d4sanjose.com • (408) 535-4904 • district4@sanjoseca.gov

Congratulations to Our D4 Stars Awardees!

The District 4 Stars Gala & Dinner was truly an unforgettable evening, celebrating the remarkable individuals who make our community shine brighter.

This year, we had the privilege of honoring five extraordinary leaders for their dedication and impact: Susan Fowle, named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless contributions to bettering our community; Retired Gardner Health CEO Raymundo Espinoza, recognized as Philanthropist of the Year for his generous efforts in making our community healthier; SJPD Officer Jamil Carter, celebrated as Safety Officer of the Year for her commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe; Joe Bria, honored as Public Servant of the Year for his outstanding service to our city; and Diana Nazari, named Educator of the Year for her inspiring dedication as a 12-year member of the Orchard School Board.

The evening’s festivities also included a significant milestone as I was sworn in for my second term by my good friend Thelma Boac.

Following the swearing-in, I delivered my State of the District presentation, offering a look back at the accomplishments of my first term. From championing critical projects to enhancing services for residents, I am proud of all that we have accomplished and thankful for the support of the community. Looking ahead, I outlined an ambitious vision for the future, emphasizing key initiatives and goals for my second term that aim to build on the progress made and address the most pressing needs of District 4.

It was an inspiring evening filled with gratitude, hope, and a renewed commitment to making District 4 a better place for everyone. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating our incredible awardees and marking the beginning of another chapter of leadership and service!

Jamil Carter is a dedicated San Jose Police Sergeant with over 21 years of service to the residents of our city. Promoted to sergeant more than three years ago, she has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering commitment to community engagement.

Sgt. Carter prioritizes serving her community with integrity, fairness, and compassion. She has made a lasting impact by fostering trust and building strong connections between the San Jose Police Department and the city's diverse communities, particularly its communities of color. Through initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for positive interaction between residents and law enforcement, Sgt. Carter continues to strengthen the bond between the department and the people it serves.

Her dedication and service are making San Jose a safer, more inclusive, and better place for everyone.

Reymundo Espinoza has spent a lifetime championing accessible healthcare for underserved communities. With extensive experience in hospitals, planning agencies, hospital associations, and administrative roles, Reymundo has been a steadfast advocate for improving lives through health services.

For 37 years, he served as CEO of Gardner Family Health Network, where he played a pivotal role in expanding healthcare access across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Gardner started in Alviso and was the first federally recognized Community Health Center in the state of California. Under his leadership, Gardner grew to include outpatient clinics, mobile healthcare units, and services for the unhoused, serving tens of thousands of local residents, many of whom live near the poverty line or lack health insurance.

Reymundo’s vision and dedication positioned Gardner Health as a leading provider in the region, transforming countless lives and leaving a legacy of care and compassion for the communities he served.

Susan Fowle is a cornerstone of the Berryessa community, known for her calm, friendly demeanor and tireless commitment to improving her neighborhood.

As treasurer of the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council, Susan has played a key role in securing BeautifySJ grants that have funded community enhancements, such as the benches in Penitencia Creek Park and the vibrant mural on the Community Center. Her leadership extends to the Berryessa School District Bond Oversight Committee, where she ensures transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds.

Susan’s contributions to the Berryessa Art Festival over the past two years have been instrumental. She has been part of the planning committee, staffed the stage, and even sponsored the event by funding wine glasses and the stage itself.

Susan’s dedication, humility, and generosity have left a lasting mark on Berryessa, making her an invaluable part of the community.

For 31 years, Joe Bria was a beloved presence in Berryessa, ensuring the safety of students as a school crossing guard. If you attended Piedmont Middle School, you likely remember Joe’s warm smile and cheerful “Good morning!” that set a positive tone for countless school days.

Joe retired last year, but his impact on generations of students and their families is indelible. Beyond his role as a crossing guard, Joe’s life of service is marked by his time as a Navy veteran who served during World War II.



Joe, thank you for your decades of service to both our country and our community. Your contributions are deeply appreciated, and we hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved retirement!

Diana Nazari dedicated 12 years to the Orchard School District as a trusted and visionary Board member. Appointed in 2012, she earned the community’s confidence through re-elections in 2013, 2015, and 2020, completing her service in 2024.

As a mother of two, Diana brought a personal connection and deep passion to her work. During her tenure, she championed the completion of transformative projects, including a new library, event center, and athletic field, enriching the educational experience for all students.

Beyond the boardroom, Diana was an integral part of the Orchard community, advocating for equitable opportunities and student well-being. Her leadership and dedication leave a legacy of progress and inspiration for future generations.

