A Budget Message From Councilmember Cohen | |
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As we kick off the budget season for the San Jose City Council, I am pleased to share some important updates and priorities. Working in collaboration with Mayor Mahan, Councilmembers Foley, Torres, and Davis, we have diligently crafted the "March Budget Message," outlining our priorities for the upcoming 2024-2025 San Jose City Budget. This pivotal document was approved by the City Council on Tuesday following an extensive discussion, including over 3 hours of public comment.
In light of economic challenges and ongoing funding priorities, it's crucial to acknowledge the looming multimillion dollar deficit over the next two years. Addressing our homelessness crisis stands out as our top priority, a matter unanimously agreed upon by the Council. Concurrently, we must tackle the pressing issue of housing affordability, striking a delicate balance between allocating resources for homelessness solutions and investing in affordable housing initiatives.
Furthermore, my commitment extends to maintaining funding for essential services such as libraries, parks, and roads at their current levels. These services are the backbone of our community and demand our sustained support. This marks the commencement of a three-month-long budget development process, culminating in its approval by the end of June.
I encourage District 4 residents to actively participate and provide input throughout this journey. Your voices are integral in shaping the budget to reflect our shared values and priorities. Together, we can navigate these challenges and build a stronger, more resilient San Jose.
Warm regards,
Councilmember David Cohen
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BeArt 24 • Volunteers & Vendors Needed! | |
Berryessa Art Festival 2024 is just around the corner and we're now accepting vendor applications and volunteer applications for this year's event! If you're an artist, maker, crafter, or any other type of small business and you want a booth at BeArt24, get in touch today and be a part of the Berryessa community's favorite festival! | |
Check out our video from last year's Berryessa Art Festival! | |
Bay FC Home Opener Coming Up! | |
The era of Women’s Professional Soccer in San Jose has begun! Was great to meet Bay FC Co-founder Danielle Slaton and I’m so excited for the inaugural season home opener at PayPal Park March 30th. ⚽️ | |
Berryessa Spring Egg Hunt | |
Spring is here! Welcome the season with a morning of fun activities! Make some great new family memories with your little ones hunting for eggs on the lawn at the Berryessa Community Center. Meet the Spring Bunny for a photo op, and delight in the smiles of our community's children coming together in this super fun neighborhood tradition! | |
Watch our video from last year's Spring Egg Hunt! | |
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The year's first Viva CalleSJ (VCSJ) is scheduled for Sunday, April 21st. The event will start in the SoFA District neighborhood on First Street, go down Monterey Street, past the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, and make a left on Branham Lane to Martial Cottle Park.
For more information visit www.vivacallesj.org.
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Finding Our Next Police Chief: Meeting Tonight | |
What do you think the City Manager's Office should look for as they consider candidates? | |
A Message from the City Manager's Office: | |
The City of San José is currently in the process of recruiting a new Chief of Police, following Chief Anthony Mata’s recent announcement of his intention to retire at the end of this month. An informational memo outlining the Administration’s plans for the recruitment and selection process is available online. | |
An executive recruiter will be leading the recruitment and the Administration is currently conducting a formal Request for Proposals process to obtain an executive recruiter to begin a nation-wide recruitment for the City’s next Chief of Police. Once the City has selected an executive recruiter updates will be posted here. | |
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The community has several opportunities to provide input regarding the ideal qualities for our next Police Chief. The City is currently planning a variety of outreach and engagement methods to include a citywide online survey and community meetings.
In partnership with City Council Districts co-hosting upcoming meetings, we invite the community to attend one of the City’s upcoming community meetings for the recruitment of San José next Police Chief.
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TONIGHT! Thursday, March 21
Leininger Community Center
1300 Senter Rd., 95112 6 to 8 p.m.
Light refreshments and children's activities provided. To request disability accommodation, or interpretation in an additional language, please contact aurelia.bailey@sanjoseca.gov or 408-535-3898.
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Online Survey Open to Public Now:
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Plant Trees, Save Energy! | |
Energy-Saving Trees is a unique program designed to help you better understand where to plant trees on your property for maximum energy savings. This program is made possible by the Arbor Day Foundation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. | |
Public Feedback Requested | |
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Let us know your thoughts on the design concepts for King Road!
During the summer of 2023, more than 600 of your neighbors shared ideas about making the 6-mile street safer and more convenient for people who walk, bike, roll, ride public transit, or use a mobility aid.
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We are ready to share these proposed improvements with you!
Please comment on the first round of design concepts by March 15, 2024. Together, we can help make King Road safer for everyone.
https://bit.ly/king-road-project
Thank you and please share with your friends and neighbors,
Wilson Tam
Transportation Planning Manager
wilson.tam@sanjoseca.gov
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Cinequest is BACK - In person March 7-17, 2024 in Downtown San José.
LINEUP AND TIX NOW LIVE!
Cinequest fuses innovation with the arts to empower great creations and to engage audiences, youth, artists, and innovators with these creations and with each other forging community, joy, and our future. Set in Silicon Valley, Cinequest's uniqueness, impact, and legacy result from applying this powerful integration of creativity, technology, and community to inspire and transform lives. Cinequest does this through the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, Maverick Studio, and Picture The Possibilitiesyouth creativity services.
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The 2024 North San Jose / Alviso Art Show at the historic South Bay Yacht Club is open for FREE table space to display your best art!
Saturday March 30, 2024, 4pm-9pm
At the South Bay Yacht Club, 1491 Hope Street, San Jose / Alviso
Awesome FREE FOOD to all attendees, both to exhibitors as well as to Artists.
Sell art if you would like. No charge, though if you sell, we ask you to consider a tax-deductible donation to CompassPoint Mentorship, the 501(c)3 nonprofit host of the event.
Sign up for free table space online:
https://www.regathon.com/artshow
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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! | |
Volunteer In Your Community | |
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Volunteer Opportunities:
If you are interested in volunteering, we are always in need of volunteers for a wide array of events that take place in District 4! Please consider helping out your community and joining us!
Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Pedrigal, at angela.pedrigal@sanjoseca.gov for more information.
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Let's Be Friends!
Get the latest from me and my staff on Instagram, Nextdoor, Facebook, and Twitter.
We post everything from emergency notifications and district specific updates to council meeting breakdowns and inside looks at life at City Hall. Got recommendations for businesses, schools, or local heroes we might want to highlight? Send us a DM!
We welcome all your feedback as comments on our posts, direct messages in our inbox, phone calls to the office. Click the links above or the icons below to connect with us.
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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. | |
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.
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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.
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Office of Councilmember David Cohen
200 E. Santa Clara St
San José, CA 95113
(408) 535-4904
district4@sanjoseca.gov
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