District 5 Summer Newsletter ☀️
- Support for immigrant legal aid and education
- Opposition to Gilroy Detention Center
- Investment in youth safety and development
- Commitment to neighborhood beautification
- Gilroy Detention Center opposition
- Beautify SJ anti-dumping investment
- City Peace Project funding
- Adelante Middle School campus planning
- Día de San Juan celebration
- 45th Annual Juneteenth in the Streets Festival
- FIFA World Cup Watch Parties
- Youth Safety Workshop and Resource Fair
Email from Councilmember Peter Ortiz Leer en Español Dear Friends & Neighbors, June and July were months filled with community, celebration, and cultural pride in East San José. We came together to honor important occasions that celebrate our community's deep roots and focused on our commitment to serving immigrants, beautifying East San José, and investing in our youth. Across the district, we celebrated Día de San Juan and Juneteenth, creating opportunities for families, neighbors, and local businesses to come together to honor the traditions and connections that make our community so vibrant. Alongside these celebrations, we remained focused on supporting small businesses by organizing World Cup watch parties and the formation of the Story Road East Business Association, which served as ways to boost collaboration and improve our local economy. We also passed legislation focused on beautifying the district and partnered with local leaders to clean up blighted neighborhoods. For example, we led a walkthrough at the new Adelante site, formerly named Fischer Middle School to determine the next steps for the campus and created a future prioritizing safety and accessibility. These initiatives reflect our shared responsibility to care for the places we call home and our commitment to building a better community in East San José. June reminded us that building a stronger community takes all of us. Whether celebrating our culture, supporting one another, promoting public safety, or improving our neighborhoods through service, each effort contributes to a better East San José. Together, we continue to build a cleaner, safer, and more connected community for all. In Solidarity, Councilmember Peter Ortiz Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe to our Newsletter here. Budget Initiatives 2026 East San José is a community that needs support and reinforcement, which is why my office proudly championed a $1 million investment to provide legal aid and educational opportunities for immigrant residents across East San José. In addition, we secured investments that will preserve our rich culture by supporting our small businesses and continuing to grow our Beautify SJ program, which keeps our neighborhoods clean. Our main focuses: Understanding that the youth are the future of our communities, we have invested over $2 million in the City Peace Project, enhancing our children's lives, repairs at the Clyde L. Fischer School Fields, and our Youth Master Plan, continuing our support of priority initiatives for children. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and to support them, my office organized the World Cup Small Business Activation Program and the Story Road East Business Association. These programs have been crucial to strengthening our economy and boosting our collaboration amongst our small business owners. Our local communities are built on diverse backgrounds and our deep passion for our culture. Recognizing this, we have increased our support for immigrant communities by providing resources and expanding legal aid. Additionally, we have celebrated the Latino heritage by investing in annual festivals at the School of Arts and Culture. Beautifying SJ has been one of my office's key focuses, and this year we secured over $70,000 in investments to keep District 5 clean and beautiful. This investment will help us combat illegal dumping, which has been a persistent challenge in our neighborhoods. Additionally, we have strengthened our neighborhood infrastructure, advancing long-term revitalization. These investments reflect our continued commitment to creating equitable opportunities and building a stronger, safer, and more connected East San José. Protecting our Immigrant Community I worked with the San José City Council and local community leaders to arrange an amicus brief, a document submitted to the court by a person who isn't a direct party to the case, opposing the proposed Gilroy Detention Center. Immigrant communities shape San José, and it is our responsibility to raise concerns when policies could hurt family stability, community trust, and access to schools. By opposing this proposition, the city was able to protect immigrant residents, who rely on the schools and services the city provides. Community Events Dia de San Juan I was honored to celebrate the Dia de San Juan with Councilmember Kamei, the mayor, and various other community members. As a proud Mexican and Puerto Rican American, it is always an honor to celebrate my heritage. Puerto Ricans were among the first Latino settlers of East San José, and their deep, rich history in the community has shaped the resilience of the city of San José. Through their contributions in neighborhoods like Mayfair and across our city, this day was truly a great celebration of their service and dedication to our district. Juneteenth On Juneteenth, my office celebrated the resilience, achievements, and lasting contributions of the Black American community during the 45th Annual Juneteenth in the Streets Festival. Through our support for the American Community Service Agency, we witnessed a powerful celebration of freedom, culture, and community. AASCA has been influential in bringing our community together through its mission to preserve the culture of the African Americans and their support of minorities. I councilmember Peter Ortiz feel very proud to be a sponsor for their organization and look forward to continue supporting their cause. The festival presented by AASCA has helped continue its work toward building a more equitable future for all. FIFA World Cup Watch Party FIFA World Cup Watch Parties My office co-hosted a variety of watch parties across East San José. La Plaza hosted two México games that showcased an incredible atmosphere and the deep passion in our Mexican community. Additionally, we co-hosted watch parties for two knockout games in the Alum Rock Village. The large screens, drinks, and merch allowed for a great experience and even greater memories. No matter the results, these events brought our community ever closer and exhibited the intense pride our community has for its roots. Youth Safety and Gang Prevention