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FW: 6/13 Item 3.4
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Wed 6/7/2023 2:22 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
1 attachments (113 KB)
City Letter of Support.pdf;
From: Jennifer Malu a
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 2:19 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]> Subject: 6/13 Item 3.4
City Clerk:
See the a ached le er for Item 3.4 on the 6/13 City Council agenda.
Go Spartans,
Jennifer L. Malutta
Senior Director of Community and Government Relations
San José State University
She/Her/Hers
President One Washington Square sjsupres @sjsu.edu UNIVERSITY San José, CA 95192-0002 SJS SAN JOSE STATE Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson San José State University TEL: 408-924-1177 The California State University:
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June 7, 2023
Mayor Mahan and City Council
San José City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95113
RE: June 13, 2023 City Council Agenda, Item 3.4
Dear Mayor and Council,
San José State University is the public university of Silicon Valley. The university covers 19 city blocks in the heart of this great city with more than 36,000 students and almost 4,000 employees. Of the 36,000 enrolled students, 4,000 students live on campus. The diversity of our students reflects the diversity of the world as the majority of SJSU students are people of color. Based on an economic impact report in 2021/22, in the City of San José, SJSU-related spending generated roughly $776.0 million in total economic output.
On behalf of San José State University, I write to express our support for the City Manager’s proposed FY 23/24 City Budget. Specifically, I support:
1. Page 257:
© $100,000: San José State University/City Downtown Co-Branding Pilot Campaign
e $750,000: Storefront Activation Grant Program
2. Page 668:
e $50,000: City Planning Post-Secondary Fellowship
These are strategic investments into the long and proven partnership between the City and University and reflect a deep understanding of the needs and priorities of our community. I believe that approving the City Manager’s proposed budget will lead to positive outcomes and contribute to a stronger, reenergized downtown. Spartans are great in the 408! I look forward to working with the City on implementation of these initiatives. I believe that by approving this budget, we will be closer to achieving the shared goal of a bustling downtown. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at sjsupres@sjsu. With sincere gratitude, thank you for your consideration.
Warm regards,
Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson
President
[External Email]
Fw: Letter to city council
Wong, Annie <[email protected]>
Thu 6/8/2023 9:51 AM
To:CMOAgendaServices <[email protected]>;Agendadesk <[email protected]>;City Clerk <[email protected]>
1 attachments (79 KB)
Letter to Council - Daphna Woolfe.pdf;
Good morning,
I received a le er from the Parks and Recrea on Commission Chair Daphna Woolfe to be added on as a public le er to the upcoming City Council Agenda.
Please let me know if you have any ques ons.
Best,
Annie Wong | Staff Specialist
Parks, Recrea on and Neighborhood Services
City Hall 9th Floor | Parks Division
200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113
Building Community Through Fun
Website | Twi er | Facebook
From: Daphna Woolfe
Sent: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 4:22 PM
To: Wong, Annie <[email protected]>
Subject:
Le er to city council
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Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council Members,
The Parks and Recreation Commission would like to advocate for budget priorities as they relate to our parks as well the Mayor’s four guiding principles. First and foremost, our parks are a direct representation of the overall quality of our city. Maintaining our 200+ parks and recreation centers at a high standard addresses equity within our city, as well as draws us together as a community. As we are sure that you are aware, our parks are already underfunded based on basic maintenance and necessary upgrades. Not only do we need to maintain our parks at a high level, but we also need to backfill maintenance and upgrades that our parks so desperately need.
Additionally, we seek to make our services and programs available to all who wish to participate. The scholarship program has seen growth, but this needs to be sustainable if everyone who wishes to participate is not turned away due to financial reasons. Our parks and services should be for all residents of San Jose.
We appreciate your caring for our community!
Regards,
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Daphna Woolfe
PRNS Chair
--
Daphna Woolfe
Third Grade Teacher
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[External Email]
Letter to city council
Daphna Woolfe
Wed 6/7/2023 4:23 PM
To:Wong, Annie <[email protected]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council Members,
The Parks and Recreation Commission would like to advocate for budget priorities as they relate to our parks as well the Mayor’s four guiding principles. First and foremost, our parks are a direct representation of the overall quality of our city. Maintaining our 200+ parks and recreation centers at a high standard addresses equity within our city, as well as draws us together as a community. As we are sure that you are aware, our parks are already underfunded based on basic maintenance and necessary upgrades. Not only do we need to maintain our parks at a high level, but we also need to backfill maintenance and upgrades that our parks so desperately need.
Additionally, we seek to make our services and programs available to all who wish to participate. The scholarship program has seen growth, but this needs to be sustainable if everyone who wishes to participate is not turned away due to financial reasons. Our parks and services should be for all residents of San Jose.
We appreciate your caring for our community!
