RULES COMMITTEE: 4/1/2026
Item: B.1
File ID: ROGC 26-130
TO: Honorable Mayor & FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Council City Clerk
SUBJECT: The Public Record DATE: April 1, 2026
March 19, 2026 – March 26, 2026
ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD
Letters from Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Letters from the Public
1. Letter from Donna Torres Diaz, dated March 22, 2026, regarding: City council meeting March 17, 2026 Agenda item 3.3.
2. Letter from Minh Le, dated March 23, 2026, regarding: Welcoming City 4-Star Recognition— and a Way to Move Toward 5 Stars.
3. Letter from Anthony Gairnese and Laura Ohara, received March 23, 2026, regarding:
Opposition to the proposed Business Improvement District (BID) for the Alameda District in San Jose, California.
4. Letter from Sarah Curtis, dated March 25, 2026, regarding: Invitation: Press Conference Today on SJUSD School Closures.
____________________________
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
TJT/tt
Public Record: 1
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. and regrettably missed the deadline. However, I believe it is imperative to formally share my perspective and recommendation on this vital community issue.
As a resident of the Deer Run II community for over 24 years, located directly adjacent to 1 Branham Lane, I possess a deep and personal understanding of our neighborhood's dynamics and the profound impact this site has on our daily lives. Over this period, we have observed changes that have regrettably diminished the overall quality of life within our community. We are earnestly seeking a sustainable solution that restores safety, peace, stability, and a sense of security to our environment.
My strong recommendation, therefore, is to transform the existing facility at 1 Branham Lane into permanent, low-income housing. This approach offers a comprehensive and beneficial resolution for all stakeholders involved. Unlike the transient nature of a shelter, permanent housing fosters a sense of stability and belonging, allowing residents to integrate more fully into the community and take pride in their surroundings. This provides a genuine opportunity for individuals to establish roots, access consistent support and resources, and become contributing members of Deer Run II, ultimately enhancing, rather than detracting from, the neighborhood's fabric.
Such a transformation would not only address the critical need for affordable housing in a structured manner but also significantly improve the long-term well-being and security of both the new residents and our existing community members. I respectfully urge you to seriously consider this alternative as a path toward a more stable, harmonious, and equitable future for 1 Branham Lane and the entire Deer Run II community.
Sincerely,
Donna Torres Diaz
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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Over the past three decades, as a leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant, I have had the privilege of working alongside City leaders and staff. I have consistently observed a culture grounded in principled leadership, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to serving all residents with fairness and respect.
That culture matters. It builds trust—and trust is what sustains a truly welcoming city.
The Vietnamese refugee community is part of that story. Over the past half century, refugees have rebuilt their lives here and contributed meaningfully to the cultural and civic fabric of San José. The Viet Museum stands as a testament to that journey.
I have appreciated the efforts made over the past 15 months—first by the Mayor’s Chief of Staff and then by your Deputy City Manager—to address the closure of the Viet Museum and to work toward preserving this important community asset.
At the same time, I would respectfully share an important perspective.
There is a general understanding within the community that History San Jose is under contract with the City to operate the Historic Park. However, its actions over the past 15 months regarding the Viet Museum have created the impression that it is exercising power and authority far beyond what is contemplated in that agreement.
This perception was reinforced early on, when History San Jose communicated that the closure decision came from the Mayor’s Office—an assertion later clarified and retracted. While that correction was important, the initial mischaracterization left a lasting impression and blurred the line between the City and its contractor.
When actions perceived as unjust—and a pattern of shifting and confusing signals—are not clearly addressed, there is a risk that the community experiences those actions as coming from the City leadership itself.
In moments like this, clarity and accountability matter. Distinguishing the City’s role from that of History San Jose—and holding each appropriately accountable—would go a long way toward restoring trust.
Concerns within the community regarding interference in Viet Museum governance, denial of access to its legitimate stewards, and unilateral decisions affecting the future of the museum warrant clear, transparent, and good-faith engagement.
The absence of that engagement has been deeply felt.
In particular, a written threat by the CEO of History San Jose to cancel the existing Viet Museum agreement and issue an RFP to replace the current nonprofit operator is deeply concerning. Such an action would undermine established stewardship, disregard community trust, and raise serious questions about governance, fairness, and respect for the institution that built and sustained the museum over decades.
It raises legitimate questions about whether the agreement between the City and History San Jose permits actions that appear inconsistent with San José’s Welcoming City values. I do not believe that any of you would knowingly support such actions. If the current agreement allows for them, it should be revisited and revised to ensure alignment with the City’s stated values and commitments.
Because the strength of San José’s “Welcoming City” designation ultimately rests not only on certification, but on whether every community feels that their history is respected and their place in the city is secure.
San José has earned its reputation as a Welcoming City.
This is an opportunity to reaffirm it—and move toward a 5-Star standard.
I urge you to direct staff to:
Rebuild trust with the Vietnamese refugee community through clarity and transparency regarding the Viet Museum.
Hold History San Jose accountable for past practices that have not aligned with San José’s Welcoming City values.
Reopen the Viet Museum and be welcoming again to the people and organization that have been entrusted for nearly half a century with this sacred responsibility.
I am grateful for your leadership and thank you for your continued commitment to a city where all communities can belong and thrive.
Respectfully,
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Public Record: 4
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
We would welcome your attendance, a representative from your office, or a public statement ahead of tomorrow’s vote acknowledging the serious concerns families are raising.
These decisions affect not only students and school communities, but also broader issues that matter to the City of San José — including neighborhood stability, housing, traffic, equity, and public trust.
Given the City’s stated commitments to equity and community stability, we hope city leadership will not remain silent while families are raising these concerns publicly and formally.
Thank you for your time and attention.
SJUSD Families United
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