Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The San Jose City Council held its final public hearing on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to receive community input on the proposed 2025-2026 Operating Budget, 2025-2027 Biennial Capital Budget, and the 2025-2026 Fees & Charges Report, including a revision of Measure E Real Property Transfer Tax revenue allocations. The Council will vote on the budget and related policies on June 10. Over 260 speaker cards were submitted, with each speaker allotted one minute. The hearing focused overwhelmingly on homelessness policy, accountability measures, and immigration services. Public Comments & Testimony - Support for Mayor’s Budget (Accountability & Responsibility to Shelter): Many residents, including Steve Navarro (D7), Eric Schoenauer (D5), and representatives from neighborhood associations and business groups, expressed support for the mayor’s June budget message emphasizing accountability, tying pay to performance, and the “responsibility to shelter” policy. They argued that building cost-effective shelters and requiring people to come indoors is necessary to address the homelessness crisis, noting that over 1,000 shelter beds are opening this year and about 200 homeless individuals die annually. Speakers cited public safety concerns, fires, trash, and negative impacts on quality of life, with some sharing personal experiences of being threatened or assaulted. - Opposition to Mayor’s Budget (Criminalization & Housing Focus): A large number of speakers, including members of SURGE, SERGE, Amigos de Guadalupe, the Real Coalition, and formerly unhoused individuals, opposed the mayor’s plan. They argued it criminalizes homelessness by arresting people for camping when shelter is offered, while there are not enough beds (90% of those encountered cannot access shelter). They called for using Measure E funds for permanent affordable housing and prevention, expanding the TRUST non-police response team to 24/7, and rejecting the $2.1 million SJPD Quality of Life Unit. Several speakers cited the Campbell’s Law principle about metrics being gamed, and noted that criminal records make it harder to get housing and jobs. - Immigration Legal Services: Dozens of speakers, including families, youth, and advocates (e.g., Amigos de Guadalupe, Law Foundation), urged the Council to allocate $1.5 million for legal representation and rapid response for immigrants facing deportation, warning that ICE activity is escalating (citing LA raids). They stressed that immigrants with legal counsel are 10 times more likely to win their cases. Some supported using savings from SJPD vacancies for this purpose. - Climate Smart Funding: Youth from Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action and others called for restoring non-personnel funding for Climate Smart to at least $625,000 (FY 2022-23 levels), arguing that cuts hinder the city’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal and that climate change exacerbates homelessness and public health issues. - Animal Shelter & Other Issues: Several speakers criticized the San Jose Animal Care Center for mismanagement, lack of spay/neuter services, and high euthanasia rates, demanding accountability and new leadership. Others advocated for restoring funding for youth drop-in centers (Alum Rock, Alviso, Berryessa), the Moxa youth center, and the older adult health and wellness program. A few thanked the city for recent support (e.g., Christmas in the Park). Key Outcomes - No decisions were made at this hearing. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget and related policy items on June 10, 2025. Public comments from this hearing will inform their deliberations.

The San Jose Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) held a regular meeting on June 6, 2025. The agenda included receiving final historic resource surveys for two urban villages, adding two properties to the city's Historic Resource Inventory (HRI), a demonstration of a public city landmarks map, and the election of new officers for the 2025-2026 term. Commissioners engaged in a significant debate over the designation of mid-century strip malls as historic resources and their implications for housing development. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5B (HRI Additions): Mike Sodergrin of PAC San Jose expressed general support for the proposed additions but urged the commission to consider long-term stewardship for preserved sites, noting a high risk of loss for "mothballed" properties. - Item 5A (Urban Village Surveys): Sodergrin welcomed the historic surveys as a tool to give the development community early clarity on potential review requirements and to document the cultural history of the neighborhoods through community outreach. - Open Forum (Item 7): Sodergrin reported on research from a historic grant concerning the Temple Laundry/IBM building. He cautioned that the commission should conduct physical building inspections rather than relying solely on existing reports, as the structure was in better condition than documented. Discussion Items 5A: East Side Alum Rock and Saratoga Urban Villages Historic Resource Surveys - Presentation: Staff (Dana) and consultant Stacey Farr (Architectural