San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan addresses housing, traffic deaths, crime in 1st State of the City address
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan delivered his first State of the City Address Saturday, taking direct aim at one of its most pressing issue- homelessness.
"This problem, like many we face, can be solved if we muster the political will to solve it together," said Mayor Mahan, calling on the state to invest in more beds. "It's time California creates safe, decent and affordably constructed shelter for everyone and then required those sleeping outdoors to use it.
RELATED: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan delivers his 1st State of the City address
Mahan also pointed to the city's efforts to shelter its more 4,000 people experiencing homelessness.
"Just this year, between tiny homes, motel conversions and safe parking sites, we've already added 269 safe, dignified interim placements for individuals formerly living in an encampment."
And, the mayor kept the focus on cleaning up the streets.
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"We have unequivocally declared a zero tolerance policy for drug dealing, drug buying and drug use on our city's streets," said Mahan, also highlighting the city's work to confront pedestrian deaths, retail theft, and other crimes. "We have taken a stand against sideshows by enlisting the help of social media companies. We've embraced new tools like license plate readers and speed safety cameras."
And in his final moments on stage, the mayor called on the people of San Jose, "to standup and take collective action that will make our city a cleaner, safer, and more compassionate place, and when we have done that there is no stopping what San Jose can become."
Watch Mahan's full State of the City address in the player below:
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