Planting Trees at Bruzzone Park

My team and I had a great time at Bruzzone park this weekend, planting 44 new trees! Over 100 volunteers came out in the spirit of Dr. King, serving the community alongside Mayor Mahan, San Jose State President Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Councilmember Campos, and others.

San José Is For Everyone

Last week, I joined Councilmembers Ortiz, Candelas, and Campos, along with other community leaders, to assure residents of our city that San José is for everyone, regardless of immigration status. Students should not be scared to go to school, parents should not be afraid to go to work, and families should not live in fear of being separated. Our city thrives because of its diversity, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every resident feels safe, valued, and supported. Together, we are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of everyone in our city, fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute.

Touring the Dewatering Facility at Zanker Road

Last week my team and I had the opportunity to tour the construction site of the new Dewatering Facility at Wastewater Treatment Plant located in District 4. The new facility will transform organic waste into renewable resources and free up large amounts of open space in Alviso. The site showcases innovative solutions our city is implementing to reduce landfill waste and support environmental sustainability.

Breaking Ground: Cherry Ave Interim Housing Site

San Jose is taking significant steps to address homelessness by breaking ground on a new 136-bed tiny home community along the Guadalupe River. This initiative, part of the city's plan to nearly triple shelter capacity, includes interim housing sites at locations like Via Del Oro and Rue Ferrari, as well as a safe parking lot at Berryessa Road. These efforts aim to reduce the unsheltered population, clean up waterways, and comply with the Clean Water Act, addressing pollution caused by encampments along creeks and streams. Homeless residents from nearby areas will be prioritized for housing at the Cherry Avenue site, which showcases a collaborative effort among local and state governments, nonprofits, and philanthropists.



The Cherry Avenue project is unique in its emphasis on community support and partnerships, with significant contributions from Good Samaritan Hospital, philanthropists like John Sobrato, and state funding redirected from San Diego. Advocates highlight the economic and social benefits of providing interim housing, which reduces cleanup costs and helps individuals transition back into society. This site has received widespread support, particularly from the Erikson neighborhood, marking a shift in public sentiment toward collaborative solutions to homelessness.

Disaster Can Strike Anywhere, Anytime, Be Ready

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in Southern California.

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders who are working tirelessly during this difficult time. This tragedy is a critical reminder that disasters—whether fires, earthquakes, or even tornadoes—can happen right here in San Jose. Now is the time to make sure your household is prepared.

Visit Ready.gov for tips on creating an emergency plan, building a disaster supply kit, and staying informed. Make sure you have:

• An emergency plan that includes all members of your household.
• Enough supplies to last at least 72 hours, including food, water, and medications.
• A go-bag with essentials in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Let’s stay vigilant, stay prepared, and support each other as a community.

Make Music Day San Jose

Join Us

Musicians, music lovers, spaces, and places are welcome to participate in the citywide event. Artists comprise students, amateurs, educators, music collectives, and professionals—all are welcome to participate in the celebration of music. Both artists and venues sign up via our online match-making software, where each creates a profile.

Venue/Spaces profiles include contact information, how long venues would like to host music, what kinds of music they are interested in booking, and what kind of equipment (chairs, electricity, water, etc.), if any, they can provide.

Artist profiles include contact information, sound bites, and the type(s) of music an artist or band performs. Venue and artist profiles can also include pictures, social media links, and website links.

Match-making 

Once the profiles are created, venues may browse the list of artists and vice versa, each requesting an amount of time from the other for the performance.

Requests are accepted or declined at the discretion of the artist or venue. Before a performance is finalized, the venue must accept the request from an artist or the artist must accept the request from a venue.

Once final, the performance is posted to our live, interactive map on our website, which the public can view and explore on an interactive web app.

Other Details

All performances are free and open to the public. All venues support local artists by giving them a platform to perform and encourage the participation and enjoyment of the public by opening their doors to their communities. Make Music San José staff help finalize performance details, aid venues in securing permits, and market the festival in print, online, and social media channels.

EcoHome Rebates and More

Get up to $12,000 in rebates to electrify your home!

Install a new heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater and we’ll give you up to $4,500 in rebates! Some customers may qualify for an additional $2,000 rebate.

You can also receive up to $5,500 in rebates for other clean energy projects such as electric panel upgrades, attic insulation, and prewiring.

Switching from gas to electric improves air quality, reduces pollution, and makes your home more efficient and more comfortable. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, our rebates can help you make the switch.

Immigration Town Hall With Senator Wahab

City Council Replay

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, no City Council meeting was held January 21

JAN 21, 2025 | City Council Study Session: Code Enforcement Operations

JAN 22, 2025 | Rules & Open Government/Committee of the Whole

Community Health Care • Enroll Now

Open enrollment is officially underway for Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program serving Californians without access to any other health coverage.

