Leaping into February!

Hi neighbor,

Happy Lunar New Year! The year of the dragon is anticipated to bring auspicious opportunities and exciting advancements for all! So, we've got that going for us! I want to wish all that celebrate the holiday rest, renewal, and celebration. Chúc mừng Năm Mới!

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, the San José Public Library (SJPL) is hosting multiple free, fun, family-friendly events that include story time, crafts, festivals, lion dance performances, games, and so much more. Library staff are also sharing their recommended list of titles to learn more about the traditions of the Lunar New Year. 

State of the District

Although my time in office is limited - I term out at the end of December 2024 - I plan to work hard on making a difference over this next year by focusing on a few important goals. Don't forget to attend my last State of the District online event on Thursday, February 22, 2024 for more info on last term goals. Please see details below. I'd love to see you all there!

Best,

Dev

City Council Updates

New Catalytic Converter Laws

This week at city council, I join my colleagues Councilmembers Domingo Candelas, Peter Ortiz, Sergio Jimenez, and Bien Doan by supporting our proposal to strengthen the laws prohibiting the unlawful possession of catalytic converters. The proposed changes will enact a higher schedule of fines within a shorter time frame of violation for the possession of catalytic converters. Based on nationwide insurance claims, catalytic converter thefts skyrocketed during the stay-at-home orders of the COVID-19 pandemic. In San José, reported catalytic converter thefts totaled 836 reports in 2023, causing major economic setbacks for victims. Depending on your insurance coverage, replacing a catalytic converter can range anywhere between $1,000 - $3,000.   

No Return Zone

We have some beautiful trails in San Jose and all residents should have access to use those trails. Those trails should also be clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Last Tuesday at Council, I asked for an abatement of camps occupied by unhoused residents from the Guadalupe Park living on the trail and next to the waterway. To avoid re-encampment, which often occurs after a clean up, I joined the Mayor Mahan and Councilmember Omar Torres in recommending the city deploy a rapid-response team and posting signage with park rules as required by law that allows the city to abate again without reposting signage to preserve our progress in making the areas clean and safe. To read the entire memo click here.

San Jose's Housing Element Certified by the State

Because the State of California allowed developers to use a law called "Builders Remedy" for any city who did not have a certified housing element plan, the planning department received several submissions under this plan that allows developers to bypass local building ordinances. Now that the City of San Jose has a certified plan, any submissions past June of 2023 (when the plan was submitted to the state), will not be honored under the Builders Remedy loophole.

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities with

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley is an independent affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together organization and is one of the only organizations in Santa Clara County that provides critical repairs at no cost to low-income homeowners and nonprofit facilities by leveraging volunteer labor. Since our establishment in 1991, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has renovated nearly 3000 homes and community facilities. 

We serve homeowners who cannot afford to make repairs and/or modifications to their homes and whose independence and safety are jeopardized by the condition of their homes. Our work preserves affordable housing by transforming homes and lives through critical repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners and community centers, at no cost to the service recipient. The majority of the low-income homeowners we serve are elderly seniors and/or people with disabilities, who are physically and financially unable to maintain safe and warm living conditions for themselves and their families. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods in our community. 

We are able to provide all of our services, at no cost to the recipient, by utilizing volunteer labor and donated and reduced-cost supplies and materials. We could not provide life-changing repairs for our low-income neighbors without the generous support of our sponsors. Most of the work is completed by community volunteers who generously donate their time and talents to help. 

Without donors, we cannot fund our projects…without volunteers, we cannot perform our work…and without clients, we cannot serve our community. To get involved in our life-changing work by supporting us, volunteering your time, or applying for repairs, email info@rtsv.org or visit our website www.rtsv.org for more information.

Attention changemakers! Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Valley Health Foundation, and Amazon are hosting an empowering event focused on creating equitable policy changes and to uplift women in our community. Join us for a day of engaging workshops, mindfulness activities, and thought-provoking conversations to develop your leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in your community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the change we want to see in the world. More information will be provided, but you can register EARLY at: bit.ly/womensummit_2024

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024

Time: 9am - 4pm (Registration will open at 8:30am)

Location: San Jose State University - 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192

SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE RSVP BY: Friday, March 15, 2024

Dear Neighborhood Associations,

This is a friendly reminder, that we’re hosting a Dumpster Day training session on Feb.7 2024, from 6pm to 7pm, and would like you to attend. Please save the date in your calendar. The training will take place via Zoom. All Neighborhood Associations  are invited to attend. The goal of this training is to give you the tools you need in order to set up an event of your own in the future. After attending this session, you’ll have learned how to properly have a successful Dumpster Day in your neighborhood. 

If you have any special requirements or need any adjustments please let me know.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to attend.



I look forward to seeing you there

Insurance Commissioner Lara alerts consumers throughout the state to insurance coverage following winter storms

February 5, 2024 — As winter storms pelt the state with extreme wind, rain, and snow, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is working to help Californians understand their insurance coverage and how they can recover from storm damage. The Department has posted a Top Ten Tips for People Affected by Winter Storms to answer questions about what consumers’ insurance policies may cover.

