THE NEIGHBORHOOD VIEW

EASTRIDGE LITTLE LEAGUERS GET FIELD OF DREAMS

2010-02-04T09:22:00.001-08:00

On January 19, 2010, KNBR 680/1050 AM Radio and O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. announced the winner of the TLC for Kids Ballparks Contest as the Eastridge Little League Field in San Jose.Berkeley, California, February 2, 2010 ? San Jose children will have a brand new ballfield this season, thanks to a local construction company with a long history and a big heart. O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc., a Berkeley-based construction firm, partnered with KNBR 680/1050 Am Radio to select a local ballfield to be renovated, and the lucky winner is the Eastridge Little League Field in San Jose.Jerry N. Soriano, Eastridge Little League President for the 2010 Season, is amazed that Eastridge was selected as the winner. He feels ??a sense of real pride and appreciation underscored by a sense of disbelief and surprise.?O.C. Jones will renovate a currently substandard field that will allow Eastridge to field softball teams and younger boys? teams. The work will consist of complete removal and reconstruction of the existing field, new irrigation, sod, infield, and associated work. O.C. Jones will also address the needs of the dugouts, fences, bleachers, backstop, etc. and regrade an adjacent unused lot to create a warm-up and practice area.This effort began in October, when it was announced that O.C. Jones would sponsor the TLC for Kids Ballparks contest through KNBR as a demonstration of its commitment to local neighborhoods and an interest in improving the area where its employees work and live.Entrants submitted an essay and photos to nominate their community ballpark or field. Each month, finalists were selected and announced. On January 19, 2010, KNBR and O.C. Jones announced the winner of the TLC for Kids Ballparks Contest as the Eastridge Little League Field in San Jose.Kelly Kolander, President and CEO of O.C. Jones, is eager for the work to begin. ?Sponsoring the TLC for Kids Ballparks has been a way for all of us at O.C. Jones to give back. Our employees are also getting involved with the project, recognizing that there is always a way to help others in our local community.?Eastridge Little League is comprised of both girls softball and boys baseball, from T-Ball through Majors. Participants, which range in age from 4 to 18, are primarily from working class Hispanic-American families. More than 240 children are expected to play in Eastridge Little League this year.Eastridge is self sufficient for its seasonal needs and raises funds through registration fees, concessions, fund raisers, sponsorships, donations, and grants. Their projected revenue and expense for this year is over $30,000, but field access and maintenance is always a challenge. Eastridge must apply to reserve use of city parks and elementary and high school fields for baseball practice, as well as secure local fields for scheduled games during the season.T-Ball and little league girls softball players will benefit the most because they get exclusive use of the field, before other league participants. The children will be playing on a safer infield, reducing the potential for injury. The children will also have a renewed sense of pride playing on their new field, knowing that someone took the time to give them something and see them succeed. Also, the league will have its own softball field, reducing the need to rent city parks and elementary and high school fields.Frank Navarro, Eastridge Little League Secretary/Information Officer, shares his reaction, "To see the league get such a great opportunity is something that really strikes close to home. My family has been involved in Eastridge Little League for over 30 years. My stepfather and his two brothers played here. My brother and all of my cousins have played here. My stepfather, his father, one of his brothers, a cousin of mine and I either are coaching or have coached in the league. Eastridge Little League has many families that have been with our league for decades. Ninety percent of our board has been with Eastridge for at least 20 years."Weather permitting, O.C. Jones will begin work within the next couple of weeks, and plan to be finished by mid-March so Eastridge will be able to use the field for Opening Day. More details will be forthcoming regarding the Opening Day Celebration.To see the announcement and photos of the field, visit the radio station's website, www.knbr.com, then scroll down and click on the TLC for Ballparks tab. To hear recordings of the actual radio spots, go to www.ocjones.com and click on ?Contest Winner Eastridge Little League Field?.ABOUT O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. - O. C. Jones & Sons, Inc. traces its start to 1924, when Olin Clement Jones founded a small concrete placing firm in Berkeley, California. Olin specialized in transporting and placing a new product, later to be known as ready-mixed concrete. Following WW II, Olin was joined by his sons, Harold and Robert, and the company expanded into new work disciplines and increased its geographical reach. Today, O.C. Jones specializes in public and private heavy civil work, focusing on paving, grading, and underground. Satellite offices encircle the greater Bay Area in Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Vallejo, and Oakland, enabling us to build major highways, airport runways, athletic fields, and large-scale site developments.O.C. Jones has successfully completed numerous athletic field projects, including San Jose State University Spartan Stadium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Foothill College, DeAnza College, Crocker Amazon Fields (San Francisco), Stanford University, Tak Fudenna Memorial Stadium, Palo Alto and Gunn High Schools, and many other high schools and middle schools.

