Celebrating our Country

Summer is here and one of my favorite times of year -  4 th  of July. For many of us it means BBQ's and picnics with friends and family, parades and fireworks, and celebrating our county, the United States of America. With recent events and tragedies happening across our nation, I've had some time to reflect on what being an American means to me. As a son of an immigrant father, I am proud and grateful for my father's hard work and for teaching me the value of pursuing the American Dream. Today, not only do I get to honor my father by serving as a public representative, but I get to represent the most diverse district in our city, in one of the most diverse regions of the world. We are a city of immigrants, with different ethnicities, backgrounds, orientations, faiths and interests. I believe that those differences are what make America already great. We are a strong and proud nation because of the diversity we share. This weekend, as we come together to celebrate our nation's founding and independence, let us come together as one.
 
Happy 4th of July.

LOOKING BACK IN JUNE
What a Season!

What a pleasure it was to witness our San Jos é Sharks play in the Stanley Cup Finals  for the first time in the franchise's 25 year history.  It was great seeing our city come together and supporting our boys in teal with activities such as the San José Bike Party Sharks Ride.

It has been an amazing season and we cannot wait for next year!  GO SHARKS!
Love Knows No Borders

The District 3 office was proud to co-sponsor a free public screening of the award-winning documentary Indivisible on June 29 at the Roosevelt Community Center.  The documentary followed three undocumented young adults separated from their families and their fight for comprehensive immigration reform. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with speakers who are living and participating in the immigration debate.  Special thanks to our partners at Sacred Heart Community Service, SIREN Bay Area, FWD.us and Kudzu Films.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Be Safe, Don't Play With Fireworks

As Fourth of July is rapidly approaching, please take time to educate yourselves about the danger of illegal fireworks.  Click the " learn more" button below to stay up to date on information on illegal fireworks enforcement.


Welcome Gabriela Soto-Galvan

Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the District 3 team, Gabriela Soto-Galvan!

Gabriela was born and raised in San José. She comes from a large Mexican-American family, having five brothers and one sister and is the first in her family to graduate from college. She began her academic journey at Mission College and soon after transferred to San José State University and received a BA in Political Science. At both Mission College and SJSU, Gabriela was a scholarship recipient and a Dean Scholar. Aside from academics, Gabriela assisted in data gathering for the Nuestro Futuro Initiative, interned for the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce and the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, and coordinated the "Housing 2.0" conference for the San José Housing Department.   Gabriela enjoys coffee, food, music, and spending time with her little brother. As a D3 resident, Gabriela looks forward to serving District 3 as a council aide.
Welcome D3 Summer Interns

We are happy to welcome our interns who will be supporting the District 3 office this summer.

Lydia Ma is an incoming junior at Independence High School and a student with the AACI Leaders for Education, Advocacy and Democracy (LEAD).  Lydia has served on the District 4 Youth Advisory Council and is a member of her high school varsity track and field team.

Siddharth (Sid) Karnala is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies at San José State University.  Sid plays on the nationally ranked San José Steamrollers and is a member of the public speaking club Toastmasters.

Alina Lee is a Community and Regional Development Major at UC Davis.  A Piedmont Hills High School alumna, Alina has previously interned on a State Assembly campaign, served as a City of Davis Zero Waste Intern and was a UC Davis Smoke and Tobacco Free Student Ambassador.
Boards & Commissions Positions Available

The City of San José invites interested members of the community to participate in the process of City Government by serving on one of several Boards and Commissions. All positions are voluntary and most appointed by the City Council. The time commitment for each board or commission varies, with some meeting on a regular schedule, while others meet on an as needed basis. Additional time obligations may include pre-meeting preparation or subcommittee attendance. Once appointed, attendance at regularly scheduled meetings is critical. 

