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2009-2010 Proposed Budget Released
May 4, 2009
The 2009-2010 Proposed Budget was officially released May 1. The City Council will begin considering the proposed budget through a series of budget study sessions beginning on May 6, with adoption of the new budget anticipated on June 23rd.
The message (11MB) from the budget explains the city’s current financial situation and many of the proposals contained in the budget.
A summary of significant proposals in the budget is also available here.
2009 Safe Summer Initiative Grant (SSIG) Program
April 8, 2009
The San José City Council has made funds available for the 2009 Safe Summer Initiative Grant (SSIG) Program. These mini-grants are available to eligible applicants who provide safe and fun recreation opportunities to the youth of San José with a particular focus on areas identified as “Hot Spots.” Safe Summer Initiative Grant Program Request for Proposals (RFP) now available. For more information please visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/grants/SSIG2009.asp .
Public Intoication Task Force
In November 2008, the City Council directed that a Task Force be created to investigate recommendations for non-criminal sanctions and diversionary approaches as alternatives to arresting individuals for public intoxication. To access meeting schedules and agendas, click here.
New Prescription Discount Card!
April 24, 2009
The Housing Department has partnered with the National League of Cities (NLC), and CVS Caremark to offer a new prescription discount program to help uninsured residents cope with the high cost of prescriptions. The Prescription Discount Card program will offer savings on prescription drugs to residents who are without health insurance, a traditional benefits plan, or have prescriptions that are not covered by their insurance. The discount card is free, and users save an average of 20 percent off the regular retail price at most major participating pharmacies. The program is tentatively set to begin in May of 2009. Discount cards will be made available through community centers, libraries, San José city hall, local nonprofit service providers, and other appropriate distributors.
The City of San José has a new program to offer savings on prescription drugs to residents who are without health insurance, a traditional benefits plan, or have prescriptions that are not covered by insurance. The Prescription Discount Card is made available to residents by the City of San José in collaboration with the National League of Cities (NLC), and is made possible through the City of San José’s membership in NLC. The card is FREE to all City of San José residents, regardless of age, income or existing health insurance. By using this card you may save an average of 20% off the regular retail price of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. To discover the savings, learn more about the program, check drugs prices and locate participating pharmacies, CLICK HERE
Prescription Discount Cards are available at the following locations:
- City of San José Public Libraries, CLICK HERE for a list of locations and hours.
- City of San José Community Centers, CLICK HERE for a list of locations and hours.
- Main Lobby Information Desk, San José City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara St. San José, CA 95113
Or for more information, call toll free: 1-888-620-1749, download printable flyer, or visit the website www.caremark.com/nlc.
This is not insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. By using this card, participants agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. Savings may vary by drug and pharmacy.
New Open Government Web Page
April 10, 2009
The City Communications Office, with assistance from the Office of the City Clerk, has launched a new Open Government web page located on the City’s web site at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/openGovernment/. This page is intended to serve as a single portal through which the public may directly access some of the most frequently requested information found on various departmental web pages. The new page also enables the public to make public records requests directly with an on-line electronic form, gives advice on how to effectively craft requests, provides information on the City’s policies on public records and open meetings, and links to the newly revamped Sunshine Reform Task Force web page. For additional information contact Tom Norris at 408-535-8120.
Census workers to start canvassing San José neighborhoods
April 2, 2009
Starting next week, U.S. Census workers will start work in San Jose neighborhoods. As the first step in gearing up for the 2010 Census, field workers will begin “address canvassing” in Santa Clara County to verify and update existing residential addresses and area maps. These will be used to deliver the Census 2010 next year.
Starting April 6, U.S. Census workers will start work in San Jose neighborhoods. As the first step in gearing up for the 2010 Census, field workers will began “address canvassing” in Santa Clara County to verify and update existing residential addresses and area maps. This information will be used to deliver the Census 2010 next year.
The City of San Jose is partnering with the County of Santa Clara, Valley Transportation Authority, and local communities to assist the U. S. Census Bureau with outreach efforts. An accurate Census count is important to the City of San José, as well as other local government agencies, because the Census count is used to make important decisions about the amount of funding our agencies receive. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds is awarded to states and communities based on Census data.
