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Dear District 2 neighbors,
You will notice some changes to the San José City Council beginning January 2023: There will be a new Mayor and six new Councilmembers.
Two of these Councilmembers have yet to be named (the current sitting Councilmembers of Districts 8 and 10 have been elected to different public offices and will be vacating their current roles). On December 5, 2022, a strong majority of Councilmembers voted to create an open and transparent process for quickly filling these vacancies in Districts 8 and 10.
The City Council directed the opening of a recruitment process to fill the vacancies in Districts 8 and 10 by appointment. (City Charter Section 410)
In addition to saving tax payers up to $11 million, appointments will guarantee that Districts 8 and 10 are adequately represented during the City’s budget process and that constituent services are provided with continuity.
If you live and Districts 8 or 10 and would like to apply, or know someone who would like to apply, please share this.
The application and more information can be found here.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023.
As I look forward to welcoming new Council colleagues in the New Year, I want to wish all my neighbors a happy, healthy, and safe holidays!
In community,
Sergio Jimenez
Learn more about our City, neighborhoods, and accomplishments in my past monthly newsletters from 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and this year, which include resources and information, policy and community updates, upcoming events, and a visual, in-depth recap of the work we've done together.
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Updates on City Policies & Services | |
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Help us select a name for the Senior Apartments at 397 Blossom Hill Road, located in District 2! We would like our local community to provide their suggestions -- this survey is intended for District 2 residents.
Link to the online survey: bit.ly/NAME397
This survey will close on Friday, December 23, 2022. All details and background information can be found at the link above. Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
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Quick-Build Emergency Interim Housing updates
The San José City Council voted to expand the current amount of Quick-Build Emergency Interim Housing communities, increasing the total number of units to reach the City’s goal of 1,000 units completed or under development by the end of 2022. 380 beds will be under development across five sites in the city, adding to the 317 beds completed and 300 beds under construction or close to breaking ground. This model has already provided safe, dignified housing for over 700 formerly unhoused residents.
Council will also review the cost of adding enhanced services as part of the next budget cycle to maintain the quality of life for neighborhoods that host quick-build communities. These enhanced services include dedicated monitoring, reporting, and reduction of blight, vehicle abatement, community engagement, and housing resources for unhoused residents in alignment with the City’s commitment to do more to demonstrate that quick-build housing communities make good neighbors.
Staff will also continue to evaluate the Cottle, Great Oaks/85, and Santa Teresa/85 sites.
We will continue to keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Information can be found on the City's website here. View the memoranda and documents from the City Council Meeting here.
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Golden Oak Park ribbon cutting & grand opening on January 28th
Golden Oak Park has gotten new decomposed granite, which finally completes the long awaited park for the community. Save the date for a ribbon cutting celebration on the morning of Saturday, January 28th.
District 2 park improvement projects
Melody Park is getting a facelift! The Melody Park playground renovation began Monday, November 7th and will be completed early next year. The existing worn playground components and elements will be replaced with new pieces. The rubber resilient surfacing will be replaced as well, giving the playground a fresh new look. Temporary fences will be installed and the playground will not be available for use during the renovation.
Danna Rock is getting a complete playground renovation. (Current playground pictured above). The project consists of the removal and replacement of the existing playground equipment and the installation of resilient surfacing. The playground will be gated, locked, and unavailable to the public during construction. Construction has begun and is set to be finished by May 2023.
Miner Park improvements that are underway include: a walking path around the park and the installation of exercise equipment. The new walking path along the school fence line features a new walkway, three exercise stations, and some concrete repair throughout the park. The playground wood fence closest to Lean Ave. will be getting replaced. The playground fence facing the park is being removed, but not replaced. The playground fibar material has been replenished.
Palmia Park is getting a number of improvements. The Basketball hoop has been repaired, the playground fibar material has been replenished, the playground gate handles will be fixed, the perimeter sidewalk with lifts will be repaired, and new “No dogs in playground” signs will be installed.
Ramac Park sports fields are complete and now open for reservations. We believe they will have a positive impact on countless local families. We are proud to be taking care of our public spaces and making them better for the future! You can make a reservation for the Ramac Park soccer field here.
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My team brought our biggest annual outdoor event in District 2, formerly known as Village Fest, to a new location this year! District 2 Fall Festival took place on Saturday, November 19th at Hayes Mansion & Edenvale Garden Park. It was wonderful to activate a corner of this park as well as collaborate with the Hayes Mansion for this free community event.
We had free ice cream, a resource fair, games & activities, balloon art, music & more! We also offered beverages & food for sale. It was exciting to see so many small businesses, community organizations, and residents (old and new) in-person on a beautiful day in South San José.
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Ho ho ho! Thank you neighbors and families for joining us at Cookies, Cocoa and Santa (top 2 photos)! It is our pleasure to host free community events with the wonderful Southside Community Center staff to offer fun opportunities for you to celebrate the holidays.
I was also happy to donate some stuffed stockings to 36 children who live in Walnut Mobilehome Park (bottom photo). We hope every child in District 2 feels the holiday spirit!
