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DECEMBER EDITION
   Message from Councilmember Pete Constant

Season's Greetings!

It is hard to believe that we're already at the end of another year - of 2009 no less. It seems like it wasn't that long ago when the world was preparing for the big transition into the new millennium, and now we're nearing the end of its first decade. Wow! Where has the time gone?

There are some fun events that I would like to bring to your attention as we begin to enjoy this holiday season. First, I would like to invite you to tonight's "District 1 Night" at Downtown Ice, located at the Circle of Palms off Market St. (next to the San Jose Museum of Art) in downtown San José. Tonight, December 1, from 5 - 10 p.m., you can skate under the stars - and palm trees - in the heart of San José's holiday activities at a special rate. District 1 residents can enjoy one free admission with each paid adult admission, which also includes skate rental. (Adult admission is normally $15 and $13 for children 12 and younger.) Just print the coupon at: http://www.sjdowntown.com/districtskate.html and present it at the time of purchase (proof of District 1 zip code will also be required). For more information, call: (408) 279-1775 or visit: www.sjdowntown.com. You can also call the rink directly at: (408) 291-0525. This is a fun way to kick-off the season with family, friends and fellow District 1 neighbors. I hope you can make it.

Another great way to get in the holiday spirit is to visit Christmas in the Park. This annual tradition opened this past Friday, November 27, and will run until December 27, 2009.Christmas in the Park features wonderful festive holiday exhibits,Constant Sleigh Ride Picture creative Christmas trees decorated by various groups and organizations, and nightly entertainment, which are all free to the public.It even snows many times throughout the night! If you stop by Sleigh Ride Photos, which is located next to Christmas in the Park (across from Peggy Sue's), you can take a fun picture like mine.There are many other creative backgrounds to choose from and if you would like to check them out, go to: www.sleighridephotos.com. For more information on Christmas in the Park and its scheduled events, call: (408) 794-6206 or visit: www.christmasinthepark.com.

The 28th Annual San José Holiday Parade will be stepping off at 8:30 a.m., on Sunday, December 6, 2009. The parade begins at Santa Clara and Market Streets and will wind through downtown streets and end at Market and San Carlos Streets. My family and I will be riding in the parade again this year, so be sure to look for us.

In the October 2009 newsletter, I introduced "Mobile City Hall" by CitySourced, an exciting new constituent service tool that will allow District 1 residents to report neighborhood problems from the convenience of your own smartphones - essentially putting the power of City Hall in the palm of your hands. (If you missed this article the first time around, click here to read it. I am happy to report that the iPhone application is now ready for District 1 residents to use. The application will be available on other platforms in the near future. To celebrate the official launch of Mobile City Hall, we are hosting a "Download Day" on Saturday, December 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Community Policing Center (3707 Williams Rd.). During Download Day, residents will be encouraged to download the application to their iPhones and will be able to receive any needed assistance with the new tool. Once downloaded, we'll be putting the application to work with our first District 1 resident blight assessment. Teams will be sent out to find potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles and other neighborhood blight. Click here for the event flyer.

Mobile City Hall is just one of many examples of the how popular Web 2.0/social media technologies can help us work more efficiently and cost effectively. Click here to learn how I'm using various social media tools to better serve you.

I know that the holidays can be a stressful time for many, especially with the current state of the lagging economy and its affects in our own homes. For an update on our city's financial outlook, click here. As we continue to weather this economic crisis, I know that many, if not most, of us are trying to get by with less. Although the holidays are often dubbed, "the season of sharing," I have no doubt that the decision to give this season may be a little more difficult. Despite this, people are still asking which organizations need help. If you are able or interested in supporting those in need, click here to learn more about how you can make a difference.

As this year quickly comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and joyous holiday season.

Your Neighbor,

Pete's Signature

P.S. My last community office hours for 2009 will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 2, at the West Valley Branch Library, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 17, at the Cypress Senior Center. I hope you get a chance to drop by and visit before the end of the year.

SOCIAL MEDIA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
BUDGET CUTS

CHARITABLE GIVING

Using Technology to Connect & Better Serve You

The creation and growth of the World Wide Web has unequivocally changed the way that we seek, access and gather information. Gone are the days where most of us gather data and research from books and encyclopedias. Now information and knowledge is sought from the Internet. With the increase in technology and automation and the rise of the virtual world, many feared that these factors would further isolate us from each other and eliminate the need for social contact. For example, instead of driving to the bank and working with a teller, we could simply bank from the convenience of our own homes.