CELL PHONE SURVIVES STORMS, WILD RIDE ON NEWSVAN

2010-01-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we take things for granted with our technology gadgets, especially after they've given us years of reliable service. Such was the case with my nearly 3 year old T-Mobile Wing, which I bought in May of 2007. The phone has been flat out fantastic with contacts, maps, and even as a backup live TV monitor with my Slingbox. It has been reliable and durable, but I forgot how good it was until I almost lost it recently.
I am a TV News Reporter for CBS 5 covering San Jose/Silicon Valley and for the last week, we've been covering the powerful storms that have been hitting our area. Thursday night, I was about to do a live shot in a rainy downtown San Jose for the 6pm news. A few minutes before air (I was the lead story) my cameraman, Bob, noticed that my phone was causing interference with my wireless mic. I unhooked it from my belt and and placed it on the hood of our live van near the windshield to do my report. It was still in its holster (which does not cover the device completely since it's built with several large openings for the USB and whatever). You know of course where this is heading. As soon as my liveshot was over, I went home, tired and happy to be finished for the night, but leaving my device on the hood of the news van.

The next morning, Bob called. "You missing something?" were the first words he said and I instantly knew that my phone was gone. Bob explained that when he went out for work that morning, the phone was still on his hood. It had somehow stayed in place during the ride from downtown San Jose to Bob's home in Fremont. "I'll give it an A for grippiness." It was the only thing I could say, feeling stupid and irresponsible. While I was amazed the phone had stayed in place, I just knew it had to be dead. If swerving, curving 65 mile-per-hour speeds didn't kill it, raindrops, freeway muck, and a freezing night of drizzle surely would. Bob said it was soaked and the screen was black. It seemed to confirm my worst fears and I began to think of which new device I would be getting to replace it: Touch Pro 2 or wait for the HD2 with Windows Mobile 7? I admit I was a little thrilled at the thought of getting something new, but I was also sad that I let my reliable workhorse die a undignified, senseless death.

True story about what can happen when we put a phone down on the hood of a vehicle. We've all done it, but this phone came back from a near certain death to snap it's own survival photo.

Bob said he would hand the phone off to another cameraman, Don, who was headed to the South Bay that day and could drop it off. At about 6pm on Friday, my phone arrived, still feeling damp to the touch. Another cameraman Vince and I were working on a story about Tesla in Menlo Park. There in the parking lot of a company that builds cars that are powered by lithium ion batteries, I cautiously turned my Wing on, hoping its own power system would some how work a miracle.
And it did!
The phone fired up immediately, and still had 28% of it's battery left. First the T-Mobile screen, then Windows Mobile booted. I smiled and showed it around to Don and Vince, who were also amazed, asking again "You left this on the hood?" "Yeah, and it spent the night in the rain" I added, still unsure of how it all happened. I quickly opened the camera app and snapped a re-enactment photo of where I left the camera and case the previous night. Everything on the phone worked perfectly. Vince said "I don't think an iPhone would have made it" and he's probably right. The Wing has a rubberized coating that I'm sure helped keep the water out. Even though the outside of the phone was wet, the battery compartment was completely dry.
I've recently updated the phone with the SPB Mobile Shell interface so this phone feels and acts like a cool, modern device. But not wimpy cool. This phone has proven to be very tough and it seems to have a will to survive whatever its sometimes absent-minded owner throws at it.

ADVENTURES IN THE SAN JOSE ALPS

2009-12-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

It dawned bright and clear the morning after a big storm in San Jose, so we decided to take a hike in Alum Rock Park. We parked near the Youth Science Institute and wandered up the North Rim trail. It was still quite cold and windy in the shady areas of the park, so the added warmth of the sun on that side of the canyon was a welcome bonus. We hiked up to Eagle Rock, enjoying the views of the city as we went. We also got to see a little of the park's wildlife: several hawks silently gliding, rising and falling as they were swept along by the updrafts. We also saw numerous deer including two large bucks. The trails were very quiet but there were a few other hikers and runners around. The kids are finally old enough to climb on Eagle Rock itself. It was a very nice moment, being at the top with the family, enjoying some solitude in a hectic week. This is one of the main reasons we have chosen to live in the East Foothills: the natural beauty of the surrounding hills. So close to the city, yet seemingly so far away. What a treasure.

