6/12/23, 3:29 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Dot Cassidy <
Fri 6/9/2023 5:12 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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 3:29 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Dorothy Cassidy
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:30 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Dot Cassidy <
Fri 6/9/2023 5:13 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[External Email]
Dear Mayor Mahan:
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
6/12/23, 3:30 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Cassidy
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:31 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Dot Cassidy <
Fri 6/9/2023 5:14 PM
To:District9 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[External Email]
Dear Councilmember Foley:
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
6/12/23, 3:31 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Cassidy
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Cara Cassidy <
Fri 6/9/2023 5:14 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]>
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Dear City Clerk:
I am a San Jose resident who has TNR more than 20 feral cats and has fostered more than 40 ki ens. I 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 opera ons, 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 collec on, use, and transparency of data, including the collec on of cri cal 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 ki ens and as of June 6th was holding 340 ki ens, represen ng the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organiza ons, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community ki ens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is s ll the beginning of “ki en season”. This problem results directly from the reduc on in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termina on 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
6/12/23, 3:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. neuter services. Since the reduc on of TNR service began, the ci es served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat popula on that will con nue to grow exponen ally 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 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 adop on 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, 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 me animal behaviorist. A dedicated posi on would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socializa on, behavior modifica on and offset the stressful condi ons of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adop on support and owner-reten on programs, increasing posi ve 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.
Please add my comments to the public record and distribute to the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Sincerely,
Cara Cassidy
6/12/23, 3:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Megan Wirth <
Fri 6/9/2023 6:21 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 3:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Megan Wirth
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 3:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Megan Wirth <
Fri 6/9/2023 6:21 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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:
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
6/12/23, 3:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Megan Wirth
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Megan Wirth <
Fri 6/9/2023 6:21 PM
To:District1 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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 Councilmember Kamei:
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
6/12/23, 3:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Megan Wirth
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Megan Wirth <
Fri 6/9/2023 6:22 PM
To:District2 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Councilmember Jimenez:
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
6/12/23, 3:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Megan Wirth
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Megan Wirth <
Fri 6/9/2023 6:22 PM
To:District3 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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 Councilmember Torres:
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
6/12/23, 3:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Megan Wirth
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQAI… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget B.A.R. 25 <
Fri 6/9/2023 6:31 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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:
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
6/12/23, 3:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQAI… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Benito Rodriguez
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Jeanne Tate <
Fri 6/9/2023 7:21 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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 3:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Jeanne Tate
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/1 I support the Measure E spending plan from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz and Torres Angela Schertle <
Fri 6/9/2023 8:16 PM
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]>; <
[You 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. We need to focus on SOLVING the affordable housing crisis and housing EVERYONE in our city.
While the proposal from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz, and Torres falls short of meeting that goal, it is the option that will be most impactful to move us in the right direction. It’s the right next step, with many more to follow.
Thank you!
Angie Schertle
San Jose resident
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Amanda Jo Fisk <
Fri 6/9/2023 8:29 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]>
[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 San Jose cat advocate and rescue operator 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. Over 5000 kittens are admitted to the shelter yearly. 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 it’s operations, measure it’s 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
6/12/23, 3:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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 an extremely 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 for owned pets 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,
Amanda Jo Fisk
Amanda’s Cat Rescue
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Alondra O <
Fri 6/9/2023 8:47 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]>
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Dear City Clerk and council members of San Jose,
I am a San Jose resident, I have lived here all my life. I 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. The animals and employees helping these animals deserve better.
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 life 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 money for support of adoption and rescue outcomes is also essential. There are too many animals left to die due to not having enough resources. 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.
6/12/23, 3:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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”. I found 10 kittens myself already this year in need of help. 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 Council members. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time and allowing the space to express my concern.
Sincerely,
Alondra Ochoa
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Fri 6/9/2023 8:49 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]>
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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
6/12/23, 3:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 3:38 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Fri 6/9/2023 9:06 PM
To:District 6 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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[External Email]
Dear Councilmember Davis:
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
6/12/23, 3:38 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Laura Poncia
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:38 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Laura Poncia <
Fri 6/9/2023 10:36 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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[External Email]
Dear Mayor Mahan:
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
6/12/23, 3:38 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Laura Poncia
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:39 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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06/3/23 Agenda item 3.4 - 3.5 - Budget and measure E
Mila Heally <
Sat 6/10/2023 7:24 AM
To:Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>;Chapman, Helen <[email protected]>;City Clerk <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;District 10 <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;Maguire, Jennifer <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Morales-Ferrand, Jacky <Jacky.Morales- [email protected]>;Passons, Omar <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>
Dear City Leaders,
I also support CM Davis, CM Torres, and CM Ortiz's memo for measure E and their allocations. And support CM Jimenez and Cohen's modifications for more staff funding and services for EIH.
EIH is an important tool for temporarily housing people but without increasing/ the supporting amount of permanent/ affordable housing the success rate of moving residents into permanent housing is compromised.
According to Ray Bramson:
“An affordable housing development is actually a financial model where tenants are paying rent, and those rents are supporting the operations,” Bramson said. “So it’s a closed system. You’re not having to continuously put in additional resources once the building is open.”
We should consider that the EIH homelessness prevention efficiency declines when more EIH units are added without multiplying units of permanent housing accordingly.
When we had less BHC sites, the success of residents finding permanent housing used to be around 85%. Now with more EIH units, the success dropped because there not enough units being added to absorb the need and people are at risk of returning into the streets.
Felipe Ave EIH: lowest success rate 32%
“Of the five tiny home sites sponsored by San Jose, just one – on Felipe Avenue – has a hard six-month cutoff set by Caltrans, the property owner.
That site has the lowest success rate
of all the city sites, getting just 32% of its occupants into permanent housing.” Rue Ferrari EIH: residents are terrified because they can't find homes after six
6/12/23, 3:39 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 months and will return to the streets
“When Angelique and Manuel Ortiz moved into their tiny home on San Jose’s Rue Ferrari in April,…”
“At first, Angelique and Manuel were optimistic. …they met with their case manager and began their housing search.
But months went by with no progress. On a recent afternoon, with their six-month anniversary in the tiny home fast approaching, Angelique confessed that she’s terrified she and Manuel will be dropped from the program before they find housing. Just in case, the couple bought a cheap car from a friend so they’ll have somewhere to sleep at night.”
Source: https://centerforhealthjournalism.org/our-work/reporting/do-tiny-homes-really-work- solution-homelessness-heres-what-data-
shows#:~:text=But%20tiny%20homes%20work%20better,much%20more%20expensive%20to%20 operate.
Measure E was voted to be used for affordable housing. Building a lot of tiny homes shelters to house every unhoused person in San Jose is not a viable solution but a preference again for politics.
Some points to consider:
Deputy County Executive Ky Le:
“Redirecting Measure E dollars away from permanent housing had already started to disrupt “long-standing partnerships and projects.”
“We’ve been working with cities on a pipeline that anticipates some Measure E funding and a sudden change would require all of us to recalibrate, reprioritize, work with developers, and some projects might be delayed, some projects might be paused indefinitely,” Le said in an interview.
In his memo, Le also expressed concern that the city’s original proposal could disrupt projects that are further down the pipeline and result in delays longer than a year. Additionally, redirecting Measure E funds could impact the county’s ability to leverage state and federal dollars that would pause some developments, argued Le, and impact the construction of more than 1,000 units on projects located on county land.”
Ray Bramson from Destination Home and Jackie Morales:
“These projects are ready to go, but the city keeps delaying funding, and then the cost increases to build,” Bramson told San José Spotlight. “Affordable housing development is going to be on pause for an indefinite period of time.”
“If the cuts are approved, Housing Director Jacky Morales-Ferrand said the city won’t have enough money to issue notices that tell affordable housing developers when city money is available. When affordable housing developers apply for that funding, it informs the city about which projects are close to begin construction.
6/12/23, 3:39 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Bramson said without these notices, San Jose can’t plan ahead to pay for affordable housing. “We’re essentially shutting our eyes,” he said. “We’re also signaling to our affordable housing developers that maybe you should go look somewhere else to build.” “Let’s keep supporting both initiatives,” he said. “But at the same time, understanding that at the end of the day, it’s permanent housing that’s going to end homelessness and help us address this crisis.”
The math is simple, if you keep adding more and more EIH units the success rate decreases because you do not have enough units of permanent housing to move the residents. But when you invest in affordable housing more people can move out of the EIH faster into permanent housing. Then you don’t need to build more units of EIH.
Please keep the same measure E funding for permanent housing not temporary.
Thank you,
Mila Heally
D2 Resident
6/12/23, 3:39 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Randy Rodrigues <
Sat 6/10/2023 7:57 AM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear Mayor Mahan:
We are San Jose resident for over 30 years and are writing to state our strong support for the increases for Animal Services in the Mayor and City Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. We 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
6/12/23, 3:39 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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.
Sincerely,
Randy and Silvia Rodrigues
San Jose, CA
6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Megan Ybarra <
Sat 6/10/2023 11:13 AM
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]>
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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
6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Megan Ybarra
Sent from my iPad
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Sat 6/10/2023 12:14 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]>
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Hello City Clerk & Councilmembers
I hope this finds you well. I’m a lifelong San Jose resident and I’m 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. In fact, on June 8th during my visit to SJACC, a family arrived with a box of kittens, but were turned away. The father’s first language wasn’t English, and was struggling with his young kids trying to explain. He desperately turned to each person in line asking what to do. People were pointing him to rescues, but with his limited English one can only hope he understood. We don’t know the fate of these kittens, yet the father tried to do the right thing. Another customer was trying to turn in a very young flame point husky. No telling if
6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/5 he found it, or it was his. They were about to turn him away stating no room, however they made him wait. Many of these overcrowding issues can be alleviated if you allow the fairgrounds to be a temporary overflow. They are set up for animals, and with your help, a staff can be placed there to care for them.
