Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The Planning Director Hearing of January 7, 2026, was conducted via Zoom by Hearing Officer David Kian. The meeting considered two consent calendar items: a special use permit for the Harker School expansion and a vesting tentative map extension for a residential subdivision. No public testimony was offered, and both items were approved without separate discussion. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (SP24047 / ER24258): Special use permit for the Harker School to construct a 3,730-square-foot field house, seven tennis courts, and a soccer field at 860 and 878 Boynton Avenue. The project includes demolition of existing structures and removal of 86 trees (27 ordinance-sized) on a 4.25-acre site. The CEQA exemption was based on Guidelines Section 15332 (infill development). Planning Project Manager Jacqueline Guerrero read into the record amendments to conditions of approval regarding stormwater runoff and public flow-through planters; the applicant accepted all changes. No public comments were received. - Item 3B (TE20-031-01 / ER25-228): Vesting tentative map extension for a 24-month extension of a previously approved subdivision (PT20-031) to create eight single-family residential lots and one common lot on a 0.443-acre site at 972 Elm Street. The CEQA determination was consistency with the 972 Elm Street Villas Project mitigated negative declaration. No public comments were received. Key Outcomes - The hearing officer approved the consent calendar as presented, including both Item 3A and Item 3B. - No items were deferred, and no items were moved to the public hearing portion of the agenda. - The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC) met jointly with the Committee of the Whole on January 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers. The committee reviewed the final agenda for the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting and approved four consent calendar items. All votes were 4-0. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Public Record for December 4-18, 2025 – Received and filed. - 2026-2027 Preliminary General Fund Forecast and Budget Priorities Study Session Date Change – Revised the date from January 23, 2026 to February 5, 2026 (1:30-4:30 PM). - Neighborhood Services and Education Committee Work Plan – Approved the work plan for January through June 2026, setting meetings on February 12, April 9, and June 11 at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. - City Council Appointments of Committees, Boards, and Commissions – Approved the Mayor’s appointments as described in Exhibits A and B, and placed the item on the January 13, 2026 City Council agenda for action. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the final agenda for the January 13, 2026 Council meeting, including an add sheet for item 3.3 (added a Part B). Motion carried 4-0. - The consent calendar was approved by a single motion, carrying 4-0. - The meeting adjourned at 2:02 PM.

This hearing, conducted by Hearing Officer Sylvia Doe on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement, addressed deferrals, a consent calendar, and two public hearing items. Key decisions included approval of a parking structure at Good Samaritan Hospital and certification of an Environmental Impact Report and approval of a Builder’s Remedy housing project at 1000 S De Anza Boulevard. Consent Calendar - Six items were initially on the consent calendar (3A–3F). Item 3D (Plan Development Permit PD25-003 for a parking structure at Samaritan Drive) was moved to the public hearing portion after a resident requested to speak. The remaining five items (3A, 3B, 3C, 3E, 3F) were approved as part of the consent calendar without separate discussion. - For item 3C (1803 Bradford Way), staff read an update regarding an incentive concession for private open space reduction. The project proposes 696 sq ft of private open space against a requirement of 846 sq ft, with a cost savings of $300 per sq ft, justifying the concession. Public Comments & Testimony - Lillian Koenig spoke on item 3D, opposing the removal of 66 trees (21 ordinance-size, 45 non-ordinance) for the parking structure. She questioned the justification and urged preservation of existing trees. - Rebecca (neighboring condo resident) asked about design considerations for the parking garage, particularly regarding the adjacent senior housing complex and nearby residents. - Becky (representing Ventana Place residents) spoke on item 4A, raising concerns about construction vibration potentially compromising the post-tension slab of nearby townhomes, noise, traffic, parking adequacy, and the building’s height (7 stories) contrasting with the neighborhood. She requested a scaled-down design. Discussion Items - Deferrals: Item 2A (Special Use Permit for Harker School, SP24-047/ER24-258) was dropped from the agenda to be re-noticed for a future hearing. No public comment. - Item 3D – Samaritan Drive Parking Structure (PD25-003): Staff (Jacqueline Guerrero) presented a request for a plan development permit to construct a 221,000 sq ft, six-level parking structure with 658 spaces, demolition of a vacant 11,000 sq ft office building, and removal of 66 trees. The project is part of a phased expansion of Good Samaritan Hospital and was found consistent with the hospital’s certified EIR. The applicant (Rob Hamby, Gresham Smith) responded to tree concerns by noting the site layout necessitated removals, with replacement trees