Regards,
Daphna Woolfe
PRNS Chair
--
Daphna Woolfe
Third Grade Teacher
Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and protected information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
June 9, 2023
San Jose Mayor & City Council
200 E. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
Re: Fiscal Year 2023– 2024 Budget for Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council:
The Community & Companion Animal Project (“CCAP”) supports the Mayor and City Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget increases for Animal Services and appreciates how the budget reflects the recognition of challenges facing Animal Services and responds to the concerns voiced over the past year.
Converting the temporary overstrength position of Supervisor Shelter Operations to permanent status, and adding more full-time positions, a night shift and a dedicated senior resource for facilities repair and maintenance will improve the shelter’s ability to provide greatly needed support to our community and increase live outcomes for the animals.
The night shift is a critical addition, as it will enable the shelter to provide care for underage kittens, the highest volume and most vulnerable animals at the shelter. The allocation of monies for support of adoption and rescue outcomes is also essential. It will allow more animals in need to move to organizations that can provide the specialized care necessary for such animals to be placed for adoption.
While the proposed budget for Animal Services represents substantial progress, we believe the following matters are still in need of additional funding and attention. ● The data produced and used by the shelter to direct its operations, measure its performance and predict future community needs is incomplete and/or inaccurate. The shelter needs a dedicated IT Business Analyst to review and develop systems and
processes for the collection, use, and transparency of data, including the collection of critical missing data integral to development of a long-term strategy, such as the number of animals turned away at intake and the reasons admission was denied. ● Expanding and staffing the Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for community cats is mandatory. During May the shelter accepted 743 kittens and as of June 6th was holding 340 kittens, representing the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organizations, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away.
Friendly community kittens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is still the beginning of “kitten season”. This problem results directly from the reduction in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termination of all TNR services in May 2022. It has recently reinstated TNR, but on a very limited basis, relying heavily on rescues and volunteers to transport cats outside of the county for spay and neuter services. Since the reduction of TNR service began, the cities served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat population that will continue to grow exponentially unless a robust TNR program is established and maintained. ● Reinstating low cost spay/neuter and vaccination services is also essential. Pet overpopulation results in unwanted animals that are abandoned or otherwise become strays. Unvaccinated animals spread disease. The economy and the shortage of vets has made it difficult for many people to neuter and vaccinate their pets.
The r einstatement
of low cost spay and neuter services will greatly reduce animal suffering. It will also reduce the number of animals brought to the shelter, which will increase the live release rate.
Fe wer animals in the shelter increases an animal’s probability of adoption and the shelter’s ability to house the animal. This effect was recognized by John Cicirelli when he was Assistant Director of Public Works. The following is his quote from a May 31, 2016, article in sanjoseinside entitled “San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter”:
“One of the most significant contributors to our high save rate has been preventing animals from being born through low cost and free spay-neuter services.
We have learned that this is one of the best ways to invest in our community and achieve our goal of reducing the number of stray animals.” ● The shelter needs a full time animal behaviorist. A dedicated position would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socialization, and behavior modification programs to offset the stressful conditions of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adoption support and owner-retention programs, increasing positive outcomes.
The challenges facing the shelter will not be resolved overnight. The proposed budget increases represent positive forward movement, but much more needs to be done. Animal Services requires oversight at the City Council level, and your participation in making sure Animal Services meets the current and future needs of the community is vital.
We urge you to approve the proposed increases for Animal Services.
Sincerely,
Catherine Valentine
The Companion & Community Animal Project
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Item 3.4, Jun 13, Mayor’s budget message
This email recommends a partial version of MBA 46, specifically a 1.0 FTE trap-neuter-release coordinator. This position would prevent the burn-out and resignation of key volunteers who are carrying this workload on top of their regular employment.
Background
In March 2023, Council directed staff to estimate the cost of a comprehensive trap-neuter release program that utilized volunteers and additional shelter veterinarians and health techs to address the growing cat population crisis. The staff memo highlighted that hiring veterinarians is difficult and that the shelter presently provides about 50 to 56 spay/neuters each week: 20 are contracted at Nine Lives in Redwood City, with the remaining 30 to 36 at the shelter spread over three days. Volunteers with the ad hoc cat trapping community provide all other services: trapping, transport, coordination of 56 weekly appointments, services to and supplies for trap training to property owners or colony managers, as well as sheltering of cats pre- and post-surgery prior to release at their home colonies. From time to time, the shelter drives cats to Redwood City for their morning appointments, while volunteers bring them back to San Jose where they are reclaimed by their colony managers, stored in private homes, and then returned to field the next day.
The coordination of these appointments and transports fall to two volunteers. Appointments require substantial schedule scrambling because cats are not trapped until the night before their appointment since there is nowhere to shelter the trapped cats for multiple days.