The fairgrounds is less than a mile from SJACC. It’s time to think out of the box. San Jose, and the entire state is in a huge crisis.
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.
On Friday, I was releasing the mom cat after a spay (she had kittens at Easter I’m told my employees near the building). As I was trying to trap an injured and sick cat, one of the kittens went into the trap. In desperation, I texted two of my expert TNR contacts. Sadly, without a “Plan” (an appointment), I had to skip trapping this kitten. Anymore weeks that go by, this kitten will by feral and hard to handle, therefore unadoptable. It just killed me that I had that chance, but because of the situation at SJACC, my hands are tied. As I will be starting a new job in several weeks, I will not have the luxury to help do any TNR.
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.” In fact, we know a low income family who has a kitten they want spayed. I had to tell her the city doesn’t do that. Their trailer park on Jackson avenue is overflowing of stray cats and rabbits. I personally know a TNR person who spent weeks five years ago doing a huge TNR job there for at least 20 cats. This TNR person gave up. There are so many strays now because of lack of services, education, and not enough advertisement of services; that it feel like we will never get a handle on this. When I visited Torino Italy, I saw one stray my entire two weeks. I inquired as to why. The put the responsibility to put owners, and if a stray is found on your property or business, it is up to you to work with a proper way to get it help. If you fail to do this, you are fined.
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 6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 3/5 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.
See attached photos of the kitten I had to let go, due to limited appointments or room; abs the sick injured cat that I’m trying to catch.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Louise Just
Kitten went into the trap.
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 4/5 Sickly injured and wobbly old Tom cat.(you can see he is intact). 6/12/23, 3:41 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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6/12/23, 3:42 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Support for City Manager's Budget Addendum #46
Ann Chasson <
Sat 6/10/2023 1:04 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]>
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Dear Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers,
I am wri ng today to support the City Manager’s Budget Amendment #46, which provides addi onal funding for the San Jose Animal Care Center. The services that SJACC provides to San Jose residents are cri cal for the wellbeing of pets living in San Jose, and to the people who care for these animals.
I would par cularly urge you to fund the new overnight posi ons that are designed to care for the ki ens that are in the shelter. These make up the largest percent of animal intake; they are par cularly fragile and need to be carefully monitored. With few foster homes available to overnight these ki ens, the only op on for them is to remain in the shelter and be cared for there. Trained staff is cri cal for successful outcomes for these ki ens.
I also would like to see a path to expanding the availability of spay/neuter services to our community, which means bringing back the low cost spay/neuter clinic for owned cats and dogs. Funding for addi onal veterinary staff should be on the agenda in the near future.
Please add my comments to the public record.
Thank you for your considera on,
Ann Chasson
Ann Chasson, Co-Founder
The Dancing Cat
www.thedancingcat.org
6/12/23, 3:42 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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6/12/23, 3:43 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Huy Le <
Sat 6/10/2023 1:42 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]>
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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
6/12/23, 3:43 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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,
6/12/23, 3:43 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Karin Lowden <
Sat 6/10/2023 1:47 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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[External Email]
Dear Mayor Mahan:
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
6/12/23, 3:43 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Thank you for your support Karin M. Lowden
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:44 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Laura Meadows <
Sat 6/10/2023 2:08 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 3:44 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Laura Meadows
Please make these heart felt requests become a reality for all the innocent animals. Each one of them deserves a chance to be part of a FUR EVER FAMILY!
.
6/12/23, 3:56 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Support for City Manager's Budget Addendum #46
Mary Hoover <
Sat 6/10/2023 2:16 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]>
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Dear Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers,
I am writing today to support the City Manager’s Budget Amendment #46, which provides additional funding for the San Jose Animal Care Center. The services that SJACC provides to San Jose residents are critical for the wellbeing of pets living in San Jose, and to the people who care for these animals.
I would particularly urge you to fund the new overnight positions that are designed to care for the kittens that are in the shelter. These make up the largest percent of animal intake; they are particularly fragile and need to be carefully monitored. With few foster homes available to overnight these kittens, the only option for them is to remain in the shelter and be cared for there. Trained staff is critical for successful outcomes for these kittens.
I also would like to see a path to expanding the availability of spay/neuter services to our community, which means bringing back the low cost spay/neuter clinic for owned cats and dogs. Funding for additional veterinary staff should be on the agenda in the near future. This should also support expanding and staffing the Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program for community cats.
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.
Please add my comments to the public record.
Thank you for your consideration,
--
Mary Hoover, Cat Curator
The Dancing Cat
6/12/23, 3:56 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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6/12/23, 3:58 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Alexis Del Alto <
Sat 6/10/2023 2:28 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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 3:58 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Alexis Del Alto
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6/12/23, 3:58 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Paula Martinez <
Sat 6/10/2023 4:31 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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 3:58 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Paula Martinez
PS: Please help our helpless animals and give us the dedicated staff to provide great care.
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 3:58 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget deborahmc <
Sat 6/10/2023 6:44 PM
To:District5 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Councilmember Ortiz:
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
6/12/23, 3:58 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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.
Sincerely,
Deborah McCaslin
6/12/23, 3:59 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Allie Hewett <
Sat 6/10/2023 7:47 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]>
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Dear City Clerk and Councilmembers,
I am the founder of the Cat & Ki en Advocates group on Nextdoor, an ac ve community of over 2500 people who support the shelter, are involved in animal rescue, or are seeking help with issues in their neighborhood. I 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.
Adding a night shi is cri cal, as it will enable the shelter to provide care for underage ki ens, the highest volume and most vulnerable animals at the shelter. Not only am I a neonatal ki en foster, but I also foster ki ens with special needs (paralysis, incon nence, injuries). The shelter does not have the capacity or funds to care for such ki ens, so the alloca on of monies for support of 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
6/12/23, 3:59 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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 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 adop on 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, 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 certified positive reinforcement trainer. 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. A trainer 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,
Allie Hewett
6/12/23, 3:59 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Liana Krause <
Sat 6/10/2023 8:27 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]>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important
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
6/12/23, 3:59 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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,
Liana Krause
6/12/23, 3:59 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Jim <
Sat 6/10/2023 8:36 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]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
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
6/12/23, 3:59 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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,
James Williamson
6/12/23, 4:00 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Belle Ayre <
Sat 6/10/2023 10:06 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 4:00 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Belle Ayre
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:00 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget cloewertorrez <
Sun 6/11/2023 1:40 AM
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]>
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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
6/12/23, 4:00 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Cynthia L. Loewer-Torrez
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
6/12/23, 4:00 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. support increases for shelter
Meow Haven Kitty Rescue <
Sun 6/11/2023 7:01 AM
1 attachments (20 KB)
Draft letter support increases for shelter ..docx;
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Poor cats need a lot of help.
Thank you
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget
Dear representative,
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 t o 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 be lieve 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, repr esenting 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 c ontinue 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 ha s 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 provid e 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. Anima l 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.
Sincerely,
Dr. Akari Win
Founder of Meow Haven Kitty Rescue
6/12/23, 4:01 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Scott Trafford <
Sun 6/11/2023 12:55 PM
To:District5 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear Councilmember Ortiz:
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.
During COVID, the tnr service was discontinued. This doesn't mean that cats stopped mating, kittens being born. During this time, I started feeding the growing feral population in my area. Where once it was three or four, it quickly became six or seven. Neighbors were also feeding the "community cats", which soon became mommy and kitty cats. With inflation, you can guess that the cost began increasing. Many veterinary clinics could barely maintain their own clients. Many older veterinarians chose this time to retire, creating a lack of services available. Sadly, while calling for costs of spay or neuter services, I found that the clinics were either charging too much, or simply not offering the service. I contacted the Humane Society in Milpitas, and their wait list was over a year.
With the help of a tnr team, and with San Jose Animal Control on Monterey Road offering limited tnr, I have been able to get 9 females spayed and 5 males neutered. This might sound like a lot, but I promise you this just scratches the surface. I know that the city has a budget. Without this tnr program, there would be no way for me to afford getting these feral cats the treatment they need.
This is just my story, but there are dozens more out there trying to do what they can with the resources available. Please expand this vital program to not only help the feral population, but also help the people who are trying to make a difference.
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.
6/12/23, 4:01 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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. 6/12/23, 4:01 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 3/3 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Sincerely, Scott Trafford
.
6/12/23, 4:01 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Fiscal 2023- 2024 Animal Care & Services ("Animal Services") Budget Ann Nussbaum <
Sun 6/11/2023 2:41 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear City Councillors,
,
I 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 opera ons, 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 collec on, use, and transparency of data, including the collec on of cri cal 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 ki ens and as of June 6th was holding 340 ki ens, represen ng the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organiza ons, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community ki ens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is s ll the beginning of “ki en season”. This problem results directly from the reduc on in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termina on 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
6/12/23, 4:01 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. services. Since the reduc on of TNR service began, the ci es served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat popula on that will con nue to grow exponen ally 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 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 adop on 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, 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 me animal behaviorist. A dedicated posi on would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socializa on, behavior modifica on and offset the stressful condi ons of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adop on support and owner-reten on programs, increasing posi ve 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,
Ann Nussbaum
www.peninsulacatworks.org
suppor ng veterinary care for San Jose cats and ki ens
https://www.facebook.com/peninsulacatworks/
6/12/23, 4:02 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Laura Poncia <
Sun 6/11/2023 3:37 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]>
[You 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
6/12/23, 4:02 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Laura Poncia
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:02 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Daniel Gutierrez Gutierrez <
Sun 6/11/2023 3:39 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 4:02 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Daniel
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:02 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Daniel Gutierrez Gutierrez <
Sun 6/11/2023 3:39 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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:
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
6/12/23, 4:02 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Daniel
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:03 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget faatemeh lubinsky.us <
Sun 6/11/2023 4:44 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]> [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
6/12/23, 4:03 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Faatemeh Lubinsky
.
