February 2016 Newsletter 


Dear Neighbors,

Statistics are numbers, which help us make decisions. But behind some of those statistics are the names of real people who have lost their lives while driving on our roads. We can calculate total numbers of deaths on our roads, but the reality and sad truth is that those deaths represent tragedy to a family and a loss to our community. Even though, among large cities, San José has one of the lowest traffic fatality rates nationwide, one death is too many. Increasingly, residents are demanding that we do more to make our streets safer. Speeding is the number one culprit in traffic deaths. Slowing down drivers and making our streets safer for people requires an approach that includes Speed enforcement, Education and changing the way we build roads in our city. 

News/Announcements 
Veteran's Corner
 
There is now a new addition to the District 8 website! The Veteran's Corner serves as a one-stop shop for information on Veteran's resources, housing, laws, benefits/services, upcoming events, and more!
 
VTA is Ready for the Action!

Whether someone's a routine commuter on bus or light rail, or they're  visiting the area for all the Super Bowl 50 activities, VTA has prepared the communications and resources for everyone to be a winner with transit!

There's the  EventTIK mobile day pass for game day, special VTA Take One for daily commuters, the comprehensive Pocket Guide with everything a fan on the move needs to know, VTA's special website   section and some Game Plan Ads online and in the San Francisco Chronicle, Mercury News and Metro Newspapers. It's not quite "Kick Off," but they've scored with communications!
 
Get youth involved with Sister Cities International's Young Artists & Authors Showcase
 
Youth in Sister Cities International member cities and their international partner cities are encouraged to submit artwork, essays, poems, short films, and photography (new category in 2016) inspired by what this year's theme, "Peace through People," means to them. Young artists, authors, filmmakers, and photographers from around the world are encouraged to use their imaginations and come up with their most creative work.

Grand prize winners will receive $1,000 each. Winning and finalist artworks, essays, and poems will also be displayed in various U.S. member cities during the 2016 Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) tour. YAAS is a great opportunity to reach out to your community, connect with local English and art teachers, and engage a creative student audience.

The deadline to submit entries is May 1, 2016. Questions? Email Ted Carrol, membership manager for youth programs, at
tcarroll@sistercities.org .
More Details
 
Outdoor Environmental Science Homeschool Program
 
Join the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy this winter for environmental science classes designed specifically for homeschool students! GRPC leads hands-on, outdoor programs that focus on the Guadalupe River watershed and the cultural and natural history of Santa Clara County, integrating scientific learning with an intimate experience of nature and place.

Every Monday & Thursday in February, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., explore the wonderful world of flowers in the beautiful Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. Kickoff this series by observing the hummingbirds astonishing powers of flight and pollination. For $15 per class, students aged 5 to 12 will learn about the various types of pollinators and their adaptions. They will also visit the Historic Orchard and Rose Garden to sample local honey and dissect a rose. Throughout the course of the month, students will participate in activities that will help introduce them to pollinators and flowers in the Guadalupe Gardens while teaching them basic principles about pollination.

All programs take place at the Guadalupe Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave in San Jose. Drop Ins are welcome but pre-registration is preferred, space is limited.
 
Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association Launches Its New Website
Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA) has over 60 certified Farmers' Markets throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Now, with its newly designed website, you can easily find markets near you to enjoy tasty local fruits and vegetables whenever you like. Make sure to check out all the delicious recipes, as well, just in time for the holiday season! 

Latinos in Technology Scholarship Applications Now Available!
 
Applications for Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley's Latinos in Technology Scholarship are now available!
Student recipients of this scholarship, administered by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), could receive up to $10,000/year for 2-3 years to continue their education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) bachelor degree programs.  Final scholarship award amounts will be based on financial need.

Current college students from the Greater Silicon Valley area who are entering their junior or senior year are eligible to apply. 
 
Events at Evergreen Branch Library
 
Your local Evergreen Library has regular events for book-lovers of all ages! Between individualized math tutoring, classes on coding, and special holiday events like Turkey Day crafts, there is something for everyone. Check out the library website for details.
 
Become a Reading Partner!
 
Reading Partners is a literacy nonprofit that mobilizes community volunteers to provide one-on-one tutoring to struggling elementary student readers. Volunteer as a literacy tutor for as little as one hour per week and empower a child to succeed, make a lifelong impact, and change a child's life! No teaching experience is necessary and sessions are held at 25 different Silicon Valley schools, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
 
Santa Clara County Children's Health Assessment
 
During the State of the County Address in January 2015, President Dave Cortese called on the Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System to conduct a new assessment of the health of children in our county. A child's health plays a vital role in their development through their lifetime. Today's children are the future community leaders, elected officials, and workforce in Santa Clara County. The information we learn through this assessment will help us provide what our children need today to achieve their full potential in the future.
 
