Honoring San Jose's Climate Heroes | |
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It was my pleasure to sponsor a Climate Smart Champions ceremonial item at this week's City Council meeting! How appropriate that we are celebrating Climate Smart Champions as we approach Earth Day next Monday, April 22.
The Climate Smart Champions we honored this week embody the City’s Climate Smart San Jose initiative to reduce air pollution, save water, and improve quality of life while meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of the Paris Agreement. The initiative is one of the City’s plans to address climate change in partnership with City departments and our community.
Congratulations To:
• Energy Champion – Rising Sun Center for Opportunity: Climate Careers
• Water Conservation Champion – Girl Scout Troop 62735
• Mobility Champion – Good Karma Bikes
• Youth Champion – June De la Calle
• Equity Champion – Breathe California
• Champion of the Year – Daphne Zhu
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A Wild Kickoff to Tuesday's Meeting | |
Tuesday's council meeting was wild! Showing off some examples of local wildlife including a screech owl, a gopher snake and a tortoise, the team from Youth Science Institute Silicon Valley was honored for their invaluable work and environmental stewardship in San José. | |
The screech owl is a bird of prey common to the Alum Rock area but not often seen. This particular little guy was hit by a car when he was young. YSI staff was able to treat him but his wing healed in a way that prevents him from flying well, so he will not be released into the wild. | |
Gopher snakes use ingenious mimicry techniques to trick people and animals into thinking it is a rattlesnake. By flattening its head and shaking its tail against leaves, it scares away threats while hunting rodents in the rocks hillsides of Alum Rock Park. | |
This California tortoise is 90 years old! Using a reptilian style of hibernation, these animals are able to forego food and water for six months at a time. If this is the key to longevity, maybe we all need some more vacation time. | |
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities in D4 | |
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April:
Friday, April 19th: Alviso Volunteer Habitat Restoration Day
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Date and time: Friday, April 19th 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Description: Join us for a social and environmental volunteering event to help restore the wetlands for the vital birds, insects and mammals that live by the bay! Help with raking and mulching to prepare the area for native plants. All activities will be standing up and supplies and tools are provided in addition to snacks, lunch and a bottle of water. This program is hosted by Bay Area Older Adults in partnership with Valley Water and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.
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To sign up: https://www.bayareaolderadults.org/bao-culture
Saturday, April 20th: Great American Litter Pick Up
Sat, April 20th: INNOVATE4GOOD @Berryesssa Branch Library Community Room
- Date: APRIL 20, 2024
- Time: 1-6PM
- District 4 Youth Advisory Council (D4YAC), in partnership with the D4 Youth Commissioner Thy Luong and the San Jose Youth Commission, presents INNOVATE4GOOD, a business competition to bring like-minded students with a passion for business and community service together. This is a 5-hour, intensive competition, especially for students ages 13-18 residing in District 4 (San Jose). With the hope of inspiring more youth to pursue a career in business, this competition will not only provide a look into the world of business, but will also teach you ways to become a better thinker. Being a part of Innovate4Good will also help you boost your high school resume. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED TO JOIN! The event will occur April 20th, 2024, 1PM-6PM. 5.
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To sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5Xb5-C4SFcA7NEh66PgLTnChNieQ7PX16yPgrzuDqQiSu3Q/viewform
Monday, April 22nd: Earth Day Community Litter Pick Up
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Date and time: Monday, April 22nd 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Meet-up location: Orchard Elementary School – 921 Fox Lane, San Jose
- All supplies and tools will be provided.
- To sign up: respond to this email!
May:
Saturday, May 11th - 47th Berryessa Art Festival
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Date and time: Saturday, May 11th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Shifts available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Location: Penitencia Creek Park – behind Berryessa Community Center 3050 Berryessa Road
- Volunteers will get a meal!
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To sign up: https://forms.office.com/g/vDGdBqDwtG
Saturday, May 31st – Multi-cultural Festival
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Date and time: Saturday, May 31st 5 – 8 p.m.
- Location: Berryessa Youth Center, 1970 Morrill Ave, San Jose
- Shifts available:
- 5-6pm: Set-Up
- 6-8pm: Booth support
- Description: Join us at the multi-cultural festival where we will have booths celebrating different cultures!
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To sign up: Email Afia Laiq at afshaq@gmail.com
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Council Makes Cohen Re-Election Official | |
The March 5th Election results have been finalized and were officially accepted at this week's City Council meeting. I am honored and humbled to have won a second term representing the people of San Jose's most incredible district! | |
Fetching over 58% of the votes and winning in every precinct in District 4, from Alviso to North San Jose, and Berryessa. I'm excited to continue advocating on your behalf at City Hall. I'd like to thank my team for their hard work, and most importantly, I'd like to thank you for trusting me to be your voice. | |
San Jose City Council District 4 Precincts | |
Watch the replay of San Jose City Council meeting • April 16th, 2024 | |
Flickinger Park Improvements Complete | |
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Great news! The Flickinger Park raised planter bed project is completed! This recreation area looks really great and is ready for the rest of spring baseball players and families to enjoy!
The PRNS crew completed following scope of work:
- removed the raised planter beds that were in poor condition
- repaired damaged storm drain lines and irrigation mainlines
- established bubbler irrigation lines with a smart node valve for new trees
- purchased and installed trees recommended by the PRNS arborist
- installed, compacted, and leveled decomposed granite picnic area
- painted and reinstalled the picnic tables
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San Jose Clean Energy Receives Community Impact Award | |
SJCE has been honored with the 2024 Community Impact Award by CalCCA for our EV Outreach and Education Pilot and we're thrilled to share this achievement with our community! As Chair of T&E, I was asked to receive the award on behalf of the city from California Energy Commission Chair Hochschild. Thank you SJCE for your initiative and continued stewardship of the environment! | |
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🌎 Earth Day is not just on Monday, April 22nd, it’s every day!
