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East San Jose groups urge council to revive MACSA/Moxa and protect teen drop-in programs
Summary
Community leaders, youth organizers and students pressed the City Council to fund reopening and revitalization of the MACSA/Moxa youth center and to preserve teen drop‑in programs at three youth centers; speakers said the centers provide safe after‑school space and urged targeted Measure and CDBG support.
San Jose — A coalition of East San Jose youth organizers, Somos Mayfair and the Youth Building Peace Coalition asked the City Council to fund reopening and revitalization of the MACSA (Moxa) youth center and to preserve drop‑in teen programs at Alviso, Alum Rock and Berryessa youth centers.
Students and youth leaders said the centers provide sports, homework help, cultural programs and safe spaces that reduce juvenile justice risk and provide mentoring and recreation. "Moxa is more than just a building. It is an important community asset and a piece of history here in San Jose," Fernando Ramirez of Somos Mayfair told the council.
Speakers requested specific line‑items in the manager’s budget addendum (several MBAs were referenced by testimony) and said community development block grant (CDBG) funding could help reopen the facility. Youths said lack of funded programming harms low‑income families and youth opportunity in East San Jose.
Ending
Speakers urged the council to commit to funding and to integrate reopening plans with broader youth‑services and community safety strategies. The mayor and council did not take a public vote on these budget amendments at the hearing.
