d4sanjose.com • (408) 535-4904 • district4@sanjoseca.gov

Councilmember Cohen Sworn to VTA Board of Directors

I'm honored to have been sworn in as a member of the VTA Board of Directors, representing our community at this critical time for public transportation in Santa Clara County. I’m excited to work with newly elected Chair Sergio Lopez, whose leadership and vision will be instrumental in shaping the future of transit in our region. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chair Cindy Chavez for her years of dedicated service and steadfast commitment to improving our transportation systems. Her legacy of leadership will continue to inspire us as we move forward.

Council Greenlights Good Sam Expansion

The San Jose City Council unanimously approved the environmental impact report and rezoning for Good Samaritan Hospital's $1.2 billion, 21-acre expansion on Tuesday. As part of the agreement, parent company HCA Healthcare will HCA Healthcare will make a voluntary $3 million contribution to support housing and homelessness initiatives in the city.

The expansion plan includes 750,000 square feet for two new hospital wings, 200,000 square feet of medical office space, two new parking garages, and additional ancillary buildings. The project will be carried out in three phases, beginning with the demolition of part of the hospital and childcare center to construct a seven-story hospital wing and a six-story parking structure. Completion of the entire project is expected to take six years.

Girl Scouts Think Like Engineers!

It was such an inspiring experience to join the Girl Scouts for their "Think Like An Engineer" project at Rainbow's End this weekend. Seeing the Scouts and Brownies tackle the challenge of solving homelessness with creativity and compassion was truly heartwarming. Their thoughtful ideas and generous donations for our unhoused neighbors demonstrate the power of young minds committed to making a difference. A special thanks to Erin Garvey from the Girl Scouts and Jeannette Bumagat from Front Door Communities for their leadership and dedication to making this meaningful event possible. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support such impactful work and proud of these future leaders for their commitment to building a better community.

Orchard School Gets New Track and Field!

Wednesday morning, we celebrated the grand opening of Orchard School’s incredible new multi-sport track and field! This facility will provide students and the community with a safe, modern space to stay active, develop their athletic skills, and build lifelong memories. Huge thanks to everyone who made this project possible!

Help SJPD Get A Full-Time Therapy Dog

With your support, San Jose Police Foundation (501c3) will bring a dedicated therapy dog to the San Jose Police Department to make a meaningful difference in the lives of officers and staff. Here’s how:

• Stress Relief: Therapy dogs have been shown to ease stress and anxiety, helping officers manage the intense pressures of their roles.
• Mental Health Support: A therapy dog can lower blood pressure, boost endorphins, and enhance emotional resilience—benefits that are crucial for those on the front lines.
• Improved Team Morale: By fostering camaraderie, a therapy dog can bring officers closer, strengthening the department as a support system.

This initiative is more than just a gift; it’s a show of support for those who protect us. Let’s keep up the momentum and hit that $25,000 goal by Giving Tuesday on December 3rd 2024! San Jose Police Foundation needs your help to make this happen for our officers and our community. Donate today, and together we can bring this compassionate resource to the SJPD.

Join Alum Rock Trail Crew

Our parks need volunteers more than ever! San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services’ Volunteer Management Unit would like to announce these volunteer opportunities that will be held in District 4 for the months of December 2024.

Get information and RSVP to join the Trail Crew for Alum Rock Park Community Day by tapping the button below!

Honoring Mayor Janet Gray Hayes

This week, San Jose officially renamed the City Hall Rotunda in honor of former Mayor Janet Gray Hayes, a trailblazer in local and national politics. Serving as the first female mayor of San Jose from 1975 to 1983, and the first woman to lead a major U.S. city, Gray Hayes championed inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and community-centered governance.

Spreading The Joy with Boys & Girls Club

Help make the holidays unforgettable! Join the Boys And Girls Club Silicon Valley Joy Drive on December 5, 4-6 pm at our San Jose, Alviso, and Morgan Hill locations and help spread joy to youth that need it most by collecting gifts that will make their holiday celebrations even more special!

GIFT:

Bring a new, unwrapped gift suitable for children or teens to one of our drop-off locations in San Jose, Alviso, or Morgan Hill.

