Connection is Key

Sí Se Puede Collective Series - Part 3 of 3In this final episode of our Sí Se Puede Collective series, we explore what these five East San José organizations are building together - and discover their vision is already becoming reality!I talk with Jess at the School of Arts and Culture about how pandemic response opened doors to community development. Shawn from Veggielution explains how community input led to a worker cooperative. Veronica from Grail Family Services shares the hope she still feels after 10 years. Victor paints a picture of Mayfair as an epicenter where the community figured out how not to get gentrified. And Maritza reminds us this was always about creating a replicable playbook.This episode's What I'm Learning covers the incredible developments happening right now—the cultural district that just became official, the $3 million investment in Mayfair, Veggielution becoming a Civic Commons partner, and more. Our Community Spotlight features the Rapid Response Network supporting our immigrant community. For Take Action, I encourage learning about the Si Se Puede Collective, supporting rapid response work, and thinking about your own interdependence.Si Se Puede Collective Organizations:Somos Mayfair - somosmayfair.orgGrail Family Services - grailfs.orgAmigos de Guadalupe - amigoscenter.comSchool of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza - schoolatmhp.orgVeggielution - veggielution.orgWhat I'm Learning Sources:Mayfair Cultural District Celebration - January 29, 2026 event: LinkedIn postCivic Commons - National initiative: civiccommons.usCity of San José Children Youth Master Plan - sanjoseca.govCommunity Spotlight:SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network) - siren-bayarea.orgRapid Response Network - Know-your-rights resources RRNImmigration Legal Resource Center - ilrc.orgMentioned in the Episode:AB 816 - California legislation requiring 10% of affordable housing units in cultural districts go to artistsCésar Chávez - Labor leader whose motto "Sí Se Puede" inspired the collective's nameCultural New Deal Silicon Valley - Coalition advocating for arts and culture policiesTake Action:Visit Si Se Puede Collective organization websitesAttend a know-your-rights training with SIREN or Rapid Response Network partnersExplore collective models in your own communityShare this series with someone working on community buildingPrevious Episodes:Episode 13: Cast the Net - The origin storyEpisode 14: The Test - COVID-19 and interdependence

In this episode, I continue my conversation with the Si Se Puede Collective - Veronica Goei (Grail Family Services), Shawn Gerth (Veggielution), Victor Vasquez (Somos Mayfair), Jessica Paz-Cedillos (School of Arts and Culture), and Maritza Maldonado (Amigos de Guadalupe). We explore what happens when interdependence gets tested: warm handoffs instead of failed referrals, the power of five voices speaking as one, and how they turned the city's "no" into a vaccination model that got replicated across the region.This episode's What I'm Learning covers reflecting on 2025's federal cuts, new California laws, and what I'm watching in 2026 - including five San Jose City Council seats up for election. Our Community Spotlight features MLK Day events including the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon. ───────────────────────────────────────LINKS & RESOURCESWhat I'm Learning Sources:• San Jose Spotlight - "What is San Jose's purpose?" editorial• Santa Clara County Measure A information• California minimum wage increase to $18.45/hour (effective January 1, 2026)• New California laws: equal pay protections, gender-neutral restrooms in schools, student immigration rights postings• San Jose City Council elections 2026 - 5 seats upCommunity Spotlight:• 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon - African American Community Service Agency - aaborgsj.org• MLK Day of Service Tree Planting - Our City Forest - ourcityforest.org• MLK Day Cleanup - Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful - keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.orgGuest Information - Si Se Puede Collective:• Amigos de Guadalupe (Maritza Maldonado, Founder & CEO) - amigosdeguadalupe.org• Grail Family Services (Veronica Goei, Executive Director) - grailfamilyservices.org• School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (Jessica Paz-Cedillos, Executive Director) - schoolofartsandculture.org• Somos Mayfair (Victor Vasquez, Co-Executive Director) - somosmayfair.org• Veggielutione (Shawn Gerth, Executive Director) - veggielution.orgMentioned in the Episode:• Mexican Heritage Plaza - La Plaza, site of COVID vaccination and food distribution• Gardner Health Services - partnered on vaccine administration• Martha's Kitchen - marthaskitchen.org• Loaves and Fishes - loavesfishes.org• Hunger at Home - hungerathome.org• Tony and Alba's Pizza (Diana and Al) - free meals for kids during SNAP disruption• 95116 zip code - Mayfair neighborhood, East San JoseTake Action:Connection is resistance. Joy is resistance. Don't let this chaos tear us apart.• Think about who's in your collective• Practice the warm handoff• Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 19thLINKS & RESOURCESWhat I'm Learning Sources:Community Spotlight:Guest Information - Si Se Puede Collective:Mentioned in the Episode:Take Action:

What happens when five organizations choose interdependence over hyper-individualism? A radical reimagining of nonprofit work and community care.I was inspired by an ⁠Instagram post⁠ from Erin Spahr from @feminist.mom.therapist. She talked about how we live in a culture that celebrates "doing it alone" - that equates needing help with failure and success with independence. In this episode, I introduce a three-part series exploring hyper-individualism vs. community interdependence through the lens of the Sí Se Puede Collective. I talk with five East San Jose executive directors about how they rejected the nonprofit competitive model and chose to work together instead. Their collective approach proves that interdependence isn't weakness; it's strategy. It's power. We explore the history of the Mayfair neighborhood - from Sal Sí Puedes ("Get Out If You Can") to Sí Se Puede ("Yes We Can") - and how these leaders are building something radically different: a model of community care rooted in interdependence.Si Se Puede CollectiveIndividual Organizations:Amigos de Guadalupe - Housing support, immigration legal services, education programs, and community organizing (Maritza Maldonado)Grail Family Services - Early childhood education, parent support, workforce development, and family engagement (Veronica Goei)School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza - Arts education, cultural programming, and development of San Jose's first cultural district (La Avenida) to prevent displacement (Jessica Paz-Cedillos)Somos Mayfair - Community organizing, leadership development, and resident-led solutions for youth success and family wellness (Victor Vasquez and Saúl Ramos )Veggielution - Community farm, food security programs, and food system advocacy for sustainable and equitable food access (Shawn Gerth)WHAT I'M LEARNINGCalFresh registration is at a 10-year highSecond Harvest Food Bank serves 1 in 6 Santa Clara County residentsIn East San Jose specifically, some districts have among the highest food insecurity rates in the county, with more than 25% of residents in certain neighborhoods struggling to afford adequate nutritionCOMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTNourishing Neighbors Food Drive - Happening this weekend and through the holiday season at Safeway locations. Donate $10 at checkout. $10 buys a full bag of groceries when we partner with food banks and grocery stores.TAKE ACTIONSupport the Nourishing Neighbors Food Drive - Visit Safeway and add $10 at checkoutPractice Interdependence - Identify one area where you typically go it alone and ask for help instead. Notice what shifts.Learn More About Sí Se Puede Collective - Visit their websites to discover ways to engage: attend cultural events at Mexican Heritage Plaza, join Veggielution's work days, or support holiday giving with Amigos

Building community isn't just about physical spaces—it's about creating connections that make our whole city stronger.In this special episode, the tables are turned as Alex Shoor, Executive Director of Catalyze SV, interviews me about my community-building journey in San Jose. We discuss my passion for bringing neighbors together, how privilege influences community, and why overcoming fear of "different" is essential to creating a more connected city. I share stories about my neighborhood popsicle parties and how simple acts can create belonging in our community.I cover the local election information including Measure A (Save Our Local Hospitals), ICE-free zones in Santa Clara County, and how federal SNAP benefit disruptions could impact our community. Our Community Spotlight features two festive events: the Dia de los Muertos celebration at San Jose Museum of Art and San Jose Roots at San Pedro Square Market. For Take Action, I suggest voting, supporting local food banks, and stepping outside your neighborhood bubble to experience all of San Jose.News You Need Sources:Santa Clara County Measure A information - www.sccgov.org/sites/opa/newsroom/Pages/measureA.aspxSan Jose City Council and County ICE protection measures - www.sanjoseca.gov/newsCommunity Spotlight:Dia de los Muertos at San Jose Museum of Art - November 1st, 11am-6pm - www.sjmusart.orgSan Jose Roots at San Pedro Square Market - November 1st, 12pm-4pm - www.historysanjose.orgGuest Information:Alex Shoor, Executive Director of Catalyze SV - www.catalyzesv.orgMentioned in the Episode:Food assistance resources:Hunger at Home - www.hungerathome.org (Grocery and meal pickup every Monday at San Jose Flea Market)Second Harvest Food Bank - www.shfb.orgSacred Heart Community Service - www.sacredheartcs.orgMartha's Kitchen - www.marthas-kitchen.orgNew Beginnings Family Services (Monday, Wednesday, Friday hours)Family Nutritionist (@TheFamilyNutritionist) on InstagramSan Jose Park Activation Program - www.sanjoseca.gov/parks-activation (The city is encouraging residents with creative ideas to activate local parks through various initiatives and community-led programming)Take Action:Vote by November 4th! Track your ballot: www.sccvote.orgSupport local food distribution sitesExplore community events outside your neighborhood and make all of San Jose your home