Sometimes the targeted cat does not cooperate resulting in an empty surgery spot which must be filled by reaching out to everyone in the volunteer network to get another cat trapped by another volunteer going out to the field later that same night. After trapping volunteers store the cats in their homes or garages and transport is arranged to the San Jose shelter parking lot where Redwood City-bound cats are moved into either the shelter’s van or private passenger cars. Sometimes City staff is available to drive the city’s van; sometimes multiple private drivers take the animals in passenger cars – a total of 140 miles per driver ($90 with IRS standard deduction). At least once, the Assistant Director of the Shelter made the trip to Redwood City.
Four days per week, the volunteer coordinators work TNR as a split shift from about 4 to 11 pm and 7 am to 8 am to make certain every precious spay/neuter appointment is filled and trappers have all the tools they need. These experienced volunteer coordinators also have regular salaried employment. This level of volunteer effort is not sustainable. A paid coordinator is needed.
While there are several non-profit rescues that work with TNR cats, none is in a financial position to hire a coordinator. They have exhausted their current resources and financial reserves paying market rate for spay/neuter surgeries the shelter did not provide since March 2020 and the start of COVID.
Why Trap Neuter Release Is Important
Large colonies of community cats reside all over the city. Some are fed, while others search dumpsters or hunt in our parks and creeks. With COVID, spay/neuter stopped and the populations exploded. Cats will breed up to three times per year. Many pet cats have been abandoned and they joined the colonies.
San Jose led the way for many cities with TNR because it is the best way to keep cat colony populations small. Residents have communicated they don’t approve of mass killings and researchers have learned that after a mass killing, new strays re-populate the area and the cycle repeats. The best way to keep colonies small is with active feeder and colony management and spay/neuter TNR services.
Without spay/neuter and active management cat colonies get too large from unfettered reproduction. The colony outgrows its food source and begins to expand to adjacent properties where they may not be welcome. When this happens, trapping and release (TNR) is not typically implemented by the property manager. Some try to shoo them away. Apartment managers have threatened casual feeders with eviction if they feed any cats. Some trap the cats and abandon them elsewhere. Some resort to lethal means B/B or pellet guns or poison. Poison placed in the colony cat food bowl is also available for pet cats, dogs and children. The poison concentrates in animals that eat it, making them sick, but not dead. Sickly animals are easy for coyotes and birds of prey to catch. This makes the coyotes sick and more susceptible to diseases like mange and likely to seek human food rather than hunt. Birds of prey are exquisitely sensitive to the poison and just die. Frustrated property owners with enormous colonies are offered no help from animal control. They depend exclusively on the volunteer cat trappers and their volunteer coordinators and drivers.
As the cat populations continue to grow with this inadequate response to the problem, the colonies' size and limited food sources make then more susceptible to the highly contagious fatal pan-leukopenia virus and the leptospirosis bacteria which ultimately impairs cat kidney function. There are some parts of San Jose where the pan-leukopenia is endemic in the soil due to the large colonies and it is not uncommon for unvaccinated pet kittens and cats to succumb from exposure to the soil and droppings from roaming colony cats. With the declining access to veterinary services, more and more pet owners are foregoing vaccinations and their boosters.
The pan-leukopenia virus does not affect humans but does affect some other mammals in the feline family, suggesting bob-cats, mountain lions and the Happy Hollow Jaguar are at risk from explosive colony expansion. In contrast, leptospirosis is spread by contact with concentrations of urine and seems to thrive in wet areas like streams and marshes (or well-watered turf). The bacteria affect long-term kidney function in cats, but can cause serious multiple organ failure in dogs. The disease can jump to humans. Large cat colonies, especially near water sources, can increase likelihood of transmission. The shelter does back of the envelope mapping of locations that pan-leukopenia is located but no concentrated effort is made to reduce colony reproduction in these areas, so the diseases are spread through expansion of the colonies into larger and larger areas.
From my perspective as a park advocate, I can see where small colonies of three or four cats have exploded to 30 cats and kittens in our parks and along our trails. The kittens are great little "chicken nuggets" for raccoons and coyotes. Dead cats are sometimes found in the parks or along the trails, but happily residents don’t usually find them. Most often, they are hauled away by predators for snacking in their den. We don't need large populations of raccoons and coyotes in our parks nor do we need large populations of cats in our parks playing havoc with the birds. Coyotes have been spotted all over the city and observed killing cats; the coyotes use the creeks to travel and are commonly seen traveling along the trails unless the trail is encamped. When cat colonies are allowed to grow without any attempt to limit reproduction, more coyotes are attracted to this easy food source.
