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Stakeholder Meeting to Present a Draft Medical Marijuana Ordinance
May 21, 2010
The City will hold a stakeholder meeting to discuss a draft Medical Marijuana Ordinance on Monday, June 7 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure stakeholder participation and input at key points in the process. At this meeting, City staff will be (1) presenting the framework for the draft ordinance, (2) collecting public comment/input, and (3) answering questions. To view the agenda, click here  . To view the presentation, click here . For more information, click here .
Community Partners to Keep Open Two Aquatics Facilities
May 18, 2010
San José park officials announced new community partnerships that will help keep swimming pools open for the 2010 summer season. Rotary Ryland Pool in Downtown San José and Fair Swim Center in East San José will be open from June 14 through August 15 in a partnership with the California Sports Center. For more information, read the news release .
Convention Center Informational Meeting
May 6, 2010
The City will be awarding a contract to a Design Build entity for the San José McEnery Convention Center in January 2011. An informational meeting will be held at San José City Hall on May 19, 2010, to present the project and answer questions. For meeting and project details, click here .
City's Federated Retirement Board Broadcast on CivicCenter Television
May 4, 2010
The City's Federated Retirement Board meetings will be broadcast on CivicCenter Television, Cable Channel 26, starting May 6. Meetings will also be available to view online. Click here for the meeting schedule.
Measure K for the June 8, 2010 Special Municipal Election
April 16, 2010
On March 9, 2010, the City Council voted to submit a ballot measure for the June 8, 2010 Special Municipal Election to increase the Cardroom Tax, increase the number of cardroom tables and make other modifications to the City’s Municipal Code regarding permissible card games and betting limits. For more information, please review the facts regarding possible impacts by clicking on one of the links below.
English Spanish Vietnamese Chinese Tagalog
For more information, you may visit the City Clerk’s website at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/elections/Election.asp.
Community Meetings About Proposed Ban on Paper and Plastic Bags
April 16, 2010
The City of San José is considering a ban on both plastic and paper disposable shopping bags provided at all stores. Instead, retailers would sell “green” paper bags made out of 40% recycled paper for between 10 and 25 cents each. Customers would be encouraged to shop with reusable bags.
As part of a citywide outreach effort, the City of San José will hold community meetings and gather input on the proposed single-use bag ordinance. Click here for meeting dates and times. For more information, visit http://www.sjrecycles.org/bags/default.asp.
Special Thanks to City’s Suppliers
April 16, 2010
The City would like to recognize and extends its sincerest thanks to all suppliers that participated in the City’s cost savings initiative. Through their collective efforts, the City will potentially save up to $2.6 million in the upcoming 2010-2011 Fiscal Year in all funds.
In February, the City began efforts to renegotiate existing contracts and seek pricing concessions on high dollar purchase orders and agreements. We are pleased to report that over 80% of the suppliers contacted have responded and the vast majority of them have agreed to price concessions. The City will continue to evaluate its agreements for additional cost savings opportunities.
Click here to see the complete list of participating suppliers.
Downtown Business Parking Incentives
April 9, 2010
San Jose’s downtown is a vibrant and attractive place for businesses to thrive and grow. As part of the City’s commitment to attracting and retaining businesses in the heart of the City, a new Downtown Business Parking Incentive program has been approved by the City Council. The program offers a variety of incentives and discounts.
Kill A Watt Program Extends to All San José Public Libraries
April 8, 2010
Starting April 14, Kill A Watt™ EZ Meters will be available for free checkout at all San José Public Libraries. The meter measures electricity used by plug-in appliances and electronics and shows the energy use and associated energy costs of the item. By calculating your energy use, you can find ways to conserve energy around the house and save money on your energy bill.
For more information, read the news release.
Special Public Safety, Finance & Strategic Support Committee Meeting
April 5, 2010
In the City's efforts to maintain and improve police services and community relations, the Public Safety, Finance & Strategic Support Council Committee invites members of the public to a special meeting on April 14, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Meeting Purpose: The purpose of this forum is to elicit feedback on the City’s efforts to address issues related to public safety and policing in San José.
