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Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole
September 25, 2024

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The Public Record
Meeting
September 25, 2024
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Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole
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Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on legistar.granicus.com. That file is the official record.

RULES COMMITTEE: 9/25/2024
Item: B.1
File ID: ROGC 24-695
TO: Honorable Mayor &
City Council
SUBJECT: The Public Record
FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
DATE: September 25, 2024
September 12 – September 19, 2024.

ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD
Letters from Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Letters from the Public Comment:
1-6. Letters from six members of the public, dated September 12 – 16, 2024, regarding: August 27, 2024 City Council Agenda Item 8.1 (Dropped) Declaration of Exempt Surplus Land and Subsequent Sale of City-Owned Property Located at 1072 - 1082 Vermont Street and 6066 Monterey Highway to the County of Santa Clara. 7-9. Letters from three members of the public, dated September 12 – 14, 2024, regarding: use 115 acres to address SJ needs.

10. Letter from Greg Peck, dated September 13, 2024, regarding: Greg Peck 95139 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings.
11-12. Letters from two members of the public, dated September 13, 2024, regarding: Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland.
____________________________
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
TJT/tt
[External Email]
Fw: NO JAIL IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Thu 9/12/2024 2:28 PM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 2:05 PM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: NO JAIL IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
From: Helen Lagel
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 2:01 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; Foley, Pam <[email protected]>; Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>; Cranford, Sandra <[email protected]>; Wilcox, Leland <[email protected]>; Solivan, Erik <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: NO JAIL IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important sO WHEN DOES IT STOP?? The residents in the Los Paseos neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods have said NO to your proposed "jail" in close proximit to our neighborhoods!

HERE WHAT OUR TAX PAYERS ARE SAYING -
iT APPEARS THAT POLITICIANS DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT WE DON'T OR DO WANT! Listen to us - we should have a say in what goes into our neighborhoods -we want a safe place to live both seniors, young couples with children and everyone else., If you don't listen to what we want - and you want to keep your job then find another place ofr your JAIL!.
iT IS SO FRUSTRATING THAT OUR CITY RULERS DON'T CARE ABOUT US - ONLY THEIR WA REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE AREAS WANTS.

LISTEN TO THE TAX PAYERS - THEY PAY YOUR SALARIES!!!
hELEN lAGEL
9/16/24, 9:20 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 1
[External Email]
Fw: Enough is Enough: Stop Dumping Disgusting Homeless Projects in Our Neighborhood NOW!
Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Thu 9/12/2024 3:46 PM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:24 PM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Enough is Enough: Stop Dumping Disgusting Homeless Projects in Our Neighborhood NOW! From: henry lee
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:08 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; Foley, Pam <[email protected]>; Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>; Cranford, Sandra <[email protected]>; Wilcox, Leland <[email protected]>; Solivan, Erik <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Enough is Enough: Stop Dumping Disgusting Homeless Projects in Our Neighborhood NOW! Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear City Officials,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the increasing concentration of homeless housing projects, specifically the tiny homes initiative, in our neighborhood. As a resident who is directly impacted by these developments, I believe our community has already done more than its fair share to address the homelessness crisis in San Jose.

Our neighborhood currently supports nearly 50% of the tiny homes in the city within just a one-mile radius. It feels as though our area is being unfairly targeted as a dumping ground for the majority of the homeless, while other districts are not sharing the responsibility equally. This is simply not sustainable or fair to the residents who have invested in and built their lives in this community.

My specific concerns are as follows:

Enough is enough—we have supported the city's efforts, but it's time for the remaining districts to step up and do their share. Why are District 2 and District 10 continually asked to bear this burden while others are not?
My family no longer feels safe in our own neighborhood due to the increase in homelessness-related issues, including public disorder and safety concerns. The city’s current approach is making an already bad situation worse.
9/16/24, 9:21 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 2
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The city has been speaking from both sides of its mouth, asking us to accept more tiny homes while at the same time selling off some. This contradictory approach only undermines trust and causes more frustration in the community.