VOLUNTEER:

Join us as a holiday helper by sorting gifts, staffing activity stations, or assisting with gift distribution to ensure every child’s holiday is filled with joy.

DONATE:

Not able to drop off a gift in person? Your donation will go directly toward providing safe space, caring mentors, and life-changing programs for youth

District 4 Pajama Giveaway, Donations Needed

The District 4 tradition continues this year as we once again partner with local schools to deliver warm pajamas to kids for the holidays. We had an incredible response to our request for donations during our pajama drives during the last three years, delivered pajamas to nearly 150 kids last year, and are asking for your help through pajama donations this year. 

Pajamas are a way for kids to express themselves, keep them cozy and warm, make them feel secure, and even lower risk of cold or flu. Donating a pair of pajamas will make a world of difference for a child in your neighborhood during the frigid winter months.



We request new with tags or new in package pajamas in any kids’ size 5-18, or adult sizes small through XXL for older kids. They can be footy pajamas, night gowns, two-piece pajamas, flannel, plaid, plain, with popular characters, for boys or girls or gender neutral.

Please bring or have your donations shipped to the Berryessa Union School District office, c/o District 4 Pajama Program, 981 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95131. 

E-commerce sites such as amazon.com, target.com and Costco.com make it simple to purchase and have pajamas delivered directly, but you can personally drop off if you prefer. Feel free to attach a holiday greeting note to your gift for the recipient.

You may also contact the Council District 4 office at 408-535-4904 if you need guidance with your donation or if you want to make a cash or gift card donation to the District 4 Pajama Program instead.

Take a look at last year's video recap below.

Explore San Jose This Holiday Season

This holiday season, explore San José and support small businesses. The City’s Holiday San José shop local page highlights more than 300 small businesses and cultural experiences in 12 shopping districts to shop, dine, and celebrate with friends and family this holiday season. Visit sjeconomy.com/shoplocalsj and go on an adventure with family or loved ones while supporting small businesses. Want to find more ways to celebrate? Check out Visit San Jose for information on where to book a holiday stay and to learn about all the big holiday events throughout the city. 

Resilience Corps is Hiring!

The San José Public Library Foundation is looking for professional, reliable, and passionate people who want to gain on-the-job experience in the expanded learning field working with students in grades K-8. Minimum qualifications are: must be 18-30 years of age, must live in San José, and must be available to work 20 hours Monday-Friday. Resilience Corps Associates will be compensated at a competitive rate of $25.50/hr. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled so apply as soon as possible by clicking the button below.

City Council Replays

NOV 21, 2024 | Public Safety, Finance & Strategic Support Committee

NOV 19, 2024 | City Council Meeting

NOV 18, 2024 | Police & Fire Department Retirement Plan Board Special Meeting

••• Upcoming Events •••

Christmas in the Park Drive Thru Now Open!

Experience the magic of Christmas in the Park like never before! Since 2020, our Drive Thru Light Show in History Park San Jose has been bringing holiday joy to the community. Cruise through dazzling light tunnels, festive buildings, and giant candy canes all synced to your favorite holiday tunes. Don’t miss out opens November 21 through January 1st !

••• Resources •••

Senior Nutrition Program • Berryessa Community Center

The San Jose Senior Nutrition Program at Berryessa Community Center provides nutritious meals and social activities for seniors aged 60 and older. The program promotes healthy living and offers opportunities for social interaction, reducing isolation while ensuring access to balanced, affordable meals.

Senior Nutrition Program: In partnership with TRIO Senior Meals, provides meals to Older Adults 60+ at 13 community centers throughout the City. All meals served at community centers meet county health standards.

• Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
• Contact: 408-251-6392
• Senior Nutrition Program Menu

Free Trees for District 4 Residents

Our team is hard at work, pushing toward our goal of planting 1,000 trees by the end of Councilmember Cohen's first term in office. Now we're launching a new program aimed at getting more trees planted in residential areas. If you have a great spot for a tree on your property, get in touch with us for details!

Free Junk Pick Up!

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!

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.