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On November 29th at City Hall, we were happy to present Mario and Emma Ramirez with a commendation.
They have lived in the Coyote Creek Neighborhood of South San José for over 30 years and are a very rare selfless couple that are always thinking of others first.
They are an outstanding example of what it means to be a Community Volunteer. These are just some examples of their outstanding volunteerism:
o Beautify SJ Anti-Graffiti & Litter Volunteers
o Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader - Mario
o Boy Scouts of America Troop Mom - Emma
o Recipients of District 2 Community Beautification Grants
o They have held active roles within the Coyote Creek Neighborhood Associations
o Christ the King Church - Parrish Volunteers
o SCC Men’s Recovery - Serve Holiday Feasts
o SCC Veteran’s Color Guard - Mario
o Southside Sr Community Center - Volunteers
o Volunteers at Sabor del Valle
o As well as supported fundraising events for local non-profits
In addition to their formal volunteer roles, Emma and Mario pick up litter on Coyote Road almost every day when they go on their daily walk. They also weed, pick up litter, take care of the plants and clean the sidewalk on Coyote Road.
Mario and Emma are leaders deserving of acknowledgment and celebration for their achievements and impact. They have dedicated their time and skills to making their community a better place for all to enjoy.
I am honored to commend them today for their continued volunteerism, dedication to community service and positive impact on District 2.
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Monterey Corridor Community-Based Transportation Plan: Input from residents, businesses, drivers, & riders is very important and appreciated!
This is your chance to provide input on current transportation needs, and priorities along Monterey Road. The deadline to participate in this online survey is Friday, December 30, 2022.
We will use this survey to advocate for multimodal improvements, including those for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transit riders, essential along the Monterey Corridor & surrounding roads.
Click here for the survey
Click here for the Project Webpage
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San José residents: It's easy and FREE to get rid of your junk! Follow these steps to make a free Junk Pickup appointment:
The Junk Pickup program offers free appointments for San José residents to have large items (such as old furniture, appliances, mattresses, recreational equipment and more) picked up from their homes and apartment complexes. It’s free and easy!
Residents can schedule a free junk pickup appointment by visiting
San José 311, dialing 3-1-1 or calling (408) 535-3500. Residents should contact their recycling collection company during regular business hours if an immediate appointment date confirmation is needed. To look up your recycling collection company, please use the 311 My Collection Schedule. Please note that appointments are available 3-7 days ahead.
Visit www.sjenvironment.org/junkpickup for program details.
Thank you for keeping our City clean and combating illegal dumping!
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Community Meetings & Events | |
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Covid-19 information and resources from Santa Clara County:
covid19.sccgov.org
facebook.com/sccpublichealth
Please visit the websites above for the most updated and thorough information about: Covid-19 guidelines (including for businesses and schools), vaccines, testing, and more.
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Updates on our Emergency Interim Housing Community (EIHC) sites in District 2: More than 200 people served and more than 25 moved onto permanent housing
Details about Emergency Interim Housing sites in South San José
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Sites: Both the Monterey Road & Bernal Road site and the Rue Ferrari site are open and occupied. They are operated by HomeFirst Services. Both sites were built quickly and efficiently, and are now housing some of our most vulnerable residents. Our sites are a model for communities across the State as we continue helping people stabilize their lives. EIHC's provide a bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
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Residents: All residents were formerly living in motel rooms and referred to this site by a County case worker.
- Features: 24/7 security on site, health services, communal kitchen area where food is brought in from a commercial kitchen, computer lab, small dog area, community gardens, and small outdoor seating area.
- Covid-19 protocols are strictly followed. Visitors and residents must enter through the front entrance by a security gate and are asked health questions in addition to a temperature check. There are scanner and hand sanitizer stations located in all common buildings.
Update from the Rue Ferrari EIHC site:
One participant -- who became homeless because of the pandemic for first time -- came to the site, engaged in case management, had meetings with rapid rehousing, and was successfully housed in February.
Update from the Monterey/Bernal EIHC site:
One gentleman had been through the system most of his life. He is in his mid-50’s with anxiety disorder and physical ailments. After being assessed with clinical services, rapid rehousing successfully moved him into permanent housing in March.
Donate and help
HomeFirst, a leading provider of services, shelter, and housing opportunities to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Santa Clara County, is District 2's Bridge Housing Community provider. Visit HomeFirst Service's Amazon Wishlist to donate.
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Get involved: District 2 Neighborhood Associations
Neighborhood Associations (N.A.s) are established groups of community members who meet and collaborate to work towards common goals such as: beautification/clean-up efforts, safety enhancements, improvement projects, informational town halls, and social events. N.A.s serve as a connection between the community and City Hall. The District 2 Office is here to support N.A.'s by providing direction, resources, grants, help with outreach, models for success, and more.
View the interactive map of D2 Neighborhood Associations on my website to find your N.A. or work with my office to start a N.A. in your area!
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JOIN US IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND.
CONNECT. ENGAGE. BE INFORMED.
#SJD2
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