SUMMARY
With each intact male and fertile female cat, the park system, trails, and natural eco-system are at risk from the exponential population growth due to their breeding. While the City is providing 56 spay/neuter appointments per week, they acknowledge that’s a fraction of what was available pre-COOVID and a fraction of what is needed. Volunteers are trapping, mapping, working directly with the community and coordinating to leverage the patchwork of services providing support to the City. The patchwork system is leading to burn-out of the volunteer coordinators and transporters. It is unsustainable. Please approve a 1.0 FTE TNR coordinator.
Jean Dresden
former Executive Director, San Jose Parks Advocates
Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020 Cat, kitten and dog foster, including Milton the Magnificent at the Dancing Cat and Arnie, the Wonder dog at the San Jose Shelter
District 7 has one of the largest homeless popula on, shelters, centers, and so much more. We have to clean up District 7.
Thank you.
Nancy Keo
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June 8, 2023
San Jose Mayor, City Council and Staff
200 E. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
Subject: Manager’s Budget Addendum #54, 2023 Budget
Dear Mayor, City Council and Staff:
On behalf of Catalyze SV , I am writing to enthusiastically support the proposal by Rosalynn Hughey and Jon Cicirelli to fund robust community engagement reforms in the City of San Jose.
Catalyze SV has long championed increasing funding for, and focus on, community engagement in the City. We are very happy to see the Manager’s Office take such a dynamic approach to increasing resources that support our community’s active participation in city planning processes. The creation of permanent staff members to support policy adoption & best practices across city departments is particularly critical to ensuring these reforms are long-term and sustainable . We believe the City will take a great leap toward better development in San Jose by funding positions that are able to guide departments toward adoption and execution of better community engagement practices.
We are especially excited about the creation of a city-wide strategy for community engagement that values community participation. Catalyze SV supports community engagement principles that create accessible opportunities for community members to engage in collaborative conversations about how we create vibrant places for people to live in Silicon V alley. Our recommended best practices for community engagement align with the goals outlined in Budget Addendum #54. 1 We are also happy to see that city staff will have support from outside consultants with a depth of experience and knowledge, including the community based organizations who have been selected for the Office of Economic Development Master List of Community Engagement and Facilitation Consultants.
We want to give a special thank you to Sabrina Parra-Garcia, Zak Mendez, Lori Severino and all of the staff giving their time to the Community Engagement Working Group (CEWG). They’ve taken the initiative to identify needed community engagement resources and reforms. Their work to engage community-based organizations and community members in the design of a community engagement policy that is rooted in community voice and needs is a great indication of what is to come from this new approach.
1 https://www.catalyzesiliconvalley.org/communityengagement 1 FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:37 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
-----Original Message-----
From: Maia Bookoff < >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:03 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; action
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres [Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[External Email]
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in crafting a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter options for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres will have the most impact in attacking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter options.
Thank you!
Maia Bookoff
San Jose resident, District 3
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[External Email]
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FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:37 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: E A >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:05 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac on
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in cra ing a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter op ons for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres will have the most impact in a acking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter op ons.
Thank you!
{Signed}
Note: Don't forget to sign your le er with your name
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FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:38 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Michelle Yook
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:10 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac on
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in cra ing a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter op ons for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres will have the most impact in a acking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter op ons.
Thank you!
Michelle Yook
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.
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FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:38 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Andrea Gera
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:17 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac g
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in cra ing a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter op ons for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres will have the most impact in a acking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter op ons.
Thank you!
Andrea Gera
You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important [External Email]
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:38 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Antonio Angeles >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:22 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac
Cc: City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac on
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in crafting a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres. We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis.
It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter options for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres will have the most impact in attacking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter options.
Thank you!
Antonio Angeles
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FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:38 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Kathie Pham >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:23 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac on
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in cra ing a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter op ons for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres will have the most impact in a acking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter op ons.
Thank you!
Kathie Pham
Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important [External Email]
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 10:38 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Debra Townley < >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:24 AM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac on
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in cra ing a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident, voter, and person with Unhoused Lived Experience, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres.
I am greatly concerned that Ma Mahan's plan to force the unhoused into interim shelters with no plan to move them into affordable housing SOON is inhumane. His plan to build what people don't want to live in will create a hos le and desperate situa on for people who will fight against it thereby crea ng mire police ac vity, more hate toward both sides of the issue and more suicides.
Our greatly inflated housing market needs taming. Building more affordable housing and temporarily housing those who want it in currently empty and under u lized exis ng buildings is not only more cost effec ve but it is the right thing to do.
Haven for Hope is NOT the model program from which our community will benefit.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter op ons for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres will have the most impact in a acking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter op ons.
Thank you!
Debra Townley
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FW: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 11:21 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Deidre Savino
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:47 AM
To: ac on ; City Clerk <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>
Subject: I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in cra ing a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose worker, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter op ons for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres will have the most impact in a acking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter op ons. Thank you!
Yours,
Deidre Savino
--
Sent from a phone; please excuse my brevity. Thanks.
