November 2024 Newsletter
News and updates from City of San José Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, representing Council District 1 in West San José
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Hello neighbors,
As we kick off the holiday season, there is so much I am looking forward to. From community events to driving policy action, there is a lot to be done before the end of the year.
In October, we held our Autumn Litter Harvest and our Adopt-A-Storm Drain launch to clean up our neighborhoods. We celebrated Disability Awareness Day here at City Hall, and the city hosted the Annual Neighborhoods Conference where residents gathered to learn about how to maximize community impact and increase engagement.
Right around the corner is Election Day; vote by November 5 to make your voice heard. On November 9, we will have our tree planting at Saratoga Creek Park, and connect with our SJSU Urban & Regional Planning students on our Saratoga Avenue/Paseo de Saratoga Urban Village. Please note that the previously scheduled community meetings for the Urban Village have been moved to December 9 (in-person option) and December 11 (virtual option).
We will also be celebrating Veterans and Thanksgiving holidays, which I always find to be good times for us to reflect on being grateful. I would like to thank all of you who have been engaged to create better outcomes for our community.
If you have questions, comments, or thoughts on anything you would like to share with me directly, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901. You may also attend my office hours in-person or virtually, which I will host on the following dates:
In-person:
- Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9 AM to 10 AM
- Coffee and Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Avenue #40, San José, CA 95129
Virtual:
Sincerely,
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Council & Policy Updates
- Recent Council Actions
- Upcoming Council Actions
District 1 Project Updates
- Costco Project Proposal at Westgate West
- Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study
- Saratoga Urban Village
- SJSU Student Project on Saratoga Urban Village
Community Events
- Recap: Disability Awareness Day 2024
- Recap: 2nd Annual Neighborhoods Conference
- Upcoming: Fall Career Fair
- Upcoming: Exploring Entrepreneurship 2024
- Upcoming: West Valley Friends of the Library Book Sale
Engagement Opportunities
- Tree Planting at Saratoga Creek Park
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Adopt-a-Storm Drain Pilot Program
- Explore San José this Holiday Season
Public Services & Resources
- Election Day on November 5th!
- Key Services for Helping Your Community
- Free Legal Services for Small Businesses
- Free Workshops for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
- SJCE Midday Super Saver Rate
- Resources From Your Representatives
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With many major policy actions taking place throughout October, we wanted to be sure to highlight a few:
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October 1, Item 3.3: Adopted a Statement of Policy and City Council Questions for the Prospective Director of Finance.
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October 1, Item 8.2: Adopted incentives that would support downtown office occupancy by relieving many new businesses choosing to locate and operate in downtown offices (the Downtown BID) of the need to pay the business license tax and offering parking breaks in city-owned parking structures
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October 8, Item 8.2: Adopted a Resolution authorizing a request for proposal for consultant services for the Eastside Alum Rock Urban Village to implement Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan.
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October 8, Item 10.3: Established underlying entitlements facilitating the construction of a replacement hospital at the current site of the Kaiser location at Cottle Road off of SR-85. The new hospital would be the first such all-electric hospital for Kaiser and would allow for significant service improvements over the current aging building.
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October 22, Item 10.4: Approved a conditional use permit to all the development of Westgate West Costco Warehouse Project
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October 29, Item 5.1: Adopted a Speed Safety System Use Policy and approved the Speed Safety System Pilot Impact Report.
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October 29, Item 7.1: Approved the BeautifySJ Neighborhood Blight Reduction Status Report.
View these recent meeting agendas by visiting the following:
To see all agendas, minutes, and recordings of City Council and other committee meetings, go to the City Clerk's Council Agendas & Minutes.
To learn more about the City of San José's form of government and how City Council operates, go to the City Clerk's Guide to Council Meetings.
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City Council is expected to consider the following actions:
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November 5, Item 7.1: Whether to accept a Consolidated Annual Homelessness Report and Implementation Plan Status Report.
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November 5, Item 8.1: Whether to adopt a resolution of Intention to Establish a Pedestrian Mall on Post Street.
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November 19: Whether to approve action related to Cherry Avenue Interim Housing Development.
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November 19: Whether to approve action related to Growth Area Residential Incentive Program.
View these upcoming meeting agendas by visiting the following:
City Council will not meet on November 12 or November 26.
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Costco Project Proposal at Westgate West | |
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On October 22, 2024, the City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow a new Costco store at Westgate West. The City’s Office of Economic Development estimates that this new store will bring approximately $2 million in additional revenues to the City’s General Fund each year.
Aside from annual revenues, the new Costco will pay various taxes and fees and construct a number of improvements associated with its impacts—including an entirely new pedestrian- and bike-friendly frontage along Lawrence Expressway from Graves Avenue to Prospect Road. In addition to numerous standard conditions of approval, years of community consultation and negotiation with Costco and the property owner at Westgate West led to 24 additional voluntary and enforceable conditions of approval to mitigate a wide range of impacts most acutely felt in the Country Lane neighborhood. You can find a list in the Costco Item Memo that passed that evening, with small amendments.