JAMES LICK HOMECOMING UNDER THE LIGHTS

2009-11-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Nice cool autumn evening, a sprinkle of rain and friends all around celebrating the Green and White on the football field. James Lick High School's homecoming football
game against San Jose High was a well attended, fun community event. Lick has been through a lot of changes over the years, but it's still good ol' Jimmy Lick to many of us. I took my three kids to the game tonight and we had a great time hanging out with friends and watching some very good and competitive football. Despite the Comets losing the game, James Lick has a very good team this year and they are fun to watch. I left in the fourth quarter to get my 7 year old home and in bed to rest him up for soccer Saturday morning.

The Homecoming festivities were fun to watch, including the crowning of the homecoming queen, Melody Gonzales. I got a chance to talk to Melody and her mom (also a former Comet). Coincidentally, Melody wishes to pursue studies in Journalism upon graduation. I invited her to be a student correspondent for The Neighborhood View. I hope she takes me up on that. It would be a good training ground for her or anyone since traditional journalism jobs are converging into digital media.

Halftime also included a chance for all JL alums to get together for a group photo. That was a fun moment. Here we were, a lot of middle age men and women rubbing elbows next to cheerleaders from the class of 2007. It was cool, we all had something in common, the James Lick connection. We are all still true to our school. After the tragic events of the past week here on the East Side, it was nice to be able to get out and enjoy a nice event with the family.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL CALLS FOR PEACE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

2009-11-06T00:04:00.000-08:00

About 100 people gathered at Story and King....watch the video.

CITY REACTS TO SURGE IN GANG VIOLENCE

2009-11-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

There have been 3 major incidents of gang violence in San Jose over the past week, with two of them happening on the East Side.
Two boys, ages 12 and 13 were shot and stabbed while trick or treating near Story and Hopkins on Halloween night. Four suspects have been arrested.
A woman was shot while driving at Hwy 87 and 280.
And a 20 year old man was shot and killed on White Road at Warm Springs.

Thursday night, there will be a candlelight vigil for the victims of gang violence at Story and King with a march to the intersection of Hopkins. Police are planning for what may be a spike in violence due to retaliation.

For more on what's been happening, including my own video coverage on CBS 5 click on the link:

http://cbs5.com/local/sj.halloween.attack.2.1292949.html

JAMES LICK HS FOOTBALL IN THE NEWS

2009-09-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Lick is undefeated in football at 2-0 for the first time since forever...and the team is getting some great recognition from the San Jose Mercury News. JL is on the upswing academically too. As a JL alumnus, it is great to see!

http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_13397946

GROUND IS BROKEN ON FLEMING AVENUE PARK

2009-09-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Ground was officially broken for the East Foothill's first new park in decades. San Jose City Councilmember Nora Campos and her staff joined neighbors, parks officials and firefighters to celebrate this milestone at the corner of Fleming Avenue and Waterstone Court. The 1/2 acre "pocket" park was approved in 2006 and will be completed in the spring of 2010. The park will feature a children's play area, a par course, a trellised picnic area and open space.

JAMES LICK HIGH OFFERS FIRE SCIENCE CONCENTRATION

2009-09-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

See it on CBS5.

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=54925@kpix.dayport.com

PLAN TO SAVE EAST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SUPPORTED

2009-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

East Side Union High School District Trustee and James Lick grad Eddie Garcia has proposed a three point plan to save interscholastic sports in the district. His plan just got a major boost by the San Jose Mercury News Editorial Board, which is endorsing it:

**************************************************************
Editorial: A credible plan to restore athletics to East Side high schools
Mercury News Editorial
Posted: 05/06/2009 08:00:00 PM PDT

Parents and friends of East Side Union High School District made an impressive down payment last weekend on the restoration of school sports. The next move is for the school board to assure them that their efforts won't be wasted. The board should build interscholastic athletics back into next year's budget.

