|
Here’s the Snapshot…
Happy holidays from District 1!
Saratoga Urban Village Planning Timeline. The City is returning to the community for input on each topic section of the design process. Your feedback will help shape a thoughtful, community-centered vision.
Shop Local This Holiday Season. Supporting local businesses keeps our neighborhoods vibrant and strengthens families and workers in the community.
| | |
Dear friends and neighbors,
As we wrap up 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year and express my gratitude for the many ways you’ve been engaged and involved in our District 1 community. Your voices, ideas, and participation have been essential in shaping thoughtful decisions and helping our neighborhoods thrive.
This year, we’ve had the opportunity to make meaningful progress together—supporting local businesses, advancing planning initiatives with thoughtful community engagement, improving transportation safety, and ensuring that critical community resources are accessible to all. Each of these efforts reflects the care, energy, and commitment of our residents and volunteers.
I am especially thankful for your continued engagement at meetings, events, and community discussions. Your feedback has guided our work, strengthened our local programs, and made our shared goals achievable. Staying involved helps ensure that our neighborhoods remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.
As we enter the holiday season, I want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and meaningful holiday. Thank you for everything you contribute to making District 1 a connected and thriving community. I look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
| | |
Stay up to date with my office at the Council District 1 Website. If you would like to share any questions, comments, or thoughts with me, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901.
This month's office hours:
In-person - The next in-person office hours will be held in the new year!
Virtual - Cancelled for December due to the holidays.
City Council meetings take place every Tuesday at 1:30 PM and are always open to the public. After December 16, meetings will pause, then resume on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. You can watch meetings live here, find agendas and details here, and send your input on any item by emailing cityclerk@sanjoseca.gov.
| | What's Happening in District 1 | | Shop Local This Holiday Season! | | |
The holiday season continues to be a great time to support the small businesses that give District 1 and San José their character. The City’s Shop Local Guide features more than 300 small businesses and cultural experiences across 13 neighborhoods, making it easy to find meaningful gifts, great meals, and local favorites throughout the season.
In District 1, Winchester Row offers a perfect mix of shopping, dining, and nearby attractions like the Winchester Mystery House—an easy stop for a festive afternoon out.
| | |
As you wrap up your holiday plans, consider shopping local and supporting the workers and families who keep our local economy strong.
Explore the Shop Local Guide: www.sjeconomy.com/shoplocalsj
Discover more holiday events and attractions at Visit San José
| | Saratoga Urban Village Plan UPDATE | | City staff are currently preparing the draft of the Saratoga Urban Village plan that includes policies on future housing and commercial development, transportation, and open space. The plan incorporates feedback from community outreach in 2024 and 2025. The expected approval timeline is aligned with the General Plan 4- Year Review Update which will go to City Council approval in late 2027. City staff will be sharing the proposed policies on specific topics such as housing, transportation, and open space throughout the plan draft process for additional community feedback in 2026. These policies will be shared individually with time for the community to review them and provide input. These community touchpoints will occur before the third and final community workshop showcasing the finalized plan draft. Sign up for regular plan updates, meeting invites, and opportunities to contribute feedback here. | | |
December 9, 2025
Item 8.1 - Actions Related to the Agreement with the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Supportive Housing for the Homelessness Prevention System Funding.
City Council approved continued funding for San José’s Homelessness Prevention System through December 31, 2026, adding up to $5.5 million in new funding and carrying forward $2.6 million in unspent funds. The program provides financial assistance and supportive services to help extremely low-income households stay housed and avoid entering the shelter system, while leveraging County and regional funding to expand its impact.
December 8, 2025 - The Cost of Residential Development Study Session
December 2, 2025
Item 6.3 - San José Clean Energy Customer Bill Credits
San José Clean Energy will issue one-time bill credits in January 2026: $40 for residential customers and tiered credits for businesses. The credits return excess 2025 reserves and help offset an expected spike in the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment, providing timely relief while maintaining strong reserves ahead of March rate adjustments.
