Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The joint meeting between the San Jose City Council and Santa Clara Valley Water District on August 19, 2025, focused on updates and discussions regarding key water infrastructure projects, including the Direct Potable Reuse Project, Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit, Coyote Creek Flood Protection, and the Safe Clean Water Program. Collaborative efforts and public outreach were emphasized throughout the meeting. Discussion Items - Item 6.2: Status Report on Purified Water (Direct Potable Reuse Project) - Staff presented progress on the Direct Potable Reuse Project, including a timeline with a demonstration facility by 2028 and full-scale operations by 2035. The project aims to provide a drought-proof water supply. - Councilmembers and directors expressed support. Councilmember Kamei thanked staff for years of work, Councilmember Campos highlighted the importance of reducing reliance on imported water, and Councilmember Casey inquired about speeding up the process. - Discussions included collaboration with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), regulatory hurdles, and public education efforts, particularly targeting older adults. - Item 6.1: Status Report on Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit, Coyote Creek Flood Protection, and Encampment Cleanup - Staff provided updates on the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project, with the tunnel construction nearing completion and dam reconstruction scheduled from 2027 to 2033. The Coyote Creek Flood Protection Project phase one is complete, enabling stage one diversion flows. - Encampment cleanups along the creeks were discussed, with coordination between city and water district staff. Over 200 individuals were provided outreach, and 120 accepted housing solutions. No-encampment zones have been established to prevent re-encampment. - Councilmember Condelas raised concerns about encampment relocation to adjacent areas and emphasized continued collaboration. Director Ballard discussed the water district's role in addressing housing issues. - Item 6.3: Status Report on Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program - Staff overviewed the Safe, Clean Water Program, including its structure, change control processes, and funding prioritization. Proposed improvements aim to increase transparency and stakeholder engagement. - Mayor and councilmembers expressed concerns about project delays, such as the Upper Guadalupe Flood Protection Project, which is dependent on Army Corps of Engineers timelines. They stressed the need for city involvement in funding changes and honoring voter-designated projects. - Director Eisenberg argued that voter will should be prioritized, opposing the reshuffling of funds without adequate public input. Key Outcomes - Motion to accept the status report on Item 6.2 passed unanimously on both the city council and water board sides. - Motion to accept the status report on Item 6.1 passed unanimously on both sides. - Motion to accept the status report on Item 6.3 passed unanimously on both sides. - Directives included continued support for collaborative projects, enhanced coordination on encampment cleanups and housing solutions, and implementation of improved change control processes for funding reallocations.

The San Jose City Council convened on August 19, 2025, for a meeting that featured ceremonial recognitions, procedural approvals, the introduction of a new economic development director, and public testimony regarding homeless encampment sweeps at Columbus Park. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously after pulling items 2.16 (boards and commission appointments) and 2.13 (public works authority increase) for brief discussions. Vice Mayor Foley encouraged council members to fill vacancies on commissions, especially the Senior Commission. Public Comments & Testimony - Ali, a disabled veteran, alleged past police brutality and expressed a need for justice. - Azazel Homquist, a downtown resident, expressed concern over the safety and treatment of individuals during sweeps at Columbus Park. - Jessica and another speaker criticized the city's handling of sweeps at Columbus Park, stating that residents were not offered adequate housing or compassionate transition support, and that police involvement was inappropriate. Discussion Items - Ceremonial Recognitions: Voyager Craft Coffee was commended for its community contributions. Venerable Sa Dul Sun was honored for his cultural and spiritual leadership. August was proclaimed Emergency Management Awareness Month, emphasizing preparedness. - City Manager's Report: Jen Baker was introduced as the new Director of the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs. - Card Room Regulation Fee: Item 4.1 was discussed and moved for approval to create regulatory efficiencies. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar and land use consent item 10.1a were approved unanimously. - The card room regulation fee item was approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned in memory of Frank M. Taylor, with tributes to his legacy in city development.

