Reminder: A Snapshot from Councilmember Kamei

• Support for FIRST 5 Diaper Kit Program
• Advocacy for police data safeguards and accountability
• Preservation of California Room public access
• Support for temporary moratorium on detention facilities

• Temporary Moratorium on Detention and Custodial Facilities (Item 3.3, Sept 15, 2026)
• Multifamily Housing Incentive Program Tax and Fee Waiver for 3896 Stevens Creek Blvd (Item 8.1)

• City Council meetings every Tuesday at 1:30 PM
• In-person office hours on October 7, 2026
• Virtual office hours on October 19, 2026
• Visit to California Room at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

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… We’re still fundraising for FIRST 5’s Diaper Kit Program through the end of September, helping provide diapers and other essential support to local families with young children. Our team stepped into San José’s history at the California Room, exploring the City's incredible local history collection and celebrating the continued public access we helped preserve through this year’s City budget. And we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month across San José, from El Grito and Mexican Independence Day at City Hall to Lowrider Day and more opportunities to recognize the culture, history, and contributions of our Latino community. Dear friends and neighbors, September is a month that asks us to reflect on our history, celebrate the communities that make San José who we are, and consider the responsibility we have to care for one another. Last week, we marked 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001. We remembered the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honored the first responders and everyday people who ran toward danger to help others, and held close the families who continue to carry that loss. For many, September 11 remains a deeply personal day of grief. It is also a reminder of our responsibility to reject fear and hatred and to make sure that in moments of uncertainty, we choose to look out for our neighbors and stand together. That commitment to community is especially meaningful as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. San José's history and identity have been profoundly shaped by generations of Latino residents, families, workers, artists, small business owners, and community leaders. Caring for our community also means being willing to confront difficult moments when the public's trust has been violated. This week, the San José Police Department announced that an officer had been terminated after an investigation found that he improperly accessed Automated License Plate Reader data while off duty and shared the location of a vehicle with a relative who was a suspect in a domestic violence case. Our City has a responsibility to ensure that information collected for legitimate public safety purposes is protected by safeguards strong enough to prevent abuse, identify inappropriate access, and hold people accountable when those safeguards are violated. SJPD has already restricted access to these systems from personal devices and is testing additional auditing tools, and our office is examining what additional policy changes are appropriate. As always, I am grateful to everyone who takes the time to attend a meeting, ask a question, send us an email, or simply stop to talk when you see us out in the community. Our city is strongest when we stay connected to one another, especially when the issues in front of us are difficult. I hope you will continue to stay engaged, look out for your neighbors, and help us build a San José where everyone feels that they belong. 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 Wednesday, October 7th, 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 Monday, October 19th, at 4:00PM. 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 California Room Visit Earlier this month, our District 1 team visited the California Room at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, an incredible resource dedicated to preserving the history of San José, the Santa Clara Valley, and California. We had the opportunity to explore pieces of the collection and learn more about the photographs, maps, newspapers, yearbooks, archival materials, and other records that help tell the story of our city and the people and neighborhoods that shaped it. This visit was especially meaningful after our work during this year’s City budget process. The Proposed Budget would have shifted the California Room to an appointment-only service model. I was proud to work alongside Councilmembers Anthony Tordillos and David Cohen on a budget proposal that preserved one full-time and one part-time staff position for FY 2026-2027, allowing the California Room to maintain regular public hours and continue providing research assistance and access to its local history collections. Under the new operating model, the California Room is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Research appointments are also available, and the Library’s digital collections can be accessed anytime online. I encourage everyone to make a trip to the fifth floor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library and see this collection for yourself. Whether you are researching your family, learning about your neighborhood, working on a school project, or simply curious about the San José that came before us, the California Room is an incredible resource for understanding our shared history. Preserving that history also means making sure our community can continue to access it, and I’m grateful to the Library staff who welcomed our team and care for these pieces of San José’s story. Policy in Focus Read Councilmember Kamei's Bio Recent Council Actions September 15, 2026 Item 3.3 - Temporary Moratorium Related to Detention and Custodial Facility on Private Property Council considered a 45-day temporary moratorium on new or expanded detention and custodial facilities on private property, providing time for the City to evaluate where these facilities should