When will this stop? We demand that the city find other locations for future projects rather than continuing to use our neighborhood as a dumping ground for these developments.

I urge the city to take immediate action to stop the expansion of tiny homes or repurposed housing projects in our community. It’s time for a balanced and fair solution where other districts are asked to carry their share of the responsibility.

We all want to see San Jose’s homelessness crisis addressed, but we also need to protect the safety and well-being of our families and communities. Please stop this craziness, respect our neighborhood, and ensure that future projects are distributed more equitably across the city.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. I look forward to hearing how the city plans to address these concerns and restore fairness in its approach to disposing the homeless.

Sincerely,
Henry Lee
9/16/24, 9:21 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email]
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Fw: Jail Diversion Program - please stop
Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 8:33 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:01 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Jail Diversion Program - please stop
From: Mark Burry
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 4:39 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; Foley, Pam <[email protected]>; Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>; Cranford, Sandra <[email protected]>; Wilcox, Leland <[email protected]>; Solivan, Erik <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Jail Diversion Program - please stop
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important My name is Mark Burry. I grew up in the Los Paseos area and now live here as an adult. I love this community, but it is slowly being destroyed. The amount of trash left by homeless, the number of homeless begging for handouts, the homeless startling my wife in the evening while walking our dog...the list continues. And now my community is supposed to add criminals amongst the homeless? Please no, please stop. My neighborhood has adopted a video surveillance program, but even that does not stop drug addicted individuals from coming into the neighborhood and stealing our belongings. This happened to my family about 6 months ago when the video surveillance recorded a man stealing items out of my stepdaughters truck. So, it is already bad enough the way it is, and now the plan is to concentrate drug addicts in my community? I think the outcome of this is obvious, there will be more theft and break-ins to feed the addict's habit. It would only be a matter of time before someone in my community happens upon a theft in progress, at which point innocent hard working members of my community will be at risk of physical violence.

Please do not bring this to my neighborhood.

Sincerely,
Mark Burry
9/16/24, 9:31 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 3
[External Email]
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Fw: Monterey/Bernal EIH Site
Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 8:33 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:04 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Monterey/Bernal EIH Site
From: Shwetha d b
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 6:57 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; Foley, Pam <[email protected]>; Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>; Cranford, Sandra <[email protected]>; Wilcox, Leland <[email protected]>; Solivan, Erik <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Monterey/Bernal EIH Site
Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important Hello,
My name is Shwetha Bolagond and I live in the Basking Ridge community in South San jose. Recently we came across this new proposal from the city of San jose to implement a jail diversion program in our area. I am writing to you to request not to move forward with this proposal and find an alternate site to implement this program as it is causing problems to our community in terms of increased crime rates and lowering of our property values.

Our neighborhood has done their share of supporting homelessness with nearly 50% of the tiny homes in SJ within a mile radius. Please stop using our community as a dumping ground for the most of the homeless. My family does not feel safe in our own community
I request you all to take this seriously and try to find alternate solutions to the city's homelessness and crime crisis Sincerely,
Shwetha Bolagond
9/16/24, 9:31 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/1 Public Record: 4
[External Email]
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Fw: Monterey/Bernal EIH Site
Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 8:33 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:04 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Monterey/Bernal EIH Site
From: A T
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 5:50 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Monterey/Bernal EIH Site
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Stop using our community as a dumping ground for the most of the homeless. -Ain
9/16/24, 9:25 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/1 Public Record: 5
Fw: Stop the Jail Diversion Program!
Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Mon 9/16/2024 8:39 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2024 7:54 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Stop the Jail Diversion Program!
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Lopez
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2024 8:51 AM
Subject: Stop the Jail Diversion Program!
[External Email]
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Our neighborhood already supports the unhoused with tiny homes and emergency shelters; 50% of the tiny homes in SJ within a mile radius are here. My family doesn’t feel safe in our own community with the prospect of this happening.

