Hi Neighbors,

Since 1949, the month of May has been dedicated to lifting the veil on mental health by raising awareness, reducing stigma, educating the public, and advocating for the millions of people in the United States impacted by mental health conditions.

Now more than ever, it’s important to take a step back and prioritize our mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, grounding ourselves is essential. Whether it's taking time to connect with loved ones, engaging in your favorite hobbies, or simply slowing down to rest—these small actions can make a big difference.

Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional or mental distress, help is available. The 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline offers 24/7 access to free, confidential, and compassionate emotional support. Just call or text 9-8-8 to speak with a trained counselor. Learn more at 988lifeline.org.

As we observe Memorial Day, let's also take time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country. We must recognize the importance of caring for the mental health of our veterans and service members.

Let’s continue supporting one another and creating a community that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

It is my pleasure and privilege to serve as your City Councilmember,

Domingo Candelas

City of San José District 8

Learn more about our community work and accomplishments in my past newsletters from February 2023 onward, which provide a wealth of information including updates on legislation, community events, and important issues like the City budget, public safety, homelessness and more.

Please share this with your neighbors and let them know what's happening in my district. They can sign up by following this link.

Upcoming Events

Music in the Square

Every Friday @ Evergreen Village Square

June 6-August 29, 2025

6-8pm

Music in the Square is back for the summer!

Join us at the Evergreen Village Square for some live entertainment and fun every Friday, except for July 4th.

Viva Calle at Lake Cunningham!

This year’s route travels along White Road from Lake Cunningham Park to Berryessa Library, with activity hubs at Lake Cunningham, Alum Rock Village, and Berryessa Library. Come discover local businesses, enjoy free activities, and connect with the community!

Park Activations in District 8

There will be multiple opportunities to participate in family-friendly activities this summer at our local parks!

Click the link to register!

Councilmember Candelas at the Farmers' Market

Evergreen Village Square

10am-12pm

Stop by and share your thoughts and questions with me at the Farmer's Market. Part of empowering our families and creating stronger neighborhoods is addressing your concerns and connecting you with the available resources! 

We'll be taking a small break from the farmers' market, but stay tuned to see where we will be next!

No appointments are needed.

June 15, Sept. 21, Oct. 19 & Dec. 21

In Your Community

Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff Peace Officers Memorial

Since 1962, Peace Officers Memorial Day is commemorated every year on May 15.

Our hearts are with the families of the fallen officers from our local, county, and state law enforcement agencies.

Ao Dai Festival

I was excited to participate in the fashion show for the 7th Áo Dài Festival! I enjoyed celebrating the vibrancy of Vietnamese culture, tradition, and artistry with our community. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, designers, and everyone who came out to make this beautiful event so special. Can’t wait for next year! 

Pizza and Policy

Over 60 neighbors attended our first-ever Pizza & Policy event! My office collaborated with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to give D8 residents the opportunity to learn more about the City’s upcoming pilot programs designed to improve road safety.

Our City Mural Prep

I put in a little elbow grease with Our City to prep for an exciting new mural coming soon. Stay tuned!

Dumpster Day

Our first Dumpster Day of the month was a success! Neighbors lined up early for the chance to clean up their homes. Huge thanks to everyone who showed up to keep our community looking its best. We were even able to collect some bikes for Good Karma Bikes to refurbish!

Townhall at Evergreen Valley College

Thank you to all of our neighbors who joined me, Mayor Matt Mahan, and EVC President Dr. Vinicio Lopez at our townhall!

And, congratulations to Michael Gabler, President of the Norwood Neighborhood Association, for receiving the Volunteer of the Year award from the District 8 Community Roundtable!

City Hall Update

On May 20th, the City Council held a study session on Wildfire Planning and Prevention with multiple agencies (CAL FIRE, SJFD, SCCFD, Code Enforcement, SCC Fire Safe Council, and SJSU).

We learned about which areas are the most impacted and how we are all coordinating to mitigate risks and educate the public on best practices.

There are several concerns I brought up regarding preventative maintenance and evacuation routes for District 8 and I am having conversations with our agency partners regularly on being proactive.

You can click on the links to view the full Wildfire Planning & Preparedness Study Session and the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map .

Activating Our Neighborhoods

Building strong neighborhoods starts with you! Joining a neighborhood association not only builds community block by block, but it also brings critical information to the forefront as I draft policy and fight for dollars in the budget. As a councilmember, I rely on the eyes and ears of each resident, and your collective voices take shape in the form of neighborhood groups.

Here is a list of active neighborhood associations in District 8:



• Welch Park - Between Ocala Ave., King Rd & Tully Rd.
• Norwood - Between Tully Rd, Ruby Ave, Norwood Ave & S. White Rd
• Meadowfair - Between East Capitol, Aborn Rd, S King Rd & Rigoletto Dr
• Creekside - Between San Felipe Rd & Cadwallader Ave
• Brahms/Edgeview - Between Rigoletto Dr, S King Rd, Tully Rd & Quimby Rd
• Silver Oak Estates - Silver Oak St, Rachaella Lane & Carmella Ct.
• Evergreen Leadership - Neighborhoods of Groesbeck, Hidden Glens, Pleasant Hills & Quimby
• District 8 Community Roundtable - District-wide

If you would like to get involved in your neighborhood association or you do not see your neighborhood listed and would like to activate your neighborhood, please reach out to my team at district8@sanjoseca.gov

During this year's State of the City, I had the honor to name Rosa Muñiz, President of the Welch Park Neighborhood Association, as the District 8 Community Hero! 

