February 2026 Newsletter

Wednesday, February 4

Dear Neighbors,


Happy Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and today marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day! February is already buzzing with energy, and this week is extra special—Super Bowl week is here, and San José is at the heart of the action. Our district is perfectly positioned to soak up all the excitement, from citywide festivities to community gatherings. 



Highlights include the Big Game Block Party, hosted by Hapa’s Brewing, Creekside Socials, and San Jose Jazz on Wednesday, Feb. 4, and Thursday, Feb. 5, where I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be the frontman, singing for the Sweet Laurel Berry Band at 5:30 PM on Thursday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, and I hope to see many of you there. The stage will be in the street in front of Hapa’s at 59 Barack Obama Boulevard near West San Fernando Street. 


I had the chance to attend NFL Opening Night at the San José McEnery Convention Center and the amazing, very San José-centric drone show on Monday evening—it was truly spectacular. If you weren’t able to make it, the next show is scheduled for this Friday at 10:15 PM at Discovery Meadow on Woz Way, and it’s not to be missed. There’s incredible energy across the City, and I’m excited to participate in all the week has to offer, from San Pedro Square to Santana Row.  


Beyond big game excitement, this newsletter covers updates on public safety and highlights the people, communities, and events that make our district so special. And don’t forget—the Mayor’s State of the City is this Saturday, February 7, from 9 AM – 12 PM. Make sure to RSVP and join us as we recognize a D6 Community Hero.


Best,

Michael Mulcahy

San José City Councilmember, District 6

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Public Safety Updates

San José Police Arrest Serial Arsonist

We advocated for a greater coordinated effort to find the serial arsonist that terrorized neighborhoods throughout the City of San José in recent months. This included a series of vehicle arsons that affected several neighborhoods in District 6, including Curtner Avenue at Coastland and Auzerais near Hwy 87.


From this coordinated investigation, the San José Police Department (SJPD) Assaults Unit, San José Fire Department (SJFD) Arson Division, and the SJPD Real Time Intelligence Center identified and arrested the suspect on Friday, January 30, 2026.  


SJPD indicated that the suspect in custody was arrested for the January 21 and January 27 arson crimes, but is believed to be responsible for the prior vehicle arson incidents and acted alone. However, these investigations remain ongoing. Most importantly, law enforcement believes there is no ongoing risk to the public. 


We are grateful for the diligence and professionalism demonstrated by the SJPD and SJFD investigators whose efforts were instrumental in leading to this arrest. Please find more details in the San José Police Department’s media release

Update: 818 Hookah Lounge Homicide in December 2025 

We have been pushing hard for proactive legal and public safety action against the business and property owner of the Hookah Lounge at 2231 Lincoln Avenue in the aftermath of the terrifying gunfight in the early morning hours on December 7, 2025, resulting in a homicide.


At this time, the business is listed as “temporarily closed” which is a great start. But we are not satisfied which is why the City Attorney has filed a public nuisance and unfair competition law case (Docket #26CV485493) against the property owner and business on January 28, 2026. 


Rest assured other City departments, including code enforcement and finance, and the County Assessor are pursuing action against this business which was operating without proper permits and licenses or paying required taxes. 

Supporting our Community During Super Bowl Week 

As San José residents enjoy the excitement of the Super Bowl in our backyard, we recognize that recent events in Minnesota have heightened tensions and concern. San José is a Welcoming City—all residents, regardless of origin, are able to fully participate in and contribute to this community. The San José Police Department does not, and will not, assist with civil immigration enforcement, as reaffirmed by a City Council resolution in February 2025. 


Residents have shared that, despite San José’s policies on civil immigration enforcement, fears about possible federal actions remain. Please know that our local law enforcement, in coordination with partner agencies, has been working to ensure that this weekend and the many events throughout the week run as smoothly as possible. The Bay Area Host Committee has shared with our office that there are no planned ICE immigration enforcement operations associated with Super Bowl LX, and that the federal security presence will be consistent with past Super Bowls and comparable to the Department of Homeland Security’s role at other major sporting events. We are confident that our local law enforcement is prepared to uphold San José’s local ordinances and policies and to protect the safety and rights of our community, regardless of any federal actions. 


We recognize that this moment is difficult for many in our community. Our office remains focused on ensuring that all residents of District 6 and San José feel supported, informed, and safe as they move through their daily lives and participate in this week’s events, regardless of immigration status. 

