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Dear Friends,
For the last month, the City Council has been reviewing the proposed budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. As with other government agencies, the City is facing serious fiscal challenges this year; with the downturn in the economy, our projected budget gap has climbed to $84.2 million (out of a total $881 million General Fund expenditures.) A portion of this gap can be made up by increasing the efficiency of our operations, but in order to pass a balanced budget this month, the Council will have to make service cuts.
The proposed budget includes 15% budget cuts for all city service areas—with the exception of our public safety departments, which propose 5% cuts. The resulting service reductions would affect a broad range of city programs; impacts could include reduction of library service from six to four days a week, elimination of the park ranger program, targeted reductions to fire and police staffing, closure of six community centers, and many other reductions, which taken together would result in the elimination of 513 positions. Laying off employees and reducing services is among the most difficult tasks for any public official, but unfortunately our fiscal situation is such that we don’t have many good options.
The Council does have the ability to modify the proposed budget, based on what we hear from our residents during the budget process. My office has heard from many District 9 residents over the past weeks with a broad range of concerns about the proposed cuts, but a theme has emerged: many of you have expressed concern about losing two days of library service. Our libraries provide many wonderful benefits—free access to information, classes and children’s activities, a safe place for young people to go after school—and with two recently built libraries (the Pearl and Cambrian branches) District 9 is ready to take advantage of everything they have to offer. It would be very sad if they had to stand empty for three days a week.
It may be possible to restore some services in the final budget, but it would require finding some additional source of funds. Possibilities under discussion include tapping our emergency reserves, finding ways to transfer more money from San Jose’s Redevelopment Agency, and asking the City’s unions to forgo all wage increases over the next year. Most of the City’s union contracts are not open this year, so the unions are not required to negotiate on wages, but it is possible that they could voluntarily agree to lower pay in order to avoid layoffs and service reductions.
This Friday, June 5th, the Mayor will release his budget message, which will lay out proposed modifications to the budget, including possible service restorations. The council and the public will have the opportunity to comment on his proposals at a public hearing, to be held in the council chambers on Monday, June 15, beginning at 7:00 pm. If you have thoughts on the budget, I hope to hear from you. You’re welcome to come out for the public hearing, but you can also get in touch with my office directly, either by phone at (408) 535-4909 or by email at district9@sanjoseca.gov.
I’d like to end on a personal note. Some of you may know that over the last four months, I’ve been in treatment for cancer. My prognosis is good, and I look forward to being cancer free, but my treatment, which includes chemotherapy, has been a challenge. I’ve received many good wishes over the past months, and I want to thank everyone for their support—I’m truly blessed to have so many friends and well-wishers. I have continued to work during my treatment, but have had to cut back on my usual schedule. I plan to be back full time after my treatment comes to an end in the middle of June.
Thank you again for all of your good wishes,
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Community News
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Water District Rebates
California is in a drought, and the Santa Clara County Water District is asking residents to reduce water use by 15%. Fortunately, the Water District is also offering substantial rebates for water-saving purchases, such as high-efficiency washing machines and drought-tolerant landscaping. For more information, visit the Water District’s website.
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PG&E Care Program
PG&E’s CARE program provides a 20 percent discount on monthly bills for qualified low- or fixed-income households. Qualifications are based on the number of people living in your home and your total annual household income. For more information, visit PG&E’s website
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Children’s Musical Theater Summer Classes
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose, the nation’s largest theater for youth, is holding its annual summer training program at Almaden Elementary. Due to unforeseen maintenance at its longstanding home, Schallenberger Elementary, CMT’s Summer Camp is thrilled to build a new partnership with this lovely neighborhood school.
For over three decades now, CMT has hosted a summer conservatory (formerly known as COPA) for young performers looking to have an exciting, fun summer while exploring the disciplines of acting, singing, dancing, and more! Each session culminates in a final performance for family and friends.
Session 1: June 15-July 2 (Location: Almaden Elementary)
Session 2: July 6-July 23 (Location: Almaden Elementary)
Session 3: July 27-August 13 (Location: CMT Rehearsal Hall & San Jose City College)
For more information, please visit www.cmtsj.org/camp.
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Downtown San Jose Restaurant Week
For 11 days, and for the first time ever, more than 26 downtown restaurants invite you to dine in downtown San Jose. The event begins June 3 with $3-or-less sampler plates at the City Bites Kick Off Sampler Event. The week is packed with promotions and specially crafted menus that showcase each restaurant's unique flavor and flare.
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! For more information, visit the event website.
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