planted on-site across multiple phases (740-inch and 1136-inch box trees initially). The design includes landscaping and materials to screen the structure. Staff confirmed mitigation measures for noise and debris. Hearing Officer approved the permit, citing compliance with city codes and tree replacement standards. - Item 4A – 1000 S De Anza Boulevard (H23-029/ER23-232): Staff (Alec Atienza and Nu Nguyen) presented a Builder’s Remedy project (under the Housing Accountability Act) for a seven-story, 118-unit multifamily building with 20% low-income units. The project includes demolition of a 2,658 sq ft building and removal of 12 trees. Because the SB 330 preliminary application was submitted before the city’s housing element was certified (June 2023 vs. January 2024), the city must treat the project as consistent with zoning and general plan. The EIR identified potentially significant impacts (air quality, noise, etc.) reduced to less than significant with mitigation. The applicant (Eric Schenauer) argued the project implements the city’s vision for high-density corridors and must be approved under state law. Staff clarified no extended construction hours are requested, and the building height (under 120 ft maximum) is consistent with the urban village plan. Hearing Officer approved after finding no specific adverse impact to public health or safety. Key Outcomes - Item 3D Approved: Plan Development Permit PD25-003 was approved, including a determination of consistency with the Good Samaritan Hospital Project EIR. Tree removal was permitted with phased replacement planting on-site and potential in-lieu fees for any unplanted trees after the final phase. - Item 4A Approved: The Environmental Impact Report for 1000 S De Anza Boulevard was certified, and the Site Development Permit was approved. The project is subject to noise and vibration mitigation measures, a Transportation Demand Management plan, and standard construction hour limitations (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday–Friday). - Consent Calendar: Five items (3A, 3B, 3C, 3E, 3F) were approved without separate discussion. Item 3C had an additional incentive concession added to the permit. - Meeting Adjourned: The hearing concluded at approximately 9:55 a.m. (as noted in the transcript).

The San Jose City Council met on the afternoon of December 16, 2025, for its final meeting of the year. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, consent calendar actions, and discussion items on homeless services oversight, a fire department controlled substances audit, digital empowerment and broadband strategy, abandoned shopping cart retrieval, and the creation of two new business improvement districts. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Ceremonial Items - Happy Hollow Foundation – Recognized for its 67-year dedication to the zoo and park, including a capital campaign that raised over $500,000 to renovate the Danny the Dragon ride. Executive Director Rhonda Norris accepted the commendation. - Venerable Thich Phap Lu – Honored for 18 years of service as abbot of Dieu Ngan Temple, including a senior nutrition program serving 300 meals daily, five days a week. - Native American Heritage Month Proclamation – Presented to Muwekma Ohlone Tribe Chairwoman Charlene Nijmeh, who urged the council to pass a resolution asking Congress to restore the tribe's federal recognition. - Garcia Family Commendation – Irene and Martin Garcia were recognized for opening their home to shelter dozens during a chaotic Black Friday incident at Valley Fair. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved except for items 2.17, 2.18, 2.21, and 2.27, which were pulled for discussion. Item 10.1 was deferred per administration request. - Item 2.17 – Extension of contract with PUN Group for homeless program audit and compliance. The council discussed the rigor of audits, including fieldwork, to ensure proper use of taxpayer funds. The item was approved as part of the remainder of the consent calendar. - Item 2.18 – Grant agreements for homeless programs (total $22.1 million). A group memo from Mayor Mahan, Vice Mayor Foley, and Councilmembers Cohen, Mulcahy, and Casey requested accelerated cost efficiencies, a public dashboard on exit outcomes, and data on acuity, income, and housing rejections. Councilmember Campos submitted a memo requesting additional data and an assessment of no-encampment zones. A substitute motion incorporating Campos's memo (with an amendment to make recommendation 4 an informational memo due in Q3 of FY 25-26) passed unanimously. - Item 2.21 – Selection of Catholic Charities to operate the Gardner Community Center. Councilmember Mulcahy noted a competitive RFP process with 26 proposals and a $1 million operational grant from Google. The item was approved. - Item 2.27 – Award of a public works contract to SPENCON Construction. Councilmember Candellas questioned why Duran Construction (lowest bidder) was deemed non-responsive for failing to submit correct CARB compliance documentation and incomplete experience examples. Staff confirmed Duran was given a 24-hour window to correct but did not comply. The item was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2.21 (Gardner Community Center) – Fred Buzzo (Catholic Charities) expressed commitment to community-led programming. Daniel Peralta and other residents voiced strong support, noting the center has been closed for over a decade and the need for youth and senior services. - Item 2.27 – Ismail of Duran