Domingo Candelas newsletter archive

Councilmember Domingo Candelas reflects on 2024 achievements in District 8, highlighting successful community events like Music in the Square and the first city-sponsored fireworks show at Lake Cunningham. Efforts to improve neighborhood safety included upgrading 53 school crosswalks and implementing nine traffic-calming projects. The newsletter emphasizes ongoing commitment to public safety, community engagement, and neighborhood cleanliness, with over 300 tons of trash collected through cleanups. Upcoming events include a Budget Breakfast, Community Coffee with the SJPD Captain, and a Senior Scam Stopper workshop. The newsletter also promotes local initiatives such as the Warm for Winter Coat Drive and encourages participation in city programs like security camera registration and the California E-Bike Incentive.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas emphasizes the importance of wildfire preparedness amid increasing fire risks in California, highlighting resources from the San Jose Fire Department and the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. He celebrates The Villages Community as the first FireWise USA community in San Jose, recognizing their leadership in emergency readiness. Public safety remains a priority, with recent arrests linked to burglaries in the Asian American community and promotion of the SJPD C.A.M. Program for neighborhood surveillance. Upcoming events include a Community Swearing-In Celebration, a Budget Breakfast to discuss city finances, and regular Farmer's Market meet-and-greets to engage with residents.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas reaffirms San José's commitment to ensuring safety for all residents regardless of immigration status, emphasizing trust in public safety and inclusive community engagement. The City Council is advancing alternative 911 response programs in collaboration with Santa Clara County to better address mental health crises and disabilities, including expanding the 911-to-988 transfer and the TRUST pilot. Candelas highlights his new role on the VTA Board, prioritizing equitable transit access for District 8, especially around the Eastridge Transit Center. The newsletter also promotes local events, financial aid workshops, and community empowerment initiatives like the Youth in Action Conference.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights the District 8 Budget Breakfast and the City Council's Budget Priority Study Session, emphasizing his commitment to protecting city services amid a projected 2025-2026 deficit. He supports creative deficit solutions and advocates for increased community input on park maintenance, citing concerns about current conditions in local parks. The newsletter promotes upcoming community events including a basketball game, litter cleanup, and a blood drive, while also encouraging participation in city boards and the Climate Smart San José survey. Candelas underscores ongoing efforts to engage residents and improve neighborhood quality of life.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas invites District 8 residents to participate in several community beautification efforts this spring, including the Great American Litter Pick-Up at Lake Cunningham on April 19 and additional park cleanups organized by San Jose Parks and Rec. The newsletter highlights the recent City Council approval to keep the San Jose Giants at Excite Ballpark until 2050, emphasizing its economic and community benefits. Small businesses are encouraged to apply for Disability Access Improvement Grants to comply with ADA standards. Upcoming events include tennis court renovations, a blood drive, and regular community engagement opportunities such as farmers' market visits and youth council meetings.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas emphasizes community engagement in keeping District 8 clean and safe by promoting the San José 311 App for reporting graffiti, illegal dumping, and abandoned vehicles, as well as scheduling free junk pickups. He highlights upcoming community beautification events including the Great American Litter Pickup and park cleanups, encouraging volunteer participation. The newsletter also celebrates local cultural and community events such as Holi, World Down Syndrome Day, and the Evergreen Little League Opening Day. Additionally, Candelas supports the recently approved Mayor's March Budget Message for fiscal year 2025-2026, viewing it as a foundation for addressing city priorities through the budget process.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights the vibrant cultural celebrations in District 8 this spring, including Holi, Ramadan, Passover, Easter, Vaisakhi, and the Cambodian New Year, emphasizing community unity and joy. The newsletter promotes local engagement through upcoming events such as the tennis court renovation, Great American Litter Pickup, American Red Cross blood drive, Cinco de Mayo Festival, and Evergreen Valley College Community Day. Candelas also welcomes Raising Cane's grand opening, recognizes The Villages Golf and Country Club as San Jose's first Firewise Community, and encourages residents to report public safety concerns to improve neighborhood quality of life. Updates on the VTA Eastridge to BART Regional Connector construction and related road closures are provided to keep the community informed.