Next Steps – Great Oaks Encampment

Dear Petitioner,

Thank you for your continued efforts in advocating for Great Oaks Neighborhood. Mayor Matt Mahan acknowledged the significant turnout of 100 people at the recent meeting and the importance of the petition in driving this issue forward.

He emphasized the need for continued communication from all of us, as it truly makes a difference. The city has announced that an abatement will take place in three weeks, and a No Return Zone will be established at the Great Oaks encampment. While this commitment has been made, it remains unclear how effectively it will be implemented.

Key Dates:

• February 4th: Area will be posted for abatement (Great Oaks and Endicott first)
• February 11th: Area will be reposted for abatement
• February 18th: Residents begin moving to the Branham and Monterey EIH; abatement activities also begin
• February 20th: Installation of No Return Zone signage begins

For More Context, Please View the Following Links:

• Mayor Matt Mahan Discusses Abatement: [Watch Here]
• Mayor Matt Mahan on the No Return Zone: [Watch Here]
• Pamela Campos Comments on the No Return Zone : [Watch Here]

To Ensure Necessary Actions Are Taken, We Must Continue Holding the City Accountable:

Installation of Deterrents & Repairs

For the No Return Zone to be effective, the city needs to:

• • Plant shrubs
  • Repair fences
  • Install deterrents to prevent re-encampment.

Please email the following contacts to remind them of these necessary actions:

• • Olympia Williams (BeautifySJ Division Manager) – olympia.williams@sanjoseca.gov
  • Andrea Flores Shelton (Deputy Director, Community Services Division) – andrea.floresshelton@sanjoseca.gov
  • BeautifySJ Program General Contact – beautifysj@sanjoseca.gov
  • Mayor Matt Mahan – matt.mahan@sanjoseca.gov

Clear Marking of the No-Return Zone
The city must install “No Encampment” signs in all designated areas to ensure the No Return Zone is enforceable. This is critical for clarity and preventing repeated abatements. Please see the area marked in the map. 

Please email the following contacts to inquire about:

• The timeline for placement of these signs
• The enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the No Return Policy

Contact List for Inquiries:

• Mayor Matt Mahan – matt.mahan@sanjoseca.gov
• Pamela Campos (Mayor’s Office) – pamela.campos@sanjoseca.gov / distict2@sanjoseca.gov

The city has made commitments before, but without continued pressure, follow-through is uncertain. Please take a moment to send your emails and post on social media to ensure these actions are carried out.

Best,
Save Great Oaks