Dear Neighbor,

Governor Newsom made headlines this week when he issued an executive order that directs state agencies to clear homeless encampments from state lands, and urged local governments to do the same. 

The Governor’s executive order comes just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Grants Pass ruling on homelessness, which confirms that state and local governments have the ability to prohibit camping on public land.

I appreciate the Governor’s order and agree that state-owned land, such as our freeways and on- and off-ramps, are no place for human beings to live. The state is right to move people out of dangerous and environmentally sensitive locations. 

But clearing encampments only works if we have places for people to go, and require that they use them. As the entire state ramps up efforts to clear encampments, restore public spaces, and keep these areas free of encampments, our state, counties, and every city must show equal resolve in expanding shelter and in-patient treatment beds so we can offer people a dignified place to go. Without these solutions, we spend precious taxpayer dollars simply shuffling people from one jurisdiction’s land to another’s. 

In San Jose, we’re pairing encampment clearing with investments in additional shelter and urging our counterparts within our county government to expand treatment beds for those who are suffering from mental illness, including severe addiction. We’re also continuing to build affordable housing and identify ways to remove barriers to building all types of housing where it makes sense, in our downtown and various urban villages that are well-served by transit. Last year, we experienced a 10% reduction in unsheltered homelessness while the state saw a 10% increase. 

Our approach is working, but we have to continue to add safe and managed places for people to go if we are going to be in a position to ban camping citywide. Last month, as we passed our annual budget, we committed to the most significant investment in ending unsheltered homelessness in San Jose’s history with the addition of new modular units, safe sleeping sites, safe parking sites. 

San Jose is leading the way because neighbors like you support solutions to homelessness. Neighbors who are ready to get the basics right — who are ready to take pride in and ownership of our community. I’m grateful for the community’s trust as we press ahead. To maintain that trust, we need to continue to show that these solutions are effective — and when they’re available, we need to require that people use them. 

In San Jose we’re not afraid of the hard work it’s going to take to end the suffering on our streets. Thank you for being part of the solution.

Sincerely,

Mayor Matt

Thousands of neighbors gathered in San Pedro Square for Urban Vibrancy Institute’s third Block Party of the summer! Neighborhood businesses saw 350-450% sales increases across the board — clearly, residents are ready to come out and enjoy our great weather, live music, and fantastic food. Missed this party? Join us next month: http://qrco.de/AugustBlockParty

Are you or a loved one looking for a fall internship? Join Team Mahan! As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to do exciting and meaningful work on one of our three teams: Policy, Communications, and Neighborhood Outreach. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work with a talented team, and make your community a better place, all while adding an incomparable experience to your resume! Fill out the application right here and become a part of the Mayor's office!

Applicants must be students in high school or college and be able to commit either 15 hours a week for a part-time internship or 30 hours a week for a full-time internship.

Community Clean-Up at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Saturday, August 3rd at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Monarch Meadow, 748 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95112

Help make one of San Jose’s most beloved attractions even more beautiful! Roll up your sleeves with Team Mahan and the Happy Hollow Foundation to enhance Monarch Meadow — an important conservation project that supports monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Volunteers will be watering the butterfly meadow, weeding, and more! RSVP here. 

Italian Family Festa San Jose

Saturday, August 3rd to Sunday, August 4th

History Park San Jose, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112

The Italian Family Festa is celebrating their 42nd annual Festa! Join for a weekend filled with authentic Italian food and wine, entertainment, and culture. Learn more here. 

Starlight Cinema: The Goonies

Saturday, August 3rd at 7:30PM to 10:00PM

St James Park, N 2nd St & E St James St, San Jose, CA 95112

Experience your favorite classic movies for free on the big screen! Before The Goonies premieres at dusk, bring your family and friends for fun games and activities at St James Park. Bring your blankets and favorite snacks, or enjoy special discounts from surrounding Downtown restaurants. Learn more here. 

Paseo de San Antonio Block Party

Thursday, August 15th at 5:00 PM

Paseo de San Antonio

Stop by the next Downtown Block Party along Paseo de San Antonio! Bring your family and friends for a fun evening filled with live music, food and drinks, local artisans, and more. Learn more here. 

FoodieLand Night Market

Friday, August 16th to Sunday, August 18th

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111

Calling all foodies! FoodieLand is a family-friendly outdoor food festival, featuring over 175 vendors and meals from around the world. Indulge in flavorful dishes, try your hand at carnival games, enjoy live musical performances, shop local artisans, and more! Learn more and buy tickets here. 

Earlier this month, we swapped out our litter sticks for gardening tools and got to work clearing out invasive plants along the Los Gatos Creek. With the harmful species removed, we’ll soon be able to add new native plants along the creek bed. Thanks to collaborations with dedicated organizations like the South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition, we’re spending every weekend building a better city. Join us at the next one here.

Meadowfair Park got a makeover! Yesterday morning, dedicated volunteers from the Meadowfair Neighborhood Association repainted 4 benches and 13 tables previously covered with stains and graffiti. Together, we’re creating a more beautiful city! Want to join us? Sign up for next weekend’s clean-up here.