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:03 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023%2�� 2024 Animal Care & Services (%2��Animal Services%2��) Budget
glenn telega <
Sun 6/11/2023 5:50 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
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%2��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%2��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 %2��kitten season%2��. 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
6/12/23, 4:03 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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%2��s probability of adoption and the shelter%2��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 %2��San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter%2��: %2��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.%2�� 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, .
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
6/12/23, 4:04 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget deb codiroli <
Sun 6/11/2023 5:50 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]>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear City Clerk:
I am a local 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
6/12/23, 4:04 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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,
Deb Codiroli
.
6/12/23, 4:04 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023%2�� 2024 Animal Care & Services (%2��Animal Services%2��) Budget
glenn telega <
Sun 6/11/2023 5:51 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear Mayor Mahan: 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%2��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%2��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 %2��kitten season%2��. 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
6/12/23, 4:04 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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%2��s probability of adoption and the shelter%2��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 %2��San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter%2��: %2��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.%2�� 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. Sincerely, .
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
6/12/23, 4:04 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023%2�� 2024 Animal Care & Services (%2��Animal Services%2��) Budget
glenn telega <
Sun 6/11/2023 5:52 PM
To:District1 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Councilmember Kamei: 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%2��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%2��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 %2��kitten season%2��. 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
6/12/23, 4:04 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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%2��s probability of adoption and the shelter%2��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 %2��San Jose Councilman Proposes No-Kill Shelter%2��: %2��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.%2�� 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. Sincerely, .
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
6/12/23, 4:05 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Vyjayanthi Prasad <
Sun 6/11/2023 8:39 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]>
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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.
6/12/23, 4:05 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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,
Vyjayanthi
6/12/23, 4:13 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Rita Jarrett <
Sun 6/11/2023 8:45 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 4:13 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Rita Jarrett
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:14 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Rita Jarrett <
Sun 6/11/2023 8:47 PM
To:District1 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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 Councilmember Kamei:
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
6/12/23, 4:14 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Rita Jarrett
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:14 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Vanessa Forney <
Sun 6/11/2023 9:31 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]>
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Dear City Councilmembers,
I 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 am the founder of Bay Area Cats, and manage a trapping group with 900 individuals in the Bay Area. Many of those in the group are community members seeking help for the cats, but they are out of options. Our nonprofit focuses on trap-neuter-return (TNR) and helping the community with spay/neuter costs. Although we shut down requests for almost the entire year we still have 299 requests totaling 1893 cats who need help.
While it was not the case in previous years, we are now at a loss with what to do. The lack of appointments is so extreme, we can’t even help someone who has one litter of kittens in their yard.
There is nowhere to take the kittens. There is nowhere to take the adults. Trapping feral cats is difficult enough, but with the additional overhead of getting appointments weeks or months ahead, people tell me they would rather not do anything at all. Many of these people don’t want the kittens back, and some of them don’t even like cats, so it's easier to walk away. SJACC and HSSV are not taking healthy kittens in San Jose right now. Even if some are accepted, there are 10 litters of kittens turned away for every one accepted. The need is far misrepresented due to lack of accurate data collection and transparency on the number of animals turned away. Just as we are tracking the animals coming into the shelter, we need to be tracking the animals turned away and community members whose needs are not met by the shelter.
The need for additional positions at the San Jose shelter is evident given the large number of animals, and more importantly, the large number of animals being turned away due to lack of space. When animals are turned away, especially cats, they are generally released back to where found unfixed. This means in a month or two, the shelter is now not only dealing with that animal, but also the offspring of that animal. Within four months, the kittens can now get pregnant. Soon after, the shelter is dealing with the original cat in need, her kittens, and her kittens’ kittens. If the shelter is only accepting kittens, we are completely avoiding the problem at its core.
6/12/23, 4:14 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Every year, the problem continues to get worse. There is more breeding and more suffering. The lack of spay/neuter for both community cats and pets means increased suffering in the community.
Neighborhoods are filled with cats. We are commonly asked for help in situations of 20 or 30 cats or more. When half of these cats are nursing, the problem is now over 50 cats (at one house). The numbers seem large, but on every street on every block, there is a house with 10 or 20 or more cats.
The reality is that the hotspots become even greater hotspots.
At this point, it will take years to get the situation under control. Without drastic measures now, the animal control complaints will continue increasing, the need for more and more shelter space for kittens will grow, and the cat population is going to explode more than it already has. We urgently need:
An increase in trap-neuter-return (TNR) appointments. We can spend as much time as we want dealing with the kittens, but the influx of kittens will grow until we stop the problem at the source. The only way to do this is TNR. Consider increasing TNR at SJACC to 200 per week. While this won’t control the population, it can at least get us on the right track to help with major hotspots. This is on par with previous years of TNR at SJACC. To do this, we need more vet staff and higher salaries to keep them on board.
We need low cost spay/neuter clinics, under $100, as soon as possible. If we don’t fix the pets and people giving away free kittens, then these cats end up breeding on the street and joining feral colonies. There is no low cost spay/neuter under $200-300 in the Bay Area, and to get that rate you have to go on a several month waitlist or have connections to a rescue. The cost at a private clinic is $600-1600. The average person cannot afford this, and if they can, are absolutely unwilling to spend that money.
I urge you to approve the proposed increases for Animal Services. The longer we avoid the problem at its source (lack of spay/neuter for pets and TNR), the longer animals will suffer and communities will suffer with them. Please do not delay any longer. The community and the animals deserve better than what we are giving them.
Thank you,
Vanessa
Founder of Bay Area Cats (bayareacats.org)
6/12/23, 4:14 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Daunell Salvador <
Sun 6/11/2023 10:18 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]>
[You 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
6/12/23, 4:14 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Daunell Salvador
Sent from my iPhone
6/12/23, 4:15 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget thu tran <
Sun 6/11/2023 10:28 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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 4:15 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Thu Tran
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted
6/12/23, 4:16 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Dinah Hayse <
Sun 6/11/2023 10:41 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]>
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IMG_3790.MOV; IMG_0929.jpg; IMG_0927.jpg;
June 9, 2023
Honorable Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers,
I urge you to support the Mayor and City Manager’s budget increases for Animal Services, but also to look at additional funding for Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) of community cats and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter.
Today the Animal Service's website shows 566 cats and kittens. The shelter was built for a capacity of 300 total animals. They are almost twice their capacity in cats and kittens alone, before adding in the 250 dogs listed as well as other animals such as bunnies and pocket pets.
The shelter is unable to take in animals that are not sick or injured and is overwhelmed with the number of animals coming in. While at the shelter on Thursday I saw the following stories unfold in the short period of time I was there.
Home Depot box left near the intake door, taped up but with small kittens escaping from it, labeled “Baby Kittys”
An empty crate left by the shelter gate, with the door broken off. I hope it was a donation, and hadn’t contained an animal left overnight that managed to escape onto Monterey Highway.
City of San Jose employees who found a kitten crossing Story Road by itself. The shelter did not have space for the kitten.
An elderly woman trying to turn in 2 kittens she found in her shed. She was 93 years old and said she was not able to care for them. The shelter did not have space for the kittens.
A young pregnant mother and her children, and two 5 week old kittens she had managed to catch in her backyard. She had two young children already, a third on the way, and pets of her own. She did not have the capacity to take on anything else. The shelter did not have space for the kittens.
6/12/23, 4:16 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/5 The shelter staff should be commended for handling these situations with grace under extreme pressure and doing their best under challenging circumstances.
There is a notion that these animals are abandoned by irresponsible owners, but that is not the case.
The cats and kittens your community is finding in yards, on the streets and in their sheds are a direct result of the lack of availability of TNR and low cost spay and neuter resources over the past three years.
Below are some of the requests I have helped with in the past month from your communities.
District 1 - A homeowner who found kittens in her attic. After paying out of pocket to a contractor to get the kittens out of the attic and seal it up, dispatch at Animal Services told her to put the kittens outside, though there was a rescue lined up to take them.
The mother cat then moved the kittens into the neighbor’s attic, where a kitten fell down to the bottom of a supporting pillar, requiring the homeowner to pay a contractor to cut a hole in the stucco and remove the kitten. The remaining kittens have disappeared and are presumed dead. The homeowners and I have paid out of pocket for the contractors enabling the multiple rescues of these kittens, with the cost of repairs still pending.
District 2 - A cat owner who was unable to afford to get her cat fixed. During the time it took for her to get an appointment for an affordable spay, her cat got outside and became pregnant. She now has four additional kittens to fix, and though they are friendly and healthy, she has been unable to find anywhere to take them in, or get them fixed, as all shelters and rescues are over capacity.
District 5 - A good samaritan began feeding neighborhood cats but was unable to find assistance with spay/neuter, resulting in four pregnant cats and eleven additional kittens.
District 6 - A family had one stray cat on their property last year. This year, they had that cat, plus four offspring,and now have an additional twelve kittens.