Resources Group) presented the final surveys. The survey areas covered 332 total parcels (108 in East Side Alum Rock, 224 in Saratoga). Reconnaissance surveys identified 17 properties in Alum Rock and 24 in Saratoga for intensive study. - Findings: A total of 22 historic resources were identified (11 per survey area). Most were determined eligible for the California Register and as candidate City Landmarks based on architecture. In Alum Rock, historic resources included Calvary Cemetery and Peter's Bakery. In Saratoga, the resources included several mid-century modern strip commercial buildings. - Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Galendari expressed strong concern that designating "cookie-cutter" strip malls as historic resources would create unnecessary obstacles for housing development and prolong CEQA review during a housing crisis. She urged a "second look" at these determinations. Commissioners Camuso and Bane countered, arguing that these strip malls represent a distinct and significant era of commercial architecture and neighborhood history and that identifying resources proactively aids developers by providing upfront clarity on constraints. A staff member noted the cost and feasibility of programmatic CEQA clearance for these sites. - Outcome: The commission received the report as information. No properties were added to the HRI at this meeting. The survey findings will be incorporated into the Urban Village planning process. 5B: Modifications to the San Jose Historic Resource Inventory - Proposal: Staff recommended adding two previously documented properties to the HRI: a fruit dehydrator shed at Perimeter Road (carved out of a Costco development) and a stable relocated to 490 Park Avenue. - Discussion: Both properties were preserved as conditions of prior development approvals. Commissioners questioned the long-term security and maintenance of the fenced fruit dehydrator shed, explicitly asking about protection from fire. Staff acknowledged the liability concern and stated that stewardship discussions between the HOA and the builder were ongoing. - Decision: The commission voted 5-0 to add both properties to the HRI. 8B: Election of Chair and Vice Chair - The commission elected Vice Chair Royer as Chair and Commissioner Galendari as Vice Chair for the 2025-2026 term. 8F: Good and Welfare - Ben Leach of PAC San Jose provided an extended demonstration of the organization's publicly accessible City Landmarks website, an interactive map and filter system designed to help the public and officials identify and learn about designated historic resources. Key Outcomes - HRI Additions Approved: The commission voted 5-0 (with Commissioners Arnold and Binewal absent) to add the Perimeter Road fruit dehydrator shed and the 490 Park Avenue stable to the Historic Resources Inventory. - Surveys Received: The East Side Alum Rock and Saratoga Urban Villages Historic Resource Surveys were formally received. No designations were enacted; the findings will inform upcoming Urban Village planning. - Officers Elected: Vice Chair Royer was elected Chair, and Commissioner Galendari was elected Vice Chair for 2025-2026. - Minutes Approved: The action minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting were unanimously approved.

The Planning Director Hearing, presided over by Hearing Officer Ruth Cueto on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, convened on June 6, 2025. The meeting addressed two public hearing items: a special use permit for a banquet facility and a live tree removal permit. Due to a noticing error, one item was continued to June 11, 2025. No consent calendar items were considered. Continuation to June 11, 2025 - Item 3 – Special Use Permit for 36 Townhome Units at Florence Avenue (SP24-039, ER24-270): Staff reported an error in the original hearing notice. The item was dropped and renoticed for the June 11, 2025 director hearing. A public comment from Amy Martinez (Alam Rock neighborhood) requested confirmation that neighbors would be re-notified; staff confirmed that new notices had been or would be sent. The deferral was approved. Public Hearing Item 4A – Banquet Facility at 1912 Camden Avenue Applicant: Dewey Vo (applicant/representative) Proposal: Special use permit to allow a banquet facility (approximately 5,546 sq ft) in a vacant tenant space within a commercial shopping center. Hours of operation proposed: 10 a.m. to midnight. Indoor seating capacity determined by fire/building code. No exterior modifications or outdoor uses. Parking: 84 vehicle spaces + 9 bicycle spaces (no minimum requirement). Noise limit: 55 dBA at residential property lines (Condition 21). Staff Recommendation: Approve the special use permit with standard conditions, finding consistency with General Plan (NCC designation) and applicable policies. Environmental exemption under CEQA (Class 15303). Public Testimony: - Amy Hammer (adjacent resident): Raised concerns about sound from the rear egress door (only 15-foot setback), potential outdoor loitering (smoking, cooling off), alcohol licensing, overflow parking shared with hookah lounge. - David Weiss (resident, husband of Diana): Requested music stop at 9 p.m., back door remain shut at all times, limitation on number of events