SAM'S CORNER

Openings, Openings, Openings
The Joyce Ellington Branch Library will host its grand opening celebration this Saturday June 28th at 11:00A.M. Come celebrate with Sam and enjoy clowns, facepainter and cake!

The library promises to be a warm, inviting place for friends and neighbors. It features comfortable seating, beautiful art, storytelling, and even a technology lab. Striving to please all members, the library will provide a place where parents can interact and read to their children as well as a quiet, adult atmosphere in a living room area. A quick glance at the numbers boasts 25 computers, 67 seats, a 6 person group study, 20-25 person storytelling area, 75 person community room, and 30 spaces available for parking at the new library. For more information call (408) 535-8450 or click here.

Also, Biebrach Pool, located in Biebrach Park, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday June 28th from 1:00P.M.-4:00P.M. The pool will feature citywide aquatics programs perfect for everyone. Programs include every type of swim, from Recreational Swim and Water Exploration for recreational swimmers, to Stroke Development and Skill Proficiency for more experienced swimmers.

Sam's Corner

The Budget and Our Priorities
This week, my council colleagues and I approved the City’s budget.  The Mayor’s and City Manager’s teams admirably rose to the challenge of closing a $29 million deficit without gutting critical city services. 

The budget is more than simply a financial document, however; it reflects our priorities. Over a year ago, our District Three neighborhood leaders identified their top three priorities for their improving communities:  anti-gang efforts & youth programs, parks and community centers, and traffic calming and street improvements.  Working with the Mayor and my colleagues, I have strived to ensure that the budget matches those priorities:

• Gangs and Youth Programs

We’ve seen a 30% drop in gang-related violence in the city’s first quarter compared to the same time last year, but the presence of gangs still figures far too prominently in our neighborhoods.  In addition to the Mayor’s commitment of funding for an additional 25 police officers and an extra $1 million for gang prevention and intervention programs, the Council and Mayor also approved the request from Councilmember Campos and myself to keep a youth center in four key “hot spots” open late on Friday and Saturday nights, to offer kids a safe alternative to street life. Several of our neighborhood leaders asked to have community groups operate cameras in parks with a heavy gang presence, so I sought funding for seven such cameras, one of which is already in operation in McKinley.  We’ve also approved funding to expand youth programs at the McKinley Teen Center and the Alma Youth Center, and by December’s opening of the new Roosevelt Community Center, we’ll be seeing non-profit groups offering services to teens and children there as well. 

• Parks and Community Centers

Expanding sport facilities will also help to give our kids healthy options, and our neighborhood leaders have put a premium on providing sport fields for our youth.  For that reason, we’ve focused our district-wide developer park fees on building soccer fields at three key locations.  In Northside’s Watson Park, we’ve allocated an additional $3.2 million to start the clean-up of the contaminated soil in April 2009, and to rebuild a soccer field, dog park, a tot lot, and other amenities immediately thereafter.   With $ 1.1 million, we’ll begin remediation on another polluted former landfill in McKinley’s Martin Park, and construction of a multi-purpose field will follow in 2009.  Finally, in Tamien, we’ve allocated $1.4 million to begin planning and design on a soccer field and park for several underserved neighborhoods south of Highway 280. Through a different funding source in the Redevelopment Agency, we’ve allocated additional funding for future park development near Rosemary Gardens (almost $2 million) and in Spartan Keyes ($2.5 million). Also in Spartan Keyes, council voted yesterday to proceed with negotiations with San Jose State University to construct four soccer fields adjacent to Spartan Stadium—we look forward to returning with good news about our progress there.
I also requested additional funds for creek cleanups, and the Mayor agreed, a move that will both improve the environment and our enjoyment of our creekside parks and trails.  

• Traffic Calming and Roads

This year, we’ve lost three pedestrians in our district to traffic accidents, including two children.  I asked the Mayor and my colleagues to support spending $120,000 for ten new mobile radar speed trailers.  These devices have a proven record of reducing speeding, and we can deploy them quickly, inexpensively, and without time-consuming traffic studies. Since more permanent changes to streetscape –such as speed humps, islands, bulb-outs, and other traffic calming devices—require traffic studies, I also requested another $200,000 to reduce the backlog on studies on priority intersections. The Mayor and Council supported my requests, and even allocated additional $400,000 from the sale of a small downtown property site for traffic calming efforts.
Those of us who have long sought synchronized signals will finally find help on the way, in the form of a $15 million allocation from our California Transportation Commission.  By synchronizing lights throughout San Jose, we’ll reduce tailpipe emissions and traffic delays.  Finally, the Mayor proposed and we approved funding to clean up Highway 87 through the downtown, where Caltrans’ reduced maintenance has taken a visible toll.
Through these spending decisions, we’re moving the needle in reaching the goals that we’ve set as a community despite a very difficult budgetary climate.   I look forward to finding other cost-effective ways for the City to better serve you.

