The Public Record — Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole, March 5, 2025

RULES COMMITTEE: 3/05/2025
Item: B.1
File ID: ROGC 25-080
TO: Honorable Mayor & FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Council City Clerk
SUBJECT: The Public Record DATE: March 5, 2025
February 20, 2025 – February 27, 2025

ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD
Letters from Boards, Commissions, and Committees

1. Letter from Library and Education Commission, dated February 19, 2025, regarding:

Library & Education Commission Budget message to the Mayor and City Council.

Letters from the Public

2. Letter from Barbara Gallaty, dated February 20, 2025, regarding: GREAT OAKS - LOS COLINAS ABATEMENT. (Complete record of photos are on file in the Clerk’s Office)
3-4. Two letters from A C, dated February 25, 2025, regarding: Public Comments; Public comment via Zoom.
5-9. Letters from five members of the public, dated February 25-26, 2025, regarding:

Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings.
____________________________
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
TJT/tt

LIBRARY AND EDUCATION COMMISSION
February 19, 2025
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council:

On behalf of the San José Library and Education Commission, we appreciate your leadership and commitment to ensuring equitable access to learning, technology, and essential community resources. The San José Public Library (“Library”) is one of the City’s most utilized and highly rated public services, serving as a pillar of education, workforce development, and digital access that thousands of residents rely on daily.

San José libraries saw a 20% increase in visits last year, reflecting the growing demand for education, career development, and digital inclusion services. As more residents turn to the Library for essential resources, it is critical that Library funding remains fully sustained without reductions. The Commission urges that there be NO service reductions or impact to Library hours. Maintaining full funding ensures that libraries continue to serve as safe, welcoming spaces that foster learning, economic mobility, and community engagement.

To ensure all residents continue to benefit from essential Library services, the Commission respectfully requests support for the following priorities:
x Maintain the Essential Services Provided by the Library – Ensure that there are no service reductions or impacts to current Library hours so that libraries may remain open and available to the public seven days per week.
x Sustain Digital Equity and Technology Access – Maintain investment in Tech Hubs, digital literacy training, and community Wi-Fi infrastructure to close the digital divide.

This includes sustaining SJ Access programs, public device lending, and cybersecurity staffing to protect the Library’s public network and ensure safe, reliable access to online resources for all residents.
x Strengthen Workforce Development and Career Pathways – Continue funding for SJPL Works, Resilience Corps Learning Pathway, and College & Career Pathways to provide job seekers and students with career readiness training, mentorship, and employment opportunities. Expanding paid internship and workforce training programs through the Library will help prepare San José’s next generation for the evolving job market.

Public Record: 1

Page 2 of 3 ends

x Maintain Library Infrastructure and Public Safety – Ensure that Library buildings remain safe, well-maintained, and accessible seven days per week. This includes funding for security staffing, facility repairs, and critical technology upgrades to meet the increasing demand for safe, welcoming library spaces.
x Expand Access to Library Services and Collections – Preserve funding for physical and digital collections in English and world languages to meet rising demand and prevent the Library from falling further behind other Bay Area cities in per capita materials available.

Investing in multilingual, culturally inclusive resources ensures that all residents— regardless of language or background—can access books, research materials, and educational tools.
x Libraries as Community Hubs for Learning & Engagement – Support early education programs, youth engagement initiatives, and expanded out-of-school learning opportunities that align with San José’s Education Policy and Children & Youth Services Master Plan and the City’s Youth Commission. Funding family literacy programs, civic engagement initiatives, and community-driven programming will strengthen the Library’s role as a key learning and resource hub for all residents.

The San José Public Library is one of the City’s most impactful and cost-effective investments, ensuring that residents of all ages have access to the information, skills, and support they need to succeed. Prior funding commitments have already yielded significant community benefits, including expanded Library hours, increased workforce training programs, and greater access to digital resources. As a result, Library visits have risen, job seekers have found employment, and students have received critical educational support.

Sustaining digital equity funding is essential. The Library has been a leader in bridging the digital divide, yet 154,000 San José residents remain unconnected or under-connected, disproportionately affecting low-income households, seniors, and students. The elimination of the Library’s hotspot lending program in 2024 has left thousands without affordable internet access.

We urge the City Council to allocate new funding to restore this critical service and expand Tech Hubs, ensuring that no resident is left behind in an increasingly digital world.

San José’s economic recovery depends on strong workforce training programs. The Library’s job readiness services—SJPL Works, Resilience Corps, and College & Career Pathways—must continue to be funded to support residents entering high-demand industries. Investing in paid internships and hands-on learning opportunities will prepare the next generation for San José’s evolving job market.