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas encourages District 8 residents to engage with the community through volunteer opportunities such as serving on San José Boards and Commissions, including vacancies on the Arts Commission and Measure T Oversight Committee. He highlights ongoing efforts to beautify local parks, notably the Great American Litter Pick-Up, supported by neighborhood associations. The newsletter promotes upcoming events like Music in the Square and a pilot program on road safety featuring speed and red-light cameras. Candelas also emphasizes youth programs like Saturday Night Lights and neighborhood safety initiatives such as the Watkins Way Neighborhood Watch, underscoring his commitment to public safety, community involvement, and education.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights a vibrant summer in District 8 with family-friendly events such as the Music in the Square concert series, Viva Parks activations, and the Viva Calle bike event on June 8th. He encourages community engagement through the San Jose Public Library's Summer Learning program and invites residents to the Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Lake Cunningham. The newsletter also emphasizes pedestrian safety improvements completed in April and ongoing participation in the 2025-2026 city budget process, including upcoming study sessions on Neighborhood Services and Public Safety. Community involvement is further supported through internships, youth council opportunities, and neighborhood association participation.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness during May, highlighting resources like the 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline for emotional support. He honors veterans' mental health needs around Memorial Day and encourages community support for well-being. The newsletter promotes local events such as Music in the Square, Viva Calle, and park activations to foster community engagement. Candelas also updates on wildfire planning efforts, advocating for proactive maintenance and evacuation preparedness in District 8. He stresses the value of neighborhood associations in shaping policy and securing budget priorities, recognizing local leaders for their community contributions.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas invites District 8 residents to the free Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Lake Cunningham, emphasizing safety by urging the community to report illegal fireworks via 3-1-1. The City Council unanimously approved the Mayor's June Budget Message, which includes $100,000 for the fireworks event, $30,000 for traffic safety improvements, and funds to enhance Evergreen Village Square and community gardens. Additional budget allocations support youth sports fee waivers, immigrant resource organizations, and the Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative. The newsletter also highlights ongoing neighborhood activations, including Music in the Square and community cleanups, encouraging residents to engage with local associations and events.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas announces safety measures for the upcoming Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Lake Cunningham, including road closures and a shuttle service from Eastridge Mall with security screening. Accessibility accommodations are available by request. The newsletter highlights ongoing community engagement through summer events like Music in the Square and park activations, as well as recent neighborhood cleanups and cultural celebrations such as Philippines Independence Day. Residents are encouraged to join neighborhood associations to strengthen community ties and participate in local planning. Updates on VTA Eastridge to BART construction include upcoming roadwork and overnight closures on Capitol Expressway.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas celebrated a successful Fourth of July event at Lake Cunningham Park, featuring San Jose's first-ever drone show, live performances, and local food vendors, emphasizing community engagement and volunteer support. The newsletter highlights ongoing neighborhood activation efforts through local associations and encourages residents to participate in shaping policy and budget priorities. It provides detailed updates on the VTA Eastridge to BART Regional Connector construction, including traffic changes and overnight closures on Capitol Expressway and Ocala Avenue. Additionally, the newsletter promotes summer community events like Music in the Square and free soccer clinics, alongside city services such as park maintenance reporting and the 988 Crisis Lifeline.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas invites District 8 residents to engage with public safety and community organizations at the August 1 Music in the Square Public Safety Night and the August 5 National Night Out events held at multiple neighborhood sites. These events aim to strengthen community bonds and promote safety awareness. The newsletter highlights ongoing VTA Eastridge to BART Regional Connector construction with lane and sidewalk closures affecting Capitol Expressway and Ocala Avenue, urging caution and awareness of detours. Residents are encouraged to join neighborhood associations to influence local policy and budget priorities. Additional community activities include park activations and cultural events like the Indian Flag Raising Ceremony.