20260826 D7 Newsletter

• Oppose blanket densification in Residential Neighborhoods without infrastructure readiness
• Support focusing new housing near transit and Urban Villages
• Oppose Proposition 37 down payment assistance due to debt risks
• Support Proposition 43 to maintain two-thirds voter approval for local special taxes

• General Plan amendment on housing density
• Proposition 37 - Down Payment Assistance
• Proposition 39 - Voter Identification
• Proposition 43 - Local Special Taxes

• August 18 City Council meeting
• August 25 City Council meeting

http://SJDistrict7.org

** D7 Newsletter - August 26, 2026

Welcome to our latest District 7 newsletter. We’ll use this space to keep you informed about City Council policy updates, District 7 parks, and other important developments in our community. For more information and additional updates, please visit our website.

** Keeping a San José Police Officer in Our Prayers

Before we begin, we want to send our prayers and deepest gratitude to the San José Police Department officer who was shot while serving our city and protecting a family during a home invasion.

The officer is now in stable condition. We are profoundly grateful for the honor, duty, courage, and commitment demonstrated in protecting our community, and we extend our deepest respect to the officer, their loved ones, and the entire San José Police Department.

Read the story: ABC7 News (https://abc7news.com/post/san-jose-shooting-suspect-dead-officer-stable-condition-being-hurt-police-lick-ave-goodyear-st/19738610/)

** City Council Policy Updates

** General Plan & Housing: Standing Up for Our Neighborhoods

At the August 18 City Council meeting, I stood up to protect our neighborhoods from a densification effort that our residents do not want.

The Council considered a major change to the General Plan that could significantly increase the number of homes allowed in established Residential Neighborhoods, including areas historically dominated by single-family homes. I support building more housing in San José, but I do not support a blanket approach that places substantially more density in our neighborhoods without first ensuring that our roads, parking, utilities, transit, and public safety infrastructure can handle the additional demand.

I believe we should focus new housing where it makes the most sense: along major corridors, near high-quality transit, and in Urban Villages and other areas already planned for greater intensity. I also asked that the Council delay its action to allow for additional community meetings and meaningful public input.

I voted no, along with Councilmembers Domingo Candelas and George Casey. The Council ultimately voted 8–3 to advance the policy framework. This was not the final adoption of the General Plan changes, and additional work and community engagement will take place before final amendments return to the Planning Commission and City Council.

** Statewide Ballot Measures

At the August 25 City Council meeting, we also considered several statewide ballot measures for the November 2026 election.

Proposition 37 — Down Payment Assistance

Proposition 37 would provide down payment assistance for newly constructed homes. I spoke against the measure because financing up to 97% of a $1.4 million home could leave families carrying an enormous amount of debt for decades.

We need to focus on reducing the cost of housing, not telling people they can afford something they cannot. Taking on unsustainable debt risks creating financial hardship for families and could contribute to another housing crisis like the one we experienced in 2008.

Proposition 39 — Voter Identification

Proposition 39 would establish additional identification requirements for voting, including government-issued identification for in-person voters and additional identification information for vote-by-mail voters. The measure would also create additional election verification and auditing requirements.

The City Council unanimously voted to oppose Proposition 39.

Proposition 43 — Local Special Taxes

Proposition 43 would maintain the requirement that local special taxes receive two-thirds voter approval.

I spoke in support. For the past three years, I have championed protecting San José taxpayers. The cost of living is not improved by increasing taxes on our residents. Higher taxes make everything more expensive and are not fiscally responsible.

I am pleased that Governor Newsom worked with residents to create this proposition and align the voter threshold with our State Constitution for all taxes moving forward.

For more information on these and other Council actions, visit our Policy & Council Updates page: sjdistrict7.org/policy-council-updates (https://www.sjdistrict7.org/policy-council-updates)

** District 7 Parks Update

** Tully Ballfields and Library

Unfortunately, two sets of bleachers at Tully Ballfields were stolen, and another set was vandalized and partially disassembled, creating a potential safety hazard. A police report has been filed regarding the theft and vandalism. We are working to make the damaged bleachers safe and identifying resources to replace the stolen bleachers.

We coordinated with the City to structurally prune all 129 trees throughout the Tully Community Library property.

** Stonegate Park

Homeless persons were removed from the creek side area adjacent to the playground for the second time this month. We will continue monitoring the area and working to keep the park safe and accessible.

** Windmill Springs Park

A gasket leak at the street-side meter temporarily shut off water to the park and caused the turf to begin drying out. Muni Water has repaired the issue and water service has been restored.

** Coyote Meadows Trestle

We are working to preserve the historic trestle at Coyote Meadows, which we are concerned has not received the attention it needs from City staff.

We are looking for volunteers who can help preserve the trestle and potentially assist with its maintenance going forward. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to our office.

** Japanese Friendship Garden

PRNS is working to adapt the new filtration systems to the ponds at the Japanese Friendship Garden, but algae continues to be a challenge as staff work on the aeration system and maintaining proper water levels so the pumps and filters can operate effectively.

Recently, PRNS engaged the ground-well water pump to automatically refill the pond when water reaches a certain low level.

One of the biggest challenges we see is insufficient personnel assigned to the Japanese Friendship Garden to manage these ongoing maintenance needs. This is an issue that will need to be addressed with the Director of PRNS, the City Manager, and in the budget.

** Vietnamese Heritage Garden Update

** Thank You America Monument

SJPD continues to investigate the theft and vandalism of the Thank You America Monument and is asking the public to provide any information that may help identify those responsible.

At this time, the suspects remain unidentified, and police have no evidence indicating that the incident was a hate crime. There is also currently no evidence that any City employee was involved or is considered a suspect. Because the suspects have not been identified, police cannot determine their nationality or motive.

** Permanent Signage

I recently sat down with the Director of Parks and made clear that we need a permanent marble sign for the Vietnamese Heritage Garden immediately.

The Garden has been without a permanent sign for more than a year, which is unacceptable. We will continue pushing for this to be addressed.

** Lighting

We have received preliminary estimates for improved lighting at the VHG. The costs are in the several-hundred-thousand-dollar range, which exceeds what the maintenance team can accommodate within its annual budget. Moving forward would require capital funding, one-time General Fund support, or additional planning.

** Open Hours

Since the monument theft, the VHG has been closed except for flag-raising days. We are pushing to restore the prior schedule of Friday through Sunday, morning until dusk.

The Vietnamese Heritage Garden should be open and accessible to the community, and we will continue working toward restoring regular public hours.

Learn more about our parks at https://www.sjdistrict7.org/park-updates

Thank you for staying engaged with what is happening across District 7. We will continue working to keep residents informed and advocating for safe, vibrant, and well-maintained neighborhoods, parks, and community spaces.

For more information and additional District 7 updates, please visit our website SJDistrict7.org (https://www.sjdistrict7.org/) .

** About Councilmember Doan

I am proud to serve as your representative, following my journey from immigrating to the U.S. with my family in 1975. The generosity of our community inspired me to dedicate my life to public service. For 27 years, I’ve worked as a firefighter, including 21 years with the San Jose Fire Department, where I became the first Vietnamese Fire Captain. As a lifelong member of our community, I’m committed to ensuring our District is safer, cleaner, and stronger for everyone. https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/mayor-and-city-council/district-7/bien-doan-biography

Best Regards, https://sjdistrict7.org

Councilmember Bien Doan

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