Neighborhood Celebration at Vista Montana Park

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at the Vista Montana Park community celebration! We hope that all of you were able to spend some time getting to know your neighbors, our staff and, most importantly, all the wonderful dogs dragging their owners toward the smell of delicious Korean BBQ.

I'd like to say a special thank you to the fine folks over at Kalbi BBQ for providing the amazing food, the team over at the Department of Transportation for giving out free bike helmets, and the officers of the San Jose Police Department for swinging by with their ice cream truck.

Tools to Report Illegal Fireworks

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.

As the 4^th 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 4^th of July. 

A Hero Comes Home

This week, the City of San Jose welcomed home its favorite son, Secretary Norm Mineta. We joined his family, friends, colleagues, and community in celebrating the life of a man whose impact and legacy have touched every single American.

We thank you, Norm. You represented the best of us.

Sincerely,

• CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH
• 30TH ANNUAL WORLD REFUGEE DAY CELELBRATION
• SAN JOSE CAREER DAY
• BABY FORMULA UPDATE
• COVID 19 INFORMATIO

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.

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.

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.

RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas General Granger announced:

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."

The celebration thereafter started the longest running national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is a time to not only acknowledge the horrors of our collective past but also the amazing and enriching contributions that the descendants of African enslaved people have brought to our city and our nation. It is a time to reflect on community, history and how our diverse stories when woven together make a beautiful tapestry of humankind.

If you would like to learn more about Black history, the contributions of Black Americans or where to join in a local Juneteenth festival, please see the links below:

41st Juneteenth in the Streets Event - June 18th, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

https://www.sjaacsa.org/juneteenth/home

The 1619 Project

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html

Black History

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history

CELEBRATING WORLD REFUGEE DAY

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.

World Refugee Day is an opportunity to honor the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape persecution, war, terror, and natural disasters. It’s also at time to celebrate the diverse refugee communities, their contributions, and the ways in which they enrich our lives.

CAREER DAY WITH OVER 20 LOCAL EMPLOYERS

Bloom Energy and work2future are partnering with the City of San Jose and the California Employment Development Department to bring over 20 employers to you. Employers like San Jose Water, Lumentum, Rambus, and Bloom Energy are looking for you to fill roles ranging from assembly technicians and engineers, to finance and marketing.  

The San Jose Public Library welcomes ALL AGES to read, learn, explore and have fun this summer in our annual learning program. Participants will be eligible for fun and exciting prizes including books, electronics, toys and games. Read a special blog post for more details and information: Summer Survival Guide | San Jose Public Library (sjpl.org)

OPTIONS FOR BABY FORMULA

In order to support California families while supplies of infant formula remain limited, the California Department of Public Health has added new flexibility by expanding purchasing options for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program. Effective immediately, families with WIC benefits have eight additional formulas, and a total of 13 options, they can purchase for their infants. 

WIC families can find the latest updates at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov or the California WIC App and should contact their local WIC office with questions on how these options work for infants. General information on the infant formula shortage is available on the CDPH Infant Formula web page. 

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.

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)