POLICY UPDATE: JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 2022 | |
As my office wraps up the first half of 2022, I wanted to share with all of you some of the policy work we've done here at city hall. My staff and I will continue to work toward improving how the city serves you. Feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions. | |
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Reaching Carbon Neutrality by 2030
One of my top priorities since joining the Council has been to protect our community from the impacts of climate change and ensure we build a sustainable, clean city for all San Jose residents. Last year, when the Council resolved to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, I successfully pushed for the inclusion of proven strategies to help us reach that goal. Earlier this month, Council adopted my memo to build on the progress we have made by considering innovative methods of reducing emissions from construction—which accounts for nearly a quarter of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions—expanding the use of rooftop space for solar power and green space, and creating a climate commission so that community members and residents can have a voice in building the climate solutions of the future.
View The Policy
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A New Path to Future Progress in North San Jose
North San Jose is the economic engine of our city—and as one of the last places in Silicon Valley with land to build out, it is the key to solving our housing crisis. As North San Jose’s representative on the City Council, I have worked with the mayor and my Council colleagues since entering office to create a North San Jose strategy that brings housing and jobs, as well as key amenities like parks and libraries, to this crucial part of the District 4 community. In May, I coauthored a memo, adopted unanimously by the Council, that will help us accomplish this goal by bringing together thousands of affordable, transit-oriented housing units and job opportunities in North San Jose—laying the foundation for a strong, thriving community.
View The Policy
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Keeping our Libraries Open and Accessible for All
Each day, hundreds of residents of all ages are served by the San José Public Library—whether online, at branch libraries, or through over 6,000 multilingual events and programs held across the city over the last year. Our libraries are critical to the health and well-being of our community, and as San José continues to work towards full resumption of city services, our residents are looking forward to visiting their local libraries the way they did before the pandemic. For that reason, I authored a memo to secure funding to restore San Jose's branch libraries pre-pandemic levels and adding Sunday hours. I was glad to see the mayor’s budget message include this request, and I look forward to the first 13 city libraries operating under the new schedule starting this summer and will push for the remaining 10 branches to join them next year.
View The Policy
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Protecting the Integrity of our Local Elections
The most fundamental principle of our democracy is that elections should reflect the will of the voters. To safeguard that principle, the Constitution prohibits foreign interference in US elections—but San Jose law has for years left loopholes through which foreign money has continued to flow into our elections, sometimes in massive amounts. To cover these loopholes and bring our laws in alignment with the Constitution, I led the charge to prohibit foreign-influenced corporations from spending money in San Jose elections. The memo I coauthored, passed by the Council in March, uses guidelines set by the nation’s preeminent corporate law and constitutional authorities to prevent foreign money from influencing city elections, without impacting local small businesses and San Jose residents.
View The Policy
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Preventing Plastic Pollution
According to the Center for International Environmental Law, yearly greenhouse gas emissions from plastics are on track to reach nearly one and a half billion tons—that’s the equivalent of every single coal power plant in North America burning fossil fuels for an entire year. It’s clear that efforts to make our city safer, cleaner, and more sustainable must address the harmful impacts of plastics on our environment. For that reason, I worked with city staff and the Council to secure the city’s support for a state initiative that will reduce waste from single-use plastics, expand access to recycling, and generate billions of dollars each year for climate programs and environmental protections.
View The Policy
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Ending the Charcot Overpass Extension Project
When I was elected to the Council in 2020, I promised to work with my Council colleagues to end the planned Charcot Overpass in North San Jose, which had been pushed forward for years despite concerns from the community, from Orchard students and families, and from environmental advocates about the project’s health and safety impacts. After months of discussions within the city and with local partners like the county and VTA, the Council adopted my memo in January to end the Charcot Overpass project once and for all. The funds previously dedicated to the project were reallocated other projects that will support traffic needs in the North San Jose area.
View The Policy
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Fighting for a Safer San Jose
Gun violence is a public health crisis that takes 40,000 lives across the country each year. It is clear we must do all we can to prevent the misuse of guns, reinforce responsible gun ownership, and ease the financial burden gun violence has on our communities. I coauthored a memo with the mayor and my Council colleagues to achieve those goals by creating a system of gun insurance, expanding access to gun violence restraining orders and suicide prevention, and prohibiting the manufacturing of illegal, untraceable ghost guns. We can no longer wait for others to take action; by adopting our gun harm reduction legislation, the Council has taken a bold step towards building a safer, stronger San Jose.
View The Policy
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I'd like to thank all of the members of the community that reached out to my office with questions, concerns and suggestions. Your input helps to shape the direction of the policy we create and I encourage all of you to continue sharing your ideas with my office. | |
- FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL
- JOIN THE RESILIENCE CORPS
- HELP SAN JOSE KIDS READ THIS SUMMER
- JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOODS COMMISSION
- SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAIR
- COVID 19 INFORMATION
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Tools to Report Illegal Fireworks | |
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All fireworks, even those labeled ‘safe and sane’ are dangerous and illegal to own, sell or use in San José. Fines for using illegal fireworks now begin at $1,000 and the sale of fireworks can cost up to $50,000 plus jail time, depending on the quantity. Under San José’s Social Host Ordinance, property owners and individuals hosting gatherings where illegal fireworks are used will be held responsible for emergency response costs resulting from the use of illegal fireworks. It’s not worth it!
