District 6 Newsletter 
May 2020

Dear Neighbor,
 
Greeting from inside my garage. It's my new office. Some of you have seen me reveal it behind the picture of City Hall on my green screen during my Facebook Live Office Hours. Thank you to those of you who have tuned in. If you haven't had a chance to join me, I will continue to host Facebook Live Office Hours every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. on my Councilmember Dev Davis Facebook page . You can email your questions ahead of time to me at dev.davis@sanjoseca.gov .
 
Read more here. 

District 6 Spotlight

Facebook Live with SJPD Chief Eddie Garcia

Watch the recording of my Facebook Live with Chief Eddie Garcia below! As a reminder, Join me every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. for a Virtual Office Hour. I will share some timely updates as well as leave plenty of time to answer your questions. 

Facebook Live with SJPD Chief Eddie Garcia



District 6 Youth Commission 

The Youth Commission is recognized as the official youth advisory group to the Mayor and City Council. Youth Commissioners develop policy recommendations concerning youth and support youth who serve their community through civic engagement and participation. District 6 is looking for a Youth Commissioner for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Apply here.


District 6 Small and Essential Businesses 

You can view the list of open small and essential businesses in District 6 here. Please email district6@sanjoseca.gov if you know of more we can add!

Recent Votes

Freeze on Rent Increases
 
During this time, we have to take certainty whenever we get it, and we have to make certainty for our residents wherever we can. Council passed a temporary moratorium on rent increases for rent-stabilized apartments and mobilehomes, suspension of late fee charges for apartment rent ordinance program fees, allow landlords and tenants to enter into agreements to reduce rent, and waiver of building maintenance and repair permit fees.

COVID-19 City/County Updates & Resources
 
Shelter-in-Place Extension 

The Bay Area Health Officers announced last week an extension of the shelter-in-place order. Construction activities, certain businesses that operate primarily outdoors such as landscaping, and some outdoor activities, such as golf and tennis, will be allowed to resume with specific conditions. 

The new order will extend through May 31. Read the full order  here . 

 
Drive-through COVID-19 Testing site in East San José

The City of San José and County of Santa Clara have facilitated a new drive-through COVID-19 testing site in East San José in collaboration with Verily's Baseline COVID-19 Program. Santa Clara County residents can use the Baseline COVID-19 Program online screener and appointment scheduling system here  to screen their symptoms and, if eligible, make an appointment for testing.


Virtual Local Assistance Center

With the County of Santa Clara extending the Shelter-in-Place Order though May 31, you may be wondering how to access helpful government services. The City's Virtual Local Assistance Center is here to help. The website includes information about where food is being distributed and where to get help with housing, rent, and eviction issues. It also covers unemployment services, domestic violence services, and how to keep healthy during the pandemic. Residents can also call 311 for the same information. 


Childcare for Essential Workers

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new online portal to help essential workers find childcare. Go here for information on licensed childcare providers that are currently open.

 
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 . 


Small Business Loans

The Small Business Administration has announced it will provide Disaster Assistance Loans to businesses and not-for-profit organizations affected by COVID-19.

Business owners still have many questions about how the loans will work. Vic Farlie, business development officer at the Office of Economic Development, put together a FAQ for our local business community to explain things as understand it today, which we are sharing with you here. For more detailed information, see the SBA's COVID-19 website.

The City of San Jose will be assisting small businesses in learning more about and applying for the loans, through the technical assistance our BusinessOwnerSpace partners here.  Read more here . 

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. Read more here. 


Silicon Valley Strong Free Meals

Please read the flyers below with the most current information about free meals countywide: one flyer for Children and Youth (under 18) and one flyer for Older Adults (60 and older). More locations and information about free meals and groceries  here .  

Find more curbside  pickup ,  delivery , and  take out options sourced by the  San Jose Downtown Association ,  Silicon Valley Organization , and Dining at a Distance.  Food bank information here. 

You can contribute to the Student Nutrition Program making a donation, tax deductible, for student meals, here. 