Construction argued that other bidders also did not provide CARB certificates for concrete hauling subcontractors, raising fairness concerns. - Item 7.1 (Digital Empowerment) – David Witkowski (Joint Venture Silicon Valley) commended the model and noted a $11.6 million federal grant was nullified by executive order. Representatives from Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Comcast, and ICAN (Vietnamese community tech hub) supported the public-private partnership. A resident offered free adaptive equipment services. - Item 8.2 (Alum Rock BID) – Business owners Helen Masamori, Cynthia Velazquez, and Nathaniel Lim spoke in support, emphasizing self-investment and community revitalization. - Open Forum – Brian wished the council a happy holiday and referenced traffic safety articles sent to the mayor. Discussion Items - Fire Department Inventory Controls Over Controlled Substances (Item 3.3) – The City Auditor presented findings: no theft or tampering found at 17 stations or the central safe, but recommended separating duties of the Controlled Substances Program Manager (handling, system admin, record-keeping) and formalizing policies. Fire Chief Sapien concurred with all seven recommendations and noted biometric safes are being procured. The audit was unanimously accepted. - Digital Empowerment and Broadband Strategy (Item 7.1) – City Librarian Jill Bourne presented the updated strategy, built on the 2017 partnership model. Key data: roughly 10,000 additional households connected since 2017, but smartphone-only use doubled; 16% of households lost service when the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended (had helped 40,000 local households). Fiber penetration reached 37% (national average 56%). The strategy sets a goal of one-gigabit service for all residents by 2030. Councilmembers praised the work and stressed equity, affordability, and outreach to seniors and mobile home parks. A motion to adopt the strategy and resolution passed unanimously. - Abandoned Shopping Cart Retrieval Pilot (Item 7.2) – Staff reported on the three-month pilot: 734 carts collected (202 in Area 1, 532 in Area 2), with Costco and Whole Foods as top retailers. Pilot cost $32,000; estimated citywide program startup $686,000 with potential cost recovery up to $1.2 million annually under new state law (capped at $100/cart). Councilmembers discussed using cart management plans now, proactive retailer engagement, and budget considerations for FY 26-27. The report was unanimously accepted. - Tobacco Retail License Moratorium Extension (Item 7.3) – The council unanimously approved extending the urgency interim ordinance temporarily halting issuance of new tobacco retail licenses. - Alameda Business Improvement District (Item 8.1) – Council adopted a resolution of intention to form a BID covering 1,731 businesses along the Alameda corridor. The BID would fund marketing and promotion, with an estimated $258,930 in first-year revenue (70% collection rate). The council voted unanimously to proceed. - Alum Rock / Santa Clara Street Business Improvement District (Item 8.2) – Council adopted a resolution of intention to form the first-ever BID on the east side, covering over 540 businesses. The BID would focus on safety, beautification, and marketing, generating an estimated $133,035 in first-year revenue. Councilmember Ortiz and Tordillos highlighted years of community effort. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar – Remainder approved unanimously after pulling four items. - Item 2.18 (Homeless Program Grants) – Approved with amendments: staff to develop a public dashboard on exit outcomes and report on no-encampment zone assessments as an informational memo in Q3 of FY 25-26. - Item 3.3 (Fire Audit) – Accepted unanimously; all seven recommendations are being implemented, with biometric safes under procurement. - Item 7.1 (Digital Strategy) – Adopted unanimously; staff directed to implement the work plan and return with a status update in 2027. - Item 7.2 (Cart Retrieval Pilot) – Report accepted; staff will continue customer surveys and prepare for a potential citywide program, contingent on budget. - Item 7.3 (Tobacco Moratorium) – Extended unanimously. - Items 8.1 & 8.2 (BIDs) – Resolutions of intention passed unanimously, initiating the formal process with public meetings and hearings leading to a potential ordinance in April 2026. - Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned in memory of Mr. Locke Vue, founder of the Viet Museum. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise specified.

The Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee met on December 15, 2025, to receive reports on the annual Team San Jose performance audit and semi-annual updates on the “Building More Housing” and “Growing Our Economy” focus areas. Committee members discussed performance metrics, program challenges, and future priorities, and accepted all reports. Public Comments & Testimony - On Team San Jose audit: No public comments. - On Building More Housing: - Lillian (last name not stated) asked how the city plans to preserve housing at all income levels (3.4), specifically how to stabilize housing for different incomes when housing costs continue to rise. - Claire Beekman praised the transparency on fees and noted construction cost ideas from San Diego, but urged continued focus on extremely low- and very low-income housing. - On Growing Our Economy: - Blair Beekman commended downtown revitalization but expressed caution about the