Key among both sets of conditions of approval are:
- $2.5 million in physical improvements at the intersection of Lawrence and Prospect to improve safety for students crossing this intersection.
- Post-construction traffic impact studies and improvements to calm and prevent cut-through traffic in the Country Lane neighborhood, and to resolve impacts to the left-hand turn lane entry to the parking lot at Lawrence Expressway.
- The closure of the Graves Avenue entrance at the Saratoga Creek Dog Park to discourage parking in adjacent neighborhoods, and a gate to close the one remaining Graves Avenue access point to prevent overnight traffic.
- A shopping cart mitigation program to prevent shopping carts from appearing in neighborhoods.
- A requirement to build the new store under rigorous energy and “dark sky” lighting standards to prevent light pollution.
- Additional restrictions to Saturday construction hours to ensure the peace and quiet of neighbors.
- A reduction in signage to discourage access to the store from Graves Avenue and Saratoga Avenue and to prevent light intrusion to neighbors.
I want to thank the many community members who have engaged with my office, various city departments, and Costco for bringing their concerns to us and maintaining a thoughtful and respectful dialogue. As with all development, there are trade-offs, and Council has to weigh which impacts are worth new benefits. With the record number of concessions Costco has provided as community benefits, I’m convinced that the balance tipped in favor of approval. This project is genuinely better because of all the community engagement surrounding it.
My office will continue to provide updates on the progress of this Costco, as well as the public improvements it will build or pay for, as they become available. You may also examine the City’s website for this project proposal at the City Planning Division's Westgate West Costco Project Page.
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Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study | |
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On September 6, the Steering Committee met to discuss adopting an implementation plan for their vision of the future of the corridor. They did not have a quorum, so they will meet again on December 18, from 10 AM to 12 PM.
To learn more about the study, as well as meeting agendas and recordings, visit Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study.
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The planning process for the Saratoga Urban Village is now here. The first general community meeting to help design District 1’s newest urban village—running from El Paseo de Saratoga and Westgate West at the Saratoga border, up Saratoga Avenue all the way to the entrance of I-280—has been pushed back to encourage greater participation. The in-person meeting will now take place on December 9, 2024, and December 11, 2024. Details on location and time will be available soon.
This process will establish new and revised land uses designed to bring homes, jobs, and amenities closer together and to allow for more walkable, bikeable communities. They are essential to ensuring that San José plans thoughtfully for future growth in order to minimize the cost of service delivery, improve overall quality of life, and minimize social, fiscal, and environmental impacts from new development. You can read more about them at City of San José Urban Villages.
For those interested in receiving updates and participating, please feel free to sign up using the Saratoga Urban Villages Updates Form.
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SJSU Student Project on Saratoga Urban Village | |
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In partnership with San José State University (SJSU) graduate urban planning students and Professor Richard Kos, my office launched a study of traffic, transportation, mobility, and circulation concerns at the intersection of Lawrence Expressway and Prospect Road, in what will become the Saratoga Urban Village.
Students completed the project's first phase in the spring semester. A new class is returning this semester to build upon the prior class's conclusions and continue studying and developing more specific policy recommendations. View reports from the spring and fall 2024 semesters on the SJSU Student Capstone Project page.
Students will be holding two interactive events to gather community input on the urban village. Attend in-person at the following dates and locations, and take their online SJSU Student Public Input Survey on Saratoga Urban Village from November 1 to 19.
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Date and Time: Friday, November 15, 12 to 4 PM, and Saturday November 16, 10 AM to 2 PM
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Location: West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José, CA
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Recap: Disability Awareness Day 2024 | |
Thank you to all who attended our Disability Awareness Day 2024! This event featured a wide range of opportunities in employment, education, and recreation ensuring everyone has access to resources and activities that promote empowerment and inclusion. | |
Recap: 2nd Annual Neighborhoods Conference | |
I was glad to see so many familiar faces at our this second annual conference! We hope these workshops were valuable to you and the goals of your neighborhood associations. These sessions are designed to help residents access City services and enhance the quality of life in San José. We hope to see you next time! | |
Upcoming: Fall Career Fair | |
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Looking for a job? Attend the Fall Career Fair!
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Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
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Time: 11 AM to 2 PM
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Location: San José City College in the outdoor quad
Participating employers include Caltrans, City of San José, Elevate Tutoring, San José State University, FedEx and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Free food and parking will be provided. Job seekers are encouraged to pre-register and should come prepared with their resumes. The career is fair is hosted by work2future and San José City College. To register and learn more about this event or services work2future provides, visit work2future.org.
