SAM'S CORNER

Managing Through Painful Budgetary Choices 
Last week's issuance of the City Manager's proposed budget brings much painful news for downtown residents, as city staff struggles to find ways to balance a $77 million budget deficit.  Among the bad news:

• Proposed closure of Fire Station 30, which most directly serves the neighborhoods of Delmas Park, Gardner, and Market-Almaden; 
• Proposed "re-use" or closure of the Alma and Northside community centers;  ("re-use" means that the City will shut the facility's doors in January until and unless a non-profit agency expresses a willingness and ability to run programs at those facilities);
• "Re-use" or closure of the St. James Senior Center in January;
• Severe cuts in grants for downtown arts organizations and street festivals, which will threaten the survival of many groups;
• Elimination of the mounted police unit, and of a traffic enforcement unit;
• Elimination of the entire park ranger unit, including those who patrol the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens;
• Reduction in library hours, such that all libraries (other than the Martin Luther King Library on 4th Street) will shut their doors for three days per week, on a revolving basis;
• Elimination of homework center funding in 2010;
• All-too-familiar reductions in park maintenance, street landscape maintenance, traffic calming, and other critical services.

All of this, of course, comes as starkly unwelcome news.

We've already held two neighborhood meetings regarding the fire station proposals, and more are to come.  To learn more and to discuss these difficult choices, please come and participate in our Neighborhood Advisory Group's budget community meeting with the Mayor's and City Manager's staff on Wednesday, May 20, at 6:30 pm in the Wing of City Hall, Room 118.  

All of this comes at a time when many of us await the dropping of the "other shoe": if several of the state measures fail to pass on May 19, then we can expect additional pain, as the State of California could claim as much as 8% of San Jose's property tax revenue to fill Sacramento's gaping hole.  That could mean recourse to deeper cuts in city services, such as closures in pools and community centers, and other cuts in public safety.

When faced with drastic shortfalls in revenue--of the sort never seen in the last three-quarters of a century--our role as a City Council becomes painfully simple: we cut.  Cuts in services to our residents are never welcome, but inevitable in the absence of other forms of cost savings.  I have met with the leaders of several of our city labor groups to explore ways in which they can come to the table to help us restore services--and city jobs--with one-time concessions of hard-fought wage gains.  Obviously, we'll only make it through this difficult time by working collaboratively, and I'll do all that I can to encourage us to do so.

Sam's Corner, Part II: On a Brighter Note: the Return of Live Music
Amid these tough times, we can often overlook that our downtown neighborhoods have much to celebrate.  We have sought to partner with several community leaders, including First Act Silicon Valley and the San Jose Downtown Association, to support a resurgent interest in restoring a vibrant live music scene in our downtown, and to attract a broader audience and a more sustainable business to our downtown venues.   Please read further down in the newsletter for details about several of these events.

Several members of our downtown community have taken leading roles in this resurgence.   Today, San Jose State University educator and KSJS deejay Ramon Johnson will again bring us the 28th Annual Metro Fountain Blues Festival, the always-popular crowning event in the "San Jose Blues Week" calendar, held all day at San Jose State University's San Carlos Plaza.  Blues will return for a monthly series beginning June 17, with the Post Street Summertime Blues treating fans to an outdoor, wine-sipping, cafe-seating environment on historic Post Street, between First and Market Streets, just before screenings of Starlight Cinemas.  

Next week, Chris Esparza, Michael Brilliot, and Sheila Bernus Dowd push off for the maiden voyage of "Left Coast Live," an extraordinary collaboration of 40 downtown restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and other businesses which seek to transform themselves into venues for live music--including jazz, blues, folk, rock, and classical -- for a week.  We hope this will be the first of an annual fixture in our downtown, and we're grateful for the energy and creativity that Chris and his team have brought to this effort.

Summer wouldn't be the same without the San Jose Downtown Association's  21st annual series of "Music in the Park" events at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, sponsored this year by Scion.  They'll kick off a series of 13 weekly shows on June 4th, at 5:30 p.m., and conclude in August.

Of course, the Jazz Festival celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, returning to stages throughout the downtown August 7th-9th.  Geoff Roach brings another cast of jazz headliners in what has become the summer highlight for many downtown residents and tourists.

At the end of the summer, venture to the San Carlos Plaza at San Jose State Universtiy for the new Target Summer Pops series, which kicks off Aug. 22 with Symphony Silicon Valley, led by conductor Bruce Hangen, performing the movie music of John Williams. Five more concerts — including jazz standards sung by the legendary Cleo Laine, a brass-band concert and the symphony's take on Beatles' favorites — will follow over the ensuing week.

With a vibrant music scene in store, we can all look forward to an exciting summer in the downtown....please join us!

