Single-Use Bag Ordinance | City of San José
Environmental Impact Report
Although single-use plastic bags are convenient and easy to use, they can have severely detrimental effects on the environment if they are not carefully disposed of. They cannot be recycled like other plastics and, as a result, end up in landfills where they do not degrade, or are often blown back into the surrounding environment, clogging drains and polluting water and other wildlife habitats.
San José adopted its Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance in 2011, prohibiting the free distribution of single-use carryout paper or plastic bags for all commercial retail businesses, with the exception of restaurants and charitable reuse organizations. Instead, reusable and/or paper bags containing at least 40 percent recycled content can be provided to customers for a minimum charge of 10 cents.
In 2010, DJP&A prepared an EIR analyzing the environmental impacts of the Ordinance. The report focused on impacts to biological resources, hydrology, air quality, and energy related to the short-term increase in paper bag production following the adopting of the single-use plastic bag ban.
The San José Single-Use Bag Ordinance EIR was the first of its kind in Northern California, and served as a model for subsequent CEQA review ordinances enacted throughout the region. Following the success of San José’s Single-Use Bag Ordinance, DJP&A prepared EIRs for similar ordinances in Alameda County (StopWaste) and Contra Costa County, both of which led to their successful adoptions in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Kristy joined DJP&A in 2003 and has a wide breadth of experience preparing environmental documents in compliance with CEQA. Kristy’s strong organizational and project management skills enables her to effectively manage complex projects. She was the Project Manager for several notable projects including the 2024 AEP Award Winning 
Amy joined DJP&A in 2016 after graduating from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning, focusing in City Regional Planning.
Connor joined DJP&A in 2019 after graduating from California State University, East Bay with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Before coming to work for DJP&A, Connor interned with the East Bay Regional Park District where he performed biological field surveys, worked on habitat restoration projects, and co-authored an article on California Red-legged Frogs that was published by the Western Wildlife Journal in 2019.
Nick joined DJP&A in 2021 after previously working in the public sector for multiple planning agencies in Santa Clara County. In his previous positions, he was responsible for processing planning permits, conducting plan checks, and providing excellent customer service to applicants. From this experience, Nick has become skilled at working with developers, public agencies, and other consultants. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning degree with an additional certificate in Environmental Planning from San Jose State University.
Martha joined DJP&A in 1991 and is deeply familiar with the culture and operational aspects of the firm. She manages the firm’s finances, employee benefits, and office administration. She is responsible for all aspects of financial matters for the firm, which includes: accounts receivable, accounts payable, client billing, cash and accrual financial statements, payroll, and analyzing financial data. In addition, she is responsible for various human resources tasks, including purchasing and administering health insurance plans and administering the company’s 401k plan. Martha is also responsible for managing the company’s corporate insurance policies.
Tyler joined DJP&A in 2017. He previously worked as an intern for the City of Mountain View’s Economic Development Division, and as erosion-control inspector for the Town of Atherton. While in college, he worked as a GIS intern for a local agricultural nonprofit in San Luis Obispo.
Fiona joined DJP&A in 2016 after graduating from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning. While attending UC Davis, Fiona interned for the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Program where she was able to work with others to develop an animal welfare curriculum. Her internship and prior involvement in Calpirg has provided her experience in research as well as working in a collaborative environment.
Ryan joined DJP&A in 2018 and plays an integral role in the company as our Graphic Artist, Administrative Assistant, and as a member of our marketing team. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. He prepares all the graphics for our documents and manages their reproduction, maintains the website, works closely with our CFO on accounts receivable, and assists with marketing needs.
Natalie Noyes joined DJP&A in 2017. She holds a Masters in City Planning from San Diego State University, and is a professional planner certified by the AICP. Natalie has over 18 years of experience helping clients navigate environmental regulations and managing the preparation of environmental resource studies and planning documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA throughout California. Her favorite projects are often those that challenge her the most. Natalie was the Project Manager for several notable projects including the El Paseo and 1777 Saratoga Avenue Mixed-Use Village project in San Jose and the Heritage House & Valle Verde Housing project in Napa.