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Upcoming: Exploring Entrepreneurship 2024 | |
Join the City of San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs for Exploring Entrepreneurship 2024
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Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
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Time: 9 AM to 1:30 PM
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Location: City Hall Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
This is an in-person event providing insightful workshops and resources to start your business here in San José or to help it thrive. In addition, celebrate the recipients of the City’s 2024 Business of the Year awards. Free lunch provided. Interpretation provided upon request by November 11. More info and register for this free event: bit.ly/ExploringEntrepreneurship24.
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West Valley Friends of the Library Book Sale | |
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West Valley Friends of the Library are hosting their regular book sales again in November. Visit San José Public Library Events to learn more.
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Book sale: Saturday, November 23, 10 AM to 4 PM.
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Bag sale: Sunday, November 24, 12 PM to 3 PM.
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Location: Both are at the West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José, CA 95117.
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Tree Planting at Saratoga Creek Park | |
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Join us, City staff, and Our City Forest to plant trees in District 1!
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM
Location: Saratoga Creek Park, 5399 Graves Avenue San Jose, CA 95129
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Adopt-a-Storm Drain Pilot Program | |
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Thank you, Roberta Witte and neighbors, in the English Estates neighborhood for joining our office at our Adopt-a-Storm-Drain program launch event on October 5!
The Adopt-a-Storm Drain pilot program is a new initiative launched by my office that invites individuals and groups in District 1 to play an active role in protecting the environment by keeping storm drains clear. These drains play a critical role in managing rainwater and preventing flooding, but accumulated leaves, trash, and other debris prevent them from working effectively. Removing trash also prevents pollutants from entering our creeks and streams, which flow into the San Francisco Bay.
What does it mean to adopt a storm drain?
By adopting a drain, you're committing to keeping it clean and clear. Plus, you can even give it a fun name! Volunteers will receive training on maintenance techniques and participate in our clean up activities.
How do I apply?
Individuals or groups can participate by filling out an application to adopt a drain on the District 1 Adopt-A-Storm Drain webpage. Contact my office for any questions at district1@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 535-4901.
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Explore San José this Holiday Season | |
This holiday season, explore San José and support small businesses. The City’s Holiday San José shop local page highlights more than 300 small businesses and cultural experiences in 12 shopping districts to shop, dine, and celebrate with friends and family this holiday season. Visit sjeconomy.com/shoplocalsj and go on an adventure with family or loved ones while supporting small businesses. | |
Election Day on November 5th! | |
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The November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election is next Tuesday! Registered voters in California receive ballots in the mail. Learn about how to return your ballot, what is on your ballot, and any other questions about voting and the election at the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters website.
Visit Find a Vote Center for your nearest voting center locations, or Find Ballot Drop Off for outdoor drop box sites. You can return your ballot at any drop box in the county or vote at any vote center in the county.
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Key Services for Helping Your Community | |
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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:
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Homelessness: Visit the new Homelessness Hub for finding services, reporting encampments, answering questions, and viewing data about the City’s homelessness response.
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San José 311: Please contact San José 311 for these specific services: vehicle concerns, graffiti, illegal dumping, illegal fireworks, potholes, and streetlight outages.
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Code violations on private property: Code Enforcement Service Request Form or call (408) 535-7770.
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Parking violations by non-lived-in vehicles: parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov, (408) 277-8900.
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Eviction Help Center: 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.
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.
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Free Workshops for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs | |
The City's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs helps small businesses thrive by connecting them to important resources and tools. Share the below business partner workshops with your favorite entrepreneur! Sign up for the monthly newsletter listing many more free trainings.
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Marketing Tips for a Winning Holiday Season, Wednesday November 6, 10:00am (online)
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Social Media Essentials for Business, Thursday, November 7, 10:00am (online)
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How to Develop Your Business Idea Before You Start Your Business Plan – Monday, November 11, 10:00am (online)
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SEO & Ads Tutorial With Step by Step Walkthroughs, Tuesday November 12, 1pm (online)
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Understanding your Business Lease, Wednesday November 13, 9:30 am (online)
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Estimate Quarterly Taxes Right, Tuesday November 19, 9am (online)
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Starting a Business: Write a Business Plan, Tuesday November 19, 10am (online)
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Start My Business (Spanish), Monday, November 25, 6pm (online)
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SJCE Midday Super Saver Rate | |
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San José Clean Energy is piloting a new Midday Super Saver rate. This new rate allows customers on the E-ELEC rate plan to save on electricity use between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every day when there’s more clean energy on the grid. Rates during this new “super off peak” period are ~33% lower than off peak rates and ~60% lower than peak rates.
This is a great time to charge an EV, do laundry, or run the dishwasher and save. There is no downside to being enrolled in this rate.
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Resources From Your Representatives | |
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Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei
Council District 1
City of San José
18th Floor, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
district1@sanjoseca.gov
(408) 535-4901
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