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We spent a beautiful day with neighbors who came out to learn about local businesses and organizations, play games, win prizes, enjoy entertainment, meet local guests, and experience our vibrant community at the 4th Annual District 2 Village Fest at the Village Oaks Shopping Center on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Love the diversity, excitement and SMILES captured in these photos!
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As the leaves change colors, the days get colder, and the holidays approach us at full force, I hope we all cherish this special season and use it to come together like never before.
I am thankful for the time spent getting to know community members and helping grow neighborhood engagement. I am thankful for all the familiar and new faces I’ve seen at City Hall and in the community. I am thankful for the fierce community leaders who have initiated meetings and events to connect residents to share information, especially in the midst of highly charged topics, while exemplifying compassion and humility. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you.
Join me in the months to come as we move together to unite, make progress, and give back. You are invited to join your neighbors at our upcoming Community Clean Up event at the Blossom Hill, Snell, and State Route 85 area on Saturday, November 18 to help #BeautifySJ! You are also invited to spend Thanksgiving with the Hellyer-Christopher N.A and other neighbors at Southside Community Center. As fellow San Jose residents, we want everyone to feel a sense of family and community, where all are welcomed and encouraged to contribute our time, energy, and passion.
Towards the end of the year, Council will be tackling significant and complex items, including housing policies that will affect people in our district and across San Jose. Let us be mindful of how the winter affects those less fortunate and how we can make the holidays safer for all.
Please note City Hall and other City offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays: Friday, November 10 for Veteran's Day, Thursday, November 23 for Thanksgiving, and Friday, November 24 for Thanksgiving.
My District 2 Team sends our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones!
In community,
Sergio Jimenez
CONNECT, ENGAGE AND BE INFORMED.
#SJD2SJ
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D2 News: Updates & Accomplishments
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D2's Village Fest brings us closer to reaching our goal of strengthening community engagement, and it's all thanks to YOU!
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Increasing community engagement is one of my office's top priorities. Thank you for making it happen at our 4th Annual District 2 Village Fest by taking time to join us, inviting your family and friends, or simply stopping by because you were in the area!
Our family-friendly community event with resources, giveaways, and activities from more than 30 local businesses and organizations was a success because of all those who came out. In addition, Village Fest was made possible by:
- Entertainment from performer Mardi Morillo, singer Angela Tirado, face painter Shannon Balco, Folklorico, California Sports Center, SozoFit, Far East Lion Dragon Dance, and Ernie Reyes World Martial Arts
- Raffle prizes from the San José Earthquakes and the San José Barracudas
- Guest appearances from Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Supervisor Dave Cortese, Councilmember Johnny Khamis, Gigante the San José Giants Mascot, and Danny the Dragon from Happy Hallow Park and Zoo
- The Village Oaks Shopping Center
- Our generous sponsors!
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Partnering with D2 schools to promote safe, fun walks to school
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Have you ever been a part of a "walking school bus"? I have, for International Walk to School Day on October 4!
A group of students, parents, and I enjoyed a short walk from a "bus stop" in the neighborhood to Baldwin Elementary School. As we arrived at our destination, we were greeted with free goodies, raffle prizes, and hundreds of others who were ecstatic to start their day after walking to school.
We are thrilled that the City's Department of Transportation is partnering with local schools to make walking to school safe and fun. Walking to school isn't just for International Walk to School Day -- it can be any and all the time!
Learn more about the Walk N' Roll Program, which aims to increase walking and biking to school, foster a healthy and active lifestyle, and reduce traffic congestion and related air pollution, leading to a safer environment within school zones.
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The Trash Punx lead D2 beautification events on the notoriously blighted Monterey Road
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On Saturday, October 7,
The Trash Punx
and volunteers put their boots on the ground and targeted a clean up on Monterey Road in D2.
They collected more than 50 bags of trash, 2 needles, 3 shopping carts, 1 bean bag and a $20 bill that was burnt up!
Visit their website
to learn more about their mission and impact on the community. Watch immersive videos highlighting their many clean up events on
The Trash Punx Facebook page.
This year in San José, The Trash Punx logged in just under 1000 volunteer hours, collected more than 400 bags of trash, engaged over 250 volunteers, and hosted 9 events from February to October.
To praise The Trash Punx for their notable efforts, our District 2 office presented them with a commendation at the November 7 City Council meeting. Thank you for your dedication to #BeautifySJ!
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Celebrating Kaiser employees' impact on the San
José
community
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Kaiser Permanente serves about 250,000 members out of the medical facility in South San José and employs about 4,000 employees. That’s quite an impact if you ask me! I was happy to join Kaiser at their annual Live Well Be Well festival, an event held to express appreciation for employees and their families. They had a wonderful array of food and activities. I am proud to have them in my District and partner with them to serve our community!
