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Dear Friends,
This month, I'd like to give you an update on the City's progress on implementing the Mayor's Green Vision, a set of 10 environmental goals for San Jose. Acheiving these goals will be a long-term effort; we've given ourselves 15 years to realize all of them. The current City Council will be long gone 15 years from now, but I think one of the most important contributions we can make in the time we do have is to set the groundwork for San Jose's long-term success. The Green Vision helps prepare us for the the future by addressing the environmental challenges we will face over the coming years and taking advantage of the significant economic opportunities in the growing renewable energy sector.
On Friday, February 1st, the City Council met to review strategies for implementing the Green Vision goals. I'd like to talk briefly about three of the most exciting topics we discussed: green buildings, water recycling, and legislative advocacy.
By using resources like power and water more efficiently, green buildings help protect the environment and reduce utility bills. Many recent development projects in San Jose have included green building practices, most notably the Adobe headquarters in Downtown and the IDeAs building in District 9 (located at Foxworthy and Almaden.) Last October, along with Councilmembers Liccardo, Campos, and Chu, I helped start a conversation about adopting a green building standard for all new development in San Jose by asking City staff to create a workplan for drafting a green building ordinance. On February 1st, staff presented their workplan, which would bring a draft ordinance to the council for approval next October. I look forward to seeing what they come up with, and will let you know when the Council considers this issue.
San Jose has long been a leader in water recycling. Our water recycling plant currently produces 10 million gallons per day (mgd). A seperate pipe system--known as "purple pipe"--carries this water throughout San Jose, Santa Clara, and Milpitas for use in landscape watering and other non-drinking water uses. (Click here for more information.) The Green Vision sets the goal of increasing production to 100 mgd and continuing to expand the purple pipe system as new development occurs. Given our increasing population and the shrinking Sierra snowpack, recycled water is more important than ever to securing a stable water supply for San Jose. Over the long term, we plan to construct even more advanced purification systems that would allow recycled water to be used for recharging our groundwater supply.
There are many things we as a city can do to encourage solar power and grow solar technology companies in San Jose, but some of the most important government energy policy is set at the state and federal levels. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC), for example, is an important federal incentives for solar power that gives individuals and companies a federal tax break for installing solar panels. Unfortunately, it recently expired without being renewed by congress. The SITC may be passed in Washington, but it has a huge impact on the ability of our residents to install solar panels, and may affect the future growth of major solar technology companies based in San Jose. As a city government, we're coming up with creative ways to influence congress on this and other issues important to our city. For example, we're developing a strategy of joining with other cities and regions across the country that have interests similar to our own and working together to advocate for beneficial legislation.
These are a few of the impotant issues surrounding the Green Vision, but there are many other efforts underway that I will talk about in future newsletters. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this or any other issue, contact my office by email at District9@sanjoseca.gov or by phone at (408) 535-4909.
Thank you for your interest,
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Public Meetings
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Camden Community Center Kid Zone
Community Meeting #2
When: Monday, February 11, 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Camden Community Center Multi Purpose Room, 3369 Union Avenue
At this meeting, City staff will take input from the community on the Kid Zone project at Camden Community Center. The Kid Zone will be an activity area for children located behind the gym.
Cambrian Business Association Meeting
When: February 14, 8:00 am - 9:15 am
Where: Pasta Pomodoro, 2083 Camden Ave
Join the Cambrian Business Association for its first General Meeting of 2008. Meet the 2008 Leadership Board and find out about the Great Plans they have for you this year!
Orchard Supply at Hacienda Gardens Community Meeting
When: February 20, 7:00 pm
Where: Cambrian Library Community Room, 1780 Hillsdale Ave.
A new Orchard Supply is being proposed at the Hacienda Gardens Shopping Center. The applicant and City planning staff will be on hand at this meeting to provide information about the project.
General Plan Task Force Meeting
When: February 25, 6:30 pm
Where: Wing Room W118-120 at City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara Street
The General Plan Task Force is leading the update of San Jose's General Plan, a document that will determine how land is developed in San Jose over the coming decades. All Task Force meetings are open to the public. Visit the update website for more information.
Cambrian Community Council
Crime Prevention Meeting
When: March 3rd, 7:00 pm
Where: Cambrian School District Board Room, 4115 Jacksol Drive, San Jose
The Cambrian Community Council will be hosting a crime prevention presentation at its March meeting. A crime prevention specialist from the San Jose Police Department will present information that can help you keep your neighborhood safe.
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Community Events
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Leigh Winter Guard
When: February 16, 5:00 - 10:00 pm
Where: Leigh High School gymnasium, 5210 Leigh Ave.
On February 16th, the Leigh Winter Guard is hosting a competition from 5:00 – 10:00 pm in the High School gymnasium at 5210 Leigh Avenue, San Jose for 26 Bay Area guards of all skill levels. This is a fabulous opportunity to see some of the finest guards perform and exhibit their artistry with flags, sabers and rifles to music at a local venue. For your entertainment, the Leigh Scholastic World Winter Guard will be performing “Carnival of Souls” under the direction of Rodney DeJesus, Gio De Torres and Isleen Pippin.