Please join us, PHHS Greenfingers, and the D4 Youth Advisory Council (D4YAC) in a fun community clean up! We provide services hours credit and all the materials. @phhsgreenfingers @d4yac 🌳
Monday, April 22 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Berryessa Community Center • 3050 Berryessa Road
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Arbor Day Tree Planting Event | |
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A Message from Our City Forest:
Waiting for someone to plant trees? You are that someone!
Join the legacy of growth this Arbor Day! 🌳 Since 1872, Arbor Day has inspired the planting of over 250 million trees. Trees are more than just carbon sinks; they’re our natural partners against climate change, capable of absorbing an average of 48 lbs of CO2 per year. With every tree planted, we enhance biodiversity, strengthen water conservation, and foster healthier communities. This Arbor Day, let’s add to the numbers and ensure a greener, more sustainable future for the next generations. Plant a tree, plant hope! 💚 Sign up via the button below.
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In April we're kicking off each City Council meeting by highlighting community groups and schools from District 4. We'd love to see you at City Hall to enjoy these incredible groups.
Tuesday, April 9 • Kathleen MacDonald High School
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The Cheer team from Kathleen MacDonald High School kicked off last week's City Council Meeting with a high energy demonstration! | |
The rest of our meetings in April will be started by: | |
Youth Science Institute brought some local wildlife to get us started! | |
BeArt 24 • Volunteers & Vendors Needed! | |
Berryessa Art Festival 2024 is just around the corner. We're now accepting vendor 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! | |
Great American Litter Pick-Up | |
- Great American Litter Pick Up is happening Saturday, April 20th! Now's your chance to get involved. Follow the link in my bio and sign up to volunteer at either Flickinger Park or Alviso Park. Let’s get together and clean up District 4!
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Budget Town Hall with Mayor Matt Mahan | |
- Monday, May 13
- Starting at 7:00PM
- Berryessa Community Center (3050 Berryessa Road)
Please RSVP to join the Mayor's Office, Councilmember Cohen, and the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council for the District 4 Community Budget Townhall!
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SJPD Community Meeting at Berryessa Community Center May 15th | |
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The San Jose Police Department is collaborating with an independent community consultant to enhance community engagement efforts. These consultants will be studying the department's current practices and will propose actionable steps to improve our community engagement efforts.
Join me and my staff, along with members of the Police Department and their consultants to discuss neighborhood issues, traffic safety, and more, May 15th at Berryessa Community Center, from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
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Mosquitos Suck! How To Fight Back | |
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Mosquitos are considered the most dangerous animals on the planet, causing thousands of deaths each year due to mosquito-borne diseases like Malaria, West Nile virus (WNV), and Zika. In Santa Clara County WNV Positive msquitos have been discovered, and to date we have confirmed 17 cases of people contracting the virus in the region. This is a serious health risk for all residents.
Santa Clara County Vector Control District specializes in eradication of all types vectors (animals which spread disease) - but they need our help moving through Spring and into the Summer months.
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With so much standing water in our neighborhoods and yards after recent rains, we've got a lot of work to do to curb the spread of mosquito-borne illness. If you have an ornamental pond on your p property, you can request free mosquito fish to put in your pond. The fish love to eat mosquito larvae and can do a lot to help keep mosquito numbers down.
You can also report stagnant water and neglected pools, abandoned jacuzzis, and other standing water to Vector Control District, and they'll come out to fix the issue.
Get more information and file reports here:
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Distracted Driving Awareness | |
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
What are the 3 types of distracted driving?
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving.
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Alum Rock Trail Restoration | |
The City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services’ Volunteer Management Unit is seeking volunteers on Earth Day to help with Alum Rock Park trail restoration efforts. | |
Alum Rock Park Trail Restoration- Saturday, April 20th 2024 | |
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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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Saturday, April 20th - 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
D4YAC Innovate4Good
Martin Luther King Jr. Library
150 E San Fernando St.
Monday, April 22 - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Earth Day Community Litter Pick Up
Orchard School District
921 Fox Lane
Tuesday, April 23rd - 1:30 - 5:30 pm
City Council Meeting - Afternoon Session
City Council Meeting - Evening Session 6:00 - 8:30 pm
San Jose City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara St.
Thursday, April 25th - 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Coffee with a Cop
Target at 95 Holger Way
Sunday, April 28th - 1:00 pm
Alviso Art Show
South Bay Yacht Club
1491 Hope St
Tuesday, April 30th - 1:30 - 5:30 pm
City Council Meeting - Afternoon Session
City Council Meeting - Evening Session 6:00 - 8:30 pm
San Jose City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara St.
Saturday, May 4th - 9:00 am
Berryessa Farmer’s Market Opening Day
955 Piedmont Road
Tuesday, May 7th - 1:30 pm
City Council Meeting - Afternoon Session
City Council Meeting - Evening Session 6:00 - 8:30 pm
San Jose City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara St.
Thursday, May 9th - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Berryessa Senior Advisory Council Meeting
Berryessa Community Center
3050 Berryessa Road
Saturday, May 11th - 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Berryessa Art Festival
Penitencia Creek Park
3050 Berryessa Road
Monday, May 13th - 7:00 pm
Budget Town Hall with Mayor Matt Mahan
Berryessa Community Center
3050 Berryessa Road
Tuesday, May 14th - 1:30 pm
City Council Meeting - Afternoon Session
City Council Meeting - Evening Session 6:00 - 8:30 pm
San Jose City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara St.
Wednesday, May 15th - 6:30-8:30 pm
SJPD Community Meeting
Berryessa Community Center
3050 Berryessa Road
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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! | |
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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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