Dear neighbors,
Get ready to witness major progress throughout our City.
I am pleased to share with you all of the District 2 accomplishments and initiatives led by my office in this newsletter. I am also excited to share that some projects led by the City, such as the street improvement plans below, will have very visible results in your neighborhoods.
160 streets and 169 miles will be improved in District 2
That's one measurement of the improvements we will begin to see on local roads this year as we maintain them, preserve their appearance, and extend their useful life.
This year’s pavement maintenance program, the most extensive on record by far, will roll out new asphalt and spread slurry seal on streets in every corner of the city, thanks to
Measure B
and
Senate Bill 1
.
We're looking forward to beginning a nine-year paving effort that will reach every local and neighborhood street in San José!
Please enjoy my District 2 May 2019 Newsletter!
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In community,
Sergio Jimenez
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CONNECT, ENGAGE AND BE INFORMED.
#SJD2
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D2 News: Updates & Accomplishments
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#D2CleanStreets success update from Downtown Streets Team
In
Fall 2018
, I secured nearly $200,000 from the City’s budget to successfully launch my
#D2CleanStreets Initiative
to prioritize making our community safer and cleaner. I kicked off several programs that are part of my action plan to help #beautifySJ, starting with our District. I am proud to share some statistics highlighting the success of one of these programs,
Downtown Streets Team
:
- 65,370 gallons of debris removed
- 40 hours of training provided to Team Members
- 3 Team Members found housing
- 2 people found employment
Here is some background on the
Downtown Streets Team
(DST): DST is a non-profit organization that contributes to a cleaner community. DST launched their empowering work experience program that engages homeless and at-risk individuals by having them clean up trash, litter, and graffiti while providing them with basic-need gift cards and hygiene kits.
This project is a one-year agreement with DST to clean-up along Monterey Road from Branham Lane to Ford Road three days a week and the corner of Blossom Hill Road and Snell Avenue one day a week.
We are proud of DST's accomplishments and hope to continue partnering with them for an extended clean up area down Monterey Road.
If you would like to volunteer at our Downtown Streets Team clean up days, please contact
Cliff@streetsteam.org
.
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Updates on recent City Council Meetings and San Jose Policies
Regulations on street racing: Along with my fellow Council colleagues, I voted to accept the staff recommendation to approve an ordinance amending Title 10 of the San Jose Municipal Code to include Chapter I 0.50, which prohibits spectators at Street Races and Reckless Driving Exhibitions. This ordinance is intended to discourage sideshows and illegal racing. Please call 9-1-1 to report street racing and reckless driving.
Here is a link to the memorandum.
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Some policies and recommendations that are important to the District 2 community include:
- South San Jose Police Substation Activation (utilizing the Substation for its intended purpose as a fully operational substation)
- Leveraging State Dollars for "Missing Middle" Affordable Housing (enabling San Jose to build more housing for workers of modest incomes)
- Strategies that address blight and will help us achieve #D2CleanStreets (Beautify San Jose, Removing And Preventing Illegal Dumping (RAPID) Program, Transitional Jobs, Dumpster and Beautification Days, improving freeway maintenance, & more)
- Coyote Valley (our goal is to preserve Coyote Valley from development, thereby protecting our drinking water from contamination, reducing downstream flooding, mitigating wildfire vulnerabilities, expanding recreational and trail opportunities, and securing key wildlife corridors)
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Community pancake breakfast with SJPD & Project Hope
One of the ways I aim to increase community engagement is by hosting welcoming events where residents can get to know City employees on a more personal level. On May 11, my office worked hand in hand with Project Hope Staff and Edenvale Elementary School to bring neighbors and law enforcement together over a community breakfast with the San Jose Police Department.
District 2 residents enjoyed delicious pancakes, bacon, and eggs while having quality conversations with SJPD officers and Community Service Officers who serve our neighborhoods. This event was tailored towards residents of our under-resourced Project Hope area.
In Fall 2018, I kicked off efforts to build community resilience and activation along the high-need area of Roeder Avenue and Roundtable Drive through
Project Hope
.