Safe and accessible Library spaces are not a luxury—they are essential community resources. With Library usage increasing, the City must sustain funding for security staffing, facility improvements, and technology upgrades to ensure Library buildings remain operational

Page 3 of 3 ends

seven days a week. Without continued investment, libraries will struggle to meet growing demand, limiting access to the safe, welcoming spaces that residents rely on for learning, career development, and community connection.

Beyond infrastructure, the Library serves as a critical gateway for career exploration, digital skillbuilding, and academic support—especially for young residents. It provides opportunities for students to develop essential skills, explore career pathways, and engage in civic life. Without continued investment, thousands of youth risk losing access to these vital opportunities, widening disparities in education and economic mobility.

While we recognize the City faces a $60 million budget shortfall, it is essential that Library resources remain fully funded without reductions to meet the rising demand for education, workforce development, and digital access. The Library plays a vital role in keeping San José competitive, equitable, and economically strong by supporting student success, preparing job seekers for high-demand careers, and providing accessible spaces for lifelong learning and community engagement. Additionally, the Youth Commission’s 2025 Priorities Survey results reinforce the importance of Library services for young people, highlighting the need for career pathways, digital inclusion, and accessible learning spaces. Ensuring continued investment in Library resources is critical to maintaining these opportunities for all residents.

The Library and Education Commission urges the Mayor and City Council to prioritize Library funding in this year’s budget, ensuring that all San José residents—from childhood to adulthood— can benefit from free access to educational programs, workforce training, digital literacy services, and safe spaces to learn and grow. Investing in the Library means investing in San José’s longterm economic vitality, equity, and innovation.

We appreciate your consideration of the critical services and opportunities provided by our public libraries and the long-term benefits they bring to our city.

Thank you for your leadership and for your continued support of the San José Public Library.

Best Regards,
/s/
Jose Magaña
Commission Chair
On behalf of the San José Public Library and Education Commission 2/24/25, 8 34 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
FW: GREAT OAKS -LOS COLINAS ABATEMENT
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Thu 2/20/2025 1 :23 PM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> ® 14 attachments (2 MB)
VIA DEL ORO 1.jpg; GREAT OAKSjpg; GREAT OAKS 3jpg; GREAT OAKS 4.jpg; GREAT OAKS Sjpg; GREAT OAKS 6.jpg; GREAT OAKS

7.jpg; GREAT OAKS 8jpg; GREAT OAKS 9.jpg; GREAT OAKS 10.jpg; GREAT OAKS 11jpg; GREAT OAKS 12jpg; BERNAL BY GOLF COURSE.jpg; BERNAL BY GOLF COURSE 1 jpg;
From: Barbara Gallaty
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2025 1:19 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[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]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; HomelessConcerns <[email protected]>; beautifysj <[email protected]>; Maguire, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Ramirez, Lucas <[email protected]>; Hertzberg, Keith <[email protected]> Cc: Dang, Tara <[email protected]>; Donohue, Stephen <[email protected]>; Stanton, Garrett <[email protected]>; Karnath, Subject: GREAT OAKS -LOS COLINAS ABATEMENT
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel So I'm wondering when you'll be back to finish the job??? You scattered homeless and trailers from 2 areas to about 10.

Bernal by the golf course is lined with trailers I suspect from Realm and Las Colinas.

Also they are now parking in the Los Paseos neighborhood at the end of Bernal. They are in Los Paseo neighborhood,
two trucks were vandalized and all our mail was robed out https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /3 Public Record: 2
Of mail boxes on Via Pacifica last week.

Tents you cleared out of 20 Great Oaks are now still there just a few feet away.

Our customers see this mess when they come to our business. Your hurting all of us.

The trailers along Luckys on Via Del Oro are in the bike lane. Lined up and down the street. I suspect from Colinas and Realm area also.

They didn’t go too far.

Its hard to see this picture, and wonder why the mayor is out there promoting what he is doing when our streets look like this.

Every night we deal with our dumpsters emptied and spread around our parking lot from the local homeless.

The grocery stores are full in the parking lots and now inside the stores. An incident was reported yesterday at Luckys. Scary times.

They have free roaming ability and most need to be hospitalized.

If this was in your place of business or where you live you wouldn’t’ like it either.

Im only reporting on a ½ mile radius around my home and business. Where is the progress? And Newspapers you print what he wants you to see, how about some of the results which are attached.

We all need to see this so we all vote better next time around, If we get to vote! We will do our best to get it out to neighbors and others what this Mayor has done and what he hasn’t so that people can make better choices next time, but We need your help in getting the story straight. Right now it is not.

These pictures of the mayor are decieving. You can drive down here and see for yourself. Don’t take my word for it.

But we need to inform the public what our tax dollars are being spent on and what is really getting done.

