MARCH 2008
VOLUMEI1/ ISSUE III
| DISTRICT 3 | MARCH 2008 |
VOLUMEI1/ ISSUE III |
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Finding Santuario from Gangs and Crime Although we can only speculate about the involvement of gangs that day, we do know that graffiti has ballooned from 200 tags in 2005 to nearly 14,000 incidents last year. Of course, the graffiti merely signals a larger problem of rising gang-related crime throughout our neighborhoods. We have much work to do to counter it. We’re starting with prevention, and that means working through our schools. For example, we’ve partnered city officials with Washington School principal Maria Evans on a promising pilot project, focusing on reaching into the homes of troubled elementary school students, to work with parents and siblings before signs of gang participation arise. Principal Lisa Aguerria at Peter Burnett Elementary recently hosted a parents’ gang-education night with police and city officials, and we’ll look for additional opportunities to empower parents with information about gangs. Our Neighborhood Advisory Group’s working group on Youth Programs, led by Joan Rivas-Cosby, has taken on the task of finding healthy alternatives to gang activity. You can participate by attending our next NAG meeting tonight, at 6:30 pm, in rooms 118-119 of the City Hall wing. NAG Chair Don Gagliardi has generously spearheaded an effort to purchase tickets for youth to attend Earthquakes soccer games with adult leaders of Soccer Silicon Valley. In the upcoming budget process, I’ll also be advocating to keep selected community centers open during more of the evenings in districts most impacted by gangs. I’m looking to give youth a safe alternative to the street, and youth programs, such as those led by San Jose State University students volunteering through CommUniverCity’s efforts at the McKinley Neighborhood Center, need to be available in the evenings to reach our highest-risk youth. The Mayor’s proposed budget, which allocates some $1 million in additional funding to gang prevention and intervention programs, could help us serve more kids in this way. Of course, we know that more frequent patrolling by police would help, but chronic budgetary shortfalls have left us with the most sparsely-staffed major police department in the nation. Last June, the Mayor led the effort to add 15 officers to the force despite a tight budget. The Mayor’s budget proposes funding for 15 more officers in the upcoming year, and I’ll push for full council support of that effort. As our Chief Rob Davis observes, though, we can’t arrest our way out of a gang problem, and in a world of difficult budgets, we can’t spend our way out, either. We need your help. One simple way: following the example of the Friends of Backesto Park, we can visually communicate to gangs that we’re taking back our community. You can report graffiti to the Anti-Graffiti Hotline, at 277-2758, or call the City of San Jose at 277-3208 to obtain a free graffiti clean-up kit. If you’re interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch in your community, we can help, or you can call the SJPD’s community service division at 277-4133. Working together, we can reclaim our neighborhoods. Sincerely, Sam Liccardo |
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Contact Us D3 Staff |
Keeping Our Creeks Clean Citywide Graffiti Clean-Up Participating volunteers and staff removed 2,129 tags. Since the successful collaboration, a memorandum of understanding between the City and County is expected to be in place within the next several weeks to reinstate sentencing alternative programs. The sentencing alternative program allows juvenile offenders, and adult weekend crews to be referred to the City’s anti-graffiti program to assist with ongoing clean-up. Thanks to all who participated and volunteered. We hope this is the first of many partnerships tackling graffiti in our community. Code Enforcement Cleans Up Vacant Properties Feedback Sought on Downtown Zoning Study Summer Swim Registration VTA Long Range Planning Written comments can be emailed to vtp2035@vta.org or send them to VTA Community Outreach Department, 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B, San Jose, CA 95134 or by telephone 1(800)894-9908, TDD only (408)321-2330. There is also an online survey at http://www.vta.org/. The deadline for public input is March 31, 2008. Downtown Rail “Wheel Squeal” Rehab When work is completed, “wheel squeal” at these curves will be greatly reduced and the need to use lubricants on the track will also be reduced. Although most construction activities will take place during the day, public safety concerns will require work at each intersection to also include two to three nights of work and two weekends of continuous work. Please click http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/newsletter/200803_rail_faq.pdf for a fact sheet that provides more information on projected dates. |