Even with the expansion of Medi-Cal in 2024, too many Californians remain uninsured. The Community Health Care Program (CHCP) helps to address this gap by providing Kaiser Permanente’s high-quality care and coverage to eligible Californians in our service areas. 

CHCP members are enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Platinum 90 HMO plan. Monthly premiums for comprehensive coverage are subsidized, and CHCP members do not have to pay copays for out-of-pocket costs for most care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.

Individuals do not need to be U.S. citizens to qualify.

The deadline to apply for CHCP is January 31, 2025, and space is limited.

Find CHCP outreach resources:

Please visit our CHCP resource page to find information about CHCP to share in your community or with your colleagues and networks:

• CHCP flyers available in 9 languages
• CHCP overview presentation deck 
• Zip code list for KP service areas 

Information about eligibility, how to apply, and a list of organizations helping individuals to apply can also be found online or by calling 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711). 

••• Upcoming Events •••

Lunar New Year Celebration • Jan 25

International Holocaust Remembrance Day • Jan 27

Councilmember David Cohen invites the community to a press conference commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 3:30 PM, at San Jose City Hall (east plaza). The event will honor the memory of those who perished during the Holocaust and reflect on the importance of standing against hatred and bigotry in all forms.

This solemn gathering will feature moving speeches from Holocaust survivors, their descendants, and community leaders, highlighting the resilience of those who endured unimaginable suffering and the continued importance of educating future generations.

Speakers include:

• Boris Kapilevich – Holocaust Survivor
• Irina Mandelboym – Holocaust Services Emergency Assistance Coordinator, Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley
• Simi Monheit – Second-generation survivor and author

The event is co-hosted in partnership with leading local organizations dedicated to fostering awareness and remembrance:

• JCRC Bay Area: Advocating for justice and building interfaith and intercultural bridges. Learn more
• Jewish Silicon Valley: Strengthening community ties and promoting Jewish values and traditions. Learn more
• Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley: Supporting Holocaust survivors and providing essential services to those in need. Learn more

Reflecting on WWII Era Japanese Internment • Feb 19

San José State University cordially invites you to join us for the 2025 Day of Remembrance, an event dedicated to reflecting on the history of Japanese incarceration and celebrating the enduring activism that ensures such injustices are never repeated.

Day of Remembrance is a national observance of the World War II incarceration of Americans of Japanese descent in the United States. It is recognized nationally on February 19th, the date that Executive Order 9066 was issued and initiated this process. In 1942, the building currently known as Yoshihiro Uchida Hall on SJSU's campus served as a registration center for local Japanese Americans prior to them being forcibly removed to incarceration camps.

This year’s program will feature a plenary session with distinguished local community dignitaries and a powerful taiko drumming performance. The event will also include three consecutive breakout sessions that emphasize the importance of historical remembrance, intergenerational dialogue, and community advocacy.



Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
• Time: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
• Location: Diaz Compean Student Union Theater, San José State University

Breakout Sessions:

1. Artist Yayoi Kambara: A public talk on using performance studies and industrial design to tell stories about Japanese incarceration and civil liberties.
2. Building Bridges: The Role of Intergenerational Dialogue in Healing and Advocacy
3. San Jose Japantown Women Leaders: A discussion featuring community leaders from San Jose Taiko, Yu-Ai Kai, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

We would be honored by your presence as we come together to reflect, learn, and foster a commitment to justice and equity.

Kindly RSVP by Monday, February 3rd to nina.chuang@sjsu.edu. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

We hope you can join us for this meaningful event.

••• Resources •••

🚲 Get $2,000 for an e-bike!

Starting December 18 at 6 PM 

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Senior Nutrition Program • Berryessa Community Center

The San Jose Senior Nutrition Program at Berryessa Community Center provides nutritious meals and social activities for seniors aged 60 and older. The program promotes healthy living and offers opportunities for social interaction, reducing isolation while ensuring access to balanced, affordable meals.

Senior Nutrition Program: In partnership with TRIO Senior Meals, provides meals to Older Adults 60+ at 13 community centers throughout the City. All meals served at community centers meet county health standards.

• Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
• Contact: 408-251-6392
• Senior Nutrition Program Menu

Free Trees for District 4 Residents

Our team is hard at work, pushing toward our goal of planting 1,000 trees by the end of Councilmember Cohen's first term in office. Now we're launching a new program aimed at getting more trees planted in residential areas. If you have a great spot for a tree on your property, get in touch with us for details!

Free Junk Pick Up!

We could all use a little extra space around the house this time of year, if you've got junk and clutter in your garage or yard, take advantage of this great FREE service from the City of San José! Make an appointment to get rid of old appliances and furniture, mattresses, and more. It's easy, just fill out a short form online, move your stuff to the curb, and a truck will come and take it all away!