June Newsletter 2026

Monday, June 1

Dear Neighbors,

This month marks a historic moment for San José. As we prepare to welcome the FIFA World Cup to our City, San José is once again stepping onto the global stage. The excitement and momentum are building across our community, and I’m proud that our City will showcase its energy, diversity, and spirit to visitors from around the world. I hope you’ll jump in and engage with watch parties and other activations across San José and especially in District 6. 

Adding to this exciting chapter, the Professional Women’s Hockey League recently announced its expansion to San José. With a new home team coming to SAP Center and Tech CU Arena this fall, our City continues to grow as a destination for world-class sports and entertainment. 

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on cleanup efforts along the Three Creeks Trail and Los Gatos Creek, reflections from my Reimagining the Civic Commons keynote, and highlights from recent events, celebrations, and grand openings across the district.

The final public hearing for the 2026–2027 Budget Process will take place on June 8, 2026. I encourage you to participate and share your input on proposed initiatives, changes, and investments.

Finally, with Election Day on Tuesday, June 2, please remember to submit your ballot at a Santa Clara County drop box or vote in person to make your voice heard.

Thank you for staying engaged and connected. It is an honor to serve as your Councilmember.

Best,

Michael Mulcahy

San José City Councilmember, District 6

FIFA World Cup 2026

The world is coming to the South Bay as San José prepares to help host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While not every resident will have the opportunity to attend matches at Levi's Stadium, the energy and excitement of the tournament will be felt throughout San José with free watch parties, cultural celebrations, and community events that give everyone a chance to take part in this once-in-a-generation experience. Here are a few highlights to add to your calendar, with even more events available at SJ26.org. 

• San Pedro Square Market — free World Cup watch parties from June 11 through July 19, showing all 104 matches live as downtown transforms into an official fan hub.  
• The Row Cup — a five-week celebration of food, fun, and fan energy taking place June 11 - July 19 at Santana Row.
• Opera in the Rose Garden — enjoy live music and free outdoor concert on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at San José's Municipal Rose Garden.
• CityDance San José 2026 — a free downtown series featuring live music, open-air dancing, and beginner-friendly instruction for all experience levels. 

District Project Updates 

Three Creeks Trail/Los Gatos Creek (I-280 Lincoln Ave)

In the District

Delmas Dumpster Day

On May 2, the District 6 Office partnered with the Delmas Park Neighborhood Association to host a Dumpster Day for residents of the Midtown, Delmas, Buena Vista, and Gardner neighborhoods. The event was a success, with four large dumpsters filled with bulky items that could not be placed in regular household trash bins.

Running Strong: Willow Glen 5K Celebrates 17 Years

The Willow Glen 5K Run/Walk for Education is an annual community event held each May to support arts, science, music, sports, technology, and other enrichment programs at Willow Glen Elementary School. Now in its 17th year, the race has grown into a community tradition that meaningfully invests in students and their learning experiences. As a fun note, Jessica on our team participated in the inaugural race back in 2nd grade.

Festivities and community spirit at the Willow Glen 5K.

We are proud to sponsor this event and to see it thrive year after year as a cornerstone of the Willow Glen community. Thank you to Willow Glen Elementary School for hosting, and to the many partners who made race day possible, including local downtown businesses, nearby neighbors, the San José Police Department, and all of the dedicated volunteers. Special appreciation goes to the PTA Board of Directors, the 5K Committee, Race Director Meggie Hollywood, PTA President Gini Bossenbroek, and presenting sponsor Skechers for their leadership and support.

National River Clean-Up Day at SJC

Employees and volunteers were hard at work this National River Clean-Up Day, participating in a Guadalupe River clean-up near SJC. Approximately 200 pounds of trash were removed from the creek, preventing it from entering the Bay and helping protect the health of our local waterways.

Volunteers gather for a photo at the river clean-up near SJC on May 16, 2026.

Since SJC has joined the National River Clean-Up Day effort in 2023, there has been encouraging progress, with less trash collected each year — a testament to the positive impact of SJC’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. The Guadalupe River is a vital habitat for wildlife and an important recreational resource for our community. By helping preserve its natural beauty, we are contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for current and future generations.  

