In this episode, I talk with San Jose Councilmember Pamela Campos about what civic joy means, how young voters are showing up for our community, and what it takes to represent a diverse district with real people's real challenges. We explore childcare access, housing, immigrant communities, and what it means to have leaders who are thinking about the person waking up at four in the morning to get to work.
Councilmember Campos shares her journey from working with immigrant communities to running for office, and offers a powerful vision for what San Jose can become when we tap into the spirit that's always been here.
This episode covers the June 2nd election, the ICE detention facility near Gilroy, and San Jose's budget crisis. And most importantly - a reminder to find your civic joy.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Election Information:
- San Jose City Council Districts Map
- KQED Voter Guide - (Comprehensive guide covering all Bay Area races and measures)
- Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits Voter Guide (they represent the interest of nonprofits and community)
ICE Detention Facility:
- San Jose Spotlight - ICE Detention Facility Report
- ICE Detention Facility Protest - May 30th, 3 p.m. at Mexican Heritage Plaza and more
Budget Information:
- City of San Jose Budget Information
- Mayor Mahan Budget Town Hall (June 9th City Council Vote on proposed budget)
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT EVENTS
Village Fest - Councilmember Pamela Campos
Sunday, September 20th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village Oaks Shopping Center
District 2, but all community members welcome
Live music, food trucks, community partners, activities for kids and families
San Jose Women's Professional Hockey Team
New professional women's hockey team coming to San Jose before 2024
Futura Fest - Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley
May 30th, 9:30 a.m. Santa Clara University
Career summit open to whole community - employers, workshops, keynote speakers
Viva Calle
June 14th
Six miles of open streets from Japan Town to St. James Park and Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
Walk, bike, roll - community celebration of shared space
Women's Equality Day - Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women
August 26th - Neon Exchange in Gilroy
Annual celebration of women's equality and community power
GUEST INFORMATION
Pamela Campos is the youngest woman to serve on San José City Council, elected in 2024 to represent District 2. The proud daughter of immigrants and the eldest of four daughters, Campos worked as a preschool teacher and later at the Low Income Investment Fund to support economic opportunities for families. Her priorities as an elected official are rooted in support for early childhood education and expanding economic opportunities for families. She currently serves on San José's Neighborhood Services and Education Committee and Transportation and Environment Committee. Campos is also a member of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive Board and Housing Committee, as well as the Joint MTC ABAG Legislation Committee.
TAKE ACTION
1. Vote on June 2nd - Know your district and the candidates running
2. Learn about and connect with your San Jose City Council member
- Contact your representative with your concerns
- Attend city council meetings
3. Show Up on May 30th - ICE Detention Facility Protest
- 3 p.m. at Mexican Heritage Plaza
- Stand up for what's right
- If you can't attend, read about it and share information with neighbors
4. Find Your Civic Joy
- What makes you feel like you belong in this community?
- What issue or area of civic engagement calls to you?