District 8 - A person on disability with limited income had kittens born in her backyard. Mom is now fixed, but there is no place for the kittens to go.
District 9 - A mother cat had six kittens in a senior citizen’s yard. Mom is now fixed, but there is no place for the kittens to go as the shelter is full, other than back on the street. One of the kittens has already been run over and killed by a car in front of the local elementary school.
District 10 - A person who found a pregnant cat in her backyard. She took it to the shelter early this year, and was turned away and told to release the cat unfixed. She now has 5 cats in her back yard to deal with.
I commend the Mayor, City Manager and Councilmembers for stepping up and highlighting the need for adoptions, fosters and support from the community for the animals inside the shelter. I would urge you 6/12/23, 4:16 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 3/5 not to forget about the volume of animals outside of the shelter. The lack of access to TNR and low cost spay/neuter is an exponential problem that, even factoring in the high death rate of kittens born outside, will continue to grow rapidly. I request that MBA #46 be given additional consideration and support and specifically request the city to find and fund additional sources for spay and neuter and take a leadership role in identifying creative solutions at the local and state levels.
Thank you,
Dinah Hayse
Attachments:
Picture - Box of Baby Kittys left outside shelter door
Picture - Busted open animal kennel on Monterey
Video - Young kittens found in a shed that had to be turned away at intake due to shelter capacity June 9, 2023
Honorable Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers,
I urge you to support the Mayor and City Manager’s budget increases for Animal Services, but also to look at additional funding for Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) of community cats and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter.
Today the Animal Service's website shows 566 cats and kittens. The shelter was built for a capacity of 300 total animals. They are almost twice their capacity in cats and kittens alone, before adding in the 250 dogs listed as well as other animals such as bunnies and pocket pets.
The shelter is unable to take in animals that are not sick or injured and is overwhelmed with the number of animals coming in. While at the shelter on Thursday I saw the following stories unfold in the short period of time I was there.
Home Depot box left near the intake door, taped up but with small kittens escaping from it, labeled “Baby Kittys”
An empty crate left by the shelter gate, with the door broken off. I hope it was a donation, and hadn’t contained an animal left overnight that managed to escape onto Monterey Highway.
City of San Jose employees who found a kitten crossing Story Road by itself. The shelter did not have space for the kitten.
An elderly woman trying to turn in 2 kittens she found in her shed. She was 93 years old and said she was not able to care for them. The shelter did not have space for the kittens.
A young pregnant mother and her children, and two 5 week old kittens she had managed to catch in her backyard. She had two young children already, a third on the way, and pets of her own. She did not have the capacity to take on anything else. The shelter did not have space for the kittens. 6/12/23, 4:16 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 4/5 The shelter staff should be commended for handling these situations with grace under extreme pressure and doing their best under challenging circumstances.
There is a notion that these animals are abandoned by irresponsible owners, but that is not the case.
The cats and kittens your community is finding in yards, on the streets and in their sheds are a direct result of the lack of availability of TNR and low cost spay and neuter resources over the past three years.
Below are some of the requests I have helped with in the past month from your communities.
District 1 - A homeowner who found kittens in her attic. After paying out of pocket to a contractor to get the kittens out of the attic and seal it up, dispatch at Animal Services told her to put the kittens outside, though there was a rescue lined up to take them.
The mother cat then moved the kittens into the neighbor’s attic, where a kitten fell down to the bottom of a supporting pillar, requiring the homeowner to pay a contractor to cut a hole in the stucco and remove the kitten. The remaining kittens have disappeared and are presumed dead. The homeowners and I have paid out of pocket for the contractors enabling the multiple rescues of these kittens, with the cost of repairs still pending.
District 2 - A cat owner who was unable to afford to get her cat fixed. During the time it took for her to get an appointment for an affordable spay, her cat got outside and became pregnant. She now has four additional kittens to fix, and though they are friendly and healthy, she has been unable to find anywhere to take them in, or get them fixed, as all shelters and rescues are over capacity.
District 5 - A good samaritan began feeding neighborhood cats but was unable to find assistance with spay/neuter, resulting in four pregnant cats and eleven additional kittens.
District 6 - A family had one stray cat on their property last year. This year, they had that cat, plus four offspring,and now have an additional twelve kittens.
District 8 - A person on disability with limited income had kittens born in her backyard. Mom is now fixed, but there is no place for the kittens to go.
District 9 - A mother cat had six kittens in a senior citizen’s yard. Mom is now fixed, but there is no place for the kittens to go as the shelter is full, other than back on the street. One of the kittens has already been run over and killed by a car in front of the local elementary school.
District 10 - A person who found a pregnant cat in her backyard. She took it to the shelter early this year, and was turned away and told to release the cat unfixed. She now has 5 cats in her back yard to deal with.
I commend the Mayor, City Manager and Councilmembers for stepping up and highlighting the need for adoptions, fosters and support from the community for the animals inside the shelter. I would urge you not to forget about the volume of animals outside of the shelter. The lack of access to TNR and low cost 6/12/23, 4:16 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 5/5 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. spay/neuter is an exponential problem that, even factoring in the high death rate of kittens born outside, will continue to grow rapidly. I request that MBA #46 be given additional consideration and support and specifically request the city to find and fund additional sources for spay and neuter and take a leadership role in identifying creative solutions at the local and state levels.
Thank you,
Dinah Hayse
Attachments:
Picture - Box of Baby Kittys left outside shelter door
Picture - Busted open animal kennel on Monterey
Video - Young kittens found in a shed that had to be turned away at intake due to shelter capacity Please add my comments to the public record and distribute them to the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
6/12/23, 4:16 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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6/12/23, 4:17 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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In support of City Manager's Budget Addendum #46
Jenna Skinner <
Sun 6/11/2023 11:53 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc:Dinah Hayse < Moreno, Brisa <[email protected]>;Dexter, Michele <[email protected]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Please distribute this letter to the Councilmembers and Mayor Mahan To the San Jose City Council and Mayor Mahan,
I am writing in support of the budget addendum submitted by Matt Loesch to support and enhance services at San Jose Animal Care Center. I'd like to give you a brief background about my rescue and involvement in the welfare of the community cats in San Jose.
Gatos de la Noche has been an established 501(c)(3) rescue in San Jose for 13 years. We manage colonies primarily in District 3 and District 5. I can safely say that in the time we have been actively participating in TNR we have altered well over a thousand cats and kittens and during the last three years alone, found homes for upwards of 700 kittens.
We are boots on the ground and are acutely aware of the crisis San Jose's animal welfare community finds itself in now.
The lack of spay and neuter services during the pandemic has created a flood of cats and kittens. The numbers at the shelter speak for themselves. As of today there are over 500 cats at the shelter and I do believe there are several hundred more in foster homes. Not only is the shelter full of cats and kittens, every rescue I know is full to the brim as well. The public is being turned away on a daily basis because there is no more room and the shelter is again only taking sick and injured animals. I receive several requests a day for help from the community. I am unable to help them and I cannot depend on the city services we should be able to access to help them either. It is discouraging to the public and to those of us in rescue to have no where to turn for help.
San Jose has to do better, we were a model for the country in the past. San Jose's TNR program was touted as one of the best around. Now we cannot even call our shelter a no kill shelter. Our live release rate for cats is a dismal 81%. Far below the 90% required for that assignation. So now, if anyone asks you if San Jose is a kill shelter, the answer is yes, it is.
Please approve funding for the shelter, they desperately need another vet. Please focus funds on a robust TNR program and adequate staff to run it. If TNR and spay and neuter surgery is unavailable at SJACC, we have to get creative using other avenues to access surgical services. We are just seeing the tip of the iceberg this year in the numbers of cats being born on the streets. I can absolutely promise you, if nothing is done now, the next few years are going to be worse.
Jenna Skinner
Director
Gatos de la Noche
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
6/12/23, 4:17 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Shirley Young <
Sun 6/11/2023 11:59 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: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 Matt Mahan <[email protected]>
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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.
6/12/23, 4:17 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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,
Shirley Young
--
Shirley Young
cell
6/12/23, 4:18 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Catherine Valentine <
Mon 6/12/2023 1:48 AM
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]>
[You 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
6/12/23, 4:18 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:18 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Mon 6/12/2023 6:50 AM
To:District2 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Councilmember Jimenez:
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
6/12/23, 4:18 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Denisa
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6/12/23, 4:18 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Shirley Young <
Mon 6/12/2023 7:58 AM
To:District8 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Councilmember Candelas: 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
6/12/23, 4:18 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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.
Sincerely,
Shirley Young
.
--
Shirley Young
cell
6/12/23, 4:19 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Protecting Measure E funds from diversion
Patricia Ciccantelli <
Mon 6/12/2023 8:17 AM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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My name is Patricia Ciccantelli; I am a voter and resident of San Jose. I am writing as a supporter of Survivors of the Streets at Sacred Heart.
I encourage you to enact the Davis/Torres/Ortiz plan that uses Measure E funds to build affordable housing and finds funds for interim housing in the city budget, as well as providing rent assistance for San Jose residents who need it to remain housed.
It's impossible to miss the suffering of our fellow San Joseans who have been priced out of our brutal housing market and are trying to survive without shelter, a basic need. Measure E was approved to provide some balance in the supply of housing in San Jose by expanding affordable options for permanent housing. Diverting Measure E funds to interim housing does not get us to the goal of providing the housing stability needed for all to thrive and be productive.
The Davis/Torres?Ortiz plan addresses three important pieces of the need for affordable dwellings, most importantly without draining the critical fund for building housing that voters approved in Measure E. Please approve the Davis/Torres/Ortiz plan.