On Sunday, about 2,000 runners and walkers at a 5K race at Mount Pleasant High raised about $120,000. That's not yet close to the $2.3 million that athletics cost for the 11-high school district, but voluntary fees of $200 per athlete and other fundraising efforts could bring in an additional $500,000 or more. And the district has some additional options.

Trustee Eddie Garcia is proposing a three-pronged strategy to restore athletics, which the school board cut to help erase an $11 million deficit from next year's $240 million budget.
First, the board would guarantee that athletics would be reinstated. That's important, Garcia reasons, to persuade parents to raise money. Without knowing that there will be baseball and track in the spring, parents won't hit the bricks for money in the fall.

Second, the district would take advantage of the Legislature's option for school districts to lower reserves — from 2 percent down to 1 percent in large districts like East Side Union. As a one-year fix, Garcia would use the extra $2.4 million to save sports as well as restore some of the 80 teaching jobs that have been eliminated.

Finally, the trustees would put a parcel tax on the ballot in 2010, with the money dedicated to funding athletics, rehiring librarians and preserving other vital programs that will be under siege for at least several years. Assuming that elderly homeowners are exempted, a $100 tax, for instance, would bring in approximately $11 million.

It's a reasonable approach, and trustees should adopt it at their May 21 meeting. However, we'd add one stipulation. Parents should pledge not to let up in their fundraising or, for those who can afford it, not shirk to paying the voluntary sports fee. That's important, because the more money they raise privately, the more money from the reserve could be used to preserve other programs.

This plan will become more complicated if the state propositions on the May 19 ballot are defeated. This would put billions more dollars for K-12 schools in jeopardy, including millions for East Side Union schools, over the next two to three years. Many more teaching positions and programs could face elimination.

But it will be months before the Legislature works its way through the next budget crisis. Parents need to know the status of sports now, so they can start raising money. And if the worst does happen May 19, passing a parcel tax will become even more important, and the support of thousands of sports boosters will be critical. Killing sports even for one year could doom the tax.

Trustees should reinstate sports for a year but do so with their eyes wide open. They are likely to face more ugly choices.
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STATE OF THE ART FIRE STATION DESIGNED FOR ALUM ROCK

2009-05-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

Check out the stylish designs for the new SJ Fire Station number 2 under construction now on Alum Rock Avenue. Neighbors demanded a new station for the area, not a remodel of the old station. This is what the city gets for it's 9.5 million dollar investment.

Local fire safety guru Frank Crane wrote in a recent ARNNE posting: "If any of us ever visited the old station we were quickly aware of how outdated the old place was. Additionally, we are reminded that the new facility is not like your neighbor's house. This is an up-to-date, technically equipped, fire station, emergency response, and residential facility. And it removes any fear that the Alum Rock Area will be left without a nearby emergency crew on hand 24/7."

NEW ALUM ROCK FIRE STATION BREAKS GROUND

2009-04-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

East San Jose City Council member Nora Campos(center) is joined by Mayor Chuck Reed, City Manager Debra Figone(left) and others for the ground breaking of a new state of the art fire station on Alum Rock Avenue.

When shovels hit the ground for San Jose's new fire station #2, it was more than just another groundbreaking for a big city project, it was a symbolic victory for the residents of Alum Rock. The old Station 2, known by firefighters as "The Rock" was growing weary after decades of service and was in need of repair and seismic upgrade. It was a significant safety issue because Station 2 was also the busiest fire station in San Jose, with more calls for service than any other location.

But city leaders differed on how to upgrade the station. Mayor Chuck Reed favored a less costly "retrofit" while District 5 Council member Nora Campos argued for an entirely new modern station house. That's when the neighborhood got involved. People wrote letters, lobbied the city council and showed up in force at council meetings whenever the issue was discussed. The community's efforts paid off when the council was persuaded to support the building of a new station. The 60-plus year old firehouse was demolished, firefighters and equipment were relocated to a temporary firehouse up Alum Rock near St. John Vianney. New construction is now underway. The new station will add to the redevelopment of the Alum Rock corridor and ensure a safe environment for the dedicated men and women of the SJFD, plus provide reliable, upgraded fire protection for the residents of Alum Rock.