per week, and prevention of people behind the building. - Diana Weiss (homeowner of 30 years): Urged reconsideration to lease to a different retailer, citing negative impact on quality of life, property values, and peaceful enjoyment of backyard. Mentioned existing noise compliance codes and safety concerns. - Ted Hammer (adjacent resident): Identified errors in the permit documents (stated rear setback of 25 ft vs. actual 14 ft 8 in). Requested live noise monitoring at property line. Supported banquet use but argued the location is inappropriate given proximity to homes. Applicant Response: Dewey Vo acknowledged concerns and stated the following: events would end around 11 p.m.; no outdoor use; back door for emergency only; designated smoking area away from residences; number of events unknown but expected mostly on weekends; proposed security and cameras; alcohol served by caterer with their own license. He offered to work with neighbors and agreed to limit amplified sound and possibly end earlier than midnight. Staff Clarifications: - Parking: No minimum requirement; 84 spaces available. - Traffic: No traffic signal proposed; Public Works determined less than significant impact. - Egress door: Fire-code required, self-closing, no patio; trash will not be taken out from rear door. - Setback: Building is legal non-conforming (built 1977); rear setback is 14 ft 8 in (code requires 25 ft) but no exterior changes. - Alcohol: A caterer’s permit is required; city does not regulate specific ABC licenses. - Noise: Condition 21 requires 55 dBA at residential property lines. If violations occur, complaints can be filed with code enforcement. Hearing Officer Decision: Approved the special use permit with amendments: - Operating hours amended to 10 a.m. – midnight (Condition 7). - Added conditions for site security and cameras. - Condition addressing loitering. - Noise limit condition (21) remains. Public Hearing Item 4B – Tree Removal Permit at 7111 Echo Loop Applicant: Ali (owner) Proposal: Removal of two ordinance-sized native oak trees (123 and 135 inches in circumference) from a 0.54-acre vacant single-family lot to allow construction of a new home and retaining wall. Replacement: two 15-gallon oak trees in rear yard. Staff Recommendation: Approve the live tree removal permit with condition that trees may only be removed after building permit, grading permit, and foundation laying. Staff noted that a building permit was filed in 2024 and is under review. The trees are within 5 ft of planned retaining wall; arborist report concluded removal is necessary. Public Testimony: - Marissa Sinha (neighbor): Requested transparency on approved plans. Noted discrepancy between tree removal plans (March 2021) and building plans (February 2024). Objected to removal on environmental and ecological grounds; suggested design modifications to save trees. Asked for condition specifying plans for foundation and replacement tree location. - Roberta (neighbor, real estate background): Concerned house may not be built (high cost $8M, property delisted from Redfin). Emphasized heritage value of 200-year-old trees (larger than heritage tree list examples). Proposed moving house 6 ft upslope to preserve trees. - Eva (adjacent resident): Supported environmental preservation; noted trees contribute to wildlife. - George Clark (neighbor of 50+ years): Welcomed home construction but wanted alteration to save trees. Suggested replacing “laid” with “completed” in the foundation condition for clarity. Noted possible second driveway in arborist plans that wasn’t in original building plans. - Jerry U (Almaden Valley resident): Highlighted tree health (good vigor, no disease) and historical significance (potentially pre-Civil War). Advocated for smaller house design or different plot to save trees. Noted property removed from Redfin, suggesting uncertain building commitment. - Elica (neighbor): Requested preservation for wildlife habitat (hummingbirds, deer). Staff Response: - Clarified that the tree removal permit was applied for before building permits; staff delayed approval until proper plans were submitted. The building permit plans (2024) will be used for conformance. - If replacement trees not planted, the applicant will be invoiced in-lieu fee ($775 per tree). - The pad location is determined by geohazard and engineering, not planning. - Agreed to accept condition change from “laid” to “completed” for foundation (per George Clark’s request). Hearing Officer Decision: Approved the live tree removal permit with the following modifications to Condition 5 (Validation of Tree Permit): - Changed “after the foundation is laid” to “after the foundation is completed”. - Added reference to specific building permit file number (2024-071843) to clarify that the tree removal is tied to the retaining wall construction as outlined in that permit. - The replacement tree requirement (two 15-gallon oaks) remains. Key Outcomes - Item 4A (Banquet Facility): Approved with amended hours (10 a.m.–midnight) and added conditions for security, cameras, and loitering control. - Item 4B (Tree Removal – Echo Loop): Approved with modified foundation condition (completed instead of laid) and permit file reference to ensure consistency with building plans.

