From Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, representing District 1 on the San José City Council

NOTE: The look of our newsletter is different because we now use Constant Contact to send our newsletters, not Mailchimp. Our email domain says “district1-sanjoseca.gov@shared1.ccsend.com," but if you reply to this newsletter you will reach us at district1@sanjoseca.gov.

Hello neighbors, 

Happy spring! In March, we recognized Women’s History Month, honored the work of our City’s Office of Racial Equity in advancing gender equity, and celebrated the achievements of amazing women leaders across the County of Santa Clara. I also had the honor of participating in a symposium on childcare policy, welcomed water policy conference attendees to San José, and hosted local high school students to get an inside look at city government. 

I'd like to share with you some significant recent actions we took on Council, as well as important project and planning updates. I will also be announcing our pilot Adopt-A-Storm Drain program in honor of Earth Day on April 22, so stay tuned for more information.

As always, if you have questions, comments, or thoughts you would like to share with me directly, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901. You may also come attend my office hours in-person or virtually, which I will host on the following dates: 

• In-person Office Hours: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Coffee and Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Ave #40, San José, CA 95129
• Virtual Office Hours: Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Zoom. Must register in advance at Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei's April 2024 Virtual Office Hour.

I wish you and your family a lovely April. 

Sincerely,

Council & Policy Updates

• Recent Council Actions 
• Upcoming Council Actions 

District 1 Project Updates

• Costco Project Proposal at Westgate West
• San José State University Urban Planning Student Project
• Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study
• New Custom Storm Drain Grate

Community Events

• Recap: Women's History Month Proclamation
• Recap: 30x30 Pledge
• Recap: Starbird Household Junk & E-Waste Collection Event
• Recap: Marijane Hamann Park Tree Planting
• Recap: Lynbrook High School Job Shadow
• Recap: Childcare Symposium
• Upcoming: Gender Equity & Justice Town Hall
• Upcoming: Payne Avenue Friendship Park Ribbon-Cutting
• Upcoming: Great American Litter Pick-Up
• Upcoming: Rosemary School Health & Wellness Fair
• Upcoming: Viva CalleSJ
• Upcoming: April Volunteer Management Unit Events
• Upcoming: West Valley Branch Library Book Sale

Engagement Opportunities

• CERT Trainings
• Hiring Crossing Guards
• Become a Climate Action Leader with Our City Forest

Public Services & Resources 

• Key Services for Helping Your Community
• Self-Start Building Permits with Plan Review Program
• Animal Care Services Adoption
• Resources From Your Representatives 

Recent Council Actions

Photo from Steinberg Hart

My Council colleagues and I addressed many critical issues since my last newsletter, and I want to highlight for you some of the actions we took. City Council took the following actions: 

• March 12, Item 10.1(a): Allowed the construction of a 25-story 210-unit multi-family residential building at 439-451 South Fourth Street, where currently there is a single-family residence and 30-unit multifamily residence. 
• March 19, Item 3.3: Approved the Mayor's March Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, with modifications pursuant to Councilmember Davis' motion to adopt some recommendations in a memorandum from Councilmembers Jimenez, Ortiz, and Candelas. 
• March 19, Item 4.1: Accepted a report comparing cannabis business regulations and annual operating fees of the City, state, and other jurisdictions, and reduced the Cannabis Storefront Fee. Directed staff to analyze the reduction’s potential impact, and evaluate potential changes to City cannabis regulations to better align them with state regulations. 
• March 26, Item 3.3: Accepted a report on the status of the Open Audit recommendations from the City Auditor’s Office. 
• March 26, Item 6.1: Authorized the City Manager to apply for United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grants in order to fund a reusable foodware program and a public facility resiliency implementation project. 
• March 26, Item 8.2: Adopted a resolution establishing an Anti-Displacement Tenant Preference Program in City restricted affordable housing properties for lower-income applicants of affordable housing at risk of displacement living in high-displacement census tracts and in their neighborhood City Council Districts. 
• March 26, Item 8.4: Authorized the Housing Department to negotiate and execute one-year program grant agreements with PATH for $4,428,303 and HomeFirst for $4,234,887 for targeted outreach and engagement with unsheltered individuals and households. 