Please join us at this meeting. Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters will be available. Click here for more information.
San José Seeks Input on New Public Streetlight Plan
April 2, 2010
Residents are invited to attend an upcoming meeting regarding new streetlights. The City will be presenting the results of detection tests and surveys conducted at San José’s streetlight demonstrations held in early March. Staff will discuss the implications of that data and how the City proposes to apply it to reduce the City’s energy consumption, improve the quality of lights on City streets, and protect the night sky.
Please join us at this community meeting on Wednesday, April 7 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Roosevelt Community Center, Classrooms 1 & 2, 901 East Santa Clara Street. For more information, read the news release.
City works to solve $116 million budget deficit
March 29, 2010
The City of San José is facing an unprecedented $116 million deficit for the Fiscal Year 2010-2011, which begins July 1. The decisions our elected officials will make in June will require a difficult balancing act between significantly reducing costs while sustaining the best mix of critical City services, such as police, fire, street maintenance, parks and library services. Today, the City Manager released a Preliminary Budget Reduction Proposals document. The document outlines preliminary proposals representing significant service reductions to the community and loss of jobs to the City workforce. Read the Preliminary Budget Reduction Proposals.
4th Annual Bay Area Schools Environmental Conference – Learn, Lead, Inspire.
March 29, 2010
Public and private K-12 teachers, students, parents, administrators and community members are invited to attend the fourth annual Bay Area Schools Environmental Conference to learn how your school can “go green” with recycling, composting and worm composting; water and energy conservation; and on-site gardening. Discover ways to connect children with nature and other environmental education topics such as solar energy and climate change. Plus, find out how your schools can apply for green program funding. Get inspired by this year’s special keynote speaker, Alec Loorz, youth founder of Kids vs. Global Warming and the youngest trained member of Al Gore’s Climate Project team.
The conference will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Dolce Hayes Mansion in San José.
Go to the conference Web site
Get Wired up San José!
March 11, 2010
Google is looking for communities to test ultra-high speed broadband networks across the country. And, San José wants to be one of them! The network would deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second. As you can imagine, it would present fantastic opportunities for residents and businesses alike—by attracting businesses and jobs to our community, enhancing the quality of life for our citizens and improving our schools, health care system and government agencies. To make sure San José is a top contender, we need your help. For more information, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/getwiredup.asp.
City of San José seeking residents in Council District 5 to fill vacancies on the San José Neighborhoods Commission
March 4, 2010
The City of San José is seeking residents in Council District 5 to fill two vacancies on the San José Neighborhoods Commission, the City’s newest and largest advisory board. To be eligible, candidates must live within the boundaries of San José’s Council District 5, be available to attend meetings for the two-year term, and file a statement of economic interest. Residents who want to serve on the commission can apply through the San José City Clerk’s Office website at www.sanjoseca.gov/Clerk/commissionboard/NC/NC.asp. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2010. The two new commissioners and two alternates will be selected by residents through a caucus process scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 27, at Capitol Park Neighborhood Center, 800 Peter Pan Avenue, 95116. For more information, contact Ernest Guzman, Community Services Supervisor, Neighborhood Development Center, at (408) 723-4114.
Fire Chief Recruitment
February 26, 2010
The City of San José is recruiting for a new Fire Chief and is seeking community input regarding important qualities the City Manager and City Council should consider in evaluating candidates for this position. The first of six community meetings
will be held on March 9th at the Vineland Library Community Room between 6:30-8:30pm.
Please see flyer for more details. English, Spanish, Vietnamese
Additionally, you may provide your feedback on the Fire Chief Candidate profile by sending an email to info@tbcrecruiting.com.
City Budget Process for Fiscal Year 2010-2011
February 26, 2010
The City of San Jose is working through the budget process for Fiscal Year 2010-2011, which will begin in July. The decisions our elected officials will make in June will require a difficult balancing act between significantly reducing costs while sustaining the best mix of critical City services, such as police, fire, street maintenance, parks and library services. The City uses a community-based budgeting process to help ensure that our decisions reflect the values and priorities of our community. For more information, refer to the Budget Office Web site. To provide comments or budget suggestions, send an e-mail to BudgetComments@sanjoseca.gov.