Item 10.2 - PP25-005 - Amendment to the Title 13 (Historic Preservation) of the San José Municipal Code
The City Council considered proposed updates to San José’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, which clarify key definitions and guide how the City Council considers projects affecting landmarks and historic districts. I wrote a memo with the addition of a “compelling public interest” standard to the staff recommendation to ensure that any project causing detrimental impacts delivers meaningful benefits to the community. While that specific language was not adopted, the approved amendments still provide guidance, align the ordinance with CEQA, maintain the advisory role of the Historic Landmarks Commission, and create a more transparent process for reviewing projects that affect our city’s historic resources.
| November 25, 2025 - CANCELLED | | |
December 16, 2025
- Fire Department Inventory Controls Over Controlled Substances Audit Report
- Comprehensive Revision to the Policy for Multifamily Revenue Bonds
- Digital Empowerment and Broadband Strategy
- Abandoned Shopping Cart Pilot Outcome/Proposed Service Model Ordinance
- The Alameda BID and Levy Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Alum Rock Santa Clara Street BID and Levy Assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
January 13, 2026
- Agreements for Legal Services
- Policy for City Facilities Use
- Winter Intergovernmental Relations Report
- 2026 Legislative Program and Legislative Priorities
- Team San Jose Annual Performance Audit Report
- First Quarter Financial Reports or Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Design Build for Digester Facility Upgrade at RWF
- Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan
- FY 2025 Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Land Use: Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan Amendment
Visit the City Clerk’s Meeting Participation Guide to watch and participate in public meetings. Visit City Clerk's Guide to Council Meetings to learn how our form of government operates.
| | Committees, Boards & Commissions | | |
Councilmembers are also appointed to serve on other committees, boards, and commissions. View all of my appointments at Council Appointments Webpage.
See below some highlighted actions that my appointed committees, boards, and commissions recently took:
Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC):
December 3, 2025
The Rules Committee approved adding a December 10 joint meeting with the County on children, youth, and gun violence initiatives, and reviewed proposed updates to modernize San José’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and improve outreach for property owners.
Community and Economic Development Committee (CED):
October 27, 2025
The CED Committee reviewed several annual reports and updates highlighting the City’s progress in housing, arts, planning, and economic development. The Committee accepted the Housing and Community Development Commission and Arts Commission annual reports and work plans, recognizing their work advancing affordable housing, rent stabilization, and cultural programming across San José. We also received updates on Team San José’s strong performance, preparations for 2026 major events, and ongoing citywide planning and economic development initiatives supporting local businesses and community vitality. The next CED Committee meeting will be held on December 15, 2025.
Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee (PSFSS):
December 4, 2025
The PSFSS Committee reviewed and accepted financial reports, received a Fire Department audit with recommendations to strengthen controlled-substance oversight, and received updates on emergency response, crime reduction, crisis intervention, and traffic safety initiatives citywide. The next PSFSS Committee meeting will be held on February 16th, 2025.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors (VTA):
December 4, 2025 - Board of Directors Special Meeting
At the December VTA Board meeting, members adopted the 2025 Congestion Management Program, approved contracts for fleet towing, lubricants, and Champion Station signals, received updates on Super Bowl LX transit planning, real-time bus data, and the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension, approved a committee restructure and General Counsel contract extension, and reviewed government affairs and permit fee updates.
December 4, 2025 - Governance & Audit Committee
At the December VTA Governance & Audit Committee meeting, members reviewed the 2026 Advocacy Program and Board committee restructuring, received the Auditor General’s assessments of payroll processes and safety/security programs, and got updates on ongoing and upcoming work plan projects, ensuring oversight, operational efficiency, and preparedness for federal, state, and regional policy developments.
November 20, 2025 - Congestion Management Program & Planning Committee
At the December VTA Congestion Management Program Committee meeting, members reviewed the quarterly Project Monitoring Report, recommended adoption of the 2025 Congestion Management Program to guide multimodal transportation and land use strategies countywide, received an update on the Stage 1 “Wheels on the Bus – Real-Time Data” project improving access for bicycle and mobility device riders, and saw a demonstration of the Measure B Transparency Website to enhance public accountability and engagement.
Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board (ABAG):
November 20, 2025 - ABAG Executive Board
The ABAG Board advanced a series of regional climate and resilience efforts, including accepting a $2.24 million Ocean Protection Council grant to develop the Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan and extending the funding agreement for Mountain View’s South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project to ensure uninterrupted completion. The Board also authorized applying for up to $1 million to update the Estuary Blueprint and approved multiple contract amendments to continue BayREN’s technical, regulatory, and local government support services through 2027.
Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County (LAFCO):
December 3, 2025
At the December LAFCO meeting, Commissioners approved updated Chapter 3.9 Incorporation Policies, authorized an RFP for the Countywide Water and Wastewater Service Review, received the FY 2025 Annual Financial Audit, amended the website services agreement with Covive LLC, adopted the 2026 meeting schedule, and appointed Rosemary Kamei as Chair and Yoriko Kishimoto as Vice Chair for 2026.
Cities Association of Santa Clara County
November 13, 2025
I'm proud to share I have been appointed Secretary-Treasurer of the Cities Association of Santa Clara County. In this leadership role, I hope to guide the Association’s work supporting city officials, advocating for local priorities, and fostering collaboration across municipalities.
