First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for your patience regarding the re-use of the Old Berryessa Library.  As you may already know, the City Council approved the authorization of staff to conduct an exclusive 90 day negotiation period with East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) for a lease agreement for the former Berryessa Library building in December 2008.  The City has continued negotiations with ESUHSD past the 90 day timeline but unfortunately, negotiations came to a halt over the summer due to the budget realities the school district was facing. 

Conceptually, staff from ESUHSD and the City have agreed to lease the vacant building to ESUHSD under City Council Policy 7-1 (below market lease, i.e. $1/mo.).  Because the building is on park land, the City can only enter into a contract of 3 years, with the option of renewal.  As part of the agreement, ESUHSD would incur the costs for the rehabilitation of the building.  In addition, ESUHSD would have needed to remediate mold infestation, bring building to code (health, safety, ADA), and do tenant improvements necessary to accommodate their programmatic needs. 

Given the recent budget constraints of ESUHSD and the monetary investment needed at the start, it proved to be difficult for ESUHSD to make a commitment at this time.  Moreover, it has remained difficult to find a tenant who was willing to make such a large investment without a guarantee of a lease period longer than 3 years. 

I have met with the City staff regarding next steps and have agreed it was in the best interest to demolish the old Berryessa Library and expand the parking lot.  I understand that this vacant building has been an ongoing eyesore in the community for the past few years and I believe that the expansion of the parking lot will better serve the increasing needs of the visitors at the Berryessa Branch Library.

A community meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Berryessa Community Center from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. to inform the community of the City’s decision and to provide a timeline for the demolition and construction.

I want to thank all the community panel members for their time and assistance during the Request for Proposal (RFP) selection process as well as the residents for their input and feedback.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at district4@sanjoseca.gov or (408)535-4904 if you have any further concerns.

Click here to view flyer.

Councilmember Kansen Chu and the Berryessa Union School District are sponsoring an evening forum to help parents and the community better understand their neighborhood and how to keep their children safe. 

We will have speakers from the San José Police Department, the Berryessa Union School District, East Side Union High School District, and the Berryessa Branch Library to provide resources to cultivate safe and healthy neighborhoods in District 4. 

Wednesday, October 7, 2009
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Berryessa Branch Library - Community Room
3355 Noble Avenue
San Jose, CA 95132

For information in ENGLISH, click here.

For information in SPANISH, click here.

For information in VIETNAMESE, click here.

For information in CHINESE, click here.

Councilmember Chu invites you to attend the 16th Annual Chinese Moon Festival and Overfelt Gardens.

The 2009 Chinese Moon Festival Committee, Institute of Sino-American Studies, and City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services invite you to their Chinese Moon Festival Celebration. On this day, enjoy the pleasure of sharing arts, crafts and creative activities in a Chinese garden setting.

There will be arts, crafts, cultural and musical performances, storytelling, lion dancers, bamboo painting, calligraphy, astronomy, chess, poetry and much more for children and adults.

Free admission and parking. 

Sunday, September 27, 2009

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
368 Educational Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95133

National Pollution Prevention Week takes place September 21 -25, 2009.

The City of San Jose, in partnership with the Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant are hosting resource fairs throughout the City to inform residents about simple actions they can take to reduce and prevent pollution.

Friday, September 25, 2009, 10AM-2PM
Community Resource Fair
Berryessa Community Center
3050 Berryessa Road, San Jose, CA 95132

• Pick up tools and tips for a less toxic home and garden and litter-free creeks!
• Receive a FREE digital thermometer in exchange for your glass mercury thermometer.
• Donate your old wireless phones and pagers to the Happy Hollow Cell Phone Recycling Program in support of orangutan conservation.
• Receive a FREE compact fluorescent light bulb and save energy at home.

For additional information visit www.sanjoseca.gov/esd or call (408)945-3000.

Please click here for more details.

I wanted to take this opportunity to provide an update to you about the current status of the State of California’s budget and how that will impact the City of San José. 

As many of you are aware, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a package of 26 bills as amendments to close the $23.24 billion budget shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 State Budget Bill on July 28, 2009.   The package of proposals to address the State’s deficit includes cuts, shifts, and captures billions of dollars in local funding from cities and counties. 