Love is in the Air for Clara’s Fourth Nesting Season
February 17, 2010
The City of San José’s FalconCam, featuring the saga of peregrine falcons Clara and Esteban Colbert from their nestbox atop City Hall, is back and better than ever for this year’s nesting season. Thanks to the work of falcon fans with the San José Peregrine Falcon Alliance, who raised $25,000 from individual donors and a number of corporations from Silicon Valley and around the nation, the FalconCam system now comprises two cameras that provide alternating views into the nestbox and onto the ledges where the falcons like to roost. more>>
Grand Opening of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
February 16, 2010
Join us for the Grand Opening of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo on March 20th at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the exciting new renovations. Customers will experience new animal exhibits and expanded rides as well as enjoy family favorites like Danny the Dragon. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been important to San Jose since it first opened its gates in 1961. The new Happy Hollow has combined innovative green architecture with whimsical fun. For more information please visit www.hhpz.org.
Results of 2010 Community Budget Survey
February 10, 2010
The City of San José recently completed its annual community budget survey. This year's survey explored public perception of City services, asked residents to identify funding priorities, and gauged their support for or opposition to increasing revenue through voter approved tax measures. For more information click here.
Street Trees and the Community Forest
January 28, 2010
The intense winter storms have caused a number of trees and branches to fall throughout the valley. Unhealthy trees can pose a safety concern. In San José, property owners are responsible for the maintenance of the trees on their property and street trees adjacent to their property. There are approximately one million trees in San José’s community forest with the majority of them on private property. Click here for information about caring for your street tree and the community forest, and identifying problems with a tree. Click here for a list of frequently asked questions and other information about street trees.
San José Airport Passes Annual FAA Safety Inspection with High Scores
January 27, 2010
For the fifth consecutive year Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) has achieved a nearly perfect passing score from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its annual airport certification and safety inspection. Every year the FAA reviews all commercial airports to ensure they meet federal standards for safety as part of the process for the annual renewal of an airport’s license to operate. For more information, click here.
Mayor Chuck Reed encourages residents to support international rescue effort under way in Haiti
January 19, 2010
Following a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, San José Mayor Chuck Reed called on San José residents to give generously to support the international rescue and relief effort now underway. According to experts in international aid and philanthropy, cash donations provide the most immediate assistance and, when relief agencies are able to purchase products in the impacted region, can also aid that area’s economy.
San José 2010 Census
January 15, 2010
The 2010 Census — a count of everyone living in the United States — is fast approaching! In mid-March 2010, every household in San José will receive a 2010 Census questionnaire. We need you or someone in your household to fill it out and mail it back by April 1, 2010. The information you provide will determine how over $435 billion in federal funds are distributed each year to cities like San José for community programs and services, such as education, housing, public health, senior services, transportation, neighborhood improvements and more. Filling out a census form is safe, easy and confidential! For more information, click here.
Falcon Update
December 2, 2009
On Friday December 4, at approximately 9:30 am, the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group will be replacing the current nest box for the Falcons at City Hall. The current nest box has been in use for several years and is showing wear. Additionally, studies have shown that old nesting material (gravel) can lead to a decrease in hatch rates. For more information, visit the City Hall Falcons website at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/falcons/index.asp  .
AlertSCC -- Register to receive important emergency information
November 20, 2009
The City of San Jose is participating in a new Countywide Emergency Notification System that will provide timely and possibly lifesaving information to registered residents. The system will be used to provide emergency alerts in San Jose and/or Santa Clara County. Land line phones for home and business are already in the system. You’ll need to register  to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone, PDA, or device for the hearing impaired. It’s a simple step that will help you be better prepared for an emergency. Register now.