Carolyn joined DJP&A in 2019. She is a professional planner certified by the AICP with experience preparing numerous environmental documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for development projects and planning policies throughout California. Carolyn also has experience providing contract planning services to local government agencies and assisting in the documentation and recordation of historic resources. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental History from University of California at Berkeley and a Masters of Urban Planning Degree from San Jose State University.
Mimi McNamara joined DJP&A in 2022 after previously working as a technical CEQA air quality and greenhouse gas specialist for other environmental consulting firms. She has extensive experience with both subject areas and has prepared numerous technical reports to support environmental documentation prepared pursuant to CEQA and NEPA. At DJP&A, Mimi specializes in completing environmental review documents for data center facilities for the California Energy Commission and local lead agencies. Mimi has also prepared a variety of environmental documents for clients, such as Microsoft and GreenWaste Recovery, and Lead Agencies, such as the cities of San José, Mountain View, and Los Altos. In addition, she supports projects post-approval by assisting project applicants with completing their environmental requirements listed in the project’s Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Her goal is to see projects through entitlement and construction.
Demetri graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Ecology and Systematic Biology. Working as a Biological Technician for the National Park Service out of college, he transitioned to a career in planning with DJP&A in 1998. His diverse project experience includes environmental review for transportation projects, schools, 
Mike joined DJP&A in 2006 after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Since then, he has prepared environmental documents in compliance with both CEQA and NEPA for highly complex projects, including the 
Maria joined DJP&A in 2019 after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a concentration in Environmental Policy. Her studies allowed for a hands-on experience in environmental analysis, with projects that included preparing a mock impact analysis for a housing development project and a proposal to assess impacts on bird populations from a large-scale solar power facility. During her time as a student, she interned at Templeton Community Services where she developed and oversaw water conservation and recycling programs. Prior to starting with DJP&A, Maria worked at Family Supportive Housing where she gained a greater knowledge of community issues along with experience in public outreach and event coordination.
Patrick joined DJP&A in 2019 and works closely with staff to prepare environmental documents. He has experience writing CEQA and NEPA reports on freeway projects, railroad grade separations, California High Speed Rail projects, affordable housing, and a variety of development projects. He also has experience with field monitoring and research from his previous work at the Santa Clara Valley Water District and Jet Propulsion Laboratories.
Where do we start with John Hesler? John is DJP&A’s third employee, and joined in 1982 after he completed his undergraduate studies in Environmental Planning at San José State University. John immediately developed a focus on transportation, from roads and highways to transit and airports. With a 43+ year tenure at DJP&A, John is our “transportation guru,” and boasts successful environmental review for hundreds of projects including the construction of the 18.7-mile California 
Shannon is an experienced Project Manager who has been in the environmental field for over 25 years. She graduated from San José State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and worked for another environmental firm before joining DJP&A in 2001. Since then, Shannon has managed the environmental review for many iconic projects throughout Silicon Valley, including the 
Desiree joined DJP&A in 2018 after graduating from Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a concentration in Wildlife Biology. Her education provided her with hands on experience with local city projects and environmental issues.
Akoni joined DJP&A in 2010, after working for the City of San José for 13 years, most recently as Principal Planner, where he was responsible for the City’s preparation of CEQA and NEPA documents, as well as managing the City’s environmental review, historic preservation, urban runoff management, and green building policy programs. During his time with the City, he managed the preparation of over 40 program- and project-level Environmental Impact Reports, and participated in the preparation of the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan.
Will joined DJP&A in 2003 and has a deep understanding of CEQA and NEPA and has extensive experience preparing Environmental Impact Reports (EIR), Initial Studies, and Environmental Assessments. Among his many achievements, he was the Project Manager for the preparation of the