A win for affordable housing and more firsts for our office

Dear Neighbors,

Sunday will mark two months in office for me and my team. In that time, we've been attending community meetings, planning our first Town Hall (don't forget to RSVP!), and we passed the first piece of policy led by my office.

And speaking of firsts, my office presented our first proclamation this week in celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month. As San José's first Filipino American councilmember, it was an honor to celebrate the contributions of San José's FilAm community and to be a small piece of that history. I hope you'll join us in continuing the celebration this Saturday at 10:30 am at the Hammer Theater Plaza for the kickoff of the Larry Itliong Way project. You can learn more about the project here.

One last thing: City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 13 for Indigenous People's Day. We'll be back in the office on Tuesday, October 14.

Yours in community,

Gateway Tower brings artist housing to the SoFA District

Last week, City Council passed the first memo led by my office! I’m especially proud that our first office-led memo was related to affordable housing. Gateway Tower, a 100% affordable development in the heart of the SoFA District, will prioritize 10 units for the artists that make our arts district one of the cultural and economic engines of our city. Construction is expected to start in early 2026.

Vision Zero update

This week, I worked with San José Transportation Director John Ristow on the Vision Zero Program Status Report to ensure that we are empowering pedestrians and cyclists to keep the Right of Ways clear and help District 3 stay safe and walkable. Together, we are working together to improve our metrics and reporting on safe streets, and learning from other cities about tools that can help us enforce our laws efficiently.

Watch here

Red light camera pilot comes to District 3

The City of San José has launched a new automated red-light safety camera program to encourage safer driving and keep the community safe. One of the four cameras installed as a part of this pilot is located at Keyes Street and S. Third Street, on the westbound approach.

Any vehicle captured failing to stop at a red light or turning right without coming to a complete stop will receive a citation in the mail. This pilot program will run for one year before the City Council evaluates its effectiveness.

Learn more here

Apply for a BeautifySJ grant!

The BeautifySJ Grant Program is open! This program gives neighborhood associations the chance to bring fresh ideas and local pride to life. Grants can support beautification projects, neighborhood cleanups, and fun community events that bring people together.

Grants range from $300 to $5,000, and applications are open now through 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Learn more and apply at bit.ly/bsj-grant

Downtown Light Rail Realignment Survey

The proposed Downtown San José Light Rail Realignment project aims to enhance safety and shorten travel times by consolidating the light rail into a two-track corridor on First Street and removing existing tracks on Second Street.

VTA invites you to share your priorities for the area and your opinions on different design layouts!

Click here for the survey

Westly Prize for Young Social Innovators

Do you know a young innovator ready to make a difference? The Westly Prize for Young Social Innovators awards up to $145,000 in unrestricted funding to California changemakers under 28 with novel solutions to community challenges. Learn more or apply by October 17, 2025 → westly.org/westly-prize

Volunteer ghosts, goblins, and ghouls wanted!

The Washington United Youth Center needs an amazing crew of volunteers to help set the stage for their haunted house — from building the haunted maze, running fun activity stations, and greeting brave guests at registration… to joining the Scare Crew that brings the fright factor to life! This is your chance to be part of the magic (and the mischief 👀). Fill out the form to let them know when you’re available and how you’d like to join the fun.

Volunteer with PRNS at Ryland Park Community Day

Join PRNS for a morning of volunteering at Ryland Park on October 26! Choose clothing you will feel comfortable moving around in. No experience is necessary. Dress for the weather, the event will be held--rain or shine.

Please download the Volunteer Service Agreement from the link below and bring the form with you to the event. Extra forms are available at the registration table on the day of the event.

My team and I spent our Saturday morning with the Japantown Community Congress, having great conversations about the collaborative work these local leaders do in maintaining one of San José’s cultural treasures. Then we took a tour of the neighborhood, led by the Japantown Business Association Vice President, Jim Nagareda. As my office works on policy solutions to the issues facing Japantown, I’m committed to making sure local leaders like these are at the table to ensure the best possible outcomes for the neighbors, businesses, and institutions that make this neighborhood special.

We celebrated International Walk to School Day this Wednesday by joining families on their morning walk to Grant Elementary School. Safer streets mean more students and families can walk to school, so thank you to the Grant Elementary PTA for inviting us to join you and pointing out possible improvements to make your commute to school safer!

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the San José Chamber of Commerce and SPUR Urbanist for lunch to share my vision for the future of the district. Thank you to Gary Boulanger, Editor-in-Chief of the Silicon Valley Business Journal for leading the conversation and to everyone who submitted questions! From the events coming to town in 2026 to the challenges and opportunities we have in building the San José of the future, we had some great conversations. SVBJ subscribers can read more here.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at the opening of Chopsticks Alley's newest exhibition: Heart's Delight, Stories from San José. You can check out the exhibition at Chopsticks Alley now through December 13. You'll also be able to see some of these works on the digital marquees at the convention center, bringing these San José stories to residents and visitors alike.

It's hockey night in San José! Last night we didn't just celebrate opening night for the Sharks — we also unveiled the newly renamed Sharks Way. While the Golden Knights were able to steal a win in overtime, we'll get them next time!

If you ever have any questions or need any help, don't hesitate to contact us at:

District3@sanjoseca.gov

(408) 535 - 4903

All the best,

-Anthony