District and Project Updates 

St. Leo's Community Clean-Up

Our Council team rolled up our sleeves and got to work at St. Leo's Clean-Up Day. We were proud to partner with Mayor Mahan, The Trash Punx, St. Leo the Great School, and Loveseat Homes for a day dedicated to community pride and beautification. A big shout out to Loveseat Homes, located on The Alameda, and its owners Nancy and Chris Reynolds for showing what it looks like to Step Up for D6, as they sponsored this clean-up to bring some much-needed attention to the neighborhood.

A special thank-you to LUNA Mexican Kitchen for generously donating breakfast burritos for our volunteers. Not only were they delicious, but the team at LUNA reached out on their own to make sure volunteers were well fed—an incredible example of local businesses supporting community service. 

More than 100 volunteers came together to pick up trash, clean medians, remove weeds from public spaces, and revitalize three electrical boxes. In total, volunteers collected 80 bags of trash weighing 2,800 pounds. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make a visible difference. Stay tuned for the next clean-up day as we continue working together to keep San José clean and beautiful. 

The Locker Room Grand Opening

The SJ26 Sports Merchandise & Visitors Center, known as “The Locker Room,” is now open in downtown San José at 93 E. San Carlos Street, made possible by the generous support of the Brandenburg Family Foundation. This vibrant new hub enhances the visitor experience by providing centralized information, San José–focused sports merchandise—including the SJSU Spartans, Sharks, Earthquakes, Bay FC, Barracuda, and Giants—along with community gathering spaces, a podcast studio, and visitor amenities such as Wi-Fi and charging stations. Stop by Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM, to check out this exciting new downtown destination. 

Councilmember Mulcahy pictured with local artist, Emilio Cortez, who painted the football featured in the Locker Room.

Lincoln High School Football Team Commendation

Councilmember Mulcahy pictured with the Lincoln Lions Football team on Jan. 15, 2026.

Councilmember Mulcahy joined the community for a special evening celebrating an outstanding season by the Lincoln Lions football team. The Councilmember recognized the Lions with a commendation from the City of San José for their historic CCS Championship and CIF Northern Regional Championship wins, marking the first CIF appearance and title for a San José Unified football team. Commendations were also presented to longtime Head Coach Kevin Collins, who has led and mentored generations of Lions for 33 years, and to Kyan Phillips, Bay Area News Group's Santa Clara County Player of the Year, for an exceptional season marked by leadership and excellence. Congratulations to the remarkable student-athletes and staff for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork during this historic season.    

SJPD Community Partnership Academy Graduation 

Councilmember Mulcahy pictured with

Police Chief Paul Joseph.

Councilmember Mulcahy and the District 6 Office proudly graduated from the San José Police Department Community Partnership Academy, joining residents from across the city in learning more about local law enforcement. The Academy is designed to strengthen understanding and communication between SJPD and the community, and participants leave with greater insight into police operations, stronger relationships with officers, and a shared commitment to public safety. Applications are now open for the next session. Interested residents are encouraged to apply.

Guadalupe River Park (GRP) Native Forage Garden Planting

The Native Forage Garden Planting event that took place Jan. 19, 2026.

District 6 celebrated the planting of a new Native Forage Garden sponsored by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, and created in partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation. Councilmember Mulcay was honored to join the tribe's Culture Bearer Joey Torres and community members for a meaningful day of service. This new garden will serve as an important site of cultural significance and environmental stewardship within District 6. The new garden in located just west of the Heritage Rose Garden along West Taylor Street at Walnut Street.

46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon

San José Mayor and City Council with Milan Balinton, Executive Director of AACSA.

Councilmember Mulcahy was honored to attend the African American Community Service Agency's (AACSA) 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon, a meaningful celebration of Dr. King's enduring legacy. During the event, the City Council proudly recognized Milan R. Balinton, Executive Director of AACSA, with a 15 Years of Service Award. We were also proud to see one of our new District 6 interns, Ma’Kayla Akin, a sophomore at SJSU, speak at the event. We thank AACSA for their continued commitment to uplifting and serving San José, and we look forward to supporting and participating in future events. 

Holocaust Memorial Day

 Press Conference

District 6 Community Relations Representative, Jessica Hellman, speaking at the Holocaust Memorial Press Conference.

Councilmember Mulcahy co-sponsored the Holocaust Memorial Press Conference at San José City Hall alongside Councilmember Cohen in observance of International Holocaust Memorial Day. The event honored the voices and lived experiences of Holocaust survivors, whose stories serve as powerful reminders of the consequences of hatred and intolerance. D6 staff member, and editor of this newsletter, Jessica Hellman was a key speaker at this event. 