CAP Grant Workshop
When: Saturday, February 23, 2008 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Room 4, Kirk Community Center, 1601 Foxworthy Avenue
San Jose's Community Action & Pride (CAP) Grant Program gives financial support to resident groups that conduct activities that build or strengthen the neighborhood organization, organize neighborhood projects to improve conditions, or organize and conduct activities that address issues important to neighborhood quality of life. This workshop will help you learn more about how to apply for a CAP grant.
Cambrian Branch Library
Valentine Craft
When: Wednesday, February 13, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Cambrian Branch Library, 1780 Hillsdale Ave.
Make a lollipop mouse and Valentine for someone special! This after-school craft activity is suitable for children of all ages. Materials will be provided through the generous support of Friends of Cambrian Library.
Meet Bo Caldwell - Silicon Valley Reads Author
When: Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 PM - 8:00 pm
Where: Cambrian Branch Library, 1780 Hillsdale Ave.
Join author Bo Caldwell for a lively discussion on The Distant Land of My Father, this year's Silicon Valley Reads selection. Come discuss the book everyone will be talking about and enjoy refreshments!
Camden Community Center
Winter Workshop
When: Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb 29, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Avenue
Tuesday, Feb. 19 is Teacher In-service for the Cambrian School District and Friday, Feb. 29 is Teacher In-service for the Union School District, which means NO School for the kids. Join the Camden Recreation Leaders for a day of exploring winter through games, crafts, experiments, cooking, and enrichment activities.
Cost: $50
Age: 6-10
Lego Robotics Camp
When: Tuesday-Friday, 2/19-2/22, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Where: Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Avenue
The cutting edge LEGO Robotics Camps are here! This is an introduction to LEGO Robotics; no prior experience is necessary. Participants will learn how to build and program different types of robots using the new LEGO Mindstorms NXT Technology. Our expert instructors will help them develop brainstorming and problem-solving skills, and will give them a taste of what the FIRST LEGO League is all about. Session is 4 meetings. Sign up TODAY!!!
Cost: $89
Age: 9-13
Call (408) 559-8553 to sign up for classes at the Camden Community Center
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Citywide Events
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Wonders of our Water Works
When: first and third Saturdays, March - May 2008
Tour Times: 9:00 - 11:00 am & 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Where: 700 Los Esteros Rd.
Join a free tour of the Water Pollution Control Plant and the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The Plant plays a vital role in protecting and preserving the San Francisco Bay. it is one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment facilities in the nation. The adjacent refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the U.S. and home to two endangered species, the California clapper rail and the salt marsh harvest mouse. Located along the Pacific Flyway, the refuge serves as a refueling point for millions of shorebirds during the spring and fall migrations. Visit the tour website for more information.
San José Public Library’s “Battle of the Bands”
When: Enter February 6 - 15
Where: Battle of the Bands website
Are you a teen (aged 12 – 18) that performs with your own band? Ready to move out of the garage and onto a wider stage? Enter San José Public Library’s online “Battle of the Bands,” in celebration of Teen Tech Week 2008 (March 2-8). “Wait,” you say. “Online? How do I do that?” It’s simple. Have your parents or a friend grab that camcorder and record your best performance. Post the video online (e.g., MySpace, YouTube, Pure Volume, etc.) and submit your entry via email. For more information on how to participate, visit the Battle of the Bands website.
Fairmont Pajama Drive
When: February 14, 6:00 am - 10:00 am
Where: The Fairmont Hotel, 170 S Market Street
Drop off a brand new pajama at the Fairmont San Jose on Thursday, February 14 as the hotel launches a warming and loving trend: a pajama drive for kids. All sizes of pajamas needed and appreciated, but there is a special need for teen-sized pajamas (Adult Small through Adult Extra Large).
Pull your car up to the Fairmont’s curbside and the hotel’s staff will deliver some freshly baked heart-shaped cookies. All donations of new pajamas for the San Jose’s and the Bay Area’s Pajama Program will be greatly appreciated. Checks written to Pajama Program will be welcome as well.
Cinequest Film Festival
When: February 27 - March 9
Where: California Theatre, 345 S. First Street
the Cinequest Film Festival goes beyond the traditional
concept of “film festival,” providing the world of independent and foreign filmmakers, technology innovators, students and film lovers with an opportunity to discover, empower and distribute. For showtimes and ticket information, visit the Cinequest Website.
Picasso Etchings
When: January 26 - April 20
Where: San Jose Museum of Art
This exhibition includes 40 etchings produced between 1966 and 1971 that are unique in their expressiveness and tonal depth. The themes of Picasso’s late work can be tied to a decline in the artist’s health; at the age of 84 in 1965, he underwent an ulcer operation that left him homebound. Interacting with only a handful of people, he relied on his deep imagination and meticulous draughtsmanship to create these etchings.
Vision New America Internship Program
Application deadline: February 15, 2008
Vision New America's Public Policy & Public Health Internship Programs are developed to train students to be leaders in advocacy, policy, and community service. Interns are placed in governmental and policy related offices in the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Washington D.C. Interns also receive leadership training and work in teams to develop and implement community service projects. Those who successfully complete the internship program will receive 4 to 8-units of college credit and a scholarship of $300 to $1,500.
Visit the Vision New America website to get an application. For more information, email christine@visionnewamerica.org or call (408) 260-0116.
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