Hi neighbor,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Every year, I am thankful you have given me the rewarding opportunity of serving as your Councilmember.
I am incredibly grateful that I get to collaborate with so many San Jose residents to move our city forward. Thank you for being involved and using your voice to get things done. Reflecting on my six years on Council always warms my heart as we have accomplished so much together.
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This November, I celebrated Thanksgiving with the families at Evans Lane Interim Housing. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and I look forward to celebrating Christmas with them this December. |
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I strongly encourage you to donate a new toy, jacket, or book to these families in my Evans Lane Holiday Gift Drive. Please also remember to support our small businesses on The Alameda and in Willow Glen when shopping this month.
In this newsletter, you will find many events to get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit. The Santa Run is back and so is Christmas in the Park - this time with two locations. Don't miss out on this season's treats!
Best,
Dev
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Downtown Housing
My colleagues and I took action to update and expand the Downtown Residential High-Rise Program. Our City needs more housing and specifically in places like our downtown core. By expanding the boundaries and continuing with a fee reduction program, we hope to encourage development, and ultimately see a more dense and economically vibrant downtown.
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Addressing Homelessness
Addressing our City’s homelessness crisis has been a top priority of mine. This week, my colleagues and I directed City Staff to explore bringing two more Emergency Interim Housing communities online: one at the Cerone VTA Yard and the other at the Cottle VTA Light Rail Station. Details still need to be finalized with the VTA, but if an agreement is reached, these two sites will get 200 unhoused residents into housing.
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EV Charging Station Pilot
This November, my colleagues and I directed City Staff to move forward with the development of 1-3 City-owned, electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations. There are EV charging stations in the City, however, we want to ensure a more equitable distribution of charging stations and encourage greater market competition. The City aims to address both with this pilot program. Locations are still being reviewed and I will update you when charging station locations have been chosen.
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No Office Hours this December
I will not be hosting Office Hours this month. As always, I strongly encourage you to send my office an email with your question or concern.
You can also feel free to call my office at (408) 535-4906.
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Give Holiday Joy to Families in
Interim Housing
If you're looking to give back this season, families at Evans Lane Interim Housing will surely appreciate your generosity.
These children, teens, and adults are in need of new jackets (all sizes youth and adult), toys, and books (for all ages.)
Last year, our District donated almost 100 gifts, and the children at Evans Lane were elated to receive new plushies, games, and jackets to keep them warm.
Please drop off your unwrapped gifts in our gift boxes at the Willow Glen Community Center or at the Rose Garden Branch Library by FRIDAY, December 9th.
If you have a high schooler in your home who needs to complete community service hours, please let them know they can contact my office to help us wrap these gifts.
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Bascom Library Book Sale
You can check off giving a gift for the bookworm in your life at the Friends of Bascom Library Book Sale on Saturday, December 9th.
From 4PM-6PM, purchase books and your proceeds will go directly back to the library to support library programs and supplies.
These books are also a great gift for the children and teens in our Evans Lane Interim Housing Gift Drive!
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Second Saturday on The Alameda
The Alameda will have 50 open artist studios at two holiday art fairs with musicians on Saturday, December 10th and 11th.
See the fun happening on The Alameda:
Handmade for the Holidays Art Fair at Visual Philosophy Studio
Date: 12/10 & 12/11
Location: 1065 The Alameda, San Jose
The Alameda Artworks Annual Winter Art Fair
Date: 12/10 & 12/11
Location: 1068 The Alameda, San Jose
Second Saturday on The Alameda
Date: 12/10
Locations and Musicians:
Visual Philosophy Studio
Music: Paolozzi Trio 3-6pm
Crema Coffee
Music: Sara Rodenburg 12-2pm
Whole Foods
Music: Wandering Acoustics 3-6pm
Hop & Vine
Music: Kacie Hill 4-6pm
Current Tattooing
Music: Wax Moon 3-6pm
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Support Small Businesses this
Gift-Giving Season
You can find plenty of wonderful holiday gifts at the awesome businesses on The Alameda and on Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen.
In this image are many other small businesses you can support. Find more map and store details here.
Thank you for shopping locally!
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World Cup Streaming Parties in
Downtown San Jose
The Old Wagon and O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub will show every match. See viewing party dates and times here.
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The Santa Run Returns
Join the 10th Annual Santa Run Silicon Valley on Sunday, December 11th.
The 5K run includes milk and cookies at the finish line! Register here.
FYI, there will be street closures because of this run. Please see the course map and streets that will be closed during this event below.
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Sunday in the Park with George |
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Inspired by George Seurat’s famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the highly celebrated musical by Stephen Sondheim called "Sunday In The Park With George" is coming to the San Jose Playhouse.