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
Fred Buzo, Council Assistant
Rhonda Hadnot, Exec. Assistant

Give Your Input on City Budget Priorities

Nearly everyone is pinching pennies during these extraordinarily tough economic times, including the City of San Jose. The City’s projected budget shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1st is $77 million. The months of May and June will be a time for City staff, Councilmembers and residents to work together to close the gap. The City Manager, Debra Figone, released a projected 2009-10 City Operating Budget and the Council has begun a series of public review and discussion of the proposed budget during “study sessions.” These study sessions, each focusing on a different budget area, are open to the public and a good opportunity for community participation. There is also a public hearing in May and again in June for public feedback to Council on the budget.

Additionally, Councilmember Liccardo will host a district-wide community budget meeting at the May 20th Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG). Deputy City Manager, Norberto Dueñas, will lead the discussion on the City budget, with a specific focus on downtown and District 3.  The meeting is at San Jose City Hall, in Wing rooms 118 – 119, from 6:30- 8p.m..  For more summary on the budget before the NAG meeting, please click here.

Key budget dates:
May 1st – Proposed Operating Budget released. Click here for information.
June 5th - Mayor's June Budget Message Released
June 23rd – Council Approval of Final Budget

Remaining Study Session (occurs at City Hall, Council Chambers)
May 11th 1:30 – 5p.m. – Strategic Support & Fees and Charges

Public Hearings
May 12th  - 7p.m. Council meeting
June 15th – 7 p.m. Council meeting

Summer Camps and Aquatics Starting Soon
Registration for summer camps, activities and aquatics lessons begins on May 16th. The City’s aquatics season starts on Jun 22nd with the opening of community pools.  The community pools in downtown are Biebrach (corner of W. Virginia and Delmas Ave.) and Ryland Pool (421 N. First St.). It’s important that our community help keep these pools open by using them! Online registration makes it easy for you to sign up. To view the aquatics catalog and a full listing of classes click here.

"Left Coast Live" Event Brings Live Music Downtown
Left Coast Live is a week-long music experience showcasing the talent of 100 local, regional and national bands in 40 downtown San Jose venues including cafes, museums, bars and restaurants.  The event starts with a future of music discussion series, two preview concerts, and one outdoor cinema, and culminates in a giant walkable live music festival in downtown San Jose.

This five day live music event was born from a group of local musicians, venue owners and arts supporters who were determined to grow live music in the South Bay.  These visionaries are working to ignite the local music scene and ultimately make San Jose and Silicon Valley renowned around the region and the country as a center for thriving live music. For detailed information click here.

Left Coast Live Speaker Series
The Left Coast Live Speaker Series is focused on this year’s theme: “The Sound of Things to Come.” Whether it be technology, new types of music or cultivating San Jose’s live music scene, music is constantly evolving and is critical in catalyzing change.  These discussions are meant to spark lively conversation, inspire fresh ideas and connect Bay Area music lovers.  These are free and open to the public. Locations change every evening.  Doors Open 6:00 p.m.  Discussion: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• MONDAY, MAY 11: THE SOUNDTRACK OF A CITY: HOW CAN SAN JOSE GROW A DIVERSE MUSIC SCENE THAT REVERBERATES WITH THE PULSE OF LIFE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST CITY?  This panel will feature leaders from important music cities – Seattle, San Francisco, and Austin discussing what works and what doesn’t in their local scenes and what we can all learn to make live music thrive in SJ.
  Location:  THEATER ON SAN PEDRO SQUARE

After the panel, everyone is invited to O’Flaherty’s to see the Wild Rovers, a local Irish band headed by Artsopolis’ Jeff Trabuco.

• TUESDAY, MAY 12:  DOES SAN JOSE KNOW ITS WAY:  THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF ROCK IN SAN JOSE The South Bay’s vast sprawl of suburban garages have spawned a rich history of not just tech giants but also great music.  This discussion will feature some great local musicians that have been on the scene for many years in conversation with those cutting out their own path today.
  Location: GORDON BIERSCH  

After the panel, everyone is invited to the Gordon Biersch patio for an intimate Alice Lounge featuring the band Safety Suit by Alice 97.3.

• WEDNESDAY, MAY 13: JAZZ ON THE LEFT COAST: CAN SAN JOSE ESTABLISH A BEACHHEAD FOR JAZZ RELEVANCY IN THE NEW CENTURY?
  Jazz plays an obviously important role in the history of American music innovation and experimentation over the past century. Where is it heading in the new century? San Jose, with its rich mix of multicultural musical offerings, would seem to be fertile ground for a new century of jazz exploration. What would it take to establish the South Bay as a meaningful center for jazz innovation?  This panel discussion will be led by Geoff Roach, Executive Director, San Jose Jazz
  Location: HEDLAY CLUB AT DE ANZA HOTEL  

After the panel, everyone is invited to some great music as part of San Jose Jazz Society’s weekly Jazz Jam Session with the Wayne Wallace Trio.