Sincerely,

Sam Liccardo

Contact Us
P: (408) 535-4903
E: district3@sanjoseca.gov
W: www.sanjoseca.gov/district3

D3 Staff
Sam Liccardo, Councilmember
Ragan Henninger, Chief of Staff
Roma Dawson, Policy Director
Ruth Cueto, Council Assistant
Kevin Schwaba, Council Assistant
Rhonda Hadnot, Exec. Assistant

William Street Gets Face Lift
It is a great time to stroll down Williams Street and take in several changes in the neighborhood. Stretching from the convention center to the Five Wounds neighborhood, Williams Street has recently been lined with beautiful, historically styled lights.  Another noteworthy feature is the Williams Street Bridge at 18th Street. Highlighted with mosaics, by resident artist Richard Hawes, this bridge has had a face lift. Through a community beautification initiative, neighbors gathered to clean, prepare, and paint the bridge. The neighborhood’s vibrant character is now reflected in the historical colors of the bridge. The neighborhood association would like to recognize and thank Juan Carlos Flores for volunteering his professional painting services and diligently working on the bridge for over three days.

Bike Committee Volunteers Needed
In an effort to create a better environment for walkers and bicyclists, The City of San Jose is now seeking applications for its Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to provide City staff with ideas and suggestions to facilitate a bike friendly City. Evening meetings are held at City Hall eight to ten times a year. For an application, email john.brazil@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-975-3206. For more information, click on “Committees & Commissions” here.

Retail & WiFi Added to Airport
Recently, the City Council unanimously approved new food, beverage, and retail concession contracts with Mineta San Jose Inernational Airport (SJC), including many local businesses. Among the 23 local restaurants and shops are Chiarmonte’s Deli (San Jose’s oldest Italian deli dating back to 1908), Schurra’s, Sonoma Chicken Coop, Paolo’s Techshowcase, Discover San Jose, CJ’s Cherries, The Brit, Gordon Biersch, and the Shark’s Cage (a San Jose Sharks themed restaurant and bar!). Congrats to our local downtown neighborhood businesses.
The new concessions will occupy both existing and 20,000 square feet of expanded space at SJC as a result of the Terminal Area Improvement Program scheduled for completion in 2010. Estimates show new concessions doubling the current sales tax revenue feeding into the City’s General Fund.
In addition, beginning May 30th, SJC was the first Bay Area commercial airport to launch a free, wireless internet service. This new service is complete with 24-hour customer support and a free “virtual private network.”

Airport Construction Ahead
Summer travel plans? Plan extra time for airport construction. Major road work, directly in front of Terminal A, will contribute to Airport road congestion throughout the summer. Staff and contractors are working diligently with Terminal A airlines to reduce the construction impacts and communicate the changes to customers. After the 4th of July holiday curbside drop-off locations in front of Terminal A will shift as construction progresses. Also, roadway lanes and pedestrian access will move several times throughout the course of the summer. During this time of construction, the Airport will also open a temporary detour that will let Terminal C traffic bypass Terminal A. This will shorten the loop for drivers going to Terminal C while simultaneously reduce traffic in front of Terminal A. These changes are expected to last from June through the completion of the work in October.

Passionate About Downtown?
Looking for an artistic way to show your support and enthusiasm for downtown San Jose? The San Jose Downtown Association is seeking people who can express their passion for the City in a variety of ways. Those who are talented in painting, drawing, video clips, or even candid photographs are encouraged to enter a submission. However, if writing comes more naturally, a short piece detailing why you enjoy living, working and/or visiting downtown San Jose is also encouraged for submission. Submit your information with your contact information (full name, mailing address, telephone number, and email) to redevelopmentworks@sanjoseca.gov. For more information click here.