pavilion in St. James Park, hoped for new economic models beyond tax-and-spend, and encouraged collaboration with San Diego. - Daniel Rita (self-identified as owner of Daniel Rita’s Beauty Intoxication) shared personal experiences with tech and legal issues, requesting a voice within the system. - Open Forum: - Lillian commented on the passing of Roma Dawson, chair of the Housing Commission, and stressed the importance of affordable housing. - Blair Beekman raised worker rights advocacy for a previous speaker, tech accountability, and Bay UASI meeting outcomes. Discussion Items - Team San Jose Annual Performance Audit (FY 24‑25): - Joe (Auditor’s Office) and Adrian Perez presented the audit. Team San Jose exceeded all performance targets: booked 133,500 hotel room nights (target 117,000), estimated $95 million economic impact (target $78 million), held 540 event days at 97% occupancy, and achieved 97% customer satisfaction. As a result, Team San Jose qualifies for the $300,000 performance-based fee. The report has no recommendations. - Councilmember Mulcahy (council liaison to Team San Jose) expressed strong support, noting the organization’s rapid improvement and integration with SJ2026. - Councilmember Kamei praised progress but suggested setting more aggressive performance goals for 2026/2027 to capitalize on upcoming opportunities. - Building More Housing Focus Area – Semi‑Annual Update: - Rosalyn (Deputy City Manager) introduced the updated focus area 2.0 model emphasizing learning and transparency. The three priority areas are land use policy/regulation, development services, and linking land to capital. - Chris Burton (Director of Planning, Building, Code Enforcement) reported: - The four‑year General Plan review is underway using the Planning Commission as a task force. - The ministerial permit process is expanding downtown; the first city ministerial project was approved. - New “days added by the city” metric shows performance on multifamily permits: examples included 14 days added to a 272‑day project and 35 days added to a nearly 200‑day project. Affordable housing projects are processed faster due to an enhanced process. - The fee estimator tool is expanding to multifamily construction to improve transparency. - Eric (linked land to capital) noted results from the cost of development study: townhomes and stacked flats pencil out well; towers and dense projects remain challenging. Upcoming January 27 session will address IHO updates, incentive programs, and office‑to‑residential conversions. - Councilmember Ortiz asked about capacity given budget constraints. Staff acknowledged the balancing act and prioritization of affordable housing, which can shift resources from market‑rate projects. Councilmember Casey asked about technology investments to avoid manual data pulls; staff noted ongoing work to align systems and a recently filled analyst position. - Growing Our Economy Focus Area – Semi‑Annual Update: - Jen Baker (Director of Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs) presented 23 goals across four problem areas: - Business Development & Workforce Preparedness: 1,300 jobs created in 2025‑26; 69 unstably housed clients enrolled in a pilot workforce program; 50 AI‑related trainings launched with 31 clients enrolled; new outbound business development at Semicon West. - Infrastructure Readiness: 19 data centers/large energy projects in pipeline as of September 2025; 3 of 17 projects progressed to next stage; projected $2.1 million tax revenue from three projects for 2026‑27. The PG&E power agreement and LS Power permit are on track. The Regional Wastewater Facility entered an exclusive negotiating agreement with Prologis. - Downtown & Neighborhood Districts: Downtown office leasing incentive program yielded 3 companies engaged; 2 lease renewals; 3 business attraction wins (Lucid Motors, Papi and Claro, VTA security office). Alameda and Alum Rock BIDs coming to council. New small business grants launching January 2026. - Sports & Entertainment District Planning: Two studies (entertainment district and Convention Center expansion) underway; administrative guidelines for entertainment zones advanced; 8 entertainment zones activated; 64% of annual goal of 485 event days achieved. - Councilmember Casey clarified data center numbers (19 total, 3 of 17 progressed). Councilmember Ortiz asked about community benefits from data centers; staff emphasized utility tax revenue ($3–6M annually per facility) and workforce development partnerships with PG&E and Work2Future. Ortiz also asked about local hiring and apprenticeships; staff noted union jobs and a PG&E workforce development agreement. On neighborhood watch parties for 2026, staff committed to working with willing business districts but did not specify funding amounts. Councilmember Kamei expressed concern that the Director’s Alliance is asking neighborhoods for $15,000 fees, which may exclude small businesses; she requested clarity on decision‑making for neighborhood activations. Key Outcomes - Team San Jose Audit: The committee accepted the FY 24‑25 performance audit and cross‑referenced it to the January 13, 2026 City Council meeting (corrected from January 15). Vote: unanimous. - Building More Housing Update: The committee accepted the semi‑annual update. Vote: unanimous. - Growing Our Economy Update: The committee accepted the semi‑annual update. Vote: unanimous. - Future meetings: The next CED meeting is scheduled for February 2026. The all‑housing session is set for January 27, 2026.

