Dear Neighbor,  

Fall is in full swing, and now the days will get shorter and the temperatures will begin to drop! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The month of October is dedicated to recognizing unhealthy relationships, and understanding the resources needed for people dealing with intimate partner violence in order to help facilitate the kind and loving relationship each person deserves. Home is considered safe place away from the outside world, but unfortunately for millions of men and women, home is where they face abuse and violence. At the start of a new relationship, it is not always easy to tell if it will later become abusive. Many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. Possessive and controlling behaviors don’t always appear overnight and may emerge and intensify as the relationship grows. In many cases, abusers often use their partners’ immigration status as a tool of control. In such situations, it is common for a batterer to exert control over his partner’s immigration status in order to force her to remain in the relationship. Serving many years on the front lines as a social worker in our local community I met and helped many domestic violence victims. Seeing firsthand some of the troubling social trends and issues that can plague our San Jose families and communities. 

The COVID-19-related lockdowns may have decreased the spread of the deadly virus, but appear to have created an ideal environment for increased domestic violence. Extra stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused by income loss, lack of ability to pay for housing and food has exacerbated the often silent epidemic of intimate partner violence according to a UC Davis Study (2020). Bringing awareness and making resources accessible to our East Side San José families continues to be one of my biggest priorities. Domestic violence affects individuals year round and all over the world. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. 

I spent a beautiful evening with our community, marching beside them, raising awareness for Domestic Violence! Thank you to Esther Peralez-Dieckmann Peralez, our wonderful performers and elected officials who made this event such a beautiful ceremony! I deeply appreciate the community who came out and joined our Walk to End Domestic Violence; it filled my heart with immense joy. I would like to thank and honor Next Door Solutions, who celebrates 50 years of service. Through their service, they have loosened the grip that Domestic Violence has on our society. Together we say, ENOUGH, YA BASTA to Domestic Violence! 

 It is our moral responsibility to take a stand against domestic violence and support the survivors of this devastating but common cause because it can affect ANYONE. To learn more on how to access resources please visit Next Door Solutions or call 24/7 at 408-279-2962 

This coming October we celebrate the annual National Arts and Humanities Month, or NAHM, where local, state, and national partners seek to expand their communities’ awareness of the arts and humanities. Since its reestablishment in 1993, Americans for the Arts and partners strive to accomplish four goals: to focus on equitable access to arts and humanities at the national, state, and local levels; to encourage participation of the community to engage in arts, humanities, and other interest organizations; to provide the opportunity for governments and business to show their support for the arts and humanities; and to raise public awareness for the arts and humanities and how they play a significant role in our lives.  

These goals and objectives are shared coast to coast as communities come together to celebrate the power of the arts and how it changes our lives for better. You can celebrate the arts locally by visiting Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library to check out the Alum Rocks project or attend the events like VivaFrida , Mosaic Festival, or Folklorico all held by the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Additionally, the City of San José, San José Arts Advocates, Center for the Performing Arts, and others will be hosting several events throughout the month!  

And if you’re an aspiring artist, you can check out the Artists in Action series that the City of San José will be hosting over zoom! 

Here are some links: https://www.schoolofartsandculture.org/events ; https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/office-of-cultural-affairs/public-art/collections ; https://sanjosetheaters.org/theaters/center-for-performing-arts/ 



October 21st marks Latina Equal Pay Day here in the United States this year, the day in which Latina pay equals the same amount of pay a white, non-Hispanic male made the previous year. It is a day to acknowledge the unfair pay gap here in the US that not only affects Latina women, but also affects their families and the generations that are to follow. It is also a day where we come together to celebrate the countless contributions that Latinas have made for this country. 

On average, Latinas earn approximately 57 cents for every dollar earned by a white man, compared to 82 cents that is paid to all other women. Which leaves Latinas to face the largest wage gap amongst women. In the US, Latinas are becoming more educated and have started taking over the workforce each and everyday, but they still continue to face an unjust pay gap compared to white males. Which is what Latina Equal Pay Day is focused around. Latinas who earn an associates degree or higher are to be paid a third of what a non-hispanic, white male would be earning.  

Latinas have also begun to thrive in academic environments. The number of Latinas with an associate, bachelor's or graduate degree grew from 17% to an astonishing 30% in less than two decades, which outpaces both Latino males and non-Latina females. This number is predicted to keep growing as more Latinas continue to chase a higher education, fueled by the sacrifices and hard work of their ancestors.  



Although this pay gap is another wall for Latinas in this country, it doesn't stop them from continuing to pursue their dreams. On the other hand, it propels them to fight for a more just and equitable world in which they are paid a reasonable salary compared to other racial groups. A remarkable Latina in this country who has paved the way for women's rights activists is Isabel Allende, a best-selling author who has learned to translate her rage into inspiring books in hopes to empower other Latinas to join her in the fight for women's rights in the US.   

To learn more, visit The Equal Pay Today Campaign, a campaign that strives to close the gender wage gap across the country through policy reform, education and outreach. They have made it their mission to close the gap that exists in every industry and profession in order to provide a more equitable workforce for women. On October 21, read some books, listen to a podcast or do research on Latinas who have overcome this obstacle and still continue to strive to provide a fair opportunity for all Latinas in their communities.  

