Development Agreement for Google’s proposed Downtown West
This week San José announced a major milestone in Google’s new Downtown West development with the publication of the Development Agreement. The Draft Development Agreement addresses the Council’s top priorities and other topics important to the community. It also includes 200 million dollars in community benefits and more than one billion dollars in project features.
The commitments focus on building community and aiding in recovery, with emphasis on more housing, open space, and recreation. Once approved, the project would bring 4,000 new homes, 15 acres of open space, more small businesses and restaurants to San José, and much more.
If approved by City Council, it will govern how Google builds its Downtown West project, including office, residential, commercial, cultural, open space, and parkland uses, and will establish a new fund to address community stabilization and opportunity pathways.
The public hearing process is targeted for later this spring. We encourage you to read the Info Memo here for an overview of the Draft Development Agreement and background information.
Community members may also submit questions and comments through an online form. Staff will provide all comments received to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration. The public hearing process is targeted for later this spring.
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Neighborhood Tree Planting
The Willow Creek Neighborhood Association had a Community Tree Planting day at Canoas Park! Ten trees were planted and the park was raked and cleaned up by many hard-working volunteers.
This is a great activity to do with your neighbors on National Arbor Day! Arbor Day is on April 30, 2021, and celebrates planting, maintenance and preservation of trees. Learn how to plant a tree and more here.
Please reach out to my office at district6@sanjoseca.gov if you are interested in planting trees in your neighborhood.
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April Office Hours
Join me on Wednesday, April 21 at 5:30 PM for office hours with Mayor Liccardo! We will be discussing the upcoming budget.
Registration is required. Register here.
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San Jose Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
The San Jose Garden Club is happy to announce that the annual plant sale is back!
The Annual Plant sale is on Saturday, April 30, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sunday, May 1, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM at 1190 Camino Ramon, between Willow St. and Minnesota Ave.
You can choose from a selection of flowers, vegetables and succulents all grown and donated by club members. All proceeds go to non-profit organizations such as Veggielution, La Mesa Verde Garden Project, Our City Forest, and Loaves and Fishes Kitchen Garden.
The San Jose Garden Club is an all-volunteer non-profit organization, whose mission is to educate its members and local community in promoting gardening, landscape design, and personal food production with a focus on conservation and civic beautification.
All COVID-19 protocols and procedures will be followed.
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Rose, White & Blue Parade: Save the Date!
Save the date for a COVID-Modified Rose, White & Blue Parade! The committee is working with the City and County to ensure all COVID health and safety guidelines are followed. Sign-up to receive updates at rwbsj.org.
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Illegal Street Racing and Sideshows
On Tuesday, Council unanimously approved Councilmember Maya Esparza and my proposal to address dangerous street racing and sideshows in our city.
Council directed staff to:
1. draft an ordinance going after promoters of these illegal events
2. explore targeted use of Automated License Plate Readers and physical barriers on streets with the most sideshow activity
3. work with the police department to enhance enforcement activities
I also asked the City Attorney to report back to Council about our ability to increase fines and the length of car impoundments for participants.
Please read the full set of details here. |
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San Jose Al Fresco
Last night during Council, I moved to extend Al Fresco through the end of December. This will give staff time to develop a plan for making it permanent.
Al Fresco has helped businesses expand their capacity to serve customers and meet revenue needs, as well as added a new vibrancy to the streets and sidewalks in our city.
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District 6 Business Spotlight |
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Sam's Bar-B-Que
Sam's Bar-B-Que is located at 1110 South Bascom Ave. Sam Carlino, Sr. and his brothers, Vic, Joe, Chuck, Steve and Pete, got an early start in the food business, opening a fruit and vegetable stand together out on Monterey Highway in December, 1938, and running it until the beginning of World War II. After the war, the brothers formed a partnership and opened the Time Market on Bascom Avenue in San Jose.
Sam Carlino, Jr. began his food career at age 8, helping his father make Italian sausage in the Time Market meat department, and later became a journeyman meat cutter for Zanotto’s Market. In 1992, father and son opened Sam’s Bar-B-Que on Bascom Avenue, and have since continued the Carlino tradition of excellence in the food industry.
Support your local businesses! Menu and more information here. |
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Photo Credit: Arthur Boos |
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Rubino Park Clean-up
Come join your friends and neighbors at this cleanup event. The event is on Saturday, April 24 from 8:15 AM to 12:00 noon. Register here.
No experience is required, and all tools and instructions will be provided! We ask that volunteers wear face coverings, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water. Students will receive community service hours for these events!
