We're Heading Into the Valley, Are You?đź‘€
- Support environmental analysis for increased residential density
- Advocate parking minimums in residential neighborhoods
- Promote integration of commercial uses with residential areas
- Prioritize housing density along transit corridors
- General Plan Four-Year Review
- Missing middle housing recommendation
- Urban Village planning process
- Residential Neighborhood land use density increase
- Viva CalleSJ event on September 13, 2026
- City Council hearing on August 18, 2026
- Upcoming City Council final hearing in December 2027
- Community outreach townhalls and meetings for General Plan review
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/district9?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID September 2026 District 9 Digest https://bit.ly/D9PamFoleyFacebook?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID https://bit.ly/D9PamFoleyInstagram?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID https://bit.ly/D9PamFoleyThreads?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID https://bit.ly/D9PamFoleyNextdoor?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID Late last month, the City of San José experienced a heartbreaking loss of a member of our own team. A member of the City’s Department of Transportation was critically injured while repairing a streetlight and passed away from his injuries.
My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. He was also a District 9 resident, making this loss especially personal for our community. We are grateful for his service to our city and for the work he did to keep our community safe.
I extend my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved him. I hope his family, colleagues, and loved ones find comfort in knowing that he will be remembered and deeply missed by the San José community. https://www.vivacallesj.org/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
Dear Civic,
Get ready, District 9! For the first time ever, Viva CalleSJ (https://www.vivacallesj.org/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) is coming to South San José this Sunday, September 13, and I couldn’t be more excited to see our community come out and enjoy it together!
Enjoy a car free experience while you walk, bike, or roll through the streets of our city as this year’s “Into the Valley” route will transform six miles of our streets from 10:00 am – 3:00 for our community to explore. The route will highlight the history and natural beauty of the area, including the valley’s rich agricultural roots.
And if you’re looking for a place to start at, De Anza Park is the District 9 hub you won’t want to miss! The hub will feature free activities, live entertainment, community fun and opportunities to get out and enjoy the park with your neighbors. There will also be free minor bike repairs and bike parking available at all three hubs.
Whether you bring your bike, lace up your walking shoes, grab your skateboard, or simply come out to enjoy the festivities, I hope you’ll join me in showing Viva CalleSJ what South San José community spirit is all about.
Come for the ride, stay for the fun, and be sure to stop by De Anza Park!
Sincerely,
In this month's newsletter: * How City Council is Working for You (#How City Council is Working for You) * In the District (#In the District) * Public Safety (#Public Safety) * Arts & Entertainment (#Arts & Entertainment) * Business Corner (#Business Corner) * Upcoming Events (#Upcoming Events) * Announcements (#Announcements) * Helpful Community Resources (#Helpful Community Resources)
https://sanjose.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=21676&GUID=ACCCCFF5-F14A-4E1A-8540-9065F45A8A90&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID General Plan Four-Year Review Policy Framework (https://sanjose.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8160126&GUID=982B22C8-7ED5-4BE7-B3BC-CF6ADA3B3C20&Options=&Search=&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) The General Plan is one of the most important guiding documents for the City of San José, as it lays out a vision of the long-range future of the City and guides future growth and development. The Envision San José 2040 General Plan (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/planning-division/citywide-planning/envision-san-jos-2040-general-plan?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) was adopted in 2011 and is the City's current general plan. Every four years the City conducts a review of the General Plan to assess progress toward key goals and make updates where needed.
The City recently engaged in its third four-year review of the General Plan. This four-year review was primarily focused on meeting the City's housing element (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/planning-division/citywide-planning/housing-element?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) obligations to the state and increasing housing capacity. A Task Force (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/planning-division/citywide-planning/envision-san-jos-2040-general-plan/gp-4-year-review?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) was convened to make recommendations for the General Plan update and City staff also engaged in a community outreach effort that included virtual and in-person townhalls and meetings.