In this episode, I talk with Erika McLitus about how the spaces we live in shape whether we can actually connect with our neighbors. We explore the stoops, sidewalks, parking lots, and ground-floor spaces that either bring us together or keep us apart—and what San Jose is doing (and could be doing) to build a more connected city.Erika shares insights from their work at SPUR on downtown revitalization, third places, equitable development, and why sometimes the most interesting community experiences come from the most boring policies. We also dig into embodiment - how a space makes you feel in your body - and why that matters just as much as what looks good on paper.This episode's "What I'm Learning" covers San Jose's push to become an AI city, the recent California AI transparency bill, and what it means when our government partners with tech companies. Our Community Spotlight features Banned Books Week and the San Jose Public Library's "Banned Books and Brews" event this Saturday. Erika McLitus & SPUR:SPUR Website: spur.orgBecome a SPUR Member: spur.org/joinSPUR Reports & Resources Mentioned:The Future of Downtown San José (2014)Revitalizing San José's Downtown: Five Strategies (2023)Developing the Next Steps to Revitalize Downtown San José (May 2024)Culture As Catalyst Policy Brief (January 2025)Urban Planning Culture Now Event Video (July 2025)Upcoming: Report on activating downtown San Jose ground-floor spaces (November 2025)What I'm Learning Sources:San Jose's AI initiatives and ChatGPT licensesVetoed Safety BillGovernor Newsom's AI policy decisionsCommunity Spotlight:San Jose Public Library Banned Books WeekBanned Books and Brews at Clandestine Brewing (Saturday, noon-6pm)San Jose Public Library EventsMentioned in the Episode:Jane Jacobs and "The Death and Life of Great American Cities"The concept of embodiment in urban planningThird places (parks, community centers, cafes, libraries)San Jose's Immolment Program for small business incubationCity of San Jose General Plan (coming 2026)Take Action:Join me at Banned Books and Brews this SaturdayNotice how your neighborhood makes you feel (practice embodiment)Read SPUR's upcoming report on downtown revitalization (November 2025)About SPUR:SPUR is a member-supported nonprofit advancing a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous region for all. By becoming a member, you'll join a diverse community of people who care deeply about the Bay Area's future—and gain opportunities to connect, learn, and take part in vital conversations on housing, transportation, climate, governance, and more. Become a member at SPUR.org/join.

In this episode, I talk with Alex Shoor about community-led development and creating more inclusive civic engagement in San Jose. We explore how housing policy connects to community building, why the people in the room at city meetings matters, and what it really means to "build community" in both the physical and social sense.Alex Shoor shares insights from his work with Catalyze SV, where community members evaluate and advocate for better development projects. We discuss successful community engagement examples like the Santa Clara Agrihood and the Berryessa Flea Market advocacy, and Alex offers practical advice for residents who want to get more involved in shaping their city's future.This episode's What I'm Learning covers Santa Clara County's Measure A: Save Our Local Hospitals, coming up in the November 4th special election. Our Community Spotlight features Viva Calle on September 7th and the Junior League of San Jose's inaugural Find the Good Day on September 20th. For Take Action, I suggest ways to get involved with Catalyze SV, participate in community events, and practice daily community building.What I'm Learning Sources:Santa Clara County Measure A InformationNBC Bay Area: What to know about Measure ACommunity Spotlight:Viva Calle San Jose - September 7th, 2025Junior League of San Jose - Find the Good Day event September 20thFind the Good Day International MovementGuest Information:Alex Shoor - Community advocate and Catalyze SV memberCatalyze Silicon ValleyPATH (Palo Alto Housing) - Alex serves on advisory boardAlex's Social Media:FacebookLinkedInBlueskyInstagramMentioned in the Episode:Santa Clara Agrihood projectBerryessa Flea Market advocacyEmma Prusch Farm ParkSt. James ParkTamien ParkBarack Obama Street in San JoseRose Garden Farmers MarketSanta Clara Valley Medical CenterTake Action:Catalyze SV Monthly Meetings - 4th Wednesday of each monthSan José Spotlight - Local news sourceSan Jose City Council Meetings - Available on YouTubeSanta Clara County November 4, 2025 Special Election Information