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Volunteer with PRNS!
PRNS offers volunteer events throughout the month of April to provide residents a safe way to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces and make a difference during their weekend.
All event sessions will require volunteers to follow current COVID-19 safety protocol measures such as face coverings, social distancing, and symptom checks. All sessions have a limited capacity of volunteers to ensure ample space for social distancing.
Volunteers are provided with all necessary tools and training, and are asked to bring a water bottle, snacks, and wear closed toed shoes. All sessions will be held, rain or shine.
Those interested in volunteering must register in advance in the events linked above. For more information, contact: ParkVolunteer@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 595-3483.
View the schedule and fill out the volunteer form here.
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Vaccine Distribution Volunteer
The City of San Jose has urgent need for COVID-19 vaccination distribution support. Apply today! These temporary positions will provide support at locations throughout Santa Clara County through June 2021, and possibly beyond.
Non-clinical COVID-19 Vaccine Champions are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, per County guidelines. More information and application here.
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Community Meeting: Get Pumped About The City's Implementation of Green Stormwater Infrastructure
The City of San Jose is holding a Community Meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, April 14 at 7:00 PM to inform the public about the City’s implementation of Green Stormwater Infrastructure. City Staff will also present potential projects within the City of San Jose.
Staff will be presenting the information that will be provided to the public in this meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Transportation and Environmental Committee, and City Council for approval in the upcoming month.
See flyer below for details.
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National Library Week San Jose Public Library
Beginning April 4th, you’re invited to join the San José Public Library Foundation and library supporters across the country in celebrating National Library Week. This is an annual opportunity to show your support for the people and programs that make public libraries such a vital part of our community.
Maybe you know a library worker who deserves a shout out for the amazing services they provide day in and day out. We encourage you to pay tribute to that person with a social media post!
You can visit sjplf.org to learn more about the impact that the Library Foundation makes in our community.
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Charter Review Commission
The Charter Review Commission was established to examine the City’s governance structure and solicit community input on strong mayor and other potential charter reforms to improve and update the City’s governance structure including but not limited to evaluating if the mayoral seat should be transitioned to the presidential cycle; evaluate transition of the election cycle for Council Districts; and consider additional measures and potential charter amendments, as needed, that will improve accountability, representation, and inclusion at San José City Hall.
The next meeting is on Monday, April 19 at 6:00 PM. Zoom link here.
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CA COVID-19 Rent Relief
Whether it’s a health-related event or a significant financial hardship, COVID-19 has affected us all. As our state continues to recover, we are committed to keeping families housed and recognize that California renters and landlords have enough to worry about. We want to make sure that past due rent isn’t one of them.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief will help income-eligible households pay rent and utilities, both for past due and future payments. For additional information, to find a Local Partner Network organization near you, or for eligibility and application help, call our CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center: 833-430-2122. Learn more here. |
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Parking Fees Resume April 1
The City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services will resume paid parking at regional parks and destinations after a temporary halt in response to the pandemic. Parking fees will resume on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the following locations:
-Almaden Lake Regional Park
-Alum Rock Park (Penitencia Creek Road entrance lot, Eagle Rock and Rustic Lands lots will remain free, as they were before the pandemic)
-Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
-Kelley Park
-Japanese Friendship Garden
-Lake Cunningham Regional Park
PRNS is taking a phased approach to reopening amenities. Public health and safety remain a top priority.
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New "Permit Services & Virtual Appointments" system for building permits
The City’s Development Services Permit Center has a new service. The Permit Services & Virtual Appointments system provides building permit applicants with a clear path for different types of projects.
With this new system, applicants can set the appointment themselves for projects involving accessory dwelling units (ADUs); simple projects; and projects involving either quick "over-the-counter" plan review or regular plan review. The online meeting will take place on the free Microsoft Teams platform.
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San Jose Clean Energy Discount Programs
We know many of our residents have lost jobs or hours due to COVID-19 and may be accruing debt as they struggle to keep up with bills. To help, San José Clean Energy (SJCE) has compiled a list of monthly and one-time bill assistance programs that customers may be eligible for, including the new Arrearage Management Plan (AMP).
AMP offers payment plans to help qualifying residential customers reduce debt owed on their electricity bills up to $8,000. The AMP program is administered by PG&E, and SJCE customers can apply.
To qualify, customers must:
• Be enrolled in CARE or FERA financial assistance programs,
• Owe at least $500 on their gas and electric bills,
• Be more than 90 days late on a bill,
• Have been a PG&E customer for at least 6 months,
• And have made at least one on-time payment. Through this program, customers will receive debt forgiveness in exchange for monthly on-time payments. With each on-time payment of current charges, AMP will forgive 1/12 of the eligible debt owed at the time of enrollment. After 12 on-time payments, your eligible debt will be forgiven.