Full Article »

Why They Really Hurt


The State of California recently raided $62 million from the City of San Jose's Redevelopment Agency (RDA) budget which lead to layoffs of 23% of the Agency staff and the freeze or deferral of many capital improvement projects. This takeaway comes at a particularly bad time when the City is already dealing with a projected deficit of $96.4 million for FY 2010-2011. Mayor Chuck Reed released a budget message on November 20th to address the revised 2009-2010 RDA budget. The message was followed with an RDA Budget Message Workshop on November 16th which was attended by 150 community members.

Full Article »

How to Lend a Hand in
San José

This is the time of year when digging a little deeper into our pockets can make a big difference for needy families and individuals in San José. With the economic downturn, many people are struggling to pay for basic things like food, clothing, housing and transportation. People who were living paycheck-to-paycheck a year ago are in some cases now barely staving off unemployment and homelessness. Fewer people giving because of the slow economy, coupled with an increase in the demand for charitable services, makes your generosity more important now than ever.


Full Article »
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 1?
 

District 1 Night at Downtown Ice
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Circle of Palms between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art – Downtown San José
Councilmember Pete Constant invites you to District 1 skate night at Downtown Ice. Skate under the stars – and palm trees – in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday activities. For the special event Dec. 1, print out the coupon at http://www.sjdowntown.com/districtskate.html and bring it to the rink Dec. 1. Buy one adult admission and get one free admission on this special night for District 1 residents. The deal includes skate rental. (Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Proof of District 1 zip code required at time of purchase). For more information call 279-1775 or visit www.sjdowntown.com.

 
Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. by appointment only.
Cypress Senior Center - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
SALA will assist with problems in the area of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medi-Cal, In- Home Supportive Services, Elder Abuse, Housing, Easy Wills, and Long-term Care. To schedule an appointment call Cypress Senior Center at (408) 244-1353.
 

Office Hours
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
6:30 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 necessary! For further information, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.

 

Homework Center
Thursday, December 3, 10, 17, 2009
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Free drop-in tutoring and homework assistance for grades K-8 from experienced and knowledgeable tutors. Offered in the community room. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766.
 

55 Alive-Mature Driving Course
Thursdays, December 3 and 10, 2009
12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cypress Senior Center, Room 1 - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
This is a two (2) day class and you must attend both days to pass the course. Cost for this course is $12.00 for AAPR Members and $14 for Non- AAPR Members. Registration forms are available at the front office. Please call Cypress Senior Center at (408) 244-1353 for more questions.
 

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
Friday, December 4, 2009
12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Cypress Senior Center, Room 3 - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
The Cypress Senior Center welcomes a guest speaker to discuss issues facing Silicon Valley. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please call the office at (408) 244-1353.
 

Homework Center
Monday, December 7 and 14, 2009
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Free drop-in tutoring and homework assistance for grades K-8 from experienced and knowledgeable tutors. Offered in the community room. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766.
 

Newcomers Social
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
10:30a.m.
Cypress Senior Center - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
Lori Prud'homme of the Cypress Senior Advisory Council and Cypress Senior Center long time seniors, will give you an orientation of our programs and a tour of the center, followed by a complimentary lunch at our Nutrition Program. Call today and sign up for the Newcomers Social at (408) 244-1353.
 
Winchester Business Association Holiday Mixer
Thursday, December 10, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 7: 30 p.m.
Isabella's Restaurant - 700 S. Winchester Blvd. #25, San José
You are cordially invited to a Holiday Mixer with Councilmembers Pete Constant & Pierluigi Oliverio hosted by the Winchester Business Association on Thursday, December 10th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Isabella’s Restaurant on 700 S. Winchester Blvd. #25, San Jose, CA (in the Winchester Pavilion Shopping Center next to Honey Baked Ham) Light refreshments & appetizers will be served. Click here to view the event flyer or call (408) 535-4901 for more information.
 
Rock the Library: Free Live Concert w/ PinUp Productions
Friday, December 11, 2009
6:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library, Community Room - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Support the local music scene! Join us after-hours for a free all-ages live concert event from PinUp Productions featuring local indie/electro/rock bands Dance My Heart, Electric Valentine, Vogue in the Movement, and The Crush. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766.
 

