Public Meetings - San Jose, California

Planning Director Hearing (delegated by Director Christopher Burton) presided over by Hearing Officer Martina Davis via Zoom. Two agenda items were considered: a site development permit for a parking lot expansion at 748/760 South First Street, and a large 737-unit multiphase residential project at 211-281 River Oaks Parkway. Both items were approved following public testimony. Consent Calendar - H25001 / ER25013 (748/760 South First Street): Site development permit to expand a parking lot for an existing commercial building, including removal of two ordinance-sized trees on a 0.4-acre site. Initially placed on consent calendar but moved to public hearing after a member of the public requested to speak. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Hazleton (public) opposed the parking lot expansion, arguing that parking lots are a poor use of urban land, contribute to heat island effect, encourage driving, and conflict with climate goals. He urged consideration of higher and better uses for the vacant lot. - Oscar Masaregos (field representative, Carpenters Union Local 405, representing 3,500 members in Santa Clara County) spoke in support of the River Oaks Parkway residential project. He emphasized the importance of good wages, safety, local hiring, and apprenticeships to ensure the project builds community opportunity. Discussion Items - Parking Lot Expansion (748/760 South First Street): Staff (Cora McNaughton) presented the project: expansion of an existing parking lot onto an adjoining vacant lot currently used for vehicle storage. Two ordinance-sized trees would be removed; 10 trees planted as replacement (required ratio 4:1, so 8 required). Applicant Greg Evans noted the lot would serve the adjoining business and include 16 publicly available DC fast charging stations, an underground infiltration tank to treat stormwater on-site, and off-site bioretention for modified curb cuts (reducing from three to one). Hearing Officer Davis acknowledged urban form concerns but found the project met code requirements and incrementally improved the area. - River Oaks Parkway Residential Project (211-281 River Oaks Parkway): Staff (Alec Tianza) reported on the 9.82-acre project: 737 units total (505 market-rate apartments in a 7-story building, 132 affordable units at up to 80% AMI in a 5-story building, and 100 for-sale townhomes in 14 three-story buildings). Density of 76.2 dwelling units per acre, consistent with the Transit Employment Residential Overlay (TERO). The project requires one density bonus incentive/concession and five waivers (stucco, minimum lot sizes, tree canopy coverage, tree spacing, driveway placement). An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared and circulated (May 1 to June 17, 2025); 10 comment letters were received with no new significant impacts. The applicant (Scott Conley, Valio Partners) and architect (Check Tang) presented design highlights: preservation of 10 redwood trees along River Oaks Parkway, a greenbelt connecting all phases, public improvements including widening Iron Point Drive, new crosswalks, and contributions to protected bike lanes and traffic cameras. - Note on tree counts: The agenda description states 148 trees removed (116 ordinance-size, 68 non-ordinance), but staff later said 184 trees removed; the applicant stated 10 redwoods preserved. This discrepancy was not resolved in the hearing. Key Outcomes - Parking Lot Expansion (H25001 / ER25013): Approved. Hearing Officer found the project conforms with CEQA (Class 1 exemption) and city standards, and noted the addition of EV charging stations and tree replacement as improvements. - River Oaks Parkway Residential Project (SDP & Tentative Map): Approved. The EIR was certified (State Clearinghouse No. 2024110255). Hearing Officer praised the design for requiring few waivers/concessions and for placing taller buildings along the park. No health/safety issues were identified. - Both decisions are appealable per Title 20 and Title 21 of the San Jose Municipal Code.