Patricia Ciccantelli
6/12/23, 4:19 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Mon 6/12/2023 8:33 AM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[External Email]
Dear Councilmembers and Mayor,
We support the protection of Measure E funds. First, we voted on these funds thinking that that was what they would be used for. Borrowing is "out." Keep the original purpose.
Measure E:
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
This is the plan sent by Council members Dev Davis, Omar Torres, and Peter Ortiz.
The city of San Jose cannot hold its head up as the "Capital of Silicon Valley" unless these things are provided for:
Google could hold off hiring workers soon enough near the train station Diridon where it will not be attractive to employees IF there are homeless under the nearby train tracks. Nor with homeless at the on and off ramps at Capitol Expressway (and others across the city) at the bridges. Nor
further down Monterey Road.
As for objecting neighbors, this is not all about us or them.
Thank you for your attention.
Carolyn Straub
Stephen McHenry
City District 7
6/12/23, 4:19 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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6/12/23, 4:19 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Agenda Item 3.4--Measure E
Melissa Morris <
Mon 6/12/2023 9:28 AM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am unable to a end this evening’s budget hearing because I am traveling out of state, but I wanted to send a quick note to support the memo from Councilmembers Davis, Or z and Torres, which will preserve Measure E funds for permanent affordable housing. I am currently serving as the Board Chair of Sacred Heart Community Service, and I am wri ng in support of Survivors of the Street at Sacred Heart, as well as their community partners who have spoken out to ensure that Measure E funds remain available for permanent affordable housing.
The only real solu on to homelessness is housing—deeply affordable housing with voluntary suppor ve services for people who need them. Shelters—whether tradi onal congregate shelters or other interim alterna ves—only work if people are able to transi on from those shelters to safe, stable housing that they can afford. Having a greater number and diversity of shelter op ons available is a laudable and important goal, but it should not be undertaken at the expense of long-term housing that is integrated into the larger community.
Thank you,
Melissa Morris
6/12/23, 4:20 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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City Budget
Josie Supencheck <
Mon 6/12/2023 9:38 AM
To:City Clerk <[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]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
I support Mayor Mahan's city budget because San Jose has a need for financial stability and responsible spending of a budget that is equitable and well distributed. Thank you.
Member of District 2
6/12/23, 4:20 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Agenda item 3.4 Measure E allocations/Budget
Lori Katcher <
Mon 6/12/2023 9:52 AM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc:District 6 <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
My name is Lori Katcher, I am a 20 year resident and voter in San Jose, a homeowner for 15 years, and a member of Showing Up for Racial Justice at Sacred Heart.
I am supporting Survivors of the Streets and writing in favor of the Davis, Torres, Ortiz plan for Measure E funds.
The Davis, Torres, Ortiz plan keeps the promise made to voters for Measure E funds to maximize the building of affordable housing we can support and build in our city. We must continue to do our part to increase permanent 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 transition 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.
This plan is not "status quo". This plan is creative, collaborative, and allows our city to do both- build quick, interim housing AND keep moving strongly forward to increase permanent affordable housing.
We have raised three children in San Jose having the safety and security of a home, which has allowed us to focus on caring for both the daily physical and emotional needs of our family and participate in our community. However, when a person is without a home, it makes it incredibly difficult to keep a steady job, go to school and learn, and take care of a family.
6/12/23, 4:20 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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I want to live in a vibrant city where everyone belongs. 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.
I urge the city council to vote for the plan created by Council members Dev Davis, Omar Torres, and Peter Ortiz.
Thank you,
Lori Katcher
member, SURJ at Sacred Heart
board member, Neighborhood Hands
6/12/23, 4:20 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Final Measure E Budget Hearing: Memo from Davis/Torres/Ortiz Kathryn Hedges <
Mon 6/12/2023 9:58 AM
To:Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;City Clerk <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]> Cc:Cohen, David <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;Foley, Pam <[email protected]>;Housing Element <[email protected]>;Housing - CSJ <[email protected]>;Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>
Dear Councilmembers Davis, Torres, and Ortiz:
I am Kathryn Hedges, downtown resident in affordable housing and member of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). The only reason I can afford to live in San José on SSDI is having affordable housing partially funded by the City of San Josê and the HUD HOME loans the City administers.
SURJ has accountability partners at Survivors Of the Streets. They have asked us to amplify their message that they disapprove of any budget that changes the original allocation of Measure E funds.
They have lived in tiny homes or other interim housing, or have neighbors who do. It is a bad fit for many people, and the only thing that makes it tolerable is knowing you have a permanent supportive apartment waiting for you on the other side. They are extremely concerned that the City considered stopping or reducing funding for permanent housing.
Thank you for your courage to do the right thing, instead of the easy thing, for solving our homelessness crisis in San José. Too many politicians want to find quick, easy, "common sense" proposals to solve problems their constituents find intolerable. These solutions may appear effective for a year or two, but because they are not the right thing to do, they eventually fail. Continuing to produce affordable housing is the right thing to do even though the opponents are very vocal.
Thank you for recognizing that without a supply of permanent supportive housing and affordable housing, interim housing is not an effective solution. Although interim housing is part of the solution, we must not overinvest in a tool whose upkeep expenditures could be 4% of the City budget (as Mayor Mahan admitted at the Budget Town Hall in D1 on Saturday afternoon). It is far more appropriate to find one-time funding sources outside the Measure E proceeds and I thank you for doing the hard work to look at funds such as those that homelessness agencies are not ready to spend.
Thank you for agreeing that a San José where thousands are relegated to the purgatory of interim housing with no available permanent affordable housing is not the San José where we want to live.
Continuing the pipeline of permanent affordable housing is necessary to have a pathway out of interim housing. Although cycling people out of interim housing if they fail to find housing, when
6/12/23, 4:20 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. there IS no housing for them, is cruel, it is also cruel to leave them in this interim housing indefinitely.
We might as well say we decided to build substandard apartments for the unhoused because they don't deserve a permanent home that meets the same standards as everyone else. (I hear enough people saying they don't deserve decent housing that I don't think it's an accident we may be facing this situation three years down the road.)
Thank you for understanding that creating affordable housing is an effective strategy (along with legal assistance and emergency rent support) that keeps people from falling into homelessness. Providing affordable housing for rent-burdened residents of San José is the right thing to do, even though it is not the easy thing to do for a quick fix. The reason we have a perpetual homelessness crisis isn't that other cities are busing thousands of people here, or that they are attracted by services. The reason we keep having more unhoused people is that the rents are too d*** high. "Rent-burdened" technically means anyone whose rent is over 30% of their income, yet most tenants in San José have rent over 50% of their income--sometimes up to 80%. (Even in affordable housing, my rent is 48% of my income.) A single person must earn $55/hr to afford the average 1-bedroom market rate apartment, and rents don't get low enough on the open market to afford an apartment on $18/hr. Any financial bump in the road means falling into homelessness when it takes roommates and 2-3 jobs to afford housing. Having affordable housing means people can pay a reasonable rent for their income and live without the fear of homelessness hanging over them any time they take unpaid sick days or their roommate/partner moves out. Temporary rental assistance to keep people in their homes is a better quick and easy solution to homelessness, except the rents are so high that many tenants can't afford the rent on an ongoing basis after a rent hike--not just when there's a change in income or occupancy. That is why rental assistance and tenant right to counsel are a good secondary use of Measure E funds to complement constructing affordable housing.
Thank you for doing the right thing for the unhoused people and renters of San José, instead of the easy thing to score political points with homeowners and the real estate industry. We have enough affordable housing in the pipeline that it will take at least two years to notice the drop in supply from failing to issue a NOFA in FY 2023-24. Yet by finding alternative one-time funding sources for a one- time investment in interim housing, we can still provide temporary relief to more of our unhoused residents. I sincerely hope this will not be coupled with measures to make it illegal to camp anywhere but the interim sites, as Texas did.
In community,
Kathryn Hedges
6/12/23, 4:21 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Support the Davis/Ortiz/Torres memo (Item 3.1)
Emma Hartung <
Mon 6/12/2023 9:59 AM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Hi, my name is Emma Hartung, I live in District 3, and I'm a member of SURJ at Sacred Heart.
When I think of the San Jose community and especially people who are from San Jose, love San Jose, and give everything they've got to support community orgs and support their neighbors, so many of the people who come to mind are homeless, have been homeless, or are struggling with cost of living in our city - which has made it that much harder for them to stay in touch with friends and family, maintain stability, and contribute their love and light to our communities.
It doesn't have to be this way. By working together, we can take bold action that makes San Jose a place wh
ere everyone has a roof over their head and all of our families can thrive, so that all our neighborhoods can be safe, diverse, strong and stable.
Please take that bold action for a thriving San Jose today. Support the Davis/Ortiz/Torres memo so that we can preserve the Measure E allocation for permanent affordable housing AND fund new emergency interim housing.
Thank you,
Emma Hartung
District 3
San Jose, CA 95116
6/12/23, 4:22 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 10:47 AM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Shirls F <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 10:28 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]>
Subject: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget
Dear City Clerk:
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 opera ons, 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 collec on, use, and transparency of data, including the
6/12/23, 4:22 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. collec on of cri cal 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 ki ens and as of June 6th was holding 340 ki ens, represen ng the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organiza ons, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community ki ens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is s ll the beginning of “ki en season”. This problem results directly from the reduc on in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termina on 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 reduc on of TNR service began, the ci es served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat popula on that will con nue to grow exponen ally 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 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 adop on 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, 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 me animal behaviorist. A dedicated posi on would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socializa on, behavior modifica on and offset the stressful condi ons of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adop on support and owner-reten on programs, increasing posi ve 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.