Country Lane Neighborhood Association Carriage Rides
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Route within Country Lane Boundaries: Doyle, Lawrence, Graves, and Saratoga
The festive horse drawn carriage will be taking it through the neighborhood streets again this year. Sign up by contacting Country Lane Neighborhood Association at www.countrylaneneighborhood.com.

 

December Birthday Celebration at Cypress Senior Center
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
11:45 a.m.
Cypress Senior Center - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
Come and celebrate with the Cypress Senior Center and receive a gift! Sign-ups are in the Nutrition Office. For more information, please call (408) 241- 5377 to reserve your lunch.

 
West Valley Book Club
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
6:30 p.m.,
West Valley Branch Library, Community Room - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
This month we will be discussing The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck. Please join us for lively literary discussion and to find out our upcoming picks. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766.
 
Office Hours
Thursday, December 17, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cypress Senior Center - 803 Cypress Avenue, San José
Join the Councilmember to share your thoughts or ask questions - no appointment necessary! For further information, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901.
 
teensReach Meeting
Thursday, December 17, 2009
4:00 p.m.
West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
TeensReach is West Valley's advisory and volunteer group for teens ages 13-18. Get involved, earn volunteer hours, and be a leader! They also offer monthly training for new Reading Buddies volunteers directly after the meeting. For more information, please call the library at (408) 244-4766.
 

Easterbrook Neighborhood Association Holiday Carriage Rides
Thursday, December 17, 2009 and
Friday, December 18, 2009
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Route within EBNA Boundaries: Williams, Lawrence, Doyle, and Saratoga
Greetings neighbors! The Easterbrook Neighborhood Association is hosting a fun event for the holidays, and would like to invite everyone to participate. Please join EBNA for their 1st Annual Holiday Carriage Rides right here in the EBNA neighborhood. Cost is $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free. To register, contact Liz Youngman with your preferred date and time (Carriage rides depart every 20 minutes; last departure is 8:20 p.m. at (408) 718-8259 or lizyoungman@ yahoo.com. Payment is due on Wednesday Dec. 9th.
 
Cypress Senior Center Holiday Dinner & Dance
Saturday, December 19, 2009
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Cypress Senior Center, Room 3 - 403 S. Cypress Avenue, San José
Join the Cypress Senior Center for a Holiday Dinner and Dance. Sign-ups are located in the front office. The cost of the event will be $2.00 for members and $7.00 for Non-Members. For more information, please call Cypress Senior Center at (408) 244-1353 or click here to view the flyer.
 
Country Lane Fundraiser at the Retro Dome
Sunday, December 20, 2009
1:30 p.m.
Retro Dome at West Gate - 1694 Saratoga Avenue, San José
Country Lane Neighborhood Association is hosting a fundraiser with the Retro Dome at West Gate. Come and enjoy the 1:30 p.m. show of Santastic while helping the association.. If you are interested, please contact Armida Robles at the Retro Dome at (408) 404-7711.
 
 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
FREE Notary Service to Seniors
Mondays, December 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Santa Clara Senior Center - 1303 Fremont Street, Santa Clara
Senior citizen who is availing this free service must be named on the document, must appear in person and provide valid Identification for Notarization. This offer is not applicable for Loan signing documents. Call (408) 615-3170 to make appointments.
 
2nd Annual Operation Prom Dress
December 1 - 31, 2009
West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José
Councilmember Nguyen and the City of San José is preparing for its 2nd Annual Operation Prom Dress. This is an effort to secure donations of new or gently used prom dresses that will be distributed to San Jose high school students so that they may participate in upcoming proms and balls at their respective schools. The target prom dress distribution date is on March 27, 2010. For more information please call (408) 535-4907 or click here to view the flyer. .
 
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid-Rehousing Programs
A partnership of non-profit agencies is rolling out their ARRA (stimulus)-funded Homelessness Prevention and Rapid-Rehousing (HPRP) programs. HPRP program in San Jose is offered by a partnership of Sacred Heart Community Service, InnVision, and The Law Foundation; EHC LifeBuilders also provides HPRP services from the One-Stop at Little Orchard. This is a stimulus program providing extra emergency financial assistance. For more information, call Connie Sands at (408) 916-5064 or click here to view the flyer: http://sjdistrict1.com/newsletter/Flyers/2009-12-HPRP.pdf.
 
