When I think about what it looks like for a community to come together with a common purpose, I am proud to say I picture District 2's Annual Great American Litter Pick Up on Saturday, April 13, 2019: Hundreds of residents of all ages spending a sunny morning with my team to #beautifySJ and help us achieve #D2CleanStreets!
Our biggest community clean up event of the year was a hugely successful collaboration between the City's Anti-Graffit Anti-Litter Program, the City's Project Hope initiative in the District 2 Roundtable Drive neighborhood, our generous sponsors, and our diverse volunteers, including: Neighborhood Association leaders, local business owners, Oak Grove High School students, Santa Teresa High School students, local Boys and Girls Clubs, UA Local 393 members and apprentices (and even their children!), and more.
Here's what we accomplished at our 2019 Great American Litter Pick Up:
240+
Volunteers
240+
Trash bags collected
3
Sites (Pictured above: Oak Grove High School, Christ the King Church, Santa Teresa High School)
1
day!
As always, I am grateful to our Sponsors who made this day even more enjoyable for our volunteers: UA Local 393, Astrid Tromp, Angie Cocke, Gabi's Petite Cafe, Delizias Bakery, 7-Eleven, Mercado California, and TacoMania.
Let's continue to work together to move our City forward and make our neighborhoods more beautiful, inclusive, and welcoming. Please follow me on
Facebook
,
Twitter
, and
Nextdoor
as I provide timely updates on opportunities and issues that affect you in South San Jose and beyond.
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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Our Community Wildflower Hike in the jewel of D2: Coyote Valley
I spent a breathtaking morning at our Community Wildflower Hike in Coyote Valley, in District 2's own backyard. Thank you
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority for leading us
through the rare serpentine grassland that provides critical habitat for 14 rare and endangered species, including Bay Checkerspot Butterflies, Metcalf Canyon jewelflowers, burrowing owls, golden eagles & more. This invaluable open space in San Jose deserves to be protected for generations to come.
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Supporting and protecting Coyote Valley through legislation
Long before many of us were in the roles we’re in today, Coyote Valley was talked about -- but through the lens of development. Now, the conversation has changed to one of environmental protection and preservation.
I want to thank Assemblymember
Ash Kalra
, State Senator
Jim Beall
, and Mayor
Sam Liccardo
for supporting efforts to protect Coyote Valley through the introduction of legislation
AB 948
.
Let me share with you this Ancient Greek proverb which captures the essence of our efforts: “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.”
Read and watch more about
AB 948
:
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Sharing a message of support and guidance to our local youth as they think about their future
When I was navigating through high school and college, I was surrounded by people who loved and cared about me — but I didn’t have someone to mentor and guide me. I sat as a San Jose Councilmember next to fellow keynote panelists at the
ALAS (Advancing Latinx Achievement and Success) Conference
, hoping to get this message clear to our local youth:
- We are here to motivate and empower you to pursue higher education
- We are here to provide you with the resources and support you need
- We want to see you succeed!
I was proud to help encourage the expansion of a college-going culture among Latino youth and their families living in Santa Clara County.
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Safe Parking Program expands to give residents a chance to get back on their feet
On Tuesday, March 26th, the City Council moved ahead with the expansion of San Jose’s Safe Parking Pilot Program to two new sites: Roosevelt Community Center in District 3 (Downtown) and Southside Community Center in our own District 2 (South San Jose). These two sites will accommodate at least 50 individuals or families on any given night, keeping them safe and thus giving them a chance to get back into housing or shelter.
I am proud to be part of the effort to find solutions to homelessness in our city and even more proud of the neighborhoods surrounding Southside Community Center in District 2 which, despite questions and some trepidation, ultimately embraced this project, recognizing the immense need that exists. Indeed, District 2 has been an example to follow, with the operation of an Overnight Warming Location (OWL) at Southside Community Center in 2018 as well as the planned affordable senior living project at
397 Blossom Hill Road.
It is with the example of these contributing neighborhoods in mind today that I continue to call on my City Council colleagues who do not yet have a Safe Parking Program location or enough housing in their Council Districts to do their part in addressing our state of emergency as it relates to homelessness.
Thank you to the community members and leaders who supported this vote as well as my City Council colleagues who voted unanimously to see this expansion through. These actions show our City's dedication to the welfare of all our neighbors.
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Actions we're taking to preserve affordable housing in San Jose
On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, the City Council took important steps on funding and preserving affordable housing for our lowest income residents. Some of the items that were approved:
Affordable Housing Investment Plan
The Council voted unanimously to increase the minimum of funds invested in extremely low-income (ELI) housing from 30% to 45% of funds over the life of the Housing Investment Plan. As the City continues to implement its Affordable Housing Investment Plan, we must not forget the massive housing gap that remains for our city’s lowest-income earners, the Forgotten Poor. We owe our most vulnerable residents a stronger commitment, which is why I am glad to see that the minimum was raised to 45%.
AB 705 (Stone) Mobile Home Park Closures
Lastly, the Council approved my recommendation to support AB 705, authored by Assemblymember Mark Stone.This bill would ensure that when a mobile home park containing low and moderate income housing is converted for a different use, it will not result in the unmitigated loss of affordable housing. In San Jose we have approximately 35,000 mobile home park residents, the largest number of mobile home households in any city in California. Furthermore, we know for a fact that if mobile home residents, many of who are seniors, are displaced, they will likely have no comparable housing available to them in San Jose or even Santa Clara County. I am committed to protecting and preserving our affordable housing stock in San Jose.
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You can weigh in on proposed VTA changes that would further connect parts if San Jose District 2
There are two key changes proposed by Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Route 42 is especially important since it would provide transit service to the VA Clinic and the Mexican Consulate, which I have been advocating for. The VTA Board of Directors will be adopting the final Transit Service Plan at the May 2, 2019 Board of Directors meeting, so it is important for District 2 residents to share their input!
Key excerpts:
VTA will seek adoption of the 2019 New Transit Service Plan at the May 2 Board of Directors meeting. Prior to the Board’s decision, the plan will be reviewed by VTA’s Advisory and Standing Committees in April. The plan would go into effect in fall 2019 coinciding with the start of BART service to Santa Clara County.
Route 42 Routing Change
The Draft Plan proposed that Route 42 travel on the southern/western side of US 101 along Cottle Road and Raleigh Road. 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.
New Express Routes Service Model
The Draft Plan proposed to discontinue four express routes (101, 122, 182 and 185) and decrease trips on four others (102, 103, 121 and 168). These proposals were based on the high cost per boarding that VTA has been incurring for peak-period, directional trips (over $30/rider compared to $7/rider for VTA’s core routes).
The Final Plan proposes to defer the Draft Plan’s proposed service decreases until early 2020 so that VTA can respect the financial contributions that employers have made to purchase annual SmartPasses for their employees. In early 2020, VTA will implement a new Express Route program model that includes third-party funding partnerships that would offset the high cost of operation and bring the routes into compliance with VTA’s performance standards.
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Sound the Alarm: Working with our super partnership to install 251 smoke alarms in a local mobile home park
My office joined the Silicon Valley American Red Cross, the San Jose Fire Department, and beautifulDay for their Sound the Alarm event at District 2's very own Town and Country Mobile Home Park. The event seeks to provide quality and operational smoke alarm systems for every mobile home resident in the City of San Jose.
Here are the amazing results: 49 volunteers, 87 houses reached, 251 alarms installed, 163 residents met, and 46% of the mobile home park was made safer!
We were so excited that our installation goals were exceeded. The residents were appreciative to receive free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, get replacement batteries in existing alarms, and learn ways to educate their families about fire prevention and safety. The volunteers were terrific, and SJFD continues to be champions of these efforts… what a super partnership!
Thank you all for making District 2 a safer place.
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Miner Park Community Meeting
We shared conversations about how residents and the City can work together to enhance public spaces at our Miner Park Community Meeting.
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Earthquakes honor local coaches
I joined the San Jose Earthquakes at their South San Jose Neighborhood Night to honor two special coaches that have given of themselves for years so that our kids in South San Jose Youth Soccer League develop into excellent players. Thank you Francisco Lopez and Arturo Santana for all you do!
We also recognized Christy Flores from Alex Anderson Elementary School as well as Oak Ridge Elementary School.
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A Look at More Community Stories
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I was inspired by the new influx of public servants within our San Jose Fire Department! I was honored to be present as we welcomed Recruit Class 2018-01 on March 22.
