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Legislation Update

In this week's newsletter we highlight some legislative milestones we've managed to reach in our effort to address your concerns at City Hall. From finding ways to decrease vehicle blight and illegal dumping, to creating new standards of sustainability in new development projects, my team and I are fighting for you each and every day.

Safe RV Parking in Berryessa

This week the City Council unanimously voted in favor of moving forward with plans to open a new Safe Parking facility in order to move RVs and other Lived-In Vehicles off our streets and parking lots and into a managed location complete with on-site security, utilities, and social services.

This video contains a segment originally broadcast by NBC Bay Area along with the uncut footage of Councilmember Cohen's interview.

Addressing Vehicle Blight

BeautifySJ Fighting Vehicle Blight

Vehicle blight continues to plague our streets, but I worked alongside other council colleagues to mitigate its effects. I spearheaded the efforts to address abandoned and illegally parked vehicles with proactive compliance directives, friendly SJ 311 app updates, and new ideas to improve street sweeping performance.

Sustainability In Development

Setting the Standard on Environmental Stewardship

I worked directly with the team at STACK Infrastructure to ensure that their new data center in our district has the best possible systems in place to minimize the environmental impact of their new facility. We made sure plans included bike lane upgrades and that as much of their operation as possible would be run using renewable solar energy. The memo our office brought to Council highlights commitments STACK will be making to be environmental stewards. My office will view all new projects in our district through this lens of sustainability.

Protecting Measure E

We Can Build Longterm Affordable Housing AND Emergency Interim Housing

I have fought hard to protect the funds generated by the Measure E transfer tax, to be sure they're used as the voters intended when they approved it. Measure E Funds must go toward building more affordable housing in San Jose. This does not mean I am not supporting building Emergency Interim Housing, I believe we can do both. My plan shows exactly how we can work toward a long term solution in helping to lower housing prices. Meanwhile, in the short term, we can develop short term solutions to our homelessness crisis by moving folks from our streets and creeks, and into managed facilities.

My Budget Proposal to Fund Affordable Housing and Emergency Interim Housing

The Quick Build EIH projects approved by last year’s City Council and championed by the Mayor have been a subject of intense deliberation among the community, nonprofits, and city officials. While they promise benefits to the unsheltered community, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on funding for affordable housing initiatives. In response to these concerns, my staff and I have been working to find a middle ground allowing for the successful implementation of the Quick Build EIH projects while simultaneously upholding the city's commitment to Measure E and affordable housing.

This is not a binary choice between affordable housing and emergency interim housing. We need to be more deliberate in our actions, prioritizing communication and collaboration between departments and agencies. We can do both. We must do both. The solution I’ve proposed does both.

– Councilmember David Cohen

My team has created a page on my official website dedicated to this Budget Document, complete with all of the relevant details.

Science Fair Winners Visit City Hall

The County Science Fair sponsored by Synopsys takes place every year in San Jose, I've been a judge for 15 years and I'm always blown away by the work these young people are doing.

Movie Night At Cataldi Park!

Join us for Movie Night this evening at Cataldi Park. With events and activities for the whole family starting at 6pm, movie starts after sunset. Come early to grab a great spot and be sure to stop by my table to say hi to me and my staff!

Raising Pride Flag at SJPD Headquarters

It was my honor to participate in this morning's Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at San Jose Police Department's headquarters. We heard personal stories of pride and support for our LGBTQIA+ community from SJPD personnel and elected officials. I'm very proud to represent a city where all people are treated with love and respect no matter who they are, who they love, and how they identify. Happy Pride, everyone!

SJC Welcomes Spirit Airlines

Wednesday morning SJC welcomed the first Spirit Airlines flight into San Jose! It’s fantastic to see the travel sector coming back to life in the Heart of the Silicon Valley. Congratulations and welcome to San Jose!

Report Illegal Fireworks!

Fireworks are illegal in the City of San Jose. Lighting fireworks in your neighborhood could spark a brush or structure fire. Fireworks also cause stress and trauma in pets and children. You can anonymously report fireworks in your community and upload photo evidence using the 311 app. 

Here’s a breakdown of the fines you could be hit with if you’re caught using or selling fireworks in San Jose.