The Neighborhood Services and Education Committee (NSE) of the City of San José met on August 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The committee unanimously approved the Library and Education Commission's annual report and work plan for FY 2024-2025 and FY 2025-2026. The main discussion focused on the BeautifySJ Neighborhood Blight Reduction status report, including presentations from staff on graffiti removal, illegal dumping, dumpster days, education, enforcement, and community engagement. Consent Calendar - Library and Education Commission Annual Report and Work Plan (CC 25-1111): The committee accepted the annual report on the commission's accomplishments for FY 2024-2025 and work plan for FY 2025-2026, complying with the City Municipal Code. The motion passed unanimously with no public comment. (Councilmember Candelas motioned; Councilmember Campos seconded.) Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. No written public comments were noted in the record. Discussion Items - BeautifySJ Neighborhood Blight Reduction Status Report (CC 25-1121): Staff presented the report, led by Olympia Williams (Deputy Director, Community Services Division), Paul Pereira (Interim Division Manager, BeautifySJ), and Hilda Morales (Program Manager). The presentation covered the city's "three E's" model: Education, Eradication, and Enforcement. Education Highlights - The environmental stewardship program engaged 970+ youth at three schools (in Council Districts 7, 3, and 8), providing 1,100+ hours of volunteer service. - A multilingual ad campaign ran for 12 weeks on bus shelters and buses; a digital ad currently runs at Eastridge Mall. - School presentations declined from 74 to 47 due to challenges obtaining MOUs with certain school districts. Staff plan to establish new MOUs to re-engage schools. Eradication Highlights - Graffiti removal totaled 2.5 million square feet, a 14.73% decrease from the previous fiscal year. (Staff and Committee noted this was the first decrease in 10 years.) - 29% of reported graffiti was on private property, a significant increase from 6% last year. - The Rapid (removing and preventing illegal dumping) team collected 10.5 million of the 14 million pounds collected. The team's response time averages three business days, exceeding the five-business-day goal. - Volunteers contributed over $714,000 worth of volunteer time in the neighborhood litter program. - The Dumpster Day program hosted 155 events, collecting almost 3 million pounds of waste. Staff plan to pilot fixed-location dumpster days. Enforcement Highlights - A blight enforcement working group (including Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Code Enforcement, City Attorney's Office, SJPD, District Attorney's Office, and CHP) is developing a recommendation to update a municipal ordinance to allow impoundment of vehicles used in illegal dumping. - 12 surveillance cameras are deployed in high-volume illegal dumping hotspots. Connectivity issues, vandalism, and limited range have complicated maintenance, but illegal dumping decreased an average of 32% in areas with cameras. - SJPD arrested three prolific taggers in FY 2024-2025. - A new full-time position was created to review camera footage and refer cases to code enforcement. Citations require video evidence of both the act and a clearly identifiable violator (e.g., license plate). - Physical deterrents (gate-cleaning, landscaping, fencing, boulders, signage) were installed in high-rate areas. Committee Member Questions and Comments - Councilmember Candelas: Praised the education component and asked about using $250,000 in one-time budget enhancements for FY 25-26. Staff responded they are exploring additional cameras, partnering with SJPD on automatic license plate readers, fixed-site dumpster days, and possibly a retiree rehire focused on illegal dumping and graffiti. He also asked about graffiti on private property; staff noted they provide free paint and courtesy abatements for hate speech and gang graffiti, and are working with code enforcement to educate property owners. - Vice Chair Doan: Noted District 7 constituents feel the district is getting cleaner. He asked about helping to facilitate MOUs with East Side Union High School District and the school district to allow school presentations. He also asked about graffiti on Caltrans and Union Pacific Railroad property (e.g., the trestle near Mabury Road). Staff explained freeway graffiti removal is complex (requires lane closures, CHP involvement) and a major cleanup is planned for early 2026 ahead of the Super Bowl. On the BeautifySJ grant program, staff reported 77 awards in FY 24-25 and 88 planned for FY 25-26, with increasing demand. He also expressed concern about a dumpster day worker safety issue (no lift gate on a truck); staff responded that lift gates are being added to vehicles. - Councilmember Campos: Asked about average response times across jurisdictions (Caltrans, Valley Water, etc.). Staff noted a monthly interagency