As we move into the next phase of COVID response, the County has lifted its mask mandate for indoor activities, businesses, restaurants and venues. Businesses still have the right to require them for their patrons. School children must still wear masks through March 11.

This week, the City Council voted to lift the booster requirement for city-owned properties, aligning more closely with the state directive that requires proof of vaccination or negative test results for venues with over 1000 people. It is still very important for our collective public health that everyone get their vaccines and boosters when eligible. I highly encourage anyone who can to get their booster shot so we can continue to make progress to return to normalcy.

More information about vaccine events, testing sites and other COVID related news can be found below in the COVID section of this newsletter.

We celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2. I had a chance to share one of my favorite children's books, Verdi, with kids through the San Jose Public Library virtual reading program. I also spent some time with a preschool class at the Berryessa Community Center, where I read Leo the Late Bloomer with a very engaging group of local children.

Want to learn how to better protect yourself, your family and your property from potential crime? Join us as at our 3rd Safe Neighbor event in District 4, held in partnership with the San Jose Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. We will also be joined by special guest Police Chief Anthony Mata.

We'll be focusing on a community effort to provide a more neighborhood-centric approach to public safety. The event will be held Saturday, March 12th from 10:30AM-Noon at Brooktree Elementary School.

Public safety is a team effort. My goal is to work toward a partnership between law enforcement and the community in order to establish trust. Also, by giving the residents of our neighborhoods safety training, we can all look out for each other using the tools and knowledge that will create a safer city.

I look forward to seeing you at the event!

The South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk invites you to a unique evening of great exhibitions in galleries, museums and art supporting businesses. ArtwalkSJ hours are tomorrow, March 4 from 5–9pm, free admission, all ages welcome, rain or shine.

The Health Trust is delivering more meals and critical services to meet the increased needs in our community. They have continued to adapt their services in order to keep our seniors and vulnerable neighbors safe and nourished in their own homes.

As a result, we are in desperate need for volunteers. You can volunteer as an individual or volunteer with a group of friends or coworkers – a fun way to give back to your community!

Nestled in a canyon in the Diablo Range, Alum Rock Park sits on 720 acres of and boasts over 13 miles of trails, including 6 miles of horse trails and 3 miles of bike trails. You can find detailed maps, along with more information about amenities, facilities and activities here.

The City will be celebrating Alum Rock Park's 150th Anniversary Marquee Saturday, May 14, 2022 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. We'll be reopening the visitor center and there will be live music, food trucks, a climbing wall, jump houses, large lawn games, and a mineral spring walk. Come celebrate with us!

You're invited to join the East Side Education Foundation for safe and delicious meal. In light of the ongoing pandemic and county health orders, they're hosting another Grab-N-Go Crab Dinner on Saturday, March 19th.

For $75 a person, you'll get a feast with all the trimmings — including plenty of crab, sausage, pasta, and garlic bread. They're offering drive thru contactless pickup at the San José Scottish Rite Center from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

In case you can't get there in person, they'll have a live feed from the drive thru line so you can meet the students they serve and the volunteers who make their work possible! 100% of the proceeds from this event will support East San José students through college savings accounts, scholarships, mentoring, and career counseling.

Not hungry? You can always make a tax-deductible donation here.

They hope you'll join them for dinner on March 19th. Thank you in advance for supporting East Side student success!

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Everyone: Every home in the U.S., regardless of their insurance status, is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Orders ship in 7-12 days. Order free at-home tests at www.covidtests.gov.   

Avoid Fake COVID-19 Tests: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Division of Consumer and Business Education recently issued guidance on how to avoid purchasing fake COVID-19 tests. For more information, visit the FTC webpage. 

Guidance to COVID-19 Testing Options: With the high demand for COVID-19 testing locally, the County Public Health Department offers guidance on what kind of test to use, when a test is needed, and where you should and should not go to get tested. The testing options are a PCR test, typically administered in a clinic or drive-through operation, and an antigen test, which is available for home use. To help inform residents about the COVID-19 testing options, we encourage you to share these social media assets. 

Everyone 12 and older who is six months out from their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months out from their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot. 

The full list of vaccine sites can be viewed here, and testing sites here. Please note that the sites listed below are drop-in only and have varied schedules. All sites have boosters available. Keep in mind that vaccination capacity may be limited at some vaccination sites. We encourage residents to make an appointment, if possible.

· Sun Pharmacy (2559 S. King Rd., San José 95122)

· Advance SJ Pharmacy (2331 Montpelier Dr., Suite A-10, San José 95116)

· Dan Hopner MD/Rom Romero PA (2060 Aborn Rd., Suite 100, San José 95121)

· Emma Prusch Park (647 S. King Rd., San José 95116)

· Bay Area Community Health (5504 Monterey Hwy., San José 95138)

· Bay Area Community Health (Rocketship Mosaic) (950 Owsley Ave., San José 95122)

· Bay Area Community Health (1855 Lucretia Ave., San José 95122)

· Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (101 North Bascom Ave., San José 95128)

· Story Road HUB (1775 Story Rd., San José 95122)

· Latino College Preparatory Academy (14271 Story Rd., San José 95127)

· Valley Medical Center/Valley Health Center East (1993 McKee Rd., San José 95116)

· Valley Water (OptumServe/CDPH Bus) (5750 Almaden Expy., San José 95118)

· Bay Area Community Health - Monterey (5504 Monterey Hwy., San José 95138)

· Costco (OptumServe/CDPH Bus) (2376 S. Evergreen Loop, San José 95122)

· SCC Office of Education (OptumServe) (1290 Ridder Park Dr., San José 95131)

· Santa Clara VTA (OptumServe) (2240 S. 7th St., San José 95112)

· Santa Clara VTA (OptumServe) (3331 North First St., San José 95134)

· Santa Clara VTA (OptumServe) (3990 Zanker Rd., San José 95134)

· County Fairgrounds, Parking Lot A (344 Tully Rd., San José 95111)

· Grand Century Mall (OptumServe/CDPH Bus) (1111 Story Rd., San José 95122)