EAST VALLEY SPRING SOCCER OFF TO FLYING START

2009-04-04T12:26:00.001-07:00

photo by Len Ramirez
Fresh cut grass, sunshine and soccer! Those are the ingredients to a perfect Saturday morning in San Jose. My son's team the sharks did not end up winning this game, but the team played well despite some giants on the other team (under 8? c'mon!) The games were played on the nicely tended fields of Rancho Middle School in Milpitas. Great times.

ALUM ROCK PRINCIPAL WINS TOP AWARD

2009-04-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Norma Rodriguez of Dorsa Elementary wins 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year for Santa Clara County.

By Aurora Quevedo

SAN JOSE, CA – The Association of California School Administrators recently announced Norma Rodriguez, Dorsa Elementary Principal, as 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year. In May of this year, Ms. Rodriguez will be recognized by her peers for her county-wide recognition at the Annual Awards Dinner sponsored by ACSA Region 8. Ms. Rodriguez will also receive her state-wide award at the annual ACSA State Leadership Summit which will be held in Sacramento November 5-7, 2009. "Norma is a shining example of what is possible in public schools when the right person is in the position to lead," said José L. Manzo, Interim Superintendent of Alum Rock Union Elementary School District. "She is a model leader, a fierce advocate for education equity, and an inspiration for educators." During Ms. Rodriguez’s four years of leadership at Dorsa, the school has experienced a positive increase in student achievement, boasting an Academic Performance Index (API) growth score of 715 which represents a total gain of 123 points. Norma has led the school transformation through a systematic and complex program. The Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) strategy embraced by Ms. Rodriguez and her entire school community requires knowledgeable leadership and a strong commitment by all involved. Now in its third year of implementation, RTI2 encompasses high-quality instruction, early intervention and prevention, and behavioral strategies. By using culturally relevant, research-based instruction, and with continuous assessment of student learning and increased parental involvement, student learning is accelerated. The RTI2 program integrates resources from general education, categorical programs, and special education into a comprehensive system of instruction and intervention that best fits the needs of the students. Therefore, the focus of the program is on the individual student and what will best help him or her learn. Through her strong leadership, Ms. Rodriguez has motivated the total school community and harnessed its energy and dedication to make this an effective instructional method, resulting in significant student academic growth. In a recent interview, Ms. Rodriguez appeared humbled and honored by the recognition. She gave kudos to her dedicated staff, supportive parents, and district resource professionals. “Even though ACSA is giving me this award, I feel like it has been a team effort,” said Ms. Rodriguez, acknowledging a student’s education involves teachers, support staff, and parent participation. Dorsa Elementary serves approximately 574 students in grades K-5; its demographics include a high Hispanic/Latino community (92.7%) and a high English learner population (66.9 %). The efforts at Dorsa have significantly narrowed the achievement gap.

SAN JOSE APPROVES CESAR CHAVEZ WALKING TRAIL

2009-03-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

See it here on CBS 5:

http://cbs5.com/local/cesar.chavez.walk.2.972839.html

CESAR CHAVEZ MEMORIAL WALKWAY PROPOSED

2009-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

SAN JOSE - Mayor Chuck Reed invites residents to attend a community discussion regarding a proposal to establish the César Chávez Memorial Walkway in San José. The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29 at the Mexican Heritage Plaza Pavilion from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“With the recent addition of the César Chávez Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice on the campus of San José State University, Downtown and Alum Rock have many landmarks related to César Chávez that reflect his great contribution to our City,” said Mayor Reed. “Many people have approached me with the idea of tying these locations together. This meeting will bring the community together to get feedback and ideas for a walkway commemorating the life and legacy of César Chávez.”

The outreach meetings will elicit the community’s opinion on topics such as the proposed route, sign design, landmarks to include, and overall thoughts on the project. Proposed plans for the Memorial Walkway consist of street signs attached to existing poles and will connect various landmarks being considered include Plaza de César Chávez, César Chávez Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice, Mexican Heritage Plaza, Chávez’s former home, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

The project has received the blessing of the family of César Chávez to move forward. “I convened a family meeting… their response was overwhelmingly positive and everyone agree[d] to endorse the project,” said Rudy Chávez-Medina as President of the Chávez Family Vision, Inc. in a letter to Mayor Reed. “We believe that the plans need to move forward and we are committed to working with you on this endeavor.”

In October of 2007, Mayor Reed established the Mayor’s Committee to Honor César E. Chávez in order to help expand on the civil rights leader’s legacy in San José. The volunteer, community advisory panel consists of Reverend Deacon Sal Alvarez, Monsignor Eugene Boyle, Monsignor John Sandersfield, Rudy Chávez-Medina, and former Mayor Susan Hammer. The César Chávez Memorial Walkway was expressed as a committee priority through a letter to Mayor Reed in October 2008.

“This walkway will be able to unite relevant landmarks in San José while recognizing the connection and influence that César Chávez had in our community,” wrote committee chair Sal Alvarez in his letter to Mayor Reed. “We believe that it is vital for citizens to remember the contributions of César Chávez and recognize his profound impact in protecting the exploitation of the underserved community.”

The Mayor’s Office will be planning two additional outreach meetings on the project. Those unable to attend are encouraged to submit their thoughts electronically by emailing mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov.

OBAMA INAUGURATION VIDEO

2009-01-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

Just back from Washington DC. My flight landed at 1:00 am Thursday morning after a whirlwind trip. What an amazing experience it was. I will update this post but for now, this is what it was like to be in the crowd on that historic day:

http://vimeo.com/2901400

LEN RAMIREZ COVERS DC INAUGURAL

2009-01-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody back home in the good ol' East Foothills. I am writing this to you in a luxurious home in suburban Virginia where the temperature outside is about 20 degrees. I'm staying with National Hispanic University President Dr. David Lopez and his family and friends. What a time!
I left sunny California yesterday for a trip to witness history: the inauguration of Barack Obama as our nation's 44th President. I took off from SFO after hugs and kisses from my wife Julie and our three kids. My flight on United was packed. I changed planes in Chicago, and made the hop, skip and jump to DC aboard what seemed like the Obama Express: lots of people heading to the inaugural. The plane was packed with excited people: ladies in Obama sweatshirts, guys in Obama caps and everyone ready for a party! Arriving in DC at 9:30 local time, it was a madhouse at Dulles Airport. The place was packed with people very dressed up for the occasion. I saw many ladies in fur coats and men in suits and topcoats. I also saw one man being helped into his outerwear while sitting in a wheelchair. The man was wearing a cap signifying him as a member of an elite and dwindling group of pilots: The Tuskeegee Airmen. This was a group of African American World War II pilots who overcame severe racism and silenced doubters in their struggle to get their wings. They not only flew, but several became aces in dogfights against enemy pilots over Germany. I interviewed one of them last year at an event in Morgan Hill. One thing that will always stick with me is a statement the pilot made about what happened to him when he got shot down. He said the Germans treated him better as a prisoner of war than his fellow countrymen on the streets of Tuskeegee. Something to think about as we head into this historic week.

SMALL SCHOOLS: WAVE OF THE FUTURE?

2008-12-20T14:28:00.000-08:00

Alum Rock has been doing it for years with Adelante Dual Language Academy
L.U.C.H.A. School and Renaissance Academy.
Now the idea of small schools (a school which occupies the same campus as a large school, but operates independently) is catching on everywhere. Check out this article from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/education/21shared.html?_r=1&hp

CURETON KIDS GET CHRISTMAS JOYS, TOYS

2008-12-19T20:05:00.000-08:00

San Jose City Councilmember Nora Campos helps Santa pass out toys to waiting kids. Photo by Len Ramirez

Horace Cureton Elementary students excitedly lined up in their school cafeteria for a special treat on Friday. The day before Christmas break was exciting enough, but other joys awaited them: SANTA! PRESENTS!

Each of the 570 students at Cureton received a new, wrapped toy to play with courtesy of Jolly Ol' Saint Nick, City Councilmember Nora Campos, her staff, Toys for Tots and corporate sponsors BAE Systems and Target Stores, which contributed toys, cash and gift cards. Rolando Bonilla, Campos' press aide, explained that the entire District 5 staff came up with the idea after a recent brainstorming session on ways to give back to the community. Cureton was chosen because it is a school where there is a critical need this year. About 80% of the student body qualifies for the state's free school lunch program.

NEW LAWYERS TO EXAMINE MARTINEZ DEAL

2008-12-19T00:26:00.000-08:00

Another large audience attended Thursday's Alum Rock School Board meeting. Photo by Julie Ramirez

In a meeting that lasted until the midnight hour, Alum Rock trustees convened into a closed session with their newly hired lawyers to examine the severance deal previously granted to Superintendent Norma Martinez.