Address canvassing will be completed between April 6 and June 19. Census field workers will use handheld computers and can be identified by an official Census Enumerator ID badge, and a U.S. Census Bureau canvas bag they carry. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Local Census Office, (408) 343-8140.
Date has Changed - The City of San José Urges TV Viewers to Gear up for the Conversion to All-Digital Television.
The City of San José Urges TV Viewers to Gear up for the Conversion to All-DigitalTelevision.
The date when television goes all digital has changed. By law, full-power television stations nationwide must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format by June 12, 2009. The U.S. Congress approved an extension of the deadline, which was originally set for February 17. * For more information about the digital transition log on to the government’s Web site www.dtv.gov. There, you will find information on what DTV is, questions consumers should ask when purchasing new television sets, what programs are available in DTV, and much more. You can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC.
Analog TVs can still be used after the transition, with a converter box. If you choose to replace your TV, visit Recycling Guide for CRTs and Electronics (PDF format, 36 KB) for a current list of electronics recyclers for each city in Santa Clara County. You can also donate your old TV to a local non-profit organization.
Attention all suppliers, contractors, consultants, and businesses wanting to do business with the City
March 24, 2009
The City of San Jose Small Business Development Commission (SBDC) and the City of San Jose (City) are interested in receiving your feedback regarding the City's bidding process (Request for Quotes, Request for Construction Bids, Request for Proposals, Request for Qualifications) to identify opportunities for improved efficiencies. Please take a few moments to tell us how we’re doing and participate in our anonymous on-line SUPPLIER SURVEY by clicking on the following link: http://survey.sanjoseca.gov/strategicsupport/2008purchD.htm.
Major Research Initiative on Police Practices
March 18, 2009
San Jose today announced the initiation of a major research initiative with a leading group of independent social scientists that will look at Police Department policies, procedures, and practices. The Consortium for Police Leadership in Equity (CPLE) works to improve issues of equity in policing—particularly racial and gender equity—both within law enforcement agencies and between those agencies and the communities they serve.
For more information see: News Release, Council Memo, City Manager's Info Memo or refer to the CPLE website (external link)
Fraud Alert: San Jose Senior Residents Targeted in Potential Financial Scam
March 5, 2009
City of San Jose has received a report of a potential Elder Financial Abuse Scam in the area. Individuals identifying themselves as representing City of San Jose Senior Centers are contacting area seniors, asking them about their financial assets and offering to come to their homes to discuss their financial resources. City staff would never request this information. If any resident has been contacted or knows of someone who has been contacted by these individuals they are urged to call San Jose Police Department’s 311 immediately to report the incident.
 City of San José Schools Environmental Conference April 4, 2009
February 26, 2009
The San José Green Vision features a landmark plan to create a green future for San José. Schools and school districts will play a vital role in achieving this vision. This conference will help schools learn how to protect natural resources and foster environmental stewards while saving money. Registration and more information
 We’re Going All the Way Live! San Jose Parks & Recreation’s Registration System Goes Online! Sign On & Sign Up!
February 26, 2009
The NEW online registration system for recreation activities, classes and programs goes live on March 7th. Soon you’ll be able to search and register online for activities for you and the whole family at any City of San Jose Parks and Recreation facility from any computer. No need to get behind the wheel, just get in front of the keyboard. Log on now to set up your account.
Registration for Spring Classes, Spring Sports Leagues and Spring Camps begins Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. and you can register on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. for Summer Day camps and Summer Aquatics Programs. Sign on and sign up! Click here to begin!
 Students: From Campus to City Hall
February 24, 2009
The City seeks to attract and develop the next generation of public sector leaders, so we’re dedicated to providing fun and substantive learning opportunities for YOU! We hope this website will inspire you to give back to the community—and even consider a career in local government. Please enjoy our new website designed by students for students…Students: From Campus to City Hall. Whether you are in junior high, high school, college or graduate school, there’s a place for you to get involved!
Come take a look…we can’t wait to see what innovative work you can do at the City! To access the new City Student site, click here.
Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is developing a 5-year Pricing & Revenue Plan
The City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is developing a 5-year Pricing & Revenue Plan for the programs and services offered by PRNS. To continue to provide services to our residents we must develop a pricing and revenue strategy that is sustainable, fair and serves the public need. We need your input as we move forward on this project. We are holding community meetings in throughout the month of February to discuss the overview of the Plan, review and discuss of the costs and pricing methods for services, alternative methods to increase revenue and strategies to ensure fairness. We invite you to join us at community meeting in your area. For more information please visit Pricing & Revenue Plan. Please visit for the Pricing & Revenue Calendar. for the community meeting calendar.