The Task Force submitted recommendations to the City Council focused on streamlining the City's Urban Village (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/planning-division/citywide-planning/urban-villages?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) planning process and increasing housing capacity in various zoning districts. One element of the recommendations that received considerable attention was the Task Force's missing middle housing recommendation, which was to increase the Residential Neighborhood land use designation (sometimes referred to as Single Family Zoning) from 8 dwelling units per acre to 32 dwelling units acre. Practically, this would allow four residential units of an average single-family lot that currently only allows one residential unit.
On August 18, the City Council considered these recommendations. I, alongside with some of my colleagues, authored a memorandum (https://sanjose.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15767578&GUID=622BC855-E65B-4D42-8D3A-D7C9F89B50B5&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) that responded to many of the concerns that I heard from the community regarding this proposal. My memorandum recommended establishing a parking minimum for residential neighborhood, exploring allowing commercial uses to be more integrated with residential neighborhoods, and conducting an environmental analysis for various density levels ranging from 16 dwelling units per acre all the way up to 32. The Council ultimately approved the recommendations in my memorandum as well as the exploration of safeguards for areas of the City not well served by transit.
The vote on August 18 was not the final hearing on the General Plan 4-Year Review. City staff will now conduct a robust environmental analysis of the proposed updates to the General Plan and return to the City Council in December of 2027. At that point, the City Council will make a final determination on the general plan updates and density level for residential neighborhood, informed by the environmental analysis.
While we need housing, emphasis should be made on building more density in transit corridors.
Please stay engaged in this issue. Although I will no longer be representing you as Councilmember in 2027, I will be paying attention and letting my voice be heard to limit density in our neighborhoods. Amendments to Council Policy 0-4 and San José Municipal Code Title 2.08 related to Boards and Commissions (https://sanjose.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8156573&GUID=53DA9867-34D5-425B-89EA-54CD1A22CFCD&Options=&Search=&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID)
The City Council has extended remote participation to the City’s various Boards and Commissions. This means that you can now participate and provide verbal public comments virtually at City boards and commissions, such as the Planning Commission. Meeting links are posted on the board or commission’s agendas.
As a reminder, you can also now participate in San José City Council meetings virtually via Zoom. Meeting links are posted on the respective City Council agenda (https://sanjose.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=21676&GUID=ACCCCFF5-F14A-4E1A-8540-9065F45A8A90&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) which can be accessed online.
Click here (https://sanjose.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=21676&GUID=ACCCCFF5-F14A-4E1A-8540-9065F45A8A90&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) to view all City Council agendas and meeting details. Join me next Monday for my September Office Hours alongside the District 9 staff. This meeting will be an open discussion on how we can continue to improve the community together and welcomes your questions, ideas, and feedback on any issues impacting our community.
District 9 Virtual Office Hours Monday, September 14, 2026 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Zoom (Virtual Only) Register to Attend Here (https://bit.ly/D9OHSept2026?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) Last month, I had the honor to celebrate Silicon Valley Pride Week! Over the week we celebrated the LGBTQ+ community and the many people who have helped make our community more welcoming and inclusive! The parade was incredible and it was amazing to see so many community members and leaders come join us in support! Last month, San José Police Department Sergeant Matt Walsh was critically injured in an officer-involved shooting while responding to an armed robbery suspect. A 19-year veteran of SJPD and supervisor of the Department’s MERGE Unit, Sergeant Walsh was seriously wounded while protecting our community. Thankfully, he has since been released from the hospital and is continuing his recovery at home.
I am deeply grateful to Sergeant Walsh for his courage, dedication, and commitment to serving San José. We owe him our thanks not only for the dangers he faced that day, but for the many years he has spent protecting our community and looking out for his fellow officers. I commend his incredible strength and bravery, and I join our community in wishing Sergeant Walsh a full and speedy recovery. September is National Preparedness Month! Observed each year by emergency management agencies across the country, National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of being ready for disasters of all kinds. This year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” feels especially timely as the Timber and Plaskett fires continue to impact communities along California’s Central Coast. These fires are a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen with little warning—and that being prepared can make all the difference.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—commit to at least one step this week, like updating your emergency kit or reviewing evacuation routes. Visit www.SJFD.org (http://www.sjfd.org/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) for more tips. Stay safe, San José! https://www.sjpd.org/community/crime-prevention/security-camera-registration?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
San José residents and business can register their security cameras with SJPD to help support local crime investigations. Registering does not give SJPD access to your camera or live footage. If footage is needed for an incident nearby, an investigator will contact you to ask if you're willing to share it.