Volunteers and Councilmember work in the creek to clear trash and debris.

Grand Openings

Strāta

181 E Santa Clara St.

Strāta (pronounced Straight-Ahh), located across from City Hall at 181 E. Santa Clara St., opened mid-May as Downtown San José’s newest fine dining destination. The restaurant is owned and operated by the team behind Eos & Nyx and Alter Ego featuring a seasonal prix fixe menu from Executive Chef Roberto Mendoza that evolves every six to eight weeks. Visit Downtown San José and experience one of the city’s newest culinary offerings. 

Mariposa Place

748 W San Carlos St.

Mariposa Place celebrated its grand opening on May 15, marking another milestone in the transformation of the West San Carlos corridor. The seven-story, 80-unit affordable housing development provides permanent supportive housing for low-income residents, including 40 units dedicated to individuals who have experienced homelessness. The project reflects San José’s commitment to sustainable, transit-oriented growth with a net-zero, all-electric design featuring rooftop solar and stormwater treatment.

Councilmember delivers remarks at the Mariposa Place grand opening.

Built on a site with deep local history — adjacent the former Del Monte Cannery, Orchard Supply Hardware and on property formerly owned by the Cotton family of Mel Cotton's Tent City — Mariposa Place represents both investment in the future and preservation of the community’s legacy. 

Power the Santa Clara Valley Groundbreaking

Councilmember Michael Mulcahy joined partners from LS Power and Pacific Gas and Electric Company to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Power the Santa Clara Valley Project, a major investment in San José’s energy future. The site is located off Coleman Avenue, immediately adjacent to PG&E’s substation visible from Highway 87. The project will deliver up to 1,000 megawatts of new high-capacity transmission infrastructure, helping strengthen grid reliability and resiliency while supporting housing growth, transportation electrification, and the expansion of advanced industries and emerging technologies. 

The project also advances San José’s climate goals by expanding access to cleaner and more affordable energy. Councilmember Mulcahy thanked LS Power, PG&E, and City staff — including Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda — for their collaboration in moving this transformative infrastructure project forward for the benefit of residents and businesses for generations to come. 

Councilmembers and LS power representatives at the groundbreaking.

Sweat408

2034 Lincoln Ave.

Elevate Fitness

1049 Lincoln Ave.

Sweat408 opened this month on Lincoln Avenue, bringing a new infrared fitness studio to District 6. The studio offers classes including mat pilates, hot sculpt, power yoga, vinyasa flow, and its signature Sculpt Beat workout. We’re excited to welcome Sweat408 to the neighborhood and encourage residents to stop by and try a class. 

Elevate Fitness brings a fun-first energy to fitness that’s truly contagious. The studio combines functional, three-dimensional movement with strength, mobility, and power to create workouts that feel athletic, dynamic, and empowering. We’re excited to welcome another locally focused wellness business to District 6.  

Ceremonials

Honorees pictured during the Municipal Rose Garden trimming event.

Community leaders and Bellarmine staff, including Senator Dave Cortese and Representative Sam Liccardo, celebrate 175 years of Bellarmine College Preparatory.

Mayor Matt Mahan speaks at the FIFA World Cup flag-raising ceremony in the City Hall Rotunda.

Community members share a traditional African dance during the event program.

At the Tuesday, May 12 City Council meeting, Councilmember presented a proclamation recognizing May as Historic Preservation Month in San José. The proclamation highlighted our City’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, including nearly 230 historic landmarks, eight historic districts — including the recently designated Schiele District off The Alameda — and seven conservation areas that reflect the diverse communities and stories that have shaped San José over generations. 

Rachel Royer highlights the value of preserving local history during Historic Preservation Month.

Rachel Royer, Chair of the Historic Landmarks Commission, spoke about the importance of learning from and preserving San José’s historic places, while recognizing the ongoing efforts to protect the city’s unique character and history for future generations. 