I had the pleasure of meeting Rosa over two years ago and she continues to be an avid advocate for her community. As a board member of the Welch Park NA, she helps coordinate the monthly community litter pickup. She is also a lead volunteer for the Second Harvest Food Bank distribution at the Welch Park Neighborhood Center.

Rosa has worked closely with my office on many community events and legislative proposals, including the ongoing restoration of Lake Cunningham Regional Park. Thank you Rosa for your involvement, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we build stronger neighborhoods!

VTA Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Update

Ongoing and Future Closures*

Please note that all teams and crews will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Work will resume on Tuesday, May 27

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

• ROAD CLOSURE | Northbound Capitol Expressway 

Falsework removal continues on northbound Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Story Road, with crews working from from Tuesday night, May 27, through Friday morning, May 30. Expect overnight road closures with detours between 10:00 PM and 5:30 AM and from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM on weekends. Please follow detour signs. 

• ROAD CLOSURE | Southbound Capitol Expressway

Falsework installation will occur on southbound Capitol Expressway between Cunningham Avenue and Tully Road from Tuesday night, May 27, through Friday morning, May 30. Expect overnight lane closures with detours between 10:00 PM and 5:30 AM during weekdays and from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM on weekends.

PILE DRIVING - Noise and Vibration | Median of Capitol Expressway 

Crews will begin pile driving in the median of Capitol Expressway between Story Road and Excalibur Drive/S. Capitol Avenue in late May.

Please note: pile driving will be closer to Story Road. As we approach Excalibur Drive/S. Capitol Avenue, a different method of cast in drilled holes (CIDH) for foundation construction will be used. Pile driving is conducted only during the day.

• DRAINAGE 

LANE CLOSURE | Southbound Capitol Expressway 

Drainage work will occur overnight on southbound Capitol Expressway between Ocala Avenue and Cunningham Avenue on Tuesday night, May 27, through Friday morning, May 30

Expect overnight road closures with detours between 10:00 PM and 5:30 AM. Please follow detour signs. 

DAY AND NIGHT WORK SCHEDULES

• Day crews work Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am through 5:00 pm

• Night crews work from Sunday night through Friday morning, from 10:00 pm through 7:00 am.

• Weekend day and night crews work as needed.

• Crew schedules and construction activities can change at any time.

*Construction activities can change at any time

City Services

Help keep our parks beautiful, healthy and safe. If you see any maintenance issues or other problems that are occurring in a San José park, please fill out the Park Concerns Form, call (408) 793-5510 or email Park.Concerns@sanjoseca.gov to report a concern.

The City of San José is spreading the word about the 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline. This lifeline gives you free, confidential, and compassionate emotional support when you need help. Contacting 988 connects you to a trained counselor who is here for you, no matter what you are going through. If you are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, reach out to 988.

Click here to learn more about the 988 lifeline.

To learn more about free legal services through the Elevate Community Center, click here!

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Access for All Scholarship

The Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers discounted rates for families receiving government assistance, such as Medical, food stamps, WIC, etc. Access for All provides four discounted tickets at $4 each. Guests can receive this discounted rate every time they visit HHPZ!

Learn more about the program here!

Local Businesses

Disability Access Improvement Grants for Small Businesses

 San José Small Business Owners: The City's Disability Access Improvement Grants program will support your responsibility to comply with the federal Americans with Disability Act and the California Building Code. The grant will help you pay for a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) report and to hire professionals to design and remove ADA barriers. 

More information about qualifying for grant assistance can be found here.

Announcements

Slam Jose! 

Registration: $250 per team, includes free Slam Jose! T-shirt for each player!

Registration closes on Tuesday, June 17th at 11:59am.

Games will be played outdoor courts on Park Avenue and South Market Street. The tournament will also include a dunk contest, 3 point shootout, knockout and free throw contests.

Summer Learning with the San Jose Public Library

Students and families can get a cool head start on Summer Learning at San Jose Public Library (SJPL) and pre-register for our annual program from May 1-31. With a goal of reading either 8 books or 8 hours across 8 weeks from June 1 to July 31, participants of all ages can enjoy their favorite hot book titles and fun SJPL activities all summer long. 

1. Youth who sign up during pre-registration will be entered into special prize drawings for SF Giants game tickets AND a $40 gift card to Hicklebee's bookstore in Willow Glen.

2. Adults who do the same will be entered into a special prize drawing for an Amazon Kindle Fire 7 e-reader tablet.

Once the program begins on June 1, all youth receive one free book for both signing up and completing the challenge, while adults will also receive fun giveaways for doing the same. For more information, please visit here! 

Mark your calendars and save the date for Juneteenth in the Streets!

Project Foodbox for Medi-Cal Members

Click here to get more info!

Summer Paid Work Experience For San Jose Youth Ages 14-18 

Recruitment is now open for San José Works, a summer paid work experience program for San José youth ages 14-18. This year’s program will recruit more than 300 youth to work for employers like Roku, CreaTV, the Boys & Girls Club, and various City Council offices and departments. Interested youth can apply here. Mentors and employers are also needed, please submit a form here or contact Ruby Carrasco if you are interested.