Immediate State Budget impacts on the City of San José and the Redevelopment Agency totals $95 million. The State will be borrowing $20 million from property taxes and will reduce the San José Redevelopment Agency budget by $75 million.  At this time, the City continues to monitor legislative follow-up actions and to identify contingency plans for further impacts as we prepare for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.   

During the month of July, the City of San José selected me to represent the City at the Local Government Summit on Governance and Fiscal Reform in Sacramento. This was a two-day forum where mayors, council members, county supervisors, and school board members from across California discussed and debated emerging proposals to reform our state governance and fiscal systems.
The outcome of this summit resulted in the adoption of three key principles to:

• Protect local revenue sources
• Reform term limits at the State level
• Allow communities to approve taxes with less than the current two-thirds majority needed at the State level

The City of San José’s lobbying efforts continue to strongly oppose proposals to borrow or take San José’s local revenues and urges the State to focus on solving the State’s budget problems without harming local governments.  The City of San José is part of a broad coalition on these efforts, which includes the League of California Cities and other public agencies.  Together, cities are pulling together to file a lawsuit against the State of California to protect their local revenue sources in order to ensure that essential services are preserved for their residents.

In September, the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council will be hosting a forum on the State budget impacts.  Please join me and Deputy City Manager Norberto Duenas for an update on the state budget and the potential impacts to the City of San José.  The meeting will take place on Monday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Berryessa Community Center.  I hope to see many of you at the meeting.

Further details about the state budget and its impacts to the City of San José will be shared as the budget unfolds and more information becomes available.  I encourage you to visit the District 4 website frequently for the latest news and updates.

The Independence High School 76th Calvary Band & Color Guard has been exclusively invited by the City of Westminster and the London Mayors Association to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London on January 1, 2010. 

On Monday, August 31, 2009, the Independence High School 76th Calvary Marching Band & Color Guard will be having a fundraising event at California Pizza Kitchen to raise money for their London Trip. 

Monday, August 31, 2009
11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
California Pizza Kitchen
Westfield Valley Fair (1st level between Macys and Nordstrom)
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.
San José, CA 95050

Flyer is required.  20% of your check will benefit the Independence High School 76th Calvary Marching Band. Please click for a copy of the flyer:

I encourage District 4 residents to come out to support this deserving group of young people and ensuring that each and every talented musician is able to participate in this incredible opportunity!

My office has partnered with My Project Youth Connect to host a District 4 Family Festival and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Morrill Middle School. 

This event will provide an opportunity inform members of the public about the resources and services available from the City of San José, County of Santa Clara, and local organizations.  I encourage District 4 residents to stop by to pick up resources and to learn about services provided in our community. 

For more information, please call my office at 408-535-4904.

Saturday, August 29, 2009
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Morrill Middle School
1970 Morrill Avenue
San José, CA 95132

The Independence High School 76th Calvary Band & Color Guard has been exclusively invited by the City of Westminster and the London Mayors Association to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London on January 1, 2010. 

On Saturday, August 29, 2009, the Independence High School 76th Calvary Marching Band & Color Guard will be holding a FREE eWaste fundraiser event to raise money for their London Trip. 

All computer and electronic equipment will be accepted, including:
- Desktops, laptops, & PDAs
- Monitors and televisions
- Printers, copy & fax machines
- Mice and keyboards
- Stereos, radios & players
- VCRs, DVD players, etc.
- Telephones & cell phones

Saturday, August 29, 2009, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Independence High School Parking Lot near the Band Room (Accessible on Jackson Ave.)
1776 Educational Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131

On Saturday, August 15, 2009, Councilmember Chu was a guest speaker at the Renewable & Solar Energy Festival taking place at Edison Technology Park in Menlo Park.

To download a copy of his presentation, please click here.

Councilmember Chu invites District 4 residents to contribute and help Independence High School Cavalry Band and Color Guard go to London for the 2010 New Years Parade.

There will be a car wash event at Independence High School on Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 9:00AM-3:00PM at the main parking lot accessible on Jackson Avenue.