This joint meeting of the City of San José's Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole convened on June 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM to review the final agenda for the June 10, 2025 City Council meeting, review the draft agenda for June 17, 2025, and act on consent calendar items. The committee addressed scheduling conflicts, public requests, and operational logistics for the upcoming council meetings. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (ROGC 25-202): Receive and file the Public Record for May 22–29, 2025. Approved unanimously. - Item 2 (ROGC 25-203): Approve amendment to the January–June 2025 Neighborhood Services and Education Committee Work Plan to drop the Flavored Tobacco Ban, Nitrous Oxide, and Vape/Smoke Shops status report from the June 12, 2025 meeting. Approved unanimously. - Item 3 (ROGC 25-204): Review the June 9, 2025 City Council Final Public Hearing agenda for the 2025-2026 Proposed Operating Budget, 2025-2027 Proposed Biennial Capital Budget, and 2025-2026 Proposed Fees and Charges. Approved unanimously. - Item 4 (ROGC 25-206): Retroactively approve the Pack a Back Donation Drive for Children's Awareness Month (June 3, 2025) as a Council-sponsored special event, authorize expenditure of funds, and accept donations. Placed on June 17, 2025 Council agenda for action. Approved unanimously. - Item 5 (ROGC 25-207): Approve Tower Lighting for Philippines Independence Day (June 12-14, 2025) as a Council-sponsored special event, authorize expenditure of funds, and accept donations. Placed on June 10, 2025 Council agenda for action. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Lindy Hayes (Concerned Corey Neighbors): Requested that agenda item 826 North Winchester (June 10, 2025, 6:00 PM calendar) be moved to the first slot of the evening session. She cited a large number of seniors, school-age children, and working parents planning to attend, and noted that one volunteer was offering free cupcakes to children under 18 to encourage civic engagement. She asked that the item start no later than 7:00 PM. Discussion Items - Review of June 10, 2025 Final Agenda (ROGC 25-200): - Proposed renumbering and scheduling changes: Items 3.5 (multifamily housing revenue notes), 3.7 (Measure E allocation changes), and 3.8 (June budget message) to be heard concurrently not before 1:30 PM; 3.9 (fees and charges) also not before 1:30 PM; renumbered items 3.10 (municipal code amendments), 3.11 (code of conduct for encampments), 3.12 (pay for performance); and two consent items (5.1 and 5.2) moved to consent. - Redevelopment successor agency public hearing to be heard immediately after consent. - Land use items (10.2 and 10.3) noticed for 6:00 PM evening session. - Discussion on ceremonials: Vice Mayor Kamei proposed moving ceremonials and the invocation (youth chorus) to 11:30 AM (instead of 1:30 PM) to allow earlier start on substantive agenda. Committee agreed to attempt coordination with council offices and the mayor's office, noting that some students may still be in school. - Committee agreed to work through the lunch break to maximize time. - Time certain for land use items: Committee debated whether to set land use items as time certain at 6:00 PM, with the understanding that if an ongoing discussion (e.g., budget) is in progress, it would not be interrupted; rather, land use would be heard as the first new item after 6:00 PM once the current item concludes. This was accepted. - Renumbering pay for performance to 3.10 to allow earlier hearing if time permits before 1:30 PM. - Review of June 17, 2025 Draft Agenda (ROGC 25-201): - Agenda includes adoption of annual appropriation ordinance, general obligation bond, multifamily housing revenue notes, liens for sidewalk repair, Japan town/downtown/Monterey Corridor/Tully Road bids, Alameda Community benefit, major event zone ordinance, electronic large format digital signs, navigation hub grant agreements, and multifamily housing incentives. One land use consent item. - Committee requested that the mayor's office attempt to schedule ceremonials and invocation at 11:00 AM start (after closed session) to follow the same pattern as June 10 meeting. - No public comments on this agenda. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve June 10, 2025 final agenda with modifications: - Ceremonials and invocation to be moved to 11:30 AM where possible (subject to participant availability). - Committee to work through lunch. - Land use items (10.2 and 10.3) set as time certain at 6:00 PM, but not to interrupt an ongoing discussion; they become the first new item after 6:00 PM. - Pay for performance renumbered to 3.10 to allow earlier hearing if time permits before 1:30 PM. - Motion carried 3-0 (Chair Cohen, Vice Chair Kamei, Member Foley; Member Candelas present but not voting? Vote recorded as 3-0). - Motion to approve June 17, 2025 draft agenda as presented: - Motion carried 3-0. - Consent calendar approved (5 items) by a single motion, carried 3-0. - Meeting adjourned at 2:30 PM.