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas welcomes the new school year with a focus on student safety, urging caution in school zones and sharing safety tips for arrival and dismissal times. City Council meetings resume August 12, with sessions livestreamed for public access. The newsletter highlights the upcoming Indian Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony on August 15 at City Hall, celebrating Indo-American heritage with cultural events and lighting the Tower in Indian flag colors. Recent community engagement includes Public Safety Night, National Night Out block parties, and support for the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act to enhance immigrant safety. Updates on neighborhood associations and ongoing VTA Eastridge to BART construction closures are also provided.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas invites District 8 residents to the final Music in the Square Summer Series event on August 29 at Evergreen Village Square, featuring a concert by Cadillac Jack followed by a movie screening. A subsequent movie night is planned for September 19 at Meadowfair Park in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department. The newsletter highlights support for local small businesses, spotlighting Evergreen Coffee Company as a community partner. Additionally, updates on neighborhood association engagement and ongoing VTA Eastridge to BART Regional Connector construction, including traffic changes and lane closures, are provided to keep residents informed and involved.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights the importance of volunteerism in maintaining San José's parks and trails, promoting the Volunteer Management Unit's free events and the Adopt-A-Park/Trail Program for long-term commitments. He celebrates community engagement through events like Dumpster Days and the Music in the Square series, emphasizing neighborhood activation and cleanliness. A major transit milestone is the approval of the PA’LANTE microtransit project, funded with $3.45 million to serve East San José with electric microtransit, improving access to key community destinations. Candelas encourages residents to join neighborhood associations to strengthen community ties and influence city policy and budgeting.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights recent efforts to enhance public safety in San Jose's District 8, including a new $100,000 anti-theft program connecting small business security cameras to the police Real Time Intelligence Center. The City Council approved increasing fines for negligent property owners to address blight and authorized the purchase of a fixed-wing aircraft for the police to improve operational efficiency. The newsletter also promotes community engagement through the upcoming Fall Family Festival on October 25 and ongoing participation in the 2040 Envision General Plan review, emphasizing neighborhood associations as vital to shaping local policy and growth. Additionally, it celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural programming across the city.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights the launch of Connect San Jose, a camera registration program enhancing emergency response by allowing residents to register security cameras and optionally share live feeds with police. He reports the arrest of suspects in a recent violent robbery, underscoring a commitment to public safety. The City Council adopted Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Focus Areas prioritizing community safety, homelessness reduction, neighborhood cleanup, economic growth, and housing development. Additionally, a new ordinance requires police officers to display identification to build trust and improve safety. The newsletter also notes a new collective bargaining agreement granting SJPD officers a 15% pay increase over three years to aid recruitment and retention.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas encourages District 8 residents to adopt storm drains to prevent flooding this rainy season, providing volunteers with tools and training. With Halloween approaching on a Friday, he urges caution in residential areas and will join firefighters at Station 31 to distribute glow sticks and candy. The District 8 Community Survey is live, seeking resident feedback to guide equitable neighborhood planning. Recent highlights include reopening the Labor & Delivery Unit at Regional Medical Center, city council approval of master service agreements to expedite planning projects like the General Plan review, and an upcoming community meeting on the Pleasant Hills Golf Course redevelopment EIR. Additionally, two new neighborhood associations, Thompson Creek and Brigadoon, have become active, emphasizing community engagement in local policy and budgeting.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas encourages District 8 residents to donate coats for the 15th Annual Warm for Winter Coat Drive, aiming to surpass last year's 3,000-coat record by December 9th. With SNAP benefits paused as of November 1st, he highlights support options like Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and DoorDash’s emergency food response program for SNAP recipients. The newsletter also promotes community engagement through the District 8 Community Survey and seeks input on new youth skateboard and bike lessons at Lake Cunningham Action Sports Park. Additionally, the City Council voted to support Santa Clara County Measure A to fund healthcare services and State Proposition 50 to uphold fair redistricting practices in California.