Please add my comments to the public record and distribute to the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Sincerely,
Shirley Feliciano
6/12/23, 4:22 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Public Comment for City Council Meeting Agenda Item 3.4 Deborah Garvey <
Mon 6/12/2023 10:31 AM
To:District 6 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>
Dear Councilmember Davis, Mayor Mahan and City Council members, As a concerned citizen and voter, I want to help our community stay safe and housed by protecting Measure E spending allocations.
Of the new proposals for spending Measure E funds on homeless prevention and housing, I stand with Survivors of the Street at Sacred Heart Community Service in supporting the plan proposed by Council members Dev Davis, Omar Torres, and Peter Ortiz because it:
• Uses Measure E funds to maximize support for affordable housing • Uses general budget money to fund interim housing and homeless support services • Maintains investments in homelessness prevention
The Davis, Torres & Ortiz plan keeps the promise made to voters like myself who approved Measure E funds. It maximizes financial support for construction of affordable housing. People are moving out of San Jose or increasingly living unhoused because there is not enough affordable housing.
Homelessness makes it incredibly difficult to keep a job, attend school, or care for one's family. Having a safe home is the first, most basic foundation we all need to thrive as human beings in strong communities.
Affordable housing is the fundamental solution to homelessness.
I urge the City Council to vote for the plan created by Council members Dev Davis, Omar Torres, and Peter Ortiz.
Deborah L. Garvey, PhD
IG: @dlgarvey
(cell)
Reference: https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-city-council-divided-on-core-budget-issue/
6/12/23, 4:22 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Mon 6/12/2023 10:56 AM
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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 4:22 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:24 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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My Support for Arts and Culture Funding in the FY 2023-2024 City Budget. And a few comments.
Lee Kopp <
Mon 6/12/2023 1:16 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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I SUPPORT THE EMAIL BELOW WITH THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS. (See below) Honorable Mayor and City Council,
My name is Lee Kopp. I was born and raised in San Jose and I am an Arts Advocate that has worked my entire adult life in the arts in San Jose and Bay Area. I currently work with Symphony San Jose, sjDANCEco, San Jose Chamber Orchestra and Steinway Society.
I want to thank the Mayor and Administration for including one-time resources for arts and cultural programs in the proposed FY 2023-2024 City Budget. These one-time resources will help sustain the creative industry during a period of severely diminished Transient Occupancy Tax revenues.
However, the one-time nature of this investment only underscores that the time has come for city leaders to identify and prioritize pathways to sustainable funding for arts, cultural, and tourism programs.
With that in mind, I stand with San José Arts Advocates in calling on the City Council to:
1. Direct the Administration to pursue a percent for art allocation from private development and return with a policy framework for Council consideration as soon as possible; and
2. Support recommendation #4 in the memo from Councilmembers Torres, Davis, Ortiz, Batra, and Doan’s to “Direct staff to explore additional revenue options and a budget policy strategy to re-invest 2% of the General Fund portion of TOT incrementally starting with an increase of .5% in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.” Thank you for your service and consideration.
6/12/23, 4:24 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Regards,
Lee Kopp
District 1 (Rosemary Kamei)
Additional Comments: Having worked for 50+ years in San Jose and the surrounding area as an actor, musician, arts manager and educational outreach director, I know far too well the state of the arts and arts organizations in my home town. I have watched the death of San Jose Civic Light Opera, San Jose Cleveland Ballet, San Jose Repertory Theatre, and so many smaller groups during that time. I have been part of Americans for the Arts, "Arts & Economic Prosperity" surveys and reports for major arts organizations locally and know how many thousands of jobs and millions of dollars the arts bring into our community. But I fear that far too many of our local populous is unaware and the fiscal impact the arts have here.
We must take better care of this vital part of our economy. A percentage for art allocation from private development is a good start, and, in my opinion, must be instituted ASAP. But it is only one step. Please look to the future of our economy, and the quality of life for our current residents, our children and our children’s children.
As the classic Joni Mitchell song warned us back in the 1960s, “Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you've got ’til it’s gone.” Those words are especially timely today. Don’t be blind to the possibilities. Thank you.
6/12/23, 4:24 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Gloria Sciara <
Mon 6/12/2023 1:09 PM
To:CouncilMeeting <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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[External Email]
Dear ,
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
6/12/23, 4:24 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Gloria Sciara
TNR volunteer
San Jose
Sent from my iPhone
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6/12/23, 4:25 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget <
Mon 6/12/2023 1:04 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]>
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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
6/12/23, 4:25 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Noelle Andrade
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6/12/23, 4:26 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Emergency measures needed for animal care SJACC
Diane Foxen <
Mon 6/12/2023 1:53 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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In regards to the budget :
It is very very important our voices, your constituents voices are heard in support of the budget addendum that pertains to animal services in San Jose. We need more comprehensive animal welfare services in San Jose. We desperately need an active and sustainable TNR program for the hundreds of feral cats that are on the streets. The numbers post pandemic have increased dramatically. We have the volunteers and to perform the Trapping part of TNR. We need the city to step up to provide the N= neuter part. If the city cannot find veterinarians, then they need to start thinking outside of the box. Outsourcing, spay and neuter vans, contract vets, vouchers. The animals are suffering. San Jose's live release rate for cats is down to 81%. That is heartbreaking. If we don’t stop the reproduction from the streets by offering a robust TNR program the. The kittens will just keep coming and multiplying astronomically. Those that do survive are lucky. There were many more that suffer and die. The major way to help is stop the reproductive cycle by offering TNR. Come on San Jose. It’s time you stepped up to the plate and matched services for all your volunteer TNR trappers. We will trap them, you will spay/neuter them and provide medical services. This is what we elected you for and our taxes are collected for. Do your job and think outside the box. Get it done!!!!!!!NOW Diane Foxen
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6/12/23, 4:26 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget JJ Villalobos <
Mon 6/12/2023 1:53 PM
To:CouncilMeeting <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear , Council
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
6/12/23, 4:26 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
.
Sent from my iPhone
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6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Support the Davis, Ortiz, Torres Memo on Affordable Housing Meriam Ahmad <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:44 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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Hello,
My name is Meriam Ahmad, and I am a resident of East San José and an advocate for affordable housing.
For far too long San José's affordability issues have been ignored, and communities like East San José have disproportionally suffered from the effects of overcrowding, homelessness, and poor living conditions.
Many of us voted for Measure E on the promise that it would be used to build affordable housing, but now the Mayor wants to shift funding towards temporary homeless shelters, which would jeopardize funding for new affordable housing construction. This is unacceptable!
I believe this is a misguided short-term gain that will have a devastating long-term impact on our housing affordability. Our working-class families can’t afford to lose this critical resource.
I urge you all to support the Davis, Ortiz, Torres memo as it represents the will of the voters, and works strategically to address both the affordability and unhoused crisis that we are facing.
Thank you.
Meriam Ahmad, 95127
6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Kim Mellon <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:05 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]>
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[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
6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
Kim Mellon
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:13 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:16 PM
To:District4 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[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 Councilmember Cohen:
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
6/12/23, 4:27 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
.
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:28 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Meily Young <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:16 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 4:28 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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,
.
Sent from my iPhone
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted 6/12/23, 4:28 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/1 [External Email]
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Support the Davis/Ortiz/Torres memo
Co Tran <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:17 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Hi, my name is Viet-Co Tran. I was born and raised in East San José and now live in San José's Japantown.
When I think of the San Jose community and especially people who are from San Jose, love San Jose, and give everything they've got to support community orgs and support their neighbors, so many of the people who come to mind are homeless, have been homeless, or are struggling with cost of living in our city - which has made it that much harder for them to stay in touch with friends and family, maintain stability, and contribute their love and light to our communities.
It doesn't have to be this way. 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, strong and stable.
Please take that bold action for a thriving San Jose today. Support the Davis/Ortiz/Torres memo
so that we can preserve the Measure E allocation for permanent affordable housing AND fund new emergency interim housing.
Thank you,
Co Tran
San José, CA 95112
6/12/23, 4:28 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 [External Email]
Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Hanh Pham <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:25 PM
To:District7 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important
Dear Councilmember Doan:
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
6/12/23, 4:28 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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.
Sincerely,
Hanh Pham
6/12/23, 4:29 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/2 Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Linda Christian <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:40 PM
To:CouncilMeeting <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
[You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
[External Email]
Dear ,
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
6/12/23, 4:29 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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.
Sincerely,
Linda D Christian
.
Sent from my i pad
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City Budget - 6/13/23 Council Meeting Item 3.4
David Noel <
Mon 6/12/2023 2:41 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;City Clerk <[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]>
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of the Mayor's proposed budget, including reallocation of partial Measure E funds, to provide housing with wrap-around services to homeless individuals approximately five times faster and at 10 times lower cost than the status quo.
The scope of the humanitarian crisis, including 250 homeless deaths per year, demands that we try new ideas. The quicker an unhoused individual is housed, the better their chances of success. Many individuals provided interim housing with wrap-around services will become self-sufficient or reunited with family and won't need permanent supportive housing. We can and should help them now.
I also urge the City of San Jose to lobby at the County, regional and State levels for revenue sharing policies that reward cities that provide housing, especially affordable housing. It's not fair that San Jose suffers economically for serving as Silicon Valley's bedroom community. It's also not fair when San Jose taxpayers fund affordable housing for workers in other cities that reap the economic benefits of those workers.