For more information regarding the Security Camera Registration program click here (https://www.sjpd.org/community/crime-prevention/security-camera-registration?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) .
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness, share vital resources, and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Checking in with a friend, listening without judgment, and connecting someone with support can make a meaningful difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7, free, and confidential). You can also chat online at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline * Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 * Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor
San José is proudly welcoming MLV NorCal, a new Professional Women's Volleyball franchise. Helping bring this team to San José is co-owner Kerri Walsh, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Volleyball and Bay Area Native, who adds unmatched expertise in adding this incredible milestone to San José's history.
Major League Volleyball (MLV) is the premiere professional volleyball league in the United States and the franchise has made it's way to San José, making them the newest addition to professional sports in San José! The NorCal franchise is the latest addition to MLV’s rapidly growing league, which expands to 11 teams in 2027. Details regarding the team name, branding, and home venue will be announced soon! https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/economic-development?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID The City's Offices of Economic Development (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/economic-development?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) and Cultural Affairs (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/cultural-affairs?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) help small businesses thrive by connecting them to important resources and tools, including free workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs to participate in. Find both free and low-cost workshops and various resources through the following local organizations: * SCORE (https://www.score.org/ca/silicon-valley/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) * Silicon Valley SBDC (https://www.svsbdc.org/events/?e_source=all&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) * Enterprise Foundation (https://enterprisefoundation-sv.org/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) * AnewAmerica (https://www.anewamerica.org/services/anewamerica-women-s-business-center-san-jose?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) * Start Small Think Big (https://www.startsmallthinkbig.org/events-for-small-businesses?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) * San José Public Library (https://www.sjpl.org/sjpl-works/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID)
https://www.vivacallesj.org/the-event/featured-event?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
Mark your calendar! Viva CalleSJ (https://www.vivacallesj.org/the-event/featured-event?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) touches down in District 9 this weekend with an activity hub at De Anza Park and extending down South San José! This event welcomes everyone to ride, walk, run, roll, and dance through the streets of San José like never before.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Get ready to explore 6-miles of closed-off streets, packed with resources, vendors, food trucks, performances, family activities, and much more!
http://bit.ly/4gw2nXB?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
We want to hear from you!
Share your feedback on AI detected City services including potholes, illegal dumping, and graffiti on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The virtual meeting will be hosted on Zoom with registration live at bit.ly/4hMINsn.
More information is available online at bit.ly/4gw2nXB.
https://happyhollow.org/seniorsafari/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
The 2026 season of Senior Safari is here! Visitors ages 50 and up are invited to take over San José's iconic Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.
Get some fresh air and exercise as you enjoy free admission, free parking, early entry to the park, animal meet-and-greets, and much more. Guests who enter before 10 am may stay the entire day for free! The next FREE event is on September 24 at 9:00 am.
Click here (https://happyhollow.org/seniorsafari/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) for more information.
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/racial-and-social-equity/disability-affairs/disability-awareness-day?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
This year marks the 18th Annual Disability Inclusion Day (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/racial-and-social-equity/disability-affairs/disability-awareness-day?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) in the City of San José! Join this celebration dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
Thursday, October 1, 2026 10:00 am - 1:00 pm San José City Hall Rotunda & Plaza (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9NmMPAHmzoUpihNs5?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID)
Visit the event website at bit.ly/CSJDID for more details as we get closer to the event.
https://yourviews.pcgfirm.com/jfe/form/SV_dd6uBtChLXPbuHc?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID
The City of San José conducts quarterly residential surveys to gather feedback on garbage and recycling collection services. Your input helps the City maintain high-quality services and improve customer satisfaction. Feedback is being collected through a citywide survey available to all single-family residents and multifamily property managers.