Just a few minutes of your time can help make Santa Clara County a healthier place for all children. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is conducting a survey to find out about the health needs of the children in Santa Clara County. The survey will begin from January through May 2016. If you receive a phone call or letter from the Public Health Department, please participate!
 
All information provided is confidential. If you have any questions about the survey, please visit www.sccphd.org or contact The-Vu Nguyen from the Office of Supervisor Dave Cortese at 408-299-5030 or the-vu.nguyen@bos.sccgov.org .  
 
ESD Quarterly Newsletter
 
Learn what's new in San José's Environmental Services Department! The 11th issue, "Green Matters", features programs, recent accomplishments, and more!
View Green Matters

Free Large Item Collection

Do you have old items you've been meaning to get rid of, but won't fit in your garbage or recycling cart? Then you may want to take advantage of the Large Item Collection Pilot Program. As a San José resident in a single-family home you may schedule one large item collection (for up to three items) at no extra cost through June 30, 2016. With large item collection, you may leave up to three items at the curb which will be picked up by your recycling collection company. Large items include mattresses, sofas, refrigerators, tires, and more. To take advantage of large item collection, call and schedule a pick up date with your recycling collection company. For downtown, north, east, and south San José, call California Waste Solutions at (408) 213-7800. For west San José, call GreenTeam of San José at (408) 282-4400.

After taking advantage of the one large item collection at no extra cost, the fee for additional large item collections is $27.00 (for up to three items), and is paid directly to your recycling collection company. Residents in an apartment or condominium should contact their property manager to arrange a large item collection at no extra cost. Information available in  Spanish   and  Vietnamese .                  
More Details
 
Adopt-A-Park Volunteers Needed at Welch Park 

The Adopt-A-Park program is an exciting and healthy way for everyone to connect with their community. Welch Park, near Eastridge Mall (Huran Drive at Clarice Drive) is seeking a volunteer to help pick up litter, assist with gardening tasks and to be an extra 'eyes and ears' for the park.
 
Adopt-A-Park volunteers commit to one year of service, with just four hours of volunteering per month. It is a great experience for a family to serve the neighborhood together or an opportunity for friends to "catch up and clean up" at the same time. Local businesses can get involved, too! Individuals who are concerned about the environment, community service or meeting others who share similar interests are also encouraged to join the program.
 
For more information about adopting Welch Park or any of our other San José parks, please contact Mollie Tobias at mollie.tobias@sanjoseca.gov or at 408-595-3483.
More Details

Village Square Library Grand Opening
 
Save the date for the long awaited Grand Opening of the Village Square Branch Library on Saturday, March 26th! Look out for details on this event as we draw closer. 
Events 
Downtown Ice 2015/2016
Now - February 7th
Circle of Palms, 120 S. Market St.
 
For the sixth consecutive year, the San José Downtown Association and their partners, Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation and Hawaiian Airlines, will be hosting the South Bay's largest outdoor skating rink through the holiday season. People of all ages are welcome to experience the outdoor skating rink at the Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art .
 
Super San Pedro Square
Now - Sunday, February 7th, see description for times
San Pedro Square, 87 N. San Pedro St.
 
One of downtown's most happening streets transforms into a football hub with games, chalk art and a street fair featuring local artisans--all this in a neighborhood featuring hundreds of taps with craft brews, a diversity of restaurants, and a large public market. There's everything from white table cloth dining to great options for the kids. On Saturday, Jan. 30 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., SJMADE hosts San José's first Screen Print Showdown where local print houses compete in friendly screen-printing competitions based on designs from a public design contest. On Sunday, January 31st, The Super Maker Market at San Pedro Square will feature novelty items by local artisans.
 
Winter at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Now - Sunday, February 7th, 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 194 S. Market St.
 
This historic park in the center of Downtown San José will feature an outdoor cafe and beer garden, an Information Center, a mini-football field, and informal games for all ages. It's a special place to touch down and hang out with other fans--locals and visitors alike. Evening features illuminated artwork and live music. Park activation and improvements are funded in part by Adobe Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, designed by Groundswell Design Group, and produced by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. The project includes permanent improvements to the park such as lighting, new resources for the park such as flexible furniture, as well as short-term demonstrations of potential future improvements, such as the café/beer garden.
 
