Reminder: A Snapshot from Councilmember Kamei
- Support stronger ALPR data safeguards and independent oversight
- Oppose unauthorized access and misuse of ALPR information
- Prioritize community engagement and transparency in city decisions
- Encourage voter registration and participation in November election
- ALPR safeguards proposal at Rules and Open Government Committee
- Demolition permit and process for Kato Building
- Workload analysis of ALPR proposals by City staff
- Rules and Open Government Committee hearing on ALPR proposals
- In-person office hours on October 7 at Coffee & Water Lab
- Virtual office hours on October 19 via Zoom
- November 3 General Election and ballot distribution starting October 5
Email from City of San Jose Council District 1 News and updates from San José City Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, representing Council District 1 in West San José. Here’s the Snapshot… We celebrated Disability Inclusion Day at City Hall this week, bringing our community together for a job fair, resources, activities, food, and music while celebrating a more accessible and inclusive San José. We’re working to strengthen safeguards around Automated License Plate Reader data. Proposals focusing on preventing misuse, improving auditing and independent oversight, and rebuilding trust with our community were heard at Rules Committee this week. And the November General Election is almost here, with ballots beginning to arrive on October 5. Now is a great time to check your voter registration, find your nearest ballot drop box or Vote Center, and make a plan to vote. Dear friends and neighbors, Happy October! As we settle into fall, there is plenty happening across District 1 and throughout San José, from community events and neighborhood projects to important conversations at City Hall. October also means election season is officially here. Ballots for the November 3 election begin going out on October 5, and I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan to participate. Whether you vote by mail, return your ballot at a secure drop box, or vote in person, taking a few minutes now to make sure you are registered and know your options can make Election Day that much easier. You can find information about voter registration, ballot drop box locations, Vote Centers, important deadlines, and other election resources through the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters here. This month also brings plenty of opportunities to connect with one another closer to home. I hope you will find an opportunity to get involved, meet your neighbors, and share your voice. As always, I am grateful to everyone who takes the time to attend a meeting, ask a question, send us an email, or stop to talk when you see us out in the community. Local government works best when our residents are informed and engaged, and our office will continue working to make it easier for you to stay connected to the decisions and projects shaping our neighborhoods. I hope you have a wonderful start to October, and I look forward to seeing you around District 1! Sincerely, Stay up to date with my office at the Council District 1 Website. If you would like to share any questions, comments, or thoughts with me, you may reach my office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901. This month's office hours: In-person - The next in-person office hours will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, at 9AM at Coffee & Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Avenue, Unit 40, San Jose. Virtual - The next virtual office hours will be held on Zoom on Monday, October 19th, at 4:00PM. Access the Zoom here. City Council meetings take place every Tuesday at 1:30 PM and are always open to the public. You can watch meetings live here, find agendas and details here, participate remotely and in-person, and send your input on any item by emailing cityclerk@sanjoseca.gov. What's Happening in District 1 Kato Building Safety Concerns We know many neighbors have been concerned about the fire-damaged Kato Building near Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway. The City issued a demolition permit several months ago, and our office has remained in contact with the developer as they worked through the insurance review process. Demolition is now scheduled to be completed in October, and we will continue monitoring progress and sharing updates with the community. ALPR Safeguards For additional coverage of the ongoing ALPR discussion, you can read NBC Bay Area’s reporting on San José’s consideration of new ALPR rules. Earlier this week, our proposal to strengthen safeguards and accountability around the City’s use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) was heard by the Rules and Open Government Committee. I want to thank everyone who came to City Hall, submitted comments, or shared their experiences and concerns with us. Many community members spoke about the broader implications of this technology, including privacy, surveillance, immigration enforcement, domestic violence and stalking, and trust in the City and Police Department. Others asked the City to go further by turning off the cameras and ending its contract with Flock Safety. We heard those concerns, and they deserve to be part of the conversation as this issue moves forward. Our proposal, authored with Councilmembers Anthony Tordillos, David Cohen, and Michael Mulcahy, provides strong and specific direction for addressing the gaps exposed by the recent misuse of ALPR data. It