Bien Doan newsletter archive

Councilmember Bien Doan invites the community to the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tết) Flag Raising Ceremony at San José City Hall on February 17, 2026. The event honors Vietnamese culture, emphasizing themes of renewal, family, gratitude, and prosperity. Doan highlights her personal journey as an immigrant and longtime public servant, including her historic role as the first Vietnamese Fire Captain in San Jose. She expresses commitment to making District 7 safer, cleaner, and stronger. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via email to participate in this cultural celebration.

Councilmember Bien Doan invites the community to participate in the second meeting for the Kelley Regional Stormwater Capture Project on December 3rd, 2025, at 6PM. This project aims to enhance water quality while providing recreational and environmental benefits for San José residents. The meeting will be held at RF Kennedy School Cafeteria, offering an opportunity for public input on this important local infrastructure initiative. Councilmember Doan emphasizes her commitment to making District 7 safer, cleaner, and stronger, drawing on her extensive public service experience including 21 years with the San Jose Fire Department.

Councilmember Bien Doan is hosting a second office hours session at the Seven Trees Community Center to engage with mobile home residents in District 7 regarding the proposed mobile home rent ordinance by the housing department. The ordinance will be discussed at the City Council meeting on January 27th, where public comments will be accepted in person. The councilmember encourages residents to participate and share their views on this important housing issue. This outreach reflects Doan's commitment to addressing local housing concerns and supporting community involvement in policymaking.

Councilmember Bien Doan is hosting a neighborhood Dumpster Day in partnership with the Tropicana Lanai Neighborhood Association and Hubbard Media Arts Academy on November 15, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM or until bins are full. Residents are encouraged to bring items that do not fit in regular garbage or recycling bins, with a clear list of hazardous materials and construction waste excluded. This event reflects Doan's commitment to maintaining a cleaner and safer community in San Jose's District 7. Doan highlights his long-standing dedication to public service and community safety, drawing on his 27 years as a firefighter and local resident.

Councilmember Bien Doan invites District 7 residents to two festive holiday events in December 2025. The District 7 Holiday Party on December 10 at Calder’s Sports Bar and Refuge offers a free evening of community celebration, food, and family-friendly activities, encouraging residents to register in advance. The Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway on December 20 at the Vietnamese American Community Center aims to distribute around 1,000 toys to children 15 and under, with games, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa. These events emphasize community connection, gratitude, and support for local families during the holiday season.

Councilmember Bien Doan highlights an upcoming virtual meeting hosted by the Housing Department on December 17, 2025, at 6PM to discuss a proposed mobile home rent ordinance affecting mobile home residents in San Jose. An in-person follow-up meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2026, at the Leininger Center. The newsletter encourages community participation to provide input on this ordinance, emphasizing the councilmember's commitment to addressing housing issues and supporting mobile home residents. Relevant memos and agenda documents are made available for public review to ensure transparency and informed discussion.

Councilmember Bien Doan invites mobile home residents in District 7 to a community meeting at the Seven Trees Community Center on January 9th, 2026, at 6 PM. The meeting will focus on discussing the new mobile home rent ordinance proposed by the San Jose Housing Department, providing residents an opportunity to learn about city services and share their feedback. Doan emphasizes his commitment to public service and improving safety, cleanliness, and community strength in the district. Residents are encouraged to engage directly with the councilmember and city staff regarding housing policy and local concerns.

Councilmember Bien Doan invites residents to an in-person meeting hosted by the Housing Department to discuss a proposed mobile home rent ordinance. The meeting is scheduled for January 12th, 2026, at 6PM at the Leininger Center in San Jose. This ordinance aims to address rent regulations affecting mobile home residents, and community input is encouraged. Relevant memos and agenda items related to this proposal are available for review, including the Housing and Community Development Commission's December agenda. Councilmember Doan emphasizes his commitment to serving the community and improving local housing policies.

Councilmember Bien Doan strongly opposes the proposed Mobilehome Rent Ordinance (MRO) staff recommendation that includes vacancy decontrol at 10 percent, citing its potential to cause sharp rent increases and threaten long-term affordability for mobilehome residents. She emphasizes the importance of stability and strong protections for residents who own their homes but rent the land, many of whom are seniors and working families. Doan also calls for due process and transparency in capital pass-throughs, insisting residents must have hearings before costs are shifted onto them. She supports the Campos memo, which seeks to strengthen rent protections and promote park sustainability through fee reductions and streamlined permits without burdening residents. Tonight’s City Council meeting will consider these competing proposals and further staff research.

Councilmember Bien Doan invites District 7 residents to Vietnamese Heritage Night with the San Jose Sharks on March 19, 2026, at the SAP Center. Discounted tickets are available exclusively for District 7, each including a free commemorative shirt. Additionally, $5 from every ticket sold will support the Story Road Business Association, reinforcing local business growth. This event emphasizes community pride, cultural celebration, and local economic support. Councilmember Doan highlights his commitment to a safer, cleaner, and stronger District 7 through ongoing public service.

The City Council approved the Mayor’s March Budget Message, setting the stage for a balanced budget by June. The official supports prioritizing public safety and core services, including reinstating the Emergency Medical Response program with a Med 30 field coordinator to enhance narcotics oversight and emergency response. They strongly opposed allowing RVs in mobilehome communities, successfully removing that proposal to protect residents' stability. The official also highlights the need for accountability and cost-sharing with Santa Clara County regarding homelessness services, urging clear tracking of City expenditures on services outside its jurisdiction to reduce budget strain and improve intergovernmental coordination.

Councilmember Bien Doan highlights significant investments in District 7's parks and community spaces, emphasizing projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and community engagement. Key developments include the upcoming construction of the Fair Swim Center Tot Lot starting November 2025, the ongoing Fossa Night House Exhibit at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and a new lighting project at Mariposa Park slated for late 2026. The Turnkey Parks master plan on Communication Hill is advancing toward City Council approval. Additionally, the HVAC upgrade at Seven Trees Community Center is complete, and playground replacement at Bellevue Park is planned for late summer 2026. Restoration efforts at the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Kelley Regional Stormwater Capture and Park Improvement Project are progressing with community input and scheduled construction through 2027. Improvements to the Th…