The San Jose City Council convened on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, a consent calendar with several pulled items, public hearings on utility rates and community facility district annexations, adoption of housing and planning documents, and a lengthy open forum focused on immigrant legal services funding. Ceremonial Items - Pride Month (June 2025): Vice Mayor Foley and Councilmember Cohen proclaimed June as Pride Month, recognizing 55 years since the Stonewall riots and 50 years of Silicon Valley Pride. Bianca Zamora (Chief Diversity Officer, Silicon Valley Pride) spoke on the ongoing need for LGBTQ+ protections. - Children's Awareness Month (June 2025): Councilmember Campos proclaimed June as Children's Awareness Month. Liliana Camacho (Parent Voices organizer) highlighted child care affordability and provider pay issues. - Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2025): Councilmembers Cohen and Mulcahy recognized Jewish American Heritage Month. Renat Shimshi (Bay Area Jewish Coalition) noted rising antisemitism and recent attacks. Consent Calendar - Items pulled for comment: 2.1 (minutes), 2.2A (SB 1333 rezoning), and 2.12 (Tully Road Eastridge BID). Councilmember Mulcahy provided detailed clarification on the rezoning, stating: the process is state-mandated; open space designation follows the city’s riparian corridor policy; single-family homes can rebuild, remodel, and build ADUs; and no trail extensions or property acquisitions are planned. After public objections from Glen Erie residents requesting written guarantees, the Mayor directed Planning Director Chris Burton to produce a formal letter summarizing these assurances. The consent calendar (including all remaining items) passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar (Item 2.2A): Seven speakers from Glen Erie Avenue and surrounding areas objected to the open space rezoning, citing concerns about property value loss, lack of clear written documentation, conflicting information from the city, and inadequate notice. Some requested grandfathering of existing rights. Marin Sederquist (Willow Glen Neighborhood Association) supported neighbors’ requests for written clarification. - Item 6.1 (Sewer Rates): Dan Gordon (Gordon Biersch) reported a 40% rate increase despite unchanged wastewater discharge, contrasting with a 9% increase for non-metered residential customers. He requested calculations under Prop 218 and urged reconsideration. The city clerk reported 598 valid written protests (less than 1% of affected customers). - Item 6.2 (Garbage Rates): Two speakers questioned the rate increase rationale. One noted missed pickups but sought understanding. - Item 8.5 (General Plan Review): Robert Chapman Wood (SJSU professor) argued the proposed work plan will not enable housing production targets. Angel Laliano (Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits) supported comprehensive outreach and asked that if a task force is replaced, the city involve nonprofit engagement specialists. - Open Forum: Multiple speakers urged increased city funding for immigrant legal services (from $500K to $1.5M). Testimonies described fear of deportation, an April 2nd arrest of a father, and a parent’s anxiety. Speakers suggested funding could come from savings from vacant SJPD positions. Other open forum topics: a subcontractor’s unpaid invoice, and a union representative opposing the return-to-work mandate due to safety and cost concerns. Discussion Items - Items 3.3 & 3.4 (Community Facilities District Annexations): Public hearings held for CFD No. 11 (Adeline-Mary Helen) Annexation Area No. 1 and CFD No. 8 (Communications Hill) Annexation Area No. 3. Both had 0 written protests and property owner ballots supporting the special tax (12 votes yes for CFD 11; 3 votes yes for CFD 8). Councilmember Duan noted benefits including park, open space, commercial services, and improved emergency access. Both annexations passed unanimously. - Item 6.1 (Sewer Service and Use Charges): Staff explained that rate increases (1.76% for residential) fund wastewater treatment plant upgrades. For industrial users like Gordon Biersch, higher increases are due to higher biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids concentrations. Vice Mayor Foley requested a city auditor review of rate calculations. Councilmember Cohen added context that costs are proportionally allocated to those emitting pollutants. Motion passed 10-0 (one absent). - Item 6.2 (Residential Garbage and Recycling Rates): Deputy Director Valerie Osman reported a 2% increase (down from a projected 5-6%) due to improved recycling contamination rates (from 57% in 2022 to 41% in 2024). The rate is cost-recovery and funded by contracts. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 6.3 (Municipal Water Rates): The city clerk reported 249 written protests (less than 1% of customers). Motion passed 10-1 (Councilmember Candelas voting against). - Item 8.2 (Community Participation Plan): Public hearing held; no public comment. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 8.3 (2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan): Public hearing held; no public comment. Motion passed unanimously. - Item 8.4 (Gateway Tower Predevelopment Loan): Councilmember Salas praised the project as “a tremendous amount of housing near downtown.” Motion passed unanimously. - Item 8.5 (Four-Year Review of Envision San José 2040 General Plan): Staff presented the scope of work, with a proposed 11-member Planning Commission task force and six study sessions. Vice Mayor Foley and others moved to adopt the scope with a directive for comprehensive outreach led by the Office of Racial and Social Equity. Councilmember Ortiz offered a friendly amendment to also engage labor partners (South Bay Labor Council, building trades), which was accepted. Discussion emphasized the need for two-way dialogue. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (with written FAQ promised for Glen Erie residents on SB 1333 concerns). - CFD Annexations (3.3 & 3.4): Approved unanimously. - Sewer Rate Increase (6.1): Approved 10-0 (one absent). City auditor requested to review rate methodology. - Garbage Rate Increase (6.2): Approved unanimously (up to 2% increase). - Water Rate Increase (6.3): Approved 10-1 (Candelas opposed). - Community Participation Plan (8.2): Approved unanimously. - Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan (8.3): Approved unanimously. - Gateway Tower Predevelopment Loan (8.4): Approved unanimously (up to $5M loan commitment). - General Plan Four-Year Review Scope (8.5): Approved unanimously with directive for comprehensive outreach and inclusion of labor partners. - Open Forum: No formal action taken; several speakers called for increased immigrant legal services funding in the upcoming budget.

