Updates in & around the City

Policy updates from our June 18th City Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 18, was our final City Council meeting before the July Recess – and a number of important decisions were made. I would like to brief you on some policies, as well as my memoranda with recommendations, that passed. 



Traffic Calming for Residential Neighborhoods

I am pleased to share that, after many years of advocacy and work, the City Council approved an update to the Traffic Calming Policy (Council Policy 5-6) that will make it much easier for neighborhood streets to qualify for safety improvements. My Office has been working to update this Policy for five years, and though the work was delayed by the pandemic, I am grateful for City Staff’s efforts and for the support of my colleagues on the Council.

Memorandum from City Staff

Memorandum from Councilmembers Jimenez, Torres, Ortiz, Doan, and Foley

Downtown Residential High-Rise Incentive Program Extension

City Staff presented recommendations for a program to support the production of high-rise residential development in the City’s Downtown Core and all multifamily construction in Planned Growth Areas.

Although I have expressed concerns about extending the Downtown Residential High-Rise Incentive Program for many years, I urged my colleagues to approve several of the staff recommendations. I had concerns about the alternative approach described in the memorandum recommendation from some of my Council colleagues. The City Council voted on a compromise that extended the Downtown High-Rise Incentive Program, but not indefinitely. The Program will sunset after several years.

City Staff also recommend exploring incentives for multi-family housing development outside of the Downtown core. In lieu of this recommendation, Councilmember David Cohen and I encouraged the Council to focus on opportunities in North San Jose, so that we did not risk substantially reducing park fees, affordable housing fees, and construction taxes that pay for critical improvements. The Council also supported a compromise to explore potential incentives in designated growth areas and return with recommendations. 

Memorandum from City Staff

Memorandum from Councilmember Jimenez

Memorandum from Councilmembers Jimenez & Cohen

Supportive Outdoor Sleeping/Temporary Alternative Sleeping Sites

I am grateful to Councilmembers Torres and Cohen for co-authoring a memo with me to remove a site from South Coyote in District 2 from the list of potential locations for outdoor sleeping/temporary alternative sleeping sites. I also am grateful to Councilmember Foley for making the motion to support our memo, and to my colleagues on the Council for their support. The South Coyote site presented a unique set of legal challenges and additional costs that make the location unsuitable for inhabitation.

The Council authorized the City Manager to proceed with necessary feasibility studies of potential sites for tent encampments for our unhoused neighbors. The City Manager also was authorized to develop the sites, subject to resource availability. 

Memorandum from City Staff

Memorandum from Councilmembers Jimenez, Torres, & Cohen

SAN JOSÉ 311 - YOUR NEW WAY TO REQUEST CITY SERVICES!

Want to get that pothole or street light fixed? Did you spot graffiti or illegal dumping that needs cleaning up? Perhaps you're wondering about how to report an abandoned vehicle, get a larger garbage container or get rid of your junk?

With the San José 311 website or mobile app, it's now quick and easy to file and track a City service request or to reach one of our customer representatives. We think you're going to love it!

When you submit a City service request through San José 311, the request will reach the relevant City service team who will accept, review, and resolve your request as appropriate -- and let you know the outcome.

Submit a request on the website or download the mobile app to your smartphone:

• San José 311 website
• Google Play
• Apple App Store

** Please be sure to keep your app updated with the latest version so that you can benefit from the improvements. If you have not downloaded the app yet, please do so by going to Google Play or the Apple App Store.

• Here's more about how San José 311 works:Create and sign in with an account, or if you prefer, submit requests anonymously. An account provides enhanced features and more personalized service.
• Service requests can be logged with or without photos; either way, your request will be categorized and mapped for you to see.
• You can see other mapped requests and follow them if you want updates on those.
• Using the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) button, you can search or scroll for an array of City services.
• Using the My Home Services button, you can find your service providers for street sweeping, waste collection, and water service.