Learn How To Be A Community Advocate

Whether you are a seasoned or new local advocate, strengthen your leadership skills and collaborate with other community change-makers to make a greater impact.
The Committee for Green Foothills' Community Advocates Leadership Academy (CALA) is a training program for people who are working locally to make a difference on the environmental and social challenges of our time.
Water Conservation Target Now 20%

Thank you San José for doing a great job saving water. Beginning July 1, 2016, San José's water conservation target will ease from 30 percent to 20 percent. With residents and businesses conserving water, and this past winter's rainfall, San José's water supplies have improved. Let's continue to make our water conservation a lasting habit.
Facebook Live with my Councilmember

In lieu of this month's coffee chat, D3 residents are invited to join me for a Facebook Live session on Saturday 7/23 from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at https://www.facebook.com/raulrperalez.
 
Can't tune in that weekend?  Each month, I'll host a coffee chat at rotating venues throughout the district.  J oin me in August at Martin Park Soccer Fields in the McKinley-Bonita and Olinder Neighborhoods at 22nd Street or Forestdale Ave.   on Saturday, 8/27 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Afterwards from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m., I will be streaming on Facebook Live on site, taking questions from D3 residents unable to be present.
LOCAL BUSINESS CORNER
WHAT'S THE BIZ?
Neu2u Thrift Boutique

Neu2u is a high end thrift boutique with low end prices with very affordable clothing and small household items for women, men and kids. All items are pre-washed before being sold. San José State students may receive 10% off all clothing with coupon. 

GOOD EATS IN D3!
Sammy G's
330 S. 10th St. #100

Located directly across the street from San José State, Sammy G's heats up the South Bay food scene with great pizza, cold beer and good times.
OUT & ABOUT IN D3
CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW TO LEARN MORE.

Mon, Jul 4 - Downtown Rotary Fireworks Show - Join the Rotary Club of San José and Symphony Silicon Valley in celebrating Independence Day at Discovery Meadow with free, world-class fireworks.

Mon,  Jul 4 - Naglee Park 2016 Fourth of July Celebration - Want to attend a lively celebration for the nation's birthday? Look no further than the festivities at Naglee Park which incorporate a fun race, bake-off, parade, and block party with enjoyment for all ages. 

Tue, Jul 5 - SJSU Record Clearance Project - The SJSU Department of Justice Studies is sponsoring a speed screening interview session from 3:30 to 5:30 PM to clear conviction records. Services are free with an optional $10 donation. 

Wed, Jul 6 - Music in MarketThe E. Santa Clara St. Farmers' Market is celebrating the return of live music. Come check out Music in Market on July 6th and enjoy the sounds of Wasabi, Santa Cruz's premier funk rock band! The market operates from 4PM to 8PM, and music starts at 5:30PM.

Sat, Jul 9 - San José Betsuin Obon FestivalJapantown celebrates the San Jose Obon festival, a time when generations of families and friends come together and enjoy a rich cultural experience in one of the three remaining Japantowns in the United States.

Thu, Jul 14 - Music in the Park - The AC/DShe & The Killer Queens will take the stage for a rocking musical tour at Plaza de Caesar Chavez. Both bands are historically renowned for energetic tunes with lively entertainment in mind.   

Sat, Jul 16 - Joyce Ellington Library Book Sale - Come and find your next read for the summer.

Sat, Jul 16 - Coyote Creek Cleanup Event - Join forces with the Friends of Coyote Creek Watershed on their clean-up event to support a clean and beautiful creek. Remember to wear long sleeves and bring water to stay cool and safe. 

Wed, Jul 27 - SCVWD Homeless Encampment Ad Hoc Committee Meeting - Homelessness and encampment issues are an urgent matter in the Santa Clara Valley Water District and here is your chance to provide input towards solutions.

Sat, Aug 6 - Annual Backesto Flea Market - The Backesto Flea Market features over 100 vendors selling used items for all residents.  Come and find some hidden treasures at this family event.  Vendor registration available until August 5th.

Tue, Aug 9 - Viva Parks at Roosevelt ParkSan José Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services presents an opportunity to incorporate fun into a building block for community. Join Viva Parks for a variety of unique health and wellness resources, physical activities, and community engagement all offered free of charge. 
STAY CONNECTED