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Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday. Now that the City Council has begun its first meetings of the New Year, I’d like to take a moment to look back on some of our accomplishments in 2008, and ahead to the challenges we will face in 2009.
In District 9, we were fortunate to have completed a number of new community facilities last year—most recently Fire Station 17, which began operating in December. You may have noticed it—it’s right on the corner of Blossom Hill Road and Coniston Way; it replaces the old Station 17 at Ridgewood and Dent. With its access right onto Blossom Hill, the new station is better positioned to provide rapid response to surrounding neighborhoods, and, as it’s built to the latest earthquake standards, is prepared to continue operating even in a disaster.
Councilmember Chirco and Councilmember Pyle join local children to officially open Station 17
As our community begins to benefit from new facilities, I think it’s important to remember that it was San Jose voters that made them possible. In 2000, voters approved the Branch Library Bond Measure that has made all of our other new libraries possible, in 2004 voters approved a library parcel tax that funds materials for our new libraries, and in 2002 voters approved a public safety bond that has made all of our new fire stations possible. Your foresight in supporting these measures has made it possible for San Jose to build facilities that will protect and enrich our community for many years to come. Thank you.
I’d like to close by talking briefly about some of the challenges we will face in 2009. As we all know, the national and world economy are undergoing a massive downturn that affects all of us on an individual level, whether in the form of rethinking a family budget, worrying about being able to find or keep a job, or figuring out how to get by on a fixed income. The downturn also has an effect on our city budget; you may have read in the paper that the City will need to make up a $65 million shortfall to balance the budget for the fiscal year that begins next July. Unfortunately, after seven years of trimming budgets, it’s likely that this year we will have to lay off City employees and make some service cuts.
These are very difficult decisions for San Jose, but I can commit to you that as we begin budget discussions this Spring, and adopt a final budget in June, I will support a respectful, thoughtful discussion about our priorities as a city, and careful deliberation about how we can best serve our residents with the resources at hand. It will be more important than ever this year for citizens to participate in these discussions. As we move towards the beginning of the budget process in March, I will keep you informed of upcoming public meetings with opportunities for community input. As always, you can tell me what you think directly by contacting my office at (408) 535-4909 or by email at district9@sanjoseca.gov.
With challenges ahead for all of us, I want to give you my best wishes for you and your family in 2009.
Thank you for your interest,
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Community News
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Fee on Paper and Plastic Bags -- Public Meetings
When: Wednesday, January 28, 2009; 2:00pm - 3:30pm, or
Thursday, January 29, 2009; 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: City Hall council Chambers, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
San Jose is considering adoption of an ordinance that would require all retail establishments to charge consumers 25 cents for each disposable bag they use. Attend a public meeting to provide input and learn about how the fee will help reduce and clean up litter.
Community Action and Pride Grants
The Community Action & Pride (CAP) Grant Program awards grants to community groups to be used for projects that benefit San Jose's neighborhoods. Qualifying projects generally create community-based solutions to meet the physical, social, and economic challenges of a neighborhood. Grants can run from $500 to $15,000. For more information on how to apply, take a look at the CAP Grant Application Form on the City website.
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Peace Corps Informational Evening
When: Tue, Jan 27, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Cambrian Branch Library, 1780 Hillsdale Ave.
What is next in your life plan? Have you considered giving back to others by sharing your skills and talents? Think about serving in the Peace Corps for 27 months! Join us to see a video and hear more about service in the Peace Corps. A recruiter will be here to answer questions and give details about the application process.
Kirk Senior Center Moves to Camden Community Center During Remodel
The Kirk Senior Center will begin offering programs at the Camden Community Center on Monday, February 9th while the Kirk Senior Center is closed for renovations. The senior nutrition lunch program will operate from Monday to Fridays in the multipurpose room at the Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Ave between Camden Ave. and Foxworthy. Please contact Melissa Monsees at 408- for further information.
The Kirk Senior Center remodeling project will include a new senior lounge, restrooms, and enlarged kitchen to meet the needs of the senior nutrition program. This former school site will also get new wiring for the internet access and integrated telephone systems. The outdoor area will have improved walkways and landscaping. Construction is expected to be completed by January 1010.
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Save the Date: Celebrate Cambrian Festival
On Saturday, May 16th we will host the 4th Annual Celebrate Cambrian Spring Community Festival at the Cambrian Community Center. This year the theme is a country fair. There will be a community resource fair, live entertainment, food, and children activities. If you would like to participate by being a sponsor or volunteer please contact Diana Miller at diana.miller@sanjoseca.gov or 408-535-4976. More information will be available in future news articles, our District email, and website.
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