A Snapshot from Councilmember Kamei
- Support for FIRST 5 Diaper Kit Program
- Advocacy for thoughtful housing growth and Urban Village strategy
- Condolences for Department of Transportation employee
- Encouragement of community engagement in General Plan review
- General Plan Four-Year Review framework
- FIRST 5 Diaper Kit Program funding
- Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report on Animal Care Center
- 2026 General Election Statewide Ballot Measures
- Urban Village meeting on Saratoga Avenue parks and open space
- District 1 in-person office hours on September 4th
- Virtual office hours on September 16th
- Regular City Council meetings every Tuesday at 1:30 PM
Email from City of San Jose Council District 1 News and updates from San José City Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, representing Council District 1 in West San José. Here’s the Snapshot… Planning Saratoga Avenue’s future! Our next Urban Village meeting will focus on parks and open space along this important District 1 corridor. Supporting our youngest D1 families! We’re partnering with FIRST 5 to help provide diapers and essential support to families across our community. Finding our furry friends a home! Clear the Shelters Month is a great opportunity for D1 residents to adopt or foster an animal in need. Dear friends and neighbors, This week, we mourn the loss of one of our Department of Transportation employees who was fatally injured while repairing a streetlight and keeping our San José drivers and community safer. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and department teammates during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this loss. We also lost Dolly Parton and remember a legacy that will continue to reach children and families right here in San José. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children five and under across Santa Clara County can receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail every month at no cost until their fifth birthday. Her belief that every child should have access to books has created something that will live well beyond her lifetime, and I am grateful that San José families will continue to benefit from that generosity for years to come. Additionally, we want to thank San José Police Department Merge Sargent, Matt Walsh for keeping us safe and for his bravery during a very difficult officer involved shooting this week. We wish him a speedy recovery. As summer begins to wind down and fall approaches, there is also plenty happening here at City Hall and throughout District 1. Students are settling into a new school year, Council is back in session, and we are heading into a busy season of community events, neighborhood conversations, and important policy work. This month, Council considered the framework for San José’s General Plan Four-Year Review, an important step in the ongoing conversation about how our city plans for housing and growth. The discussion included residential capacity, missing middle housing, our Urban Village strategy, and how San José can meet its housing obligations while thoughtfully planning for established neighborhoods. The framework begins further policy development and environmental review, and specific General Plan amendments, zoning changes, and implementing policies will return to Council for consideration in the future. I am grateful to the many District 1 residents and neighborhood leaders who have already taken the time to learn about these issues, attend meetings, ask questions, and share their perspectives with our office. There will be more opportunities to weigh in as this work continues, and I hope you will stay engaged with us. Your input helps us better understand how proposed policies could affect different neighborhoods and what matters most to the people who call them home. With fall fast approaching, there is much more work ahead for our city and our district. Whether you join us at a community event, participate in a Council meeting, or simply send our office an email, I hope you will continue to stay connected and make your voice heard. I look forward to seeing you around District 1 this fall! Sincerely, Stay up to date with my office at the Council District 1 Website. If you would like to share any questions, comments, or thoughts with me, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901. This month's office hours: In-person - The next in-person office hours will be held on Friday, September 4th, at 9AM at Coffee & Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Avenue, Unit 40, San Jose. Virtual - The next virtual office hours will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, September 16th, at 5:00PM. Access the Zoom here. City Council meetings take place every Tuesday at 1:30 PM and are always open to the public. You can watch meetings live here, find agendas and details here, participate remotely and in-person, and send your input on any item by emailing cityclerk@sanjoseca.gov. What's Happening in District 1 Give a Poop About Babies: Supporting FIRST 5's Diaper Kit Program This week, our office visited FIRST 5 Santa Clara County in District 1 to learn more about the resources they provide to young children and families across our community. Established in 1998 through Proposition 10, FIRST 5 invests in early education, health, family support, and basic needs for children from the prenatal stage through age five, with a particular focus on families and neighborhoods facing the greatest barriers to accessing care and resources. One of those essential resources is FIRST 5’s Diaper Kit Program. As the cost of living and childcare continues to rise, more families are turning to the program for help affording a basic necessity that can quickly become a significant monthly expense. FIRST 5 is currently working to raise $25,000 to continue providing diaper kits to families who need them, and our office is proud to help spread the word about their Give a Poop About Babies campaign. A $25 donation can help provide a week of diapers for one baby, while $150 can support a family with a month of diaper kits. And right now, thanks to support from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, donations are being matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000, doubling the impact of every contribution. Diapers are a basic need, and no caregiver should have to choose between changing their baby and paying for groceries, rent, or another household expense. We encourage District 1 residents who are able to join us in supporting FIRST 5 and the families they serve throughout Santa Clara County. Support the Give a Poop About Babies campaign Policy in Focus Read Councilmember