Joe Lopez, Candidate for San José City Council District 2, Condemns Santa Clara County’s Deceptive Actions Regarding Bernal/Monterey Tiny Homes Sale
“District 2 is already home to more than its fair share of shelters – it’s time for the County and other cities to step up and do their fair share too,” says Lopez.
San José, CA — Joe Lopez, candidate for San José City Council District 2 and retired Sheriff’s Sergeant, announced today his strong opposition to the sale of the Bernal/Monterey site to Santa Clara County and the County’s plan to use the site for a jail diversion program.
In a statement, Lopez raised serious concerns over the County’s lack of transparency and the potential safety risks this sale poses to the community.
“I vehemently oppose the sale of the Bernal/Monterey site to Santa Clara County, especially when it involves a project that could bring Level 2 or Level 3 inmates into our neighborhoods here in District 2,” said Lopez. “This proposal is a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our community. As someone who has managed the jail system during my career in law enforcement, I am fully aware of how a Level 2 or 3 inmate can be downgraded to Level 1 within a few months. This means that this site could potentially house some seriously dangerous individuals with little oversight near our schools and neighborhoods. That is not acceptable.”
“I know that people can turn their lives around – especially when they have access to stable housing and services,” Lopez added. “But the reality is that District 2 is already home to more than its fair share of shelters – it’s time for the County and other cities to step up and do their fair share too.”
Lopez points out that the process has been marred by a complete lack of transparency, leaving many District 2 neighbors in the dark. “Our District 2 Representative and the County of Santa Clara have failed to engage with residents meaningfully – there have been no community hearings, no public meetings, and no opportunities for input on this significant issue. This absence of public consultation is not only unacceptable but also undermines the trust between our local government and the people it serves,” he stated.
The site in question was initially presented as a housing solution for homeless individuals. However, recent revelations indicate that the Bernal/Monterey Emergency Interim Housing site, currently managed by the City of San José, will be sold to the County and managed by the Department of Behavioral Health. The County intends to use the site to house individuals requiring drug treatment and mental health services, potentially including Level 2 or Level 3 inmates from the County Jail as part of a jail diversion program.
“This shift in the use of the site, without proper security measures, poses a serious risk to our community,” said Lopez. “We cannot allow this site to become a facility that houses inmates who may pose a danger to residents without proper oversight and community involvement.”
District 2 residents, along with Lopez, feel blindsided by these developments. According to reports from ABC News Watch 7 and other media outlets, San José’s tiny homes could soon be repurposed for a jail diversion program for people battling mental illness. The County had only recently scheduled a Zoom meeting to announce the need for the city to sign the deal on August 27. Although this decision has been postponed, Lopez emphasizes that the process remains deeply flawed.
“I will continue to advocate fiercely for transparency, safety, and the responsible use of public land that reflects the needs and interests of our residents,” Lopez affirmed. “Our community deserves to have a voice in decisions that directly impact our safety and quality of life.”
Joe Lopez, a 35-year retired Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Sergeant, is running for San José City Council District 2, with a commitment to ensuring safety, transparency, and community engagement. For more information on his campaign, visit www.LopezforSanJose.com.
