District 1 Update

Rosemary Kamei is our San Jose District 1 city councilperson and Vice Mayor.  Rosemary provided the following update:

• Community safety is a priority for District 1 and the city.

• She recently participated in a longevity walk with District 6, and hopes to include District 1 residents next year.

• Along with the mayor, the budget and focusing on the top priorities is most important.  This included public safety,  homelessness, and housing.  There will be another budget meeting in June where community members can participate.   Details coming soon.

• There is a study underway that focuses on the Stevens Creek Blvd and San Carlos corridor.  Consultants are currently speaking to residents, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses.  There as a question asked if there are light rail plans on Stevens Creek and Rosemary indicated that the study will tell us if that is a possibility. More information will be provided as the study progresses.

• The city council enacted a Wage Theft Prevention Policy Revision. The criteria for mandatory disqualification was redefined  (when employers with a history of wage theft are barred from city contracts) and incorporated public works contracts (i.e., street work, infrastructure development, etc.), which were previously exempt, into the policy.

• City Housing element compliance will happen by May 24.

• This Saturday, May 20 there will be a District 1 leadership meeting at the West Valley Public Library.

Misc WONA Updates

Daphna Woolfe, WONA President:

• Daphna recently used the San Jose 311 app/website for junk pick-up, and wanted to remind residents that the app is a great resource that the city provides that includes easy reporting for junk, illegal fireworks, graffiti, illegal dumping, and much more.  

• There are currently a lot of events and activities happening across San Jose.  Check out the SJ Parks Department website for a calendar of events.

• If you're interested in volunteering for city boards and commissions, there are opportunities available year round for a variety of interests.  Check out the San Jose Boards and Commissions website for more information.

• The City of San Jose is recruiting for empty seats for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The BPAC helps guide city staff on how to better accommodate the needs of San Joseans who primarily walk, roll, and/or bike. All applications are due by Friday, June 9 and must be submitted to BPAC@sanjoseca.gov. Visit bit.ly/dot-bpac to download an application and learn more about the BPAC. 

• Maplewood Ave. at the future Winchester Orchard park is now open, and so far there are no issues aside from the bollards being too far apart.  Daphna has observed that there are more people walking, biking, and jogging in the neighborhood which is a good thing.

• Pulte and the Parks department are meeting about how the park intersects with the streets that are opening up.  They haven't yet engaged the neighbors that are most affected, and they need to be brought into the discussion.  As mentioned, they have opened up Maplewood and there are issues with the bollards being far enough apart for cars to drive through, which defeats the purpose and needs to be corrected for the other streets.  Chris is recommending that we request a public meeting with neighbors.

Chris Giangreco, WONA Vice President:

• Pulte update - On part of the property, Pulte did build a 6 ft fence (with lattice) a foot off the fenceline.  It's not known what happens in the future as Pulte hasn't been forthcoming as of yet.

• Everyone is encouraged to learn about all the programs available at the Cypress Community and Senior Center.  There are flyers in the office, and lots of opportunities and classes for all ages.  You can also access their Facebook page for more information.

• June 21 is Make Music Day, and it's a global event to celebrate the summer solstice.  It will be a concert held at the Cypress Community and Senior Center.  More information will be provided soon.

• While everyone is overjoyed that the paving on Stevens Creek is finally happening, there was a major water leak at Henry Ave after it was paved, causing damage to the new pavement.

• With the paving came a temporary tow-away zone near the Vitamin Store to allow storage of paving equipment.  A WONA complaint that drove action by the city caused the person in the non-compliant and unregistered RV to move further into the neighborhood.  Due to the homeless policy to not tow vehicles if there is no place for them to go, this continues to be an ongoing problem.  Rosemary mentioned that the city is trying to find locations for an RV safe parking area, but they don't have a solution yet. 

Mural Painting at the Cypress Overpass

On May 6, a WONA kids mural painting event was held at the overpass at Cypress and Constance Dr., which was well-attended and enjoyable for the kids. The event marks the beginning of a project to renovate the overpass and make it more colorful, fun, and free of blight. If you have any ideas on how to beautify your neighborhood, you can email them to info@winchesterorchard.org.

Click Here to see photos of the overpass mural!

San Jose Mayoral Update

Emily Lansing, WONA & San Jose Mayor Staff:

• It's budget season, and tomorrow, May 16, the mayor is proposing re-allocating Measure E funds to quick build emergency housing.  There will be a city council meeting to decide if this will pass.

WONA Communications Update

Katie Meitzler, WONA Communications:

• Starting in January 2024, WONA will be going paperless and no longer handing out paper flyers and newsletters.  We will be using a variety of methods to communicate to WONA neighbors, including social media and email.  To make this successful, we encourage everyone to sign up to receive emails.  If you already receive emails from WONA, you are signed up.  If you would like to receive emails, please click here to sign up.  

• Please follow us on social media!  We currently post on NextDoor, Facebook, and Instagram (winchesterorchard).

WONA Neighborhood Garage Sale

If you have lots of items to sell, participate in our first WONA neighborhood Garage Sale!  It will be held on Saturday, June 17 from 8am to 2pm.  WONA will do all the work to advertise and communicate the sale.  Click Here to sign up!

Closing

Thanks to everyone that attended, and congratulations to the raffle winners.  Our summer newsletter is coming in July.  Our next neighborhood meeting will be in September, and we will be holding a community dinner and donation drive.  Please stay tuned to our upcoming events, and let us know if you have any ideas!