Library and Education Commission:
November 19, 2025
The Library and Education Committee held a joint meeting with the Youth Commission at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library to discuss key education initiatives and honor the inaugural recipients of the San José Public Library Educator of the Year Awards, celebrating educators who enrich the lives of students citywide.
| | |
Immigration Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Immigration Town Hall to learn about resources, ask questions, and receive services. We are deeply grateful to our partners—the Office of Assemblymember Marc Berman, SIREN, Amigos de Guadalupe, the Office of Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, and PARS—whose dedication made this event possible and ensured our community had access to the support it deserves.
Gracias a todas las personas que asistieron a nuestro Reunion sobre Inmigración para informarse, hacer preguntas y recibir servicios. Agradecemos profundamente a nuestros socios—la Oficina del Miembro de la Asamblea Marc Berman, SIREN, Amigos de Guadalupe, la Oficina de la Supervisora Susan Ellenberg y PARS—cuya dedicación hizo posible este evento y aseguró que nuestra comunidad tuviera acceso al apoyo que merece.
Frank M. Santana Park Community Meeting
Thank you to City staff and community members who joined us for the first meeting in our series on the future of Frank Santana Park. Your ideas and perspectives are invaluable as we work together to reimagine this space for the entire community. We look forward to continuing this conversation and shaping a park that truly reflects our shared needs and vision.
| | |
General Plan Four-Year Review
Join us for a virtual informational public community meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 6:30–7:30 PM to learn about the City’s General Plan Four-Year Review. City staff will discuss updates to the Urban Village strategy, plans for housing growth, and considerations for job growth targets and balancing jobs with residents.
This is a public meeting, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to staff. Materials and the full agenda will be posted soon on the General Plan Four-Year Review webpage.
Attend virtually via Zoom: Zoom Link
You can learn more and view the Planning Commission/task force meeting schedule here.
| | December 4-18: Holiday Children's Book Drive | | December 20, 21, 27: Medi-Cal Enrollment | | January 31: Beautify SJ Neighborhood Forum | | Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program | | Our City's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department holds regular volunteer events to clean up and maintain our parks, trails, and community centers. Visit sanjoseca.gov/prns-volunteer to find upcoming opportunities. | | |
If you see issues or needs in your community, report it to the appropriate department or agency and loop in our office by emailing or calling us. See contact information for key services and resources from the City of San José and other agencies below.
From the City of San José:
-
Homelessness resources: Visit the new Homelessness Hub for finding services, reporting encampments, answering questions, and viewing data about the City’s homelessness response.
-
San José 311: Please contact San José 311 for these specific services: vehicle concerns, graffiti, illegal dumping, illegal fireworks, potholes, and streetlight outages.
-
Code violations on private property: Code Enforcement Service Request Form or call (408) 535-7770.
-
Parking violations by non-lived-in vehicles: parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov, (408) 277-8900.
-
Rental assistance and eviction protections: Visit the Eviction Help Center, open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, on the first floor of San José City Hall Tower. Call (408) 975-4444 or email evictionhelp@sanjoseca.gov.
-
Neighborhood Watch: Interested in forming a neighborhood watch? Visit SJPD Neighborhood Watch for more information. To schedule a meeting with a crime prevention specialist call (408) 277-4133.
From Other Agencies:
If you would like help in contacting departments or agencies, or want help finding other services and resources, reach my office by email at district1@sanjoseca.gov, or give us a call at (408) 535-4901.
| | |
New Resources to Support Small Businesses Ahead of 2026 Major Events
San José is gearing up for major sporting events in 2026, and the City has launched an online toolkit to help small businesses prepare and take advantage of the moment. The toolkit is available at sj26.sanjose.org in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, and includes:
More resources are on the way, including data to help businesses anticipate demand, cultural and hospitality guides to better welcome visitors, and webinars covering these topics.
| | The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) has compiled guidance on employer rights and responsibilities during potential I-9 audits and workplace raids, as well as links to local legal services and bilingual “Know Your Rights” materials for businesses and workers. Business owners can also connect with the Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network for real-time updates and volunteer opportunities. Learn more about available resources, review the full employer checklist, and explore our Small Business Resources page, and our Shop Local directory highlighting immigrant-owned businesses. | | The Rapid Response Network in Santa Clara County is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Visit Amigos de Guadalupe Rapid Response Network to learn more. | | |
18th Floor, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
district1@sanjoseca.gov
(408) 535-4901
| | | | | | |
