News and updates from City of San José Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, representing Council District 1 in West San José | |
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Hello neighbors,
I hope you and your family had a lovely July; I can't believe August is already here!
City Council did not meet in July, but I had a couple wonderful opportunities to meet with residents.
On July 24, I attended the Viva Parks event at Marijane Hamann Park. Thank you to the Parks department for creating such a wonderful occasion and to all of our neighbors who participated in the festivities.
On July 25, I joined California State Assemblymember Marc Berman for a community coffee. Thank you to all who attended. We appreciate your participation and were glad to be able to answer questions along with discussing the work being done in the community.
If you have questions, comments, or thoughts on anything you would like to share with me directly, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901. You may also attend my office hours in-person or virtually, which I will host on the following dates:
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In-person Office Hour: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Coffee and Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Avenue #40, San Jose, CA 95129
Sincerely,
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Council & Policy Updates
- Recent Council Actions
- Upcoming Council Actions
District 1 Project Updates
- Costco Project Proposal at Westgate West
- Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study
Community Events
- Recap: Viva Parks, Viva Calle, and Paint the CitySJ 2024
- Recap: Community Coffee with Assemblymember Berman and Vice Mayor Kamei
- Recap: United Community Health Fair
- Upcoming: National Night Out 2024
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Upcoming: work2future Alum Rock Job Fair
- Upcoming: San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2024
- Upcoming: Cypress Center Resource Fair
- Upcoming: West Valley Branch Library Book Sale
- Upcoming: Disability Awareness Day 2024
Engagement Opportunities
- Adopt-a-Storm Drain Pilot Program
- CERT Trainings
- Become a Climate Action Leader with Our City Forest
- Become a Creative Ambassador
Public Services & Resources
- Key Services for Helping Your Community
- Swimming Pool Safety: Stay Safe this Summer
- Self-Start Building Permits with Plan Review Program
- Animal Care Services Adoption
- Pavement Project – Repave San José GIS Map
- Resources From Your Representatives
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Photo from Steinberg Hart
City Council did not meet in July. We will return for our first meeting of the new fiscal year on Tuesday, August 13.
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.
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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:
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Aug 6. Item 3.1: To review survey results for a potential parcel tax ballot measure for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election and to defer placing a parcel tax measure on the ballot for the November 5, 2024 election.
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Aug 13. Item 6.1: Whether to adopt a resolution stablishing updated San José Clean Energy rates.
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Aug 20: Actions related to advancing Racial Equity through Culture and Practice Annual Report.
View these upcoming meeting agendas by visiting the following:
To see all agendas, minutes, and recordings of City Council and other committee meetings, go to the City Clerk's Council Agendas & Minutes.
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Costco Project Proposal at Westgate West | |
Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study | |
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Image from Winter Consulting
The Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study Steering Committee adopted a Vision Statement on Thursday, May 23. This document will guide the Committee and Vision Study's efforts to shape the Stevens Creek Boulevard corridor.
- The next Steering Committee meeting will be Friday, September 9, 2024, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. They will discuss adoption of an Implementation Plan for the Vision Statement.
- The next Community Advisory Group meeting will be Thursday, August 29, 2024, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, at Cypress Community Center, 403 Cypress Avene, San José, CA 95117.
To learn more about the study, as well as meeting agendas and recording, visit Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study.
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Recap: Viva Parks, Viva Calle, and Paint the CitySJ 2024 | |
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To all the District 1 residents who came out to Marijane Hamann Park, we thank you! The second Viva Parks event in District 1 will be at Murdock Park on August 7th.
In case you missed it, this Summer, our Viva Parks, Viva Calle, and Paint the CitySJ programs return! These are free, fun, family-friendly activities such as movie nights, painting, and more. You will find: Live Entertainment, Arts and Crafts, Bounce House, Face Painting, Food Trucks, Sporting Activities, Lawn Games, and Community Resources.
See the flyers for more details, or visit Placemaking with the City of San José's Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Department.
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Recap: Community Coffee with Assemblymember Berman and Vice Mayor Kamei | |
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On July 25, I joined California State Assemblymember Marc Berman for a community coffee at the West Valley Branch Library. Thank you to all who attended. We appreciate your participation and were glad to be able to answer questions and discuss the work being done in the community. Hope to see you next time!
If you are not sure who your Assemblymember is, check out the California State Legislature's Find Your Representative Tool.
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Recap: United Community Health Fair | |
On July 27, our office attended the Cadillac Winchester Health Fair. What a turnout! It was a joy to see and speak to the community. We hope you all had fun and learned more about the resources and programs available in our neighborhood. | |
Upcoming: National Night Out 2024 | |
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It's planning season for San José's 41st annual National Night Out! National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that is sponsored nationwide by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the San José Police Department. Over 38 million people across the country are expected to participate!
National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. The event is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships, heighten crime prevention awareness, and generate support for, and participation in, local crime prevention efforts.
Registration is closed. Police representatives will attend as many local events as time and circumstances permit. This is also a great occasion for city and county staff members, as well as elected officials, to interact with members of the community. Most of all, neighbors get to meet their neighbors and make lasting connections!