Chris Lopez
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
9/16/24, 9:34 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/1 Public Record: 6
[External Email]
Fw: Daniel Martinez 95148 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 8:33 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:04 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Daniel Martinez 95148 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs From: District 5 United
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 11:50 PM
To: [email protected]; [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]>; District1 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Daniel Martinez 95148 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
The land use plan for the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course site is a unique opportunity for the City of San Jose to envision a development strategy in partnership with its residents. This is an unusually large, empty site that is very rare in our community. Its development provides an opportunity to address multiple needs.

Statement of Principles from community members:

Housing and adequate parking with a gradual transition from existing single family homes on Flint Ave and Vista Verde Ave to higher density, including 15%+ affordable housing interspersed on site (such as for seniors, firefighters, teachers, service workers, etc.) Significant amounts of on site parkland and green space. Development on this site should include significant acreage of publicly accessible parkland, green space, and tree canopy and should prioritize native plants to maximize biodiversity and habitat value.

A mix of uses that includes jobs, high quality recreational public space including a community center, and green space with quality retail and commercial facing White Rd.

Resilience to climate change. With the development of this site, the surrounding community will lose the cooling effect and stormwater absorption capability of the existing 115 acres of open space and tree canopy. To mitigate the impact of this loss, include green stormwater infrastructure and tree canopy in order to reduce flooding and heat island effect along with energy efficiency considerations.

A mix of transportation options that will directly benefit the residents of East San José.

Transportation facilitation that promotes the use of public transit and mitigates high volume campus entrance and egress on Flint Ave and Vista Verde Ave.
9/16/24, 9:27 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 7
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Daniel Martinez
95148
You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).
—
This mail was sent on behalf of a San Jose resident via District 5 United Community Working Together
9/16/24, 9:27 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email]
Fw: Vincent Falcone 95135 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 3:18 PM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 3:13 PM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Vincent Falcone 95135 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs From: District 5 United
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 3:08 PM
To: ; ; 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]>; District1 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Vincent Falcone 95135 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
The land use plan for the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course site is a unique opportunity for the City of San Jose to envision a development strategy in partnership with its residents. This is an unusually large, empty site that is very rare in our community. Its development provides an opportunity to address multiple needs.

Statement of Principles from community members:

Housing and adequate parking with a gradual transition from existing single family homes on Flint Ave and Vista Verde Ave to higher density, including 15%+ affordable housing interspersed on site (such as for seniors, firefighters, teachers, service workers, etc.) Significant amounts of on site parkland and green space. Development on this site should include significant acreage of publicly accessible parkland, green space, and tree canopy and should prioritize native plants to maximize biodiversity and habitat value.

A mix of uses that includes jobs, high quality recreational public space including a community center, and green space with quality retail and commercial facing White Rd.

Resilience to climate change. With the development of this site, the surrounding community will lose the cooling effect and stormwater absorption capability of the existing 115 acres of open space and tree canopy. To mitigate the impact of this loss, include green stormwater infrastructure and tree canopy in order to reduce flooding and heat island effect along with energy efficiency considerations.

A mix of transportation options that will directly benefit the residents of East San José.

Transportation facilitation that promotes the use of public transit and mitigates high volume campus entrance and egress on Flint Ave and Vista Verde Ave.
9/16/24, 9:33 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 8
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. seems that this is a waste of time because the City of San Jose rarely listens to us……most of us want……no more housing……no high rises there….no mixed use….most of us want…..OPEN SPACE….A PARK…..another golf course……anyway well there you go…..NO…..MORE….HOUSING…..who cares how many people are already here…..the area cannot take the stress of more people there more cars….more water being used…..more more more…….congestion….traffic….hello>?!?!?….why is this even an being asked….once again the City will do whatever they feel needs to be done….leave it alone do not develop it and make it all a park……let's see what happens Vincent Falcone
95135
You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).
—
This mail was sent on behalf of a San Jose resident via District 5 United Community Working Together
9/16/24, 9:33 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email]
Fw: Toni V Thunen 95135 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Mon 9/16/2024 8:39 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2024 7:54 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Toni V Thunen 95135 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs From: District 5 United
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2024 11:08 AM
To: ; ; 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]>; District1 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Toni V Thunen 95135 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
The land use plan for the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course site is a unique opportunity for the City of San Jose to envision a development strategy in partnership with its residents. This is an unusually large, empty site that is very rare in our community. Its development provides an opportunity to address multiple needs.