Project Hope is a community-driven initiative led by the City's Anti-Graffiti & Anti-Litter Program. It is a unique and innovative neighborhood engagement and improvement program that aims to improve the quality of life in the Roundtable Drive area by addressing challenges comprehensively and collaboratively. Project Hope's objective is to develop strong new community leaders and action-oriented neighborhood organizations.
Program leaders have dedicated the next year to engaging and involving residents in the City's decision making process. If you live in this area, you are welcome to join their monthly Neighborhood Association Meetings and Community Clean Up events.
If you share my vision of making our neighborhoods safer, cleaner, and more engaged, please contact
Greg.Cajina@sanjoseca.gov
.
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Welcoming our new Southern Division Captain, Gina Tibaldi
Succeeding Captain Johnson Fong, San Jose Police Department's newest
Southern Division
Captain is Captain Gina Tibaldi! Gina has already graciously joined us at District 2 meetings and events to meet our community members. We all look forward to seeing and working with her and her team!
Captain Gina Tibaldi, pictured second from the left at our Vietnamese Crime Prevention Meeting at the Bendorf Drive Apartments
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Unveiling the Chaplain Dave Bridgen Southern Police Station
Chaplain Dave Bridgen has left a legacy of honor and service to others without expectation of compensation beyond officer donations. His immeasurable contributions have supported the San Jose Police Department in training, graduation ceremonies, and the implementation of several programs that have benefited the welfare of the Department. I was proud to approve and attend the renaming of what is now the Chaplain Dave Bridgen Southern Police Station.
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Finding golden eggs, bunny ears & a strong sense of community at our Egg Hunt
Our 2nd Annual Egg Hunt event at Hellyer County Park with Supervisor
Dave Cortese
b
rought so many families with kids of all ages in South San Jose together. From stuffed animal prizes to snacks to arts & crafts to of course the massive Egg Hunt, there were
exciting, free activities
for everyone. Thank you to County Parks staff, County Youth Task Force volunteers,
Hellyer-Christopher Neighborhood Association
, and my team’s volunteers for making this event possible and enjoyable for everyone!
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The Trash Punx & Hellyer-Christopher N.A. clean up Melody Park
Thank you again to our dedicated groups and the volunteers they united. I always appreciate their efforts and am more than happy to come support them! It is strong partnerships like this that help us #BeautifySJ and achieve #D2CleanStreets!
View the March 11 highlight video on Facebook, produced by
The Trash Punx!
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Recognizing Bate
man Senior Meals: The hardworking staff feeding our local seniors
Bateman Senior Meals provides nutritious meals to adults over 60 years old at San Jose’s 13 community centers. We are especially proud of Bateman’s incredibly hardworking team that provides 250 healthy meals to our
Southside Community Center
Seniors every year.
Jose Medrano, Tenisha Washington, and Fariba Yazdanpanah exemplify dedication and commitment to providing an excellent customer experience and promoting the role of nutrition in preventative health and long term care.
Please join us in applauding the extraordinary work of Bateman Senior Meals, which
Mayor Liccardo
and my staff had the opportunity to recognize at the 2019 San Jose Champions event!
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Expressing our appreciation for D2 Neighborhood Leader Greg Peck
If you haven't already met him out and about in the community, I'd like to introduce you to Greg Peck.
Greg has lived in the Los Paseos neighborhood of South San Jose for over 46 years. He has been an influential leader in the Los Paseos neighborhood for for many of those years, and he is the president and founder of the Los Paseos Neighborhood Association. Greg also serves as Chair of the District 2 Neighborhood Leadership Council, where he has fostered collaboration and leadership.
He has paved the way for increasingly successful National Nights Out with over 400 attendees -- one of the largest in the City. He has brought the community together to upgrade local parks, support local schools, and make Los Paseos a safe and healthy neighborhood.
Greg is committed to mentoring new generations of community leaders. His amazing relationship-building and networking skills have contributed to the leadership development across San Jose. He has made an exceptional effort to learn about High Speed Rail, public safety, housing, and other issues that impact the community.
For his invaluable positive impact and partnership, I was pleased to formally praise Greg with a Commendation at the Tuesday, May 14 City Council Meeting. Thank you, Greg, for your contribution and commitment to our community and City!
