Dear Neighbor,

What a week! With only 2 days left to vote, I want to show you what’s possible when we elect people into office who are ready and willing to challenge the status quo, focus on the basics, and use data to make decisions. 

From apprehending 7 suspects who organized over 20 large-scale sideshows in San Jose to getting 70 people off the streets and into interim housing, this week was a snapshot of what common sense looks like in action. 

Common Sense on Safety 

We are the capital of Silicon Valley. We should be using the cutting-edge solutions our region is known for to make our community safer. 

On Monday, our new SJPD Chief Paul Joseph and I headed up to San Francisco to see a demonstration of their drone technology. Mayor Breed launched a pilot called Drones as First Responders earlier this year, which helps get eyes to crime scenes faster. This technology is flown hundreds of feet up in the sky and can capture clear footage of crimes in progress — leading to better evidence and a higher chance of conviction. We’re exploring a similar program in San Jose but to get it over the finish line, I’ll need help from my colleagues on the Council. 

On Tuesday morning, we brought a new mobile camera system to the TREBA business district. These are trailers with several mounted cameras and an Automatic License Plate Reader that can be moved as business owners see fit. We need Councilmembers who will advocate for safety solutions like this for their districts through the budget process. 

On Tuesday afternoon, we heard an update from our Department of Transportation on the implementation of Speed Safety Cameras. Many of you helped me advocate for these safety solutions last year, as we pushed AB 645 over the finish line. This legislation allows 6 pilot cities, including San Jose, to test automatic speed safety technology. We have a list of over 60 potential locations in some of our most dangerous corridors and, next Spring, we will install cameras at 33 of those locations. For the first 6 months, drivers breaking the speed limit will receive a written warning in the mail before we start ticketing those with lead feet. Legislation like this is only possible if we have leaders in Sacramento and D.C. who understand local government and push for innovative solutions. 

On Thursday, we joined Chief Joseph and our District Attorney’s Office to announce that 7 suspects who called themselves “The Hockey Team” on social media were taken into custody. This group is allegedly responsible for over 20 sideshows in San Jose alone. Known as Operation Penalty Box, this investigation once again reminded those who choose to harm the community that in San Jose, you will be caught and punished for your crimes. Accountability for these crimes is made possible by the Spectator Ordinance we adopted at City Hall in 2021, which made it illegal to organize, promote and participate in dangerous sideshow events. We need more elected leaders who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep our community safe.

Common Sense on Homelessness

We’ve become so used to homelessness. It has become a normal part of daily life in San Jose and across California. But there is nothing normal about leaving people to suffer and die on our streets. There is nothing normal about our green spaces being taken over by trash and encampments. There is nothing normal about the fact that other states seem to have a handle on a crisis we see as perpetual. 

I’m here to tell you, with pragmatic representatives at the state, county and city level, we will see a change in our outcomes. That’s why voting is so important. 

On Wednesday, we celebrated the grand opening of Pacific Motor Inn — a first-of-its-kind project. Today, it is helping dozens of people off the streets. In the coming years, it will be transformed into a vibrant mixed use community with 140 units of affordable housing, 72 of which would be permanent supportive housing, owned and operated by PATH. A high-rise building on the same site will have 360 market-rate housing units, owned and operated by Westbank. Both designed by the same architect and built to be one coherent, mixed-income community. 

On Friday, we opened Sunrise Pavilion. Nearly one in three young people aging out of California’s foster care system ends up on our streets — Sunrise Pavilion is an example of a solution that aims to change that. It’s a community that offers housing and job training to give our young people the solid foundation they often weren’t afforded. 

This was a great week of progress, but it’s not enough to help the more than 4,000 people we still have living and dying on our streets. 

Our County is the provider of health and human services. That is their jurisdiction and area of expertise. We need them to lean in and take ownership of solutions that get people out of unmanaged encampments and into treatment and a better path. We need them to do the hard thing and help the toughest cases first — the people who are screaming at the sky and walking into traffic on a daily basis. To do that, we need to elect County Supervisors who believe that the current approach is not good enough — not good enough for the people suffering or for the larger community. We need to see a new level of urgency and pragmatism from our partners.

Common Sense on Development 

I believe government needs to do a better job getting the basics right. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to focus City Hall on the core quality of life issues that affect our lives each and every day — specifically homelessness and safety. But we also need to encourage a strong, diverse and innovative local economy to create opportunity for our residents.

When it comes to investment in our city, government needs to get out of the way of visionary builders and makers who will bring in the jobs and housing we need to remain competitive and growing. 

On Wednesday, the San Jose Rules Committee unanimously approved a memo I co-authored with Councilmember Foley and Councilmember Davis. The memo outlines the creation of a new initiative called the Pathway Program, which allows the City of San Jose to accelerate the approval of high-impact projects in the Downtown Growth Area.  

The Pathway Program removes bureaucratic barriers for projects that provide extraordinary benefits – creating a clear, efficient approval process and enabling faster progress for developers committed to meeting city needs. This is an example of government getting out of its own way and accelerating growth for the benefit of everyone. And it could lead to some pretty cool new places to live and hang out in the capital of Silicon Valley. 