One-Day Regional Parks Closures to Begin November 30
November 9, 2009
As part of the City of San Jose’s Budget Reduction Plan four of the City of San Jose’s regional parks, Alum Rock Park, Almaden Lake Park, Overfelt Gardens, and Prusch Farm Park, will close on Mondays beginning November 30, 2009. On park closure days, visitors, joggers and picnickers will be unable to enter the selected sites and Los Alamitos trail users will be advised of an alternative route. Any affected park classes, tours, activities and events will be rescheduled. If rescheduling is not possible, the parties will be accommodated. Facilities will still be available for rent (i.e. corporate events, weddings) on Mondays. Park rangers will patrol to enforce the park closures and maintain security. The Guadalupe River Park, Kelley Park and Lake Cunningham Park are not affected by this action. For more information on the closures please contact art.rosales@sanjoseca.gov.
Trail Count 2009
October 20, 2009
The City of San José's Trail Count 2009 shows city trail usage up by 9.6% in both bike and pedestrian traffic with the highest increase found on the Guadalupe River Trail at Coleman Avenue. The Trail Count, the third annual survey of city trail users, was conducted on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Click here for an overview.
Elder Financial Abuse Scam
October 16, 2009
The City of San José has received several reports of an Elder Financial Abuse Scam in the area in the last week. The letters bear the logos of Readers Digest and Pepsi and purport to award a $1 million Grand Prize Giveaway. The San José’s Police Department (SJPD) Financial Crimes Division would like you to know these letters, emails, and the checks included are a fraud. If you have received a letter or email of this type please destroy it and/or delete it from your computer. We also ask friends, relatives and care-givers to please alert senior citizens to this scheme.
Sandbags, storm information
October 13, 2009
To prevent or reduce flood damage in your area, you may contact the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) about sandbags. The only location in San José currently providing sandbags is the SCVWD Winfield Warehouse located on 5905 Winfield Blvd.
For more information, call the SCVWD main phone number at (408) 265-2600 or visit http://www.valleywater.org/Newsroom/stormupdates.aspx .
Special meeting to focus on public safety and policing
October 1, 2009
In the City’s efforts to maintain and improve police services and community relations, the Public Safety, Finance & Strategic Support Council Committee invites members of the public to a special meeting from 6-8 pm. Wednesday, October 14 in the San José City Hall Council Chambers, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
The purpose of this forum is to elicit feedback on the City’s efforts to address issues related to public safety and policing in San José. The PSFSS Committee will hold another special meeting to hear from members of the public next April. Please join us at this meeting. Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters will be available. See flyer for additional information English , Spanish , Vietnamese .
Retirement Board Governance
August 26, 2009
The City is reviewing recommendations for changes in the governance model for the City’s two retirement plans. The City recently retained Cortex Applied Research, consultants with expertise in the management of pension funds, to review the fiduciary governance models of the Federated City Employees’ Retirement System and the Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan. The consultants reviewed relevant documentation, interviewed various stakeholders, and researched industry best practices. Based on this work, Cortex has concluded that the governance models of the retirement plans do not support the long-term effective management of the plans and therefore do not effectively serve the interests of the key plan stakeholders, i.e. members, retirees, and taxpayers. read more >>
Rate the City's Web Site
August 21, 2009
The City is conducting a comprehensive assessment of its website (www.sanjoseca.gov) to help guide improvements and increase the City’s effectiveness in informing and providing services online. An important part of this study is to get feedback from users about how well the City Web site works. Please take a few minutes to take our survey and make your voice heard. To take the survey, click here .
ForeclosureHelp - Preserving Our Community
August 10, 2009
The ForeclosureHelp Center provides information and referral services to assist homeowners and renters navigate through the prevention and intervention foreclosure process. Volunteer staff will provide assistance to families to assess their situation and assist them in preparing a complete documentation package to present to a HUD-certified foreclosure prevention counselor and/or their lender. Families are provided with referrals for nonprofit legal assistance and to homeless prevention partners. HUD-certified counselors will assist clients and work with their lender to identify options, such as loan modifications, refinance, forbearance, or short sale, and/or to further navigate the foreclosure process. Legal partners are ready to assist families who have been victims of predatory lending or real estate fraud. Homeless prevention and housing partners will provide assistance to families who are at risk of homelessness, assist with rapid re-housing, and who will provide clients with information and referral resources in employment services and family counseling.