This meeting of the San Jose City Council, held on the afternoon of October 28, 2025, began with ceremonial proclamations recognizing the D9 Stars, Republic of China (Taiwan) Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The council also adjourned in memory of educator and veteran Ton No. Major agenda items included an audit on homelessness coordination, a fire apparatus purchase, restrictions on immigration enforcement on city property and a ban on officers concealing their identities, a grant agreement for the Arena Hotel interim housing site, and the adoption of the 2025 California building codes with amendments. Key votes included unanimous approval of the homelessness coordination recommendations, a 10 – 1 approval of the fire apparatus purchase, unanimous approval of the immigration-related ordinances, unanimous approval of the Arena Hotel grant, and a 9 – 2 approval of the building code update with a substitute motion to study single-stair construction. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously without any items pulled. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3.3 (Homelessness Audit): Multiple speakers from Surge Santa Clara County and Showing Up for Racial Justice, including Andrew Sigler, Lori Catcher, Hazel Holmquist, Debbie Ow, Brie Mendoza, Catherine Hedges, Deb St. Julian, Kayla, Kim Gaptel, and Sean, expressed support for the audit and memos but urged stronger inclusion of disability access, reasonable accommodations, and outcome tracking. They cited concerns about the treatment of unhoused residents with disabilities and the need for accountability in outreach and housing placements. - Item 3.9/4.1 (ICE on City Property and Mask Ban): Speakers from Surge, Pasos Community, Secret Heart Community Service, and Amigos de Guadalupe urged the council to adopt policies restricting ICE use of city property and requiring officers to show identification. They described fear in immigrant communities and the need for transparency. One speaker (Mark Trout) opposed, calling for support of ICE. Other residents, including Deb St. Julian, Kayla, Kim Gaptill, Catherine Hedges, Cindy Bautista, Dilisa Gonzalez, Jeremy Barus, Lawrence Dang, and Sean, supported the measures. - Item 8.1 (Arena Hotel Grant): Christopher, a resident of the Arena Hotel, supported the transition to WeHope but highlighted concerns about dog attacks and lack of resident communication. Gail (absent) had submitted a card; another speaker expressed support for WeHope while cautioning against concentration of contracts. - Item 8.2 (Building Codes): Greg Tuyor (San Jose Firefighters Local 230) supported the fire chief’s recommendations and opposed single-stair construction. Alex Shore (Catalyze SV) supported studying single-stair buildings. Danny Mangan (Sprinkler Fitters Local 483) raised safety concerns about single-stair designs. - Open Forum: One speaker criticized the council’s stance on immigration. Another requested a meeting with the police chief regarding human trafficking. A third speaker raised multiple accessibility complaints about seating and parking validation. Discussion Items - Item 3.3 – Coordination of Homelessness Activities Audit: City Auditor Joe Royce presented findings on interdepartmental coordination and grant oversight, noting limited outreach resources and gaps in performance monitoring. The Housing Department accepted most recommendations. Councilmembers Ortiz, Campos, Duan, Mulcahy, Cohen, Kamei, and the mayor discussed the need for better data, accountability, and disability accommodations. The council voted unanimously to accept the audit and the memos from Ortiz and from Mahan/Foley/Kamei/Campos/Tordillos. - Item 3.4 – Fire Apparatus Purchase (Tractor-Drawn Aerials): The purchase of fire trucks was presented. Councilmember Cohen moved a memo to direct staff to report on electrification and compact fire apparatus feasibility. Councilmember Duan opposed, citing operational concerns and safety. The memo passed 10 – 1 (Duan dissenting). - Items 3.9 and 4.1 – Restricting ICE on City Property and Banning Concealed Identities: These items were heard concurrently. Councilmember Ortiz presented the ordinances. The council discussed legal limits on restricting public property and praised the police department’s cooperation. Both items passed unanimously. - Item 8.1 – Grant Agreement with WeHope for Arena Hotel Interim Housing: The Housing Department presented a transition plan from HomeFirst to WeHope, with a $2.1 million annual subsidy from the Housing Authority and a long-term redevelopment plan. Councilmember Mulcahy and others asked about resident communication and transition logistics. The grant was approved unanimously. - Item 8.2 – Adoption of 2025 California Building Standards with Local Amendments: Staff presented updates, including fire code amendments and deletion of outdated reach codes. Councilmember Tordillos moved a substitute memo to approve staff recommendations but direct evaluation of single-stair buildings up to six stories. Councilmember Duan offered a competing memo to wait for the state work group report. After debate, the substitute motion passed 9 – 2 (Ortiz and Duan dissenting) with friendly amendments to include stakeholders such as firefighters and building trades. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Item 3.3 – Homelessness Audit: Adopted unanimously with memos directing improved outreach, performance metrics, and reasonable accommodation review. - Item 3.4 – Fire Apparatus: Approved 10 – 1; staff to report on electrification and compact vehicle feasibility by spring 2026. - Item 3.9 – Restricting ICE on City Property: Approved unanimously; staff to identify city properties and develop ordinance. - Item 4.1 – Ban on Concealed Identities for Law Enforcement: Approved unanimously; ordinance to require visible identification. - Item 8.1 – Arena Hotel Grant Agreement: Approved unanimously; WeHope to assume operations, with three-year subsidy and redevelopment planning. - Item 8.2 – Building Code Update: Approved 9 – 2; staff to evaluate single-stair construction for buildings up to six stories and report back with stakeholder input, including fire and building trades. - Adjournment in Memory: Honored veteran and community leader Ton No.