Street Closure for Fireworks Show
This summer, the Festival for Independence will be held on July 4, 5 & 6, 2008, with fireworks being held on July 4th. Due to the event, some streets will be closed so it is suggested to plan travels accordingly and ahead of time.
On July 3rd, South bound Woz Way (Auzerais Ave. to San Carlos St.) will be closed at 7:00A.M. and reopened at 6:00A.M. on Saturday, July 5th. However, Woz Way lot can be accessed by making a u-turn via Almaden Blvd.
On July 4th, South Market Street will be closed (from San Fernando St.) by 7:00P.M. The detour associated with this route will be in effect until midnight. San Carlos St. (from Woz Way to South Market St.) will close at 7:00P.M. and is expected to open again at 11:00P.M. Also, Almaden Blvd. (from Park Ave. to  I-280) will close at 8:00P.M. and will re-open at 11:00P.M. Please keep in mind that the 303 Almaden Garage will beclosed all day. Also closed the entire day, will be Auzerias Ave (Woz Way to Delmas Ave.) In terms of Highway 87, the southbound lanes from Julian to I-280 will be closed only from 8:00P.M.-10:30P.M. Additionally, the northbound lanes from Curtner to Julian will be closed from 8:00P.M.-11:00P.M. Finally, CHP also plans to close access to Highway 87 from I-280 from only 8:00P.M.-10:30P.M. Finally, all downtown parking lots will be operational, except for a select few. Namely, the Woz/ Highway 87 lot will be closed all day. In addition, all of the entrances at the Convention Center Garage will be open. However, from 8:00P.M. to 11:00P.M. the Almaden Blvd. exit will be closed.

Roosevelt Roller Hockey Summer Sign Ups!
Sign up today for summer roller hockey in downtown San Jose. Click here to find registration forms. Send in your registration form to 1850 Fallbrook Ave or Fax to 871-8165 or email a scanned version to steve.ryan@sanjoseca.gov.
Youth ages 6 to 17 are invited to join the summer league that begins on July 14th through August 30th.  
You may also drop off the summer registration forms at Roosevelt Rink.  It will be open on June 27 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for pick up games and you can drop off your forms during this time. For more information, click here or call Steve Ryan at 871-3825.

Neighborhood Program Receives Top Award
CommUniverCity, a Strong Neighborhoods, City and Redevelopment Agency partnership with San Jose State University was awarded the top prize in its category at the recent Neighborhoods USA conference in Hampton, Virginia. To top it all off, the program won first place out of the competing eight finalists in the Best Neighborhood Program Social Revitalization category. This program, which brings students and faculty into the SNI Five Wounds Brookwood Terrace area for community projects, has a strong concentration on education, health, and the environment.
Also recognized, the San Jose Neighborhoods Commission, received a plaque for being a finalist in the Multi-Neighborhood Project Partnership category. This is a two-year pilot project is focused on representing and strengthening the voices of neighborhoods to the decision-makers at City Hall. Commissioners elected by their neighborhood groups in each City Council district. For more information, contact Laura Lam at 535-8505.

Special Olympics Needs Volunteers
Here is your chance to be a part of history! The San Jose Sports Authority (SJSA) is looking for volunteers to assist with the United States Olympic Committee’s pre-2008 Beijing Olympics. You can access the application by clicking here. For questions or to find more information, contact Carrie Benjamin, event manager at the San Jose Sports Authority, at carrie@sjsa.org or (408) 288-2936.

CommUnity Resource Fair
Recognizing the need to build awareness of services and resources within our city, Mayor Chuck Reed is hosting the 7th Annual CommUnity Resource Fair on Sunday, June 29th.  This all-day event open to all families to come together, enjoy the beauty and history of San Jose, and have the opportunity to learn more about the assistance available to them through city, county, and non-profit organizations.
This free event will feature singer’s Tuan Vu and Manuel Romero Jr. and Mariachi Tequila, Taiko San Jose, and Mini Job Fair. Additionally, the first 2,000 residents will receive free hot dogs and drinks, one free, green vision bag will be given per family. And if that is still not exciting enough, there will be free grand prizes and raffles! These prizes include two round trip tickets to 48 states, a $300 bike, ten tickets to Monterey Bay Aquarium, two tickets to Bonfante Gardens, and much more!
This event is at History Park, San Jose 1650 Senter Road from 11:00A.M.-4:00P.M. For more information call (408) 535-4800.