From November 19th - December 11th, you can enjoy the musical. Purchase tickets and support local artists.
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Enchant Christmas at
PayPal Park
The world’s largest holiday-themed light event will be at PayPal Park through January 1st. Escape to this illuminated Winter Wonderland. To buy tickets, click here.
Enchant features an immersive walk-through light maze created with more than 4 million sparkling lights, an impressive 100-foot-tall holiday tree, an ice-skating trail, Santa visits, and a village marketplace with crafts, gifts, festive culinary treats, and holiday cocktails.
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Christmas in the Park
has Returned!
Welcome back to the beloved San Jose tradition. Christmas in the Park will have two locations this year. The traditional location in Downtown San Jose at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez is back and you can see more beautifully decorated trees at Lake Cunningham Park.
Make sure to see the District 6 tree across from the Signia Hotel!
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City Resources and Updates |
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Prevent Car Theft and Break-Ins
San Jose Police Department Captain Brian Spears states that there is an increase in car break-ins during Daylight Savings. With longer nights and residents hiding their holiday gifts, Captain Spears advised the following to protect your car and your valuables:
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Do NOT leave electronics in your car (laptops, cell phones, any device with a cellular, wifi, or Bluetooth connection)
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If you do accidentally leave an electronic in your car, make sure to turn it all the way OFF. Thieves can track electronic devices through wifi and/or Bluetooth connections which is why turning off your electronic device all the way off will protect you.
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Do NOT use your car as a hiding spot for holiday gifts.
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Request a Neighborhood Watch meeting for your community. Police officials will inform you and your neighbors about the best security measures and how to discourage crimes in or near your homes.
- Park your car in your garage if you have one.
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Driving Safer in the Dark |
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With daylight saving bringing longer nights, I urge drivers to slow down. Please avoid distraction and look out for pedestrians as darkness comes earlier in the day.
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Stay Warm Overnight
The City has two overnight warming locations this winter.
- 901 E. Santa Clara Street
- 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road
These locations are open nightly from 8PM-7AM.
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Vaccinations and Boosters
Colder temperatures are here. Protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted.
Children ages six months to four years old can receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Please call your child's doctor to ask for the vaccine. If your child does not have a regular doctor, call (866) 967-4677 for assistance enrolling in government programs or health coverage.
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Converting to LED Lights in District 6 |
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Decorative lights around District 6 will be converted to LED lights as we end the year.
Please see the image for light locations. More lights will be converted throughout District 6 in 2023. Stay tuned for updates.
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What to Do if You See a Coyote
Below are tips on what to do if you encounter a coyote in your neighborhood or on your local trails:
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Do NOT feed a coyote.
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Do NOT try to capture it even if it is a pup.
- Call the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley at 408.429.9453 if you do encounter a coyote pup.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
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Do NOT turn your back or run from a coyote, and leave the area calmly.
- If followed by a coyote, make loud noises and make yourself look as big as possible.
- Carry an air horn when you walk or hike.
To prevent a coyote problem:
- Secure garbage cans.
- Cut back low shrubs and vines where small rodents may hide.
- Keep pets inside at dawn and dusk.
- Don’t leave pet food outside as it attracts the small rodents that are its’ food source.
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Extended Library Hours
A great way to stay warm and dry is by attending our libraries.
This is a reminder that 16 of 24 San Jose Library branches have extended their hours and are now open on Sundays. One of those branches in District 6 is the Bascom Library. See their hours below.
Monday: 1PM - 7PM
Tuesday: 10AM - 7PM
Wednesday: 10AM - 7PM
Thursday: 10AM - 7PM
Friday: 12PM - 6PM
Saturday: 10AM - 6PM
Sunday: 12PM - 5PM
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Men's Support Groups
Everyone's mental health matters. The staff at Bascom Library have launched this new, volunteer-led program to give men in San Jose the emotional support they need.
The Men's Support Group is a safe, non-judgmental place for men to share and listen. Participants must be 18+. If you are interested in participating in a meeting remotely, please contact Tom Hewitt.
See support group meeting dates and register here.
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Let's all do our part in making San Jose cleaner by recycling correctly. Click here to learn more ways how to recycle right.
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FREE Junk Pick-Up
Make an appointment for a free junk pick-up to get rid of old mattresses and furniture.
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Lower Your Energy Bill
San José Clean Energy has the 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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San Jose Clean Energy
Efficient Business Program
The new San José Energy Efficient Business Program makes it easier and more affordable for local businesses and schools to save on energy costs. Know a business owner who could benefit? Send them this link.
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