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FW: Public Comment for City Council Meeting Agenda Item 3.4 City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 11:22 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Bill or Rhonda Lakatos >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 10:51 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment for City Council Mee ng Agenda Item 3.4
Dear Mayor and City Council Members.
In Agenda Item 3.4 I support the plan sent by Council members Dev Davis, Omar Torres, and Peter Ortiz.
I believe tt achieves several things are crucial to addressing the issues surrounding homelessness in our city:
·
Uses Measure E funds to maximize the support we provide for affordable housing · Finds funding in the general budget for interim housing and homeless support services · Maintains investments in homelessness prevention Please vote yes on this proposal to do the most good in our city.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lakatos
San Jose, CA 95126
FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 1:09 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Merrill
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 12:30 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget [Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[External Email]
Dear City Clerk:
I am a San Jose resident and am writing to state my strong support for the increases for Animal Services in the Mayor and City Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. I appreciate how these increases recognize the challenges faced by Animal Services and respond to concerns voiced by the community over the past year.
Converting the temporary overstrength position of Supervisor Shelter Operations to permanent status, and adding more full-time positions, a night shift and a dedicated senior resource for facilities repair and maintenance will improve the shelter’s ability to provide greatly needed support to our community and increase live outcomes for the animals.
The night shift is a critical addition, as it will enable the shelter to provide care for underage kittens, the highest volume and most vulnerable animals at the shelter. The allocation of monies for support of adoption and rescue outcomes is also essential. It will allow more animals in need to move to organizations that can provide the specialized care necessary for such animals to be placed for adoption.
While the proposed budget for Animal Services represents substantial progress, I believe the following matters are still in need of additional funding and attention.
The data produced and used by the shelter to direct its operations, measure its performance and predict future community needs is incomplete and/or inaccurate. The shelter needs a dedicated IT Business Analyst to review and develop systems and processes for the collection, use, and transparency of data, including the collection of critical missing data integral to development of a long-term strategy, such as the number of animals turned away at intake and the reasons admission was denied.
Expanding and staffing the Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for community cats is mandatory. During May the shelter accepted 743 kittens and as of June 6th was holding 340 kittens, representing the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organizations, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community kittens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is still the beginning of “kitten season”.
This problem results directly from the reduction in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termination of all TNR
services in May 2022. It has recently reinstated TNR, but on a very limited basis, relying heavily on rescues and volunteers to transport cats outside of the county for spay and neuter services. Since the reduction of TNR service began, the cities served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat population that will continue to grow exponentially unless a robust TNR program is established and maintained.
Reinstating low cost spay/neuter and vaccination services is also essential. Pet overpopulation results in unwanted animals that are abandoned or otherwise become strays. Unvaccinated animals spread disease. The economy and the shortage of vets has made it difficult for many people to neuter and vaccinate their pets. The reinstatement of low cost spay and neuter services will greatly reduce animal suffering. It will also reduce the number of animals brought to the shelter, which will increase the live release rate. Fewer animals in the shelter increases an animal’s probability of adoption and the shelter’s ability to house the animal. This effect was recognized by John Cicirelli when he was Assistant Director of Public Works. The following is his quote from a May 31, 2016, article in sanjoseinside entitled “San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter”:
“One of the most significant contributors to our high save rate has been preventing animals from being born through low cost and free spay-neuter services. We have learned that this is one of the best ways to invest in our community and achieve our goal of reducing the number of stray animals.”
The shelter needs a full time animal behaviorist. A dedicated position would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socialization, behavior modification and offset the stressful conditions of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adoption support and owner-retention programs, increasing positive outcomes.
The challenges facing the shelter will not be resolved overnight. The proposed budget increases represent positive forward movement, but much more needs to be done. Animal Services requires oversight at the City Council level, and your participation in making sure Animal Services meets the current and future needs of the community is vital.
I urge you to approve the proposed increases for Animal Services.
Please add my comments to the public record and distribute to the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Sincerely,
Susan Merrill
.
Sent from my iPhone
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FW: Support for Mayor Mahan's Measure E Spending Plan
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 1:30 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Jean-Marie White >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 1:29 PM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]> Cc: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Mayor Mahan's Measure E Spending Plan
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
I want to express my support for Mayor Mahan’s Measure E spending plan.
My North Star in this debate is how can we offer anybody who wants to get off the streets alterna ves that are be er than congregate shelters ASAP. One op on is Quick Builds–accommoda ons that provide shelter from the elements and relieve someone from spending all their mental energy on basic survival. Another op on is sanc oned RV parking.
Measure E revenues would probably take more than 30 years at the current revenue to cost ra o to give all the unsheltered folks permanent housing. (Back of the napkin calcula ons: Measure E revenues=$50M/year, cost of unit=$625K, need for about 2500 units for about 5000 unsheltered ppl). That is just too long and cannot be the answer for people living on our streets.
