Who you gonna call?

A guide to city departments in San Jose, CA
A couple walks into San Jose City Hall.
Learn more about what our city can do for you. | Photo via City of San José
Whether you need to register to vote, inquire about residential services, or just stay in the know about civic happenings, we’re here to connect you with the right department in the City of San José.

“I want to adopt an animal.”
  • Animal Care & Services | The Monterey Road center’s dogs, cats, and rabbits are looking for a furr-ever home.
"I want to explore San Jose’s art scene.”
  • Cultural Affairs | Get updates on artist grants, citywide creative programs, and public art projects.
"How do I best prepare for a fire?”
  • Emergency Management | Learn how to build an emergency preparedness kit + stay connected with local response teams.
"My garbage hasn’t been picked up.”
"I’d like to plan a public speech in front of City Hall.”
  • Event Services | This department will help you book your next corporate event, wedding ceremony, and more at citywide facilities.
"I’d like to start a business.”
  • Finance | Register your business, pay utility bills, and view city financial reports.
"What rental units are available around me?”
  • Housing | View an affordable housing map and find tenant resources + eviction help.
"Which parks are the best for ages 6-12?”
"I’d like to conduct a diversity + inclusion training at my job.”
  • Racial Equity | Locate community-based organizations, immigration resources, and racial equity training materials.
"What is going on with all these electric scooters around?”
  • Transportation | Report flooding, learn about upcoming road work, and locate nearby transit.
And that’s not all. There’s even more city departments to address your concerns — so let us know which ones you’re curious about and we’ll continue this series. Need urgent city services? Call 311.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today
  • San Jose Bachata Nights | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | On One Studios, 422 N. Capitol Ave. | $15+ | Hit the dance floor, or come early for lessons.
  • Free Play Day | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 5 p.m.-12 a.m. | MINIBOSS, 52 E. Santa Clara St. | Free | Get your game on at this retro-themed bar + arcade. 🕹️
Friday
  • Maddie & Tae | Fri., Sept. 30 | 7 p.m. | Club Rodeo, 610 Coleman Ave. | Free entry | See these rising talents from the country music scene perform.
  • Friday Fun Games | Fri., Sept. 30 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Rd. | Free | Test your skills with various games during this community-building event. ♟️
Saturday
  • Sip & Savor | Sat., Oct. 1 | 2-6 p.m. | Westfield Valley Fair rooftop | $85 | Enjoy light bites + eight tasting tickets for local wineries. 🍷
  • Arash | Sat., Oct. 1 | 8:30 p.m. | San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 408 Almaden Blvd. | $54+ | This Iranian-Swedish singer was once a Eurovision finalist.
  • Masha Campagne at Jazz & Roses | Sat., Oct. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Municipal Rose Garden | Free | Brazilian music + jazz classics among the roses. 🌹
  • Sebastian Maniscalco: Nobody Does This Tour | Sat., Oct. 1 | 9:30 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St. | $69+ | See “the hottest comic in America,” according to the New York Times.
Sunday
  • Campbell Farmers Market | Sun., Oct. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Along E. Campbell Ave., between Central Avenue + Third Street | Free entry | Shop from local farmers, craft vendors and food trucks at this year-round, weekly market. 🍊
  • The Antibalas | Sun., Oct. 2 | 3 p.m. | St. James Park | Free entry | Dance to this Afrobeat band as part of the Levitt Pavilion’s October Concert Series. 🎶
  • Rene Vaca | Sun., Oct. 2 | 7 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St. | $20+ | This SoCal comic recently won NBC’s “StandUp” competition. 🎤
Monday

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

Weather
  • 82º | Partly cloudy | 11% chance of rain 🌤️
Edu
  • Cesar Chavez Early Learning Center is getting $7 million from the California Dept. of Education’s State Preschool program to expand its early care + education programs. The center was developed from Cesar Chavez Elementary School earlier this year and currently has 120+ students enrolled, with more on the waitlist. 📚 (San José Spotlight)
Featured
  • Zeledon’s Bakery on Wheels was recently featured on the TODAY Food, thanks in part to several San Joseans + local influencer San Jose Foos spreading the word via social media. The panadería truck has served San Jose for over 25 years, and you can locate its whereabouts on Instagram. 🍞
Arts
Tech
  • The Drone Racing League is coming to PayPal Park on Tues., Oct. 11, to host its only California event of the season. Watch some of the world’s best drone pilots race as the soccer arena transforms into a video game-inspired aerial course — tickets are still available.
Sports
  • San Jose Quakes legend Shea Salinas has announced his retirement after a 15-year career in MLS, 13 of which have been played in San Jose. His last match will be this Sat., Oct. 1, against Minnesota United FC. ⚽
  • We want to make sure that you’re catching all the sports coverage you need to join the conversation. As the fall season gets going, tell us what kind of sports content you want to see in SJtoday. By completing the survey, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a chance to win team-branded swag up to $100 in value.
Development
  • A new addition to the fast food chain, Chick-fil-A, is being proposed for a South San Jose site (3155 Silver Creek Valley) — and would be its fourth San Jose location. The public comment period is now open until Wed., Oct. 19. 🍗
Theater
  • In the Mercury News’ latest roundup of live shows to catch this weekend, it highlights award-winning pianist Jon Nakamatsu‘s performance at the Hammer Theatre + Symphony San Jose‘s 20th anniversary season kickoff concert on Sat., Oct. 1 + Sun., Oct. 2. Both shows still have tickets available. 🎶
Plan Ahead
  • Celebrate the Float Addicts’ 2-year anniversary this Sat., Oct. 1, at Calabazas Park (6852 Rainbow Dr.) with a group ride, BMX track, music, and food + drinks. The group has been riding all around the Bay Area since 2018, but recently evolved into a business in 2020.
Community
  • Following this month’s homeless encampment sweep at Guadalupe Gardens, the City is now planning another sweep in Columbus Park starting Fri., Nov. 18. Many encampment residents moved to the nearby park, which is also in the airport flight path, and it poses significant safety hazards. (San José Spotlight)
  • Exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, insider information from our team, discounts from our online shop — that’s just a few of the perks you get when you join the SJtoday Membership Program. Learn more + sign up for this new way to support local journalism. 💻
Travel
  • Picture this: you’re staying in a luxury California coastline home, you’ve just finished dinner after spending the day at Cooks Beach (just a five minute walk away), and you’re enjoying a mug of tea while you watch the sunset along the ocean. Make that dream a reality at this seafront escape.*
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Arachnophobia warning 🕷️

Tarantula mating season in San Jose, CA
A screengrab of Open Space Authority's reel showing different tarantulas around its parks.
The eight-legged arachnid is more mellow than you might assume. | Reel via Open Space Authority
According to the Open Space Authority, September through November is tarantula mating season in Santa Clara Valley — also known as the ‘Fall Crawl.’

There are 850+ known tarantula species, but the most common you’ll find in the area is the Aphonopelma eutylenum, or the California ebony tarantula.

But don’t bug out too much, tarantulas are docile creatures + popular pets. They may bite if you don’t keep your distance, but their venom is non-toxic and comparable to a bee sting.

So, as you hike our city’s trails, keep an eye out and you may catch one of these (not-so-creepy) crawlers. 👀

Learn eight more fun tarantula facts on the Open Space Authority’s website.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: Let’s talk less creepy crawlers, and more Krispy Kreme. Our City Forest is hosting a fundraiser there now through Tues., Oct. 11 + 50% of the proceeds will be donated to their organization. 🍩

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Don’t miss out on these fun fall events.
Read More
Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Nicole Calande, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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