Mental and Emotional Health Resources 

I am very concerned about people's mental and emotional health during this time and want to share any resources that may help  here . 
 
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.

Mental health appointments can continue. Patients should consult with their practitioners to determine whether it is appropriate and feasible to conduct individual mental health appointments remotely.

All participants in group counseling services must attend meetings remotely if they are equipped to do so. Groups should make accommodations for remote support to the maximum extent feasible. If remote participation is not feasible or advisable under the circumstances, participation may occur in person provided that there is compliance with the social distancing requirements set forth in the Order, including maintaining at least 6 foot distance between individuals and capping group size to reduce in-person interactions.


San José Launches Virtual Recreation Center

The City of San José Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department launched a virtual center supporting physical and mental health through online learning and creative at-home activities. This digital resource will include links to live pilot classes, recorded entertainment, online resources, and fun educational activities for all ages. The Virtual Recreation Center will feature community centers, attractions like Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 360 degree park views, online workouts, digital excursions, and more. Learn more at here.


What to Read, Watch, Cook, Learn, and Do Right Now


Your daily routine may have drastically changed over the course of the last few weeks. What once was a mad dash from breakfast to school-drop-off to your morning commute to the office, may now look like a leisurely stroll to the couch while trying to entertain your kids and also get some work done. If you've felt bored, uncertain, unproductive-here is a list of Blue Zones-approved activities and recommendations for how to downshift, find your purpose, and potentially learn something new during this time we are confined to our homes. Read more here . 


Protecting Residents Experiencing Homelessness

The City of San José Housing Department - in collaboration with the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing, Destination: Home, Valley Homeless Healthcare Program, County of Santa Clara Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - is supporting the local emergency effort to protect unhoused individuals from COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the virus. The group has developed a priority workplan to: expand shelter capacity to help more people, allow for social distancing and protect the most vulnerable; create isolation (for infected people) and quarantine spaces (for people who may have been exposed) for those exposed; and, develop a referral process for homeless individuals in encampments.

Through this emergency action effort, nearly 800 new shelter beds have been identified to-date, and the shelter plan includes a mix of locations including motels, bridge housing (i.e., tiny homes), temporary shelter beds at Parkside Hall, temporary beds at South Hall, and 104 trailers provided by the State of California and located in the East Parking Lot of the Kelley Park complex at Story and Remillard. Locations for hundreds of additional shelter beds are being evaluated this week. Our goal is to stand up thousands of temporary shelter beds as quickly as possible because a number of public health experts believe this number is needed to contain the speed of COVID-19 among the homeless community.

Today, Council will vote on reallocating funds that will build temporary emergency housing so we can house our most vulnerable residents. Our homeless residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. 

Portable toilets and hand washing stations have been placed at large homelessness encampments to improve sanitation and increase access to hygiene. Unhoused individuals can call HomeFirst's Homeless Helpline (408-510-7600) for assistance. Safe Parking sites are operating 24/7.


CDC Recommendations 

Use of Cloth Face Coverings: How to Wear a Face Cloth Covering


VTA Light Rail

The Santa Clara County Health Officer's extension of the Shelter-in-Place order through the end of May includes a mandate for transit personnel and passengers to wear face coverings while riding beginning Monday, May 4.

That means anyone boarding VTA vehicles will have to comply by donning a face covering and continue to adhere to social distancing requirements to the greatest extent feasible. Bus and light rail operators will also be wearing face coverings while in their vehicles.



California DMV

The relief measures are the latest DMV actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

-Temporarily closing field offices. Following deep cleaning, expansion of virtual services and development of new protocols, the DMV soon will offer in-person services in each region. Information on office openings will be announced by DMV in the near future.

-Extending all driver licenses that expire between March 1 and May 31, 2020. Drivers 70 years and older are receiving a 120-day temporary paper extension in the mail, and drivers 69 and younger can request a free temporary paper extension online.