“Consumers have been hit hard by these winter storms. It’s essential to know what your insurance covers so you can recover quickly,” said Commissioner Lara. “Even if you think you may not have a claim, it’s important to confirm this with your insurance company. You pay the premiums, you are entitled to services to help your recover with a valid claim. My team is here to help you understand your policy and how to get help if you have winter storm damage to your home, business, or vehicle.”

Many people may not be aware that homeowners’, renters’, and commercial insurance policies typically exclude flood, mudslide, debris flow, and other similar disasters. However, they can cover water damage from wind-driven rain that occurs during a storm and damage from fallen trees. Comprehensive vehicle insurance can also cover flood damage and other winter storm damage. The Department has resources and guides online in for help with filing a claim.

Commissioner Lara also warned Californians to be on the lookout for illegal activities from contractors or public adjusters and to report them to Department of Insurance investigators. Last week he issued a consumer fraud alert following flood damage in San Diego County.

“There are many reputable businesses that can help you recover. Sadly, some people seek to take advantage of consumers with scams, fraudulent practices and substandard or unnecessary services,” continued Commissioner Lara. “Our Department’s experts are constantly vigilant for potential illegal activities that harm consumers. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the Department of Insurance as soon as possible. We are here to help.” 

Consumers can take the following steps to recovery after a winter storm:

• Obtain complete copies of your insurance policy and see what type of storm damage is covered.
• Consult with your agent or insurance company to see if damage caused from fallen trees are covered under your insurance policy.
• Check if damage to vehicles as a result of flood or fallen trees is covered under the “comprehensive” or “other than collision” portion of your auto policy.
• Check your deductible and assess the situation. If the damage is below the deductible, the insurance company would not be obligated to pay. Move forward to report the damages to your insurance company if the damages exceed your deductible.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent your property from further damage. Take pictures and keep records of all clean up and repair costs. Don’t make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster sees the damage.
• Document all of your conversations with your insurance company/adjuster about your claim and policy limitations in a dedicated “claim diary.” If your adjuster says something is excluded, limited, or subject to certain conditions, ask the adjuster to point out the specific provision in your policy being cited.
• View our tips to avoid scams after a disaster and Do not rush into repairs or rebuilding without first considering all your alternatives. Before choosing a contractor, make sure the contractor is licensed by contacting the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in your area. Call the CSLB toll free at 1-800-321- 2752 to check a contractor’s license or get further information on home and property repairs, or log onto the internet and access their web site at www.cslb.ca.gov for further information.
• Try to settle your claim directly with your insurance company before hiring a public adjuster or an attorney. Ask your insurance agent or company representative to help you with your claim, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
• 
  

The Department of Insurance can help consumers with insurance coverage or claim questions. Contact us at our consumer hotline at 800-927-4357 or through online chat or email at insurance.ca.gov.

# # #

Media Notes:

• Flood Insurance Resources
• Top Ten Tips for People Affected by Winter Storms – English
• Los diez mejores consejos para las personas afectadas por las tormentas de invierno

Free Tax Help!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library/San Jose State University

150 E. San Fernando Street

Second Floor, Room 255, San Jose

Saturday February 10th

10 am - 2 pm

Walk in service and some appointments

available at: https://calendly.com/tax-aid-appointments

If you want to get started on completing the tax questionnaire, you can download a copy of the form on this page of our website where you will also find a list of documents we need to prepare your taxes: https://tax-aid.org/virtualtaxservice/

Your friends at Tax-Aid

Free affinity nights return for 2024 this month! Next Thursday, we kick off Women's Night - a welcoming and safe space to learn basic bike repair at your own pace. Our programs emphasize inclusion, access, and community. Instruction includes basic skill development in common roadside repairs and mechanical safety. Bring your own bike or learn on one of ours. Space is limited, please RSVP by following the link below. We look forward to having you. Please share this link/email with friends who may be interested. 

Coming up: LGBTQ+ Night and Noche Española 

Check our website for upcoming dates

Our Contact Information

Good Karma Bikes

82 South Montgomery St.

San Jose, CA 95110

(408) 291-0501

http://GoodKarmaBikes.org

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Recycling Your Old Mattress

If you are planning to be one of the many mattress shoppers this Presidents Day weekend, remember that there are some no-cost, easy ways to keep your unwanted one out of the landfill or from becoming illegally dumped in our community. Learn more about retailer take back, recycling ♻️ options and more at www.ByeByeMattress.com #ByeByeMattress 🛏️💤

Attention changemakers!

Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Valley Health Foundation, and Amazon are hosting an empowering event focused on creating equitable policy changes and to uplift women in our community. Join us for a day of engaging workshops, mindfulness activities, and thought-provoking conversations to develop your leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in your community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the change we want to see in the world. More information will be provided, but you can register EARLY at: bit.ly/womensummit_2024

Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024

Time: 9am - 4pm (Registration will open at 8:30am)

Location: San Jose State University - 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192

SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE RSVP BY: Friday, March 15, 2024

#WomenSummit2024 #UnityinDiversity #WomenEmpowerment #Leadershipskills #womenhealth

Storm Resource

Was Your Property Damaged in the Storm? If the storm caused structural damage to your property, call the City of San José at 408-535-3555 to report the damage. We have a damage survey process to help you quickly obtain permits and inspections. A damage survey fee may apply. City construction taxes will not be charged on related building permits. For more information, visit bit.ly/StormDamageHelp.