President's Message:
Why We Engage: Politics, Policy, and Protecting Our Rights
By Mike Kihmm, President
As we announce our endorsement of City Council candidates in this month's newsletter, it is worth taking a moment, especially for our newer members, to address why we engage in local politics and public policy.
Unlike active police officers and firefighters, retirees do not have formal collective bargaining rights. We are not guaranteed a seat at the bargaining table. Just because there's no seat waiting at the table with our name on it doesn't mean we can't pull up our own chair and make our voices heard. We do that through politics. We do that through policy advocacy.
Over the decades, we've proven that protecting our benefits requires continuous vigilance and smart action. City leaders change, council majorities shift, and economic pressures tempt policymakers to view retiree benefits as financial balancing chips. It's incumbent upon us to build effective relationships with elected officials and top city staff to prevent bad ideas from becoming harmful policy proposals, to stop anti-retiree actions before they're implemented, and to strengthen our earned benefits as the world around us changes.
Our goal is simple: hold the City accountable for its promises to us. We ensure candidates understand that retired first responders and their surviving spouses are critical stakeholders who deserve a voice in the decisions affecting their lives. We back candidates who respect public safety and are willing to maintain an open dialogue with our leadership. When we get engaged in a race, we look to make an impact—that's why we keep a funded PAC.
We don't engage in politics for prestige or party politics; we do it to protect all of us. By staying engaged, bringing real political resources to the table, and standing united—both as retirees and alongside our active brothers and sisters—we secure our retirement and safeguard what we worked so hard to earn.
With respect for our past and commitment to our future,
Mike Kihmm
President
IMPORTANT LINKS
Smoke & Mirrors, Debunking Cortex (2009)
Smoke & Mirrors, Debunking Cortex
Staying Active, Engaged, & Well This Summer
Submitted by Walter Bugna, VP of Fire
Article from One Life Senior Living
High temperatures don't have to limit your plans—there are plenty of safe ways to have fun and stay engaged this summer. If you'll be outside, use sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing, and drink plenty of water, since our bodies lose fluids faster as temperatures rise. There are plenty of summer activities well-suited for seniors. Sometimes we just need an idea to get us kickstarted!
Here are a few ideas to keep you active, social, and enjoying the season
🍳 Cook a Fresh Meal
Fresh produce is more affordable and plentiful in summer. Cooking is therapeutic and offers a sense of purpose. Bonus: infuse water with fruits and herbs for added hydration.
📸 Reminisce on the Past
Revisit old memories from amusement parks to cross-country trips. Sharing stories improves communication and reduces stress—especially helpful for those with Alzheimer's or dementia.
🎨 Work on a Craft
Art provides creative stimulation and helps maintain fine motor skills. Research shows working with clay is especially beneficial for aging adults.
🏊 Stay Active and Cool
Swimming and water aerobics beat the heat while keeping you fit. Yoga, chair tai chi, and balloon volleyball are other gentle, low-impact options.
🎲 Play Games
Board and card games keep you engaged and social. Research shows leisure games can reduce dementia risk. Try outdoor games like cornhole, or puzzles for quiet time.
🎬 Watch Movies
Movies offer an emotional escape. Film therapy is even used to help those with dementia relax. Let viewers pick, but have several genres on hand.
📚 Read a Book
Great in any season—outside in the shade or inside in the AC. A book club encourages socialization. Try audiobooks or large print versions if eyesight is a concern.
🌅 Get Outside (Safely)
Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. Enjoy the cooler hours—catch a sunrise or sunset. Try bird watching or a morning walk. Always bring water!
🍦 And don't forget a cold treat! National Ice Cream Day is coming up in July—an ice cream social is a great way to connect while cooling off. Stay safe and cool this summer, but don't forget to be active and have fun!
HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER
High temperatures don't have to limit your plans—there are plenty of safe ways to have fun and stay engaged. If you'll be outside, use sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing, and drink plenty of water, since our bodies lose fluids faster as temperatures rise. Stay safe and cool this summer, but don't forget to be active and have fun!
Table of contents
Association Endorses Altwer, Doan & Ortiz for City Council
Now that the dust has settled from San Jose's primary election, three Council seats will be decided on this November's ballot. The Association endorsed Councilmembers Peter Ortiz and Bien Doan for re-election, and endorsed Genny Altwer to replace Councilmember Pam Foley who is termed out.
We believe all three candidates will stand up for public safety, public safety employees and retirees. We've included the candidates' websites if you want more information.
Table of contents
Upcoming Events
Below are upcoming events hosted by the Association and outside organizations. If you want to buy tickets, or need additional information, please follow up directly with the host organization.
Annual Association BBQ
Date: August 20, 2026
1630–2030 hours
Coyote Ranch
Annual Bobby Burroughs
Folsom BBQ
Date: September 12, 2026
1100–1500 hours
Lew Howard Pavilion, 7100 Baldwin Dam Road, Folsom, CA
18th Annual SJPOA Charitable Foundation's Chaplaincy Golf Tournament
Click below to register and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities
Table of contents
Meetings & Announcements
Association Meetings
There will be no membership meeting in August due to the Association's Annual BBQ. Our next meeting is Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, September 10 at the SJPOA Hall. Lunch begins at 12 PM and the business portion of the meeting begins at 12:30 PM.
The SJPOA Hall is located at 1151 N. 4th St., San Jose, CA 95112. The meeting will also be available by Zoom. Check your Association emails for a link to the meeting. The Zoom portion of the meeting begins at 12:30 PM.
All Digital Newsletter Start: November 2026
To save money and improve communications, in November we will transition to an all-digital newsletter. Please make sure Membership Director Ken Jacksteit has your email address to receive the digital Billy & Spanner: [email protected]
Moving or updating your email? Don't miss a thing — send Ken your new info so we can keep you connected and in the loop!
Table of contents
I'm Dead. Now What?
The Association continues to give away this book.
A useful and helpful planner to give you peace of mind. It has important information about your belongings, business affairs, and wishes. It helps organize vital details about contacts, health, and financial issues, etc.
Contact Walter Bugna at [email protected] if you want a copy. Please include your name, current phone and current mailing address in your e-mail.
JULY 2026 Edition — Volume 34 No. 7