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A quick visit to my alma mater SJSU to connect with current students
Parking, transportation, housing, parks... those are just a few topics that affect all San Jose residents, including our local students! I had the pleasure of discussing important issues and socializing with some of our future leaders in the middle of a sunny day. I always appreciate the opportunity to share about how politics and civic engagement are more effective when we hear from diverse voices and everyone is sharing ideas. Thank you
San Jose State University
and
Associated Students San Jose State University
for inviting us to engage and build partnerships with you!
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Encouraging Oak Grove High School students to foster relationships & stay motivated
As a City Councilmember, my job duties change everyday. It’s certainly interesting, but also quite challenging. One of my favorite parts of my job is speaking with youth -- and I had a chance to do just that with a room full of Oak Grove High School students at their Resource Fair.
I conveyed to them that their local leaders are relatable, everyday people just like their family members, teachers, coaches, etc. I encouraged them to take advantage of every adult or older role model in their lives.
When I was in high school, there were people who changed the course of my life. I told students, “These people took interest in me the same way your teachers do for you. They helped influence me to go to college, get a degree in political science, network, and eventually become your elected representative.”
Last year, I also shared with them: "Look to your left. Look to your right. You are looking at some of the people who will impact policy and change in your future. And you are ALL future voters who can have a say and make a difference! Also look at your local elected officials. They are examples of the possibilities you can accomplish if you work hard. The first thing you need to do is show up. If you care about your society, don't just let things develop in front of you -- please get involved! My office is here to support you!"
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Community meeting for C.A.L.M.S. neighborhood
It was a full room at SAFER San Jose's community meeting. Residents of the Chantilley, Avenida Espana, Los Paseos, Metcalf, and Santa Teresa areas of District 2 received updates from myself, San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, and Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Josue Fuentes about safety projects developing in their neighborhood.
To learn more about the project that was approved during Round 1 of the Bernal to Bailey Participatory Budgeting Process,
visit my website
. If you have any questions, please
visit the SAFER San Jose website
.
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Want to see more public transit options in District 2? You can influence the plans and projects:
Caltrain Business Plan - This plan could potentially increase train service to South San Jose and District 2. Your input is encouraged!
San Jose Better Bike Plan 2025 - View more information and provide your input!
bikesanjose.com
We need to hear from you, whether you currently ride a bike or not.
PHASE 1: GATHERING INFORMATION [FALL 2018]
Last fall, we heard from hundreds of people at events such as a public workshop, Viva Calle, and neighborhood meetings. We learned about where people would like to bike, what keeps them from biking more, and how the City can help overcome these barriers through better bikeways or more support programs. We also studied traffic and safety data to learn where improvements are most needed.
PHASE 2: INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMUNITY INPUT [SPRING-SUMMER 2019]
We’ve taken your great ideas and are using them to help us draft recommendations for new projects and programs that support bicycling. Look for our initial recommendations at our community workshop in June.
PHASE 3: CREATING THE PLAN [FALL 2019]
The last phase will be drafting the Plan for your review and getting projects ready for implementation. We expect to have a Draft Plan in Fall 2019.
VTA.org beta website
This site is still a work in progress, and your ongoing feedback is important. To view the process used for the redesigned website, please check out this blogpost:
bit.ly/betavtaorg
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How residents can
impact San José's strategic plan for the next 20 years
San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is the organization that delivers and operates over 200 parks, over 60 miles of trails, 50 community centers and programs that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community.
We are updating our strategic plan,
ActivateSJ, to sustain our parks system, while strengthening our focus on services and the design of parks and public facilities.
ActivateSJ consists of five community-inspired guiding principles that were crafted by engaging with the community at special events, community meetings and an online survey.
We want to take this opportunity to
ask for your input on the guiding principles – our approach to delivering a world-class, sustainable parks and facilities system that enhance quality of life in San José.
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A Look at More Community Stories
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I met and spoke with some of my Vietnamese constituents at the Bendorf Drive Apartments. I want to thank MC and the San Jose Police Department Crime Prevention Unit for translating my message and for presenting important safety tips! I am proud to live in such a diverse community. Let’s work together to make it even more equitable and inclusive!