San José Smoke-Free Parks
We can all begin to breathe a little easier in San José’s regional, neighborhood and special facility parks! As of October 2007, smoking is banned in all San José parks per San José Municipal Ordinance 9.44.030F and 9.44.010A and Parks Ordinance 13.44.130. The ordinance bans smoking in any area owned, leased or occupied by the City including: sidewalks, trails and pathways in or around park facilities, park strips and other grounds of any park and within twenty-five (25) feet of any entrance, exit, operable window, or intake opening of any golf course, community center or library. Park signage has been installed in San José parks citing the smoking ban. In addition, an outreach program will educate the public through positive approaches and interaction with the community. The program consists of televised public service announcements, radio public service announcements and billboards. Violators of the smoking ban may be subject to citation or fine. Everyone deserves the right to clean air, and now, whether you are having a picnic, taking a walk or enjoying the playgrounds, you can breathe easy in San José parks.
 Shop San José
From quaint neighborhood shops with one-of-a-kind merchandise to amenity-filled malls with internationally recognized luxury brands, San Jose offers a wide array of fascinating shopping choices that help satisfy anyone’s need for retail therapy. Centrally located and conveniently accessible via major thoroughfares and public transportation, shopping opportunities in San Jose abound for everyone and are as diverse as our population. When you shop in San Jose, two times more money stays in our local economy. Money spent in San Jose means that funds actually go towards local services, such as libraries, parks, and police and fire protection. To learn more, http://sanjose.granicus.com/ASX.php?publish_id=202&sn=sanjose.granicus.com
 Bank on San José
Bank on San Jose works to assist San Jose’s “unbanked” households open checking and personal savings accounts, build
a credit history, gain access to lower-cost sources of credit, and
invest for their future. This collaborative initiative brings the
unbanked population into the financial mainstream by opening
specially designed starter bank accounts while also stressing the
importance of and providing opportunities for financial education.
United Way Silicon Valley serves as the fiscal and coordinating
agent for this initiative bringing together California’s Office of the
Governor, financial institutions, the City of San Jose, federal bank
regulatory agencies and community organizations.
For more
information, please call Jim Dale at 408-345-4347, email jim.dale@uwsv.org or visit http://www.uwsv.org/index.php?pr=Bank_on_San_Jose
 Great Cities Speakers Series
The City of San José, 1stACT Silicon Valley and the Commonwealth Club invite you to the Great Cities Speakers Series. Continuing through December, the Series consists of monthly public lectures designed to provoke thought, discussion and imagination about the city of the future. The Great Cities Speakers Series brings leading urban designers, architects, planners and thought leaders to San José for public lectures about how to plan a great city and its public spaces. Free tickets may be requested by email to info@1stACT.org.
Great Cities Speakers Series Presents Playwright, Film Maker and Educator Luis Valdez Discussing Mayan Influence on Designing Vibrant Communities Former San Jose Mayor Tom McEnery to serve as discussion partner 6-7 p.m., Monday, November 3, at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio. A reception will follow at 7 p.m. to encourage further discussion. This presentation and reception are free to the public. However, reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by email to info@1stACT.org.
 A Students’ Guide to Police Practices (Guide) has been revised and is available now.
The goal of the Guide is to provide youth with information to help them make smart decisions if they are stopped by the police. Parents and teachers also find the Guide helpful. It contains basic information about legal rights, common crimes that sometimes involve youth, and how to avoid becoming the victim of a crime. The revised Guide contains new sections that discuss serious social issues facing youth today, such as: gangs, hate crimes, internet safety, and dating abuse. A copy may be obtained after September 1st, 2008 by calling the Office of the Independent Police Auditor at 408-794-6226 or by downloading it from our website. See “Youth Guide” (English, Spanish, Vietnamese).
 San José Planning Commission meeting audio and video is available online and on CivicCenter Television, Comcast Cable channel 26. Meetings will also be archived for viewing at your convenience online and will be rebroadcast on CivicCenter Television. Meetings occur the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Click the Meeting Broadcasts link to view online.
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