Children's Day in San Jose
The San Jose Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is pleased to announce the Second Annual Children’s Day event held at the Issei Memorial Building, 565 N. 5th St., in San Jose’s Japantown, on Friday, June 27, from 12 to 2 p.m.
Children and their families are invited to come and enjoy the beautiful backyard garden setting of the Issei Memorial Building.  Originally known as the Kuwabara Hospital, the Issei Memorial Building has been home to many people, businesses and community organizations over the years. 
Lunch, beverages, snacks and dessert will be provided by San Jose JACL.  There will be Japanese inspired crafts and activities, as well as prizes for the kids and information about the San Jose JACL, including chapter events, scholarships, community service, and membership.  The highlight for the afternoon will be the drawing for the Stay at Home Fundraiser. No purchase is necessary to attend.
Last year’s event drew over 80 community members. To RSVP with the number of adults and children attending, or for more information, call Lisa Kobayashi at (408) 254-9487 or e-mail kobayashi@netzero.net. More information on the chapter is available at www.sanjosejacl.org.

Peace March
Sunday, June 29, 2008
12 p.m.
Sacred Heart Church (325 Willow St)
Free
March from Sacred Heart Church to City Hall to promote peace in the community and remember all victims effected by violent crimes. For more information contact Casandra Hosseini at (408) 206-2881 or email cassieh19@aol.com.

Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
5:00 p.m.
Free
Berryessa Branch Library (3355 Noble Avenue)
Join Congressman Mike Honda to a discussion and workshop on how to protect your home from foreclosure. Homeowner resources and direct one-on-one counseling will be provided. Please bring copies of relevant documents. RSVP at Honda.RSVP@mail.house.gov. For more details visit http://honda.house.gov.

San Jose Fire Museum
Saturday’s July 12 – August 23rd
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FREE Admission
521 Charcot Avenue, San Jose
For a limited time, the San Jose Fire Museum is offering free admission on Saturday’s for a special exhibiting featuring antique cars. These antique jewels are on exhibit at the new Club Auto Sport showroom, the area’s new premier attraction for auto enthusiasts and collectors. For more information, click here.

Art with Paul Gonzalez
Thursday June 26, 2008
3:00P.M.
Free
Biblioteca Latinoamericana
Come and experience the beautiful art of Paul Gonzales at the library. Bring friends and family for a great time to relax and be inspired by all that art has to offer. For more information visit www.sjlibrary.org.

Christmas in July Annual Fundraiser
Saturday, July 19, 2008
5:30P.M.-10:00P.M.
Free
Circle of Palms (between the Fairmont Hotel and the San Jose Museum of Art)
Once again, Christmas in the Park will host its annual Christmas in July summer fundraiser. Come and enjoy hor d’oeuvres and dessert donated and prepared by various downtown restaurants. Dine on tri-tip steak, dance to the music of Sage, and bid on fabulous items at the silent auction. For more information on the band Sage visit www.sagemusic.com. For more information on the event or obtain tickets, visit www.christmasinthepark.com.

It’s Hot to Rot-Composting Workshop
Wednesday July 9 & Wednesday October 1
6:00P.M.-8:00P.M.
Free
Visitor & Education Center (438 Coleman Ave.)
Free workshops will be held in order to learn what kinds of kitchen and yard waste materials can be composted, as well as different strategies to try, and tips to choose the best method. The two hour workshops will be taught by Master Composter Phil Cornish and Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. To help keep San Jose green, remember that it is Hot to Rot! In order to attend, pre-registration is required. To register, call (408) 298-7657. For more information visit www.grpg.org.

Flower Arranging 101
Saturday, July 12
$10.00/ members, $15/non-members
1:30 - 3:30pm
Ages: Adult
Summer is here! You’ve gathered a marvelous bundle of colorful summer flowers and foliage, now what? Join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens and Master Gardeners, Milli Wright and Bette Lloyd as they explain the basic principles of design and color while creating wonderful summer arrangements. This flower arranging class is designed for beginners, but challenging enough even for experts. Bring your own vases, to take home your own creation with materials we’ll provide. You’ll also learn creative ways of combining colors, unique foliage fillers and tips and tricks for harvesting, preserving and sharing your flower arrangements. Surprise yourself with an easy workshop designed to bring out your inner Floral Designer!

All workshops take place at the Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110. Pre-registration is required. To register call (408) 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more.