• THURSDAY, MAY 14: THE INTERSECTION OF WEB  2.0 TOOLS AND MUSIC  Locally invented Web 2.0 tools are radically changing how music promoted and distributed, found and created.  Where is it all headed?

LOCATION: MACLA Gallery
After the panel, everyone is invited to the Circle of Palms to watch a free screening of “Before the Music Dies”.

Left Coast Live "Friday Night" Live Music Festival
On Friday, May 15, the Friday Night Live Music Festival kicks off with two outdoor stages on South First with performances 5:30-9 p.m., and early evening/dinner music at many diverse venues.  After 9 p.m., the event spills into in three main areas of downtown San Jose: SOFA (South of First Area), Historic District and San Pedro Square (on San Pedro street between St. John and Santa Clara Street)—with participating venues featuring acts in a variety of styles, including rock, jazz, and Latin. Performers include Lyrics Born, Booker T., Miggs, The Mumlers, La Colectiva, Max Cabello Jr., Martin Luther, Gina Villalobos, Careless Hearts, The Marcus Shelby Trio and Good Hustle.

Monday through Thursday events for Left Coast Live are free and open to the public.  Admission for the Friday evening festival is $25 for an advanced purchase ticket and $30 at the door. Student tickets are available for $20 (must bring ID to check-in kiosk).

SubZERO Artistic Block Party Coming Soon.
Coinciding with South FIRST FRIDAY, on June 5, from 6 p.m. to midnight, SubZERO will be a lively block party of contemporary music, street performances, and Do-It-Yourself interactive, on-the-edge art installations.  It will take place on three blocks of South First, from San Carlos to Reed streets, where two stages of entertainment and nearly 100 artists/performers/musicians will celebrate San Jose’s independent creative spirit.

SubZERO is an annual collaboration between the galleries of San Jose’s SoFA District (Anno Domini, Green Rice Gallery, MACLA, San Jose Institute for Contemporary Art, San Jose Museum of Quilts + Textiles, Space 47) which present South FIRST FRIDAYS every month throughout the year and  ZER01: The Art and Technology Network, which produces the 01SJ Biennial. Click here for more information.

In addition to SubZERO, June 5 will mark the debut of SoFA District street improvements.  These will include sidewalk extensions that provide space for outdoor café dining; three new murals; enhanced landscaping with flowers and decorative pots; and tree lighting.  By combining engaging programming with these physical improvements, these projects demonstrate that San Jose continues to improve the cultural vibrancy and aesthetic quality of life in its Downtown Urban Core.

Dine Downtown Inaugural Event
For 11 days beginning June 3rd, and for the first time ever, more than 25 downtown restaurants invite you to dine in downtown San Jose. The week is packed with promotions and specially crafted menus that showcase each restaurant's unique flavor and flare. Restaurants will feature special promotions or three-course prix fixe menus at $20, $30 and /or $40 levels. The event begins June 3 with $3-or-less sampler plates at the City Bites Kick Off Sampler Event.  Explore downtown's culinary diversity at prices that will leave you satisfied long after the meal is over. Dine Downtown San Jose... You're Invited! Click here for more information. Participants include:

• 19Market, 19 N. Market St.; 280-6111
• 71 Saint Peter, 71 N. San Pedro St.; 971-8523
• A.P. Stump’s Chop House,163 W. Santa Clara St.; 292-9928
• Agenda Restaurant & Lounge, 399 S. First St.; 287-3991
• Arcadia Modern American Steakhouse, 100 W. San Carlos St.; 278-4555
• Bella Mia Restaurant & Bar, 58 S. First St.; 280-1993
• Billy Berk's, 99 S. First St.; 292-4300
• Britannia Arms Downtown, 173 W. Santa Clara St.; 278-1400
• E&O Trading Company, 96 S. First St.; 938-4100
• Emile’s Restaurant, 545 S. Second St.; 289-1960
• Eulipia Restaurant & Bar, 374 S. First St.; 280-6161
• Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge & Restaurant, 99 E. San Fernando St.; 998-9998
• Gumbo Jumbo, 80 N. Market St.; 294-8626
• Habana Cuba Restaurant; 238 Race St.; 998-2822
• Hawgs Seafood Bar, 150 S. Second Street; 287-9955
• Il Fornaio, in the Sainte Claire Hotel, 302 S. Market St.; 271-3366
• La Pastaia Ristorante, in Hotel De Anza; 233 W. Santa Clara St.; 286-8686
• Loft Bar and Bistro; 90 S. 2nd St.; 291-0677
• Mezcal Restaurant, 25 W. San Fernando St.; 283-9595
• Morocco's Restaurant, 86 N. Market St.; 998-1509
• Morton's The Steakhouse, 177 Park Ave.; 947-7000
• Mosaic Restaurant, in the Hotel Montgomery, 211 S. First St.; 282-8888
• P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, 98 S. 2nd Street; 961-5250
• Paolo’s Restaurant, 333 W. San Carlos St. # 150; 294-2558
• San Pedro Square Bistro & Wine Bar, 20 N. Almaden Ave.; 298-WINE
• Silicon Valley Capital Club, 50 W. San Fernando St. #1700; 971-9300 (note: open to public during dinner hours only)