The Community and Economic Development Committee convened on October 27, 2025, to review semi-annual status reports from Team San Jose, the 2026 major events team, citywide planning activities, and economic development initiatives. Discussions focused on performance metrics, challenges in hotel accommodations for conventions, preparations for major 2026 sporting events, planning workload impacted by state mandates, and support for local businesses. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was moved and passed unanimously with no public comment. Discussion Items Team San Jose Semi-Annual Status Report - Team San Jose presented fiscal year 2024-25 performance, achieving all goals with gross operating results exceeding by $3.5 million, largely due to NVIDIA GTC and corporate events. Economic impact increased by $17.2 million. - Key challenge: Loss of 170,000 room nights in 2025 due to insufficient hotel packages proximate to the convention center. Councilmembers expressed concern and offered support to improve hotel cooperation. - Councilmember Mulcahy suggested deeper dives into data and emphasized the need for live support for small businesses. Councilmember Kamei affirmed support for encouraging greater cooperation among hotels. 2026 Major Event Status Report (SJ26) - The team provided updates on branding, marketing, and preparations for Super Bowl, March Madness, and World Cup events in 2026. Plans include a visitor center, fan fests, concerts, and community activations. - Public safety preparations were outlined by the Office of Emergency Management, including coordination with federal and state agencies and human trafficking task forces. - Councilmember Ortiz raised equity concerns, asking for transparency in contracting local event producers and ensuring access for women and people of color. Deputy City Manager Rosalind Huey committed to meeting with council members to discuss district strategies. - Councilmember Kamei emphasized the importance of public safety messaging to ensure community comfort in attending events. Citywide Planning Activities Semi-Annual Status Report - Planning staff reported on workload capacity, with 80% of work driven by state mandates, impacting city priorities. Projects include the general plan four-year review, transit-oriented communities compliance, and urban village plans. - Councilmember Casey questioned optimization efforts and benchmarks for efficiency, urging the use of technology like AI. Director Chris Burton explained efforts to scope projects accurately and track hours. - Councilmember Mulcahy noted the quantifiable cost of state mandates on local capacity and requested follow-up data. Economic Development Activities Semi-Annual Status Report - The Office of Economic Development highlighted accomplishments: corporate outreach, AI startup grants, record new food businesses, small business support programs, and summer events. - Councilmember Ortiz inquired about support for small businesses affected by immigration enforcement activities, noting anecdotal reports of sales decreases. Director Jen Baker mentioned tools being developed for business data and coordination with county resources. - Councilmembers discussed improving data sharing to better identify and support new and existing businesses in districts. Key Outcomes - All reports were accepted with unanimous votes: - Team San Jose report: Motion passed unanimously. - 2026 major event status report: Motion to accept and cross-reference to city council passed unanimously. - Citywide planning activities report: Motion passed unanimously. - Economic development activities report: Motion passed unanimously. - Next steps include continued collaboration on hotel cooperation, finalizing contracts for local event producers, and developing tools for business data analysis.

This special City Council meeting was called for the purpose of convening in closed session, as noticed on the agenda. The meeting began at 2:30 PM with a roll call of all ten council members present. The council voted on the Orders of the Day to allow the meeting to proceed with less than four days' notice, as required by City rules. No public comment was received. Following the motion, the council adjourned to closed session. No report was provided from closed session, and the meeting subsequently adjourned. Orders of the Day - The council voted to approve the Orders of the Day, which permitted the special meeting to be held on fewer than four calendar days' notice. This action required a two-thirds vote (eight votes) of the members present. The motion passed with the required majority. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously (10-0) voted to approve the Orders of the Day. - The council adjourned to closed session at approximately 2:30 PM and returned with no reportable actions. - The meeting adjourned without any further public business.

The San Jose Planning Commission convened on October 23, 2025, chaired by Carlos Rosario. The meeting focused on two main actions: the withdrawal of a permit appeal for a residential subdivision project and the approval of the commission's meeting schedule for 2026. Procedural matters were addressed, including roll call and hearing procedures. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony on the agenda items during the designated comment period. Discussion Items - Withdrawal of Permit Appeal: Staff presented an item regarding a project to subdivide one lot into seven lots and construct seven single-family houses, which had been approved by the planning director in October 2024. Appellants had appealed the approval but later reached a private agreement with the applicant, leading to a request to withdraw the appeal. Staff recommended that the commission approve the withdrawal and uphold the director's approval. Commissioners discussed the implications, including potential concerns about tree removal and traffic, but noted that the appellants had withdrawn their appeal. - 2026 Meeting Schedule: Staff proposed the planning commission's meeting calendar for 2026, which includes special meetings for the general plan task force. Commissioners confirmed the need for a vote to formalize the schedule. Key Outcomes - The commission voted 8-0 (with two commissioners absent) to approve the withdrawal of the permit appeal, thereby upholding the planning director's approval of the tentative map and site development permit. - The commission voted 8-0 (with two commissioners absent) to approve the 2026 planning commission meeting schedule. Additionally, staff provided informational updates on recent City Council actions, including approvals for temporary event permits and a conditional use permit amendment, and previewed upcoming agenda items for future meetings.