calls for the development of an ordinance clearly defining and prohibiting unauthorized access, use, and disclosure of ALPR information, including consideration of civil and criminal penalties and a private right of action for people harmed by misuse. It also calls for prohibiting access through personal devices, restricting off-duty access, strengthening authentication and automated auditing tools, and exploring a role for the Independent Police Auditor as an independent auditor of ALPR practices. These recommendations are intended to address a fundamental concern raised by the recent incident: safeguards cannot exist only on paper. The City needs systems capable of preventing misuse, identifying suspicious access when it occurs, and creating meaningful accountability when sensitive information is abused. Independent oversight is also critical to rebuilding trust and giving the public confidence that compliance is being evaluated outside of the department using the technology. The Rules Committee also considered a separate proposal from Mayor Matt Mahan, Vice Mayor Pam Foley, and Councilmembers Domingo Candelas and George Casey. Both proposals were unanimously referred to City staff for workload analysis and are expected to return to the Rules Committee in approximately three weeks, before any recommendations move forward to the full City Council. No final decisions have been made. The workload analysis gives staff an opportunity to evaluate what it would take to implement the proposals, while the coming weeks give Councilmembers and the community additional time to consider the larger questions residents have raised about San José’s continued use of this technology. That includes hearing from community members who believe stronger safeguards are necessary, as well as those who believe the risks associated with ALPRs cannot be adequately addressed through additional safeguards. I encourage everyone who cares about this issue to stay engaged as these proposals return to Rules and ultimately come before the full City Council. Continue reaching out to our office, follow the upcoming agendas, and come speak when these items return with staff’s analysis. Rebuilding trust requires more than adopting another policy. It requires an open public process where the concerns we have heard are taken seriously and the community has an opportunity to weigh in before Council determines what comes next. Policy in Focus Read Councilmember Kamei's Bio Recent Council Actions September 29, 2026 Item 3.5 - Temporary Moratorium Related to Detention and Custodial Facility on Private Property Council considered approval of a temporary 45-day moratorium on new or expanded detention and custodial facilities in San José, providing time for the City to evaluate appropriate zoning, permitting, and health and safety standards for these uses. The moratorium applies to private property and, to the extent permitted under state and federal law, public property, while staff evaluates how these facilities should be regulated moving forward. Item 5.2 - Parking Meter and Garage Rates and Hours Council approved a revised parking plan that raises hourly rates in City garages from $4 to $5 and adjusts special-event rates, while leaving downtown parking meter rates and operating hours unchanged for now. The plan also expands discounted parking for eligible downtown employees, continues 90 minutes of free parking at the Convention Center Garage, and directs staff to return with additional analysis on parking revenue, utilization, and long-term infrastructure needs. September 22, 2026 Item 3.3 - 2026 Summer Intergovernmental Relations Report Council reviewed the 2026 Summer Intergovernmental Relations Report and reaffirmed the City’s state and federal legislative positions, which guide San José’s advocacy in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Council also directed the City to support legislation strengthening local control over housing and land use. I would have preferred a more balanced approach, one articulated well by Councilmember Tordillos in his alternative motion. Meet the D1 Policy Team! Upcoming Council Actions October 6, 2026 Personal Delivery Devices in City Right-of-Way 1510 N 1st Funding Commitment Arena Hotel Redevelopment and Homekey Program Agreement October 13, 2026 - CANCELLED for Indigenous Peoples' Day October 20, 2026 2025-2026 Annual Report Office of the Independent Police Auditor 2025 Year-End Report PD's Response to Independent Police Auditor 2025 Year-End Report Curtner Studios Stabilization Administrative Citation Fire Amendments Citywide Planning Work Plan Reprioritization Land Use: Early Consideration Hearing GP Amendment for 525 Race Street Visit the City Clerk’s Meeting Participation Guide to watch and participate in public meetings. Visit City Clerk's Guide to Council Meetings to learn how our form of government operates. Committees, Boards & Commissions See More D1 Projects & Policy Councilmembers are also appointed to serve on other committees, boards, and commissions. View all of my appointments at Council Appointments Webpage. See below some highlighted actions that my appointed committees, boards, and commissions recently took: Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC): September 30, 2026 The Rules Committee asked city staff to complete a workload analysis on two proposals to strengthen safeguards, accountability, and independent oversight for the City’s use of Automated License Plate Reader data, including protections against unauthorized access