Council Approves Tenant Preference | |
Photo by Jana Kadah, San José Spotlight | |
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This week, my Council colleagues and I unanimously approved a groundbreaking policy which aims to safeguard housing for residents vulnerable to displacement, in hopes of keeping them in our great city.
This newly adopted policy prioritizes and protects tenants based on their geographic location. Affordable housing projects, whether newly built or acquired and funded by the city or under city-negotiated development agreements, are required to allocate 15% of their residences for low-income individuals from the same district and 20% for those from districts with high displacement rates.
To qualify for this housing, tenants must demonstrate an income of 80% below the average median income in Santa Clara County, which amounts to $181,300 for a family of four or $126,900 for an individual, and provide evidence of at least two years of residency in San José. The city intends to establish alternative documentation procedures for individuals lacking utility bills or signed lease agreements.
The policy also extends directives to existing senior housing sites and city-funded affordable housing projects, mandating them to adhere to the same percentage allocations, although exceptions may be considered.
San José’s soaring housing prices and the escalating cost of living have long outpaced wage growth, compelling many of our residents to endure cramped living conditions or relocate from the city altogether. According to a 2023 report by the Silicon Valley Pain Index, San José renters need to earn $59 per hour to afford the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment. This is untenable for most families in San José. Policies like what we’ve adopted this week will help working families afford to remain in the city.
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SJFD Opens New Training Facility | |
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This morning I was invited, along with my council colleagues, to the ribbon cutting of San Jose Fire Department's new, state of the art training facility and Emergency Operations Center on Senter Road.
The sprawling complex includes not just fire and medical training, but also the IT, communications, and community response infrastructure to support our city during emergencies.
By investing in modern training facilities, personnel can continuously enhance their skills and preparedness, ensuring they can handle evolving threats and challenges. Well-equipped public safety departments contribute to overall community resilience, instilling confidence and peace of mind among residents. Ultimately, prioritizing these investments not only saves lives and property but also fosters a safer and more resilient San Jose for generations to come.
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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! | |
Pop-Up at Berryessa Night Market | |
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Pop Up San Jose kicks off with the Berryessa Night Market Friday night and Saturday daytime market, happening Friday April 12th and Saturday April 13th!
This is a great way to pick up some incredible vintage finds and support local small businesses.
Friday 4/12/24 from 4pm-9pm and Saturday 4/13/24 from 10am-4pm right inside the Garden At The Flea at Berryessa Flea Market. 1590 Berryessa RD. San Jose CA
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Great American Litter Pick-Up | |
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Volunteer to pick up litter in your neighborhood. Sign up and join the thousands of volunteers who have already removed tons of trash from the City's public space. Volunteers ages 15+ can clean up their own neighborhoods, or will receive assistance with a location. Beautify SJ provides FREE Litter Kits including:
- One litter stick
- One pair of gloves
- One volunteer vest
- Two garbage bags
- Two litter stickers
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D4YAC Overdose Prevention Event | |
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On Saturday, March 16, students from across San José’s fourth district convened at the Berryessa Branch Library for D4YAC’s "You(th) Can Prevent Overdose" event. In the community room, attendees listened to a presentation by D4YAC’s Safety and Transportation team, received practice on naloxone administration, and had the opportunity to take home naloxone sprays. As a result of Saturday’s experience, many students—some from Piedmont Hills High School’s Red Cross and MED101 clubs—will return to school with knowledge of how to save a life in the incident of overdose and even do CPR work. The presence of passionate experts such as Angelica Lomeli (Foothill College EMT instructor), a group of Foothill College EMT students, and Jazmine Morris (SCCOOP employee) truly made the event an inspiring experience. Our community has many people to thank for progress in its medical successes.
-Thy Hope Luong • District 4 Youth Commissioner
| Get more information on D4YAC on our official website | |
April is Earth Month in San José | |
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As part of California Arts, Creativity, and Culture Month in April, the San José Office of Cultural Affairs and partners are challenging San Joséans to use their powers of creative expression daily.
Working with local artists, creative businesses, and arts organizations, we will send out prompts each day in April designed to inspire your creativity. These daily prompts include creative actions you can do on your own and links to events and activities in San José each day.
Sign up to receive the daily prompts by email and share your responses on social media with #WeCreate408. Respond to creative actions with our partners and receive special giveaways and discounts.
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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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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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