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas emphasizes holiday safety by urging residents to secure packages and homes, recommending alternatives like package lockers and direct post office mail drop-offs. He highlights a newly approved 45-day moratorium on new tobacco retailer permits in East San José to address the high density of tobacco outlets and illegal sales, prioritizing youth and community health. The Evergreen Branch Library will operate as an Overnight Warming Location from November through April, providing shelter and services for unhoused residents. Community engagement is encouraged through a District 8 survey and input on upcoming youth skateboard and bike lessons at Lake Cunningham.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights key community initiatives in District 8, including the success of the 15th Annual Warm for Winter Coat Drive and the Santa at the Square event. He emphasizes his support for youth programming as a public safety strategy, spotlighting the Saturday Night Lights futsal program, which has improved school attendance and reduced disciplinary incidents. Candelas advocates for expanding this program citywide with secured funding for Phase Two in 2026. The newsletter also notes the City Council's approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and increased public safety funding, alongside continued investment in homelessness prevention through a partnership with Santa Clara County.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights significant community engagement and legislative achievements in San José's District 8 during 2025, including over 167 events and 19 approved City Council memorandums. Key accomplishments include new neighborhood associations, pedestrian safety improvements, and securing $570,000 for local projects. The newsletter announces the implementation of a First Responder Fee to support paramedic services and details upcoming community meetings on the Inclusionary Housing and Mobilehome Rent Ordinances. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood associations to influence policy and budget priorities.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas invites District 8 residents to the annual Budget Breakfast on February 21st to discuss the City’s fiscal challenges and community priorities, aiming to shape the 2026-2027 budget requests. He highlights past successes securing funds for youth sports fee waivers, public art, and neighborhood vibrancy projects. The newsletter also covers recent City Council actions, including support for multifamily and downtown residential development incentives, opposition to changes in the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance due to insufficient data, and deferral of the Mobile Home Ordinance to allow further dialogue. Candelas emphasizes neighborhood association engagement as vital for informed policymaking and community strength.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights San José's free Junk Pickup Program as a convenient way for residents to dispose of large household items and encourages reporting illegal dumping to keep neighborhoods clean. He expresses solidarity with the Sikh community following a hate incident on San José State University campus, emphasizing safety and respect for all residents. The newsletter promotes upcoming events including the Budget Summit focused on youth civic engagement and the Music Mania Festival. Candelas also supports elevating Emergency Medical Services Field Coordination and Mobile Integrated Health Care as city legislative priorities to improve emergency response and reduce hospital strain. Additionally, the City Council approved placing a Transient Occupancy Tax increase on the 2026 ballot to fund essential city services.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights the celebration of Women's History Month in District 8 by honoring local women leaders with social media posts and city certificates, encouraging nominations. The newsletter emphasizes community engagement through events like the Budget Breakfast, where residents prioritized safer neighborhoods, traffic safety, parks, and homelessness support. Candelas supports investments in road safety, exemplified by the new roundabout ribbon cutting. He also advocates for East San José small businesses impacted by VTA construction, securing $1 million in financial relief and committing to outreach for fund access. Youth engagement is promoted through an open position on the District 8 Youth Commission.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas highlights the City of San José's $56 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026-2027 and emphasizes prioritizing core neighborhood services such as safe streets, clean parks, youth programming, blight reduction, and homeless prevention. He advocates preserving library hours and community center services to support families and youth despite budget challenges. The newsletter also promotes community engagement through upcoming neighborhood events like trail cleanups, a spring egg hunt, and craft days. Additionally, Candelas expresses solidarity with survivors of abuse allegations related to Cesar Chavez and supports honoring the broader farm workers movement in public spaces. Local cultural celebrations and ongoing community outreach efforts, including mobile office hours and farmers' markets, are also featured.