Preservation Action Council of San Jose

06/10/2026

Advocacy Update: California Room Saved!

This afternoon, San José City Council unanimously passed Mayor Mahan's reconciliation budget incorporating a $245,000 alternative allocation keeping the MLK Library's California Room open for the 2026-2027 budget year. These funds will ensure that the California Room remains open and fully accessible for two days a week, with 1.5 dedicated staff positions. PAC*SJ strongly supported this alternative as a bridge towards a more sustainable long-term funding solution to restore full operational hours and staffing in the future. We thank Councilmembers Kamei, Tordillos, and Cohen for championing this effort, and for the full Council in including it in their unanimous budget approval. We also thank the 200+ community members who spoke out in support of the California Room-- your voice was heard!

www.preservation.org/california-room

05/09/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legacy-business-happy-hour-series-poor-house-bistro-tickets-1989096231373

05/08/2026

Speak out to Save the California Room!
https://www.preservation.org/california-room

PAC*SJ urges City Council to reconsider an alarming proposal in the City’s 2026-27 budget to close the Martin Luther King Library’s California Room and eliminate its three dedicated staff positions. Established in 1906 as the local history section of San Jose’s first public library, the California Room today has grown to become a vast and incomparable collection of books, photographs, maps, newspaper archives, city directories, building permits, personal papers, and historic ephemera illuminating more than 250 years of San José, Santa Clara Valley, and California history. Boasting more than 5,400 annual in-person visits and countless more online inquiries, the California Room is an incredibly important public resource supporting the efforts of students, educators, authors, historians, genealogists, property owners, developers, land-use consultants, and engaged citizens to explore, uncover, and share the rich and diverse histories of our shared home.

As San José prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2027, the loss of its preeminent public history repository would represent a profound civic failure. The proposed closure would save the City a mere $388,000-- just 0.6% of the total library budget and only 0.007% of the total City budget! The proposal to close direct access to the California Room will set in motion a long term change that will be difficult for the Library Department to reverse. We urge you to reach out to Mayor Matt Mahan, City Manager Jennifer Maguire, City Librarian Jill Bourne, and your City Council representatives before Monday, May 11th at 9:30am, when Council holds its first and only Neighborhood Services Budget Study Session prior to a final budget vote on June 9th. Speak out now to save the California Room!

04/06/2026

San Jose has lost one of its greatest champions with passing of the great Rod Diridon, Sr. (1939-2026) last Friday. PAC*SJ was honored to count him as an ally, advisor, collaborator, supporter, and friend in his oft-exclaimed mission to "save the best of the past to help make a better future." He's pictured here, along with his inestimable wife, Dr. Gloria Duffy, 1) modeling our Diridon Station pin set, 2) as honored guests at PAC*SJ's 35th Anniversary gala, 3-4) leading PAC*SJ tours of Diridon Station, and 5) regaling Creekside shoppers with tales from his railroad days. Diridon Station could have no better namesake. RIP Rod 🚂 🚃 🚊 ❤️

03/18/2026

Our latest Legacy Business Happy Hour is happening this Thursday!

To find out more information and to RSVP, please follow the link in our bio.

12/15/2025

New Arrivals are online and make great stocking stuffers: www.Preservation.org/shop

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

Packed with great holiday decor and more!

12/04/2025

Preview Sale: TODAY
- Thursday, December 4 — 11am to 3pm
PAC*SJ Members: Free
Non-Members: $5 entry

Holiday Treasures Sale
- Friday, December 5 — 9am to 3pm
- Saturday, December 6 — 9am to 1pm

Location: Found*SJ
57 Barack Obama Blvd @ Creekside
(between W. San Fernando & W. Santa Clara)



"FoundSJ the brand-new PAC*SJ Rummage & Reuse Hub is officially opening its doors this weekend, and you’re invited to shop the very first collection of curated holiday décor, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you love historic charm, sustainable shopping, or just discovering that perfect piece you didn’t know you needed, this sale is full of surprises." - Nancy R. in San Jose

12/02/2025

Our Annual Holiday Sale is this week!
Located at 57 Barak Obama Blvd (between Park Ave & Santa Clara)
Thursday, Friday & Saturday Dec 4-6, 2025
Follow Found SJ for more.