be located and whether additional health, safety, and land use standards are needed. The discussion also considered directing staff to return with an ordinance extending the moratorium to public property within San José to the extent permitted under state and federal law. Item 8.1: Multifamily Housing Incentive Program Residential Tax and Fee Waiver for the Development Project Located at 3896 Stevens Creek Blvd Council approved a $6.9 million tax and fee reduction through the Multifamily Housing Incentive Program to help move forward a 540-unit housing development at 3896 Stevens Creek Boulevard in District 1, including 27 deed-restricted affordable homes. The incentive, which was passed December 10, 2024, is intended to help reduce development costs and get new multifamily housing out of the pipeline and into construction along the Stevens Creek corridor. September 8, 2026 - CANCELLED for Labor Day September 1, 2026 Item 8.1 - Alternative Financing Recommendations to Spur Affordable Housing Production Council considered four alternative financing models developed in response to previous Council direction to help address the financial barriers that continue to stall housing development in San José. The proposed approaches would leverage public and private financing to help projects move forward while incorporating more affordable rents across income levels, expanding the tools available to produce and preserve housing in a challenging market. Meet the D1 Policy Team! Upcoming Council Actions September 22, 2026 San José Chamber of Commerce Annual City Study Mission – 9/22 – 9/25 IGR Report Status of Open Audit Recommendations as of June 30, 2026 Employee Turnover Audit Report Stormwater Annual Report FY 2025-2026 Arena Hotel Redevelopment and Homekey Program Transition [Deferred from 9/1 CC] Public Hearing on Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report September 29, 2026 OEDCA Performance Measures Audit Report SJC Terminal Elevator Replacement Project Master Parking Rate Schedule for Downtown Parking [Deferred from 6/23, 8/11, and 9/15] Funding for Eviction Diversion Programs Land Use: Conditional Use Permit for 184 South Market (Sakura Marketplace) 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): September 16, 2026 The Rules Committee considered a proposal to explore self-checkout safety and staffing standards for grocery and drug stores, including policies intended to ensure adequate staffing, improve accessibility for customers, and strengthen worker protections. The proposal would direct staff to review approaches already adopted in other California cities and work with Santa Clara County on potential partnerships before returning to Council with policy options. September 9, 2026 The Rules Committee considered a proposal to strengthen transparency around the use of private nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) by City Councilmembers when reviewing projects, contracts, developments, or other matters requiring City action. The proposal asks staff to develop options that preserve access to legitimately confidential business information without requiring individual Councilmembers to enter into private agreements that could limit their ability to communicate with the public. September 2, 2026 The Rules Committee considered setting a City Council study session to explore infrastructure financing tools that could support economic development and public infrastructure investments across San José. 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): September 17, 2026 - Finance, Audit and Administration Committee At VTA’s Finance, Administration and Audit Committee, the Committee reviewed the agency’s year-end financial position and an Auditor General assessment identifying opportunities to strengthen capital project budgeting, cost controls, coordination, and project delivery. The committee also reviewed VTA’s use of consultants and ongoing procurement and investment activity. September 3, 2026 - Board of Directors At the VTA Board, the Board advanced several major transportation and housing investments, including affordable housing at the Capitol and Branham light rail stations, funding for clean transportation and infrastructure projects, and continued work on the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension. The Board also reviewed VTA’s response to the Civil Grand Jury’s recommendations regarding oversight, funding, transparency, and management of the BART extension. Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board (ABAG): August 20, 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. August 5, 2026 - CANCELLED Library and Education Commission: September 16, 2026 September's meeting of the Library and Education Commission was hosted at the Seven Tree Branch Library. The commission received presentations about the Youth Commission's 2026-2027 Work Plan, a branch spotlight on activities and usage of the Seven Trees Branch, and on an overview of the Library's Budget. Community Highlights Recent Events Follow @sjdistrict1 on Instagram El Grito at City Hall San José City Hall came alive with music, folklórico, food, and Mexican pride as hundreds of community members gathered to celebrate the 216th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day. The evening culminated with the traditional El Grito, bringing our community together to celebrate Mexican history, culture, and the generations who continue to carry those traditions forward. Thank you to Councilmember Peter Ortiz and his office for leading this incredible celebration at City Hall! Upcoming Events October 1: Disability Inclusion Day 2026 November 14 & 15: West Valley Book Sale CUHSD HERO 5K : Nov 7, 10AM- at Del Mar High School To stay up-to-date on events, visit the City’s online calendar. Get Involved Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program 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. Donate to 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. 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 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