I’m not even talking about Endicott and Great Oaks which is another mess, that needs to be dealt with.

Homeless came back last night to that same area before it was even completed abated.

Progress?
We have dealt with this for more then 4 years. Enough, you need to get it fixed and and get it completely fixed. Don’t spend our tax dollars and do
A mediocre job. That’s what happening.

We are homeowners and business owners. It’s a disgrace whats on these streets.

Have some pride in the job you do, or get another one.
2/24/25, 8:34 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/3 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Barbara Gallaty
Ace Seal LLC
San Jose CA 95119
2/24/25, 8:34 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 3/3

2/25/25, 2 42 PM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
FW: Public Comments
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 2/25/2025 2:18 PM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: AC
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 1:40 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comments
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel You don't often get email frot Learn why this is important I would like the city to continue to allow public comment by Zoom.

Not everyone can go to city hall to make a public comment. You are using the excuse of Zoom bombing to suppress peoples' rights to free speech.

You don't even do anything about the people who Zoom bomb and just suppress people's right to say what they want at public meetings. What a joke.

This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT .. 1 /1 Public Record: 4
2/26/25, 917 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
Fw: Rod A Kirk 95148 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Wed 2/26/2025 9:01 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:28 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Rod A Kirk 95148 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United
Sent: Tuesday, Februar
To: District2 <[email protected]>; District3
<[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Districts <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District! <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Rod A Kirk 95148 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel 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 https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /2 Public Record: 5
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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.
— 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.

Taking away virtual public comment is a terrible idea. Whoever let that happen? It limits the ability of citizens to participate in interaction with City Council/city government activities. This is crazy. This is something Trump would want. This is not Russia or North Korea. This is the United States and we are a Democracy. Don't cave in to the jerks who do not want a solid democracy!! Rod A Kirk
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
2/26/25, 9:17 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 2/26/25, 917 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
Fw: Alan Garcia 95148 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Wed 2/26/2025 9:00 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:28 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Alan Garcia 95148 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United
Sent: Tuesday, Februar
To: District2 <[email protected]>; District3
<[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Districts <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District! <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Alan Garcia 95148 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel 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.

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 https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /2 Public Record: 6
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. the challenge of finding solutions to preserve access for everyone while continuing to facilitate public comment by providing a virtual option.

Our 1st Amendment rights should not be restricted as we advance the use of technology!! Pls restore our right to virtual comment at all council meetings . Thank you Alan Garcia
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
2/26/25, 9:17 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 2/26/25, 9 18 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
Fw: Kelly Johnson 95121 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Wed 2/26/2025 8:58 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:43 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Kelly Johnson 95121 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United
Sent:Wednesda¼ Febr a
To: District2 <[email protected]>; District3
<[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Districts <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District! <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Kelly Johnson 95121- Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel 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.

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.
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /2 Public Record: 7
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Kelly Johnson
95121
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
2/26/25, 9:18 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 2/26/25, 11:51 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
Fw: Maria Hennessy 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Wed 2/26/2025 11 :SO AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 11:32 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Maria Hennessy 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United
Sent:Wednesda¼ Febr a
To: District2 <[email protected]>; District3
<[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Districts <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; Districtl <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Maria Hennessy 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel 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.

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 https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /2 Public Record: 8
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. the challenge of finding solutions to preserve access for everyone while continuing to facilitate public comment by providing a virtual option.

I have gone in person to city council meetings and endured long drawn out discussions without the opportunity to speak more than 2 minutes. We need virtual public comments to make sure that our members hear their constituents. Many people who can not get to a city council meeting need this to have their voices heard.

Maria Hennessy
95112
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
2/26/25, 11:51 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 2/27/25, 8 57 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook ~ Outlook
Fw: Patricia Blevins 95118 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Thu 2/27/2025 8:41 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 8:07 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Patricia Blevins 95118 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 Unite
Sent:Wednesda½ Febr a
To District2 <[email protected]>; District3
<[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Districts <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; Districtl <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]> Subject: Patricia Blevins 95118 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel 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.

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 https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /2 Public Record: 9
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. the challenge of finding solutions to preserve access for everyone while continuing to facilitate public comment by providing a virtual option.

You have no right to deny the residents/taxpayers/voters an opportunity to express their opinion and to inform you how to best represent the majority opinion of the residents of SJ. When you took away our right to participate in City Council meetings by eliminating
the remote participation you acted against the very
residents who pay your salaries. you would not be in
office had these residents not voted to put you there.

You are in office to serve residents of San Jose and not the special interests like Unions and Developers.

Restore remote participation immediately.

Patricia Blevins
95118
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
2/27/25, 8:57 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2

Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the WholeMarch 5, 2025

Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole
March 5, 2025