The event began as the San Jose Police and Fire Departments
Honor Guards performed their Color Guard Presentation.

The Honor Guards walked by the stage and
out of the theater past the thousands of guests.

Bishop Bawai Soro, Western California and General Secretary
of the Assyrian Church of the East gave the invocation.

Mayor Gonzales was given a standing ovation as he took the stage
to present his State of the City Address for San Jose.

The Mayor addressed the guests.

The Mayor welcomed the newest Councilmembers,
the re-elected Councilmembers and those continuing their terms.
 He then announced Pat Dando as the Vice Mayor of San Jose.

The Mayor said, "tonight marks my fifth State of the City speech. 
Without a doubt, it’s the toughest I’ve had to prepare for. 
In the past this has been the customary time for mayors to
unveil new proposals, programs, and projects.   I think we all
realize this year is different.  This is not a time for big announcements."

The Mayor said, San Jose is a strong, confident city.  We’re
a city full of hope. We have made steady progress by successfully
focusing on our long-term priorities. Yet, as strong and confident as
we are, we face tremendous challenges and uncertainties
this year that require a steady hand."

"...These people are what make San Jose strong today.  
And give us hope for what San Jose can be tomorrow.  
People who work to make this city a better place to live 
for all of us – today and tomorrow. "

"...I am proud of the vision we share – and what we have done,
together, to achieve it.  Although today’s uncertainties may slow
our progress, they will not change our vision.  They will not shatter
our faith, or undermine our commitment to building a great city."

The Mayor was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Paul R. Bernal.

The Mayor completes his swearing-in ceremony.

The Councilmembers were sworn in by
San Jose City Clerk Patricia L. O'Hearn.

When the speech commenced stage members rose from their
seats to congratulate everyone on a job well done.

The Mayor and Councilmembers prepare to
take photographs with their award winners.

Click to see the