Note: The meeting transcript identifies the date as December 10, 2025, but the provided timestamp indicates December 12, 2025. This summary uses the given date. The hearing considered several development permits, including a 100% affordable housing project, an expansion of a recycling facility, and a builder's remedy subdivision. The hearing officer approved all items after public testimony and staff reports. Consent Calendar - Item B (H25024): Site development permit for a duplex and tree removal at 374 South 21st Street. Approved. - Item C (HA2100601): Site development permit amendment for a research and development facility at 5853 Rue Ferrari. Approved. - Item E (T25002): Tentative map to subdivide a non-residential lot at 1650 Technology Drive. Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Item A (1207 North Capitol Ave): - Gennaro Diaz (NorCal Carpenters Union) expressed concerns about labor practices of developer Danko, citing multiple wage violations and penalties. - Lillian Koenig (District 3 resident) opposed tree removal and questioned affordability of housing. - Goetz Frank (architect) noted the project replaces 14 trees with 33 new ones. - Christina attempted to speak but had technical difficulties. - Item D (Valley Recycling): - Kay (neighboring business owner) described dust and debris issues, stating that 24/7 operations would be devastating. - Applicant Michael Gross attributed dust control to BAAQMD compliance and new water truck. - Final Item (879 Franquette Ave): - Jason (public) argued the street cannot handle additional traffic and called the project unsafe, referencing a blind turn and existing congestion. Discussion Items - Item A (H24035 & ER24174): 100% affordable five-story residential building (128 units, 127 density bonus, 1 manager unit) at 1207 North Capitol Ave. Staff recommended approval. The hearing officer noted labor issues are not within purview; tree replacement ratio is favorable. Approved the mitigated negative declaration and site development permit. - Item D (SP24029 & ER24198): Special use permit to increase CDI debris intake from 175 to 2,451 tons per day and allow 24/7 operations at Valley Recycling, 1611 South 7th Street. Staff and LEA reported no dust citations. The hearing officer referenced the new water truck and approved the permit with exemption. - Final Item (H23044 & T23031): Builder's remedy project (five single-family homes, demolition, tree removal) at 879 Franquette Ave. Despite inconsistencies with zoning and design guidelines, the Housing Accountability Act restricts denial. Staff found no specific adverse health/safety impacts. Fire department confirmed access. Hearing officer commended developer for design modifications. Approved the site development permit and tentative map. Key Outcomes - Item A: Approved with mitigated negative declaration. No changes to conditions. - Item D: Approved with CEQA exemption. Hearing officer encouraged neighbors to report future issues to code enforcement and BAAQMD. - Final Item: Approved as a builder's remedy project. The city will continue to evaluate the Kirtner-Coastal intersection separately. - Consent Calendar items B, C, E approved without discussion.

On December 11, 2025, the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee (NSE) met to discuss five major agenda items, including updates on unsheltered homelessness, neighborhood cleanup, parks funding, park fees, and animal care services. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, particularly on animal shelter operations. Consent Calendar - The committee pulled item 1 (Senior Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission annual reports and work plans) for a brief discussion. Staff confirmed the work plan was approved by a 9-1 vote after three meetings. The consent calendar was then adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Christian Greco (Winchester Orchard Neighborhood Association) showed photos of illegal dumping at Cypress Community Center and urged a city partnership to address the issue using innovative methods. He referenced city policy 0-40. - 17 speakers addressed animal care and services, including: - Mike Wagner criticized the calculation of the live release rate, alleging TNR cats were counted as return-to-field to inflate numbers. - Fatima, a foster volunteer, cited mismanagement and asked the committee to listen to first-hand reports. - Kathy (volunteer) requested soundproofing, secure dog walking access, and private volunteer entrances. - Ann DeShane noted a lost pet reporting gap and criticized a spay surgery death (cat Betty). - Rebecca Davis Matthews demanded a community action committee and financial audit of donations. - Anna reported ethics violations by an ACO and lack of disciplinary action. - Courtney, former staff, described a dog (Lola) left unattended with IV lines and leash, leading to its death, and blamed systemic failures. - Dinah and others advocated for prevention-focused strategies, reopening the TNR request list, and low-cost spay/neuter. - Elena Gaffney asked for a public commission and criticized opaque decision-making. - Open Forum: Courtney discussed a whistleblower report lack of follow-up. Elena urged adoption of ordinances on illegal breeding and mandatory microchipping. Kristina requested stronger breeding laws. Discussion Items 1. Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness – Focus Area Status Report - Staff (Lee Wilcox, Eric Sullivan, John Cicerelli) presented an update on the council focus area. Key points: - Currently 2,150 shelter beds across 22 sites; last site (Cerrone) coming online early 2026. - Aim to achieve functional zero by optimizing shelter operations, sustainable funding (CalAIM), and data forecasting. - 125 re-encampments occurred in the first three months of the fiscal year, with two-thirds in the first 30 days. - Cost reduction efforts include RFP for security ($1.3M savings) and food ($1M projected). - Councilmember Campos questioned prevention, 20% cost reduction target (not on track), McKinney‑Vento data integration, and site performance variations. - Councilmember Candelas asked about the status of cost reductions and impact of encampment movement on neighborhoods. He urged coordinating with the county on prevention. - Vice Chair Dwan expressed concern about HMIS data integration and CalAIM revenue sustainability. Staff acknowledged system complexity and need for county collaboration. - Chair Ortiz noted the need for sustainable funding and thanked staff. - The committee voted unanimously to accept the report. 2. Cleaning Up Our Neighborhoods – Focus Area Status Report - Staff (Angel Rios, Rachel Roberts, John Cicerelli, Deputy Chief Sanchez, Valerie Osmond) reported: - 48% of residents rated their neighborhood as clean/very clean (up from 33% in Q1 2024). - Code enforcement cases increased; a new Chronic Offender Resolution and Enforcement (CORE) pilot begins January 2026. - Graffiti enforcement: 2 officers assigned to gang graffiti resulted in 33 arrests; graffiti removals declined for the first time. - Illegal dumping: Over 5,000 tons collected in FY24-25. Coordinated strategy with cameras yielded 73 referrals, 18 warnings, 17 citations. - Community education reached 2,800 youth; junk pickup participation up 66%. - Councilmember Campos highlighted multifamily outreach and jurisdictional challenges with Caltrans/Union Pacific. - Councilmember Candelas emphasized education and enforcement; noted a 66% increase in junk pickup. - Vice Chair Dwan suggested using savings from enforcement to fund more code enforcement. - Chair Ortiz praised the CORE pilot and asked about pilot selection criteria and scalability. - The committee voted unanimously to accept the report. 3. Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Community Impact Report - Staff (John Cicerelli, Amanda Rodriguez) updated on park maintenance funding: - San Jose ranks last among 15 largest California cities in park maintenance spending ($37/resident). - Polling showed 75% of voters support more funding; 54% support a two‑cent parcel tax concept; 21% undecided. - Exploring a sugar‑sweetened beverage tax (SSB) estimated to raise $27M/year. - Master plan to redistribute park fees equitably (District 6 generated $55M, District 3 $88M, others $1-7M over 10 years). - Councilmember Candelas praised volunteer hours (130,000 hours worth $5.2M) and raised concerns about regressive taxes. He asked staff to consider corporate taxes. - Vice Chair Dwan supported equity and urged proactive corporate partnerships. - Councilmember Cohen asked about the parcel tax polling (average lot 6,000 sq ft: 1¢ = $60/year). He supported leveraging undecided voters. - Chair Ortiz emphasized disparities (District 5 generated only $1.9M) and expressed excitement for equitable master plan. - The committee voted unanimously to accept the report. 4. Park Impact Ordinance and Parkland Dedication Ordinance – Annual Report - Raymond Costantino presented the five‑year CIP ($423M for 180 projects). FY24-25 park fees collected $9.8M (including interest). CNC tax revenue was $39M (down from $64.5M in 2021). - Chair Ortiz asked about deferring impact fees. Staff responded that they currently defer on a case‑by‑case basis but warned of delays in building parks. - The committee voted unanimously to accept the report. 5. Animal Care and Services Annual Report - Staff (Matt Lesh, Kiska Icard, Dr. Cather, new Deputy Director Monica Wiley) reported: - 4,600 animals adopted, 3,000 fostered, 1,141 strays reunited. 43% dog redemption rate. - Live release rate: 89% overall (95% dogs, 86% cats, 94% small animals). - Average daily animal count dropped from 822 to 408 over the past year due to capacity management. - TNR surgeries: 6,990 last year; now offering owned‑pet spay/neuter (dogs Wednesdays, cats Thursdays). - Audit: 24 of 36 recommendations submitted; target to submit all by Dec. 31, 2025; next audit report March 2026. - Staff described euthanasia criteria and tools (FAS scale, behavior assessments) and confirmed they do not euthanize for space. - Councilmember Campos asked about funding allocation ($17.5M annual budget), audit timeline, and community engagement. Monica Wiley noted top priorities: training, protocols, community collaboration. - Councilmember Candelas asked about the community action committee; Matt Lesh clarified it evolved into focus groups for specific audit recommendations. He also asked about TNR capacity; staff explained current three days of TNR plus owned cat/dog days and noted they do more TNR than comparable shelters. - Councilmember Cohen asked about contract reimbursement from other cities (Milpitas contract renewal in spring 2026) and welcomed Monica Wiley. - Vice Chair Dwan urged focusing on progress and allowing new director time. He emphasized mental health challenges for staff. - Chair Ortiz asked about dogs placed on “final,” staff described criteria and collaborative decision-making. He also asked about resource‑based euthanasia; staff confirmed no space‑based euthanasia. He raised backlog in TNR list and asked about reopening. Staff noted capacity management and dedicated staff for communication. - Chair Ortiz requested a supplemental direction for a financial breakdown in the next annual report; staff agreed. - The committee accepted the report unanimously. Key Outcomes - All five agenda items were accepted unanimously by the committee. - Staff directed to include a detailed financial breakdown in the next Animal Care annual report to clarify resource allocation. - Staff to continue developing a community engagement framework for the animal shelter, as requested by the chair. - The next audit update on animal services will be presented to the full City Council in March 2026. - The committee will receive a status report on the CORE pilot for code enforcement at the April 2026 NSE meeting.

