The San José Public Libraries in District 1, Calabazas Branch Library and West Valley Branch Library, are centers of culture, education, and community building.  There are few resources in our community that can meet such a diverse array of needs and interests.  Recognizing the importance of libraries, Voters overwhelming approved Measure O in 2000 to improve our libraries and increase their ability to better serve the wide array of needs of San José residents.  The new West Valley Branch Library was opened in 2003 and the new Calabazas Branch Library is expected to open in 2010. 

We are gathering input to ensure that this new facility is state-of-the-art and best meets the needs of the community.  If you have suggestions, I encourage you to contact my office to share your thoughts.  You can do so by calling (408) 535-4901 or sending an email to District1@sanjoseca.gov.

Council District 1 Greenprint Meeting—August 27, 2007
The 1st of 2 Greenprint Meetings for Council District 1 will be held on August 27th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Moreland West Community Center located at 1850 Fallbrook Avenue in San José.  The Greenprint is the City’s 20-Year Strategic Plan for Parks, Community Facilities and Programs and meetings are being held to update this plan and develop creative solutions to address the recreational needs of West San José residents, despite budget shortfalls.  For more information, please contact the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901 or district1@sanjoseca.gov.

District 1 Youth Serve your Community—City of San José Youth Commission
Applications are currently being accepted for the District 1 position on the San José Youth Commission.  The Youth Commission works to foster greater involvement of youth in municipal government and studies any problems, activities and concerns of youth relating to municipal policies, programs or projects of the City.  Applicants must be between 14-20 years of age and must live in Council District 1.  If you would like to apply or for more information, please call the (408) 277-2744 or visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/Vacancy.asp.  Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10, 2007.

Beat the Heat—City of San José Cooling Centers
The City is extending the hours of select community centers to provide relief from summer heat.  Summer heat can be dangerous, particularly for very young and older residents.  The West San José Community Center, located at 3707 Williams Road off Boynton Avenue, will be open to provide residents an escape from warm weather.  For more information, please call the West San José Community Center at (408) 249-6580.

Opening Positions on San José Commissions
There several open seats on a variety of City of San José.  Help make a difference in the community by applying for one of the following commissions: Advisory Commission on Rents, Appeals Hearing Board, Disability Advisory Commission, Early Care and Education Commission, Housing and Community Development Advisory Commission, Human Rights Commission, Mobile Home Advisory Commission, and Small Business Development.  If you would like to learn more or apply for one of the open spots, please call the Office of the City Clerk at (408) 535-1252.  Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2007.

Councilmember Pete Constant’s Community Office Hours to Resume in August
Community Office Hours are set to start again in August with two monthly opportunities for residents to meet informally with Councilmember Constant—no appointment necessary!  Evening Community Office Hours will be the 1st Wednesday of the month at West Valley Library (1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José) between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.. and Morning Office Hours will take place the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Cypress Senior Center (403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José).  For more information, call the Council District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.

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. Sign up now!

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. Pre-registration is 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.

Gang Awareness Training
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
7:00 p.m.
West San José Community Center- 3707 Williams Road, San José
Learn more about preventing gangs and keeping your family safe from gangs.  For more information, please call (408) 554-6391.

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.

Blackford NAC Meeting
Thursday, August 2, 2007
6:00 p.m. Dinner; 6:30 p.m. Meeting
West San José Community Center- 3707 Williams Road, San José
Join the Blackford NAC for their August Meeting to discuss National Night Out, Street Smarts, Starbird Park, and projects for the rest of 2007.  For more information, please call (408) 554-6391.

Mystery Bingo
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
2:30 p.m.
Calabazas Branch Library- 1230 Blaney Avenue, San José
Join the crew at Calabazas Branch Library and participate in the Summer Reading Celebration with a fun game of mystery bingo.  For more information, call (408) 996-1536.

Evening Community Office Hours
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library-1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Join the Councilmember to share your thoughts or ask questions—no appointment required!  Please note that the August 1st Office Hours will be starting 30 minutes late.  For further information, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.

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.

Music in the Park
Thursdays, July 12, 2007- September 6, 2007
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San José
Enjoy free Thursday concerts by world-renowned performers while taking in the charm of downtown’s central park, Plaza de Cesar Chavez.  For more information, please call (408) 279-1775 or visit www.sjdowntown.com .

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.

Celebrate Founder’s Day 1777!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Peralta Adobe-Fallon House Historic Site- 175 West St. John Street, San José
Celebrate the 230th Birthday of the City of San José with live music and entertainment for all ages.  This free event will feature activities for children (clay pot making, adobe brick making, lasso throwing), live music, dancing, and more!  For additional information, please call (408) 918-1050 or email mguida@historysanjose.org.

San José Grand Prix
July 27-29, 2007
Downtown San José
Don’t miss the excitement!  The San José Grand Prix is back again—featuring fast cars, live music, and much more.  For tickets or more information, please visit www.sanjosegrandprix.com.

National Night Out
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Every year, neighbors around the country come together to celebrate National Night Out on the 1st Tuesday in August.  Much like Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out provides residents with the opportunity to meet each other and start developing relationships with each other and local law enforcement officers in an effort to prevent crime.  If you would like more information about National Night Out, including how to start an event in your neighborhood or finding events in your community, please call the Council District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901 or email crystal.morrow@sanjoseca.gov.

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/.

Beyond the Pet Food Scare: Feeding your Friend with Care and Confidence
Saturday, July 21, 2007
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
PlaneTree Health Library- 15891 Los Gatos-Almaden Road, Los Gatos
Join veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Flinn to learn the basics of a healthy diet for your pet and how to avoid becoming the victim of any future pet food scares.  Four-legged friends are invited to attend.  Please reserve your space in this free lecture by calling (408) 358-5667.