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

Update on Berryessa School Consolidation

Enrollment is down by more than 25% in Berryessa Union School District schools over the last 20 years, meaning that schools can no longer offer the services our students deserve. The school district is undertaking a rigorous, public process to decide on the best approach to dealing with it. I understand how much stress the uncertainty causes families as the process plays out.

The district recently launched a task force to assess potential school closures and strategize for $6 million in funding reductions. The months long process has included numerous public meetings and discussions and the School Consolidation Advisory Committee hopes to come back with a plan by Oct 16.

I was voted to serve on the San Jose Council by the families of all 13 Berryessa Schools (and 6 other schools in other districts). As a former school board member and parent of Berryessa alumni, I’m sad any schools have to close to better serve students. The board has a difficult decision to make and I’m not envious of this tough position they are in.

I am fully aware of the situation and following it closely. I will be looking forward to hearing the consolidation committee's recommendations and the School Board's deliberations in the months ahead. I urge all interested residents to engage with the School Board, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month. 

For details, visit the district school consolidation webpage.

Any questions you may have about the process,

you may send to school-consolidation@busd.net

You can find the information regarding the meetings of the BUSD School Board

on the BUSD Trustee webpage

Mid Autumn Festival Was Amazing!

Mid Autumn Festival this weekend was a beautiful reflection of what makes District 4 truly special! It was such a vibrant showcase of our talented students and a great day to express gratitude for this year’s blessings. I’m grateful to our 50+ dedicated volunteers, sponsors, community organizations, and our dear library friends who helped bring the community together! This year’s event doubled in size since last year with more than 600 community members in attendance!

Volunteers: @phhs_interact  • @phhscsf  • @phhskeyclubd12e  • Scout Troop 41

Sponsors: @d4sanjose  • @ottoleed3  • CA State Senator Aisha Wahab • Berryessa Friends of the Library • Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council

Performers: @joyousspringliondance • @phhsvsa • @phhs.sxc • @compass.p.m • @fasca_sfba 

Resource Fair: @d4sanjose  • CA assemblymember @alex_lee  • @ottoleed3  CA State Senator Aisha Wahab • @sccvote • @boyscoutsofamerica scout troop 41 • Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council • Berryessa Community Center - Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services • Berryessa Friends of the Library

Decorations: Lan Anh Bui • Nancy Ly • Thu Nguyen

Join Us For Alviso Clean Up!

Location: Spreckles Ave in Alviso

Join us for California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon. Register today and be the solution to water pollution in Santa Clara County! We welcome volunteers of all ages!

Important Details:

• Every participant must sign a waiver, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Gloves, garbage bags, litter sticks, and other cleanup supplies, will be provided on-site.
• Stay hydrated! Fill up and bring your reusable water bottle before you head out.
• Wear comfortable clothing, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
• Don’t forget to bring a hat and wear sunscreen.

Talk trash and help spread awareness about littering by sharing cleanup posts and photos through social media. Tag us using the hashtag #CCD2024 on Instagram and Facebook (@scvwd) or X (Twitter) (@valleywater).

About Coastal Cleanup Day:

California Coastal Cleanup Day is a statewide effort to protect our creeks, rivers, lakes, coastal areas, and wildlife from trash and debris. Since its inception by the California Coastal Commission, more than 1.5 million volunteers have removed over 25 million pounds of litter from beaches and inland waterways. The Creek Connections Action Group coordinates the effort in Santa Clara County.

September Is National Preparedness Month

From Ready.gov:

September marks National Preparedness Month, the annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe.

While the resources and information shared during National Preparedness Month and on Ready.gov can be used by anyone at any time to get prepared for whatever may come their way, this year, the campaign is focused on preparing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The Ready Campaign aims to ensure all of our friends and neighbors have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes.

2024 Theme: “Start a Conversation”

Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. 

Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:

• Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. 
• It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. 
• Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

To help spark a conversation, we’ve created preparedness toolkits in English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese. Toolkits include graphics, publications and messaging you can share with family, friends and neighbors.

Later this fall, Ready and the Ad Council will launch a new Public Service Advertisements (PSA) campaign that will include broadcast, out of house graphics and more.

View and Download Ready.gov Toolkit

Volunteer with PRNS

You can help keep our parks clean and beautiful! Make a difference in your community and volunteer with PRNS to clean up parks and trails throughout San José. This video offers an easy to follow, 4 step guide on how you can volunteer at parks with PRNS. Follow the guide to join us at our next park volunteer event.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities: bit.ly/parkvolunteerevents

Follow us on Instagram • Twitter (X) • Facebook

Annual Trail Survey • Give PRNS Your Input

The Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department has launched the 2024 Annual Trail Survey. It will be open for feedback until Monday, September 30. This survey is available to share thoughts on San José’s trails, and the results will, in part, help guide the City’s trail development. 

••• Upcoming Events •••

Kids Day in the Park • Sept 21

Airport Community Day • Sept 21

San Jose Reid Hillview Airport Community Day • September 21, 2024- 10am-3pm

A Family Friendly FREE Science and Arts and Aviation and Music Community Festival

Welcome to the coolest aviation & science & community festival in Silicon Valley!

Sign Up Below or Contact Us

Habitat Restoration Day • Sept 22

Don Edwards Habitat Restoration Day on Sunday September 22 • 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Join us for a social and environmental volunteering event to help restore the wetlands for the vital birds and mammals that live by the bay! Help with raking and mulching to prepare the area for native plants. All activities will be standing up and supplies and tools are provided in addition to snacks, and bottled water. This program is hosted by Bay Area Older Adults in partnership with Valley Water. Please email us at info@bayareaolderadults.org to let us know you will attend, so we can bring your snacks and water. Get more information here.

Senior Safari at Happy Hollow • Sept 26

You're invited to Senior Safari at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. D4 residents, pre-register in the Entry Plaza at Councilmember David Cohen's table. Senior Safari, presented by Kaiser Permanente, is designed to help older adults improve their health, avoid social isolation and enjoy a unique environment that stimulates both mind and body. Senior Safari offers free admission and parking on the fourth Thursday of each month from May through October from 9-10 a.m. For ages 50+ only. Guests under 50 may enter at 10 a.m. Senior Safari is a joint program of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Happy Hollow Foundation.

Questions? Please contact foundation@happyhollow.org

••• Resources •••

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!

Nominate a District 4 Star!

Our annual District 4 Stars Gala is our way of honoring members of our community who've worked hard to make a positive impact in District 4. Small businesses, public servants, local leaders, and more. If you know someone you think is a Star in District 4, nominate them by clicking the button below.