The Neighborhood Services and Education Committee (City of San Jose) and the Children, Seniors, and Families Committee (County of Santa Clara) held a special joint meeting on December 10, 2025, to discuss coordination on the Children and Youth Master Plan, the Latino Health Assessment, and gun violence prevention efforts. Presentations were delivered by city and county staff and community partners, followed by public testimony and committee deliberations. Key outcomes included approval of memos directing further expansion, alignment, and reporting on these initiatives. Public Comments & Testimony - Carla Torres (NAACP and La Raza Roundtable) expressed strong support for youth programs and services to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. She urged the committee to speak to the mayor about recent comments that may further criminalize youth and highlighted her own positive experience with youth programs. - Lillian Koenig (a substitute teacher in San Jose Unified School District) raised concerns about school closures in East San Jose, the impact of busing on cultural continuity, and the lack of free transportation for students, linking these to chronic absenteeism. - Blair Beekman spoke about the importance of tech accountability and transparent data collection, advocating for youth involvement in understanding surveillance and public safety technologies. - Laura Buzzo (former city employee and resident) emphasized that the Children Youth Master Plan must go beyond services to dismantle inequitable systems, policies, and silos. She noted that 3,000 residents and 150 organizations were engaged in plan development. - Naina Pradeep Kumar (Vice Chair, San Jose Youth Commission) highlighted that violence and safety were the top concerns in the Youth Commission's Participatory Budget Priority Survey. She urged that youth voices remain central to implementation. - Lori Katcher (Showing Up for Racial Justice Santa Clara County) supported the memos and expressed concern that recent city policies on vehicle towing counter the goals of supporting families, as towing can push families further into debt and instability. - Jennifer Kelleher-Cloyde (Executive Director, First 5 Santa Clara County) urged the city and county to invest as heavily in implementation of the master plan as they did in its development, and noted that First 5 is a backbone funder for family resource centers. - John Horner (Board President, Morgan Hill Unified School District) praised the spirit of collaboration but said efforts are not yet at scale. He highlighted a successful youth diversion program in South County and urged continued partnerships with schools. - Maria Fuentes (San Jose Evergreen Community College Board) emphasized the need to avoid silos and to create a coordinated educational strategy that connects with the master plan, so that referrals from families lead to college access. - Adam Ibarra (Executive Director, Tenacious Group) called for rigorous educational standards for low-income students and noted that many students in East San Jose lack internet at home, which must be addressed. - Olivia Navarro (Somos Mayfair) thanked Supervisor Arenas for advancing the Latino Health Assessment and stressed the importance of using data to inform culturally responsive services, especially for Latino youth. - Gabby Chavez-Lopez (Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley) uplifted the role of parents and caretakers, asking that support for families be multi-generational and that mothers be centered in strategies. Discussion Items - Children and Youth Master Plan Presentation: Deputy City Manager Angel Rios framed the plan as a long-term effort to disrupt poverty by creating access to opportunity. Israel Kanhura (Recreation Superintendent) outlined the shared vision and seven priority areas: early learning, health/mental wellness, housing, learning/empowerment, meaningful jobs, safe communities, and system transformation. Veronica Gowie (Grail Family Services) and Saul Ramos (Somos Mayfair) described the Mayfair/Polk-Way demonstration site, which uses a "No Wrong Door" approach and aims to serve 100 families in the first phase, with services beginning January 2025. Carmina Valdivia (Catholic Charities) presented the Franklin-McKinley Children's Initiative (Santee/Seven Trees site), highlighting 16 years of community work, summer programming with 333 adults and 453 youth, and college savings accounts (1,402 CalKids scholarships claimed). Olympia Williams (PRNS Deputy Director) noted joint priorities with the county: child care access, disrupting school-to-prison pipeline, and supporting the Latino Health Assessment action plan. Sarah Duffy (Director, County Social Services Agency) explained the Family First Community Pathway, a funding model that coordinates services for families at imminent risk, targeting four populations: substance abuse, pregnant/parenting foster youth, homeless youth/families, and domestic violence. - Latino Health Assessment and Cost of Gun Violence Study: Dr. Sarah Redman (Health Officer) presented key findings from the 2024 Latino Health Assessment and the 2022 Cost of Gun Violence study. Data showed that Latino children and youth are a young population (34% of under-25s countywide), with disparities in chronic absenteeism, depression (37% of Latino high school students reported feeling depressed), and juvenile justice involvement (Latino youth represent 70% of cases). East San Jose has higher tobacco retailer density (almost double) and lower perceived safety. The Cost of Gun Violence study found that firearm injuries cost San Jose over $1 billion and the county $1.2 billion (data from 2020). Recommendations emphasized breaking racial barriers, place-based and community-centered approaches, and focusing on youth. - Committee Member Comments: Chair Ortiz (City) shared a personal story of being a gang-impacted youth and credited intervention programs for his turnaround. He strongly supported the memos, emphasizing the need for predictable, accessible, culturally grounded services. Supervisor Arenas (County) highlighted the importance of focusing on Latino boys and young men, noting state-level recognition of loneliness and rising suicide rates. She stressed the need for the city to equally invest in intervention services. Councilmember Campos praised the alignment between city and county on child care, school-to-prison pipeline, and Latino health. She posed questions about the role of the City Manager's Office, data sharing agreements, and funding sustainability, including exploring Medi-Cal reimbursement. Key Outcomes - Motion by Supervisor Arenas (County): Approved unanimously by the County committee (Vice Chair Young and Chair Arenas voting yes). The motion directs the County to: expand pilot site locations in alignment with the master plan and Latino Health Assessment; report on gaps in services; provide bimonthly verbal reports to update the work plan; hold follow-up meetings in early 2026; produce a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction action plan for the Latino Health Assessment; and establish a sub-working group for standardized applications. A friendly amendment by Supervisor Young added a shared set of outcomes by Q1 2025. - Motion by Councilmember Campos (City): Approved unanimously by the City committee (Campos, Candelas, Cohen, Duan, Ortiz voting yes) with two friendly amendments: (1) an annual joint meeting of the Neighborhood Services and Education Committee and the Children, Seniors, and Families Committee; and (2) aligned outcomes in Q1 2025 related to data and evaluation infrastructure. The motion also includes direction for expanding pilot sites, data sharing, and funding strategy.