$1,000 for a first violation

$2,000 for a second violation

$3,000 for a third violation

The sale of fireworks may result in a fine of up to $50,000 plus jail time, depending on quantity.

Senior Summer BBQ Party!

Event: Senior Summer BBQ

Date: 7/8/23

Time: 1PM-4PM

Staff/Volunteer Time: 11AM-5PM

Location: Berryessa Community Center

Address: 3050 Berryessa Road, San Jose, CA 95132

Volunteer shifts for Senior Summer BBQ:

1. 11am-1pm: Set up crew
2. 4pm-5pm: Clean up crew
3. 1pm-4pm: Raffle station: The volunteer will be overseeing the tables where the raffle prizes will be displayed. They will be in charge of monitoring the items and ensuring that nothing is moved or taken from the tables. The volunteer will also remind participants to fill-out the back of the ticket, so the participants can be reached if they are not present during the raffle calling. A City staff or BSAC member will be in charge of selling the raffle tickets at a separate station. 

• Please arrive at least 15-minutes before your assigned volunteer shift to sign in and to be oriented for your role. 
• Check in with Angela Pedrigal (Volunteer Coordinator) at the Councilmember David Cohen booth to sign in. 
• If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Pedrigal at angela.pedrigal@sanjoseca.gov or (510) 266-2209.

Wine & Paint Night At Penitencia Creek Park June 9th!

What better way to get out and enjoy the park and lovely summer weather than to paint with some friends! Viva Parks presents Paint the City, a guided painting event in the open air of Penitencia Creek Park, 6-8pm on Friday, June 9th. Space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as Sign Ups open. Follow this link to check in.

Volunteer In Your Community

Volunteer Opportunities: 

If you are interested in volunteering over the summer, we are in need of volunteers for a wide array of events that take place in District 4! Please consider helping out your community.

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Pedrigal, at angela.pedrigal@sanjoseca.gov for more information. 

Jeepney Jam! A Philippine Independence Day Celebration

On June 5, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, Philippine Revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree at his house located in what was then known as Cavite El Viejo proclaiming June 12, 1898 as the day of independence. Jeepney Jam is San Jose’s latest Philippine Cultural Celebration. Along with our October event, FAHM Jam is produced in partnership with events team from Garden at the Flea / Moveable Co. along side San Jose based non-profit organizations that work with Filipino and Filipino-American communities and the South Bay as a whole. While we understand the wide variety of issues our community faces, we also understand that one of the best ways to preserve and display our talent and culture is through events like this. Inspired by the Street Jam cultural festival that existed in the 90s and early 2000s in Downtown San Jose, this generation’s event will be showcasing today’s local and past Filipino-American talent as well as small businesses that sell everything from food to fashion. This is a free event but donations to our non-profit organizers are welcome. Proceeds from this event to support development of Delanos Manongs Park in East San Jose, space dedicated to the forgotten heroes of the United Farm Workers along side Ceasar Chavez in the 60’s. Jeepney Jam & FAHM Jam events are family friendly events for all-ages and all walks of life are welcome to come enjoy the festivities.

Independence HS Band Heads to London!

Get Rid of Junk for FREE!

Did you know the City of San José will pick up your junk for free?

The City provides this service to all residents free of charge. Getting rid of your junk is easy; just check out the list of accepted items, make your appointment, then set your junk out by the street. Our team will come by to take it all away. This program is one of San Jose's best kept secrets, saving you a trip to the dump, while cleaning up the neighborhood!

Which Issue Is Most Important To You?

Let's Be Friends!

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Easily Access City Services

San Jose 311 is your gateway to City Services from vehicle blight abatement, graffiti removal, reporting fireworks, illegal dumping, pot holes, and more.

click here to get started.

Rebates up to 90% for Your Building Upgrades!

Through the San José Energy Efficient Business Program, your business can receive rebates when you make certain energy-saving upgrades. These significant rebates (80-90% off!) help make the projects more affordable, and when you combine the rebates with your lower monthly energy costs, the upgrades can quickly pay for themselves.

click here to get started.

Who's making a big difference in our community? A great teacher, business owner, a police officer who goes beyond the call of duty. Maybe there's someone spending their free time organizing creek clean-ups or blanket drives for the unhoused... If you've got someone special in your neighborhood, let us know by nominating them to be a District Hero!