To continue propelling forward projects and programs like the ones outlined above, I need colleagues on the Council and at higher levels of government who are willing to say “yes” to innovation and aren’t afraid to pivot if we find out our current approach isn’t working. That’s where you come in. Your vote is your voice – use it. More details on how to make sure your ballot is counted below!

Sincerely,

Mayor Matt

Make sure your ballot is signed, sealed, and delivered on or before Tuesday, November 5th! There are 3 easy ways to cast your vote and ensure your voice is heard: 

1. Mail in your ballot! Your mail-in ballot is already postmarked. Simply put in your outbound mail or find a blue mailbox and drop it in – as long as your post office receives your ballot by 8pm on November 5th, your vote will be counted. Already mailed yours in? You can track when it is received, and counted right here!
2. Drop your ballot at an official drop box! There are Official Ballot Drop Boxes across San Jose. Find a drop box near you here.
3. Vote in-person at your polling center! You can also cast your vote in person. Polling centers will be open from today until 8:00pm on November 5th! You can find your local vote center here. 

If you aren’t registered to vote yet, you can still register at your local polling place! Learn more about Same Day Voter Registration here and find your nearest polling center here. Not sure if you’re registered yet? You can double check your voter registration here.

I know many of you know and love Paul Joseph already from his 30 years of service in our Police Department, but I wanted to formally introduce you to him as our new, permanent Chief of Police. 

I have seen Chief Joseph stand by injured officers during their worst moments, stand firm when our community is threatened and stand up to take responsibility for our department — in good times and bad. He is exactly the person we need to help rebuild our ranks, test innovative new approaches and ensure you and your family are safe and protected. I’m also a huge fan of his Twitter account where he regularly updates the community about what’s going on in the Department – check it out here!

Are you or a loved one looking for a winter internship? Join Team Mahan! As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to do exciting and meaningful work on one of our three teams: Policy, Communications, and Neighborhood Outreach. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work with a talented team, and make your community a better place, all while adding an incomparable experience to your resume! Fill out the application before November 10th here and become a part of the Mayor's office!

3Below Theaters & Guggenheim Entertainment Presents: EMOJILAND

Thursday, November 7th to Sunday, November 24th

3Below Theaters, 288 South 2nd Street, San Jose, CA 95113

Catch 3Below Theaters' newest live musical, EMOJILAND! This brand new show has never been performed outside of New York City — until today! Learn more and buy your tickets here. 3Below is hoping that Emojiland will bring in audiences and ensure live theater is thriving in San Jose. They’re offering a special discount to help fill the seats — use the code “EmojiMATT” to enjoy $20 off your purchase!

Clean-Up at Meadowfair Park 

Saturday, November 9th at 8:30AM to 11:00AM

Meadowfair Park, 1898 Barberry Lane, San Jose, CA 95122

We’re rolling up our sleeves with California Volunteers, BeautifySJ, and the Meadowfair Neighborhood Association to clean up Meadowfair Park! Join us to pick up litter, pull weeds, and create a safer, cleaner city. Learn more and RSVP here.

San Jose Veterans Day Parade

Monday, November 11th at 11:00AM

Starts at the intersection of Almaden Boulevard and Santa Clara Street

Honor all those who have served or are currently serving at the largest Veterans Day parade in Northern California. Stop by Plaza de Cesar Chavez for the pre-parade ceremony at 11:00AM, before the parade officially begins at 12:00PM. Find the full parade route and learn more here. 

San Jose City College & Work2Future’s Fall Career Fair 

Thursday, November 14th at 11:00AM to 2:00PM

San Jose City College Quad, 2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Join San Jose City College and Work2Future for their Fall Career Fair — open to job seekers of all ages and backgrounds! Attendees can visit over 30 recruiting and resource booths, explore promising career options, and connect with potential employers. Learn more and register here.

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 28th at 8:30AM

11 S 1st St, San Jose, CA US 95113

Get your tickets now and join one of San Jose’s most beloved holiday traditions–the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot! Whether you’re an elite runner, jogger, or walker, join thousands of neighbors and hit the pavement in Downtown San Jose. All event proceeds will support four local nonprofit organizations that are having a powerful impact in our community! Sign up here.

Normally, I spend my days learning how to end homelessness but on Halloween I took a break to learn how to train dragons with the family!

Saturday mornings are for beautifying our city, one neighborhood at a time! Thanks to Councilmember Ortiz, the Plata Arroyo Neighborhood Association, BeautifySJ, Adopt-a-Park, and over 25 student volunteers for teaming up with us. Together, we removed graffiti on our park tables and fences, painted a community art project, and cleaned the playground at Plata Arroyo Park! Join us next time: bit.ly/cleansj

Today, women make up 14% of sworn SJPD. This year, we vowed to increase the number of female applicants to our Academy to 30% by 2030. Part of that involves recruitment efforts specifically tailored toward women, which is why I was thrilled to stop by SJPD’s Women in Law Enforcement Career Day and chat with dedicated, aspiring professionals who want to contribute to the safety and well-being of our community. I can’t wait to see these potential recruits in uniform one day, patrolling our city and making a difference!