RULES COMMITTEE: 1/28/2026
Item: B.1
File ID: ROGC 26-032
TO: Honorable Mayor & FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Council City Clerk
SUBJECT: The Public Record DATE: January 28, 2026
January 15, 2026 – Januray 22, 2026
ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD
Letters from Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Letters from the Public
1. Letter from Blair Beekman, dated January 15, 2026, regarding: sj.Blair Beekman. Thursday, January 15, 2026.....Future Govt/Philanthropic/NGO Funding. BestPractices. The open public process.
2. Letter from Andy Yang, dated January 17, 2026, regarding: Asking the City of San Jose to consider 2nd Amendment Sanctuary merits.
3-6. Four letters from the public, dated January 20-21, 2026, regarding: My thoughts on a Better Pleasant Hills Design.
7. Over 30 letters of substantially the same langage were received on January 20, 2026, regarding:
Symbols of Identity and Belonging at San Jose City Hall. One example is enclosed. You may contact the City Clerk’s Office to view all letters received. ____________________________
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
TJT/tt
Public Record: 1
& Approval Authority, can feel the same. And that BAUASI & Bay Area community, does not have to lock ourselves out, intentionally or unintentionally, in how to more clearly address good ideas, that the open public process can provide - in the future questions, of govt, philanthropic, & ngo funding relationships.
New govt. funding opportunities & patterns, should always be considering, good forms of public oversight, public input, and public auditing. And to more openly consider, the people or agencies, to be involved - how much money will be involved - and for what projects. Open democracy & public oversight, simply can be, a straightforward, clear & understandable process, within government accounting & auditing practices.
I feel open participatory democracy & public oversight, in a post 9/11 world, can simply offer, our better human reasoning. And in how to better consider & work towards, more genuine concepts, of peace & positive sustainability, with less harm toward others - in the future of government/community decision making. It would also be sad to think, that with all the additional help, thoughts, ideas, and good advice, the public process can offer BAUASI, at this time - if BAUASI cannot see, at this time, in how much the BAUASI public process, can help with, more clear better decision making, overall.
In this difficult time, of local & national security issues, I am hoping, there can continue to be, much open dialogue, good coordination, and positive conversations, with many local Bay Area communities, in the coming months, on this type of subject matter, subjects of openness. It is also my hope, there can be much positive conversation, with the many visiting dignitaries, and many fans & friends, of Super Bowl 60, and of the upcoming world cup soccer games, in the Bay Area, this summer, as well.
As SANDAG, in San Diego, is beginning to define, their new philanthropic funding plans & ideas, I feel it is very clear, they will be doing this, in their usual, regular good practices, as an open, accountable, public process.
SANDAGs, recent ideas, and its public process, can make for good reference points, at this time - for BAUASI, and for the SF Bay Area community, in how to better develop, our Bay Area future. And as I have been trying to write, for months now - BAUASI, should be looking to other cities, for good examples, in how the practices of open democracy, should simply have, an important role, in helping to define, the future choices & direction, of the community/govt process. sincerely,
blair beekman
1/21/26, 4:24 PM Mail - City Clerk - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0AyL5PtjZab0STtTtuW3muswAKw… 2/3 1/20/26, 8 42 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook Outlook
Fw: Asking the City of San Jose to consider 2nd Amendment Sanctuary merits From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 1/20/2026 8:35 AM
To Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas <[email protected]> Office of the City Clerk I City of San Jose
200 E. Santa Clara St., Tower 14th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Main: 408-535-1260
Fax: 408-292-6207
How is our service? Your feedback is appreciated!
From: Andy Yang
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2026 10:05 AM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Districts <[email protected]> Subject: Asking the City of San Jose to consider 2nd Amendment Sanctuary merits [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel You don't often get email fro-Learn why this is imP.ortant Hello everyone,
my name is Andy Yang~, I am simply a 24 year old ethnic Chinese citizen living in Sunnyvale who goes to San Jose multiple times weekly.
I read recently that the San Jose City Council has passed a unanimous resolution banning all Immigrations Customs Enforcement (ICE) entities and personnel from using any city property for their operations. Might I commend Peter Ortiz for his public statement and actions that righteously serve the will of the people of San Jose, I was cheered up reading the post recent from the instagram account @peterortizdS
My inquiry is simple: I ask the City Council and all relevant power in the San Jose government to strongly consider making San Jose a "2nd Amendment Sanctuary" by at very least, allowing anyone who lawfully possesses armaments in their homes (regardless of type or form factor) to open carry or concealed carry without additional permits or licensing.