coordination call and a strong fee-for-service partnership with Santa Clara County. She asked about trends in illegally dumped items; staff stated 8,000+ mattresses are collected annually, along with household items, furniture, and construction debris. She highlighted the importance of a circular/recycling economy and suggested community ambassador programs. Staff agreed that education efforts need to expand to reach housed residents who often dump bulky items. - Chair Ortiz: Queried how to strengthen engagement with schools. Staff identified the MOU barrier and noted any additional funding would help expand the environmental stewardship program. Chair Ortiz also asked about the warning notice program for illegal dumping; staff committed to providing data on warning notices. He asked about the use of the California Healthy Places Index to prioritize resources; staff gave an example in District 5 along Story Road where proactive pickups and vendor services are being focused. He also asked about holding apartment property owners accountable; staff are working with code enforcement to educate owners and with Environmental Services to assess dumpster needs at multifamily units. Key Outcomes - Motion to Accept Staff Recommendations (BeautifySJ Report): Councilmember Candelas moved to accept the staff recommendations (a) accept the status report on the BeautifySJ plan and results, and (b) cross-reference this report to the August 26, 2025 City Council meeting. Councilmember Campos seconded. The motion passed unanimously. - Referrals and Next Steps: - The BeautifySJ report and recommendations will be forwarded to the August 26, 2025 City Council meeting. - Staff will follow up on the number of warning notices sent since 2024. - The committee will work with the School/City Collaborative, the Youth Alliance, and the Children and Youth Services Master Plan to help facilitate MOUs with school districts for expanded education programs. - Staff will explore additional funding for the BeautifySJ grant program to meet increasing demand from neighborhood associations. - The committee expressed general support for exploring community ambassador programs and expanding the use of the circular economy to reduce blight.

On August 13, 2025, the San Jose Planning Commission convened to discuss a general plan text amendment regarding the composition of the four-year review task force and to review proposed changes to staff report and resolution formatting. The meeting also included recognition of former Commissioner Anthony Tordillos and public comments on virtual participation. Consent Calendar - Approved: Action minutes from July 9, 2025, and a conditional use permit for a 24-hour fitness center (CP25-008/ER25-068) on Monterey Road. Passed unanimously (8-0, one absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Juan Estrada (community volunteer): Expressed concern about replacing the General Plan Task Force with the Planning Commission, urging a one-time change and that the task force delegate its role. Also advocated for restoring virtual public comment, citing disenfranchisement of disabled, immunocompromised, and working residents. - Alex Shore (Catalyze Silicon Valley): Supported a pro-housing general plan and praised staff’s community engagement tactics (e.g., children’s activities). Encouraged use of the city’s bench of nonprofits and focusing on underrepresented communities. - Lenor Salazar (SV@Home): Supported the proposed amendment as a one-time change due to the narrow scope and timeline of this review cycle, but stressed the need for robust community engagement with historically marginalized groups. Discussion Items - GPT 25-002: City-initiated general plan text amendment to modify Policy IP-2.11, allowing the Planning Commission to serve as the advisory group for the third four-year review instead of reconvening the original task force. Staff clarified the change inserts flexibility, not a default replacement. Commissioner Young assured the public of rigorous deliberation. Commissioner Cantrell requested inclusion of African ancestry organizations in outreach, with staff agreeing to include them in the mini-RFP process. Commissioner Casey sought clarification on scope (limited to council-approved items) and public meeting count (six study sessions plus outreach). Key Outcomes - Vote: Motion to recommend adoption of the amended text to City Council passed 8-0 (Commissioner Oliverio moved, Commissioner Bandal seconded). The amendment clarifies that either the original task force or an advisory group (e.g., Planning Commission) may be convened. Study Session: Resolution and Staff Report Format Changes - Staff presented proposed structural changes to reduce redundancy and length in hearing documents, moving consistency analysis directly under each finding and creating a condensed staff report. Implementation targeted for October 8, 2025. Commissioners expressed support, with Commissioner Oliverio suggesting city-validated fiscal impact estimates. No action taken.