View these recent meeting agendas by visiting the following: 

• March 12 City Council meeting agenda
• March 19 City Council meeting agenda
• March 26 City Council meeting agenda

To see all agendas, minutes, and recordings of City Council and other committee meetings, go to the City Clerk's Council Agendas & Minutes. 

To learn more about the City of San José's form of government, and how City Council operates, go to the City Clerk's Guide to Council Meetings.

Upcoming Council Actions

Photo from KQED

My colleagues and I will address more critical issues in the coming weeks. City Council is expected to consider the following actions:  

• April 9, Item 3.3: Approve an ordinance authorizing the removal of large vehicles parked upon a street, or portions thereof, where the parking of large vehicles creates a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicles; and require the posting of signage authorizing the removal of large vehicles parked in “No Large Vehicle Parking Zones.” And approve another ordinance prohibiting the overnight parking of vehicles upon a street, or portion thereof; and authorizing the removal of vehicles parked where the overnight parking of vehicles is prohibited. 
• April 9, Item 3.4: Approve an ordinance establishing “School Clearance Zones” which would prohibit obstructing a street (including any storm sewer or natural outlet or channel), sidewalk, bicycle lane, or other public right-of-way by sitting, lying, or sleeping or by storing, using, maintaining, or placing personal property within 150 feet of the lot or parcel line for a real property with a licensed public or private preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school on-site. 
• April 9, Item 7.1: Accept the status report on the Children and Youth Services Master Plan, including the American Rescue Plan spending plan for children and youth services. 
• April 16: Approve the annual Independent Police Auditor report, and the Police Department's response to it. 
• April 23: Accept a report on Intergovernmental Relations Spring Report. 
• April 23: Accept the Santa Clara County 911 Ambulance Services Status Report and Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Annual Report. 
• April 30: Approve an action related to Automated License Plate Readers. 
• April 30: Approve an action related to Downtown Residential High-Rise Incentive Program Extension. 

There is no City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 2, in recognition of César Chávez Day.

View these upcoming meeting agendas by visiting the following: 

• April 9 City Council meeting agenda
• No agendas available yet for future meetings. 

To see all agendas, minutes, and recordings of City Council and other committee meetings, go to the City Clerk's Council Agendas & Minutes. 

Costco Project Proposal at Westgate West

Concept art by Costco Wholesale Corporation

The comment period for the draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for this proposed new Costco warehouse in Westgate West has now closed.  

As part of the regular environmental review process, staff will examine the comments provided on the DEIR and will release answers to all timely filed comments. Staff are currently in the process of this review of comments. The next expected step in this process is the finalization of the environmental review documents, followed by a Planning Commission hearing, and a City Council hearing. There are no firm dates for these next steps.  

Readers can find out more at the City Planning Department's Westgate West Costco Project Page, and from Costco at Costco's Westgate West Project Page. If you have questions, send them to my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov. 

San José State University Urban Planning Student Project

Photo from Google Maps



In partnership with Professor Richard Kos of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of San José State University, my office has launched an interjurisdictional traffic and circulation study and public engagement initiative. This initiative serves as the basis of a “Capstone” project for Professor Kos’ graduate students. 

Teams of these students will design study and public engagement efforts focused on specific aspects of the traffic, transportation, mobility, and circulation concerns in and around the intersection of Lawrence Expressway and Prospect Road. These efforts will cut across numerous jurisdictional lines and help our city and neighbors better understand and confront the unique problems at this critical gateway to our city. 

Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study

Image from Winter Consulting

The Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study Steering Committee met on Thursday, February 22, to adopt a draft Vision Statement. 

The next Steering Committee meeting will be Friday, May 17, 2024, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at City of San José Council Chambers and over Zoom.  

The next Community Advisory Group meeting will be Thursday, April 25, 2024, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Cypress Community Center, 403 Cypress Avenue, San José, CA 95127. RSVP to attend by visiting April 25 Community Advisory Group Meeting Registration. 

To learn more about the study, as well as meeting agendas and recording, visit Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study. 

New Custom Storm Drain Grate

Photo from City of San José



Thank you to all of the residents who emailed or called the District 1 Office about the flooding that occurs on Stevens Creek Boulevard during the rainy season.  

Our office worked with the City's Department of Transportation (DOT) to install a new, custom storm drain grate with wider openings to allow better water flow at the southwest corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and South Baywood Avenue. 