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Taking an inside look at risks firefighters take to keep us safe
I proudly joined the San José Fire Department and San José Fire Fighters Local 230 at their Fire Ops 101, where I participated in hands-on firefighting scenarios. I got a small taste of the smoke, sweat, and physical stress and strain that firefighters face on a daily basis. Thank you for showing me the complex issues facing Fire and Emergency Services delivery in San José, such as staffing, adequate equipment, and health.
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Conversations about policies that affect Mobile Home Parks
I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with residents of the Monterey Oaks Mobile Home park to share information regarding the proposed Mobile Home Opt-In policy and discuss other resident concerns. To learn more about the Proposed Mobile Home Opt-In policy, you may
visit the City's Mobilehome Policies website.
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Learning about Overnight Warming Locations in D2
On October 18, a Special Community meeting was held in D2 to discuss the possible implementation of an Overnight Warming Location (OWL) at Southside Community Center and how OWLs would operate during excessively cold and rainy nights. OWLs are designed to ensure that vulnerable populations throughout the City have a place of refuge from the extreme weather. To learn more, please view the Housing Department’s
OWL FAQ sheet.
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Rising D2 Leader: Michael LeComte
Michael LeComte is an active member of the Blossom Valley Neighborhood Association who has displayed remarkable leadership by taking action to make a difference in his community. BVNA is organizing a fundraising event for Miner Park as well as spearheading a collaboration with our D2 Office, Oak Grove N.A., and Cottle to Lean N.A. to co-host a
Community Clean Up event at the Blossom Hill, Snell, and State Route 85 area. Thank you for mobilizing our fearless community leaders!
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More land preserved in Coyote Valley with POST purchase
It is with great joy that I share with my D2 community that on October 24, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) purchased a 63-acre property at the intersection of Santa Teresa Boulevard and Richmond Avenue in the mid-Coyote Valley, near the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. I am excited to see another significant purchase of open space in Coyote Valley by the POST. It is important that we continue to preserve and respect the linkage our agricultural working lands play for water quality and environmental habitat protection.
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D2 Participatory Budgeting Round 2 Updates
Residents and neighbors, thank you for participating in District 2's Bernal to Bailey Participatory Budgeting Round 2, which is now complete.
Congratulations to all the projects that won!
To learn more about D2 PB Round 2 project information and implementation timelines
, please visit
bit.ly/D2PBROUND2
.
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City Hall
: Updates & Accomplishments
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Council Priority Setting Session: Here are the policy initiatives that City staff will focus on
Twice a year, the City Council discusses new and old policy initiatives that they would like City staff to study and develop in the next 6-12 months. Council votes on items they believe should be a priority, and then ranks the items that receive the most votes.
The following 6 items were added to the Council Priority List:
- Downtown Zoning Code Update (Responding to the Housing Crisis)
- Impact Fee Deferred Payment Program for Housing (Responding to the Housing Crisis)
- Safe Parking Program
- Private Property Graffiti Abatement Ordinance
- Smoke-Free Housing
- Develop Innovation Strategies to Hire Crossing Guards
Based on the Council votes, there were 27 items selected as Council Priorities. Here are the Top 10:
- Update the City’s Rental Rights and Referrals Program
- Local Hiring/Local Business/Apprentice Utilization Program
- Mobile Home Conversions
- Housing Rehabilitation Program (Homeless Veterans Vouchers)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
- Electronic Billboards
- Downtown and/or Citywide Parks Operations and Maintenance Financing District
- Development of a Soft-Story Retrofit Program
- Accessory Dwelling Units & Garage Conversion Ordinance
- Personal Care Business Compliance Initiative
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Vacant Storefronts Registry Program
Per the City of San José municipal Chapter code, 17.38.300, neglected vacant buildings are a major source of blight and can lead to neighborhood decline. The City's Code Enforcement Department has a monitoring program that focuses on neglected and abandoned buildings. Council approved the expansion of the program to expand the scope of the ordinance to vacant storefronts.
The memo from the Office of Economic Development that explains changes to the ordinance can be viewed
here.
I put forward my suggestions to expand the program Citywide in my recent
memo.
Council approved the staff recommended changes at the November 7 Council Meeting and included my suggestion to bring back a review of Code Enforcement staffing to address the possible expansion of the program permanently. For now, I urge residents to
contact our Code Enforcement Department to report blighted or abandoned buildings.
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Firearm Safe Storage Ordinance
On October 17, the City Council passed the Firearm Safe Storage Ordinance, which requires gun owners to safely store firearms in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock upon leaving their residence. The goal for adoption of this ordinance and subsequent compliance is a reduction in the number of firearms thefts within San José.