San Jose Mariachi Festival Features Carlos Santana
Now in its 18th year, the San Jose Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival offers a month long schedule of music, cultural and educational events during September. Under the creative direction of award winning vocalist and entertainer, Linda Rondstadt, the festivities are highlighted by free outdoor concerts and evening concert performances by some of the most beloved artists in folk, traditional and rock music. This year’s festival is a tribute to the “Hero’s of our Heritage,” and especially to the legacy of San Jose’s hometown hero, Cesar Chavez. On Sunday, September 27th the festival features a tribute concert for Cesar Chavez with special guests, Carlos Santana, Los Lobas and Linda Ronstadt at HP Pavilion. Tickets go on sale in May. The festival also includes educational workshops in mariachi music, ballet folklorico, Mexican green building and design and for the first time, “slow food” Mexican cooking. For more information, click here.

AT&T Comes Through to Sponsor Jazz Downtown This Summer
Thanks to AT&T for sponsoring this summer’s San Jose Jazz Festival. Just as the Festival was getting set to celebrate its 20th year this summer, it was hit with a double whammy.  One of its previous sponsors could provide only a fraction of previous years funding level and another sponsor pulled out entirely. In this economic climate, it’s incredible AT&T could step in and support such an important event in San Jose.

During the Festival weekend, more than 100 performances are featured on 10 different stages, offering all flavors of jazz, Blues, Latin, Salsa, R&B, electronica and more. The Festival brings to San Jose international and homegrown favorites, jazz legends and rising stars. This years festival is August 7-9th. For more information, click here.

San Jose Museum of Art – Community Day
Sunday, May 10, 2009
11am – 5pm
Free Event
Celebrate San Jose Museum of Art’s 40th anniversary with Community Day!  Enjoy FREE admission, gallery tours, and family centered, fun events!  The museum is featuring The Prints of Andy Warhol.  It promises to be a great Mother’s Day outing for the whole family!  The San Jose Museum of Art is located on the corner of Market and San Fernando.  For more information, please visit http://www.sjmusart.org/. 

Art and Wellness Studio Opening
Thursday, May 14th
5 – 7p.m.
Free
The Grace Community Center has revitalized a 110 year old Victorian house to make a unique site that offers healing found in art, yoga and meditation to adults with mental, physical and developmental disabilities. The programs empower people by nurturing their imagination and letting them discover the joy of artistic expression. The work by these local artists will be on display and available for purchase. There will also be refreshments and a silent auction. Take advantage of the chance to explore the only studio of its kind!

District 3 Community Budget Meeting
Wednesday, May 20th
6:30 – 8p.m.
City Hall, Wing Rooms 118-119

Join Councilmember Liccardo and your fellow neighborhood presidents along with City staff as they discuss the 2009-10 City Budget. The City is facing a $77 million deficit and cuts to City services are expected. Please come hear what the City is proposing and voice your opinion on what’s important.  

An Afternoon with Chef Martin Yan
Saturday, May 30, 2009
2 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (Caret Plaza)
Chef Martin Yan, famed host of the popular television shows “Yan Can Cook” and “Martin Yan’s China” presents an entertaining and informative cooking demonstration with his own inimitable style. Copies of his cookbooks, including the 2008 release “Martin Yan’s China,” will be available for purchase and autographs in the Fourth Street lobby immediately following the program. Admission is free. Parking is free weekends from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Fourth Street Garage and other downtown parking facilities. For information about the event, call (408) 808-2397.  

Naglee Park Open Studies
Sunday, June 7th
11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free
If you are an artist, love art, or just want to see what a neighborhood is doing to celebrate artists and creativity then visit the Campus Community Association neighborhood on June 7th from 11am – 5pm for their first Naglee Park Open Studios event. The event will showcase the work of neighborhood artists, displayed at various homes throughout the neighborhood. So far approximately 20 neighbors have pledged their support to this effort by volunteering the common areas of their home to showcase artwork.