The trustees hired the law firm of Burke, Williams and Sorensen of Menlo Park to review, assess and analyze the severance agreement to see if it was legal and proper.

Earlier in the night, the school board faced criticism from members of the public still angry over the deal to give Martinez a $300, 000 "golden parachute" after she resigned.

"That's like winning the lottery," said community member Beth Johnson, "You don't deserve our trust."

Others demanded answeres, and resignations from trustees Frank Chavez and Patricia Potter, who are the only two trustees still on the board which approved the severance package. Trustee Gustavo Gonzales, who was elected board president tonight, voted against the December 2nd deal. Newly elected trustees Esau Herrera and Dolores Marquez were not on the board at the time when the package was approved 3 to 1.

"Chavez, you lost the respect of this community, Potter, you have no judgement," said neighbor AJ Sen, before demanding the two step down. Chavez and Potter did not immediately respond, and gave no indication that they would quit.

The board did approve the formation of a 16-member citizens advisory committee to assist in the search and hiring of a new superintendent. Interim Superintendent Jose Manzo will continue to serve until a new superintendent is hired, a process that could take four to five months.

ALUM ROCK SCHOOLS SHINE IN PERFORMING ARTS

2008-12-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

First graders sing and dance onstage at Joseph George.

On the same night parents and teachers were telling the Board of Trustees what was wrong with the Alum Rock School District, hundreds of other community members were celebrating what's going right.
150 students showcased their talents in front of an audience of about 500 people in a first of its kind Visual and Performing Arts Showcase. Students from Linda Vista Elementary School joined Joseph George Middle School students on the George campus for a night of singing, dancing and instrumental performances.
Two stages (one outdoor) were in busy rotation to handle a wide variety of acts including a first-grade choir, a fourth and fifth-grade choir, elementary and middle school orchestras, a middle school mariachi group, an elementary bell choir and Hawaiian, line dance and hip hop dancing groups. The George library also showcased student art and photography walls. Parent volunteers also handed out free hot chocolate and cookies to the kids.
Ealier this year, Linda Vista and Joseph George became VAPA (visual and performing arts) campuses which strive to integrate art and music with traditional classroom subjects for a more well-rounded educational experience.

ALUM ROCK TRUSTEE QUESTIONS VALIDITY OF MARTINEZ DEAL

2008-12-10T23:28:00.000-08:00

Deal or no deal? That's the question more than one hundred residents, parents and teachers wanted answered at a special school board meeting Wednesday night at the Alum Rock Youth Center gymnasium. The meeting was called late last week as a response to the public outcry over a recent board decision to give a $300,000 "golden parachute" severance package to superintendent Norma Martinez, who resigned.
"There is no severance agreement," said newly elected Trustee Esau Herrera as he held up an audio recording of the meeting. According to Herrera, who is an attorney, the previous board which approved the severance deal in a hastily called closed session meeting did not follow board policy or state law. "Nothing exists that is enforceable," he said of the severance package, "let someone else try to enforce it."
Dozens of speakers repeatedly asked Board President Frank Chavez to justify the agreement with Martinez but he provided no details. "It's not like we gave her a hundred million dollars," Chavez recently remarked to CBS 5 News. He also said people who criticized the deal were "way off base."
The board was not legally required to give Martinez any severance pay because she asked to step down for "personal reasons."
The severance package, which amounts to 18 month's salary for Martinez to walk away, was approved in a 3 to 1 vote on December 2nd, the last day before two newly elected trustees (Hererra and Dolores Marquez) were to take office. Trustees Chavez, Patricia Potter and outgoing member Lalo Morales voted in favor of it, while Trustee Gustavo Gonzales voted against it. Outgoing Trustee Tanya Freudenberger was absent due to illness.
Dozens of residents lined up to speak on the issue to the board. Some speakers called on Chavez and Potter to resign. Others noted how the severance package, which includes health care benefits to Martinez and her husband until age 65, comes at the worse possible time with state budget cuts to education looming. "If she wants to walk away, let her stand in the unemployment line with the rest of the people who got laid off," said one neighborhood activist.
"The people who are here tonight, don't represent the entire community," said board member Potter, a comment which drew astonishment, boos and hisses.
At the end of the four hour meeting, the Martinez severance was re-agendized until December 18th, when the board will seek advice from lawyers as to whether or not the deal is legal and proper.
Martinez did not attend the meeting because of illness but she was represented by Pat Souza, of the Association of California School Administrators. Souza told the board and community that Martinez believes the separation agreement with the Alum Rock School District was properly put together and valid. Souza also said Martinez asked the association's attorneys to review the agreement.
The board also voted unanimously to designate Deputy Superintendent Jose Manzo Interim Superintendent for the Alum Rock Union School District.