The Planning Director's Hearing on October 22, 2025, was conducted virtually via Zoom. It featured a routine consent calendar approval and a public hearing on a live tree removal permit, which included staff presentation, applicant testimony, and public comments both supporting and opposing the removal. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (T21-013 and ER25-156): A vesting tentative map extension for a project on approximately 2.34 acres in Council Districts 3 and 7 was approved unanimously with no public discussion or opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Lillian Koenig, a resident, expressed opposition to the tree removal, arguing that it undermines San Jose's environmental and climate goals, and preferred preserving mature trees for CO2 reduction and community benefit. - Nan Bilt questioned whether alternatives like resurfacing or re-leveling the parking lot were investigated to preserve the trees while addressing safety concerns. - Nadia opposed the removal of the redwood tree, citing benefits such as providing fresh air and much-needed shade for the community. - Trisha, the property manager at Moreland Apartments, supported the removal, stating that the trees pose significant tripping hazards for elderly residents and have damaged the asphalt in parking areas. Discussion Items - Staff planner Cora McNaughton recommended approval of the live tree removal permit (TR25-250) for one coast redwood, one Modesto ash, and one liquid amber tree. She cited a certified arborist report indicating that removing roots to address tripping hazards would cause health decline, making removal necessary for public safety, and that the liquid amber tree must be removed for ADA-compliant pathway construction. - Applicant representative Caleb Burkholder argued in favor of the permit, emphasizing the need to eliminate tripping hazards and create an ADA-compliant pathway, with plans to replace the trees with six new 24-inch box trees planted in the soil. Key Outcomes - Hearing Officer Sean Toom approved the live tree removal permit based on findings that removal is required for public health and safety, and the applicant will replant trees as per city requirements, concluding the hearing at 9:23 a.m.

The committee reviewed upcoming City Council agendas and took action on a memo to prohibit city property from being used for federal civil immigration enforcement, citing urgency due to national political rhetoric and enforcement actions. The meeting also included public comments on various topics. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the consent calendar items via a 4-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Blair Beekman reintroduced himself, commended the committee's work on prohibiting law enforcement from concealing identities, and later commented on the need for open public processes at the Bay Area's emergency planning agency (BayUasi/Bayiwas) to maintain transparency and accountability. - Multiple speakers expressed strong support for Councilmember Ortiz's memo to limit city property use for civil immigration enforcement. Supporters included Brenda Sandejas (immigrant advocate), Flor Martinez (farm worker advocate), Jeremy Barus (Amigos de Guadalupe/IPEN), Lucilla Ortiz (Silicon Valley Rising Action), Akemi (IPEN), Kimbuli Wu (Silicon Valley Rising Action/Simon), Lauren's, and Vidi Diana Borroid Duran. They argued the policy protects immigrant communities, upholds constitutional rights, rebuilds trust, and is a necessary response to federal overreach and fear-mongering. Discussion Items - Review of October 28th & November 4th City Council Agendas: The committee reviewed and unanimously approved both agendas for the upcoming City Council meetings, highlighting key items like homelessness audit reports, police transparency ordinances, and land use matters. - Action Item: Limiting Use of City Property for Civil Immigration Enforcement: - Councilmember Ortiz introduced the memo, requesting staff prioritize identifying city-owned properties to prevent their use for federal civil immigration enforcement activities (e.g., staging, processing). He cited potential National Guard deployments and the need to safeguard community trust. - Committee Discussion: Councilmembers Candelas, Foley, and Doan engaged. Foley sought clarification on the memo's scope to ensure it did not inadvertently prohibit legitimate nonprofit or federal agency use of city facilities. A friendly amendment was accepted to explicitly prohibit use "for federal civil immigration enforcement activities." The City Attorney's office advised that "city purposes" refers to typical core services, which would exclude ICE activities. - Administration Input: Staff indicated the directive's urgency and that parts could be implemented quickly, with a formal policy taking a few weeks to finalize. A workload analysis was waived. Key Outcomes - Agenda Approvals: The October 28th and November 4th City Council agendas were approved via 4-0 votes. - Immigration Enforcement Policy: The committee voted 4-0 to direct city staff to develop a policy prohibiting the use of municipal facilities (including parking lots, garages, and vacant land) for federal civil immigration enforcement activities. The motion included a friendly amendment to specify this prohibition. - Open Forum: Blair Beekman made concluding remarks on technology accountability and surveillance.