For more information, visit here. T o enroll, call PG&E Customer Service at 1-800-743-5000 or visit here. I f you don’t qualify for AMP, there are other monthly and one-time payment assistance programs available. Visit www.SanJoseCleanEnergy.org/Discount-Programs for a list of programs and more information.
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County Behavioral Health Resources
The Behavioral Health Call Center is the entry point for access to all Santa Clara County behavioral health services. We provide support for individuals and families who are in crisis; considering suicide; or struggling with mental illness, substance use, or both.
The following resources are available to help people who may be experiencing distress or heightened anxiety right now:
24/7 Behavioral Health Services Department Call Center: (800) 704-0900
Crisis Text Line: Text RENEW to 741741
Suicide and Crisis Hotline 24/7: (855) 278-4204
If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911 immediately.
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Cancer Survivorship Virtual Seminar
Cancer CAREpoint is a local non-profit that provides personalized Counseling, Assistance, Resources & Education to cancer patients, survivors, families & caregivers at no cost - all programs are currently offered virtually, online or over the phone.
The seminar is free and will help cancer survivors learn how to thrive and advocate for themselves while living with and beyond cancer. The webinar is on Thursday, May 6 at 4:00 PM. Register here. |
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Recycle Right
Earth Day is on April 22 and is a time for us to reflect, appreciate, and take care of the environment and our planet. To celebrate Earth Day, we are challenging all San José residents to take the Pledge2RecycleRight. It’s quick and easy to participate. Choose a few simple recycle right actions that you’ll commit to trying for Earth Day this year.
Recycling reduces waste, keeps recyclable materials out of the landfill and helps protect the environment. Recycling also saves energy and valuable natural resources, and creates jobs. Unsure of what goes where? Visit SanJoseRecycles.org for a complete recycling guide and more.
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COVID-19 Resources and Updates |
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Santa Clara County moves to Orange Tier!
Santa Clara County has now moved into the Orange Tier! The following changes are effective, Wednesday, March 24:
-Indoor dining at maximum 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer;
-Retail stores indoors with modifications;
-Gyms and fitness centers indoors at maximum 25% capacity, with indoor pools open
-Movie theaters at maximum 50% capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
-Family entertainment centers indoors at maximum 25% capacity with modifications for areas of increased risk of proximity; and
-Zoos, museums, and aquariums at 50% maximum indoor capacity.
While we wait for enough people to receive their vaccines, we all need to work together to keep our risk of COVID-19 low in the meantime. Wear a mask, keep your distance, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Read more here.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information in SCC
Experts agree that the health risks associated with COVID far outweigh the risks of the vaccine. Appointments are available for people with a high chance of exposure, high-risk, and those 50 or older. Every Californian 16 and up will be eligible for vaccination on April 15, 2021. Sign up at myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to find out if it’s your turn. If you’re eligible, you can schedule an appointment, or register to be notified when one is available.
Continue to plan to get vaccinated when it's your turn, and check back on our webpage frequently: http://sccFreeVax.org
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Free COVID-19 Testing in Santa Clara County
Widespread testing provides a more accurate picture of how many cases exist in our community and helps us understand how and where the virus is spreading. Testing helps identify people without symptoms who could be spreading COVID-19 so that they can stay away from work and public places until their infectious period is over.
Testing sites in Santa Clara County here.
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COVID-19 Resource Directory
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To report a concern about a business, school, or healthcare provider or to find a COVID-19 service, go here: www.sccCOVIDconcerns.org.
- Call 2-1-1 to speak with an operator about programs and services to assist families in Santa Clara County.
- For any inquires related to your business or workplace operating under the current COVID-19 regulation in Santa Clara County, call (408) 961-5500, Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm.
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Contact the County about COVID-19, including questions about the Risk Reduction Order, Mandatory Industry Directives, and more.
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Silicon Valley Strong Fund
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is already hurting Silicon Valley residents, businesses, and community-based organizations. Particularly hard hit are those families and individuals who can least afford a medical or financial crisis, small businesses whose revenues have fallen off, and nonprofits that are seeing an increased need for services or have had to cancel arts, cultural, or fundraising events. The Silicon Valley Strong Fund-in partnership with lead organizations and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation-will work to address these economic impacts.
Now is the time for residents, businesses, and government to partner together to help. Donate, volunteer and read more here.
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