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Upcoming: work2future Alum Rock Job Fair | |
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Find your next opportunity toward a better future! Attend the Alum Rock job fair and meet your next potential employer:
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Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024
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Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Location: 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San José, CA 95116
It's free and open to the public. Here are the featured employers that will be in attendance:
Be sure to check out work2future's website for their resources for job seekers, employers, and young adults, along with future events.
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Upcoming: San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2024 | |
San Jose Jazz is holding their annual Summer Fest from August 9 to 11 at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Visit the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest webpage to learn more about tickets, line ups, and vendors. | |
Upcoming: Cypress Center Resource Fair | |
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Find the resources you need and get connected to our local sponsors who provide incredible support for our community.
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Date: Friday, August 9, 2024
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Time: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
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Location: 403 South Cypress Avenue, San José, CA, 95117
Find out more about Cypress Center programs and classes offered in our community and see which events and activities are on the horizon.
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Upcoming: West Valley Branch Library Book Sale | |
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As we continue to celebrate the diversity of our community, check out the Asian language book sale at West Valley Branch Library.
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Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
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Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Location: 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José, CA, 95117
For more information on this event and to stay updated with future book sales you can visit the San José Public Library website.
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Upcoming: Disability Awareness Day 2024 | |
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The annual Disability Awareness Day is returning for 2024! This event will feature a wide range of opportunities in employment, education, and recreation to ensure everyone has access to resources and activities that promote empowerment and inclusion.
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Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
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Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Location: San José City Hall Plaza and Rotunda, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
Stay tuned for more details as the event approaches. RSVP'ing is NOT required to attend. If you have any questions, please email our office directly at district1@sanjoseca.gov or call us at (408) 535-4901.
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Adopt-a-Storm Drain Pilot Program | |
On April 20, I announced the Adopt-a-Storm Drain Pilot Program along with Mayor Mahan and many community members.
The Adopt-a-Storm Drain pilot program is a new initiative launched by my office. The program invites individuals and groups in District 1 to play an active role in protecting the environment by keeping storm drains clear. These drains play a critical role in managing rainwater and preventing flooding, but accumulated leaves, trash, and other debris prevent them from working effectively. Removing trash also prevents pollutants from entering our creeks and streams, which flow into the San Francisco Bay.
What does it mean to adopt a storm drain?
- By adopting a drain, you're committing to keeping it clean and clear. Plus, you can even give it a fun name! Volunteers will receive training on maintenance techniques, and participate in our clean up activities.
How do I apply?
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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 José 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).
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Become a Climate Action Leader with Our City Forest | |
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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.
Silicon Valley Climate Corps Service Team Member
- Full time positions from September 18, 2024, to August 16, 2025.
- Become a Climate Corps member serving in San José and the greater Santa Clara Valley.
- Full-time commitment: 40 hours per week (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday - Saturday).
- Receive a $30,000 living stipend and $10,000 educational award upon completion of the term.
- Priority application deadline is June 30, 2024. General application deadline is August 18, 2024.
Check out further details about this opportunity and how to apply at AmeriCorps California Openings.
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Become a Creative Ambassador
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Public Services & Resources | |
Key Services for Helping Your Community | |
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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:
From Other Agencies:
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.
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Swimming Pool Safety: Stay Safe this Summer | |
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Water activities are a great way to stay cool and enjoy time with your friends and your family. However, if you aren’t careful, someone you care about could get hurt—or even drown. According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1–14, and swimming pools are where the majority of those fatalities occur.
Remember: it only takes one moment. A young child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text message or apply sunscreen. By working together to improve water competency, water activities can be safer and just as enjoyable. Here are 10 tips to get you started on your water safety journey:
1. Have everyone in your family learn basic swimming and water safety skills.
2. Never leave a child alone near water.
3. Closely supervise children.
4. Install safety barriers around your pool.
5. Wear a life jacket.
6. Use the buddy system.
7. Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards, whenever possible.
8. Learn CPR. Parents, guardians, and babysitters should learn CPR.
9. Learn to recognize the signs of drowning.
10. Know what to do in case of emergency.
Remember, when it comes to water safety, be proactive and stay vigilant. This will help ensure a pleasant but safe water experience for everyone. For more information about swimming pool safety, please visit San José Fire Department's Swimming Pool & Spa Safety.
Stay safe San José!
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Self-Start Building Permits with Plan Review Program | |
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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!
Learn more at Building Permits With Plan Review Instructions
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Animal Care Services Adoption
There are hundreds of pets looking for a forever home each day. If you are willing and able, consider adopting!
Visit Pet Adoption with Animal Care & Services to see all the adorable pets that are up for adoption at the San José Animal Care Center.
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Pavement Project – Repave San José GIS Map | |
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Thanks to voter support for Measures B and T, and State Senate Bill 1, we are quickly improving San José streets. By 2028, we will repave all 1,552 miles of local and neighborhood streets.
Please see the Interactive Pavement Project Map to see when your street will be re-paved.
The City will also continue the maintenance schedule for much of our major streets, which carry most of the City's traffic. Learn more by visiting City of San José Pavement Maintenance Program.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we rejuvenate San José’s streets. Please obey all road closures, parking restrictions, and detours during preparation and construction. Your cooperation will help our work go smoothly and allow life on your street to return to normal sooner.
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Resources From Your Representatives | |
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Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei
Council District 1
City of San José
18th Floor, 200 East Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
(408) 535-4901
district1@sanjoseca.gov
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