My reasoning begins with the idea that there is no way for a Black Panthers style community defense network to be practically formed against Federal intrusion, if we face "friendly fire" from our own local https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/ AAQkADhh Yzk3NTk1 L TBmZDAtN Dc4Yi1 h N2Q0L TZjNmZjNTk5MT.. 1 /2 Public Record: 2
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. police departments.
Law enforcement across all agencies in California are still legally under orders to enforce the 1967 Mulford Act signed by Ronald Reagan (R), which effectively bans all non government individuals from open carry (and the recent hotly debated court decision ruling the Mulford Act unconstitutional, still does not allow common citizens to legally open carry); and that severe restriction adds on top of the significant legal burdens imposed by the concealed carry permit processes across the state of California and local cities.
Martin Niemoller wrote "First they came" in 1946 to warn against each groups' inaction and betrayal of other oppressed groups leading to the eventual victory of an oppressor conquering everyone. I fight for abortion rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights et.al despite being a cisgender straight Asian male, because I know if I do nothing to defend them, I am certainly going to become a target of their opponents in the foreseeable future.
Us pro 2A people who are jointly opposed to ICE and their unjust campaigns are tired of facing betrayal from groups such as 50501 California who continue to zealously summon legislation and government force (notorious example; via the recently enacted statewide AB 1127) to disarm their pro 2A allies, and we never forced others (e.g. gun control crowd) to own armements or shunned them for choosing to be unarmed and nonviolent.
I am aware of many people's fears and concerns against civilian (non government) individuals and groups wielding armaments, I often discuss these issues with my audience on my instagram page @alphayangkee to educate myself further.
We can civilly and intellectually agree and/or disagree with each other, and I am open to changing my mind contingent on effective claim -> evidence -> reasoning oriented discussion.
Even if the City Council disagrees or otherwise does not act or discuss further on the matter of repealing weapons restrictions within San Jose city limits, I still appreciate at least the intellectual and civic consideration (even a mere "thought experiment") for this viewpoint, especially factoring in how controversial and emotionally provoking this topic has been for decades in this country.
Thank you. 多謝
1/20/26, 8:42 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 ---
Public Record: 3
To be a successful city in the next century, San Jose can’t continue this pattern. It needs to do something new.
Unfortunately, the current proposal for redeveloping Pleasant Hills repeats our past mistakes. It is a low-density proposal straight out of 1950. If the City approves this proposal as is, it would do little to address worsening traffic, rising carbon emissions, duller neighborhoods, a lack of affordable housing, and continuing displacement of our loved ones from this region.
You can change that.
You can go to the developer and say, “This design isn’t what we need. Let’s start again.” That’s what I’m urging the City to do.
San Jose is way behind on building housing. I agree with Catalyze SV, Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice & Empowerment, Transform, San Jose YIMBY, and Greenbelt Alliance that the only way we’re going to solve our housing crisis is if major sites like Pleasant Hills include a lot more housing. Pleasant Hills should include over 6,000 homes.
For context: Pleasant Hills is 113 acres. Downtown West by Google is 84 acres and proposed up to 5,900 homes. The Miro housing project across from San Jose City Hall is 28 stories at 444 units per acre.
If Pleasant Hills built one-quarter of Miro's density and heights — about 7-story buildings — we could get 6,000 homes using less than half of the 113 acres on housing.
That leaves a lot of land for amenities like neighborhood parks, shops, and plazas. And creating dense, mixed-use neighborhoods — when done right — can create less traffic than car-centric ones. I want a Pleasant Hills that is a walkable, green, mixed-use neighborhood with a lot more housing, especially affordable housing.
The Pleasant Hills Guiding Principles document contains community feedback that aligns with this perspective. And Catalyze SV has offered 6 alternative designs that better match the community and the City’s goals.
Don’t settle for a second-rate San Jose. For it to thrive in the future, it needs to transform now.
And for you and San Jose to be truly pro-housing, you need to support as many homes as possible on sites like this one.
Your voice will make a big difference on Pleasant Hills. Please use it.
Tell your colleagues in City Hall and the developer that the current proposal is a bad one, and it’s time to overhaul it.
Sincerely,
HGB
1/20/26, 2:31 PM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/3 Public Record: 4
Public Record: 5
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. something new.
Unfortunately, the current proposal for redeveloping Pleasant Hills repeats our past mistakes. It is a low-density proposal straight out of 1950. If the City approves this proposal as is, it would do little to address worsening traffic, rising carbon emissions, duller neighborhoods, a lack of affordable housing, and continuing displacement of our loved ones from this region.