The San Jose City Council met on August 12, 2025, beginning with a 9:30 a.m. closed session and election certification, followed by a 1:30 p.m. regular session. The council certified the June 24, 2025 runoff municipal election results, swore in newly elected District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, and recognized three ceremonial honorees. Key actions included unanimous approval of the consent calendar (with one item pulled for a brief report), approval of a land use development at 1655 Berryessa Road with conditions related to wetland mitigation, and a vote to oppose Assembly Bill 339 (Ortega) on a 6–5 vote. Public comment focused on opposition to the city’s planned sweep of Columbus Park and on labor standards for the Berryessa project. Consent Calendar - Approved 25 items en bloc, including minutes from 25 previous meetings, final adoption of four ordinances, committee minutes, excused absence requests, travel reports, and various contracts and agreements. - Councilmember Foley pulled item 2.6 (Report from the Council Liaison to the Retirement Boards) to report that the Federated Employees Retirement Fund’s pension fund had a fiscal year-to-date return of 8.79% and the health care plan returned 10.18% as of June 2025. - Mayor Mahan pulled item 2.7 to announce the appointment of Councilmember Tordillos to all committee seats previously held by Councilmember Sallas, effective for the remainder of 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2.12 (Health screenings for police employees): A speaker identified as Betsy criticized the city for imposing a $63 fine for expired vehicle registration, stating that 3,959 residents lack running water and electricity, and that the city’s actions are harming its most vulnerable residents. - Item 10.1a (1655 Berryessa Road development): Rigo Gallardo, representing the North Cal Carpenters Union, urged the council to include labor standards requiring local apprentices, health care access for construction workers, and protections against wage theft and illegal cash pay. - Item 3.4 (AB 339 opposition): Three speakers opposed the staff recommendation to oppose AB 339. Krista Dellatori (IFPTE Local 21) argued that contracting out often costs more and reduces accountability. A representative of MEF-AFSCME Local 101 stated the bill only requires 60 days’ notice and does not stop contracting. Jack McGovern (South Bay Labor Council) requested a neutral position, noting the bill has been amended and includes exemptions. - Open Forum: Several speakers urged the council to postpone the planned sweep of Columbus Park, citing the lack of adequate housing alternatives and calling for humane treatment of unhoused residents. One speaker also raised concerns about law enforcement identification and private contractors, and another asked the city to repeal an ordinance prohibiting pedestrians on expressways, claiming it has been misused to avoid safety improvements. Discussion Items - 3.4 – Assembly Bill 339 (Ortega): The council debated whether to oppose the bill, which would require 60-day written notice to unions before issuing RFPs, RFQs, or renewing contracts for services within bargaining unit classifications. Staff argued the bill would add delays to an already lengthy procurement process (up to 18 months for complex contracts) and create operational challenges, citing examples such as water delivery to homeless encampments and security contracts. Councilmember Ortiz offered a substitute motion to take a neutral position, which failed 8–3. Councilmember Cohen then proposed to oppose unless amended, suggesting amendments to exempt cybersecurity, existing contract renewals, and clarify emergency exemptions, and to remove the 60-day notice requirement. The amendment was not accepted by the motion’s seconder, and the council voted 6–5 to oppose the bill outright. - 10.1a – 1655 Berryessa Road Planned Development: Councilmember Cohen pulled this item from the land use consent calendar to discuss amendments related to wetland mitigation on Block E. A drainage ditch on the site had been declared a wetland by the state water board, requiring replacement. The developer proposed a reconfiguration that would reduce recreation space but create a wetland area. The city would need to be the property owner of record to collect a Community Facilities District (CFD) for ongoing maintenance. Cohen’s memo directed administration to study the CFD and pursue alternative wetland mitigation off-site if possible. Councilmember Kamei noted the complexity and cost of wetland management. Councilmember Tordillos praised the project for using state density bonus law to reduce construction costs by nearly $3 million and add 78 units. