to District 2. I cannot support the memo as written because it places the brunt of helping our unhoused residents on our District 2 community. The original intent of BHC was to disperse the locations throughout all 10 City districts to mitigate impacts and share the burden. Though I am supportive of BHC, I cannot allow our district to disproportionately bear the responsibility of effectively being home to two BHC sites. 

My office will work closely with the Housing Department to ensure that any plan that moves forward is fair, equitable, and informed by substantial community input. The needs of our homeless population are diverse and complicated, and the issue is too important to ignore. I will make certain all proposals are thoroughly vetted by residents before a Council decision is made. 

- Councilmember Sergio Jimenez

What a treat it was for Councilmember Jimenez to spend a day with Peter, Nishita and Sabrina -- three teenage D2 students who have big dreams! The students asked insightful questions and taught Councilmember Jimenez some fun facts as well. They toured San José City Hall as they learned about its history and local government. They saw what a typical day as a Councilmember entailed (just kidding, there is no “typical” day). Councilmember Jimenez was honored to host them. Our youth are our future, and we all benefit when youth are engaged and informed! Councilmember Jimenez cannot wait to see students just like these three make an impact in their community and beyond.

D2 PB Round 2 winners to be announced at Reception

Residents and neighbors, thank you for participating in District 2's Bernal to Bailey Participatory Budgeting Round 2.

You are invited to our reception on Wednesday, August 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to celebrate winning projects and enjoy light refreshments. To learn more about the PB Round 2 projects and rules, please visit bit.ly/D2PBROUND2. 

From Councilmember Jimenez: Community, I sympathize with you and understand your frustration with the delay around the C.A.L.M.S. camera project. Thankfully, with the help of the City Manager’s and the City Attorney’s Office, the contract with United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County (UNSCC) has been completed and is scheduled to come to Council on August 22, 2017. After the contract is approved by Council, the project funds will be transferred to UNSCC, and UNSCC will lead the full implementation of the project.