FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 28, 2023 

For Media Inquiries: 

Teddy Adera, Chief of Staff, Office of Councilmember Domingo Candelas  

408-973-3124 teddy.adera@sanjoseca.gov

2023-2024 California State Budget Allocates $1.5 Million for

Lake Cunningham Improvements 

[San José, CA] - The state of California has announced its new budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024, which includes a significant allocation of $1.5 million towards the improvement of Lake Cunningham. This funding represents a crucial step towards revitalizing the cherished natural resource and enhancing the overall experience for residents in East San José. 

Lake Cunningham has long been in need of essential upgrades and maintenance. While this funding is a significant achievement, it is merely the beginning of the much-needed financial support required for the comprehensive transformation of Lake Cunningham. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our San Jose delegation. Especially, Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), who tirelessly advocated on behalf of our community to secure this crucial funding. His unwavering dedication to our community and persistent efforts in the legislative process have made this milestone possible.  

“I was honored to champion a budget request to begin revitalizing Lake Cunningham,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “These funds will be used to initiate wetland construction and replace turf with native plants, simultaneously restoring crucial habitat and creating a natural means of improving the lake’s water quality.” 

“I am proud to lead the charge on behalf of the San Jose City Council and its residents to ensure Lake Cunningham is prioritized for funding in order to bring this regional park back to prominence.  Lake Cunningham has been underinvested for decades, these dollars will act as a catalyst to begin the rehabilitation process and I am thankful for Assemblymember Kalra for his leadership fighting for East San Jose.” Said Councilmember Domingo Candelas  

“Councilmember Candelas and I are in the unique and unfortunate situation where two giant environmental concerns sit squarely on the border of both our districts, Reid Hillview Airport and Lake Cunningham. Our fight for Lake Cunningham at the City level has been difficult to find funding to fully repair Lake Cunningham to its former glory. It has been a challenging task, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to this community asset. That is why we are grateful to Assemblymember Kalra for supporting our efforts and investing in historically marginalized communities facing environmental justice issues. This is a testament to our unwavering dedication to promoting racial equity and environmental justice in East San José.” said Councilmember Peter Ortiz  

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