Welcome to April!
Hello Neighbor,

Thank you to everyone who joined me over the past few weeks to welcome back Trash Talks. I loved having neighbors join my team and me to pick up trash and discuss what we can do to improve the lives of all San Jose residents.
This month's newsletter is full of outdoor Spring activities and tips on what to do with your trash and recyclables.

Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you at events this Spring.

Best,

Dev
City Council Updates
Commercial Linkage Fee

My colleagues and I voted on modifications to the Commercial Linkage Fee (CLF) program. CLFs generate funds for affordable housing by charging a fee on new commercial development projects.

A feasibility study will be triggered some time in the next 18 months, which will give my colleagues and me data on the efficacy of the program. This could lead to a discussion on CLF increases, which I am against. I want to make sure that San Jose is an attractive place to do business, and I will stand firm against any such increases.

In addition, I added an amendment to the motion which aligns CLFs with our City’s broader goals of historic preservation and climate resiliency.
SJPD Traffic Enforcement

San Jose has lost 23 lives to traffic-related accidents since 2022 has begun. Our city is long overdue for an increase in Traffic Enforcement officers who will provide high visibility enforcement.

Read more about my stance and how I believe we can resolve this issue through a combination of increased enforcement and Vision Zero initiatives here.
April Events
April Office Hours

My Office Hours are TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 6th, from 5:30-6:30PM on Zoom.

I highly encourage you to join meet next week so that we can find solutions together to your questions and/or concerns.

Access next week's Office Hours here. If you are not able to make it, please send me an email with your question.
Support Our Libraries!

Tomorrow, April 6, is Library Giving Day!

Now through tomorrow, ALL gifts to support the San José Public Library Foundation will be MATCHED — dollar for dollar, up to $35,000. All first-time donors will be entered into a special drawing to win two Alaska Airlines tickets to a destination of their choice.

Your gift is an investment that fuels free life-changing resources and programs!
Extended Library Hours
Hours will be extended at the Bascom, Rose Garden, and Willow Glen Libraries. The extended hours have gone into effect as of this week and are as follows at the Rose Garden and Willow Glen locations.

Monday 2 PM – 6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday 10 AM â€“ 7 PM
Thursday 10 AM - 7 PM
Friday 2 PM – 6 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM

Bascom Library's hours are below:
Monday 1 PM - 7 PM
Tuesday 10 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday 10 AM - 7 PM
Thursday 10 AM - 7 PM
Friday 12 PM - 6 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Community Center Spring Activities

The Willow Glen Community Center and Bascom Community Center are offering classes for children, teens, and older adults to keep their minds and bodies active this Spring.

View the offered Spring activities at the Willow Glen location or the Bascom Community Center.
San Jose Garden Club Plant Sale

The San Jose Garden Club will be hosting a plant sale from April 29 - and April 30 at 1190 Camino Ramon.

Browse the beautiful plants between Willow Street and Minnesota Ave., across from Bramhall Park. Credit cards and Venmo are accepted.

Plants will be available for purchase at the following times:

Friday, April 29, 9am-4pm
Saturday, April 30, 8am-3pm
Empowering Homebuyers
Empower Homebuyers SCC is a down payment assistance loan to help first-time homebuyers who live or work in Santa Clara County with up to 17% of the purchase price of a single-family home, condo, or townhome in the County.

For more info about limits, qualifications, and how to apply, click here. Register for the upcoming April 19 webinar here.
The Most Valuable Ticket

The San Jose Sports Authority Golden Ticket provides an exclusive opportunity for fans to experience.
  • 40 San Jose Sharks games @ the SAP Center
  • 17 SJ Earthquakes games @ PayPal Park
  • 10 SF 49ers games at Levi's Stadium

Tickets can be purchased for $100 per raffle ticket. Each ticket provides the purchaser with one entry into a drawing for the season tickets. All proceeds from the Golden Ticket benefit the SJ Sports Authority. The winner will be announced this November. Buy your Golden Ticket here.
San Jose to Host 2023 U.S. Figure Skating Championships
Witness the best figure skaters from across the country compete for the crown of U.S. champions in San Jose on January 23-29, 2023 at the SAP Center.
 
All-Session tickets can be purchased online here. For group sales or general questions, please call 408-999-5738.
City Resources and How to Get Involved
Keep Organic Materials Out of Recycling Containers

SB1383, a statewide organic waste recycling law, has taken effect for residents and businesses. San José residents do not have to do anything differently with their garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings. San José’s Residential Garbage and Recycling Program are compliant with SB1383.

Remember that food and food-soiled items belong in the garbage. Keep organic materials out of recycling containers. For more information about SB1383, visit here.
What to Do With Old Clothes?

In San José, textiles are not accepted in curbside recycling bins or carts. There are many options to reuse or recycle your unwanted items:

  1. Donate.
  2. Turn them into cash – Clothing that is still in good condition can be sold through online resellers or taken to a local thrift shop.
  3. Give back – Some retailers also accept clothing for recycling and offer benefits such as discounts on your next purchase.
  4. Repurpose – If your clothes are too worn to be donated, sold, or given back, consider repurposing them as cleaning cloths.
  5. Last Resort: Place in the garbage.
FREE Junk Pick-Up

If you are doing Spring cleaning, make an appointment for a free junk pick-up.

Boards and Commissions Vacancies
Get involved in shaping San Jose's future by joining a Board or Commission. View the list of vacancies here.
Become a Child Advocate

Show up for a foster child! Children and youth in foster care in Santa Clara County are looking for someone like you to become an Advocate for them.

You can positively impact a foster child by being there for them to help them overcome the effects of having experienced abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment. Learn how you can make a difference in a foster child's life by attending a virtual volunteer info session.
Volunteers Needed at
The Health Trust

Seniors in our community need hot meals and critical services to stay safe in their own homes. The Health Trust is recruiting volunteers to package, deliver meals, or give a friendly phone call to our seniors. You can volunteer as an individual or with friends.
Higher Coverage Limits Offered by
California FAIR Plan

In March, California Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara, approved increases in the limits of coverage to the California FAIR Plan commercial programs that are offered to businesses.

This increased approval allows businesses that were unable to secure insurance coverage in the normal insurance market access to insurance they need to operate and continue.
Lower Your Electric Bill

San José Clean Energy has 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.
Overnight Warming Locations

As we anticipate rainfall during April, we must ensure that every San Jose resident has a warm place to stay.

The two Overnight Warming Locations in the photo are open nightly 8pm-7am.

Warm drinks, prepackaged meals, and pet kennels are offered at these warming locations until April 30.

You will need a referral to stay in these locations. Call 408-385-2400 for a referral or email outreach@homefirstscc.org
Vaccinations and Boosters

Children ages 5-11 can receive their COVID-19 vaccine and those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago are eligible for their booster shot. View walk-in sites or book an appointment for your third dose here.