Neighborhood Commission Seeks Members The San Jose City Council recently approved creation of a two-year Neighborhoods Commission pilot program. The new Commission will advocate for all San Jose neighborhoods. The mission of this body is to integrate the voice of neighborhoods into the City of San Jose’s decision-making processes. This includes the study, review, and evaluation of issues, courses of action, and policies/ programs affecting San Jose neighborhoods, and making recommendations to the City Council and Redevelopment Agency. The City Council will look to this body as a resource when reviewing matters with an impact on neighborhoods, and the Neighborhoods Commission will be consulted on matters of significant community interest that may come before the Council.The Commission will be a forum for the following: Provide a neighborhood voice to City Leadership in prioritizing neighborhood spending, infrastructure, and quality of life issues; Consult with appropriate City Department/ Staff regarding documentation of best practices and to support the development of vibrant neighborhood organizations; Receive information from City Staff and offering advice and consultation on inter-neighborhood issues; Accept petitions from recognized neighborhood groups that request review and Promote enhanced communication and resolution of issues between neighborhoods and the City of San Jose. Neighborhoods will directly select Commissioner’s to represent their District through a formal caucus process, which will then be ratified and appointed by Council. Here are the timelines that all neighborhoods, and individuals interested in applying for the role of Neighborhoods Commissioner, should be aware of: Neighborhood Group Registration: Submission deadline is April 4, 2008. Every neighborhood group must register in order to be represented! Click http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/newsletter/200803_neighborhood_commission_reg.doc for the form to complete and submit to register your group. Neighborhood Group Delegate Designation: Each neighborhood group will select one delegate and one alternative to attend the District Caucus. The Caucus for District 3 is May 21st during the regularly scheduled NAG meeting. The deadline for neighborhood delegate registration is May 14th. The Neighborhood Development Center will contact your neighborhood group regarding delegate nomination.. To participate in the Caucus, Delegates must be able to attend the May 21st NAG meeting. Neighborhoods Commissioner Applications: All applications are due April 4, 2008. Click here http://www.sanjoseca.gov/Clerk/commissionboard/NC/NC.asp for the application and process information or contact the Neighborhood Development Center at (408) 723-4114. Applicants for downtown Commissioner will have a brief opportunity to address residents at the NAG meeting on April 16th. District Neighborhood Caucus Period: Caucus’s will be held May 17, 2008 through June 14, 2008 throughout San Jose. The caucus for District 3 is May 21st during the regularly scheduled NAG meeting. Neighborhoods Commission seated: Fall 2008 For more information on how to become a Neighborhood Commissioner or how neighborhood groups participate in the process, contact Ernest Guzman at ernest.guzman@sanjoseca.gov. Phantom Art Exhibit in SoFa Doghood is an electronic artist, his computer programmed lighting, coupled with the optical illusions created by graphic artist Worthless, create a hypnotic experience of kinetic art after dark. There are two installations (two addresses at the opposite ends of the same building): 455 South First Street & 460 South Market Street in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. Exhibits will be on view from the sidewalk, best after dark, through the end of March, 2008. For more information, contact Two Fish Design, producers of Phantom Galleries at (408) 271-5151 or studio@twofishdesign.com. Naglee Park Historic Home Tour Located east of San Jose State University and the San Jose City Hall, Naglee Park was established in 1905 by General Naglee, a Civil War veteran and founder of California’s banking system and owner of many ranches. Naglee Park Conservation Area is San Jose’s first residence park and consists of the city’s largest intact historic neighborhood built between 1905-1930. All homes are within walking distance of the SJWC Clubhouse which will also be open for tours and refreshments. The Clubhouse is City Landmark #32 and was completed shortly before the death of architect Carl Wolfe, in 1929. Wolfe and Higgins were noted local architects. Wolfe scholar and architectural historian George Espinola will be on hand to describe the Clubhouse’s special features. Proceeds from the Home Tour will benefit the Clubhouse preservation fund. Tickets are $20.00 for advance purchase. Mail checks to SJWC South 11th St., San Jose , 95112. Or purchase from Willow Glen Home and Garden, 1123 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event for $25.00 available at the Clubhouse, 75 South 11th Street or 246 South 13th St., San Jose. For more information, call the Clubhouse at (408) 294-6919. |
Green Vision Pilot Program Launched for Low Income Households Still Time for Solar This is a time limited discount program, ending March 23rd, and rebates are slated to decline soon, so time is of the essence. Not every house has the right amount and angle of sun exposure for solar and you won’t know for sure until you get a free site evaluation. Contact REC directly at 1(888)OK-SOLAR to schedule a visit. The Committee is also sharing more of what they’ve learned along with pictures of the first installation at their blog, visit http://www.sanjosesolar.blogspot.com/ to check it out. Thank you to committee members Marni Kamzan, Steve Grant, Joe Pambianco, Lynette Bunyard, Kit Flores, Kirkwood Rough and Barbara Kempczinski for taking the lead on this for our community. |