The Transportation and Environment Committee of the City of San José met on June 2, 2025, to discuss four major agenda items: the Community Forest Management Plan and Urban Forestry Annual Report, the Move San José Plan Annual Report, the At-Grade Station Alternative and Diridon Program, and the Environmental and Utility Services and Transportation and Aviation Services City Service Areas Performance Modernization Status Report. All four reports were accepted unanimously by the committee, with a 3-0 vote on each. The meeting also featured public comments on transportation equity, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and the Diridon Station project. Public Comments & Testimony - Ian Ferris, representing the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, expressed support for the Move San José Plan and urged the city to fund Vision Zero, the annual bikeways program, Better Bike Plan 2025, transit-first policies, and programs that maintain bikeways and pedestrian safety accommodations. They stated these programs are critical to achieving Move San José's aggressive climate goals and enabling safe walking, wheelchair use, and biking for all ages and abilities. - Jordan Moldow (District 3, speaking for themselves) expressed disappointment that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is increasing and called for more aggressive prioritization of transportation projects and funding to reduce VMT. He suggested the city should review roadway classifications during the four-year general plan update to designate more transit-priority and bicycle-priority streets, implement more bus-only lanes, and address monetary incentives that favor driving over transit and bike share. - Anne Ferris (again, representing the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee) supported the Diridon Station plan, requesting that key elements such as bike lanes, a shared-use path, and bicycle parking facilities remain in the project. They also asked that the Reimagined Santa Clara Street Initiative be coordinated with VTA and that the station be built for people, not cars, to support mode shift and climate goals. - A speaker (self-identified as a user of the Diridon Station) expressed concern about the seamlessness of transfers between different modes of transportation, stating the current layout scatters modes. They argued that an elevated alternative existed between the high-speed rail viaduct and the at-grade option but was not properly considered. They indicated they would raise the issue at the Caltrain Board meeting. - Another speaker expressed excitement for the Diridon Station project, preferring the at-grade design for its lower cost, shorter construction timeline, and better view of the historic station. They asked about the transition period when light rail tracks might not be available at Diridon and requested improvements for pedestrian crossings between westbound buses and the station. - Jordan Moldow (District 3, speaking for himself during Open Forum) encouraged attendance at Viva Calle on Sunday, June 8, and urged the committee to continue receiving Move San José and climate reports frequently—at least annually, and ideally every six to eight months. He suggested combining these reports into a single presentation. - A speaker (name not stated) raised concerns about trash accumulation, particularly in East Side San José (Districts 4 and 5), and advocated for an "adopt-a-street" program, more investment in environmental cleanup agencies, and restrictions on leaf blowers that spread trash. Discussion Items Community Forest Management Plan and Urban Forestry Annual Report - Staff presented updates on the Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP), adopted in February 2022. Key progress includes planting 2,500 trees in the last fiscal year (goal of 2,000 per year) and pruning about 3,000 public trees. A 12-year pruning cycle has been established. - A $5.6 million federal grant from the Inflation Reduction Act (via the U.S. Forest Service) to prune 5,000 trees and plant 2,800 trees in disadvantaged neighborhoods has been frozen. Parks and Recreation received a $1 million grant for projects in Alum Rock and Overfelt, but that grant was canceled. AmeriCorps funds were also canceled, potentially reducing the labor force for forestry work. - An invasive pest complex—invasive shot hole borer and fusarium dieback—was detected in 2023. It could affect about 15% of all street trees, potentially costing residents roughly $20 million in total for tree care. The city has surveyed 50,000 street trees, mapped about 1,400 low-infestation trees (requiring monitoring), 53 moderate-infestation trees (requiring trunk injection treatment every three years), and six high-infestation trees (scheduled for removal). The city is offering free permits for removal but property owners bear removal costs, with financial hardship assistance available. - Majority of infestations are in Council District 3 along Coyote Creek. The city has conducted outreach through 22 events, reaching over 550 residents, and mailed postcards to 24,000 residents in affected areas. - City staff are exploring new partnerships and creative funding sources, including working with CalFire, American Forests, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the Arbor Day Foundation, and using special environmental project funds. - Discussion included the relationship between ADA ramp construction and tree preservation, tree planting in underserved areas (particularly East San José), and the challenge of spending down developer mitigation