The alternate spending plans that peanut bu ers Measure E revenues over everything to try and make all stakeholders happy is not rising to meet the urgency of the moment.
I ask you all to have the courage to vote and help our fellow unhoused San Jose residents as quickly as we can.
Thank you
-----------------
Jean-Marie White
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FW: Public Comment for City Council Meeting Agenda Item 3.4 City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 1:53 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Anne McMahon >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 1:38 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment for City Council Mee ng Agenda Item 3.4
Mayor Mahan and City Council Members:
Hello, I am supporting Survivors of the Streets at Sacred Heart and am writing in favor of the Davis, Torres, and Ortiz plan for Measure E funds.
Their plan keeps the promise made to voters for Measure E funds to maximize the building of affordable housing we can support and build in San Jose. It's clear that the reason why so many people are leaving San Jose and living on the streets is because there is not enough affordable housing.
This plan finds funding in the city’s budget for interim housing and homeless support services while maintaining previous Measure E fund allocations. We all realize the need to provide temporary shelter for individuals seeking housing and this plan helps to meet that need and invests in permanent and affordable housing solutions for them to go to.
This plan continues to invest in homeless prevention. The cost of living continues to increase faster than the wages people earn. By providing assistance to those who are struggling to pay rent we help keep families and individuals stably housed but also slow the flow of people to our streets.
No matter what we look like, how much we earn, or where we lay our heads down to sleep, we all need a safe place to call home.
Years of failing to invest in affordable housing while adding thousands of high-wage jobs in San Jose have driven up rents and pushed more and more people into homelessness. And unfortunately, people who already face discrimination in housing, employment, education, or the criminal justice system are more likely to be forced into homelessness.
Being homeless makes it incredibly difficult to keep a steady job, go to school, or take care of a family. Having a safe home is the first, most basic foundation we all need to build thriving lives and strong communities.
By working together, we can take bold action that makes San Jose a place where everyone has a roof over their head and all of our families can thrive, so that all our neighborhoods can be safe, diverse, and strong.
We urge the city council to vote for the plan created by Council members Dev Davis, Omar Torres, and Peter Ortiz.
Thank you for your consideration.
Anne McMahon
[External Email]
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FW: Support: June 8. 2023 Memo- Measure E spending plan, Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 4:02 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Mary Helen Doherty < >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 3:35 PM
To: The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; ac
Subject: Support: June 8. 2023 Memo- Measure E spending plan, Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres
Dear Mayor Mahan and City Councilmembers,
As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my strong support for the Measure E spending plan recommended by Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres.
A massive shortage of affordable homes has caused the homelessness crisis we witness today. We must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter options for our unhoused neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres will have the most effective impact in attacking our homeless crisis by
funding construction of new affordable housing while also recommending funding for the expansion of shelter options.
Please cast your vote of support for The Measure E spending plan recommended by Coundilmembers Davis, Torres and Ortiz.
Mary Helen Doherty
District 3 Resident
[External Email]
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FW: Read & support Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres's Measure E spending plan City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 4:31 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Vickie Mueller Olvera >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 4:26 PM
Subject: Read & support Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres's Measure E spending plan
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for your efforts in crafting a budget that will best meet the needs of our whole community. As a San Jose resident and voter, I write to share my support for the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres.
We cannot afford to ignore our region’s severe housing affordability crisis. It is a massive shortage of affordable homes that has caused the homelessness we witness today, and we must invest in more permanent, affordable housing while also expanding shelter options for our homeless neighbors.
The proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres will have the most impact in attacking our homeless crisis with funding for new affordable housing while also funding the expansion of shelter options.
Kind regards,
Vickie Mueller Olvera
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FW: Allocation of Measure E Funds
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 4:37 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: komuller >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 11:22 AM
To: District9 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]> Subject: Alloca on of Measure E Funds
To: Mayor Mahan & Members of the City Council:
I am unable to attend the Council meeting this coming Tuesday when you will be hearing comments from the public regarding the allocation of Measure E funds. I strongly support leaving the allocation as it was originally set in 2022, for 75% of the funds dedicated to developing long-term affordable housing. It is critical that we “stay the course” over the long run and continue to develop and build as much affordable housing in San Jose as possible. This is what the public was promised when asked to support Measure E and it is sound public policy.
I therefore support the direction proposed by the Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz, and Torres.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Muller
San Jose, CA 95125
cc: San Jose City Clerk
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FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 4:45 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: MaiLy Pham < >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 4:43 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget
To whom it may concern,
I am a San Jose resident and am wri ng to state my strong support for the increases for Animal Services in the Mayor and City Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. I appreciate how these increases recognize the challenges faced by Animal Services and respond to concerns voiced by the community over the past year.