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Standing with local leaders at the Cesar Chavez Flag Raising, hosted by Councilmember Raul Peralez. It is a privilege to recognize the legacy of Cesar Chavez with members of his family.
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I spent part of my morning with families of Edenvale Elementary eating tasty pancakes in support of their long-standing
Adopt-A-College program
. Huge thank you to Golden Rule Masonic Lodge #479 for cooking the food for the last 10+ years!
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I love our seniors! Once a month, I help serve lunch and enjoy the company of our San Jose seniors at Southside Community Center as they visit with friends and of course ask me about the latest political gossip! Their zest for life and humor make my visits all the better!
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I spent the morning sharing information with the Christopher Elementary parent leadership group. We talked about City services because it's important to have a connected and engaged community.
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I shared the stage with Crime Prevention Specialist Nancy Rueda at the Magic Sands mobile home park Crime Prevention Meeting. We shared information about public safety and how to remain an engaged neighborhood.
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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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Bike to Work Day - May 9
Join thousands of other new and seasoned bike commuters who hit the pavement on two wheels! Bike to Work Day is the perfect day to give bike commuting a try. Swing by one of over 100 Energizer Stations in Silicon Valley to get your share of goodies and encouragement. Head to
bikesiliconvalley.org/btwd
for more information.
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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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Earth Week is approaching – the time of the year when we’re reminded of our impact on our planet and encouraged to take action, big or small, to preserve it for future generations.
Now that
San José Clean Energy (SJCE)
is San José’s new electricity provider, it’s easy
and
cost-effective to reduce your carbon footprint. In February 2019, homes and businesses were enrolled in SJCE’s GreenSource electricity service, which is cleaner and 1% cheaper than PG&E standard service. So you don’t need to do a thing to save money and join the fight against climate change.
If you want to take it one step further, consider upgrading to
TotalGreen
to get 100% renewable energy from SJCE. By choosing TotalGreen, you’ll join over 700 San José homes and businesses that are helping reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, clean up our air, and preserve our planet for our children and future generations. Each TotalGreen home saves the same amount of CO
2
as 1 acre of U.S. forests absorbs each year.
TotalGreen costs one penny more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than GreenSource, which is about $5 more per month for the average SJCE residential customer. You can plug in your usage into
SJCE’s bill calculator
to see how much extra TotalGreen will be for you.
This month SJCE will start the process to contract with vendors to build new renewable energy resources like solar and wind farms dedicated for SJCE customers. Instead of profits going to shareholders, SJCE will reinvest revenue back into our community through lower rates and programs that reduce carbon emissions further and promote equity. Together, we can power and empower a more sustainable San José!
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Valley Water is offering an exemption from the Safe, Clean Water property tax for qualifying low-income seniors. Those who qualify may apply between April 15 and June 30 and save approximately $60 on their property tax bill.
The Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program is a 15-year program approved by voters in November 2012 to provide a safe, reliable water supply, care for and restore wildlife habitat, creeks and open space, and to protect our water supply and local dams from earthquakes and other natural disasters. Funding for the program comes from a parcel tax on Santa Clara County properties each year.
To be exempt from the tax, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Born before June 30, 1955.
- Total household income for 2018 was below $53,854. Total household income is the total gross income for every person over 18 years old who lives in the home. It excludes capital gains.
- Live in and own the home the tax is assessed on.
Frequently asked questions and the application packet can be found
here
.
Deadline to submit application is June 30, 2019!
If you have any other questions or need assistance regarding the the Safe, Clean Water low-income senior tax exemption, please contact us at: Valley Water Tax Hotline: (408) 630-2810 or
seniorexemption@valleywater.org
.
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Be in-the-know about local ongoing transportation projects
VTA 2019 Transit Service Plan
1) VTA’s Proposed Final 2019 New Transit Service Plan website, which has all the changes from the draft plan and is available in different languages.
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:
http://bit.ly/betavtaorg
Caltrain Business Plan
San Jose Better Bike Plan 2025
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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, and time may be limited to 15 minutes per person depending on the number of attendees.
Upcoming Office Hours:
Saturday, May 4
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Edenvale Library, Study Room B
Monday, May 20
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Santa Teresa 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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