As we become more connected (i.e. read as slaves to our mobile devices said very tongue in cheek) these apps may provide useful to keeping you touch with City and County resources:
Police Scanners – These apps are no longer recommended since SJPD migrated to a digital encrypted communications network rendering applications such as these useless
PulsePoint – Receive dispatch event notices within the City of San jose (or other cities of interest in the immediate area) pertaining to Fire and Medical response issues
San Jose 311 (formerly My San Jose) – Published by the City of San Jose allowing citizens to open service requests with the City regarding matters such as (Abandoned Vehicle, Graffiti, Illegal dumping, Pothole, Streelight Outage, General requests, Illegal Fireworks)
NOTE: despite the app permitting photographic input with geo-tagged data, the tickets are closed unless nearest cross street references are provided in the description field of the ticket in order for City crews to respond.
Mobile Citizen – Published by the County of Santa Clara allowing residents to report issues with County roads or Expressways (Highway issues are Caltrans jurisdiction)