Conver ng the temporary overstrength posi on of Supervisor Shelter Opera ons to permanent status, and adding more full- me posi ons, a night shi and a dedicated senior resource for facili es repair and maintenance will improve the shelter’s ability to provide greatly needed support to our community and increase live outcomes for the animals.
The night shi is a cri cal addi on, as it will enable the shelter to provide care for underage ki ens, the highest volume and most vulnerable animals at the shelter. The alloca on of monies for support of adop on and rescue outcomes is also essen al. It will allow more animals in need to move to organiza ons that can provide the specialized care necessary for such animals to be placed for adop on.
While the proposed budget for Animal Services represents substan al progress, I believe the following ma ers are s ll in need of addi onal funding and a en on.
The data produced and used by the shelter to direct its operations, measure its performance and predict future community needs is incomplete and/or inaccurate. The shelter needs a dedicated IT Business Analyst to review and develop systems and processes for the collection, use, and transparency of data, including the collection of critical missing data integral to development of a long-term strategy, such as the number of animals turned away at intake and the reasons admission was denied.
Expanding and staffing the Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for community cats is mandatory. During May the shelter accepted 743 kittens and as of June 6th was holding 340 kittens, representing the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organizations, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away.
Friendly community kittens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is still the beginning of “kitten season”. This problem results directly from the reduction in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termination of all TNR services in May 2022. It has recently reinstated TNR, but on a very limited basis, relying heavily on rescues and volunteers to transport cats outside of the county for spay and neuter services.
Since the reduction of TNR service began, the cities served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat population that will continue to grow exponentially unless a robust TNR program is established and maintained.
Reinsta ng low cost spay/neuter and vaccina on services is also essen al. Pet overpopula on results in unwanted animals that are abandoned or otherwise become strays. Unvaccinated animals spread disease. The economy and the shortage of vets
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. has made it difficult for many people to neuter and vaccinate their pets. The reinstatement of low cost spay and neuter services will greatly reduce animal suff ering. It will also reduce the number of animals brought to the shelter, which will increase the live release rate. Fewer animals in the shelter increases an animal’s probability of adop on and the shelter’s ability to house the animal. This e ffect was recognized by John Cicirelli when he was Assistant Director of Public Works. The following is his quote from a May 31, 2016, ar cle in sanjoseinside en tled “San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter”:
“One of the most significant contributors to our high save rate has been preven ng animals from being born through low cost and free spay-neuter services. We have learned that this is one of the best ways to invest in our community and achieve our goal of reducing the number of stray animals.”
The shelter needs a full-time animal behaviorist. A dedicated position would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socialization, behavior modification and offset the stressful conditions of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adoption support and owner-retention programs, increasing positive outcomes.
The challenges facing the shelter will not be resolved overnight. The proposed budget increases represent posi ve forward movement, but much more needs to be done. Animal Services requires oversight at the City Council level, and your par cipa on in making sure Animal Services meets the current and future needs of the community is vital.
I urge you to approve the proposed increases for Animal Services.
Sincerely,
Maily Pham
FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 4:57 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
-----Original Message-----
From: Virginia Havens < >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 4:54 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; District1 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget [Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[External Email]
Dear City Clerk:
I am a Cupertino resident that is under the jurisdiction of the San Jose Shelter and am writing to state my strong support for the increases for Animal Services in the Mayor and City Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. I appreciate how these increases recognize the challenges faced by Animal Services and respond to concerns voiced by the community over the past year.
Converting the temporary overstrength position of Supervisor Shelter Operations to permanent status, and adding more full-time positions, a night shift and a dedicated senior resource for facilities repair and maintenance will improve the shelter’s ability to provide greatly needed support to our community and increase live outcomes for the animals.
The night shift is a critical addition, as it will enable the shelter to provide care for underage kittens, the highest volume and most vulnerable animals at the shelter. The allocation of monies for support of adoption and rescue outcomes is also essential. It will allow more animals in need to move to organizations that can provide the specialized care necessary for such animals to be placed for adoption.
While the proposed budget for Animal Services represents substantial progress, I believe the following matters are still in need of additional funding and attention.
The data produced and used by the shelter to direct its operations, measure its performance and predict future community needs is incomplete and/or inaccurate. The shelter needs a dedicated IT Business Analyst to review and develop systems and processes for the collection, use, and transparency of data, including the collection of critical missing data integral to development of a long-term strategy, such as the number of animals turned away at intake and the reasons admission was denied.
Expanding and staffing the Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for community cats is mandatory. During May the shelter accepted 743 kittens and as of June 6th was holding 340 kittens, representing the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organizations, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community kittens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is still the beginning of “kitten season”.