Visit here to take the survey! (https://yourviews.pcgfirm.com/jfe/form/SV_dd6uBtChLXPbuHc?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID)
Help shape the future of San José Unified’s schools and campuses!
If you are interested in engaging and learning more about the Facilities Master Plan (FMP). There will be an upcoming engagement workshop to review proposed campus vision plans for local schools, share priorities, and help inform future facility investments. Workshops are open to students, families, staff, and community members, with Spanish interpretation available. * Learn more about the Facilities Master Plan: FMP Website (https://www.sjusd.org/about/fmp?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID)
* View the full workshop calendar, including dates, times, and participating schools: Workshop Calendar (https://sjusd.box.com/s/14e1xclkdgxj8jwje5aamrzudm09kyid?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID)
Home & Neighborhood Resources * San José 311 (https://311.sanjoseca.gov/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Report potholes, streetlight outages, graffiti and other City issues * Non-Emergency Police (https://www.sjpd.org/i-want-to/contact-us/phone-directory?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Calling (408) 277-8900 for past or current situations requiring a police response with no active threat to life or property * Code Enforcement (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/planning-building-code-enforcement/code-enforcement?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Report private property maintenance and neighborhood concerns * Free Junk Removal (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/environmental-services/recycling-garbage/junk-pickup?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Schedule free pickup of furniture, mattresses, appliances and other bulky items * Free Hazardous Waste Drop Off (https://hhw.santaclaracounty.gov/home?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Safely dispose of paint, chemicals, batteries, medications, and other household hazardous waste * Utility Services Lookup - Find your street sweeping, waste collection and water provider including contact information for each of them
Traffic & Roadway Safety Resources * SJPD Traffic Enforcement Unit (https://www.sjpd.org/about-us/organization/bureau-of-field-operations/traffic-enforcement-unit/request-traffic-enforcement?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Request traffic enforcement for chronic traffic safety issues in your area * County Roadway Reporting (https://countyroads.sccgov.org/services/service-requests?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Submit requests to address safety concerns on roadways such as Almaden Expressway * CalTrans Roadway Reporting (https://csr.dot.ca.gov/index.php/Msrsubmit?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Submit requests to address safety concerns on roadways such as highways, interstates, and on/off ramps
Health & Emergency Preparedness Resources * 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress and crisis resources for you or your loved ones * Emergency Preparedness (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/office-of-the-city-manager/emergency-management?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Learn how you can be better prepared, supplied, trained, informed, and involved in the event of an emergency
District 9 Resources * District 9 Development Map (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1NQVJ_E6zmnsGhn39SZI1HxOtdcajGUM&ll=37.26856994198484%2C-121.90277034999998&z=13&mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Outlines any projects that require planning approval that our office has been notified of * District 9 Calendar (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/mayor-and-city-council/district-9/in-the-district/district-9-calendar?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) - Stay up to date on upcoming events in District 9 and Citywide
Vice Mayor Pam Foley San José City Hall, District 9 200 E. Santa Clara Street, 18th Floor San Jose, CA 95113 District 9 Website (http://sanjoseca.gov/district9?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) district9@sanjoseca.gov (mailto:district9@sanjoseca.gov) (408) 535-4909
District 9 Team Shirley Feliciano (mailto:shirley.feliciano@sanjoseca.gov) Executive Assistant Ky (mailto:kyle.laveroni@sanjoseca.gov) le Laveroni (mailto:kyle.laveroni@sanjoseca.gov) Chief of Staff Claire Bang (mailto:claire.bang@sanjoseca.gov) Communications Director Justin Wang (mailto:justin.wang@sanjoseca.gov) Legislative & Policy Analyst https://311.sanjoseca.gov/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID San José 311 (https://311.sanjoseca.gov/?mc_cid=dced2279eb&mc_eid=UNIQID) Report abandoned vehicles, graffiti, illegal dumping, street light outages, potholes, and more.
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