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Election Certification and Oath of Office: The council unanimously adopted a resolution declaring the results of the June 24, 2025 runoff election and administered the oath of office to Councilmember Anthony Tordillos (District 3). - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (with items 2.6 and 2.7 discussed separately). - Land Use Consent – 1655 Berryessa Road: Approved unanimously; the council directed administration to negotiate a wetland mitigation plan, study a CFD, and consider alternative off-site mitigation, with a report back to council. - AB 339 (Ortega): The council voted 6–5 to oppose the bill. The vote breakdown: 6 in favor (Mahan, Foley, Mulcahy, Doan, Tordillos, Ortiz? – need to verify from transcript; the vote was 6–5 with Kamei, Cohen, Ortiz, Candelas, Campos voting no? Actually the transcript says motion passes 6–5 with no from Kamei, Cohen, Ortiz, Candelas, Campos – that’s 5 no, so 6 yes. The yes votes would be Mahan, Foley, Mulcahy, Doan, Tordillos, and one more? Possibly Casey or Ortiz? Wait, the transcript says “motion passes 65 with no from Kamei Cohen Ortiz, Candelas, and Campos.” That’s five no votes, so six yes. The motion was to oppose. So the council officially opposes AB 339. - Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Assessments and Tax Levy: All three items (sanitary sewer, solid waste, property tax levy for GO bonds) were approved unanimously. - La Moraga Apartments Refinancing: Unanimously approved the issuance of up to $44,856,000 in multifamily housing revenue refunding bonds to refinance the 275-unit affordable housing development at 5822 Charlotte Drive. - Travel to Atlanta (Item 3.3): Approved travel for Mayor Mahan, Councilmembers Campos, Tordillos, Cohen, Mulcahy, and Casey to the September 2025 Chamber of Commerce Annual Study Mission, replacing Councilmember Doan (who withdrew due to family health reasons) with Councilmember Casey. Councilmember Campos expressed interest in attending, but the motion (by Vice Mayor Foley) to send Casey was seconded and passed unanimously.

The Transportation Environment Committee convened on August 11, 2025, to review an equity-focused audit of city traffic safety programs, assess annual work plans for the Climate Advisory and Airport Commissions, and receive public testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - Jordan Moldow, speaking on behalf of himself, expressed support for the traffic safety audit but emphasized the need for equity over equality, arguing that historically underserved communities require additional resources to achieve true safety parity. - Jordan Moldow, representing the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, expressed strong support for the Climate Advisory Committee's recommendations, urging increased funding for multimodal transportation infrastructure to advance climate goals. - Ken, during open forum, proposed specific changes to the Five Wounds urban village plan, including replacing traffic signals with modern roundabouts to enhance safety and traffic flow. - Ken also commented on the committee's work plan, suggesting that the Transportation Environment Committee should incorporate outcome measures similar to other council committees and recommended adding focus area status reports to future agendas. Discussion Items - Joe Royce, City Auditor, presented an audit on access to and use of traffic safety programs by traditionally marginalized communities. Key findings indicated that equity priority communities received comparable or higher service levels in some areas, but identified gaps in school safety outreach and language accessibility. Recommendations included proactive targeted outreach and translating key resources. - John Ristow, Director of Transportation, responded on behalf of the Department of Transportation and Police Department, accepting all audit recommendations and detailing ongoing efforts to improve equity in service delivery. - Council members, including Ortiz, Foley, and others, engaged in discussion, highlighting the importance of equitable resource allocation, school safety programs like Walk and Roll, and enhanced community engagement through council offices and school boards. - Julie Benavente and Ann Ballas presented the Climate Advisory Commission's annual report and 2025-26 work plan, outlining its advisory role on climate goals and upcoming briefings on topics such as clean energy rates and building performance ordinances. - Muki Patel presented the Airport Commission's 2025-26 work plan, summarizing past accomplishments and future meetings focused on capital projects, Super Bowl and FIFA preparations, air service development, and budget processes. Key Outcomes - The committee accepted the traffic safety audit report and cross-referenced it for the August 26th City Council meeting. Vote: 5-0. - The committee accepted the Climate Advisory Commission work plan. Vote: 5-0. - The committee accepted the Airport Commission work plan. Vote: 5-0.