SJC NBC Appearance

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) was featured by NBC News for its behind-the-scenes preparations supporting the Super Bowl in Santa Clara County. The coverage highlighted the dedication and attention to detail of airport staff, whose hard work ensures smooth operations during major events. We’re proud to see SJC recognized for its role in making this landmark event a success

Found*SJ Grand Opening 

District 6 proudly celebrated the grand opening of Found*SJ, a new reuse and thrift center at the historic Kearney Foundry, with a ribbon-cutting attended by community members, volunteers, and partners from the Preservation Action Council of San José (PAC*SJ).

Found*SJ continues PAC*SJ’s mission of preserving San José’s history while promoting sustainability, offering affordable treasures, and supporting creative reuse. Open Saturdays from 11am to 6pm, every purchase helps fund preservation efforts and reduce waste in our community.

Found*SJ ribbon-cutting on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

SJ26 Big Game Events

Creekside Socials Big Game Block Pary

Feb. 4 - 5, 2026

59 Barack Obama Blvd.

Wednesday - Thursday, 12PM - 8PM


This two-day celebration along Barack Obama Blvd. features a live Fitz & Whit podcast, music, food trucks, live art, shopping, games, prizes, and more—plus activations from Local Color, RFRD Canine Recreation Center, Found*SJ, Bay Padel, The Playground by HIIT School, and others.

Super Row Weekend & Big Game Tailgate Viewing Party

Feb. 5 - Feb. 8, 2026

Santana Row

Thursday - Sunday, 11AM - 9PM


The weekend will feature exclusive restaurant menus, themed cocktails, live DJs, and a massive outdoor Big Game Tailgate Party—transforming Santana Row into the ultimate pre-game destination just minutes from Levi’s Stadium.


Plus, shop official merchandise at the NFL Pop-Up Shop on Santana Row through Monday, February 9.

San Pedro Superfest

Feb. 6 - Feb. 8, 2026

San Pedro Square

Friday, 4PM - 10PM

Saturday, 12PM - 10PM

Sunday, 12PM - 7PM


This two-day celebration along Barack Obama Blvd. features a live Fitz & Whit podcast, music, food trucks, live art, shopping, games, prizes, and more—plus activations from Local Color, RFRD Canine Recreation Center, Found*SJ, Bay Padel, The Playground by HIIT School, and others.

The Big Game Block Party

with Kehlani

Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

San José City Hall

4PM

Dom Dolla Street Party

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026

San José City Hall

4PM

Hayes Mansion Big Game Showdown

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026

Hayes Mansion

12PM - 11:59PM

Hayes Mansion Post Game Party

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026

Hayes Mansion

12PM - 11:59PM

Upcoming Community Events

Mayor's State of the City 2026

Saturday, February 7 | 194 Post St.

9AM - 12PM

San José Public Library:

Celebrating Lunar New Year

Friday, February 6 | 3:30PM

Tully Branch Library

Black History Month 100 Year Commemoration Kick-Off

Thursday, February 5 | 5PM

King Library

San José Public Library

Service Day

Saturday, February 7 | 11AM - 12PM

Location provided upon registration

Little Italy 4th Annual Carnevale & Mardi Gras Celebration and Concert

Friday, February 20, 5:30PM - 10PM

Little Italy San José

Community Resources

Bringing Everyone's Strengths Together (BEST) Grant Programs

The Bringing Everyone’s Strengths Together (BEST) Grant Program is accepting applications for the 2026 – 2029 funding cycle. This grant program funds services that build on San José youth strengths and reduce their risk of involvement in violence. The application deadline is Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 4PM.

Small Business Start-Up

 Grant Program

The Small Business Start-Up Grant program is open to for-profit businesses registered in San José with fewer than 35 employees. Businesses must be registered in San Jose and have a business certificate less than 3 years old. Business owners must operate and reside within San Jose. Applications are due by March 6, 2026.

San Jose Mineta International Airport TSA PreCheck

San José Mineta International Airport is introducing TSA PreCheck® Touchless Identity Verification, allowing eligible travelers to use facial recognition instead of a physical ID to move more quickly through security while maintaining strict privacy protections.

San Jose International Airport $15 All-Day Parking Pass

San José Mineta International Airport is offering $15 all-day parking in select lots on Super Bowl Sunday, with easy transit connections to Levi’s® Stadium via VTA bus and light rail, making game-day travel simple and affordable. 

Reporting Issues


San José 311 is the city's one-stop service hub for reporting issues like graffiti, potholes, and illegal dumping. You can also request services such as streetlight repairs and abandoned vehicle removal.


To report an issue, we encourage you to download the 311 app or report online. The 311 App is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

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