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Independence High School Parking Lot near the Band Room (Accessible onJackson Ave.)
1776 Educational Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131

On Tuesday, August 4, 2009, neighborhoods throughout San José are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 26th annual National Night Out. Over 34 million people and 10,000 communities nationwide are expected to participate in “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”  I encourage District 4 neighborhoods to participate in National Night Out 2009.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in anticrime efforts, and strengthening neighborhood spirit and police and community partnerships.  In addition, this night sends the message that neighbors are working together to keep their neighborhoods safe.

From 6:00pm to 10:00pm on August 4th, many neighborhoods throughout San José will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, barbeques, and informal gatherings. Last year, approximately 60 San José neighborhoods showed their support for National Night Out by enjoying an evening with their neighbors and local police officers.  My staff and I plan to visit as many neighborhoods as possible and we look forward to seeing all of you then. To include your neighborhood in this year’s event, please contact the San José Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (408) 277-4133 or click here.

In addition, my office will be sponsoring District 4’s second annual National Night Out Movie night at Noble Park. I encourage residents to enjoy the National Night Out festivities with your neighbors and join other District 4 residents later in the evening for an outdoor family movie night.  The movie will start after sunset, at approximately 8:30 p.m.  Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs!

For neighborhoods that do not have a National Night Out event, stop by Noble Park between 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for fun family activities.  Stop by the resource tables to pick up valuable information and partake in activities provided by Parks and Recreation staff. 

Tuesday, August 4, 2009
6:00PM-10:00PM
Noble Park
3312 Noble Avenue
San José, CA 95132

Click here to view Councilmember Chu's interview with Channel 5's Thuy Vu regarding North San Jose's future development.

Councilmember Chu invites District 4 residents to contribute and help Independence High School Cavalry Band and Color Guard go to London for the 2010 New Years Parade.

There will be a car wash event at Independence High School on Saturday, July 18, 2009 from 9:00AM-3:00PM at the main parking lot accessible on Jackson Avenue.

Saturday, July 18, 2009, 9:00AM-3:00PM
Independence High School Parking Lot near the Band Room (Accessible onJackson Ave.)
1776 Educational Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131

On June 23, 2009, the City Council unanimously approved the budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2009. In order to balance the budget, the City Council needed to make up an $79.4 million shortfall to balane the budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. On Tuesday, July 9, 2009, the Mayor and City Councilmembers voted to reduce their salaries by 3.75%. I believe that as a City Councilmember, I am in a unique position to send a message and lead by example. Therefore, I have taken a voluntary cut of 4% in addition to a $150 cut on my car allowance effective July 1, 2009. Additionally, City Manager Debra Figone, City Attorney Richard Doyle, City Clerk Lee Price, and City Auditor Sharon Erickson have also reduced their salaries by 3.75% to their 2007-2008 compensation levels for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

While this was a very difficult budget year, my colleagues and I were able to work collaboratively to preserve essential services in the City of San José, including the restoration of Branch Library Hours, Park Rangers, the Horse Mounted Unit, a Traffic Enforcement Unit, police patrol staffing, as well as Satellite and Neighborhood Community Centers.   Collaboration opens opportunities for thinking outside the box and being creative in addressing issues and problems.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank District 4 residents for sharing your thoughts, concerns, and priorities during the budget process.

On Saturday, June 20, 2009, Councilmember Chu invites you to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Educational Park Branch Library.

This new facility will replace the exisiting branch library with a 18,000 square foot library that will include a new community room. Once construction is underway, the new library will have a planned completion date of February 2011.

Saturday, June 20, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Educational Park Branch Library
Groundbreaking Ceremony
1770 Educational Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95133

On Sunday, June 7, 2009, the City of San Jose, Mayor Chuck Reed, and Councilmembers will participate in this years CommUnity Resource Fair. Join us for a free day of entertainment and to learn information about services provided by the City, County, and local non-profit organizations.

Sunday, June 7, 2009
CommUnity Resource Fair
11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.
History Park
1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112

Councilmember Chu is looking for District 4’s next Youth Commissioner. The San José Youth Commission was designed to support the development of youth who are willing and able to serve their communities through active civic participation and constructive decision-making. The Youth Commission is an appointed body of 11 youth, 14-20 years old, modeled after the San José City Council. Their functioning purpose is to provide youth input and perspective on community issues identified by Youth Advisory Councils and other youth constituents to their civic partners, the Mayor and City Council.