or misuse and stronger auditing practices. The Committee also considered new transparency requirements around private nondisclosure agreements involving matters before the City and reviewed upcoming Council items related to affordable housing and the Arena Hotel’s transition from the Homekey program. September 23, 2026 The Rules Committee reviewed the upcoming Council agenda, including Measure T infrastructure and public safety investments, the temporary moratorium on detention and custodial facilities, and proposed changes to parking meter and garage rates and hours. The Committee also considered District 1 funding to support the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions’ annual conference and leadership development programs. Community and Economic Development Committee (CED): August 24, 2026 The Community and Economic Development Committee reviewed an audit of the City’s economic development performance measures, with recommendations to strengthen how outcomes are tracked and reported. The Committee also received an update on economic development activities, including small business grants, workforce programs, cultural events, and increased downtown activity surrounding major events. Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee (PSFSS): August 20, 2026 The Public Safety, Finance and Strategic Support Committee reviewed year-end financial reports and an audit of employee turnover, including recommendations to strengthen retention and succession planning. The Committee also received updates on illegal fireworks enforcement and emergency preparedness, including lessons from major 2026 events, community emergency training, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors (VTA): October 1, 2026 - Board of Directors At the VTA Board, major transportation investments included continued progress on the BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension, the Eastridge to BART Regional Connector, and improvements to light rail infrastructure. The Board also considered the 2027 Transit Service Plan and reviewed programs to improve mobility for paratransit riders, including expanded same-day transportation options and regional trips without requiring riders to transfer between vehicles. September 17, 2026 - Finance, Audit and Administration Committee At VTA’s Finance, Administration and Audit Committee, the Committee reviewed the agency’s year-end financial position and an Auditor General assessment identifying opportunities to strengthen capital project budgeting, cost controls, coordination, and project delivery. The committee also reviewed VTA’s use of consultants and ongoing procurement and investment activity. Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board (ABAG): August 20, 2026 The ABAG Special Meeting proceeded with a Vice President election following a previously miscounted vote at the May 21, 2026 meeting, where corrected results showed a tied outcome. Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County (LAFCO): August 13, 2026 - Board of Directors LAFCO held a special meeting to consider nominations to the CALAFCO Board of Directors and designate its voting delegate and alternate for the 2026 CALAFCO Board election. Cities Association of Santa Clara County August 13, 2026 The Cities Association of Santa Clara County discussed regional priorities including e-bike safety and regulations, the Connect Bay Area Act (SB 63) and its proposed regional transit funding measure, and several pieces of state legislation affecting local governments. The Board also considered new financial policies and the appointment of an Interim Executive Director while receiving updates from regional partners. August 5, 2026 - CANCELLED Library and Education Commission: September 16, 2026 September's meeting of the Library and Education Commission was hosted at the Seven Tree Branch Library. The commission received presentations about the Youth Commission's 2026-2027 Work Plan, a branch spotlight on activities and usage of the Seven Trees Branch, and on an overview of the Library's Budget. Community Highlights Recent Events Follow @sjdistrict1 on Instagram Disability Inclusion Day The community came together at City Hall for Disability Inclusion Day, newly renamed from Disability Awareness Day to celebrate inclusion, accessibility, and the contributions of people with disabilities throughout our community, with a job fair, community resources, food, music, face painting, and activities. Thank you to Vice Mayor Pam Foley, Councilmember George Casey, the City’s Office of Racial and Social Equity, our sponsors, staff, and community partners for making this year’s event a success. Upcoming Events Exciting improvements are coming to the Saratoga Creek Tot Lot! The construction contract is currently being executed, with work expected to begin in mid-October. We’re happy that this project is moving forward and will share updates with neighbors as work progresses and the improved tot lot begins to take shape. October 13: Dilworth Elementary Beautification Day October 7: International Walk to School Day November 14 & 15: West Valley Book Sale CUHSD HERO 5K : Nov 7, 10AM- at Del Mar High School November 21: Lynbrook Craft Faire To stay up-to-date on events, visit the City’s online calendar. Get Involved Adopt-a-Storm Drain Program Learn more about the program, what it means to adopt a storm drain, and how to apply at Environmental Services Department Adopt-A-Storm Drain. Community Feedback on CART Program Have you received an ‘Oops’ or a ‘Good Job’ tag on your recycling cart? It’s part of an ongoing program that provides direct, tailored feedback to help residents recycle correctly. If you’ve received a tag, the City invites you to share your experience. Your feedback through this brief survey will help improve the program and create a cleaner, more sustainable San José. bit.ly/carttagsurvey Adopt a Storm Drain and Help Prevent Neighborhood Flooding Drain-o-saurus Rex, Don’t Leaf me Alone, Drain Teaser, Drainmond Green and Sir Drains-a-lot. Just some of the names given to the 200+ storm drains adopted by San José residents, schools and community groups as part of the City's Adopt-a-Storm Drain program. Learn more about the program at SJEnvironment.org/Adopt-A-Storm-Drain and sign up to help reduce trash entering local waterways and prevent neighborhood flooding this rainy season. Free Compost/Mulch Giveaway The City’s Environmental Services Department hosts its monthly FREE compost and mulch giveaway this Saturday, October 3 from 8 a.m. – noon (or while supplies last) at Emma Prusch Farm Park in collaboration with Veggielution’s First Saturday community event. The high-quality compost and mulch products are made from San José’s residential yard trimmings and are carefully processed to be a valuable soil amendment for gardening and landscaping. Donate to First 5's Diaper Kit Program As the cost of living and childcare continues to rise, more families are turning to this program for help affording a basic necessity that can quickly become a significant monthly expense. FIRST 5 is currently working to raise $25,000 to continue providing diaper kits to families who need them, and our office is proud to help spread the word about their Give a Poop About Babies campaign. Diapers are a basic need, and no caregiver should have to choose between changing their baby and paying for groceries, rent, or another household expense. We encourage District 1 residents who are able to join us in supporting FIRST 5 and the families they serve throughout Santa Clara County. Support the Give a Poop About Babies campaign Get CERT Trained San José’s Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program is back for 2026! CERT training is a 20-hour program that teaches residents how to prepare for and respond to local disasters, from earthquakes to fires and other emergencies. By completing the training, you’ll gain the skills to help your family, neighbors, and community when it matters most. Spaces are limited, so sign up today and become a CERT-ready community hero! Learn more and register here: San José CERT Program. Volunteer with Parks Our City's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department holds regular volunteer events to clean up and maintain our parks, trails, and community centers. Visit sanjoseca.gov/prns-volunteer to find upcoming opportunities. Here to Help Key Community Resources If you see issues or needs in your community, report it to the appropriate department or agency and loop in our office by emailing or calling us. See contact information for key services and resources from the City of San José and other agencies below. From the City of San José: Homelessness resources: Visit the new Homelessness Hub for finding services, reporting encampments, answering questions, and viewing data about the City’s homelessness response. San José 311: Please contact San José 311 for these specific services: vehicle concerns, graffiti, illegal dumping, illegal fireworks, potholes, and streetlight outages. Code violations on private property: Code Enforcement Service Request Form or call (408) 535-7770. Parking violations by non-lived-in vehicles: parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov, (408) 277-8900. Rental assistance and eviction protections: Visit the Eviction Help Center, open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, on the first floor of San José City Hall Tower. Call (408) 975-4444 or email evictionhelp@sanjoseca.gov. Neighborhood Watch: Interested in forming a neighborhood watch? Visit SJPD Neighborhood Watch for more information. To schedule a meeting with a crime prevention specialist call (408) 277-4133. From Other Agencies: Homelessness prevention: If you are unable to pay rent, contact the County of Santa Clara's Homelessness Prevention System at preventhomelessness.org or call (408) 926-8885. Issues on freeways: Visit Caltrans Customer Service Request Portal to report issues on State-owned roads (like freeways) online. Crisis and suicide prevention: Go online to the 988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or call or text 9-8-8. This is a 24/7 free text and call lifeline from the County of Santa Clara. Energy infrastructure hazards: Report hazards related to PG&E energy infrastructure and equipment on the PG&E Report It web app. Download the mobile version at PG&E Report It mobile app instructions. If you would like help in contacting departments or agencies, or want help finding other services and resources, reach my office by email at district1@sanjoseca.gov, or give us a call at (408) 535-4901. Rapid Response Network The Rapid Response Network in Santa Clara County is a community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Visit Amigos de Guadalupe Rapid Response Network to learn more. 18th Floor, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113 district1@sanjoseca.gov (408) 535-4901 City of San Jose Council District 1 | 200 East Santa Clara Street 18th Floor | San José, CA 95113 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice