Affordable Housing at Berryessa BART

Last week, Council approved a bond to build 195 homes near the Berryessa BART station. At least 40% of these homes are reserved for families making 60% or less of our local median income, and at least 20% of those homes will be for families making less than half our local median income. These homes, near one of our transportation hubs, are a welcome and much needed addition to our city.

Collaboration with VTA Related to SB63

Last fall, Governor Newsom signed SB 63 and authorized a regional revenue measure that would fund public transit operations, capital improvements, and transit supportive roadway investments across the Bay Area. Voters will consider this measure in November, which could have big ramifications for VTA improvements throughout our District. City Council has directed staff to meet specific goals to ensure that, if passed, this money is allocated to support our priorities, including around equity and climate, and will establish an interagency negotiation framework. The biggest emphasis will be placed on improved service and rider experience measures, followed by capital investments that support transit, and lastly support for fixed-route transit roadway maintenance. Read more about the policy priorities here.

Bike Plan and Trail Network Update

Last week, the Transportation & Environment Committee received an update on San José’s Bike Plane and Trail Network. I’ve seen the hardscape improvements to our bike lanes going in on my walk to work in the morning, including seeing more people taking advantage of the bike lanes now that they’re more protected. At my last Goodyear Mastic NA meeting, I was pleased to hear shoutouts from the neighbors about the bike lane on Alma.

Data Centers Status Report

This week, City Council heard a report from staff on the City’s work on data centers. I really appreciated the residents who reached out to share their very real concerns. When done wrong, data centers can negatively impact our climate goals, ratepayers can see their electricity bills increase, and our communities suffer.

It also isn’t lost on me that during this 56 million dollar budget shortfall, San José must continue to find revenue sources that will allow the City to deliver and expand on core services. By making sure we have strong oversight, enforcement mechanisms against unfair rate increates, and community benefits from any future data center projects, I believe we can strike a balance and not just protect our neighbors, but be able to invest in high quality services for our residents while creating union construction jobs, as members of our local building trades attested to.

I absolutely agree with the folks who brought up the inaccessibility of our meetings. Bringing back virtual public comment has been something I’ve been advocating for since I was on the planning commission and I’m happy to share that it should be returning this summer. Your input is critical to making sure our community has a seat at the table as these decisions are made.

Connect North San José

Connect North San Jose is the City’s plan to improve street design and urban connectivity across a growing hub of financial activity in our City. This plan will spur people-friendly development, addressing persistent problems around infrastructure, sustainability, housing, and traffic fatalities. District 3 overlaps with this zone, and with investments in VTA and traffic-calming measures, we’ll make North San Jose more accessible to our businesses and neighborhoods. Read the Department of Transportation’s plan here.

San José Clean Energy Annual Report

San José Clean Energy (SJCE), your local, not-for-profit electricity provider, powered homes and businesses with at least 62% renewable energy in 2025 while lowering costs, helping San José achieve the title of the Greenest City in the Country.  

And just by being a customer, you helped: 

• Remove the equivalent emissions of 90,400 gas vehicles from the road all year 
• Add 20 megawatts (MW) of solar and battery storage to the grid – powering the equivalent of 5,100 average SJ homes with clean energy 
• Improve air quality, reduce pollution, and fight climate change 

Check out SJCE’s 2025 Annual Report to learn how you made a difference: https://sanjosecleanenergy.org/2025-annual-report/

Lime Scooter Concerns

Shared scooters stealing sidewalk space stymying your stroll? Lime has created a San José-specific email address to send complaints and concerns about their shared e-scooters. Email help-san-jose@li.me. Find more contact info at: bit.ly/scooter-contacts.

Heat Pump Rebate

San José Clean Energy (SJCE) is offering extra savings for heat pump water heater installations through the EcoHome Rebate program. SJCE customers can receive a $2,500 rebate and income-eligible households can receive $3,500. During the limited-time spring bonus period from April 1 to May 31, 2026, an additional $500 bonus is available, bringing total rebates to $3,000 for standard households and $4,000 for income-eligible households.  

The bonus is applied when you reserve your rebate, and you have 120 days to complete your project once your rebate is reserved. Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your home, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maximize your savings.  

Reserve your rebate today at SanJoseCleanEnergy.org/EcoHome-Rebate. 

Story-Keyes Street Safety Improvements Meeting

The City of San José Department of Transportation is making safety improvements along Story Road and Keyes Street. These improvements will help reduce speeding and make it safer for everyone—whether you walk, bike, take transit, or drive. They will also improve visibility so people can better see each other and help reduce crashes. These changes will create a safer, more accessible, and more convenient street for the entire community. Join us for a community meeting to learn more on Wednesday, April 29 from 6pm to 7:30 pm at the Leininger Community Center.

VTA Light Rail Survey

VTA would like to get your feedback about your experience riding VTA Light Rail. The survey should take 3-5 minutes. Your participation in this survey will help VTA track their performance and compare it to other agencies around the world, as they work to bring you better transit service.

Click here to take the survey.