Lunchtime Lectures
Wednesday, February 3rd, 12:00 p.m.
San José Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St.
 
February is Black History Month, and with the attention of the sports world on the Bay Area thanks to the big game, it is an appropriate moment to look at San Jose's legacy of civil rights activism through sports. Urla M. Hill, who guest curated the 2007 exhibition Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power at History San Jose, will discuss the history of athletics and activism at San Jose State College (now San Jose State University).
 
Silicon Valley USPTO Public Tour
Friday, February 5th, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Silicon Valley USPTO, 26 S. Fourth St.
 
The Silicon Valley USPTO serving the West Coast region will host an informational public tour where participants will tour the office and learn about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  Learn about the patent and trademark process and the role it plays in innovation and the economy. Also learn about famous inventors from the West Coast Region and services available to the public at the USPTO. RSVP online .
 
Super Guadalupe River Run
Sunday, February 7th, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Guadalupe Gardens, 438 Coleman Ave.
 
Earn your game time guacamole on the Guadalupe! The Super Guadalupe River Run benefits the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy , a non-profit organization that promotes the development and active use of San José's central park. Register online until February 6th for the 10K, 5K, or 1K (for kids 12 and under). For more information, contact Leslee Hamilton at registration@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.
 
Cybersecurity Partnership Meeting
Wednesday, February 10th, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Silicon Valley USPTO, 26 S. Fourth St.

The Cybersecurity Partnership meeting is a collaborative forum for USPTO stakeholders seeking patent protection in the cybersecurity and network security sector to share ideas, experiences, and insights with USPTO staff.  Members from the public are invited to attend either in person or online. Register online by February 5th.
 
Public Informational Meetings on Affordable Housing Impact Fee & Inclusionary Housing
Wednesday, February 10th, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 
San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., Wing Room 118
 
The Housing Department began a public outreach process last August to include developers and other stakeholders. A series of informational meetings has already been held regarding the implementation of the Affordable Housing Impact Fee (AHIF), as well as an overview of the Inclusionary Housing (IH) Ordinance. The Housing Department now has scheduled an additional series of eight meetings, from February through June, to provide up-to-date information on the AHIF Program (with specific information on how developers might apply for the "pipeline exemption" for projects already in process), and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. Space is limited, so please RSVP by contacting Karen Goodman at 408-975-4416, or by email at karen.goodman@sanjoseca.gov .
 
2016-2017 Community Budget Priority Setting: "Building the Budget from Zero"
Saturday, February 20th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Parkside Hall, 180 Park Ave.

Residents throughout San José will have the opportunity to discuss and provide input on priorities for the 2016-2017 Budget and also participate in a "Zero-Based" budgeting exercise designed around programs and services that impact our neighborhoods. 

In addition, this year's event has been expanded to be open to all residents who want to participate (800 person capacity). Residents can participate online by playing the online budget game from February 22nd to February 28th. Information available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Please register online
 
Community Outreach Event
Saturday, February 20th, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Evergreen Community Center, 4860 San Felipe Rd.
 
The Evergreen Islamic Center invites you to join them in working together towards the common good of all Americans irrespective of race and faith! During this special event, engage with your community members to remove fear and build communities of trust. To RSVP or for questions, contact info@eicsanjose.org .
 
Tet Festival
Sunday, February 21st, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Evergreen Valley High School, 3300 Quimby Rd.
 
Join in on the fun at the Tet Festival to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year! This all-in-one festival celebrates the union of nature, human, culture, and much more. The Tet Festival aims to celebrate both traditional and modern Vietnamese culture to unite, empower, and inspire youth, families, and communities. This year's festival will feature a Lion dance, martial arts, a talent show, carnival games, community booths, and more!
 
Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative (RLEI) Interactive Website Kick OFF
Wednesday, February 24th, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
San José City Hall Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
 
Catholic Charities' Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative (RLEI) is a program that helps communities stay safe and vibrant. RLEI works alongside neighborhood leaders, law enforcement, and local government to hold property owners and tenants accountable to making lasting improvements in their properties to maintain the well-being of the community. Over the past five years, RLEI has worked with 35 neighborhood groups in San José to improve the safety and livability of their residents.
 
The event will showcase the interactive website and the scalable customer relationship management platform.
 