DOT will continue to monitor the location closely to evaluate its efficiency.  

Recap: Women's History Month Proclamation

On March 5, I had the honor of proclaiming March as Women’s History Month. The proclamation was presented to City Manager Jennifer Maguire and Office of Racial Equity Director Zulma Maciel for their work to advance women’s equality in our city.  

Let us continue to empower, uplift, and support one another as we work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Recap: 30x30 Pledge

In honor of Women's History Month, Mayor Matt Mahan, Police Chief Anthony Mata, City Manager Jennifer Maguire and I signed the 30x30 Pledge on March 7. 

By signing this pledge, the City is commits to increasing women representation in law enforcement to 30% by 2030. 

The decision to join the police force is a noble one, and we believe that every individual, regardless of gender, should have equal opportunities to serve their community. By encouraging more women to join the Police Department, we are not only fostering diversity but also creating a force that is more reflective of the community it serves. 

Recap: Starbird Household Junk & E-Waste Collection Event

In response to reports about illegal dumping, BeautifySJ staff hosted a Household Junk & E-Waste Collection event in the Starbird neighborhood on March 14 and 15. Thank you to all the neighbors and City staff who participated! 

Please reach out to our office at district1@sanjoseca.gov if you and your neighbors would like to host a clean-up and/or dumpster day event in your neighborhood.  

Recap: Marijane Hamann Park Tree Planting

Photo from City of San José

On March 16, the Youth Commission hosted an Oak Tree Planting at Marijane Hamann Park. This event was a part of the Youth Commission’s goals to build ecological awareness through collaboration and participation in events like clean-ups and tree plantings. In District 1, they planted 12 oak trees with help from our Parks, Recreation, & Neighborhood Services Department. 

Thank you to the Youth Commission and Parks staff for thinking of Marijane Hamann Park for this planting. 

Recap: Lynbrook High School Job Shadow

On March 18, I hosted six Lynbrook High School students to shadow my office. We talked about the work my staff and I do every day to serve our city. The students learned about civic institutions, got a tour of City Hall, visited a new local business opening, and joined me in a meeting with City staff.  

Thank you to all six who participated, and to the Lynbrook High School Job Shadow program for partnering with us to make this happen. 

Recap: Childcare Symposium

I had such a wonderful time on the Policy and Advocacy Panel at Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s Childcare Symposium on March 22. 

I joined California State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, and Working Partnerships USA Executive Director Maria Noel Fernandez to discuss our perspectives on the problem of the lack of affordable childcare, and what we as elected officials and advocates can and are doing to address them. 

Thank you Supervisor Susan Ellenberg for your inspiration, and to Joint Venture Silicon Valley on holding this symposium. 

Upcoming: Gender Equity & Justice Town Hall

Join Senator Cortese and me on April 13 for a townhall to discuss gender-responsive policies and programs that improve outcomes, enhance access, and foster a prosperous community where everyone can thrive. Be part of the conversation to learn about the gender equity gap in Silicon Valley – and become part of the solution! 

• Date and time: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM 
• Location: Lynbrook High School Auditorium, 1280 Johnson Avenue, San José, CA 95129 
• Registration required: Register to attend by visiting Gender Equity & Justice Town Hall RSVP Form

Upcoming: Payne Avenue Friendship Park Ribbon-Cutting

Photo from City of San José

It’s finally here! We will be opening the new Payne Avenue Friendship Park. Save the date! 

• Date and time: Saturday, April 20, 12:00 PM 
• Location: 3257 Payne Avenue, San José, CA 95117 
• Registration not required

Upcoming: Great American Litter Pick-Up

It’s that time of the year again—the annual Great American Litter Pick Up is back! 

The Great American Litter Pick Up is a volunteering event hosted by the City of San José to clean up litter and enhance our public spaces. There will be multiple clean-up sites throughout the City happening simultaneously. 

• Date and time: Saturday, April 20, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM 
• Location: Various locations in the City. In District 1, we are hosting 6 different sites: 
• Cadillac Winchester Neighborhood 
• Marijane Hamann Park 
• Stevens Creek Neighborhood 
• Moreland Neighborhood 
• Saratoga Creek Park 
• John Mise Park 
• Registration recommended but not required: If you are interested in volunteering, please find the site you would like to volunteer at and register online by visiting BeautifySJ Volunteers Registration and Details. Supplies will be provided. 