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I was extremely honored to give the keynote speech at the ENLACE graduation on May 3. To be able to share my story and impart a few words of encouragement is a privilege. We stand on the shoulders of those before us who guided and supported our dreams and ambitions. Each and everyone of us should embrace the responsibility of making this world a better place for all.
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I witnessed the great volunteers of Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley give their time and energy for the benefits of others. Jerry and Vi, 38-year residents of South San José in the Coyote Creek Neighborhood, very much appreciated the help! If we all give a little, we can all do a lot!
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I spent a morning meeting with the Mayor of Morgan Hill, Rich Constantine. We discussed sports fields, blight and illegal dumping, and High Speed Rail. I look forward to working with him for many years to come and know that together, we can jointly improve our communities!
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I spent some time hearing concerns from our immigrant community. The Sacred Heart Comité PASOS always asks tough, thoughtful questions. I love sharing conversations with them and gaining new perspectives.
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I grabbed a good hamburger as the great folks at IN-N-OUT opened their newest store in District 2 for a test run before opening day! For years, the lot at the corner of Poughkeepsie Rd. and Cottle Rd. has sat empty. I am glad to see change!
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I had a great time welcoming staff from all over the state at the
CALAFCO
Staff Workshop in San Jose. I look forward to continue working with everyone and building partnerships to preserve agricultural and open space lands.
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This recently upgraded paseo between Avenida Espana and Cheltenham Way, in the Los Paseos Neighborhood, allows for the openness and new plants that residents now see along their walks. The city, as well as the District 2 Office, is happy to have partnered with neighbors and vendors for this project's successful completion.
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D2 and You: Upcoming Events
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Please click on the flyers below for more information.
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VTA's 2019 New Transit Service Plan
The VTA Board of Directors unanimously approved, at its May 2 Board meeting, the final recommendations outlined in the
2019 New Transit Service Plan
.
The Final Plan proposes to reroute
Route 42
to the northern/eastern side of US 101 along Silver Creek Valley Road, Hellyer Avenue, Silicon Valley Boulevard, Bernal Road and San Ignacio Avenue to serve community-oriented destinations.
Route 42
will serve the VA Clinic and the Mexican Consulate, both of which had been seeking transit service for a long time. Residents are encouraged to use this route, or else it will likely be reduced or eliminated in the future.
The approved changes will be implemented when BART service to Santa Clara County begins late this year.
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Potential Transit Designs on the Table for SR-85
On April 22, the State Route 85 Transit Guideway Study entered a new phase as the SR 85 Corridor Policy Advisory Board (PAB), city staff and VTA staff convened at a workshop to discuss potential designs for a transit project along the corridor.
The study’s current objective is to identify different project concepts, called alternatives, that will be studied in detail for feasibility, cost and ridership projections. The first task is to agree on which alternatives should be selected for detailed study.
Click here to visit VTA's website for more information.
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Request for Proposals
Census 2020: Everyone Counts!
Accepting proposals April 15 – May 31, 2019, RFP coming soon
A fair and accurate census count is essential to numerous aspects of civic life, from allocation of billions of dollars in federal funds in California alone, to political representation at all levels of government.
When census information is not accurate, it threatens to muffle the voices of historically undercounted groups,
including people of color, immigrants, low-income communities, and children
. What’s more, C
alifornia faces several unprecedented challenges to a complete and accurate Census 2020 count, including significant underfunding of the U.S. Census Bureau, the proposed citizenship question, and a new online census questionnaire.
To minimize the undercount in our region, The Bay Area Census Funders Collaborative – including Silicon Valley Community Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, Northern California Grantmakers and other funders in the region – will soon be accepting proposals
to support Census education and outreach efforts to hard-to-count communities in the nine-county Bay Area
. Everyone counts!
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How you can help keep our community safe and clean
See blight or homelessness in your neighborhood or around San José? Report it to the appropriate agency. All reporting is tracked at each agency and forwarded to the appropriate response team for action.