On Track to 2040: General Plan 4-Year Review
Thursday, February 25th, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
San José City Hall Wing Rooms 118 - 120, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
 
San José's General Plan,  Envision 2040 , was finalized in 2011 and is now due for a checkup. Built into the plan is a four-year review cycle that allows for evaluation of goals and the setting of mid-course adjustments, using current data for anticipated growth in population and jobs. This work will be done through a series of six public meetings of the Envision San José 2040 Task Force, and then concluded by City Council.
 
Free Citizenship Workshop
Saturday, February 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mayfair Community Center, 2039 Kammerer Ave.
 
Do you want to vote for your next President in the 2016 election? Then take the next step to become an American citizen and learn about the requirements and process! If eligible, you will get help completing your naturalization application and requesting a fee waiver. You will also receive ESL and legal referrals and receive the 100 USCIS citizenship interview questions. To register, call 408-474-0454. Flyer is available in Spanish .
 
City of San José Career Fair
Saturday, February 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
City Hall Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
 
The City of San José will be recruiting for a wide range of positions, including sworn (police and fire), professional, trades, managerial, and administrative. Browse through open positions on the City website . Applicants will have the opportunity to meet with HR staff and hiring managers from many City departments.
 
Sports Day For Kids Living with Cancer
Saturday, February 27th, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
San José State University Spartan Stadium, 1251 S. 10th St.

Sports Day for Kids is a free event hosted by Wipeout Cancer for kids living with cancer and their families to participate in team sports that they may not be able to with their existing treatment and care regimens. They provide a safe and fun environment for participants to learn and practice with sports programs at local colleges. 

The inaugural event co-hosted with Cancer CAREpoint will be with the SJSU Football Team at Spartan Stadium. Each participant in the program will engage in a meet and greet, be paired with a football player, and rotate through different skills stations and activities with a chance to recap the fun at the end with snacks and social time. 

The program is open to kids (ages 8 to 17 years old) living with cancer and their immediate family. Registration is required. Space is limited, sign up today!
State of the City
Saturday, March 5th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Overfelt High School, 1835 Cunningham Ave.  
 
Mayor Sam Liccardo and the San José City Council cordially invite you to the 2016 State of the City Celebration. Mayor Liccardo will outline key initiatives, budget priorities, and opportunities for residents to get engaged to make San José a safer, smarter city. In addition to the Mayor's speech, the event will honor outstanding citizens from each Council District and exemplary city employees.
After the program concludes, there will be a Resource Fair with information about city services and employment, in addition to resources offered by some of San José's leading non-profits. You can register online to attend. Flyer is available in Spanish and Vietnamese .
 
Great American Litter Pick-Up
Saturday, April 23rd, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Various locations, see description for details
 
This Earth Day, volunteer to keep your city clean! The District 8 office will be hosting two kick-off sites: Evergreen Branch Library and Boys & Girls Club - Smythe Clubhouse. For more information, please contact Rose Dhaliwal at 408-535-4908 or rose.dhaliwal@sanjoseca.gov . Register online via GoVoluntr.
City Council Meetings

February


February 2nd - 1:30 p.m.

 

February 9th - 1:30 p.m.

 

February 16th - 1:30 p.m.

 

February 23rd - 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. 


 View City Council Agendas

Community Calendar

Evergreen Farmers' Market

Open every Wednesday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., year-round, in the Evergreen Village Square. Spend the morning in the Village and enjoy the park while shopping for the best California-grown produce available.

(Stay up to date on special market events at www.facebook.com/EvergreenFarmersMarket.)


District 8 Community Roundtable

1st Thursday of every month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Evergreen Library

(For information, visit d8crt.org)

 

Tully Ocala Capitol King Neighborhood Association
1st Monday of every other month from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley - Smythe Clubhouse

     

Reid - Hillview Airport Association
3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Hillview Airport Terminal

(For information, call (408) 251-4939 or visit rhvaa.org) 

 

TOCKNA Second Harvest Food Bank - Produce Mobile

3rd Saturday of every month from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church

FREE Notary to Senior Citizens
Every first Saturday of the month, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Evergreen Library  

 

This free service is available to seniors age 50 and up. You will need to bring either a valid driver's license, government issued ID card or passport. Your name on the identification must match the name on the documents(s) to be notarized. Loan and mortgage documents are not included in this free service. 