Statement of Principles from community members:

Housing and adequate parking with a gradual transition from existing single family homes on Flint Ave and Vista Verde Ave to higher density, including 15%+ affordable housing interspersed on site (such as for seniors, firefighters, teachers, service workers, etc.) Significant amounts of on site parkland and green space. Development on this site should include significant acreage of publicly accessible parkland, green space, and tree canopy and should prioritize native plants to maximize biodiversity and habitat value.

A mix of uses that includes jobs, high quality recreational public space including a community center, and green space with quality retail and commercial facing White Rd.

Resilience to climate change. With the development of this site, the surrounding community will lose the cooling effect and stormwater absorption capability of the existing 115 acres of open space and tree canopy. To mitigate the impact of this loss, include green stormwater infrastructure and tree canopy in order to reduce flooding and heat island effect along with energy efficiency considerations.

A mix of transportation options that will directly benefit the residents of East San José.

Transportation facilitation that promotes the use of public transit and mitigates high volume campus entrance and egress on Flint Ave and Vista Verde Ave.
9/16/24, 9:33 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 9
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Keep as much of the property as park as possible. is my highest priority. No high rise structures.

Teacher housing yes, firefighters make an adequate salary it seems to me. "Quality" retail needs to be explained further. A wonderful opportunity and location, lets not squander it! Toni V Thunen
95135
You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).
—
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9/16/24, 9:33 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email]
Fw: Greg Peck 95139 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 8:33 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 8:05 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Greg Peck 95139 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 7:31 AM
To: [email protected]; [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]>; District1 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Greg Peck 95139 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings Dear Mayor Mahan and San Jose City Council,
I ask you to rise to the challenge rather than cave to bullies intent on stifling the input of disadvantaged communities. The City needs to immediately restore virtual public comment for all City Council, Committee, and Commission meetings.

It is clear there is an effort to silence members of disadvantaged communities. Many residents rely on being able to provide virtual public comment due to reasons of disability, health, work schedules, parenting and other demands of modern life. The strategy appears to be to engage in racist and hateful speech in order to bully the Council into eliminating virtual public comment. The bullies scored a victory when the Council decided to eliminate this option without first seeking community input and not at the bequest from community members.

By eliminating remote access on the heels of restricting access to the council chambers in December, San Jose has fallen from a model of good government dedicated to promoting civic participation to a city displaying troubling behavior and giving the impression that hearing from its residents is a bother.

We agree that the comments of a few bad actors are vile and have no place in a community meeting.

Rather than using racist and hateful speech as an excuse to cut off community participation and hamper people's First Amendment right to petition their government, however, the City should rise to the challenge of finding solutions to preserve access for everyone while continuing to facilitate public comment by providing a virtual option.

Ending the process of remote participation, is to deny a large segment of the community the opportunity to participate in our democratic process. Some examples include:
— Disabled residents who rely on technology to speak, or who otherwise have to arrange rides with Paratransit.
9/16/24, 9:27 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 10
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. — Immunocompromised residents who take on unnecessary risks to their health by spending hours in a packed room.
— Working people without the ability to arrange their schedules around hours-long council meetings. — Parents with small children who can't take time off to attend City meetings.

For example, budget season is the most critical time of year for civic engagement. The ban on remote comments means the people most in need of an equitable city budget will be sidelined throughout the process.

The possibility that the ban on remote comments might only last months is no comfort to those who wish to comment on current City Council, Committee and Commission matters in order to ensure that quality of life in San Jose is maximized. I ask that you immediately restore virtual public comment to ensure that you and the City once again benefit from the voices silenced by your recent decision.

Use the 7 second delay and cancel/stop inappropriate comments.