-Keeping expiring commercial driver licenses, endorsements and certificates valid through June 30, 2020.

-Temporarily waiving required in-person renewals for eligible driver license and identification cardholders with expirations in March, April, and May 2020. Individuals who meet the criteria are able to renew online or by mail.

-Launching the DMV Virtual Field Office to create new digital options for transactions that previously required an in-person office visit.

-Canceling all behind-the-wheel drive tests to honor social distancing guidelines. 

More information here. 


Federal Arts Funding Opportunities for Nonprofit and Commercial Arts Organizations and Individual Artists


The Small Business Administration preliminary reports indicate that the arts, entertainment and recreation sector has received at least $4.9 billion in federal relief. An additional $300 million is provided through the federal cultural agencies as grants to nonprofit arts and humanities organizations. Here is information on accessing CARES Act funds from the perspective of a nonprofit arts org, a governmental arts agency, a commercial arts company, a self-employed individual artist, and as a taxpayer. 

See the full report here.


Face Coverings Required At Mineta San Jose International Airport 

Face Coverings Required at Mineta San Jose International Airport starting today, May 4. For the latest COVID-19 updates at SJC, visit here.

City News & Updates

Waste Collection Increase

I have received numerous emails about the proposed 15% rate increase in waste collection. This was in the works before COVID-19 and represents the maximum amount that rates could be increased in the upcoming year. However, with more than 1 in 6 Californians out of work now, and all the action the Council has already taken to ensure people stay housed and fed, it is inappropriate to increase rates so much. I have encouraged City staff to work hard to find savings to pass along to residents in this area. City staff will come to City Council on June 9 with their final recommendation. Our office will continue to keep you informed.


  Department of Planning, Building & Code Enforcement

We're still reviewing plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during Shelter-in-Place. Visit www.sanjoseca.gov/ADUs to learn the pathway to a completed ADU - and contact your helpful ADU Ally at ADU.Ally@sanjoseca.gov for questions. It's a good time to think about adding a backyard home or garage conversion!


Live From Home San Jose Jazz

Live From Home is an experimental series of live-streamed concerts presented by San Jose Jazz in response to the quarantines sweeping the world due to the COVID-19 crisis. Look for these 30-40 minute live streams on Facebook Live and the San Jose Jazz YouTube channel every Monday and Thursday until further notice, when we'll give you the opportunity to directly support artists during this difficult time. Coming shows include local artists like Amy D. (May 7) and the Hogan Brothers (May 11); and national stars like Quiana Lynell (May 14) and Stella Heath (May 14). More information here. 



2020 Aquatic Programs Cancelled

 The City of San José continues to prioritize the health and wellness of our community. Due to the many challenges and uncertainties presented by COVID-19 and its impacts on program preparation, summer aquatic programs at Camden Pool, Fair Swim Center, Mayfair Pool, and Rotary Ryland Pool are cancelled for the 2020 season. For questions about class cancellations and refunds, contact SJregistration@sanjoseca.gov, or visit here for more information about the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department's closures and cancellations. To find suggestions for staying active at home, visit the City's Virtual Recreation Center: bit.ly/sjvirtualrec.


San José Public Library Update

San Jose Library locations are closed until further notice in order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). You can still access the eLibrary with your membership. More information here. 


San Jose 311

San José partnered with Google to recognize National311Day and improve our 311/911 response system.  Now, San Joséans can dial 311 to be connected to City Hall for non-emergency services, clearing the airwaves for emergency 911 calls.

The MySanJose App is now "San Jose 311" with new features!  Read more here . 


City of San Jose Board and Commission Vacancies 

Apply for a City of San Jose Board or Commission! Please note that list of current and upcoming vacancies is always available on our website here. Because this work can be done remotely, the City is not postponing the boards and commissions recruitment. 



U.S. Census Bureau in Santa Clara County

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. 

It's also in the Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. Read more here. 

Office of Councilmember Davis | 408-535-4906 |  district6@sanjoseca.gov | www.sjd6.org