All around the world, October is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness. Specifically, the third Friday of October is National Mammography Day, also known as Wear It Pink Day, where internationally, people wear pink clothing and don pink ribbons to show their support for those who are affected by and fighting breast cancer. This year it lands on Friday, October 22nd and thousands across the globe are expected to participate.  



Breast cancer is a particularly common cancer affecting the breast or chest area of both women and occasionally also men. About 1 in 8 women will be affected by invasive breast cancer at some point in their life, making it one of the most common cancers and the most diagnosed for women in the United States. It is a disease that is commonly identifiable through mammography and self-assessments, monitoring lumps, swellings, changes in color and texture, and rashes or infections. It can be prevented from being life threatening through early detection, as 98% of patients who were detected early on have survived. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to contact your doctor or physician if you notice these particular symptoms. It is caused by mutations in one’s genes and is affected by genetics, so checking in about your family history with breast cancer is also important to monitor. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many American women from attending regular in-person breast exams and check-ups, used to detect breast cancer, putting many women and men from proper treatments and prevention. It is then more important than ever to promote breast cancer awareness to those everywhere and encourage physical check-ins and mammograms as in-person appointments begin again due to increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates.  

Organizations including the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society help to raise funds for life changing breast cancer research, awareness, and existing treatments. You can participate directly and show your support by donating money, or even donating blood. If you or someone you know are currently affected by breast cancer, feel free to reach out for support services at Komen.  

California has one of the lowest Covid-19 rates in the Nation. 83.5 % of the eligible population or more than 1.4 million people are fully vaccinated in Santa Clara County. The FDA and CDC authorized boosters for adults who had Pfizer’s vaccine. The CDC says that those age 65 and older, long-term care residents, and people 50-64 with health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and chronic lung disease should get a third shot. Other adults with those health conditions and others with high occupational exposure to the virus such as health care workers and teachers also are eligible. All this is amazing news, but it does not mean that the pandemic is over especially if you are not vaccinated. The hospitalization rate for unvaccinated Santa Clara County residents is 23 times higher than those immunized. A reminder that proof of vaccination went to effect on September 20th to enter city facilities. 

Say hello to Kilo. Kilo is a neutered brindle-bn and white Pit Bull Terrier mix currently living at the San José Animal shelter. Kilo is super playful, handsome, and friendly! He loves playing with his toys and doesn't have a problem sharing them. The shelter staff thinks Kilo is about 3 years old. Kilo has been looking for his forever home after being at the shelter for over 2 months now.  

Now say hello to Mercutio! Mercutio is neutered male, white Shorthaired Rabbit. Mercutio is a rockstar who has made astounding progress since he arrived at the shelter from a hoarding situation back in May 2021. Mercutio is very curious, playful, smart, and adventurous. Mercutio loves to eat and feeding him is a great way to become his friend! Especially if you have an apple or a banana. After his playtime, Mercutio loves a soft blanket where he can relax and enjoy the rest of his day! Mercutio would best thrive in a calm adult environment with a large space to roam and play.  

There are currently over 100 animals at the shelter awaiting adoption, varying from cats and dogs, to special needs animals and even other small assorted animals such as bunnies, guinea pigs, and rats. 

Given COVID-19 restrictions, the City's shelter has not been able to fully open to allow these animals to mingle with guests, so many animals are waiting long periods before finding them a forever home. If you're interested in adopting Kilo, or any of the many cute animals at the shelter, note the A-number identification (Kilo’s number is A1147574 and Sassy’s is A1214347) and head on over to the local shelter at 2750 Monterey Road on Sundays through Saturdays (closed on Mondays) between the hours of 9 AM-5 PM to meet and mingle with your selected animal and test your compatibility! Adoptions are conducted Tuesday through Sunday 9 AM-4:30 PM on a first-come-first-served. For kittens and cats, come on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only, between the hours of 10 AM-2 PM with the ID animal of the feline you are interested in.

Due to the level of extreme drought in the Bay Area, the @CityofSanJose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services plans to reduce water usage across all parks by 15% compared to 2019.  

 These strategic measures meet the Santa Clara Valley Water District's mandatory drought water restrictions and align with PRNS guiding principles of stewardship, nature, and equity & access. To learn more about how our department will reach this goal, visit PRNS Reduces Water Usage Across All San José Parks to Meet Drought Water Restrictions and Preserve Natural Resources | Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services News | City of San José (sanjoseca.gov) 

October 2nd, 2021 was beautiful day to be together, kicking off Binational Health Week! BHW is a collaborative initiative with partners like Santa Clara County, The Mexican Consul and the Santa Clara Family Health plan to raise awareness of and respond to the unique health and healthcare challenges of our Latino community here in Santa Clara County. 

Our health is so incredibly important to the resiliency of our community. I urge you to please get vaccinated towards COVID-19, get a flu shot, and look into scheduling that doctor’s checkup that you may be putting off. See this weeks program: https://publichealth.sccgov.org/.../binational-health-week