|
I hope everyone is having a wonderful spring! It has now been a little over 100 days since I took office and things are getting busy. As we enter this new season, the District 2 Team is planning many events over the next few months.
As a city we continue facing challenges. Our police department has too few officers. Reducing the number of homeless residents bearing the elements in one of the most expensive and prosperous places on earth has been a struggle. Assisting our
neighborhoods in becoming the great places we know they are requires ongoing commitment. As we strive to solve these issues, there are some good things to report.
The police academies are brimming with new recruits, thanks to the passage of a new contract my colleagues and I approved in early February. I recognize that although we are still a relatively safe city, we do have our issues with quality of life crimes such as break-ins and mail thefts. I feel confident that as we increase the number of officers, we will all feel safer. The new police contract will also provide us savings and lengthen the officer rotational shifts within our neighborhoods, allowing officers to build trust with the residents. As we build up our force, I plan to push for the opening of our police sub-station. I have asked our Police Chief to include this in a study being conducted on the police force’s deployment strategy. Additionally, I am working with the Mayor and Police Chief on offering services out of the sub-station.
Like public safety, homelessness is a topic that concerns many residents, especially those along Monterey Road. Please know that my office hears your concerns and
actively makes appropriate reports to City staff. Please continue to work with us and make calls so that together, we can ensure our streets remain free of litter.
My expectation is that the City, in conjunction with the County and non-profit partners, will make some headway in getting our residents housed. With funding from Measure A, which passed in November 2016, we can help our most vulnerable residents. Coordination between the County, City and non-profit partners are a new aspect of our recent efforts to house homeless in need. This will take time, but I am confident we will make progress in the coming years.
To this end, each council office has committed to finding one location within our districts to house 20 homeless residents in tiny homes. We are looking for sites within our district, but rest assured that once a potential site is considered, we will hold appropriate meetings to garner your input and thoughts. This project is tied to state funding and the sites will close in five years.
My team continues providing opportunities to involve our neighborhoods through beautification events and community hikes, just to name a couple. We have also provided financial support for community events around the district, so please let us know how we can support you. Lastly, Nextdoor and social media are good sources for District 2 information and updates, but should you have questions about my positions, something you read in the newspaper, or thoughts on how I can improve, please reach out to my office anytime.
In community,
Sergio Jimenez
CONNECT, ENGAGE AND BE INFORMED.
#SJD2SJ
|
|
|
D2 News: Updates & Accomplishments
|
|
Discussing High Speed Rail in D2
District 2 saw a great turnout at our High Speed Rail Community Forum, where leaders and residents discussed the project that will run through our neighborhoods. These were some of your top concerns: noise, construction, safety and traffic. We hear them and will continue to address them.
We appreciate the Mayor, the Department of Transportation and High Speed Rail Authority for collaborating with us to make this ongoing conversation possible.
|
|
|
Community gathers to remember Cesar Chavez's legacy
|
|
|
(From Councilmember Jimenez) As I spoke to the high-spirited crowd at our Cesar Chavez Day Flag Raising Ceremony, I asked everyone to close their eyes. To really listen and imagine. To see themselves in a laborer's shoes.
I described farmworkers' days: Early mornings, harsh conditions, rough weather, unfair pay and never-ending struggles to provide for their families. I wanted to humanize them and paint a vivid picture of what their lives looked like before Cesar Chavez led the fight for farmworkers' rights.
Concilmember Raul Peralez and I again want to thank all those who joined us in honoring the man who committed his life to bettering others' lives. It was also a pleasure having the Oak Grove High School Colorguard and Mariachi Academy of Music engaging the community with us!
May we all show our appreciation of Cesar not only through words but also through our actions.
|
|
SJWeBelong: Action & dialogue for housing justice
Creating affordable housing in San José leads to the sustainability of inclusive communities. Councilmembers Jimenez, Nguyen and Arenas listened to community stories about families experiencing difficulties because of our housing crisis. They also answered questions regarding tenant protection, ending no-cause evictions and saving rent controlled apartments.
|
|
|
Community Resource Fair brings together students, residents
|
|
|
Councilmember Jimenez spent some time with our Edenvale community at their Davis Intermediate School Community Resource Fair, which offered information about health screenings, nutrition, immigration services, parks & recreation, and more. The successful event was organized by San José State University Social Work interns. Great job! It was also great to see San José Arts Commissioners active in our community.