Mayor Mahan was elected with a mandate to address homelessness, crime and blight. His proposed budget tackles these priorities head-on. In the spirit of Silicon Valley, I urge you to try something new this year, measure the results, and make course corrections as needed next year.
Thanks for your consideration.
David Noel,
District 9 resident and President of Erikson Neighborhood Association
6/12/23, 4:30 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Urgent
<
Mon 6/12/2023 2:54 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
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6/12/23, 4:30 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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My position on this budget and suggestions on the next one Yi Wang <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:03 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;[email protected] <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
Hello,
My name is Yi Wang and I’m a resident of the East San Jose neighborhood. I urge you to support Mayor Mahan’s Back-to-Basics Budget. I believe it's the best approach so far, but I hope that the next budget can be even better. Here are my suggestions:
1. Financial decisions should be made at the district level and should benefit all parties involved instead of prioritizing the interests of some individuals over others. Each neighborhood should take responsibility for its own homeless population and have the final say about receiving new homeless people.
2. Homeless individuals who are capable of taking care of themselves should provide proof of residency in San Jose in order to receive benefits from our city.
3. Homeless individuals who are unable to take care of themselves should be provided with care in medical facilities rather than in private homes.
4. Our police officers should be treated with respect instead of being unjustly labeled as racists. Their safety should be taken into consideration.
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Thank you for your attention.
Yi Wang
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Protect Affordable Housing in San José!
Brittany Alvarez <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:36 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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Good Afternoon, my name is Brittany Alvarz and I am an advocate for city budget allocations that support long term solutions.
For far too long San José's affordability issues have been ignored, and communities like East San José have disproportionately suffered from the effects of overcrowding, homelessness, and poor living conditions.
Many of us voted for Measure E on the promise that it would be used to build affordable housing, but now the Mayor wants to shift funding towards temporary homeless shelters, which would jeopardize funding for new affordable housing construction. This is unacceptable! I believe this is a misguided short-term gain that will have a devastating long-term impact on our housing affordability. Our working-class families can’t afford to lose this critical resource.
I urge you all to support the Davis, Ortiz, Torres memo as it represents the will of the voters, and works strategically to address both the affordability and unhoused crisis that we are facing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Brittany Alvarez
--
Brittany Alvarez, MPA
6/12/23, 4:31 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Executive Director
Latino Education Advancement Foundation
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanynalvarez
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Financial Support for the San Jose Animal Shelter
Carol Graffius <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:36 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Dear Council Members,
The San Jose Animal Care Center has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. San Jose is a high profile city in the United States and world and I would hope we would want to be a leader in animal welfare which means giving the shelter what it needs to support the well being of community animals. I am a foster, rescuer and TNR person for all things cats and kittens. I am one of many volunteers on the ground floor getting my hands dirty and scratched up every single day saving cats and kittens. We cannot do this work without the shelter and they cannot do their work without us.
For way too long the shelter has not been functioning in the way it is intended. It needs your attention and financial support because our communities are in crisis. We are overrun with dogs and cats and needless suffering. The animal overpopulation has just begun. Creative minds need to come together to support the needs of the shelter. As we are realizing now more than ever, TNR works. Among other things, money needs to be allocated for TNR to stop the crisis of the overpopulation of cats.
Please consider this as you discuss ways of supporting the San Jose Shelter.
Thank you,
Carol Graffius
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Fiscal 2023- 2024 Animal Care & Services Budget
Sue Dileanis <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:01 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Dear Councilmember:
I’m wri ng about a very important issue which has been a ffec ng our community. I’m a long me San Jose resident and want to voice 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.
However, I feel the proposed changes don’t go far enough. I cannot tell you how overloaded the rescues have been. I am involved in fostering cats, and I am constantly hearing from others in the rescue community how overloaded and exhausted everyone is. I believe that reinsta ng low-cost spay and neuter services is extremely important. I constantly see on Nextdoor people asking where they can get low-cost spay and neuter, because the veterinarians they have inquired at are unaffordable. A neighbor will post asking how to trap a mother cat and her ki ens that are living in their yard, but they don’t have the funds to spay the mother cat. This was not the case prior to low-cost spay and neuter services being offered by the shelter. This is one reason we have such an explosion of animals needing homes.
I also believe the data produced and used by the shelter to direct its opera ons, 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 collec on, use, and transparency of data, including the collec on of cri cal 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.
I also think the shelter would bene fit from a full- me animal behaviorist. A dedicated posi on would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socializa on, behavior modifica on and off set the stressful condi ons of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post- adop on support and owner-reten on programs, increasing posi ve outcomes.
I know that the challenges facing the shelter will not be resolved overnight. 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. These changes have been a long me coming and are definitely a step in the right direc on! I urge you to approve the proposed increases for Animal Services.
Thank you,
6/12/23, 4:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Sue Dileanis
6/12/23, 4:32 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Protect Measure E
Elizabeth Barcelos <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:40 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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Hello, my name is Elizabeth Barcelos. I currently live in District 6, but I was born and raised in East San José.
For far too long, San José's affordability issues have been ignored, and communities like East San José have disproportionally suffered from the effects of overcrowding, homelessness, and poor living conditions.
Many of us voted for Measure E on the promise that it would be used to build affordable housing, but now the Mayor wants to shift funding towards temporary homeless shelters, which would jeopardize funding for new affordable housing construction. This is unacceptable!
I believe this is a misguided short-term gain that will have a devastating long-term impact on our housing affordability. Our working-class families can’t afford to lose this critical resource.
I urge you all to support the Davis, Ortiz, Torres memo as it represents the will of the voters, and works strategically to address both the affordability and unhoused crisis that we are facing.
Thank you.
6/12/23, 4:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Mon 6/12/2023 3:06 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]>
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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
6/12/23, 4:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Jeff Gao
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6/12/23, 4:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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I support the Measure E allocation of Davis, Ortiz, and Torres L A Kurth <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:23 PM
To:City Clerk <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>
Dear City Council,
I support the ideas brought forth by Dev Davis (my councilperson), Peter Ortiz, and Omar Torres. Both immediate help and longterm housing are needed, and I'm really happy that this trio is seeking suitable funding so that these two important goals are not pitted against one another.
I have to say I question the extreme cost of $18million merely to lease land for 10 years and benefit only 85 people. I hope the city can look at that again.I'd like to see exactly where the great cost is.
Cordially,
Lita Kurth,
6/12/23, 4:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Jeffery A. Koenig <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:25 PM
To:District1 <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Councilmember Kamei:
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
6/12/23, 4:33 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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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.
Sincerely,
Jeffery Koenig
6/12/23, 4:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Mon 6/12/2023 3:43 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]>
[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
6/12/23, 4:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 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,
Byron
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Maria Perez <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:44 PM
To:CouncilMeeting <[email protected]>
Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
Dear ,
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
6/12/23, 4:34 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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.
Sincerely,
.
Maria Perez
6/12/23, 4:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget Maria Perez <
Mon 6/12/2023 3:44 PM
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc:City Clerk <[email protected]>
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Dear Mayor Mahan:
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
6/12/23, 4:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQAI… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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.
Sincerely,
. Maria Perez
6/12/23, 4:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Urgent Need for a Workable Budget/Plan of Action to help San Jose Unhoused and other residents in need
Loreto Dimaandal <
Mon 6/12/2023 4:05 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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Greetings and bountiful blessings to all of Mayor Mahan, Vice-Mayor Kamei, City Council Members, and city staff!
I'm Mrs. Loreto Quevedo Dimaandal, Founder and Community Organizer/ Advocate of LoretoQD's Brigade - Silicon Valley, an all-volunteer grassroots team who help humanity in and outside Santa Clara County including outside the US. I'm also in the Leadership Team and the scheduler for the Coalition
for the Unhoused of Silicon Valley.
I'm a CalPers retiree who primarily handled Contracts and Accounts Payable and other accounting duties at the City of Mountain View's Finance Dept/Accounting Division for over 20 years. My job included reading city council minutes and staff reports, budget items and paying out HUD housing funds and Community Development Block Grants to recipient non-profit organizations.
My family and I have been helping the Unhoused and Underprivileged Families for many years and also in collaboration with other non-profit, faith - and community-based organizations and caring individuals. We helped provide food, water, clothes, shoes, winter care, hygiene and toiletry kits, etc.
We help in providing transportation, getting ID's, applying for benefits, free phones, and housing, etc.
My Brigade and I have seen first-hand the difficult situations, the unhealthy and dangerous environment of the Unhoused during our regular outreach and distributions in the various encampments in San Jose, Milpitas, and in other cities. Although I am not a resident of San Jose, I hope you all can consider and accept this urgent message.
6/12/23, 4:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 There's a great and immediate need for temporary, interim housing, and permanent affordable housing and supportive services for the Unhoused, the sick, the elderly, indigent families, et al.
I hope that you could all amicably and responsibly work together to come up with a workable budget and plan of action that will help mitigate these humanitarian, housing, mental health, and opioid crises in San Jose
and in our county.
Any further delays could exacerbate the dire conditions of San Jose and County residents who are vulnerable and at risk.
I also would like to encourage further collaborations with the Board of Supervisors and Santa Clara County agencies on these important and immediate matters.
Respectfully,
Loreto Quevedo Dimaandal (She, her, hers)
LoretoQD's Brigade - Silicon Valley
Founder and Community Organizer/Advocate
6/12/23, 4:35 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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6/12/23, 4:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Support for Arts and Culture Funding in the FY 2023-2024 City Budget Brendan Rawson <
Mon 6/12/2023 4:23 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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Honorable Mayor and City Council,
I want to thank the Mayor and Administration for including one-time resources for arts and cultural programs in the proposed FY 2023-2024 City Budget. These one-time resources will help sustain the creative industry during a period of severely diminished Transient Occupancy Tax revenues.
