Receiving Legislator of the Year Award from League of Conservation Voters | |
It was an honor to receive the League of Conservation Voters Legislator of the Year award last week. I've put the environment first throughout my tenure in City Hall and will continue working toward a carbon neutral future in San Jose. | "Fire Weather" Warning in San Jose • Thursday - Saturday |  | |
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Northern California, including the San Jose area, from Thursday through Saturday. This alert signifies the potential for critical fire weather conditions, with a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation increasing the risk of wildfires. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the heightened fire danger could escalate quickly, especially in areas prone to rapid fire spread.
In anticipation of possible power outages lasting up to three days, residents should prepare now by charging all necessary devices, stocking up on water and non-perishable food, and ensuring that emergency kits are readily available. It's also a good time to secure flashlights, batteries, and any medical supplies you may need. If you have outdoor items, such as furniture or yard equipment, be sure to store them safely to prevent damage from strong winds. Keeping your family and neighbors informed and following official updates throughout the Red Flag Warning period is crucial.
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Watch NBC Bay Area's story here.
Get more information on the Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service.
Check PG&E website for service interruption updates.
| Next Week's Council Meeting |  | |
Agenda Highlight:
2.10 Electric Vehicle Charger Assistance Pilot Program for Multifamily Housing in San José
Launching the Energy Department’s Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charger Assistance Pilot Program, which will run from October 2024 to December 2025. The program has an estimated budget of $300,000 and will provide funding to install EV chargers at 7-12 multifamily properties throughout San José.
The installations will include:
• Level 1 and low-power EV charger outlets
• Level 2 charging stations
• Main electrical panel upgrades
The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 712-1223 metric tons of CO2, depending on participation rates.
This pilot program will work with other EV infrastructure initiatives, such as PG&E’s Multifamily and Small Business Direct Install Program. Combining these incentives, helps make EV charger installations more affordable for multifamily property owners, especially in underserved areas, where the entire project cost may be covered.
7.1 Blue Zones:
Despite San Jose's economic success, many residents, particularly children and families, face challenges such as high housing costs, income inequality, and a lack of access to resources. About 6.5% of families with children under 18 live below the poverty line, highlighting the stark economic disparities that persist.
The city is addressing these issues through its 2024 Children and Youth Services Master Plan (CYSMP), with initiatives like Blue Zones, which focuses on community health and well-being. Blue Zones, based on research of long-living communities worldwide, aims to help people live healthier lives by fostering strong social networks, healthy diets, and regular physical activity. In San José, these efforts will target under-resourced communities, particularly on the East Side, and aim to close gaps in education, health, and economic opportunity.
By making strategic investments, the city hopes to create a future where all youth can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
10.4 Proposed Costco at Westgate West:
The city is considering approving a plan for building a new Costco store at Westgate West. The council will need to approve a report that looks at the environmental impacts of the project (as required by California law). This includes reviewing how the construction and operation of the Costco might affect traffic, air quality, and noise, as well as making sure there are appreciable ways to reduce any negative effects.
Then council will need to approve a permit that would allow the demolition of three older existing buildings and the removal of 115 trees to make room for the new development. The new building would be about 165,000 square feet in size. The developers will also request permission to sell alcohol as well as approval to extend construction hours on Saturdays. Some parts of the construction, like pouring concrete, may run in 24 hour cycles on specific days.
The city planning commission has reviewed this project and recommended approval.
| October is Filipino American History Month | |
Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is observed every October and was first celebrated in 1992. It was then recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2009, and has become an annual tradition celebrated by Filipino Americans across the country.
On Friday, October 11th, I joined my colleagues, Councilmember Peter Ortiz and Mayor Mahan along with members and families of the Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACTsj) San José Coalition for our annual celebration at the Filipino Flag Raising and Lighting Ceremony at San José City Hall!
The evening program included community and civic leaders, a live Rondalla ensemble, cultural and artistic performances, non-profit service providers, and delicious food from the Fresh Catch Poke food truck.
For more information on Filipino American History Month events this October, please visit: https://leadfilipino.org/ For updates, follow @leadfilipino on Facebook and Instagram or @fact_sanjose on Instagram.
| Beware of Gift Card Scams |  | |
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is warning the public about a gift card scam. Think twice about purchasing store-bought gift cards. Organized criminal networks steal gift cards, tamper with them, and put the doctored cards back on the rack for consumers to buy. After the gift cards are purchased and loaded with funds, the culprits deplete the funds.