Youth interested in the District 4 Youth Commission vacancy is encouraged to apply with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services by Friday, June 5, 2009 at 5:00PM. For more information, please visit: www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/youthcommission.

To inquire about this vacancy and apply, please visit www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/vacancy.htm or click here.

The largest landfill in the world was discovered in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in 1997 and is known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Learn more about the Garbage Patch from Marcus Eriksen Ph.D., Director of Research and Education of the Algalita Marine Foundation. Prevent pollution by picking up a free reusable bag while at the presentation.

Did you know?

· 1.37 million plastic bags were removed from coastal areas worldwide in just one day.

· Plastic never biodegrades and can release toxic chemicals into the environment.

· Up to 90% of floating debris is plastic.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009
5:30p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Rooms 225-229
150 East San Fernando Street

For additional information, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/calendar.asp or call (408) 277-5353.

Councilmember Kansen Chu invites District 4 residents to participate in Supervisor Dave Cortese and Silicon Valley Education Foundation's 7th Annual "Save Our Schools" bus trip to Sacramento to connect community leaders, local school districts, parents and students with our legislative members in Sacramento.

The bus trip is free of cost and includes the transportation to Sacramento and lunch. It will take place on June 1, 2009 from 6AM to 6PM.

If you are interested in participating, please contact my office at (408) 535-4904. RSVP is required for attendance.

Monday, June 1, 2009

6:00AM-6:00PM

Meet the bus at Eastridge Mall, San Jose, CA

On Saturday, May 23, 2009, the Piedmont Hills High School Parent Booster Club will host their 8th Annual Golf Tournament. The event will have a shotgun start and will be played in a 4-person scramble format.

Come out and join teachers, parents, staff, and community friends for a fun day! All proceeds benefit Piedmont Hills High School.

May 23rd 2009
1:00 PM
The Villages Golf Course
5000 Cribari Lane
San Jose, CA 95135

Entry Fee $ 145.00, Includes Green Fees, Shared Cart, Range Balls, Dinner, and Tee Prizes.

For more information, please visit: www.phpiratesbooster.com

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Today, City Council approved a Water Conservation Ordinance in San José and I want to share with you details of this ordinance so that you too, can play a crucial role in conserving water.

In the Ordinance that was approved today, the San José City Council adopted a resolution declaring a water shortage of 15% for the City of San José, which means that the City will adopt a policy to strengthen the City's water waste prevention and water shortage measures. The City of San José will also establish a water budget program for Municipal Water System customers located in the System's Edenvale, Evergreen and Coyote service area.

This is in response to the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency in February 2009, due to the drought and issued a proclamation that directs agencies to implement a drought emergency plan and provide assistance to those impacted by the drought.

As we begin to enter the warmer months and expected increase in water usage, I want to encourage you to think of ways you can conserve water this year to play your part in water conservation.

To learn more about how you can conserve water, please visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/water-conservation/default.asp and http://www.valleywater.org/conservation/

Councilmember Kansen Chu invites District 4 residents to support Majestic Way Elementary School by bringing their electronic waste and recyclables to their Free Electronic Waste Recycling & Aluminum and Plastic Donations Event on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

All computer and electronic equipment will be accepted, including:
- Desktops, laptops, & PDAs
- Monitors and televisions
- Printers, copy & fax machines
- - Mice and keyboards
- Stereos, radios & players
- VCRs, DVD players, etc.
- Telephones & cell phones

Acceptable Aluminum and Plastics include:
- Cans

- Water Bottles
- Milk Jugs
- Laundry Detergent Bottles

Saturday, May 16, 2009, 9AM-4PM
Majestic Way Elementary School
1855 Majestic Way
San Jose, CA 95132

For more information, please visit www.greenewaste.com

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, the City of San Jose, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, Santa Clara County Parks, and the Watershed Watch will be sponsoring National River Cleanup Day.

Help keep San José clean, improve the environment, and contribute to a better quality of life by volunteering with other concerned citizens on National River Cleanup Day.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, and sunscreen and bring their own pick-up sticks.

