Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to the midpoint of 2022. In May, we got to welcome back familiar events and gather with our community.
After a pandemic break, the Willow Glen 5K raced its way back into our hearts and downtown Willow Glen. Thanks to everyone who participated in the run, our volunteers, and those who came to cheer on the runners.
I am always thrilled to support our local public schools and the proceeds from the 5K will go directly to providing more Art, Science, Music, and Physical Education classes at Willow Glen Elementary.
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Have you been able to meet our new neighbor who always has the right time? The new Willow Glen Clock Tower has just moved onto Lincoln Avenue and I hope you take the time to view this beautiful landmark to Willow Glen. Thanks to the efforts of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and the support of Republic Urban Properties, Lincoln Avenue now has time for everyone!
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In this newsletter, I am inviting you to many special summer events. One event is Shakespeare in the Park's Romeo and Juliet. Silicon Valley Shakespeare will have FREE performances for the next two weekends this month at Willow Street Park at 7 p.m.
Another event I would also love to see you at is the Pride flag-raising that Councilmember Pam Foley and I are hosting together. The fun begins at City Hall at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7th.
Let's celebrate Pride Month with our LGBTQ+ community by attending these events.
Best,
Dev
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Budget Documents
It’s Budget Season at City Hall and each year the Council works with the Mayor to fund local activities and projects. Below are my budget requests:
The City of San Jose has the most thinly staffed police department of any major city in the country, and with growing concern in our community over crime, I want to ensure that the City is doing everything it can to recruit and retain sworn police officers. With this in mind, I am proposing a pilot program for SJPD to offer hiring bonuses to encourage lateral transfers of officers from other jurisdictions.
On the subject of public safety, San Jose has seen far too many traffic-related deaths this year, which is why I’m proposing funding to add 12 new red-light cameras to cut down on red-light running traffic fatalities. In my proposal, I call on City Staff to identify 12 locations with the highest crash frequency related to red-light running, with a focus on crashes that resulted in fatalities.
As we emerge from the pandemic, our community is yearning for opportunities to come together and return to normal. The City is sponsoring a 4th of July fireworks display this year, but we need to make sure that it’s embedded in the budget for next year. Absent of a professional fireworks display, we’ve seen the use of illegal and dangerous fireworks skyrocket in our community, which puts an enormous strain on our already stretched Police Department. With public safety and community in mind, I made a request to the Mayor to ensure that the 2023 4th of July celebration will feature another professional display for our community.
On the theme of togetherness, I am proposing having ongoing funding to finally expand weekend hours at the Bascom Branch Library. Longer library hours ensure children have a cool, fun, and safe place to visit during the summer. Expanding weekend hours is a longstanding request that I’ve heard from the community, and I’m aiming to deliver on that request.
Our public parks and trails have been a bright light during the pandemic and we need to prioritize keeping them safe, clean, and accessible. For these reasons, I am asking for funding to pilot a Trails Team program, to have staff and resources dedicated to serving our community's most impacted trail segments.
To address safety concerns with visiting children to the historic Roberto Abode and Sunol House, I requested funds to create a wrought iron fence along Lincoln Avenue and Highway 280 to prevent homeless encampments in that area. Additionally, I also made a separate request for funds to install a hardscape solution to prevent re-encampments along Los Gatos Creek in North Willow Glen.
While the City continues to find housing solutions for our unhoused residents, it’s important that we continue to support those folks as best we can. In this spirit, I am proposing more funding for maintenance staff in the Guadalupe River Park to support trash removal, park repairs, and other maintenance needed resulting in homeless encampments. Also, the park has seen an explosion in its feral cat population, which is why I put forward a separate request for additional feral spay and neuter services to address this problem.
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Homemade "Ghost" Guns
Unserialized guns account for 25% to 50% of firearms-related crimes and present significant challenges to investigators.
With this in mind, my colleagues and I took action to support local enforcement by passing an ordinance that prohibits residents from possessing, manufacturing, selling, assembling, receiving, or distributing these weapons.
Please note that this action only applies to unserialized firearms, and you may still assemble your own weapons, so long as you register the parts with the appropriate State or Federal agency.
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Celebrate Pride with Me and Councilmember Foley
Honor Pride Month with District 9 Councilmember Pam Foley and me on Tuesday, June 7th at 5 p.m. at City Hall.
We will be raising the Pride and Transgender flags.
Enjoy performances by the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus and the Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí.
Parking will be validated for those who park in the garage under City Hall on South 6th Street and E. Santa Clara Street.
See you in front of the Rotunda on June 7th.
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Shakespeare in the Park is back!
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.
You can enjoy the show more than once on the following dates:
June 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19
7pm @ Willow Street Park
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Another event that is making its big return after the pandemic is the St. Christopher Parish Festival. The Festival will take place at the Saint Christopher Parish School from Friday, June 10th to Sunday, June 12th. Below are the Festival hours:
Friday, June 10, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Viva Calle: Parks to Roses
Viva Calle returns once again for the third time this year on Sunday, June 12th from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. You're invited to join your San Jose neighbors in biking, skating, or walking the beautiful streets from Backesto Park to our award-winning Rose Garden.
Join in on the fun by trying new food trucks, winning games in the family contests, and awesome performances at Viva Calle on Sunday, June 12th.
See the Viva Calle route and street closures below.
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Livestream the Grand Opening of Fire Station 37 |
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San Jose Fire Station 37 now calls Willow Glen "home" and you can watch the ribbon-cutting of this new fire station on Wednesday, June 15th here from 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Rose, White, and Blue Parade
Get ready to see all of the wonderfully decorated cars that will cruise through our local streets on Monday, July 4th.
See the parade route here or sign up to be a volunteer for this event.
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National Night Out
I love getting to know each San Jose resident and National Night Out is one of the best and biggest ways to get to know your neighbors.
Get ready for the biggest block party on Tuesday, August 2nd.
If you would like to host a BBQ, a Block Party, or a potluck for National Night Out, register here before Sunday, July 17th.
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Report Fireworks Online
4th of July is quickly approaching and you can help keep our community safe from injuries and fires caused by illegal fireworks by doing the following:
1. Snap: Take a photo or video of the person using illegal fireworks if you can safely do so.
3. Report: Complete the online report in as much detail as possible to assist the City with taking enforcement action.
All fireworks, even those labeled ‘safe and sane’ are dangerous and illegal to own, sell or use in San José. Fines for using illegal fireworks now begin at $1,000 and the sale of fireworks can cost up to $50,000 plus jail time, depending on the quantity. If you observe an active fire or experience a medical emergency, call 911.
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Boards and Commissions Vacancies |
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You can shape San Jose's future by joining a Board or Commission. View vacancies here. |
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FREE Junk Pick-Up
If you need room for new summer furniture, make an appointment for a free junk pick-up to get rid of old mattresses and furniture.
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Village Harvest Needs Volunteers
Village Harvest helps people share their fruit, their time, and their talents to reduce hunger, prevent food waste, and make a difference in the community and our planet.
Village Harvest needs volunteers to pick and sort fruit that will be given to Bay Area families and individuals in need.
See upcoming volunteer opportunities with Village Harvest here.
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A Gift for You and Your Future
By writing your will or trust now, you can leave an impactful legacy and make sure that your loved ones are protected. It only takes 20 minutes to write your legally valid will or trust on their platform.
Start your will today and support the people and causes you love.
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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.
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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.
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Citywide Fitness
Looking to get your summer body right or 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.
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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.
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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.
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