Upcoming: Rosemary School Health & Wellness Fair

Upcoming: Viva CalleSJ

Upcoming: April Volunteer Management Unit Events

Upcoming: West Valley Branch Library Book Sale

CERT Trainings

The Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program is a 20-hour commitment that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that are most likely to occur here in San José. It also promotes basic disaster response skills development, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. CERT volunteers are trained to react safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations, as well as support their communities during non-emergency events. The CERT program aligns with a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely upon during disaster situations. 

If you would like to be notified of the next CERT training program dates, please fill out the San Jose Neighborhood CERT Education Inquiry Form. 

You may also get in touch with us via email at sjcert@sanjoseca.gov or call the City of San José's Office of Emergency Management at (408) 793-5373. 

Until the next CERT course is in your local neighborhood, get started by taking this free, self-paced Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams Online Course from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Become a Climate Action Leader with Our City Forest

Want to protect our urban forests and ecosystem? Want to engage your community on urban forestry best-practices and environmental stewardship? Check out this work opportunity with Our City Forest (OCF), sponsored by the national service organization AmeriCorps. 

Climate Action Leader - Urban Forestry and Outreach Specialist 

• Summer positions starting in June 2024 and serving until September 2024 
• Full term positions starting in September 2024 and serving until August 2025 
• Serve the communities of Silicon Valley. 
• Full-time commitment: 40 hours per week (Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM). 
• Receive a living stipend and educational award upon completion of the term of service. 

Check out further details about this opportunity and how to apply at AmeriCorps California Openings. 

Key Services for Helping Your Community

If you see issues or needs in your community, report it to the appropriate department or agency and loop in our office by emailing or calling us. See contact information for key services and resources from the City of San José and other agencies below. 

From the City of San José:

• Homeless Concerns: Report concerns about encampments by filling out BeautifySJ's Report an Encampment Form.  
• San José 311: Request services such as filling potholes, fixing streetlight outages, junk and large item pick-up, and more by visiting San José 311, calling 3-1-1, or downloading the app at San José 311 App Store Download or San José 311 Google Play Download. 
• Code Enforcement: Report code violations online at Code Enforcement Service Request Form or call (408) 535-7770. 
• Parking Compliance: Report parking violations by emailing parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov, or calling (408) 277-8900. 
• Eviction Help Center: Tenants and landlords who want to learn more about rental assistance and eviction protections can visit the Eviction Help Center, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, on the first floor of San José City Hall Tower. Call (408) 975-4444 or email evictionhelp@sanjoseca.gov.  

From Other Agencies:

• Homelessness Prevention: If you are unable to pay rent, contact the County of Santa Clara's Homelessness Prevention System at preventhomelessness.org or call (408) 926-8885. 
• Issues on Freeways: Visit Caltrans Customer Service Request Portal to report issues on State-owned roads (like freeways) online. 
• Crisis and Suicide Prevention: Go online to the 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or call or text 9-8-8. This is a 24/7 free text and call lifeline from the County of Santa Clara. 
• Energy Infrastructure Hazards: Report hazards related to PG&E energy infrastructure and equipment on the PG&E Report It web app. Download the mobile version at PG&E Report It mobile app instructions. 

If you would like help in contacting departments or agencies, or want help finding other services and resources, reach my office by email at district1@sanjoseca.gov, or give us a call at (408) 535-4901. 

Self-Start Building Permits with Plan Review Program

You can already go to SJPermits.org for an online building permit for 56 types of simple projects, like solar installations. But what about projects where the building permit requires plan review? As of Monday, October 30, 2023, applicants who need plan review can also use SJPermits.org to start the permit process and then upload the plans to SJePlans.  

With SJePlans, you'll communicate with plan reviewers and see and respond to comments (any day, any time). There will still be an appointment with staff to verify documents and secure the permit fee payment, but it's a fast appointment! 

• Launched October 30, 2023
• Learn more at Building Permits With Plan Review Instructions

Resources From Your Representatives 

Visit District 1 Representatives for resources from your other local, state, and federal representatives.