In the past year or so, the City Council has addressed some resident concerns as they relate to trees—particularly our policies on illegal tree removals.  While the Council has made some positive changes, it has become increasingly apparent that the City must revisit all of our tree policies and services.  While this sounds like a simple task, our tree policies span 9 different City departments, with each department responsible for unique component of tree-related services.  Reevaluating our policies on trees will take a collaborative effort that I hope you, as a San José resident, will participate in.

Several meetings have been held with community members and City staff to generate input that will help to guide the necessary revisions.  On June 30th, 80 residents attended a community meeting at West Valley Library to share their thoughts and suggestions on how best to amend our tree-related policies in the municipal code.  There were many wonderful suggestions and I would like to continue this dialogue to ensure that our all of policies resonate with you and your neighbors. 

As we move forward with our review of tree-related services and policies, staff will be focusing on our overall goals, strategies for enhancing our urban forest, improving regulatory mechanisms, and developing a Citywide tree inventory.  These focal points are listed below.  I encourage you to take a look at them and let me know where you think there is room for improvement or where the City might develop new and innovative policies to achieve our goals. 

It is critical that we work together to address this issue.  Our policies must be enforceable and fair, while our services must address the needs of San José residents within the means of the City’s budget.  If you would like to take a look at the City’s current policies, you can view Title 13 of our Municipal Code by clicking here.  You can also click here to learn more about tree permits.

Staff is expected to present revisions to our tree-related policies this fall, so be sure to let my office know if you have any recommendations as quickly as possible.  Please send suggestions to my aide Crystal Morrow by calling her at (408) 535-4901 or emailing her at crystal.morrow@sanjoseca.gov. 

Thanks for your help and have a wonderful 4th of July,

The Neighborhood Limelight
Do you know a neighbor, local business, or organization that deserves to be recognized?  Councilmember Pete Constant is looking for you to help him recognize special people, businesses, and groups in West San José who have proven themselves to be good neighbors.  If you would like to submit a nomination, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901 or send us an email at district1@sanjoseca.gov and let us know why your nominee deserves special notice.

Opening on the Fremont Union High School District Board of Trustees
The Fremont High School District Board of Trustees is accepting applications to fill an open space due to the resignation of Kathryn Ho.  Anyone interested must submit an application to Superintendent Polly Bove’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on July 25th.  Applications will be available online at http://www.fuhsd.org/ starting July 5th or they may be picked up in person at the Educational Services Center located at 589 West Fremont Avenue in Sunnyvale.  The new trustee will be sworn in on September 4, 2007 and will serve until the November 2008 General Election. 

San José Permits Online
The City of San José offers residents and development customers the opportunity to conveniently search online for information on proposed developments in the City.  Registered users can submit permit applications, obtain simple development permits, track the status of a permit, or schedule inspections.  Residents can also sign up for an email subscription that allows them to easily monitor developments in their neighborhood.  To learn more, click here.

Help Celebrate our Neighborhood—Volunteer for Festival in the Park!
Volunteers are needed for Festival in the Park on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at Hathaway Park.  This community celebration, hosted byCouncilmember Pete Constant, will feature live music, free food, and plenty of fun activities for the entire family.  A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, including set up, food preparation, registration, and helping with the children’s games and crafts.  If you areinterested, please call the Council District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.

Make Your own Book
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Make a simple book, using collages 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.

Face Painting with Linda Levine
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
2:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library- 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Back by popular demand, Linda Levine will be holding a hands-on workshop on face painting for 75 lucky children.  She will demonstrate the magical art of face and body painting, so that even young children can paint their own sharks, flowers, and happy clown faces.  For more information, please call the West Valley Branch Library at (408) 244-4766.

“Magic Theater” with Phil Ackerly
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Take a magical journey with Phil Ackerly and the Magic Theater!  For more information, call the Calabazas Branch Library at (408) 996-1536.

Python Ron
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
1:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library- 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Come and meet Python Ron and his reptile friends!  See, touch, and hold exotic reptiles in astonishing colors and sizes.  You will be fascinated to see all the different creatures that travel with Python Ron.  From an 18-foot long python to a 4-foot long lizard.  Python Ron gives everyone the opportunity to get up close and personal with these awesome creatures.  For more information, please call the West Valley Branch Library at (408) 244-4766.

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.

3rd Annual West Valley Talent Show
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
2:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library- 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Calling all singers, dancers, magicians, poets and others to join in the fun.  If you have talent and are between the ages of 2 and 18, then you can be a star in this community talent show.  Part of the libraries Summer Reading Celebration.
Pre-registration required.  For more information, please call the West Valley Branch Library at (408) 244-4766.

“The Runaway Caboose”
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Participate in the 2007 Summer Reading Celebration with “The Runaway Caboose.” For more information, call the Calabazas Branch Library at (408) 996-1536.

P&T Puppets Presents “The Adventures of Spider and Fly”
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
1:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library- 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
A spider and fly discover a common complaint: though they both possess powers applauded in super heroes, they are despised. Their solution? To become a new dynamic duo, Spider and Fly! Follow their adventures as they follow clues to rescue Little Miss Muffet, Wilbur the Pig from "Charlotte's Web," and the Tailor from "Seven in One Blow.” Will they figure out the clues? Tune in for the exciting adventures of this dynamic duo! Part of our Summer Reading Celebration.  For more information, please call the West Valley Branch Library at (408) 244-4766.

Swazzle Puppets—“Rex and Boots Super Sleuths”
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
4:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Join Rex and Boots for their super sleuth adventures.  For more information, call the Calabazas Branch Library at (408) 996-1536.

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.

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.

Free Ice Cream for Rose Garden Volunteers!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Heritage Rose Garden, San José
Snip dead roses, help keep the Rose Garden beautiful and earn a sweet treat!  Just bring your own by-pass clippers for borrow a pair from staff and enjoy an evening pruning roses and sharing ice cream.  For more information, please contact Lucy Perez at (408) 298-7657 or at lperez@grpg.org.

Canvass Bag Decoration
Saturday, July 21, 2007
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library- 150 E. San Fernando Street, San José
Exploration Room, Mezzanine
Teens are invited to let their artistic talent flow!  Decorate a canvass tote bag and take it home.  Both art supplies and canvas totes are free.  Please register by calling (408) 808-2397.

Adventures on the Green
Thursday, August 9, 2007
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Guadalupe River Park & Gardens—Arena Green
Ride a shark, explore the life cycle of a salmon, and become a tree detective!  Families are invited to attend this free event sponsored by the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens.  For more information, call (408) 298-7657.

San José Jazz Festival
August 10-12, 2007
$5/ day
Downtown San José
Enjoy 1,000 artists on 10 stages in Downtown San José.   A variety of well known jazz artists from around the country will be in San José for the 18th Comcast San José Jazz Festival.  Bring the family and enjoy the music.  For more information, visit http://www.sanjosejazz.org/.

Board Rules & Responsibilities
Thursday, July 19, 2007
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Meadowfair Community Center- 2696 S. King Road, San José
Learn more about the fundamentals of running an effective board.  Workshop presented by Patricia Ramos, Strong Neighborhoods Community Coordinator.  TO register, please call (408) 723-4114.