West Valley Branch Library Closure
The West Valley Branch Library will be closed from December 21- 31, 2009. They will resume normal operating hours on Monday, January 5, 2009.
 

Calabazas Library Closure
The Calabazas Library will be closed for approximately two years starting Sunday, August 16, 2009. During this time, a new, larger library will be constructed on the same site. During construction, other San José Public Library branches that may be convenient to use are:

West Valley Branch Library
1243 San Tomas Aquino Road 
San José, CA  95117
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
150 E. San Fernando St.
San José, CA  95112  

To ensure that you receive the items you have requested, the pickup location for your pending holds must be changed. All pending requests with a pickup location of the Calabazas Branch will be cancelled when the library closes. For more information, call the Calabazas Branch at (408) 996-1536.
 


PETE IN THE NEWS

November 5, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose council wants workers and taxpayers to share deficit burden
The council rejected a proposal by Oliverio to seek agreement from workers to hold labor negotiations in public rather than behind closed doors. Oliverio argued it would give residents a say over a major city expense, but only councilmen Sam Liccardo and Pete Constant supported the idea.

November 4, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose officials order release of 911 tapes, other records in fatal police shooting of Pham
Last month, a council majority led by Reed narrowly rejected a proposal from a community task force calling for routine release of many police records. Police opposed the idea, arguing it would make witnesses and victims fearful of coming forward. But Reed said the city would consider releasing more records than it has in the past on a case-by-case basis through the Rules Committee, which he chairs. Others on the committee include Vice Mayor Judy Chirco, Councilwoman Nancy Pyle and Councilman Pete Constant, a retired police officer.

November 3, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Herhold: With Pham tapes, oversight - not privacy - should rule
If you accept the privacy argument in the Pham case, you're saying that it's OK for government to know how people acted in situations of life and death - and how cops respond. But it's not OK for the rest of us to know. That's why the City Council's rules committee meeting at 2 p.m. today at City Hall is so important. The committee members are Mayor Chuck Reed, Judy Chirco, Pete Constant and Nancy Pyle.
Pete Constant and Family

Councilmember Pete Constant
District 1, City of San José
200 East Santa Clara Street,
18th Floor
San José, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 535-4901
Fax: (408) 292-6448
Pete.Constant@sanjoseca.gov
www.sjdistrict1.com

Inside this Issue:

Helpful Links for D1 Residents:

Service Providers for D1 Residents:

277-4528
535-3850
535-3570
Cypress Senior Center
244-1353
Moreland West Community Center
871-3821
Starbird Teen Center
984-1954
West San José Community & Policing Center
249-6580
277-8900
808-2000
Calabazas Branch Library
996-1536
West Valley Branch Library
244-4766
 
554-6391

Connecting to your government:

Important Phone Numbers:

City Hall Call Center

535-3500

Abandoned Vehicles

277-5305

Anti-Graffiti / Litter

277-3208

Animal Care Services

578-7297

Arborist/ Street Tree Permits

277-2762
535-3555

Bulky Item Pickup

535-5300
Cable TV Complaints
535-3500

Code Enforcement—
Blight Reporting

277-4528

Crime Prevention— Neighborhood Watch

277-4133
Dead Animal Collection
578-7297

Department of Transportation

535-3850
277-3700

Emergency Services

277-4595

Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste

535-3515

Green Team

283-8500
299-7300
998-5200

Neighborhood Development Center

723-4114
99-TREES
Parks Concerns
793-5510

Police Information

277-2211

Rental Rights & Referrals

975-4480
277-4444
279-7900
Senior Programs
277-4561

Sidewalk Repair

277-3158
296-8290

Street Light Repair

277-5517

Street & Signal Repairs- potholes

277-4373

Street Sweeping

535-5300
277-4341
792-5010
535-3500
Youth Services
535-3570

The Neighborhood Limelight
Do you know a neighbor, local business or organization that deserves to be recognized?  Let us know! Please click here to request a commendation.

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Councilmember Pete Constant | 200 East Santa Clara Street, 18th Floor, San José, CA 95113 | 408-535-4901 | district1@sanjoseca.gov