Hello to the Month of May!
Hi Neighbor,

April was a busy and productive month! I am proud to update you on the many developments that were celebrated and started this past month.

Below are the groundbreakings of the Rotary PlayGarden at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, the Bascom Station, and the Delmas Village.

The Rotary PlayGarden includes an all-inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play. The Bascom Station is a project that will be accomplished by Bay West Development and will provide 560 more units of multi-family housing and office space near the Bascom VTA Station. Lastly, Delmas Village will provide 120 units of housing in West Downtown San Jose and will be completed in 18 months.
Rotary PlayGarden
Bascom Station Project
Delmas Village
In this newsletter, I have included many fun, outdoor events that we are welcoming back after sheltering in place such as Shakespeare in the Park and the Rose, White, and Blue Parade.

I look forward to seeing you at the events and enjoying warmer weather with you.

Best,

Dev
City Council Updates
Non-Citizen Voting

In January, the Council voted to explore expanding municipal voting rights to members of our community who are not U.S. citizens. I voted against this proposal because I believe that voting is a right and responsibility of citizenship.
 
This issue is being brought back to Council via a special Study Session. I will send another email with the Zoom link to that Study Session soon.
Climate Smart Updates

Last week, the Mayor and two of my colleagues wrote a memo regarding the City’s Climate Smart Plan. This memo touched on the City’s proposed Building Electrification Framework and contained concerning language that implied a future mandate on gas to electric conversions.
 
I voted against this memo as I believe gas conversions need to be driven by homeowners and not by a government mandate. The memo was moved forward by my colleagues, but know that the Building Electrification Plan is still a proposal and is not official City policy.
Valley Water Voting

In April, I wrote to you that I strongly opposed the Santa Clara Valley Water District approved a June 2022 ballot measure to increase the term limits for its Board of Directors from three (3) successive four-year terms to four (4) successive four-year terms.

My colleagues and I took an official position in opposition to the ballot measure. This position is based on the misleading language presented in the measure, and our desire to ensure that San Jose residents are well informed when heading into the ballot booth.
Outdoor Plans for May
My May Office Hours are Cancelled

Every first Wednesday of each new month, I hold virtual Office Hours. However, this month, I will NOT be hosting Office Hours.

I would like us to continue collaborating, so please send me an email with your questions and/or concerns.

I will resume Office Hours in June. Please be on the lookout for my email that will contain the Zoom link, date, and time for next month's Office Hours.
Guadalupe River Art Walk

SJ Walls (formerly POW! WOW! San Jose) returns as a mural festival until Sunday, May 8. Watch 17 local artists from sunrise to one hour before sunset paint nine new murals along the Guadalupe River Park in downtown San Jose.

On Saturday, May 7, experience the Guadalupe River Park Gardens, murals, and Pop-Up Market at 229 Jackson Street on one or two wheels by cycling, skateboarding, roller skating, or riding a scooter!
Willow Glen 5K is on May 7

Friday, May 06 is the last day to register for the awesome return of the Willow Glen 5K.

This run will provide art, science, music, and PE for our local public schools.

The race will begin at 9am on Saturday, May 07. View the running courses here or sign up to volunteer at this race.
Iris Garden Clean-Up Day

The Iris Garden in the Three Creeks Trail needs us!

Help give our Irises the proper love and care on Saturday, May 14 from 8:45am-12noon at the Iris Garden Clean-Up Day. Register here.
Shakespeare in the Park is back!

Calling all theater fans! Silicon Valley Shakespeare is excited to have in-person productions again at our local parks.

This summer's FREE play is Romeo and Juliet. The iconic Shakespeare couple will be played by two female leads to show that the tragedy of these star-crossed lovers still rings true today and that #loveislove.

Opening night is on Friday, June 3 at Willow Street Park at 7pm.

You can enjoy the show more than once on the following dates:
June 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19
7pm @ Willow Street Park
Rose, White, and Blue Parade

The most beautiful parade is back! On Monday, July 4, get ready to see all of the wonderfully decorated floats and cars that will cruise through our local streets to celebrate Independence Day.

See the parade route here or sign up to be a volunteer for this awesome event.
Win the Golden Ticket

The San Jose Sports Authority Golden Ticket provides:

  • 40 San Jose Sharks games @ the SAP Center
  • 17 SJ Earthquakes games @ PayPal Park
  • 10 SF 49ers games at Levi's

Tickets can be purchased for $100 per raffle ticket. Each ticket provides the purchaser with one entry into a drawing for the season tickets. All proceeds from the Golden Ticket benefit the SJ Sports Authority. The winner will be announced this November. Buy your Golden Ticket here.
How to Get Involved in Our City
Parkland Development
Community Meeting

The City of San José Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department is studying possible changes to fees paid by residential developers.

These fees support the development of parks, trails, and community centers in your neighborhood. The Parks Department wants to hear from you about this effort at their upcoming virtual Community Meeting on Thursday, May 19 from 6:30-8pm.
 
Learn more about this effort here. Join the May 19 Zoom meeting here.
Boards and Commissions Vacancies
Shape San Jose's future by joining a Board or Commission. View vacancies here.
FREE Junk Pick-Up

If you are doing Spring cleaning, make an appointment for a free junk pick-up.

Senior Nutrition Program
If you or someone you know is 60+ years or older, you can receive hot and healthy meals at any of the 14 San Jose Community Centers in the images above. To obtain a yellow nutrition card, please call your Community Center.
Small Business Rent Relief

The City of San José has set aside $3,800,000 of its federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to provide grants of up to $15,000 to small businesses located in San José to cover the business owner’s unpaid or pending rent from March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. 

The City of San José will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, May 3.

The application period may be extended past this date if funding availability allows. Please read through the entire eligibility requirements before applying.
Citywide Fitness

Looking to get your summer body right or simply want to be more active?

San Jose Community Centers are now offering annual, monthly, and daily fitness passes!

These passes are for all ages. Learn more or purchase your membership here.
Lower Your Electric Bill

San José Clean Energy has resources to lower your bill and pay off debt. Find ways to save energy and make your home more energy-efficient here or call 833-432-2454.
Vaccinations and Boosters

Children ages 5-11 can receive their COVID-19 vaccine and those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago are eligible for their booster shot. View walk-in sites or book an appointment for your third dose here.