Kamei's Bio Recent Council Actions August 25, 2026 Item 3.3 - 2026 General Election Statewide Ballot Measures Council considered positions on three statewide measures appearing on the November 2026 ballot that could affect San José residents and local government: Proposition 37 on homeownership assistance for middle-income first-time buyers, Proposition 39 on voter identification requirements, and Proposition 43 on the voter threshold required to approve local special taxes. The discussion focused on how each measure could affect housing opportunities, voting access, and the City’s ability to fund local services. August 18, 2026 Item 7.1 - Response to Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Report Entitled “San José Animal Care Center: The need to strengthen transparency, performance, and trust. Council approved the City’s formal response to the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report on the San José Animal Care Center, addressing concerns around shelter operations, transparency, community trust, and access to spay and neuter services. The response reports that six of the Grand Jury’s ten recommendations have been implemented, with additional steps planned including a community advisory group, public needs assessment, and expanded reporting on animals turned away due to capacity. Item 10.3 - General Plan Four-Year Review Policy Framework Council considered the General Plan Four-Year Review policy framework, which will guide future updates to San José’s housing and land use policies, including residential capacity, missing middle housing, and the Urban Village strategy. The discussion included allowable densities in residential and mixed-use areas, creating pathways for small multifamily housing in Residential Neighborhoods, and identifying protections for areas with environmental, fire, historic, and existing affordable housing considerations. This action established parameters for further policy development and environmental review, with specific General Plan amendments, zoning changes, and implementing ordinances returning to Council in the future. Meet the D1 Policy Team! Upcoming Council Actions September 1, 2026 Statewide Ballot Measures Arena Hotel RFP Alternative Financing Options for Affordable Housing Curtner Studios Stabilization September 15, 2026 OEDCA Performance Measures Audit Report Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Update City Council Focus Areas Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Office of the Independent Police Auditor 2025 Year-End Report PD's Response to Independent Police Auditor 2025 Year-End Report Master Parking Rate Schedule for Downtown Parking Public Hearing on 3896 Stevens Creek MHIP Approval Focus Area Update and Recommendations: Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness Visit the City Clerk’s Meeting Participation Guide to watch and participate in public meetings. Visit City Clerk's Guide to Council Meetings to learn how our form of government operates. Committees, Boards & Commissions See More D1 Projects & Policy Councilmembers are also appointed to serve on other committees, boards, and commissions. View all of my appointments at Council Appointments Webpage. See below some highlighted actions that my appointed committees, boards, and commissions recently took: Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC): August 26, 2026 The Rules Committee reviewed the September 1 Council agenda, which includes proposals to spur affordable housing production, transition the Arena Hotel from the Homekey program, and advance affordable housing development at 71 Vista Montana. August 19, 2025 The Rules Committee reviewed upcoming Council agendas and public correspondence. Community and Economic Development Committee (CED): August 24, 2026 The Community and Economic Development Committee reviewed an audit of the City’s economic development performance measures, with recommendations to strengthen how outcomes are tracked and reported. The Committee also received an update on economic development activities, including small business grants, workforce programs, cultural events, and increased downtown activity surrounding major events. Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee (PSFSS): August 20, 2026 The Public Safety, Finance and Strategic Support Committee reviewed year-end financial reports and an audit of employee turnover, including recommendations to strengthen retention and succession planning. The Committee also received updates on illegal fireworks enforcement and emergency preparedness, including lessons from major 2026 events, community emergency training, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors (VTA): August 20, 2026 - Finance, Audit and Administration Committee The VTA Finance, Audit and Administration Committee advanced transit-oriented affordable housing projects at the Capitol and Branham light rail stations, including 203 affordable rental units and 45 affordable homeownership opportunities. The Committee also reviewed VTA’s finances, contracts and legislative priorities, including efforts to preserve and expand federal and state funding for public transit. August 6, 2026 - Board of Directors The VTA Board advanced several transportation investments, including funding for the next phase of US 101 Express Lanes, engineering work for the Lawrence Expressway Grade Separation, and property acquisition for the Bascom Complete Streets project. The Board also received updates on VTA’s growing transit-oriented development portfolio and the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension and considered its response to the Civil Grand Jury report on the project’s management and oversight. Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board (ABAG): May 22, 2026 The ABAG Special Meeting proceeded with a Vice President election following a previously miscounted vote at the May 21, 2026 meeting, where corrected results showed a tied outcome. Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County (LAFCO): August 13, 2026 - Board of Directors LAFCO held a special meeting to consider nominations to the CALAFCO Board of Directors and designate its voting delegate and alternate for the 2026 CALAFCO Board election. Cities Association of Santa Clara County August 13, 2026 The Cities Association of Santa Clara County discussed regional priorities including e-bike safety and regulations, the Connect Bay Area Act (SB 63) and its proposed regional transit funding measure, and several pieces of state legislation affecting local governments. The Board also considered new financial policies and the appointment of an Interim Executive Director while receiving updates from regional partners. Library and Education Commission: June 17, 2026 The Library and Education Commission met to receive updates on the Hillview Library branch, adopt its Fiscal Year 2026–2027 work plan, and elect officers for the upcoming year, alongside public comment and announcements from commissioners, the Library Director. Community Highlights Recent Events Follow @sjdistrict1 on Instagram A Purr-fect Visit to City Hall We had some very special visitors at City Hall this week! Kittens from San José Animal Care Services stopped by our office, giving us a chance to spend some time with a few of the animals currently looking for loving homes and highlight the important work ACS does every day. Their visit also came during Clear the Shelters Month, an annual campaign encouraging people to adopt or foster animals from local shelters. San José’s shelter continues to face capacity challenges, and fostering or adopting can make a meaningful difference by giving an animal a home while opening space for another animal in need. Upcoming Events The sport court renovation project at Calabazas Park is scheduled to begin Monday, August 31st on the basketball courts, and Tuesday, September 1st on the tennis courts. The construction and is expected to take approximately 6-8 weeks, weather permitting. During construction, the area will be gated, locked, and closed to the public for safety purposes. Project Scope Includes: Renovating the three tennis courts, over striped pickleball court lines, one full basketball court, and ½ basketball Repairing surface cracks using slipsheet repair system Resurfacing court surfaces Replacing tennis court posts and nets, windscreens, replacing basketball court posts, backboards and rims Adding color coating and striping for each court Please join City Staff to discuss updates to Saratoga Ave Urban Village at West Valley Branch Library (1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd, San Jose, CA 95117) on Thursday September 24th, 2026, from 6pm to 7:00pm. City Staff will be primarily discussing concepts and strategies for parks and open space including opportunity for questions and feedback after a brief presentation. This will be the second in a series of townhall meetings for Saratoga Ave Urban Village. The previous meeting focused on circulation and transportation which took place May 27th, 2026. The third meeting will discuss land use and urban design and is anticipated to take place Winter 2026/2027. Please RSVP here - https://bit.ly/SaratogaUV924. Thank you for your continued engagement during the planning process. Please contact Eugene Lau, Planner at eugene.lau@sanjoseca.gov to provide comment or ask questions. Browning Out: Nonfunctional Turf Ban AB 1572 Join D1 team Kamei on August 30 in Downtown San Jose on Market Street for the 2026 SVPRIDE Festival and Parade September 12 & 13: West Valley Book Sale To stay up-to-date on events, visit the City’s online calendar. Get Involved Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program Exciting News: Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program Expands Citywide on Earth Day 2025 Learn more about the program, what it means to adopt a storm drain, and how to apply at Environmental Services Department Adopt-A-Storm Drain. Get CERT Trained San José’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program is back for 2026! CERT training is a 20-hour program that teaches residents how to prepare for and respond to local disasters, from earthquakes to fires and other emergencies. By completing the training, you’ll gain the skills to help your family, neighbors, and community when it matters most. Spaces are limited, so sign up today and become a CERT-ready community hero! Learn more and register here: San José CERT Program. Volunteer with Parks Our City's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department holds regular volunteer events to clean up and maintain our parks, trails, and community centers. Visit sanjoseca.gov/prns-volunteer to find upcoming opportunities. Here to Help Key Community Resources If you see issues or needs in your community, report it to the appropriate department or agency and loop in our office by emailing or calling us. See contact information for key services and resources from the City of San José and other agencies below. From the City of San José: Homelessness resources: Visit the new Homelessness Hub for finding services, reporting encampments, answering questions, and viewing data about the City’s homelessness response. San José 311: Please contact San José 311 for these specific services: vehicle concerns, graffiti, illegal dumping, illegal fireworks, potholes, and streetlight outages. Code violations on private property: Code Enforcement Service Request Form or call (408) 535-7770. Parking violations by non-lived-in vehicles: parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov, (408) 277-8900. Rental assistance and eviction protections: Visit the Eviction Help Center, open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, on the first floor of San José City Hall Tower. Call (408) 975-4444 or email evictionhelp@sanjoseca.gov. Neighborhood Watch: Interested in forming a neighborhood watch? Visit SJPD Neighborhood Watch for more information. To schedule a meeting with a crime prevention specialist call (408) 277-4133. From Other Agencies: Homelessness prevention: If you are unable to pay rent, contact the County of Santa Clara's Homelessness Prevention System at preventhomelessness.org or call (408) 926-8885. Issues on freeways: Visit Caltrans Customer Service Request Portal to report issues on State-owned roads (like freeways) online. Crisis and suicide prevention: Go online to the 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or call or text 9-8-8. This is a 24/7 free text and call lifeline from the County of Santa Clara. Energy infrastructure hazards: Report hazards related to PG&E energy infrastructure and equipment on the PG&E Report It web app. Download the mobile version at PG&E Report It mobile app instructions. If you would like help in contacting departments or agencies, or want help finding other services and resources, reach my office by email at district1@sanjoseca.gov, or give us a call at (408) 535-4901. Rapid Response Network The Rapid Response Network in Santa Clara County is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Visit Amigos de Guadalupe Rapid Response Network to learn more. 18th Floor, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113 district1@sanjoseca.gov (408) 535-4901 City of San Jose Council District 1 | 200 East Santa Clara Street 18th Floor | San José, CA 95113 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice