From official newsletter

Investing in Community and Standing Up for Justice

Apr 03, 2026, 7:02 PM • Councilmember Peter Ortiz • district5-sanjoseca.gov@shared1.ccsend.com

Summary

Councilmember Peter Ortiz highlights East San José's vibrant cultural celebrations including Black History Month and Lunar New Year, emphasizing the importance of preserving and proudly celebrating diverse traditions. He strongly supports immigrant families by opposing ICE presence in the Bay Area and backing Assembly Bill 1633, which aims to tax for-profit ICE detention centers to promote humane immigration enforcement. Ortiz advocates for affordable housing reforms through a memo proposing fairer development fees, deferred fee payments, and better alignment with state funding to accelerate housing construction. He also calls for immediate relief for businesses impacted by VTA EBRC construction, insisting on meaningful support without delays or inadequate compensation.

Key positions and references

Key positions

Oppose ICE presence in Bay Area
Support AB1633 taxing for-profit ICE detention centers
Advocate for affordable housing fee reforms
Demand immediate relief for VTA EBRC construction impacts

Agenda items and issues mentioned

VTA EBRC Construction Impact Relief
Scaled Development Fee Framework and Deferred Development Impact Fees
Assembly Bill 1633 on ICE detention centers
National Girls and Women in Sports Day proclamation

Meetings and events mentioned

VTA Board meeting (February)
State of the City event
City Council meeting (February)
Assemblymember Alex Lee’s Black History Recognition event

Full newsletter

This newsletter is best viewed in its original format.

February was a month that reflected both the heart and the strength of East San José. We gathered to celebrate love, culture, and tradition, while also standing firm in our commitment to protect and uplift our immigrant families. Across the district, we celebrated Black History Month, Lunar New Year, the Super Bowl, bringing neighbors together through food,…