fees due to limited city-owned planting locations. The free tree program is being explored to address this. Move San José Plan Annual Report - Staff presented the Move San José Plan annual report, adopted August 2022. The plan uses a Decision Support System 2.0 to prioritize over 400 projects based on big data on travel behaviors, traffic trends, and geographic disparities. - Key performance indicators include: pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and severe injuries (stable but requiring more work), pedestrian stress (higher in equity priority communities in Districts 6 and 9), electric vehicle adoption rate (currently 6%, need 80-90% to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030), vehicle miles traveled per capita (increased over recent years), and transit accessibility (only one-third of jobs reachable by 30-minute transit trip compared to driving; low-income residents spend 14% of income on transportation vs. 10% citywide average). - Projects rising to the top include the Story-Willow-Keys corridor (transforming a car-centric corridor into a multimodal route), neighborhood safety projects (Mount Pleasant and San Antonio), and bike-share expansion in District 3. - Public comment highlighted the need to fund programs like Vision Zero and bikeway maintenance, and to address incentives that favor driving over transit and bike share. - Discussion included how the city communicates progress to residents, the importance of integrating transportation and land use in the upcoming general plan update, and the potential to reduce stigma around transit use. At-Grade Station Alternative and Diridon Program - Staff presented the recommendation from the Diridon Station Steering Committee (May 21, 2025) to accept the At-Grade Station Alternative and a program of projects for environmental review. The at-grade alternative preserves tracks at grade and builds the station underneath; it was chosen over an elevated alternative due to the elevated option's inability to access the Caltrain maintenance facility (CMOF), which would add years and potentially billions in cost. - The at-grade alternative is estimated to take less time and cost less, reduces encroachment on PG&E land and neighborhoods, and preserves the historic station by building a level underneath it. - The program of projects includes: West Virginia Street closure at the rail crossing with a new pedestrian and bike undercrossing, Auzerais Avenue grade separation, San Carlos Street bridge replacement, Park Avenue reconfiguration, Stockton Avenue/Alameda reconfiguration, and noise/sound barriers at select crossings. - Next steps: environmental consultant selection and award, community engagement, construction impact strategies and phasing, and project delivery method determination (design-bid-build or alternative). The report will be cross-referenced to the June 10, 2025 City Council meeting. - Public comment emphasized ensuring bike lanes, shared-use paths, bicycle parking, and seamless multimodal transfers. One speaker criticized the at-grade design for scattering modes and suggested an alternative half-elevated approach. Another expressed excitement and asked about the transition plan for light rail during construction. Environmental and Utility Services and Transportation and Aviation Services City Service Areas Performance Modernization Status Report - Staff presented updates to the performance measures for the two CSAs under the committee's purview. The initiative aims to align the city's performance-based budget (required by City Council Policy 1-1-8) with meaningful outcome and performance measures. - For Environmental and Utility Services CSA (serving 340,000 residences, customers save over $40 million vs. PG&E), new community indicators include tapwater resident perception, average cooling/heating degree days, greenhouse gas emissions, and electric vehicle adoption. Performance measures include customer energy savings, landfill waste diversion, and sanitary sewer overflows. - For Transportation and Aviation Services CSA (over 160,000 airplane takeoffs/landings, over 3,400 pothole repairs), new community indicators include vehicle miles traveled, additional time for transit vs. private vehicle, and traffic fatalities and injuries. Performance measures include bike network completion rate, pavement condition index, and passenger perception of airport satisfaction. - The updated structures will be incorporated into the proposed operating budget. Staff indicated that focus area scorecards will be brought to committees on a quarterly or biannual basis. Key Outcomes - Community Forest Management Plan and Urban Forestry Annual Report: Accepted (3-0). Staff will continue to implement the CFMP, address the invasive pest complex, seek alternative funding sources, and explore a free tree program. - Move San José Plan Annual Report: Accepted (3-0). Staff will continue to refine the Decision Support System 2.0, prioritize projects based on metrics, and develop a public-facing version of the tool. The report will inform the general plan four-year review. - At-Grade Station Alternative and Diridon Program: Accepted (3-0) and referred to the June 10, 2025 City Council meeting. Staff will proceed with environmental review, community engagement, and consultant procurement. - Environmental and Utility Services and Transportation and Aviation Services CSAs Performance Modernization Status Report: Accepted (3-0). The updated measures will be included in the operating budget, and focus area scorecards will be presented to committees regularly.