On Wednesday, May 20, the District 6 Office co-hosted the Eritrean Independence Day Flag Raising event with the Eritrean Community of San José. The celebration marked the 35th anniversary of Eritrean independence and recognized the many contributions Eritrean Americans make to San José’s cultural, civic, and economic life. Community members, youth leaders, and residents gathered to reflect on Eritrea’s history, honor those who fought for independence, and celebrate the strength and vibrancy of the Eritrean community.  

The event concluded with the presentation of a proclamation recognizing May 24 as Eritrean Independence Day in San José and the raising of the Eritrean flag above City Hall in a powerful tribute to resilience, heritage, and community pride. 

Community members gather to celebrate Eritrean Independence Day at the flag-raising ceremony.

Councilmember Michael Mulcahy presented a commendation to Kyle Markwalter, a math teacher from Willow Glen High School, in recognition of receiving the San José Public Library Educator of the Year Award. The commendation honored his exceptional dedication to students, commitment to educational excellence, and meaningful contributions to the San José community. 

Educator of the Year honorees pictured holding their commendations alongside community leaders.

Councilmember Michael Mulcahy presented a commendation at the 100 Year Celebration of Glenn Avenue, recognizing a century of history and community connection in Willow Glen. For 100 years, Glenn Avenue has served as an important, neighborly street within San José, connecting generations of families, supporting local businesses, and showing great pride in their homes, with seven dating back to 1926. Many thanks to Gloria Knapel for organizing the celebration and to Linda and Lee Perry for hosting and displaying the City commendation in their home – the first built on Glenn Avenue. 

Celebrating 100 years of Glenn Avenue.

Upcoming Events & Community Meetings

Community Resources

Community Cycles Requesting Bicycle Donations

Do you have a bike collecting dust in your garage? Donate it to Community Cycles of California and turn it into opportunity.

At Community Cycles of California, we believe bikes change lives. Every

donated bike goes through a comprehensive 60-point refurbishment and

safety inspection by our trained staff and workforce development

participants. From there, your bike takes one of two impactful paths:

• It may go directly into our Earn-A-Bike program supporting unhoused and low-income neighbors in gaining reliable transportation. Participants complete six hours of community service and earn a free, refurbished bike of their own.
• Or it may be sold through our nonprofit social enterprise, with 100% of proceeds reinvested into our free bike programs, workforce training, and community repair clinics.

Your unused bike can become reliable transportation, a pathway to

employment, or a source of independence for someone in our community.

We accept:

• Quality bikes of all types and sizes
• Bikes with flat tires or few broken/missing parts
• Gently used parts and accessories

Ready to donate? Come by 35 Wilson Ave Tuesday - Saturday from 10AM - 5PM. All donations are tax deductible.

Environmental Services Department Resources

No-Cost Junk Pickup for San José Owners and Renters

San José’s Junk Pickup program is one of the most popular City services, available at no cost for single-family homes and multi-family complexes. Both property owners and renters can use the service. Learn more and schedule your pickup appointment today at SJEnvironment.org/junkpickup.

Adopt a Storm Drain and Help Prevent Neighborhood Flooding

Drain-o-saurus Rex, Don’t Leaf me Alone, Drain Teaser, Drainmond Green and Sir Drains-a-lot. Just some of the names given to the 200+ storm drains adopted by San José residents, schools and community groups as part of the City's Adopt-a-Storm Drain program. Learn more about the program at SJEnvironment.org/Adopt-A-Storm-Drain and sign up to help reduce trash entering local waterways and prevent neighborhood flooding. 

Small Businesses: Apply for FREE indoor Organic Waste Bins!

The City's Wet Receptacle Assistance Program provides qualifying San José businesses and institutions with up to $500 worth of FREE indoor receptacles for the sorting of their organic waste, also known as "Wet" waste in San José. Learn more and take advantage of this limited time offer.

District 6 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

District 6 CERT is a volunteer group of CERT members and meet monthly since January 2023 to prepare for emergencies and be a resource in our neighborhoods. Meetings are generally held on the LAST Thursday of each month (except November - December). D6 CERT appreciates and welcomes your participation.

Are you interested in becoming a part of the City of San José Community Emergency Response Team? Or maybe you are already trained and looking to connect with other CERT members in your neighborhood.

Questions? Email sjcertd6@gmail.com.