This problem results directly from the reduction in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termination of all TNR services in May 2022. It has recently reinstated TNR, but on a very limited basis, relying heavily on rescues and volunteers to transport cats outside of the county for spay and neuter services. Since the reduction of TNR service began, the cities served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat population that will continue to grow exponentially unless a robust TNR program is established and maintained.
Reinstating low cost spay/neuter and vaccination services is also essential. Pet overpopulation results in unwanted animals that are abandoned or otherwise become strays. Unvaccinated animals spread disease. The economy and the shortage of vets has made it difficult for many people to neuter and vaccinate their pets. The reinstatement of low cost spay and neuter services will greatly reduce animal suffering. It will also reduce the number of animals brought to the shelter, which will increase the live release rate. Fewer animals in the shelter increases an animal’s probability of adoption and the shelter’s ability to house the animal. This effect was recognized by John Cicirelli when he was Assistant Director of Public Works. The following is his quote from a May 31, 2016, article in sanjoseinside entitled “San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter”:
“One of the most significant contributors to our high save rate has been preventing animals from being born through low cost and free spay-neuter services. We have learned that this is one of the best ways to invest in our community and achieve our goal of reducing the number of stray animals.”
The shelter needs a full time animal behaviorist. A dedicated position would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socialization, behavior modification and offset the stressful conditions of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adoption support and owner-retention programs, increasing positive outcomes.
The challenges facing the shelter will not be resolved overnight. The proposed budget increases represent positive forward movement, but much more needs to be done. Animal Services requires oversight at the City Council level, and your participation in making sure Animal Services meets the current and future needs of the community is vital.
I urge you to approve the proposed increases for Animal Services.
Please add my comments to the public record and distribute to the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Sincerely,
Virginia Havens
Sent from my iPhone
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FW: General budget item 3.1
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 3:04 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Le y Alvarez
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 2:47 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: General budget item 3.1
Dear Clark, I'm wri ng in support of the Davis, Torres, and Or z plan for Measure E funds.
Displacement of our beloved one in San Jose is real.
Manye of my friends had moved out of San Jose because they couldn't afford the rent here.
Manye people that I Know have moved too and I wonder if this situa on will con nue through the coming years.
It's important to con nue inves ng in affordable housing to give those who are struggling with rent the opportunity to con nue living in the city that they call home SAN JOSE.
With much respect I urge the Mayor to Measure E funds for what voters of San Jose vote for.
With apprecia on,
Le cia Alvarez,
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FW: June 12th Agenda Item 3.1
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 3:05 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Robert Vazquez >
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 2:26 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: June 12th Agenda Item 3.1
I am wri ng in favor of the Davis, Torres, and Or z plan for Measure E funds. I am Robert Vazquez. I live in San Jose, CA, 95013. I work as a Senior Accountant in San Jose. I support Measure E. I want the money from Measure E to be used for what it was intended for. The reason is that voters made the decision by vo ng and approving measure E. The funding for Measure E should support affordable housing and the homeless popula on to demonstrate our compassion and equality. Thank you for taking the me to read this tes mony.
Thank you,
--
Robert Vazquez
Pronouns I use: he, him, his
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FW: June 12th Agenda Item 3.1 Public Comment
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 3:05 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Alliya Haeri
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 2:29 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: June 12th Agenda Item 3.1 Public Comment
Hello,
My name is Alliya Haeri and I am a case manager for the Homelessness Preven on System. I am wri ng in favor of the Davis, Torres, and Or z plan for Measure E funds.
The importance of shelter should not negate the importance of affordable housing. Without available and low barrier affordable housing, temporary shelter becomes nothing more than a way to hide away the individuals and families who are in need of housing. It does not provide a long term solu on.
Everyone is owed safe and secure housing by their community, without any caveats. I urge the city council to vote for the plan proposed by Davis, Torres, and Or z, which finds funding for shelter while maintaining the previous fund alloca ons for affordable housing.
Thank you.
--
Alliya Haeri
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FW: Public Comment for City Council Meeting Agenda Item 3.4 or 3.1 (Measure E) City Clerk <[email protected]>
Fri 6/9/2023 4:46 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Debora Ow <
Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 4:45 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment for City Council Mee ng Agenda Item 3.4 or 3.1 (Measure E)
Hello, My name is Debbie Ow and I am supporting Survivors of the Street at Sacred Heart.
I am writing in favor of the Davis, Torres and Ortiz plan for Measure E funds.
This plan keeps the promise made to voters for Measure E funds to maximize the building of affordable housing. We know that the reason for the current housing crisis is because there are not enough affordable homes.
This plan finds funding for interim housing and support services without changing Measure E allocations. We all know that interim housing is needed but it is not the final answer.
This plan also continues to invest in homelessness prevention by helping those with housing to keep it.
We all need a safe place to live where we can find work and feel secure in the future for our families. Thank you for listening.
Debora Ow
District 7