RULES COMMITTEE: 3/26/2025
Item: B.1
File ID: ROGC 25-115
TO: Honorable Mayor & FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Council City Clerk
SUBJECT: The Public Record DATE: March 26, 2025
March 13, 2025 – March 20, 2025
ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD
Letters from Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Letters from the Public
1. Letter from A C, dated March 14, 2025, regarding: This is regarding in person public comment only.
2. Letter from A C, dated March 14, 2025, regarding: Suppressing freedom of speech of citizens by SJ government.
3-8. Letter from six members of the public, dated March 17-19, 2025, regarding: Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings.
9. Letter from Jay Patel, dated March 19, 2025, regarding: use 115 acres to address SJ needs.
____________________________
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
TJT/tt
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
Outlook
FW: This is regarding in person public comment only
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Fri 3/14/2025 3:18 PM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: A C <
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 12:33 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: This is regarding in person public comment only The people of San Jose would like to see public comment via Zoom come back. The electeds should not be allowed to suppress free speech by the public just because they don’t want to hear what people have to say.
If people want to call them names because the elected aren’t doing a good job they should be allowed to- it’s a free country.
I just wanted the electeds to know that people should be allowed to make public comment by Zoom if they want and it should be brought back.
3/20/25, 9:48 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/1 Public Record: 1
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Outlook
FW: Suppressing freedom of speech of citizens by SJ government From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Fri 3/14/2025 3:19 PM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: A C <
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 2:07 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Suppressing freedom of speech of citizens by SJ government I would also like the Rules and Committee to get rid of the time limit imposed on public comment or else wait for a lawsuit. Thank you.
3/20/25, 9:48 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/1 Public Record: 2
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FW: Jim Gailey 95120-4016 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Mon 3/17/2025 8:24 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: District 5 United <
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2025 10:41 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: Jim Gailey 95120-4016 - 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.
3/20/25, 9:49 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 3
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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.
Restore our right to comment now. This is unfair to think everyone can drive and appear in person Jim Gailey
95120-4016
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 https://www.district5united.org
Community Working Together
3/20/25, 9:49 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Outlook
FW: Ricardo R Chavez 95127 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Mon 3/17/2025 8:23 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: District 5 United <
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 5:55 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: Ricardo R Chavez 95127 - 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.
3/20/25, 9:50 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 4
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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.
Ricardo R Chavez
95127
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 https://www.district5united.org
Community Working Together
3/20/25, 9:50 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Outlook
Fw: Lisa Hettler-Smith 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Mon 3/17/2025 8:30 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 8:24 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Lisa Hettler-Smith 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United <
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 6:13 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: Lisa Hettler-Smith 95112 - 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 3/20/25, 9:50 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 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.
Lisa Hettler-Smith
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 https://www.district5united.org
Community Working Together
3/20/25, 9:50 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Outlook
Fw: Maria Hennessy 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 3/18/2025 11:50 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 11:24 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Maria Hennessy 95112 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United <
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 11:21 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: Maria Hennessy 95112 - 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 3/20/25, 9:51 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 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.
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.
San Jose citizens need to have the opportunity to speak out as easily as possible. Some people can not attend city council meetings and should be given the chance to express their opinions virtually. To deny this is to stifle debate and viewpoints from all those who are concerned. Council members and the mayor should recognize that they are beholden to their constituents and should protect their right to be heard. You are public servants, not corporate CEOs.
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 https://www.district5united.org
Community Working Together
3/20/25, 9:51 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Outlook
Fw: S. Orth 95150 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Wed 3/19/2025 8:37 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 7:59 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: S. Orth 95150 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United <
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:54 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: S. Orth 95150 - 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 3/20/25, 9:51 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. 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.
— 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.
Hey. We need to be able to comment via zoom or other electronic means.
Many meetings are during the week days. I have a job I just can't take a couple hours. It's half day or full day with tight exact hours.
Everything is being taken away and also costing us more.
Parking downtown is tricky and expensive and free street parking is almost not possible.
Forget light rail it does not work.
My job and home are along the light rail and does not work for my job.
It's faster and dangerous to ride my bike.
Please do us good.
Thanks
S. Orth
95150
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 https://www.district5united.org
Community Working Together
3/20/25, 9:51 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Outlook
Fw: Jay Patel 95127 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Thu 3/20/2025 8:50 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2025 7:55 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Jay Patel 95127 - Restore Virtual Comments at City Council meetings From: District 5 United <
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 6:12 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: Jay Patel 95127 - 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 3/20/25, 9:52 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. 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.
I have the skills and experience to help you make this site more modern and up to date.
Let me know if I can help or potentially link to your content.
You can email me at as well as the email provided above.
Jay Patel
95127
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 https://www.district5united.org
Community Working Together
3/20/25, 9:52 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Outlook
Fw: Jay Patel 95127 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs From Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Date Thu 3/20/2025 8:50 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> From: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2025 7:55 AM
To: Agendadesk <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Jay Patel 95127 - use 115 acres to address SJ needs From: District 5 United <
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 6:12 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: Jay Patel 95127 - 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 3/20/25, 9:52 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 1/2 Public Record: 9
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. 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.
Jay Patel
95127
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