You can change that.
You can go to the developer and say, “This design isn’t what we need. Let’s start again.” That’s what I’m urging the City to do.
San Jose is way behind on building housing. I agree with Catalyze SV, Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice & Empowerment, Transform, San Jose YIMBY, and Greenbelt Alliance that the only way we’re going to solve our housing crisis is if major sites like Pleasant Hills include a lot more housing. Pleasant Hills should include over 6,000 homes.
For context: Pleasant Hills is 113 acres. Downtown West by Google is 84 acres and proposed up to 5,900 homes. The Miro housing project across from San Jose City Hall is 28 stories at 444 units per acre.
If Pleasant Hills built one-quarter of Miro's density and heights — about 7-story buildings — we could get 6,000 homes using less than half of the 113 acres on housing.
That leaves a lot of land for amenities like neighborhood parks, shops, and plazas. And creating dense, mixed-use neighborhoods — when done right — can create less traffic than car-centric ones. I want a Pleasant Hills that is a walkable, green, mixed-use neighborhood with a lot more housing, especially affordable housing.
The Pleasant Hills Guiding Principles document contains community feedback that aligns with this perspective. And Catalyze SV has offered 6 alternative designs that better match the community and the City’s goals.
Don’t settle for second-rate San Jose. For it to thrive in the future, it needs to transform now.
And for you and San Jose to be truly pro-housing, you need to support as many homes as possible on sites like this one.
Your voice will make a big difference on Pleasant Hills. Please use it.
Tell your colleagues in City Hall and the developer that the current proposal is a bad one, and it’s time to overhaul it.
Sincerely,
Sandhana Siva
1/21/26, 8:46 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 Public Record: 6
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. and plazas. And creating dense, mixed-use neighborhoods — when done right — can create less traffic than car-centric ones. I want a Pleasant Hills that is a walkable, green, mixed-use neighborhood with a lot more housing, especially affordable housing.
The Pleasant Hills Guiding Principles document contains community feedback that aligns with this perspective. And Catalyze SV has offered 6 alternative designs that better match the community and the City’s goals. Don’t settle for a second-rate San Jose. For it to thrive in the future, it needs to transform now. And for you and San Jose to be truly pro-housing, you need to support as many homes as possible on sites like this one. Your voice will make a big difference on Pleasant Hills. Please use it. Tell your colleagues in City Hall and the developer that the current proposal is a bad one, and it’s time to overhaul it. Sincerely, Carlin Black
Retired Urban Planner
1/22/26, 9:32 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 Public Record: 7
1/20/26, 2:16 PM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook Dear Mayor and City Council:
Now more than ever with the attacks from the federal government on our rights and existence it is extremely important that the city take extra steps to ensure that our community feel like we belong.
My suggestion is that we have hundreds of flags around City Hall representing our diverse communities and identities. This would not only ensure that folks feel seen and welcome but also be something that attracts visitors from near and far. It would add color and likely be a major attraction to Downtown, the heart of San Jose. My favorite part of this city.
See attached petition of other folks in our community who agree.
Bringing the community to you!
Thank you!
Sign Petitions:
Protect lnclusionary Housing Ordinance
Symbols of Identity and Belonging at City Hall:
Enhance Civic Participation:
Here4You Homeless Shelter Hotline:
Elizabeth Agramont-Justiniano
she/her/ el la/GI RRLL!
My personal brand:
-Creativity
-Compassion
-Commitment
-Consistency
-Courage
-Community Centeredness
Artist/Creative
Expand TRUST in SJ! Mental Health Matters!
Political Ambassador, Afro UPRIS/Black Democratic Club of SCC: Black Lives and Black Permanency Matters!
Chair Ad Hoc Committee on Housing and Homelessness, SCCDP Choir+ Member of Urban Sanctuary
Build the Bench 2025 Cohort, Member of SVYD
Civic Leadership 2026 Cohort, Silicon Valley at Home
Housing Justice Advocate
Downtown Resident of District 3: St. James/ Julian Neighborhood Values: Honesty, Kindness, Compassion, Courage, Justice https://outlook.office365.com/mail/rulescommitteea [email protected]/inbox/id/MQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2QOLTZjNmZjNTk5MT... 2/3 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. "Democracy only works when we work for it. When we fight for it, when we demand it."~Stacey Abrams
Thank you!
1/20/26, 2:16 PM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 3/3