The Firearm Safe Storage Ordinance goes into effect on December 1, 2017.
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A Look at More Community Stories
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College Day: Because it’s never too early to start talking to our children about the importance of higher education. They look stoked already, don't they? It was a privilege to share my experience with our youth. On that note, GO SPARTANS!
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Elected officials from Santa Clara County, the State Assembly, and the State Senate joined our forum to discuss resources and advocate for people living with differing abilities in San José for the 10th Annual Disability Awareness Day.
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Thank you Station 121 Community for inviting me to meet your residents. I enjoyed having personal conversations with you and look forward to strengthening our neighborhoods together!
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We celebrated 25 years of a successful relationship with
San José's sister city, Pune, India
. We got to “see” and visit Pune through a photo exhibition by photographer Manoj Mussale.
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Happy 1st Anniversary, Vietnamese American Community Center! Thank you for enriching our diverse community.
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Presenting a proclamation declaring October as Filipino American History Month in the City of San José.
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I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of a new outdoor learning center at the Children’s Discovery Museum called Bill’s Backyard. What an innovative way to encourage kids to get outside and play!
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It takes a village to house our most vulnerable residents. That is my message of unity and community at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits' annual Be Our Guest event and Pumpkin Competition!
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Know your City services: Department of Transportation
The role of the
Department of Transportation is to operate, maintain, and improve San José’s 2400 miles of streets and related infrastructure. This includes the
paved street surfaces,
bridges,
traffic signals,
streetlights,
signs,
crosswalks,
bike lanes,
pavement markings,
curbs,
curb ramps,
sidewalks,
street trees and landscaping, as well as the public
sewers and storm drains located within the streets. Additionally, DOT operates the City’s public parking lots and garages, and manages street
parking compliance,
abandoned vehicle abatement, and
street sweeping.
To provide a comprehensive and seamless network of transportation services for the San José community, DOT works closely with other public agencies that manage and improve our transit systems and our regional network of freeways and expressways.
Report traffic-related malfunctions or request maintenance:
(408) 794-1900 weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(408) 277-8956 all other times, including weekends/holidays
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Your chance to weigh in: State Route 85 Transit Guideway Study
DRIVE ON SR-85? VTA is launching a study to evaluate the viability for improvements and alternatives. Tell us what you value. Be a part of the planning process.
The
State Route 85 Transit Guideway Study evaluates transportation alternatives for the 23.7-mile corridor that connects the cities of Mountain View and south San José, from the 101/85 interchange in Mountain View to the 85/101 interchange in south San José. Study alternatives will include Bus Rapid Transit service and infrastructure, Light Rail Transit, and possible future transportation technologies or other options.
The State Route 85 Transit Guideway Study will be conducted by VTA staff under the direction of the SR 85 Policy Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB will be instrumental in identifying the alternatives that will be analyzed and ultimately making a recommendation to VTA’s Board of Directors about how to proceed with a transit improvement plan along the SR 85 corridor.
Opportunity to join project staff and share your input:
Thursday, November 9, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Southside Community Center
5585 Cottle Road
San José, CA 95123
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are welcome to:
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Students, get involved! My District 2 Team is looking for interns!
Join our team and make a difference in the community!
The Office of Councilmember Sergio Jimenez welcomes college or graduate school students interested community engagement, public service, policy research and local government to apply for our District 2 Internship.
This unpaid internship provides students with an immersive experience in day-to-day operations of a city council office that serves almost 100,000 residents.
Student interns are expected to:
Communicate effectively with others
Adapt and work in a fast-paced environment
Have a willingness to learn and apply academic training to required job assignments
Commit a minimum of 15 hours per week
How to apply:
To be considered for the District 2 Internship, please:
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Be a part of your City government: Join Boards & Commissions
The City of San José invites interested members of the community to participate in the process of City Government by serving on one of several Boards and Commissions. All positions are voluntary and most are appointed by the City Council. The time commitment for each board or commission varies, with some meeting on a regular schedule, while others meet on an as needed basis. Additional time obligations may include pre-meeting preparation or subcommittee attendance. Once appointed, attendance at regularly scheduled meetings is critical.
NOTE: The City Clerk’s Office continuously accepts applications for all Boards and Commissions. Vacancies listed below are for currently available seats.
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Homelessness in D2
For more information please visit our website at
Homelessness in D2
,
where you will find:
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MySanJose: A new, quick & easy tool to request City services
Want to get that pothole or street light fixed? Need to report graffiti, illegal dumping or an abandoned vehicle? Have a different question for the City? With the new state-of-the-art MySanJose
app
and
website
, it is now a breeze to file and track a City service request or reach one of our customer representatives. It is super easy to use – see our zippy
tutorial
.