How playgrounds became a pathway to community connection and civic engagement.In this episode, I talk with Kristin from Silicon Valley Toddler about how documenting playgrounds led to building community and discovering the power of advocacy. We explore how shared spaces create connection, why accessibility matters in community building, and how personal experiences can spark systemic change. Kristin shares insights from over a decade of exploring Santa Clara County with families and offers a unique perspective on how we can make our city more family-friendly through thoughtful advocacy.This episode's News You Need covers Santa Clara County's proposed sales tax measure responding to federal funding cuts. Our Community Spotlight features Women's Equality Day 2025, which celebrates community care and collective action. For Take Action, I suggest researching the November ballot measures and practicing playground advocacy to help strengthen our community connections.News You Need Sources:County Board of Supervisors Votes to Place Sales Tax Measure on November BallotSanta Clara County Federal Funding InformationCommunity Spotlight:Women's Equality Day 2025 - EventbriteSanta Clara County Commission on the Status of WomenGuest Information:Silicon Valley Toddler BlogFollow Kristin on Instagram @siliconvalleytoddlerMentioned in the Episode:Frank Bramhall Park - Willow GlenRamac Park - South San JoseEmma Prusch Farm Park - East San JoseHellyer Park - San JoseEl Camino Hospital New Mom's GroupsTake Action:Santa Clara County Federal Funding UpdatesContact your city's Parks and Recreation Department about playground shadeWomen's Equality Day 2025 RegistrationListen to Connection is Key on Spotify and Apple PodcastsFollow on Instagram @feminist.athome.mom

Housing instability affects more of us than we realize - and the solutions that work best are being cut just when we need them most.In this deeply personal episode, I close out our three-part housing series by sharing my own story of housing instability at 17. I explore essential housing definitions, dive into the data showing prevention works, and reflect on how my experience with my mom's chronic homelessness shaped—and then challenged—my understanding of our unhoused community.This episode's What I'm Learning covers housing definitions from emergency shelter to Housing First, the devastating cuts to California's homelessness funding (San Jose alone losing $30 million annually), and why Santa Clara County's Homelessness Prevention System with its 91% success rate represents the future of housing justice. Our Community Spotlight features the San Jose Obon Festival, a beautiful example of how community creates belonging across generations. For Take Action, I suggest learning about tenant rights, supporting prevention services, and attending public meetings to understand how housing decisions get made.What I'm Learning:​CalMatters - "Homelessness is top of mind for many Californians. Why does the proposed budget eliminate funding for it?" - https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/06/california-homelessness-funding-budget/​San José Spotlight - "State could strip Silicon Valley's homeless funding" - https://sanjosespotlight.com/state-could-strip-silicon-valleys-homeless-funding/​San José Spotlight - "Santa Clara County homelessness hits new high" - https://sanjosespotlight.com/santa-clara-county-homelessness-hits-new-high/​Results for America - "Homelessness prevention system: Santa Clara County, CA" - https://catalog.results4america.org/case-studies/homelessness-prevention-systemCommunity Spotlight:​San Jose Obon Festival - https://www.sjbetsuin.org/annual_obon_festival/​Japantown Cultural District - https://japantownculturaldistrict.org/community-events/san-jose-obon-festivalMentioned in the Episode:​Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System - https://preventhomelessness.org/​Destination: Home Prevention Information - https://destinationhomesv.org/homelessness-prevention/​Notre Dame Wilson Sheehan Lab Study - https://leo.nd.edu/partners-projects/projects/homelessness-prevention/​Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing - https://osh.santaclaracounty.gov/​Santa Clara County Community Plan to End Homelessness - https://osh.santaclaracounty.gov/solutions-homelessness/community-plan-end-homelessnessTake Action:​Santa Clara County Tenant Protection Unit - https://www.sccgov.org/sites/consumer/pages/tenant-protection-unit.aspx​Homelessness Prevention System Application - Call (408) 926-8885 or email info@preventhomelessness.org​Sacred Heart Community Service Volunteer Opportunities - https://www.sacredheartcs.org/volunteer​San Jose City Council Meetings - https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/city-clerk/meetings