San José 311 enables you and City crews to more quickly connect in keeping our city well maintained! We appreciate your assistance, and please, let your neighbors know about San José 311, too!

Not a smart phone or app user?

No worries! You can use San José 311 features right here. Submit a service request for:

1. Abandoned Vehicles
2. Graffiti
3. Illegal Dumping
4. Potholes
5. Streetlight Outages
6. General Requests
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Speak with a live Customer Service Representative

Fireworks are illegal in San Jose! It’s just not worth it. Please report illegal fireworks online at www.sanjoseca.gov/fireworks, by phone at (408) 535-5600, or via the 3-1-1 mobile app.

Save the date! National Night Out will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2024!

NNO is a time to celebrate your neighborhood and strengthen police/community relationships through fun events throughout the city. You and your neighbors are invited to participate! Be sure to register your celebration today! Registration is FREE! Please visit: sjpd.org/community/crime-prevention/national-night-out

Meetings & Events

Resources & Information

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is excited to announce our first Coyote Valley photo contest. As a part of the in-progress Coyote Valley Conservation Area Master Plan (CVCAMP) we’re looking for photos that reveal the many unique aspects of this important conservation landscape’s open spaces. Photo contest winners will receive a $100 gift card to REI and have their photos featured with credit in upcoming Open Space Authority events and publications. Keep reading for information about the guidelines and requirements to enter and get connected to free nature events in Coyote Valley. Now accepting submissions below!

Website info and submission form: news.openspaceauthority.org/coyote-valley-photo-contest

Swimming Pool Safety: Stay Safe this Summer

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. Formal swimming lessons can greatly reduce the risk of drowning.
2. Never leave a child alone near water. Drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds. Teach children to always ask for permission to go in or around water.
3. Closely supervise children. Assign a responsible adult to provide close and constant supervision for children who are in or around water. Avoid distracting activities like reading, using a phone, or consuming alcohol.
4. Install safety barriers around your pool. Completely surround your swimming pool with isolation fencing on all sides. Make sure all gates are self-closing, self-latching, and are out of reach of children.
5. Wear a life jacket. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when they are in or around water. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys to keep them safe.
6. Use the buddy system. Whether you're a novice or an experienced swimmer, it’s always a good idea to swim with a buddy.
7. Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards, whenever possible. Even if a lifeguard is present, you should still keep a close eye on any children you are supervising, no matter how well they can swim.
8. Learn CPR. Parents, guardians, and babysitters should learn CPR. CPR training provides the knowledge, confidence, and skills to stay calm during a medical emergency and help a person in need.
9. Learn to recognize the signs of drowning. Drowning isn't always like what you see in the movies—it often happens quickly, silently, and with little splashing.
10. Know what to do in case of emergency. If you think someone needs help in the water, notify a lifeguard. If a lifeguard isn't available, ask someone to call 9-1-1. When attempting to rescue a victim, remember the phrase “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Throw a flotation device or extend a long pole for the drowning person to hold onto. Don't attempt to rescue the drowning person by entering the water if you haven't been formally trained, as you could endanger yourself.

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 sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/fire-department/public-education/child-safety/swimming-pool-spa-safety

Stay safe San José!

*Source: cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/facts/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html

Get involved: District 2 Neighborhood Associations



Neighborhood Associations (N.A.s) are established groups of community members who meet and collaborate to work towards common goals such as: beautification/clean-up efforts, safety enhancements, improvement projects, informational town halls, and social events. N.A.s serve as a connection between the community and City Hall. The District 2 Office is here to support N.A.'s by providing direction, resources, grants, help with outreach, models for success, and more.

View the interactive map of D2 Neighborhood Associations on my website to find your N.A. or work with my office to start a N.A. in your area!

JOIN US IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND.

CONNECT. ENGAGE. BE INFORMED.

#SJD2

San José District 2 | Office of Councilmember Sergio Jimenez

(408) 535-4902 | District2@sanjoseca.gov | sanjoseca.gov/district2