(For more information, email nathan@nathannotary.com, 

or visit www.nathannotary.com or the San José Public Library Website)


Involved Evergreen

Second Wednesday of the month

 

Involved Evergreen hosts community events at Evergreen Village Square. Meetings of the I.E. Steering Committee usually occur on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Square.

(For more information on upcoming events or to join the group, please see the Involved Evergreen yahoo site)

 

   

Know a D8 Great?

Help us recognize those outstanding community leaders who live, work, or volunteer in District 8! Please write to us at district8@sanjoseca.gov letting us know why you

  recommend that D8 Great!

 

(Contact Rose Dhaliwal at (408) 535-4908 or rose.dhaliwal@sanjoseca.gov if you would like to include an upcoming event or meeting in future newsletters)

 
Contact Us
Office of Vice Mayor 
Rose Herrera
Council District 8
City of San José

200 East Santa Clara St, 18th Floor, San José, CA 95113
Map

T: (408) 535-4908
F: (408) 292-6469
district8@sanjoseca.gov

D8 Website
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Nextdoor

Images 
Volunteers from St. Lawrence Academy and Our City Forest help spruce up Fowler Creek Park at a tree planting on 1/5.

Vice Mayor Herrera adjourns the year's first City Council meeting in honor of beloved Veteran and community member, Ernie A. Glave, on 1/12.

Vice Mayor Herrera, Mayor Liccardo, and other speakers discuss how to prevent Human Trafficking in Santa Clara County on 1/13.


Vice Mayor Herrera and her VTA colleagues celebrate the unveiling of Flex Dynamic transit, an on demand shuttle taking you from public transit stops to your destination, on 1/14.


Vice Mayor Herrera and Councilmember Johnny Khamis "Light up the New Year for Peace" at Evergreen Village Square on 1/15.


Vice Mayor Herrera and Scott McNealy at the San José Sharks 25th Anniversary Celebration on 1/19.


Vice Mayor Herrera receives an award for her work with the League of California Cities Women's Caucus on 1/21. 


Vice Mayor Herrera and Police Captain Tony Mata host a public safety coffee chat with residents at Evergreen Coffee Company on 1/22. 


Vice Mayor Herrera cuts the ribbon with Mayor Liccardo, Fire Chief Jacobson, Congresswoman Lofgren, Assistant City Manager Dave Sykes, Public Works Director Barry Ng, Councilmember Carrasco, and Councilmember Kalra at the Grand Opening Celebration of the relocated Fire Station 21 on 1/23.


Vice Mayor Herrera with Signature Flight President Maria Saastre and Western Regional Vice President Eric Hietala at the Grand Opening of Signature Flight on 1/25.


Vice Mayor Herrera presents a proclamation in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day to Anna H. Rubin, a survivor, on 1/26.


Vice Mayor Herrera presents a Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation to the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking on 1/26. 


Vice Mayor Herrera gives the opening remarks, centering on "Dementia Friendly Communities", at the Seniors' Agenda Network Summit at Camden Community Center on 1/27. 


Vice Mayor Herrera at the Happy Hollow Celebrity Bartender event with Heather Lerner, Lisa Kreissler, and former NFL player Greg Kragen on 1/27.


Vice Mayor Herrera at the Seniors Breakfast at Evergreen Community Center on 1/30.

View M ore Photos at the
District 8 Team
Mary Anne Groen

Chief of Staff
 

Jennifer Gonzales

Council Assistant

 

Dan Block

Council Assistant

 

Dulce Bermudez

Council Assistant

 

Rose Dhaliwal

Council Assistant

 

Shelley Opsal

Executive Assistant/Scheduler

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency: 

911

Emergency Mobile:

(408) 277-8911


Non-Emergency:

311


City Hall Customer Service:

(408) 535-3500

Animal Care & Services:

(408) 794-7297


Anti-Graffiti:
(866) 243-0543

 
 

Arborist: 
(408) 794-1900

  
Code Enforcement:

(408) 535-7770


Drug Tip Hotline:

(408) 971-drug (3784)


Evergreen Community Center:
(408) 270-2220
 

Evergreen Library:

(408) 808-3060

 

Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park:
(408) 794-SKATe (7528)

Parks & Recreation:

(408) 535-3570


Recycling & Garbage:
(408) 535-3500

Street Light Repair:
(408) 794-1903

Hazardous Waste Disposal:
(408) 299-7300

 

Click Here for the
City Directory

 

Click Here for Updated Download or Printable Version

 

 Click Here for the Homeless Response Team