Housing isn't just about having a roof over your head—it's about belonging, community connection, and creating a place where everyone can thrive.In this episode, I talk with Claudine Sipili, Director of Lived Experience and Innovation at Destination: Home, about how housing challenges affect our entire community. We explore what real community looks like, the tension between temporary and permanent housing solutions, and how we can all be part of creating a more connected San Jose.Claudine shares insights from her own lived experience with homelessness and her work supporting holistic approaches that see people as whole humans, not just clients. We discuss why misconceptions about homelessness create harmful distance between neighbors, and how small acts of empathy can transform communities.This episode's What I'm Learning covers the recent San Jose City Council decision on "Responsibility to Shelter," the redirection of Measure E funds, and why we're still losing ground despite building thousands of new affordable homes. Our Community Spotlight features The Q Corner in honor of Pride month. For Take Action, I suggest listening first, practicing empathy, and getting involved with prevention efforts that keep neighbors housed before crisis hits.What I'm Learning Sources:San José Spotlight - "Santa Clara County homelessness hits new high" - https://sanjosespotlight.com/santa-clara-county-homelessness-hits-new-high/Mercury News - "San Jose approves policy setting expectation that unhoused accept shelter" - https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/06/10/san-jose-approves-policy-setting-expectation-that-unhoused-accept-shelter/Community Spotlight:The Q Corner - https://www.instagram.com/theqcornerGuest Information:Destination: Home - https://destinationhomesv.org/Homelessness Prevention System - https://destinationhomesv.org/prevention/Silicon Valley Guaranteed Income Pilots - https://destinationhomesv.org/guaranteed-income/Mentioned in the Episode:Measure A Housing Bond Results - https://destinationhomesv.org/news/Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing - https://www.sccgov.org/sites/osh/UCSF BHHI Statewide Homelessness Study - https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2023/06/425591/california-study-finds-majority-homeless-residents-want-help-housingTake Action:Destination: Home Community Engagement & Advocacy - https://destinationhomesv.org/community-engagement-advocacy/Ways to Advocate - https://destinationhomesv.org/community-engagement-advocacy/ways-to-advocate/

How do we build compassionate solutions to homelessness while creating true community connections?In this episode, I talk with Elizabeth Colorado, an advocate with the Lived Experience Advisory Board at Destination: Home, about housing, homelessness, and what real community solutions look like. Elizabeth shares her personal journey through homelessness, domestic violence, and incarceration, and explains why including people with lived experience in policy decisions is crucial for creating effective solutions. We explore the gaps in our current system, the barriers that prevent people from accessing help, and how neighbors can show up for each other during this critical moment in San Jose's approach to homelessness.This episode's News You Need covers the clash between state and local approaches to homelessness - from Senate Bill 634's protection of basic survival to Mayor Mahan's "Responsibility to Shelter" initiative and Governor Newsom's model ordinance for encampment clearances. We also dive into the sobering statistics: while California helped 70,000 people exit homelessness last year, 190,000 became homeless for the first time, and in Santa Clara County, 1.7 households fall into homelessness for every one that exits. Our Community Spotlight features Make Music Day San José, a city-wide celebration bringing together musicians and music lovers across every neighborhood on June 21st. For Take Action, I suggest attending community events that matter to you, educating yourself on local issues, and finding moments of joy to sustain your community engagement.News You Need Sources:Senate Bill 634 - Homelessness: civil and criminal penalties - California LegislatureGovernor Newsom's Model Ordinance for Encampment Response - Governor of CaliforniaSan Jose Mayor's "Responsibility to Shelter" Initiative - Office of Mayor Matt MahanCommunity Spotlight:Make Music Day San José - makemusicday.org/sanjoseFoxTale Fermentation Project - foxtale.beerSan Jose Museum of Art - sjmusart.orgGuest Information:Elizabeth Colorado - Destination: HomeLived Experience Advisory Board - Contact through Destination: HomeTake Action:Find local advocacy events - Check Eventbrite San Jose and community organization websitesLearn about San Jose city budget - City of San José Budget InformationMake Music Day San José venues and schedule - makemusicday.org/sanjoseContact your representatives about housing policy - City of San José Council Districts