One very resourceful workshop we presented to parents and families in the East San José community was the Youth Safety Workshop and Resource Fair Event. This event centered on helping parents identify signs of youth gang involvement through a presentation by the San Jose Chief of Police. It included a resource fair with options for youth services so that both parents and youth in the community can be aware. Adelante Middle School Planning We spent some time this month walking through the Fischer Middle School site that will soon become the home of Adelante 1 and 2. During this walkthrough, we examined the next steps for this campus. As this campus begins a new chapter, we want to make sure that safety, availability, and the overall quality of life are maintained for the nearby neighborhood. We worked closely with SJPD, the Interim Superintendent, and the Department of Transportation to identify opportunities to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, site accessibility, and the overall experience of students. My office will remain committed to taking the necessary next steps to ensure the safety of our community and the development of our neighborhoods. Community Service Organization with La Raza Historical Society My office toured the historic Community Service Organization site in East San José with the La Raza Historical Society. The CSO was a leading advocate for working-class Mexican and Chicano communities in District 5. We are currently exploring a possible partnership to create a historical exhibit on the property, giving local students and families a place to learn about and take pride in East San José's rich cultural roots, resilience, and history. San Jose Public Library Events Did you know your local library offers a variety of free events for the community? These events range from kids’ crafts, story time, ESL classes to technology assistance workshops, DMV guidance, and U.S. citizenship practice interviews. Be sure to explore the upcoming events in District 5 and take advantage of these wonderful opportunities! Silicon Valley Reads is a community-wide program that brings people together through books, events, and conversation. Each year, we explore a shared theme with author talks, book clubs, arts programs, and activities for all ages. Learn more: sjpl.org/silicon-valley-reads We’re collecting feedback on the En Movimiento bike boulevard projects Help us understand what’s working, what’s not Fill Up a Survey Today! 21st Street, from Roosevelt Park to William Street William Street & William Court (Brookwood Ave to Bonita Ave) 28th Street (Santa Clara St to East San Antonio St) Bonita Avenue (East San Antonio St to William Court) 33rd Street (Melody Ln to East San Antonio St) Kammerer Avenue (King Rd to Jackson Ave) Sunset Avenue (Alum Rock Ave to Lavonne Ave) Jose Figueres Avenue (McKee Rd to Alum Rock Ave) Scharff Avenue & Packing Place (Alum Rock Ave to Kammerer Ave) My name is Brutus. I am a neutered male, brown Pit Bull Terrier. The shelter staff think I am about 4 years old. I have been at the shelter since Aug 29, 2024. Three words to describe me: Goofy, Sweet, Trusting ID#: A1353457 My name is Paxton. I am a neutered male, tabby-born and white Domestic Shorthair. The shelter staff think I am about 11 months old. I was found at S Winchester Blvd/Riddle Rd I have been at the shelter since Apr 06, 2026. ID#: A1404859 See More Adoptable Pets Here Rapid Response Network (RRN) The Rapid Response Network (RRN) in Santa Clara County is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide accompaniment support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Anyone can call the 24/7 HOTLINE at (408) 290-1144 to report ICE activity in our county and receive help in real time! Red Cards All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The Immigration Legal Resource Center's (ILRC) Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Get Yours Today Adopt a Park Today! Did you know you can Adopt-A-Park? AAP is a citywide volunteer program that recruits and trains residents to assist in the general care and maintenance of neighborhood parks and trails. Make a difference in your community, adopt a park today! The Eastridge to BART Regional Connector Project (EBRC) extends light rail from the existing Alum Rock Light Rail Station to the Eastridge Transit Center. When this project is complete, VTA riders can board the light rail at the Eastridge Station and connect directly with BART at the Milpitas Station. Community outreach staff continues responding to residents, business owners and other stakeholders, in their role as liaisons between stakeholders and the EBRC Project. How to Reach us The Community Outreach Office trailer at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue (close to Story Road) is open every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff are also available by appointment. Questions or concerns? Please contact us via email: community.outreach@vta.org or by calling (408) 321-7575. Please make sure to provide your name, address, a summary of your concern, supporting evidence (if possible), and your phone number. Visit EBRC Website To Learn More Want to go electric but don’t know where to start? San José Clean Energy (SJCE) has launched the Go Electric Advisor, a new free service that offers residents personalized help to transition to a cleaner, all-electric lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring electric vehicles (EVs), considering a heat pump water heater, or curious about rooftop solar and battery storage, Go Electric Advisors can help you every step of the way, from exploring your options to finding contractors and applying for rebates. Electrifying your home and transportation can: · Reduce energy and fueling costs · Improve indoor air quality and home comfort · Reduce emissions to fight climate change Don’t wait! Get free support before federal tax credits expire at the end of 2025. Visit GoElectricAdvisor.SanJoseCleanEnergy.org or call the SJCE Call Center: (833) 432-2454, then press 2. There’s help for your electricity bills San José Clean Energy (SJCE) just approved new rates you’ll see on your energy bill starting in March 2025. The average resident will save 8% on electricity compared to PG&E bundled service. Residents who qualify for SJ Cares will also save an additional 10%. The average residential customer will still see their bill decrease by a few dollars a month. Please reach out to check if you qualify for additional discounts and other tips to cut back on your energy bill. Contact SJCE at 833-432-2454 or info@sanjosecleanenergy.org. 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