Saturday, May 16, 2009
9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

District 4 Locations (click on map for location details):

Upper Penitencia Creek - meet at the Girl Scout Sign

Guadalupe River - Guadalupe River Park and Garden Center, Coleman Ave.

Coyote Creek Locations at:
Roads & Airport Dept., 1505 Schallenberger Rd. and Roosevelt Park picnic table at creek

For more information, please call (408) 265-2600, ext. 2739.

Beginning April 6, 2009, U.S. Census workers will be coming to your neighborhood. As the first step in gearing up for the 2010 Census, field workers will begin “address canvassing” in Santa Clara County to verify and update existing residential addresses and area maps. These will be used to deliver the Census 2010 questionnaires next year.

An accurate Census count is important to the City of San José, as well as other local government agencies, because the Census count is used to make important decisions about the amount of funding our agencies receive. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds is awarded to states and communities based on Census data. The U. S. Census Bureau is working in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, the City of San José, Valley Transportation Authority, and local communities, to get the word out.

Address canvassing will be completed between April 6 and June 19. Census field workers will use handheld computers and can be identified by an official Census Enumerator ID badge, and a U.S. Census Bureau canvas bag they carry. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Local Census Office, (408) 343-8140.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in coordination with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), proposes to construct an extension of BART from the approved Warm Springs Station in Fremont to Santa Clara County.

FTA, in coordination with VTA, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project to address short- and long-term environmental impacts of the three project alternatives listed below:

1. Future No-Build
2. Berryessa Extension Project (extending the BART alignment from the Warm Springs Station to terminate near Las Plumas Avenue in San Jose).
3. Silicon Valley Rapid Transit Project (extending the BART alignment from the Warm Springs Station through Milpitas and San Jose and terminating in Santa Clara).

You are invited to attend a public hearing on Monday, April 6, 2009 at San Jose City Hall to learn more about the project and to provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The comments received will be addressed in the Final EIS.

Public Hearing Date and Location:
Monday, April 6, 2009 - 6pm
San Jose City Hall
Committee Rooms W118-120
200 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, 95113

The Draft EIS is available online at www.vta.org/bart. To request an electronic copy, please call (408) 321-5789.

In addition to comments received at the public hearings, written comments will be accepted until May 8, 2009. Comments may be submitted via postal mail, email, facsimile, or the project website with attention to:

Tom Fitzwater
VTA Environmental Planning, Building B
3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134-1927
email: svrt.nepa@vta.org
fax: (408) 321-5787
website: www.vta.org/bart

Each year, the Mayor’s Office asks each Council District to submit a nomination for their District Honoree to be recognized at the annual State of the City event. This year, I have selected the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation as the District 4 Honoree for 2009.

The Santa Visits Alviso Foundation was founded by Joe Guadalupe Santiago Sr. and his wife Judy Santiago in 1983 to bring Christmas to families of Alviso displaced by the flood that otherwise might have not had a Christmas.  The Santa Visits Alviso Foundation is an all volunteer organization that provides educational gifts along with the joy and spirit of Christmas to hundreds of children for the past 25 years.

The Santa Visits Alviso Foundation is active all year.  Besides the Santa Visits Alviso holiday program, they fund a scholarship program and support the Alviso Soccer Program, the Wilcox High School’s Junior Varsity and Varsity Girls Soccer Program, in addition to many other events during the year that are organized by the Alviso Library and the Alviso Youth Center. 

Judy Santiago serves the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation as Mrs. Claus and as the Honorary Chair and works year round toward securing funding, organizing the scholarship program, and coordinating volunteers.  Judy has continued her family’s legacy of leadership in the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation by involving her children in the program and continuing the legacy of her husband.

I commend the Santa Visits Alviso Foundation for their dedication and commitment to serving the Alviso community as a voice for our youth and our neighborhoods. 

As most everyone is aware, Clara returned to nest on the south side of City Hall again this year. Since their birth on Earth Day 2008, the world has been watching the progress of the three young peregrine falcons born in a nest box high atop a utility shaft on the 285-foot high San Jose City Hall building. Since the chicks hatched on April 22, the FalconCam has averaged 18,000 visits each day.

To view more photos and videos and to stream the live Falcon Cam, please click here.