With August coming around the corner, many neighborhood organizations throughout the United States are preparing for National Night Out, an event that has helped to reduce crime by bringing neighbors together.  This event gives residents the chance to meet fellow community members and combine efforts to make their neighborhoods safer.  Every year, National Night Out is held on the 1st Tuesday of August and will be take place this year on August 7, 2007.  National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), is now in its 24th year and started with just 400 communities and 2.5 million Americans participating in 24 states.  Last year, 35.2 million citizens from 11,125 communities in all 50 states participated in the National Night Out event.

Many of your neighbors, including those in the Blackford, Eden, Murdock, and Winchester areas, have been celebrating National Night Out for years and have used this event to unite their community against crime.   These groups have held National Night Out celebrations ranging from block parties, picnics, large festivals, to small barbeques.  National Night Out is a great way to meet your neighbors, learn who should be in your neighbor, and to begin a collaborative effort between your community and our Police Department to keep West San José safe.

To register your National Night Out Event and to ensure that your local beat officer visits your event, visit http://www.sjpd.org/ or call the San José Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (408) 277-4133.  For further information or help organizing a National Night Out event, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.

Your neighbor,

Reassessing Community Office Hours
During the month of July, Councilmember Constant will reevaluate the times, locations and days of the bi-monthly Community Office Hours.  Please contact Crystal Morrow at (408) 535-4918 or crystal.morrow@sanjoseca.gov with your suggestions for the time, location, or days of Pete’s Community Office Hours.  The bi-monthly Community Office Hours are held to ensure that residents have the opportunity to meet with the Councilmember to ask questions, discuss neighborhood concerns, and receive updates on City issues.  Office Hours have been held the 1st Wednesday of the month at West San José Community Center from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and on the 1st Friday of the month at Cypress Senior Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..  Community Office Hours will not be held in July.

Calabazas BMX Park Now Open
The newly constructed Calabazas BMX Park opened to the public on Monday, June 18th.   This new neighborhood park features a course designed for beginning to intermediate riders and a work area sponsored by Toyota.  The 1.5 acre park is located on the Rainbow Drive side of Calabazas Park, just west of Blaney Avenue.  The grand opening ceremony is planned for later in the summer.  For additional information, please contact the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.

Our City Forest: Planting a Greener City for San José
Want a tree planted for your neighborhood?   Then Our City Forest (OCF) can help you.  Since 1994, OCF has planted over 22,000 trees in 140 schools and 40 parks.  Dedicated to keeping San José green, this volunteer-based organization is focused on making our communities into a healthier urban environment.  Our City Forest has services ranging from tree planting in local parks to distributing information about tree care.  The organization has also provided many free trees for parks, schools, and park strips.  Visit www.ourcityforest.org or call (408) 99 TREES to learn more about receiving a free tree or to get information about becoming a volunteer.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The Rebuilding Together foundation in Silicon Valley offers a unique opportunity for low-income and disabled residents to improve their homes by installing safety features for free —including smoke detectors, grab bars and handrails, wheelchair ramps, and also offers house safety evaluations.  The Neighbor-to-Neighbor program has been serving the Silicon Valley since 1988 and volunteers are eager to help the San José community.  In order to apply for this opportunity, fill out an application online at www.rebuildingtogether-sv.org and prepare for a brief phone interview.  You can also visit this website to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Warning: Burglars Posing as Water District Employees
For the past eight months, burglars posing as employees of the Water District have victimized over 100 people throughout the Bay Area.  More recently, the suspects have also claimed to be with construction companies and other utility companies.  Victims report that the burglars arrive in a white van or work truck wearing orange vests or hardhats.  Typically, residents are distracted by being asked to perform some task or provide assistance while one of the burglars enters the home to collect money, jewelry, passports, guns, and other small items of value.  Most victims in San José have been older adults.  San José Police Department warns citizens that any unscheduled visitors, utility “employees,” or repairmen should not be allowed into the home and to immediately report suspicious people or activity by calling 9-1-1. If you have information about these recent burglaries, please call the San José Police Department Burglary Unit at (408) 277-4401.  If you would like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP.

Blackford Neighborhood Celebrates Opening of Starbird Youth Center
On Saturday, June 16th, the Blackford Neighborhood celebrated the opening of the Starbird Youth Center.  Youth of all ages toured the new building and took advantage of the neighborhood resource.  This new Youth Center is 3,840 square feet and features a computer lab, game room, and cozy lounge.  Starbird Youth Center will be open Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more pictures of the Grand Opening celebration, please click here.

Eden Neighborhood Association Annual Summer Picnic
Saturday, June 23, 2007
3:30 p.m.
Primary Plus School- 3500 Amber Drive, San José
Join your neighbors in the Eden Neighborhood for a delightful picnic, parade, activities for children, a delicious barbeque dinner. Please RSVP by June 20th. To reserve your space, call (408) 404-7404.

