The City of San José’s Environmental Services Department announced on April 8 that it will host an Earth Month event on Saturday, April 11, at Penitencia Creek Park to encourage residents to join the city’s Adopt-a-Storm Drain program.
The initiative aims to help reduce trash entering local waterways and prevent neighborhood flooding by involving community members in keeping storm drains clear. Events like these support the city’s compliance with stormwater permit regulations and contribute to broader environmental protection efforts.
First launched as a pilot on Earth Day 2024, the Adopt-a-Storm Drain program has since expanded across San José. More than 100 residents, schools, and community groups now participate in the effort. Volunteers who attend Saturday’s event will receive tools and training for cleaning storm drains, have a chance to name their adopted drain, and submit data about their cleanup activities. The free event is family-friendly and includes onsite signups for adopting a drain, cleanup demonstrations, interactive watershed learning activities for all ages, and information from the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA about protecting wildlife from storm drain hazards.
According to the historical context page, San Jose serves the Santa Clara Valley area with various neighborhoods and historical districts. The city also promotes cultural diversity through initiatives such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and Mexican Heritage Plaza which contribute to community enrichment. Historical sites like the San Jose Historical Museum in Kelley Park showcase relocated buildings and collections significant to local heritage. Unique replicas of statehouses built in 1899 and again in 1949 are among other notable features documented by city resources.
San Jose is led by a mayor elected at large along with an eleven-member council representing specific districts according to its official charter. The city’s mission is “to deliver quality public services and foster a safe, vibrant community for its residents, businesses and visitors,” according to its official mission page.
For more information or registration details regarding Saturday’s event or about adopting a storm drain in general, residents can visit bit.ly/AASDEarthMonth or consult the Environmental Services program page.