Greg Peck
95139
You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).
—
This mail was sent on behalf of a San Jose resident via District 5 United Community Working Together
9/16/24, 9:27 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email]
Fw: Charles Ward 95148 – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Fri 9/13/2024 9:22 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 9:22 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Charles Ward 95148 – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland From: San Jose United
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 9:16 AM
To: [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]>; District1 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Charles Ward 95148 – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland Dear San Jose City Council,
Protect Our Parks. We ask you to ensure that the definition of parkland fully protects existing, under construction, and planned parks in the City of San Jose.

Please do not delete park funding. Thousands of families rely on a low cost way to experience a near by peaceful environment. The park allows families to get out together for running, playing, fishing ect.

When families play together they stay together. The city looks for ways to keep kids out of trouble and this is one of the best ways ,
Parks are important to the residents of San Jose across the city. Rich or poor, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or ability: parks are important to us all – for our physical health, our mental health, and the health of the community.

The City Charter states the public parks of the City shall be inalienable unless otherwise authorized by the affirmative votes of the majority of the electors voting on such a proposition in each case. Further, the Charter states as used herein public park means any and all lands of the City which have been or are dedicated, improved and opened to the public for public park purposes. Additionally, the staff’s memo (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=108319&t=638406648249390275) notes:
“Opened to the public for public park purposes means that the public can access the park and enjoy the space. In other words, the City has made the space useable and safe for the public to use. This also includes open space in its natural condition with minimal or no improvements that are intended to be opened to the public.”
I urge the Council to ensure parks are protected in their entirety. Whether improved parks, or unimproved parks that focus public access on contemplative, passive enjoyment of the natural 9/16/24, 9:32 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 11
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. environment and its biological resources. I urge the Council to push for precise and expansive language to provide the maximum protection of our park lands. I also urge the Council to recommend that the City take steps to ensure the protection of planned or under-construction parks. In addition, I request that staff include a full list of the recognized Chartered Parks in the report, and in a maintained online directory, for public transparency.

Protect Our Parks.

Sincerely,
Charles Ward
95148
You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).
—
This mail was sent on behalf of a San Jose resident via San Jose United Community Working Together
9/16/24, 9:32 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email]
Fw: Mary Miranda 95122 – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Mon 9/16/2024 8:39 AM
To:Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2024 7:53 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Mary Miranda 95122 – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland From: San Jose United
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 5:11 PM
To: t; 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]>; District1 <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Mary Miranda 95122 – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland Dear San Jose City Council,
Protect Our Parks. We ask you to ensure that the definition of parkland fully protects existing, under construction, and planned parks in the City of San Jose.

Please update our parks Cunningham. There is no were else to go.

Parks are important to the residents of San Jose across the city. Rich or poor, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or ability: parks are important to us all – for our physical health, our mental health, and the health of the community.

The City Charter states the public parks of the City shall be inalienable unless otherwise authorized by the affirmative votes of the majority of the electors voting on such a proposition in each case. Further, the Charter states as used herein public park means any and all lands of the City which have been or are dedicated, improved and opened to the public for public park purposes. Additionally, the staff’s memo (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=108319&t=638406648249390275) notes:
“Opened to the public for public park purposes means that the public can access the park and enjoy the space. In other words, the City has made the space useable and safe for the public to use. This also includes open space in its natural condition with minimal or no improvements that are intended to be opened to the public.”
I urge the Council to ensure parks are protected in their entirety. Whether improved parks, or unimproved parks that focus public access on contemplative, passive enjoyment of the natural environment and its biological resources. I urge the Council to push for precise and expansive language to provide the maximum protection of our park lands. I also urge the Council to recommend 9/16/24, 9:35 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 12
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. that the City take steps to ensure the protection of planned or under-construction parks. In addition, I request that staff include a full list of the recognized Chartered Parks in the report, and in a maintained online directory, for public transparency.

Protect Our Parks.

Sincerely,
Mary Miranda
95122
You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).
—
This mail was sent on behalf of a San Jose resident via San Jose United Community Working Together
9/16/24, 9:35 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2

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