My office has created a lawn sign to share reporting tools for those who are looking to report illegal fireworks incidents. Sign up below if you'd like to help us get the word out. A member of my staff will deliver one to your house.
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As the 4th of July holiday approaches, we need your help to keep our community safe and prevent injuries and fires caused by illegal fireworks. If you see illegal firework activity:
1. Snap: Take a photo or video of the person using illegal fireworks if you can safely do so
2. Click: www.sanjoseca.gov/fireworks or visit the 311 mobile app on your smartphone
3. Report: Complete the online report in as much detail as possible to assist the City with taking enforcement action.
Please help avoid injuries and damage caused by illegal fireworks use this 4th of July.
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JOIN THE RESILIENCE CORPS | |
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We are hiring professional, reliable, and passionate people who want to gain experience in the expanded learning field working with students in grades K-8.
These are part-time positions for the academic year 2022/2023. Financial compensation, training, and professional development opportunities for Resilience Corps Associates will be provided and coordinated by the San José Public Library Foundation.
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HELP SAN JOSE KIDS READ THIS SUMMER | |
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The end of the school year is exciting, but the carefree sunny days of summer do have a downside: the loss of two months of academic progress also known as the “summer slide.”
Did you know?
- Summer reading loss is cumulative. By the end of 5th grade, children who consistently lose reading skills over the summer will be two years behind their classmates.
- More than half of the achievement gap between lower and higher-income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities.
- Studies show that summer learning – and reading in particular – can prevent the “summer slide.”
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An investment in a child today pays the dividend of an engaged, enlightened, and productive citizen of tomorrow. Will you donate now to the San José Public Library Foundation to provide free summer learning programs and more to thousands of San José students?
The San José Public Library’s Summer Learning Program (SLP) directly addresses the summer slide with a series of eight-week reading programs in June and July that encourage active and engaged learning for pre-readers (0-5), young readers (5-12), teens (12-17) and adults (18+). The SLP also offers a Graphic Novel Making Contest, coding camps, additional STEAM programming, and summer meal programs, all designed to engage young minds. In 2021, 7521 students of all ages were served.
The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on students from all corners of San José, especially those who live in underserved areas. Don’t let our children fall further behind. Your donation TODAY can make a difference in a child’s lifelong journey by supporting summer learning and other crucial programs that reach the most at-risk students. Can we count on you for a gift by July 1st?
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BORROW A CHROMEBOOK FROM THE SAN JOSE PUBLIC LIBRARY | |
You can check out a Chromebook with your library card. This service is FREE and available to everyone. We currently have unfiltered Chromebooks. Youth Chromebooks with a web filter are coming in June 2022. | |
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What you need to know:
- The checkout period is 90 days with one auto renewal of 30 days if there are no other requests on the item.
- Library members ages 17 and under need to be accompanied by an adult to pick up their Chromebook.
- Unfiltered Chromebooks need to be used with an internet connection. Need Wi-Fi (wifi)? Request a Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspot.
- Youth Chromebooks with a web filter and built-in Wi-Fi (wifi) hotspot are already connected to the internet.
- In guest mode on unfiltered Chromebooks, Digital Literacy curriculum is available. These are free, self-paced computer classes. They cover how to use the internet, laptops, and more. You can also take these classes from other devices.
How to Return Your Chromebook
- Hand your device to a staff member.
- Do not return your Chromebook in the book drop.
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Come join me at City Hall for an evening of live entertainment and good food as we celebrate the 30th Annual World Refugee Day event on Friday, June 17th at 5:00pm. | |
APPLY TO BE A NEIGHBORHOODS COMMISSIONER | |
My office is currently looking for residents of District 4 who are interested in applying for the Neighborhoods Commission. The purpose of the Neighborhoods Commission is to integrate the voice of neighborhoods into the City’s decision-making processes; study issues, courses of action, policies, and programs that affect neighborhood quality of life; make recommendations to council and redevelopment agency; and empower neighborhoods. The commission will make regular reports to the San José City Council, City staff, and neighborhood groups. | |
The Neighborhoods Commission work plan will be developed in coordination with, and approved by, the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee. Annual reports will be provided by commissioners at the yearly Neighborhood Caucus by council district. The Neighborhoods Commission is advisory to the City Council regarding San José neighborhoods and works with both City and, when applicable, Redevelopment Agency staff, and when appropriate, collaborate with other commissions and boards. | |
BARNYARD JAMBOREE - JUNE 25th | |
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation and the Clover Foundation are teaming up for a special fundraising event this Saturday June 25th, and we would love to see you there! This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of a Junior Livestock Auction, and it will be a fun way to support the Ag Youth of Santa Clara County. | |
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June 25th from 2pm – 7pm
$35 – Adult Dinner Ticket
$10 – Kids Menu (Age 10 & Under)
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
Enter @ Gate C on Old Tully Road
Parking will be free!