|
|
Sergio puts himself in MLK's and Bartolomé De Las Casas' shoes
Councilmember Jimenez stepped into the spotlight at Downtown San José venue Local Color, but not as himself. He took on the voices of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Franciscan Friar Bartolomé De Las Casas, performing dramatic readings by the social influencers who helped create the United States. The purpose of the performances of "The People Speak" was, as conscientious citizens, to celebrate the enduring spirit of dissent and promote dialogue.
|
|
Opportunity to Work Ordinance could benefit thousands of part-timers
"Opportunity is the foundation of this country. Part-time workers, we at the City are here to help you. Your rights will be protected under this new law." Councilmember Jimenez had a message for low-wage earners as the San José Opportunity to Work Ordinance went into effect. The legislation gives part-time workers access to more hours.
|
|
Sacred Heart provides place for immigration conversations
"My role at City Hall is to be the voice of those who don't have a seat at the table. I seek to bring forth their views and perspectives." Councilmember Jimenez shared his immigrant background with community leaders at Sacred Heart Community Center. He talked about immigration issues and learned about residents' concerns along with Councilmembers Arenas and Diep.
|
|
Kirby Canyon Landfill Community Discussion
District 2 residents learned about the Kirby Canyon Landfill and the City of Milpitas’ contract to deposit waste there. Our community was given the opportunity to ask questions and have a conversation. Thank you to City Attorney Rick Doyle, Code Enforcement staff, and Kirby Canyon Landfill staff for being present in the conversation.
|
|
Bernal to Bailey Participatory Budgeting Update
Round 2 of participatory budgeting is underway. Our office has selected a steering committee of residents to lay the ground work for participatory budgeting this year. We will keep the community up to date as progress is made. We thank our community for their patience as we move forward.
|
|
|
Reusing, recycling water in our city and beyond
|
|
|
Fun fact: To provide water for all of Santa Clara County for ONE DAY, we would need 150 250-million gallon tanks of water.
|
|
|
City Hall: Updates & Accomplishments
|
|
Bird-safe design prioritized at City Council Meeting
Councilmember Jimenez advanced the protection of birds by incorporating voluntary bird-safe design measures as a citywide requirement along riparian habitats and open spaces in San José. Thank you to all the members of the community and our Environmental Leaders who took the time to advocate for this priority.
|
|
Advocating for San José parks
As Councilmember Jimenez wrote in a memo cosigned by Councilmember Rocha, “Too many of our city parks are held together by bandages and adhesive tape.” We believe additional funding is needed to improve the condition of our parks and recommended the City invest an additional $3.5 million to improve 62 San José parks. In addition to directing the City to find a source for the money, the Mayor suggested the City look at options for placing a park bond on the ballot next year.
|
|
Mayor's March Budget Message
Mayor Sam Liccardo's March Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 passed unanimously in Council. It focuses on actions related to disaster preparedness, street pavement maintenance, and reducing blight, trash and graffiti across San José.
|
|
|
A Look at More Community Stories
|
|
|
Councilmember Jimenez was honored to announce the winners of the Hayes Elementary Science Fair and Makers Corner, who are a promising part of District 2's future!
|
|
|
It is always a privilege welcoming residents to our office! Councilmember Jimenez gave a personal tour to members of the Cottle to Lean Neighborhood Association.
|
|
|
It was an honor to recognize Stephen Sherman for his commitment to public safety. Thank you for your service!
|
|
|
Councilmembers celebrated the life of Cesar Chavez at a Breakfast and Scholarship Presentation.
|
|
|
Members of the Silicon Valley Korean American Committee visited to promote a sister-city relationship with Suwon City, South Korea.
|
|
|
Councilmember Jimenez spent a great night supporting the San José Police Foundation as a "Celebrity Bartender."
|
|
|
Congratulations to Hermelinda Sapien for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award! The CEO of Center for Employment Training was honored by Senator Jim Beall.
|
|
|
Councilmember Jimenez shared his support for Hunger at Home, a non-profit that brings together the private and public sector to provide families and individuals with food.
|
|
|
Our very own District 2 Policy & Legislative Advisor Helen Chapman is "Woman of the Year!" This honor was bestowed upon Helen by Assemblymember Evan Low.
|
|
|
Teaching our youth that anything is possible is so important. Councilmember Jimenez enjoyed sharing his story with some Lincoln High School students and introducing them to City Hall.
|
|
|
D2 and You: Upcoming Events
|
|
Saturday, April 22
Celebrate Earth Day and pick up litter throughout our community!