Pat’s Run Livestrong Challenge Comes to San Jose |
Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG) Join Councilmember Liccardo and your neighbors at this monthly meeting of downtown neighborhood associations. The focus of the March discussion will be traffic calming, parks and youth priorities. For more information about the meeting contact Khanh Bui at (408) 535-4932 or khanh.bui@sanjoseca.gov. Disaster Preparedness for Families Join the Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley for a free community training on disaster preparedness. Participants will learn how to protect and aid home and family during a disaster with an emphasis on earthquake, fire and emergency kit essentials. For more information click http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/newsletter/200803_emerg_parent_training.pdf or to RSVP contact Adrianna Garcia at (408) 247-1126 or email calsafe1@vcsv.us Guitar Festival Join South Bay Guitar Society for a solid weekend of classical and jazz guitar. Weekend events include studio recitals, clinics, lectures, workshops, exhibits and demonstrations with evening concerts and master classes by world class musicians. Visit http://www.sbgs.org/ for more information. Electronic Waste Recycling Drive Get rid of your old, broken, unwanted computers, monitors, TVs, microwave ovens, and other household electronics. For information email fujilinda@sbcglobal.net or call Mariko at (408) 452-7628. Income Tax Help for Seniors The Northside Community Center is offering free income tax assistance for lower income seniors every Saturday until April 12th. An appointment is required, so call Lily or Dora at (408) 277-2686. Great American Litter Pick Up Help clean up litter in San Jose! Volunteer with other concerned citizens to pick up litter in your community. Organize a group of your neighbors to clean up your neighborhood and the City of San José will provide the litter clean up supplies. If your neighborhood association would like to participate, please contact Khahn Bui at (408) 535-4932 or khahn.bui@sanjoseca.gov. Click http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/newsletter/200803_litter_flyer.pdf for more details. Wonders of Our Water Works Tour Join the City’s Environmental Services Department for a free tour of the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant and the wetlands of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Learn firsthand how our everyday activities impact the Bay and its wetlands. The Plant plays a vital role in protecting and preserving the San Francisco Bay. To register visit www.sanjoseca.gov/esd. For questions, email carolina.camarena@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 975-2551. SJSU Day of Service The San Jose State community is participating in its 2nd annual Day of Service event on Friday, April 25, 2008. This event will bring together students, staff, faculty, families, and community members to enhance the area surrounding SJSU through projects that will take place in local schools, parks, and neighborhoods. Organizers will place volunteers at the community sites based on greatest need. Go to http://www.sjsu.edu/dayofservice/ to register. If you have any questions, please e-mail cmendivil@union.sjsu.edu. |
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| D3 ONLINE COMMUNITY - BIG TENTS |
Join D3’s Online Community with Big Tent To join go to http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/bigtent.asp Current happenings:
This online community forum allow us to:
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VTA will begin its Downtown Rail Rehabilitation Project March 31. The work involves replacing worn rail at two downtown intersections: Second and Devine and Second and San Carlos. This fall, similar work will take place at First and Devine.
As part of the City’s Green Vision program, the Housing Department, Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) and Environmental Services Department are working with PG&E’s Low Income Energy Efficiency program to provide low income homes in six SNI areas with free energy efficiency services from PG&E. These services which include efficiency audits and retrofits, will be augmented by a comprehensive educational campaign aimed at the whole community. The pilot program’s goal is to assist San Jose’s low income households improve energy efficiency. The educational campaign will increase awareness of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency among San Jose’s diverse populations. The pilot program will run 2009-2011; an environmental fair is planned for summer 2008 when the first 2-4 energy efficient retrofits will be complete. 
The LiveStrong Challenge, Lance Armstrong Foundation’s signature fundraising event, will be in San Jose on July 13th. Take to the streets of San Jose for either a 5K run/walk or a 10, 40, 70 & 100 mile bike ride. The Lance Armstrong Foundation unites people through programs and experiences to be part of a cancer fighting community, empowering cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and raises awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. For more information on the Foundation or to register for the LiveStrong Challenge visit