The San Jose Planning Commission met on May 28, 2025, at 6:52 PM adjournment, with Chair Anthony Tordillos presiding. The meeting covered approval of a consent calendar, a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to streamline downtown housing conversions, and a referral from the City Council. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved two items: (1) the action minutes from the May 14, 2025, meeting, and (2) PDC 21-036, a planned development permit for 16 multifamily residential condominiums on a 0.81-acre site, including removal of three trees and construction of three buildings. Commissioner Bendal inquired about the live-work units in the project, which staff confirmed were developer-proposed and consistent with mixed-use zoning. The motion passed 7-0-2 (Commissioners Oliverio and Rosario absent). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the non-agendized public comment period or during the public hearing for the ordinance item. Discussion Items - Ordinance PP25-002 – Exemption from Special Use Permit for Downtown Housing Conversions: Staff presented a proposal to amend Title 20 to remove the transportation demand management (TDM) and special use permit requirements for converting existing buildings in the downtown core to residential uses. The change aims to remove a barrier to housing conversions, as downtown housing is inherently low-vehicle-miles-traveled. Commissioner Lardenois supported the change, noting it reevaluates regulations, and asked about alignment with the General Plan’s policy on preserving employment lands. Staff clarified the exemption only applies where housing is already a permitted use. Commissioner Bickford expressed concern about potentially losing employment downtown, but staff noted the city would monitor the situation and that the change does not alter underlying land use. Commissioner Bendal observed the exemption could save approximately six months of permitting time. After discussion, the commission voted 7-0-2 to recommend that the City Council adopt the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved (7-0-2). - PP25-002 recommended for City Council adoption (7-0-2). The commission directed staff to forward a positive recommendation to the council. - The City Council (via deputy planning director Manira Sandhir) reported that on May 28, 2025, it unanimously approved the development at 3315 Sierra Road (25 single-family units, rezoning from A to R1-8 PD). - The meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

The meeting was convened at 2:00 PM and adjourned at 2:37 PM. The committee reviewed final and draft agendas for upcoming City Council meetings, approved consent calendar items, and discussed a proposed temporary moratorium on new smoke shops in San José. Consent Calendar - Received and filed the Public Record for May 15–22, 2025. - Authorized travel for Mayor’s staff (Michael Lomio and Stephen Caines) to attend the Harvard Young American Leaders Program in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from June 24–27, 2025. - Approved free use and funding for the Silicon Valley Pride 50th Anniversary event on August 29, 2025, and accepted donations. The item was placed on the June 3, 2025 City Council agenda for action. Public Comments & Testimony - Blair Beekman spoke on several items: regarding the June 3 agenda, he expressed concerns about electronic billboards and smart kiosks, urging transparent public engagement on technology. On the June 10 agenda, he commented on the code of conduct for encampments, referencing challenges in San Diego and advocating for humane enforcement. During Open Forum, he discussed homeless issues and the need for responsible technology governance. - Darcy Green (Executive Director, Latinas contra Cancer, East San José resident) spoke in strong support of the smoke shop moratorium. She noted that East San José has more than double the county average of tobacco retailers and that cancer remains the leading cause of death for Latinos, drawing a connection to the concentration of smoke shops. - Danny Garza (community leader and advocate) spoke in strong support of the moratorium. He described his grandson’s experience at San José High School with vaping and smoking, and called for action to protect youth and seniors. Discussion Items - Review of June 3, 2025 Final Agenda: Chair Cohen reviewed items including consent pages and public hearings. The agenda included a sunshine waiver for item 8.3 (Consolidated Plan FY 2025-26). Public comment was heard. Motion to adopt the agenda with the sunshine waiver carried 5-0. - Review of June 10, 2025 Draft Agenda: The agenda includes a closed session at 9:30 AM, regular session at 11:00 AM, and an evening session at 6:00 PM. Discussion focused on ordering items to balance the workload. Staff agreed to review the order. Public comment was heard. Motion to adopt the draft agenda carried 5-0. - Temporary Moratorium on Smoke Shops (ROGC 25-197): Councilmember Ortiz introduced the item, stating it is a pause not a ban, to address overconcentration of smoke shops in neighborhoods like East San José. A Santa Clara County report found East San José has twice as many smoke shops as any other area. Cancer is a leading cause of death for Latinos. Staff reported that this fiscal year there were 18 new applications and 14 cancellations; total businesses dropped from 600 to 575 after the flavored tobacco ban. Councilmember Doan asked about Richmond’s 45-day moratorium model. Staff indicated they would look to peer cities. The committee agreed to refer the matter to staff for a workload analysis, to return in two weeks. Key Outcomes - June 3, 2025 Final Agenda adopted with sunshine waiver (5-0). - June 10, 2025 Draft Agenda adopted (5-0). - Consent Calendar adopted (5-0). - Motion passed to refer the temporary smoke shop moratorium to staff for a workload analysis; item to return to Rules Committee in two weeks (5-0). - Meeting adjourned at 2:37 PM.

This meeting of the Planning Director Hearing was called to order by Hearing Officer David Keon on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. The hearing covered deferrals (none), the consent calendar, and public hearing items (none). One consent item was approved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:07 AM. Note: The transcript identifies the meeting date as May 21, 2025, but the provided context specifies the date as May 23, 2025. This summary uses the provided date. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (SP24-036 / ER24-256): Special use permit to convert an existing 5,493 sq ft vacant commercial building into a daycare center for up to 109 children and 17 employees. The project includes a 140 sq ft rear addition, facade modifications, site and layout changes, and removal of two ordinance-size trees on a 0.95-acre site at 1051 Blossom Hill Road. Staff recommended approval, noting the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures). No public comments were received, and the hearing officer approved the consent calendar, including this item. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved, granting the special use permit for the daycare conversion. - No items were deferred, and no public hearing items were considered.