Summer Mystery Magic Show
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Join Magician Norman Ng for an exciting and thrilling display of magic!  For more information, call the Calabazas Branch Library at (408) 996-1536.

Home and Family Disaster Preparedness Course
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
West San José Community Center- 3707 Williams Road, San José
In just two hours, learn about the emergencies you should prepare for, ways to reduce the risk of loss and injury before a disaster, how to create a family disaster plan, what supplies you should set aside for a disaster, and about opportunities to become even more disaster prepared.  For more information or to register, please call the West San José Community Center at (408) 249-6580.

New Calabazas Library Community Meeting
Thursday, June 28, 2007
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library
1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd., San José
Three locations for the new library are under consideration and will be presented to the community during this meeting.  For more information, visit www.newsanjoselibraries.com or call (408) 535-8450. 

Tree Preservation Policies and Services Community Meeting
Saturday, June 30, 2007
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library
1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd., San José
Since there have been a number of problems regarding street trees in Council District 1, Councilmember Pete Constant will be hosting a special meeting at West Valley Branch Library for West San José residents to help the City resolve street tree issues.   Be sure to attend to share your thoughts on the City’s tree-related services and regulations.  For more information, contact Kevin Briggs at (408) 535-8448 or kevin.briggs@sanjoseca.gov.

P & T Puppets Presents “Adventures of Spider and Fly”
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Don’t miss Spider and Fly in this puppet show for children of all ages!  For more information, call the Calabazas Branch Library at (408) 996-1536.

Cypress Senior Center 4th of July Party
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
11:45 a.m.
Cypress Senior Center- 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
Celebrate 4th of July with some tasty barbeque and great company.  For more information, call the Cypress Senior Nutrition Program at (408) 241-5377.

Make Your own Book
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Make a simple book and use collage and your imagination to fill it.  This is a craft project for children 5 years old and up. For more information, call (408) 996-1536.

Hot Summer Days
Saturday, July 21, 2007
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cypress Senior Center- 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
$3/ member; $6/ 50+ non-member; $8/ adults, $4/ under 18
All ages are invited to attend Hot Summer Days to enjoy car show, dance, root beer floats, and barbeque lunch.  For more information, call the Cypress Senior Center at (408) 244-1353.

Reading to Children
Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library-1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
“Miss Marcia” reads stories to children of all ages on Saturday afternoons. For more information, contact Lori Vadnais at 244-4766.

Story Times for Children at West Valley Branch Library
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. –  For all ages
Fridays at 11:00 a.m. – For ages 3-5
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. – For ages 2-3
West Valley Branch Library-1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Story time programs feature an assortment of read-aloud stories, puppetry, singing, poems, finger plays, action activities, crafts, and more. Enjoy the fun while building early literacy skills. For more information, contact Lori Vadnais at 244-4766.

Yoga in the Park
Thursdays, June 14, 2007- July 19, 2007
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $30/ member; $35/ non-member
Guadalupe River Parks and Gardens, San José
Improve your flexibility, balance and relaxation skills with this gentle introduction to yoga.  Class will be taught outside in the grass.  Please call (408) 298-7657 for more information or to register.

Cinema San Pedro
Wednesdays, June 20- August 29, 2007
Dusk
San Pedro Square
Free celluloid classics are shown every Wednesdays at dusk in the hear of San Pedro Square. Don't miss this chance to share a classic with your friends and family. For more information visit www.cinequest.org or www.sjdowntown.com.

Strength Training on the Guadalupe River Park Trail
Saturdays, June 23, 2007 – July 14, 2007
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Guadalupe River Parks and Gardens, San José
Learn safe muscle toning and strength building exercises using fitness bands and park features.  All fitness levels are welcome.  Please call (408) 298-7657 for more information or to register.

Tree Preservation Policies and Services Community Meeting
Monday, June 25, 2007
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
San José City Hall, Room W-120
200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José
Be sure to attend to share your thoughts on the City’s tree-related services and regulations to influence revisions to the City’s Tree Ordinance.  For more information, contact Kevin Briggs at (408) 535-8448 or kevin.briggs@sanjoseca.gov.

San José Grand Prix
July 27, 2007 – July 29, 2007
Downtown San José
The Grand Prix is back for its 3rd year, featuring some of the world’s best drivers and speeds up to 180 mph.  More than 120,000 race fans attended last year’s race.  For more information, visit www.sanjosegrandprix.com.

Community Café
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Kirk Community Center, Room 4- 1601 Foxworthy Avenue, San José
Join Paul Pereira and fellow community members from around San José for a lively discussion.  To reserve your space call the Neighborhood Development Center at (408) 723-4114.