Experts say that the scheme is rising as we approach the holiday gift giving season. To raise awareness, the DA’s Office has released a short public service announcement that can be used by the media or public.
Americans spend about $230 billion on gift card purchases annually. “Please be cautious about buying gift cards from stands or shelves at stores,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “You could inadvertently be giving a thief a gift this holiday season.”
Please protect yourself if you intend to purchase gift cards:
- Buy online gift cards from the official retailer website. Remember to purchase from reliable and trustworthy online sources.
- If you purchase a gift card off the rack, don’t pick up ones that are unsecured. Look for gift cards secured behind a counter or where a store employee must hand it to you.
- Look out for signs of tampering like excess glue, loose packaging, skewed tamper stickers, any ripples or bubbles, or if the cardboard appears like it has been opened. Even one suspicious tampered card should raise red flags about the remaining cards on the rack.
- Include the gift receipt for your gift card recipient.
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If you receive a gift card, check the balance. If there is an option to change the PIN, do so. If there are no funds on a gift card, report it immediately to the person who gifted it to you, report it to the store, and report to law enforcement. Be sure to keep the packaging.
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Recycling keeps garbage fees low and recyclable materials out of landfills, reduces waste, and helps protect the environment. It also saves energy and valuable natural resources and creates jobs. When a community recycles right, it improves quality of life and supports the local economy. You can do your part to Recycle Right. Unsure of what goes where? Visit SanJoseRecycles.org for a complete recycling guide and more. | |
VOTE! Election Day is Nov. 5 | |
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Mail in Ballots are starting to hit mailboxes and Vote Centers are now open! With less than 20 days until the November 5th election, it's time to Get Out The Vote!
For all election related information, head to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Website
The Registrar of Voters will be hosting a variety of language workshops (Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Khmer, Japanese, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, and Nepali) to assist all members of the community in familiarizing themselves with the upcoming November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election. All English and bilingual members of the public are welcome to attend these workshops which will mainly focus on the following:
- Voter's Choice Act
- Vote by Mail Information
- Vote Center Information
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It's Spooky Season at the Library | |
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Get a Free Book and a Spooky Comic or Graphic Novel: October 21 – 31, 2024!
Once again, SJPL is excited to present our annual Halloween Booktacular Giveaway, this time with a terrifying twist.
Running from Monday, October 21 through Thursday, October 31, 2024, all youth ages 0–18 can stop by any SJPL location and pick out one free book of their choice, plus one free spooky-themed comic book or graphic novel.
How to Claim Your Giveaway:
• No sign up or library card required.
• Youth MUST be present to claim their giveaway book prize(s) — limit one book and one • comic/graphic novel per person.
• All book giveaways available while supplies last at all 25 SJPL locations.
• Costumes encouraged, but not required.
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Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Are you ready to embark on a rewarding career? Join us for a FREE Women in Law Enforcement Career Day, hosted by the San Jose Police Department. Hear from Police Officers, Police Data Specialists, 911 Call takers, Police Radio Dispatchers, and Community Service Officers. Be part of a community that values diversity and welcomes women. This Career Day is open to all. Register now to also be included in our Boot Camp.
Saturday, October 19th, 2024 • 8:00 AM
San Jose Police Substation
6087 Great Oaks Parkway
San Jose, CA 95119
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Pumpkin Giveaway • Oct 21 | |
👻 It's that time of year again! One of our favorite annual events in District 4 is our Pumpkin Giveaway! Free Halloween pumpkins available starting at 5pm on October 21st, 1376 Piedmont Road. 🎃 | |
Tree Planting at Piedmont Middle • Oct 26 | |
Neighborhood Conference 2024 | |
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You're invited to the second Annual Neighborhoods Conference on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The conference will be held at the City Hall Rotunda from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. It is hosted by our BeautifySJ Program. Please invite all the residents in your neighborhood! All are welcome!
The Neighborhoods Conference is an opportunity to bring together San José residents to connect with other neighborhood organizations and City officials, learn about resources available to them, and share about their experiences in their neighborhoods.
A variety of workshops, resource tables, and children’s activities will be available. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Event: Annual Neighborhoods Conference
Date and time: Saturday, October 26; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: San Jose City Hall Rotunda – 200 E. Santa Clara St
Registration
Residents can register at bit.ly/sj-neighborhoods or visit the Neighborhoods Conference website for more information.
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Veterans Day Parade • Nov 11 | |
Fall Career Fair • Nov 14 | |
Donate Pajamas for Local Kids | |
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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.
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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. | |
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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.
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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! | |
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. | |
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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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