For information or to schedule an appointment, please call the ForeclosureHelp Hotline 408.794.1242 or download the brochure.
Help Shape the Future of San Jose
August 4, 2009
The Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan Update is creating the blueprint for the City’s future growth and development, and the City of San José would like your input. With support from The Knight Foundation, we have created an online wiki site where you can help shape the future of San Jose over the next 30 years. Complete our survey and you will be eligible to win complimentary tickets from San José’s arts, entertainment, and cultural organizations. You can also learn more about the Envision San Jose 2040 city planning project, provide feedback in our discussion forum, or post and comment on your own and others’ photographs of San José. For more information please see the press release.
Follow these simple instructions to participate:
1) Go to www.wikiplanning.org .
2) Enter your e-mail address.
3) Use the password 2040.
Diridon Station Area: Potential Ballpark
July 29, 2009
The Diridon Station Area will be home to many significant projects in the coming years, including the planned extension of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a new High Speed Rail line, an expanded Diridon Station, a potential Major League Ballpark, as well as other development opportunities. To promote communication among the business, residential, and other key stakeholders in this process, San Jose’s City Council established the Diridon Station Area Good Neighbor Committee (GNC). The GNC, made up of 31 members who represent neighborhoods, businesses, environmental organizations, and transit agencies, will explore a range of issues related to a potential Major League Ballpark and the Diridon Station Area. For more information, signup for email updates or attend a meeting please visit http://www.sjredevelopment.org/ballpark.htm
Silicon Valley Energy Watch and the San José Public Library Team Up to Help Santa Clara County Residents Save Energy
July 21, 2009
Residents can now check out free energy meters from the West Valley, Alum Rock, and Evergreen libraries in San José to evaluate their energy use. Saving energy can save money and help reduce pollution and greenhouse emissions.
Download the flyer or read the news release for more information.
Greenprint 2009 Update is now available for review
July 10, 2009
The draft Greenprint 2009 Update is now available for review at www.sjparks.org/greenprint. The Greenprint is the strategic plan for the City of San Jose’s Parks, Recreation Facilities and Trails through 2020. Copies are also available at all City of San Jose public libraries. Community meetings to discuss the draft Greenprint 2009 Update are tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2009 and Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at City Hall in Wing, Room 120. Confirmation of meeting dates and times are forthcoming; please check Greenprint website for updates or call (408) 793-5571. Comments on the draft Greenprint Update may be submitted to the City by Monday, August 31, 2009, 5 p.m. Please direct questions and comments to Greenprint@sanjoseca.gov.
City Apartment Recycling Program Receives Excellence Award
June 30, 2009
The City of San José, in partnership with Recycle Plus contractor Green Waste Recovery, was selected to receive the prestigious "2009 Recycling System Gold Excellence Award" from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
The awards team commended the City for its "successful efforts in achieving the highest level of excellence in solid waste management" by diverting nearly 80% of apartment waste from local landfills, due to GreenWaste’s garbage processing system which removes recyclables and composts the remaining organic material.
SWANA is the leading professional association in the solid waste field, serving over 8,000 members from government and private industry.
It’s Cool in the Pool!
June 26, 2009
Celebrate summer at San Jose pools! You can learn to swim, be safe in the water or you can just chill. The City of San Jose has nine pools throughout the city and offers the most affordable swim lessons in the Bay Area. You can register on-line at www.sanjoseca.gov/prns or you can walk-in and register at the following locations.
H1N1 Virus Update
June 10, 2009
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the level of the H1N1 influenza pandemic alert to Phase 6 , which reflects how far the virus has spread. At the same time, WHO announced that the intensity of the virus is considered moderate. Based on present evidence, the overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment.
Swine flu is a serious virus infection that should be treated with caution, but the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) urges a common sense approach. For more CDC information on swine flu go to:
- Main Swine Flu Web Link: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ (external link)
- About Swine Flu: English, Spanish, Vietnamese
- Info Phone Line: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
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