Union Pacific
(usually the property around the railroad tracks)
1-888-877-7267
Submit complaints regarding the Union Pacific Railroad to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Complaints regarding train noise or encampments can be submitted to their office directly by constituents either by sending an email to
r7_gx@dot.gov
or by phone to 916-414-2315.
Caltrans
(usually property surrounding / adjacent to freeways and highways)
Fill out a Maintenance Service Request (MSR): https://csr.dot.ca.gov/
Homeless Concerns
(on City of San Jose property)
408-975-1440
MySanJose App
- request services on City property
408-535-3500
Download the app to your smartphone!
Schedule a FREE Large Item pick up
, right in front of your home
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for support in contacting these agencies and departments:
(408) 535-4902 | District2@sanjoseca.gov
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Styrofoam & pizza boxes go in the garbage! More garbage/recycling tips:
For your information: Pizza boxes should go into garbage cart, not the recycling bin. They are cardboard materials; however, most of the time the pizza boxes are greasy which contaminates the recycling process. Example of other nonrecyclable items that residents often place in recycling cart are soiled napkins, tissue paper, to-go containers, etc.
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Need to report abandoned vehicles, street light outages, and more? Use
MySanJose: Our quick & easy tool to request City services
Want to get that pothole or street light fixed? Need to report graffiti, illegal dumping or an abandoned vehicle? Have a different question for the City? With the new state-of-the-art MySanJose
app
and
website
, it is now a breeze to file and track a City service request or reach one of our customer representatives. It is super easy to use – see our zippy
tutorial
.
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Please don't leave your large items on the side of the road. It's easy &
FREE
to get rid of your junk!
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.
Thank you for keeping our City clean and combating illegal dumping!
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Students, get involved! My District 2 Team is looking for interns!
Join our team and make a difference in the community! The Office of Councilmember Sergio Jimenez welcomes college or graduate school students interested community engagement, public service, policy research, and local government to apply for our District 2 Internship.
This unpaid internship provides students with an immersive experience in day-to-day operations of a City Council office that serves about 100,000 residents.
Student interns are expected to:
Communicate effectively with others
Adapt and work in a fast-paced environment
Have a willingness to learn and apply academic training to required job assignments
Commit a minimum of 15 hours per week
How to apply:
To be considered for the District 2 Internship, please:
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Have a D2 question or concern? Contact my team!
You may have met them at City Hall, Neighborhood Meetings, or just out and about in our community! In addition to supporting me at meetings and events -- or attending on my behalf -- my team members follow specific policy areas and have other responsibilities. They are happy to speak or meet with you regarding your questions or concerns!
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Get involved: District 2 Neighborhood Associations
Neighborhood Associations (N.A.s) are groups of community members who meet and collaborate to work towards common goals such as: beautification/clean-up efforts, safety enhancements, and social events. N.A.s serve as a connection between the community and City Hall. We are here to support N.A.'s by providing direction, resources, grants, help with outreach, models for success, and more.
Reserving meeting space as an N.A.
As an established Neighborhood Association, you may reserve space for community use directly with Libraries and Community Centers in our District. As long as the meeting takes place during regular hours of operation, there is no charge to to your N.A.
If your event goes beyond the hours of operation, there is a charge for staffing. Our office is happy to accommodate
2 uses per N.A. per year for N.A.’s by paying for the staff time. Any additional uses outside of this would require your N.A. to cover the cost.
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Beyond San Jose: Get the latest news from your other elected officials
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Sergio's Office Hours
Office Hours are a time to come ask questions, share concerns, or simply have a conversation.
Meetings are first come first serve.
Upcoming Office Hours:
Monday, May 20
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Santa Teresa Library, Study Room B
Saturday, June 1
(I will be out of town this day, but my staff is happy to speak with you and will share all of your concerns with me).
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Edenvale Library, Study Room B
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City Resources
Speak with a live Customer Service Representative (408) 535-3500
Additional Resources:
(408) 975-1440
(408) 535-7770
(408) 534-2900
(408) 793-5510
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JOIN US IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND TO
CONNECT, ENGAGE AND BE INFORMED.
#SJD2
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San José District 2 | Office of Councilmember Sergio Jimenez
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