Santa Teresa High School
6150 Snell Ave.
Meet at student parking lot
Oak Grove High School
285 Blossom Hill Rd.
Meet at old quad, between student parking lot & theater
Great Oaks Park
Snow Drive & Giusti Dr.
Meet at basketball courts
CLEAN UP: 8:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
CELEBRATION: 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
District 2 will provide:
Free breakfast
Free lunch (volunteers from all three locations will meet at Oak Grove HS for lunch)
Litter pick up sticks
Trash bags
HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION
The Mayor’s office is holding a competition between San José high schools and will award up to $1,000 in cash prizes to the high school with the largest student volunteer turnout!
|
|
|
Save the Date: D2 Dumpster Day
Saturday, April 29
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Exact D2 locations to be announced
The Blossom Valley and Hayes residents will clean out large items from their homes to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. Would you like a Dumpster Day in your area? Please
email us.
Community Budget Meeting in D2
Monday, May 8
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Santa Teresa Branch Library Community Room -
290 International Circle,
San José, CA 95119
Hear from the Mayor and join the conversation in your neighborhood. For more information about meetings and the City’s budget process, contact
Lisa Tulee at (408) 535-8119 or visit the City’s website.
|
|
|
IPA Recruitment Community Meeting
Monday, April 17
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mayfair Community Center, Chavez Banquet Hall -
2039 Kammerer Ave.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
San José City Hall, Wing Room 119 -
200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
The City is recruiting a new
Independent Police Auditor
and is interested in receiving feedback from the community on the ideal qualities from prospective candidates. You can help inform the process.
Wednesday, April 19
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
San José City Hall Council Chambers - 200 E. Santa Clara St., San José, CA 95113
Share your ideas with the City as it crafts and discusses the Environmental Sustainability Plan, which aims to improve quality of life, enhance water supplies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hellyer Elementary - 725 Hellyer Ave., San José, CA 95111
Celebrate diversity and enjoy entertainment, cultural artifacts, storytelling and games. Please
bring a dish based on your heritage to share! View the flyer to learn more information and RSVP.
Saturday, April 29
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Our City Forest Community Nursery - 1000 Spring St., San
José
, CA 95110
You will find hundreds of tree and shrub species to choose from. You can receive 1/2 off select species, free workshops, crafts, music and refreshments.
|
|
Immigrant rights and information
|
|
|
Spotlighting the Community
|
|
|
D2 Artist of the Month: Your artwork could adorn the walls of City Hall!
District 2 high school students, we would like you to help decorate the front of our office on the 18th floor of City Hall. Your masterpiece could be hung along the hallway where the Mayor, Councilmembers, and hundreds of community members and leaders walk through each month.
We want to showcase and appreciate the talent of District 2 youth, who are the future of our community. If you would like a chance to have your artwork featured, please send a photo of your piece to
[email protected].
|
|
D2 Local Business of the Month: Classic Vacations on Rue Ferrari
Classic Vacations
, headquartered in District 2, was started as a family-run business more than 40 years ago in Downtown San José and has grown into a multi-million dollar company employing over 200 people. The company offers hotels and services in Asia, Australia, Europe and more. Classic has been the central organizer for engaging businesses, City staff, Caltrans and the community to keep the area around Rue Ferrari Dr. maintained and clean.
Do you or someone you know own a business that influences the District 2 community? Please share a little bit about the business with us by emailing
[email protected].
|
|
 |
|
Sergio's Office Hours
Come meet your councilmember, face-to-face, in your community! Sergio welcomes you to ask questions, share concerns or simply have a conversation. Together, let's make District 2 a better place.
Edenvale Library, Study Room B
First Saturday of every month
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Santa Teresa Library, Study Room A
Last Saturday of every month
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JOIN US IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND TO
CONNECT, ENGAGE AND BE INFORMED.
#SJD2SJ
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