The Planning Director's Hearing for August 6, 2025, was a brief session conducted via Zoom. Hearing Officer Martina Davis, acting on behalf of the Director of Planning, convened the meeting. The agenda included deferrals and a consent calendar item, with no items scheduled for public hearing. The primary action involved approving a consent item for a garage and workshop structure. Consent Calendar - SP25002 and ER25016: A special use permit to allow a 956-square-foot detached garage and workshop at 1043 Ramona Avenue, which exceeds the maximum cumulative square footage for accessory structures (650 sq ft). Staff provided a correction to the project description. The CEQA clearance was an exemption (Section 15303). The item remained on consent with no requests for removal. The hearing officer approved the consent calendar, granting the permit and considering the exemption. Key Outcomes - Deferral Approved: Item SP25010 and ER25088 (special use permit for a retaining wall at 5770 Harwood Road) was dropped from the agenda to be re-noticed for a later date, as recommended by staff. No public comment was received on the deferral. - Consent Calendar Approved: The single item on the consent calendar (SP25002 and ER25016) was approved unanimously as part of the consent calendar. - Adjournment: With no items for public hearing, the meeting was adjourned.

The Rules and Open Government Committee convened to review and approve agendas for upcoming city council meetings and address consent calendar items. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda consisting of 10 items. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Reviewed the agenda for Tuesday, August 12th, covering election certification, closed session, consent items, public hearings for sanitary sewer and solid waste collection property tax, approval of revenue bonds for a multifamily housing project, and deferral of item 6.1 to September 9th. - Discussed item 3.3 regarding council members' travel; a committee member clarified that colleagues are traveling after meetings and will not miss council sessions. - Reviewed the agenda for Tuesday, August 19th, noting deferred audit reports, card room regulatory fees, reinstatement of the police horse-mounted unit, and a special joint meeting with Valley Water scheduled after the council meeting. - Inquired about the format and duration of the joint meeting with Valley Water; a staff member indicated it is primarily for informational updates and dialogue, expected to last 1.5 to 2 hours, with no formal votes anticipated. Key Outcomes - Voted 4-0 (one absent) to approve the August 12th agenda with an ad sheet and postponement of item 6.1. - Voted 4-0 (one absent) to approve the August 19th agenda, including cancellation of the 6 p.m. session. - Voted 4-0 to approve the consent calendar.

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Hearing Officer Sylvia Doe on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. The agenda included one deferral and one consent calendar item. No items were listed under public hearing. The hearing adjourned at 9:08 a.m. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (SP 25-012 / ER25-097): A special use permit to allow construction of retaining walls up to three feet in height on the rear and side yard of a single-family property at 1196 Broadleaf Lane. Staff recommended considering the exemption under CEQA and approving the permit. No public comment was received, and the item was approved as part of the consent calendar. Discussion Items - Deferral – Item 2A (SP 25-03 / ER 25-026): A special use permit for late-night operation of a public eating establishment until 2:00 a.m. at 163 West Santa Clara Street was proposed for deferral by staff. The request was to drop the item from today’s agenda to be re-noticed to a later hearing date. No public comment was offered, and the deferral was granted. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar (Item 3A) was approved unanimously per staff's recommendation. - Item 2A was deferred to a future hearing date as requested by staff. - No other actions were taken; the hearing was adjourned at 9:08 a.m.