Sometimes building community takes resources that aren't equally available to everyone.In this solo episode, I explore the uncomfortable reality that access to meaningful community connection isn't equal for everyone. I reflect on my own journey building community in San Jose as an extrovert with time and resources, and examine how barriers like time poverty, cultural differences, and economic inequality affect who gets to participate in community life. We also dig into how our individualistic culture makes connection harder, and why we need to democratize access to community belonging.This episode's News You Need covers Santa Clara County budget cuts affecting senior nutrition programs and San Jose's controversial shift of Measure E housing funds toward temporary shelters. Our Community Spotlight features SV@Home's Women Leading in Housing Brunch, which creates intentional intergenerational community building in the housing justice movement. For Take Action, I suggest hosting "connection with purpose" gatherings, supporting senior nutrition programs, and learning about time poverty research.LINKS & RESOURCESNews You Need Sources:County Supervisors disagree with City’s plans to change Measure E fundingSanta Clara County Senior Nutrition ProgramCommunity Spotlight:SV@Home Take Action:Santa Clara County Supervisor contact informationTime poverty research resources

In this episode, I explore what it means to grow up in San Jose with local author Hannah Jayne. We discuss the tension between preserving what makes our city special while embracing necessary change. Hannah shares her childhood memories of "The Valley of Heart's Delight," from backyard creeks to apricot orchards, and offers insights on building authentic community connections in our rapidly evolving city.I also highlight Santa Clara County's new immigrant support initiative, VTA's Tamien Station development project, and the return of "Viva Parks" program bringing free activities to neighborhood parks. Plus, don't miss the upcoming SJMADE Fest at History Park (May 31-June 1) featuring 250+ local makers, food trucks, and even a Kitten Lounge!Santa Clara County One County, One FutureVTA Tamien Station DevelopmentSan Jose Viva Parks/PlacemakingSJMADE FestSan Jose Downtown AssociationHistory San JoseSan Jose Woman's ClubCancer Care PointSan Jose Area Writing Project

In this solo episode, I explore why civic engagement isn't just for policy peeps and lawyers—it's for all of us who want to make our community better. I'll share how small actions can create meaningful impact, introduce you to organizations making civic participation more accessible, and give you practical tips for getting involved without it taking over your life.Resources from the Episode:Budget Town Halls:April 11, 2025 at 5:30 pm: District 5 Budget Townhall (Ortiz) April 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm: District 10 Budget Townhall (Casey)April 16, 2025 at 6:30 pm: District 2 Budget Townhall (Campos)April 23, 2025 at 6:30 pm: District 7 Budget Townhall (Doan)April 28, 2025 at 6:30 pm: District 6 Budget Townhall (Mulcahy)May 7, 2025 at 6:30 pm: District 3 Budget Townhall (Salas)May 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm: District 8 Budget Townhall (Candelas)May 12, 2025 at 7:00 pm: District 4 Budget Townhall (Cohen)May 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm: District 9 Budget Townhall (Foley)May 28, 2025 at 6:30 pm: District 1 Budget Townhall (Kamei)Civics Master Class

In this episode of Connection is Key, I chat with Janikke Klem about what it really means to grow up in San Jose - both then and now. We explore how our city has transformed from agricultural hub to tech center, and what that means for building community here. I share some fascinating stats about San Jose (did you know we're ranked the 2nd happiest city in the US?) while also diving into the challenges we face, like being the most expensive large city in America and having one of the worst gender pay gaps in the country.I also spotlight one of my absolute favorite places - Happy Hollow Park & Zoo - and the joy it's brought to generations of San Jose families (including mine!). Whether you've lived here your whole life or you're finding your way like I did, this episode offers insights into building meaningful connections in a city that's constantly evolving. Plus, I share four simple ways you can deepen your own relationship with San Jose, starting today!

In this solo episode of Connection is Key, I dive into the big question: What makes a city feel like home? Is it the people, the places, or something we create ourselves? I share how getting involved in community events and connecting with those around me helped me truly feel at home in San Jose. Plus, I offer simple ways you can start building those connections and make your own city feel like home.

What makes a city feel like home? Is it where you were born? The people? The history? Or is it something you create?Welcome to Connection is Key—a podcast about building stronger, more connected communities, starting right here in San Jose, CA. I’m Gini, and in this first episode, I’m sharing why I started this podcast, how connection shapes our happiness, and what you can expect from future episodes.In This Episode:Why connection is the key to feeling at home where you liveHow San Jose has shaped my journey—and why I want to know this city betterWhat you can expect each week (spoiler: we’re covering everything from local government to hidden gems)Let’s Stay Connected!Follow the podcast so you don’t miss an episodeJoin the conversation on Instagram: @feministathomemomHave a story or topic idea? DM me or email me at feminstathomemom@gmail.comFirst full episode drops on 4/24! Until then, remember: Connection is the key to happiness—and we all have the power to create a place that feels like home.