However, the one-time nature of this investment only underscores that the time has come for city leaders to identify and prioritize pathways to sustainable funding for arts, cultural, and tourism programs.
With that in mind, I stand with San José Arts Advocates in calling on the City Council to:
1. Direct the Administration to pursue a percent for art allocation from private development and return with a policy framework for Council consideration as soon as possible; and
2. Support recommendation #4 in the memo from Councilmembers Torres, Davis, Ortiz, Batra, and Doan’s to “Direct staff to explore additional revenue options and a budget policy strategy to re-invest 2% of the General Fund portion of TOT incrementally starting with an increase of .5% in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.”
Thank you for your service and consideration.
Regards,
Brendan Rawson
District 3
6/12/23, 4:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 4:32 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
-----Original Message-----
From: <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 4:19 PM
To: The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]> Cc: City Clerk <[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 Mayor Mahan:
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.
6/12/23, 4:36 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Jude Alpuerto
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
6/12/23, 4:37 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 4:32 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Juvie Calderon <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 4:19 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: 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]>; District9 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Ma Mahan <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget
Dear City Clerk,
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 opera ons, 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 collec on, use, and transparency of data, including the collec on of cri cal 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 ki ens and as of June 6th was holding 340 ki ens, represen ng the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organiza ons, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community ki ens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is s ll the beginning of “ki en season”. This problem results directly from the reduc on in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termina on 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 reduc on of TNR service began, the ci es served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat popula on that will con nue to grow exponen ally 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
6/12/23, 4:37 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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 adop on 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, 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 me animal behaviorist. A dedicated posi on would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socializa on, behavior modifica on and offset the stressful condi ons of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adop on support and owner-reten on programs, increasing posi ve 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. Please add my comments to the public record and distribute to the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Regards,
Juvie Calderon
6/12/23, 4:50 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQAI… 1/2 [External Email]
FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 4:33 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: 20L. Lopez02 <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 4:09 PM
To: CouncilMee ng <CouncilMee [email protected]>
Cc: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
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 opera ons, 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 collec on, use, and transparency of data, including the collec on of cri cal 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 ki ens and as of June 6th was holding 340 ki ens, represen ng the majority of the animals in the shelter. The shelter, rescue organiza ons, and fosters are at or over capacity and animals are being turned away. Friendly community ki ens are being found throughout San Jose; there is no place for them to go and it is s ll the beginning of “ki en season”. This problem results directly from the reduc on in TNR services in 2019 by Animal Services and its termina on 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
6/12/23, 4:50 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQAI… 2/2 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. neuter services. Since the reduc on of TNR service began, the ci es served by Animal Services have been experiencing an increasing cat popula on that will con nue to grow exponen ally 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 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 adop on 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, 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 me animal behaviorist. A dedicated posi on would enable the shelter to structure enrichment, socializa on, behavior modifica on and offset the stressful condi ons of the shelter environment on the animals. An animal behaviorist would also provide post-adop on support and owner-reten on programs, increasing posi ve 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,
Le y Lopez
6/12/23, 4:51 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 1/3 FW: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 4:33 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeanne Wiens <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 4:25 PM
To: CouncilMeeting <[email protected]>
Cc: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Fiscal 2023– 2024 Animal Care & Services (“Animal Services”) Budget [External Email]
Dear City Counsel Members,
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.
6/12/23, 4:51 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADUxOWI4ZjE3LTRkNDEtNGUzMS04MjAwLTIzNzdiYTdkMjc5NAAQA… 2/3 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.
Sincerely,
.
Jeanne Wiens
Sent from my iPhone
6/12/23, 4:51 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Support for Arts and Culture Funding in the FY 2023-2024 City Budget Hally Bowman <
Mon 6/12/2023 4:34 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
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Honorable Mayor and City Council,
My name is Hally Bowman, and I am an Arts Advocate. I want to thank the Mayor and Administration for including one-time resources for arts and cultural programs in the proposed FY 2023-2024 City Budget. These one-time resources will help sustain the creative industry during a period of severely diminished Transient Occupancy Tax revenues.
However, the one-time nature of this investment only underscores that the time has come for city leaders to identify and prioritize pathways to sustainable funding for arts, cultural, and tourism programs.
With that in mind, I stand with San José Arts Advocates in calling on the City Council to:
1. Direct the Administration to pursue a percent for art allocation from private development and return with a policy framework for Council consideration as soon as possible; and
2. Support recommendation #4 in the memo from Councilmembers Torres, Davis, Ortiz, Batra, and Doan’s to “Direct staff to explore additional revenue options and a budget policy strategy to re-invest 2% of the General Fund portion of TOT incrementally starting with an increase of .5% in Fiscal Year 2024-2025.”
Thank you for your service and consideration.
Regards,
6/12/23, 4:51 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Hally Bowman
San Jose, District 9
6/12/23, 4:52 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
FW: Do not remove funds for Affordable Housing
City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 4:44 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Lisa He ler-Smith <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 4:43 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Do not remove funds for Affordable Housing
I am a member of Catalyze SV and I support their stand on this issue:
"We want folks to invest in building affordable housing projects in our cities. In our conversations with affordable housing developers, many of which are nonprofits, Catalyze SV has been unsettled by the impact this reallocation would have. If we discourage these affordable housing developers by reducing or eliminating funding, especially funding they've been expecting, they won't be as likely to build the affordable housing we desperately need here. And those projects already in the works may be slowed or stalled without adequate funding.
Joined by Destination: Home, Sacred Heart Community Service, SV@Home, and other advocacy organizations focused on housing and equity, we encourage you to support the memo from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz & Torres to maintain the Council's approved allocations from 2022."
Thank you,
Lisa Hettler-Smith (District 3)
6/12/23, 4:52 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
FW: Public Comment for 6/13 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 3.4 City Clerk <[email protected]>
Mon 6/12/2023 4:44 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Lisa He ler-Smith <
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2023 4:44 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment for 6/13 City Council Mee ng Agenda Item 3.4
I am a member of Catalyze SV and I support their stand on this issue:
"We want folks to invest in building affordable housing projects in our cities. In our conversations with affordable housing developers, many of which are nonprofits, Catalyze SV has been unsettled by the impact this reallocation would have. If we discourage these affordable housing developers by reducing or eliminating funding, especially funding they've been expecting, they won't be as likely to build the affordable housing we desperately need here. And those projects already in the works may be slowed or stalled without adequate funding.
Joined by Destination: Home, Sacred Heart Community Service, SV@Home, and other advocacy organizations focused on housing and equity, we encourage you to support the memo from Councilmembers Davis, Ortiz & Torres to maintain the Council's approved allocations from 2022."
Thank you,
Lisa Hettler-Smith (District 3)
6/12/23, 5:49 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Final Public Hearing 2023-2024 Proposed Operating and Capital budgets julie corona
Mon 6/12/2023 5:38 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;Cohen, David <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;Doan, Bien <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>
Hello, my name is [Obdulia Corona and I [AM A RESIDENT OF EAST SAN JOSE, AN ADVOCATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ETC.]
For far too long San José's affordability issues have been ignored, and communities like East San José have disproportionally suffered from the effects of overcrowding, homelessness, and poor living conditions.
Many of us voted for Measure E on the promise that it would be used to build affordable housing, but now the Mayor wants to shift funding towards temporary homeless shelters, which would jeopardize funding for new affordable housing construction. This is unacceptable!
I believe this is a misguided short-term gain that will have a devastating long-term impact on our housing affordability. Our working-class families can’t afford to lose this critical resource.
I urge you all to support the Davis, Ortiz, Torres memo as it represents the will of the voters, and works strategically to address both the affordability and unhoused crisis that we are facing.
Thank you.
____________________________________________________________________________________ Obdulia Corona phone: email:
6/12/23, 5:50 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Adopt the Davis-Ortiz-Torres memo
Diana Wilkerson < >
Mon 6/12/2023 5:44 PM
To:Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Cc:Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>;The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>;District5 <[email protected]>;District 10 <[email protected]>;District2 <[email protected]>;District3 <[email protected]>;District1 <[email protected]>;District4 <[email protected]>;District 6 <[email protected]>;District7 <[email protected]>;District8 <[email protected]>;District9 <[email protected]>;Torres, Omar <[email protected]>;Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>;Davis, Dev <[email protected]>
Re: Public Hearing 2023-3024
Proposed Operating& CapitolBudgets and the 2023-2024 Proposal Fees and Charges for the City of San Jose.
Hello, my name is Diana Wilkerson and I [AM A RESIDENT OF EAST SAN JOSE, AN ADVOCATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ETC.]
For far too long San José's affordability issues have been ignored, and communities like East San José have disproportionally suffered from the effects of overcrowding, homelessness, and poor living conditions.
Many of us voted for Measure E on the promise that it would be used to build affordable housing, but now the Mayor wants to shift funding towards temporary homeless shelters, which would jeopardize funding for new affordable housing construction. This is unacceptable!
I believe this is a misguided short-term gain that will have a devastating long-term impact on our housing affordability. Our working-class families can’t afford to lose this critical resource.
I urge you all to support the Davis, Ortiz, Torres memo as it represents the will of the voters, and works strategically to address both the affordability and unhoused crisis that we are facing.
Please Support the DAVIS, ORTIZ, TORRES MEMO.
Thank you,
Diana Wilkerson
6/12/23, 5:50 PM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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