The San José Planning Commission held a regular meeting on December 10, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting began at approximately 5:45 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and adoption of the code of conduct. All 13 commissioners were eventually present, though Commissioners Oliverio and Young arrived late. The primary agenda item was the annual compliance review of seven active development agreements (DAs). The commission also handled one deferral, approved the consent calendar, and received updates from city staff. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously (8-0-1, with Commissioner Escobar abstaining and two commissioners absent at the time). No items were removed for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers addressed the commission, either for non‑agendized items or for the consent calendar. - During the public hearing on development agreements, no members of the public provided testimony. Discussion Items - Deferral Request: Staff requested to defer items CP25-001 and ER25-007 from January 14, 2026, to January 28, 2026, because no commission hearing was scheduled on the earlier date. The commission voted 9‑0 (with two absences) to approve the deferral. - Annual Compliance Review of Development Agreements: Staff presented a report on seven active DAs: Cisco (Shapell Properties), Jackson Taylor Japantown, Apple (North San José), Hitachi (Western Digital, South San José), Novellus/Vista Montez (Home Equity, Tasman Apartments), Museum Place, and Google (Downtown West and Downtown). The review covers the period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Staff recommended adoption of resolutions of compliance for all seven DAs, with an update to the Japantown DA resolution reflecting a revised seven‑year term from completion of the Center for the Creative Arts by November 1, 2032. - Commissioners with financial conflicts (owning stock in the respective companies) recused themselves from voting on the Cisco, Apple, and Google DAs. - Cisco DA: Commissioner Casey questioned the prolonged delays in some agreements, particularly Museum Place, where a data center is now proposed instead of a 60,000‑square‑foot museum. Staff noted that an application for a data center has been submitted and that any amendment to the DA would come to the commission and council separately. The Cisco DA was approved 10‑0 (one recusal). - Apple DA: No additional discussion. Approved 9‑0 (two recusals: Commissioners Escobar and Borosio). - Google DA: Commissioner Cantrell raised concerns about community benefit funds, specifically a $1 million allocation for the Gardner community that he believed had been commandeered by the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) department. Staff explained that the funds were set aside for a community committee to disperse, and that PRNS did not control the allocation. The commission agreed to have staff provide a follow‑up update at the next meeting. The Google DA was approved 6‑1 (Commissioner Cantrell voting no; four recusals: Chair Rosario, Vice Chair Bickford, Commissioner Borosio, and Commissioner Escobar). - Referrals and Staff Reports: - City Council actions on December 3, 2025, were noted: approval of historic preservation ordinance amendments (recommended by Planning Commission), Eichler design standards, and PD zoning at 908 Burn Court. - Upcoming items: Mega Ordinance Amendments (December 16), SB 79 high‑density housing near transit analysis (Council direction in January 2026), habitat plan amendments, and three pending appeals (Tropicana CUP, PayPal Stadium noise mitigation, Lundy Avenue industrial use). - Commission administrative reports: city email issues resolved; City Hall closed December 24 – January 2; no further Planning Commission meetings in 2025; next General Plan Task Force meeting on January 21, 2026; a potential joint study session with the Housing Commission on the cost of residential development study targeted for January 14, 2026 (date to be confirmed). Key Outcomes - Deferral Approved: CP25-001 and ER25-007 deferred to January 28, 2026. - Consent Calendar Adopted: Unanimous approval (8-0-1). - Development Agreement Compliance Resolutions Adopted: - All seven resolutions of compliance were approved in a series of votes: 1. Non‑conflicted DAs (excluding Cisco, Apple, and Google): 11‑0. 2. Cisco DA: 10‑0 (one recusal). 3. Apple DA: 9‑0 (two recusals). 4. Google DA: 6‑1 (four recusals, one no vote). - Staff Direction: Staff will provide an update on the Google community benefits fund disbursement at the next Planning Commission meeting. - Receipt of Reports: Commission acknowledged City Council actions and upcoming agenda items. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.