The San Jose City Council meeting on October 21, 2025, covered a wide range of topics including ceremonial recognitions, the city's annual budget report, and key land use decisions. The council discussed and voted on several significant items, with particular focus on the county sales tax measure and police equipment contracts. Consent Calendar - Consent calendar items were approved unanimously, including a transition plan for the 311 app. Councilmember Kamei expressed concerns about the two-year timeline and emphasized the need for better implementation resources in future budgets. Public Comments & Testimony - Housing Legal Services: Representatives from the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Project Sentinel urged the city to lift the pause on housing legal services contracts, stating that the funding cut harms tenants and increases homelessness risk. - Santa Clara County Measure A: Multiple speakers expressed opposition, arguing that the measure lacks accountability and will burden taxpayers without solving structural budget issues. Supporters, including healthcare advocates and community leaders, emphasized that Measure A is necessary to prevent hospital closures and maintain critical services amidst federal funding cuts. - Other Issues: A resident shared concerns about inefficiencies at the San Jose Animal Care Center, citing personal experience with a dog rescue. A representative from Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley thanked the city for partnership but highlighted a funding shortfall affecting their programs. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: City Manager Jennifer Maguire reported on International Day of the Girl, recognizing female city leaders. The annual budget report, presented by Budget Director Jim Shannon, showed a small general fund surplus and recommended adjustments for various funds. Councilmember Ortiz proposed reallocating $53,000 for public art and beautification in Alum Rock Village via a blue memo. - City Attorney Appointment: The council appointed Susanna Alcala Wood as city attorney effective November 9, 2025, with an annual salary of $390,000. - Resolutions of Support: - State Proposition 50: Councilmember Cohen moved support for the proposition, which addresses redistricting, and it was approved unanimously. - Santa Clara County Measure A: A resolution of support was debated extensively. Councilmembers expressed divergent views: some opposed due to lack of a structural plan and fiscal concerns, while others supported it as a temporary measure to address healthcare funding gaps. The motion passed with a 9-1 vote (Councilmember Casey opposed, Vice Mayor Foley absent). - Land Use Items: - Outdoor Vending Permits: Amendments to simplify regulations for outdoor vending on private lots were approved, with a joint memo from councilmembers directing staff to explore long-term solutions. - Conditional Use Permit for Fuse Bar: An amendment for 58 South First Street was approved with modified hours for amplified music on the outdoor patio (10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, midnight Sunday) following a compromise between the applicant and neighbors. - Other Business: - Axon Enterprises Agreement: The council approved an amended agreement for police equipment, including tasers and body cameras, saving over $6 million through bundling contracts. - Additional items approved included an airport marketing strategy, street resurfacing contract, and home buyer down payment assistance program. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar passed unanimously. - Annual budget report approved with adjustments, including Councilmember Ortiz's blue memo for Alum Rock Village art. - Susanna Alcala Wood appointed as city attorney unanimously. - State Proposition 50 supported unanimously. - Santa Clara County Measure A supported with a 9-1 vote (Casey no, Foley absent). - Axon Enterprises agreement approved unanimously. - Outdoor vending amendments approved unanimously. - Conditional use permit for Fuse Bar approved with modified hours, unanimously. - Airport marketing, street resurfacing, and home buyer assistance programs approved unanimously or with majority votes.

The Planning Director Hearing convened on October 15, 2025, at 9 a.m. via Zoom, with Hearing Officer Sylvia Doe presiding. The meeting was brief, focusing solely on a consent calendar item, and adjourned at 9:07 a.m. Consent Calendar - Approved a vesting tentative map extension (File TE 16-009 and ER25-198) for a site at 267 Delmas Avenue, allowing a 24-month extension of a previously approved map. Staff recommended consistency with the Dirida Don Station Area Plan Final EIR and San Jose 2040 General Plan EIR. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar item was approved unanimously without discussion, as no public comments were received.