You can get your tickets here: https://thecloverfoundation.org/news/barnyard-jamboree-fundraiser/
This will be a big “Family Fun Event” to be held outdoors designed to:
- Familiarize everyone with the Auction Buying Process
- Give the kids a platform from which to present their animals for sale
- Raise funds for the Clover Foundation which directly benefits the Youth and the Santa Clara County Fair.
- Give everyone the chance to have FUN together and get to know each other a little bit before the Fair
The event will include:
- Carnival Games (Ring toss, basketball toss, etc.)
- Old-time contests (Pig calling, pie eating, spoon/egg races, etc.)
- Prize drawings
- Live and Silent Auctions
- Cow Plop game
- Karaoke Contest
- A wonderful BBQ Dinner
- Auction Buyer informational presentations by The Fair Manager, Los Gatos Meats and Freedom Meats on how to sign up as an Auction Buyer and the Cut and Wrap process with “Special” default cut and wraps available this year.
- 4-H and FFA member will have buyers letters and informational materials on animals to be sold at the Lonnie Toensfeldt Memorial auction on Saturday July 30th at 10AM.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES | |
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We are excited to announce that the Wednesday Night Music Series is back at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds! Come out every Wednesday from July 13th through September 28th for some incredible live music, food, and drinks.
Click the button for the weekly lineups, full schedule, and everything you need to know before you go. Also, check out our contest below to find out how you can win free food and drinks at the event.
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SANTA CLARA COUNTY FAIR IS BACK! | |
This year the Santa Clara County Fair will be dedicated to livestock and home art exhibits. Admission will be free. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer a carnival, any commercial vendors or traditional fair food in 2022, but we encourage you to visit our exhibits and support our youth who have spent countless hours volunteering and preparing their animals for show and the Jr. Livestock Auction. Hopefully, we can host a full-scale County Fair in 2023. | |
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School Site Testing
Again, we encourage school staff and families to register for weekly school site testing, especially during this spring season. Schedules vary by site. Please contact your school to learn your weekly testing day. This registration process also provides permission for your students to be tested when they are considered a close contact for school exposure if response testing is available and helps expedite that process. As a reminder, if you are notified to pick up your child from school for exposure, please be sure to check them out from the office. Additional information for testing and isolation will be provided at that time.
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Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Everyone: Every home in the U.S., regardless of their insurance status, is eligible for a third round of EIGHT free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders ship in 7-12 days. Order free at-home tests at www.covidtests.gov.
Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
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.
CDC Recommends First Booster for Ages 5-11: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older. CDC now recommends that this age group receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
CDC Recommends COVID-19 Tests Before Flying: The CDC recently updated their COVID-19 guidance to recommend all travelers test for COVID-19 in the days before flying for summer vacations internationally or within the U.S. People traveling outside of the U.S. are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before returning to the states. Before returning home after traveling within the U.S., the CDC advises getting tested “if your trip involved situations with greater risk of exposure” to COVID-19.
How to Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19: With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is important to follow CDC guidelines to prevent illness. Most importantly, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, wear a well-fitting mask, avoid poorly ventilated areas and crowds, and take precautions when you travel.
Free Masks Available: Each adult can get three free N95 masks at pharmacies and community health centers. For help finding a location, call 800-232-0233.
Resident Resources: The City of San José’s Virtual Local Assistance Center is a one-stop for information on Food Assistance, Housing, Employment, Health & Wellness, Utilities, and Immigrant Resources.
Current Vaccination/Booster Sites: The full list of vaccine sites, and testing sites are available on the County of Santa Clara COVID-19 website. Please note that vaccination sites are a combination of drop-in and by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to make an appointment, where possible. All sites have boosters available.
Vaccination Sites
- North East Medical Services (NEMS) (1870 Lundy Ave., San José 95131)
- Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Expo Hall (2542 Monterey Hwy., Gate D, San José 95111)
- 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)
- Mexican Consulate (302 Enzo Dr. #200, San José 95138)
Testing Sites
- Santa Clara County Office of Education (OptumServe) (1290 Ridder Park Dr., San José 95131)
- Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (OptumServe) (3990 Zanker Rd., San José 95134)
- Valley Water (OptumServe/CDPH Bus) (5750 Almaden Expy., San José 95118)
- County Fairgrounds, Parking Lot A (Across from Gate B) (344 Tully Rd., San José 95111)
- Costco Business Center (OptumServe/CDPH Bus) (2376 S. Evergreen Loop, San José 95122)
- Grand Century Mall (OptumServe/CDPH Bus) (1111 Story Rd., San José 95122)
- Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (OptumServe) (2240 South 7th St., San José 95112)
- Central YMCA (1717 The Alameda, San José 95126)
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