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Resources for DACA youth
“Let us not forget that DACA youth are a force to be reckoned with. They have led their fight for justice and equality with fearlessness and resilience. I urge our elected officials in Congress to act immediately to protect all DACA recipients. I want every DACA youth in San
José to know that we stand beside you, we will fight with you, and we will do whatever we can to protect you.” -
Councilmember Jimenez
Helpful resources:
Free DACA Renewal by USF Law on 9/15 and 9/16: Call (415) 422-4385
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Immigrant rights and information
Everyone living in the U.S. has certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution. Undocumented immigrants have these rights, too.
If you find you have to deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or anywhere else, remember that you have these rights and learn how to assert and protect them:
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D2 and You: Upcoming Events
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You are invited to join Councilmember Sergio Jimenez and fellow D2 community members to celebrate the end of the year at our Holiday Appreciation Party & Awards Ceremony! Enjoy great company, light holiday refreshments, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Councilmember Jimenez will be recognizing neighbors for their outstanding service to the community. The District 2 Office will be honoring award winners in the following 5 categories:
1. Neighbor of the Year Award
2. Community Leader Award
3. Outstanding Youth Award
4. Stellar Senior Award
5. City Employee Award
Know someone who deserves an award?
*With your submission, you will be asked to include your nominee's full name and contact information as well as your reason for nominating him/her. You may nominate one individual per category.*
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Want to join forces with your D2 neighbors to help clean our streets and #BeautifySJ?
Mark your calendars for:
Saturday, November 18
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meet @ CVS parking lot
470 Blossom Hill Road, San José, CA 95123
The Blossom Valley N.A., Oak Grove N.A., Cottle to Lean N.A., and my office will be picking up litter in these areas: Blossom Hill/85, Blossom Hill/Snell, and Blossom Hill/Lean.
All equipment will be provided. Please make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Lunch & refreshments provided to registered volunteers!
RSVP HERE!
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Thursday, November 9
6:00 p.m.
Southside Community Center - 5585 Cottle Road, San Jos
é
, CA 95123
DRIVE ON SR-85? VTA is launching a study to evaluate the viability for improvements and alternatives. Tell us what you value. Be a part of the planning process. Take the
Online Survey on
VTA's website.
Thursday, November 9
5:45 p.m.
San José City Hall: Wing Rooms 119-120 - 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
Topics covered at this meeting include: upcoming Apartment Rent Ordinance revisions and the annual Report on the Rental Rights and Referrals Program.
Saturday, November 11
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
E. San José Carnegie Branch Library - 1102 E Santa Clara St.
Coyote Meadows lies along Coyote Creek between Story Road and Hwy 280. You are invited to learn the lay of the land, share your ideas for the space, and hear what others would like from the park.
Saturday, November 11
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Doors 2020 - 304 North 6th Street, San Jos
é
, CA
Veterans, Active Military, and Families: Enjoy a FREE breakfast. Meet some great Boy and Girl Scouts, share stories, and celebrate the U.S.A.
RSVP here or call (408) 401-1090
!
Friday, November 17
6:00 p.m.
Circle of Palms - 120 S. Market St., San José, CA 95113
The 8,100-square foot Downtown Ice rink will be open from Nov. 17 - Jan. 15. Enjoy an unforgettable skating experience around the circle of 32 palms each adorned by LED lights.
Saturday, November 18
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Edenvale Branch Library - 101 Branham Lane East, San Jos
é
, CA 95111
Edenvale Library will be celebrating its 10th Birthday! The celebration will feature refreshments, crafts, a face painter and prizes.
Saturday, November 18
8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Help clean up Coyote Creek! Join us for a trash cleanup along the creek. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes, and bring a friend or family member to join in.
Wednesday, December 13
6:30 p.m.
Santa Teresa Library -
290 International Circle, San José, CA 95119
The City's Department of Transportation is hosting a Community Update Meeting for the US 101 Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvements Project. For more information,
visit the website.
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Sergio's Office Hours
Come meet your councilmember to ask questions, share concerns, or simply have a conversation.
Together, let's make District 2 an even better place to live, work, and play.
*PLEASE NOTE: End-of-the-month Office Hours are canceled due to Nov. and Dec. holidays.*
SERGIO'S NEXT OFFICE HOURS:
Saturday, December 2
Edenvale Library, Study Room B
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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City Resources
Speak with a live Customer Service Representative (408) 535-3500
Additional Resources:
(408) 975-1440
(408) 535-7770
(408) 534-2900
(408) 793-5510
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JOIN US IN THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND TO
CONNECT, ENGAGE AND BE INFORMED.
#SJD2SJ
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San José District 2 | Office of Councilmember Sergio Jimenez
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