ALUM ROCK SUPERINTENDENT QUITS THEN GETS A RAISE

2008-12-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

It appears the Alum Rock school board gave Superintendent Norma Martinez the mother of all golden parachutes. Moments after Martinez asked to step down in a closed board session, a lame duck school board went into open session and voted 3-1(with one member absent) to give her a raise that boosted her severance package to almost 300 thousand dollars plus medical, etc. until she is 65. Parents are outraged that money is being wasted during these times with budget cuts looming. Word is Martinez wanted to step down because the current board has a majority that favors her. The new board coming in after November's election would be at odds with her and she read the writing on the wall.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I'm a parent in the district, and my wife is a PTA officer and sits on the Superintendent's Resource Council as a parent adviser/volunteer.

MERCURY NEWS ARTICLE:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11132593

LIGHT UP ALUM ROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2008-12-02T16:42:00.001-08:00

By Judy Thompson

Another first is taking place in Alum Rock Village! This coming Saturday, December 6th, Santa Claus is taking up residence in his own house in what is newly designated as the “East Pole”! His presence is part of the Alum Rock Village Business Association’s (ARVBA) third annual Light Up the Village holiday celebration from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.

Around 1:00 PM, Santa will arrive at his house at 4300 Alum Rock Avenue in an antique car convoy after a mini-parade through the neighborhood. Neighbor Ray Fontaine has signed on as Santa’s chauffeur in his 1925 Model T touring car – top down. (Please keep your fingers crossed for a nice day!) East Foothill old car enthusiasts Rick Willson, Bob Sletten and Doug Moore will all be accompanying Santa and Ray in their own precious collector cars.

At “Santa’s House in the Village” Santa will see children from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. His house is at the east edge of the Village at the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and Millar Avenue. Don’t let its 4300 Alum Rock address fool you – it’s just one house removed from the 3100 block which is “the Village.”

Santa’s participation is just a small part of an all-afternoon community holiday celebration. Entertainment will be non-stop at the stage area on the sidewalks of the Village near the Planned Parenthood Clinic. Look for neighbor (and Channel 5 news personality) Len Ramirez to emcee a program of caroling, a hand bell choir, school bands, a youth choir and Mr. Andres Faz, a fabulous long-time professional classical guitarist.

The sidewalks will be festive with booths including Regional Medical Center’s ornament-making project for kids, various supportive neighborhood entrepreneurs and vendors. The trees will be beribboned, the shop windows will be lighted – it will be a lighthearted afternoon! Free refreshments will be served to kids.

Attendees of all ages will be invited to take part in the third annual free “bingo raffle” where they will take a bingo-type card to participating Village businesses to be stamped. The stamped cards become part of a drawing for numerous prizes donated by local businesses. The raffle will end around 3:00 PM with the drawing not long after.

The icing on the cake will be a lighting ceremony at the corner of Alum Rock and White Road. Folks will gather in the vicinity of Starbucks at around 4:45 PM. They will be serenaded by carolers from the James Lick choir, meet local dignitaries and enjoy a carol sing-along. James Lick’s huge pines behind the marquee will come to life with hundreds of colored lights. It will be an occasion which little kids will long remember.

Please come for the afternoon. Make a point of getting acquainted with our local businesses. Meet your neighbors and celebrate community! The Dr. Roberto Cruz – Alum Rock Library will also welcome visits during its concurrent holiday event. Look for parking at the James Lick High School lot and the City lot behind YSI and Planned Parenthood.

ALUM ROCK UNION SCHOOL BOARD RACE PROFILE

2008-09-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

The San Jose Mercury News profiled the race for Alum Rock School Board in their
Sunday editions. In case you missed it, you can find it here:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10578731?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

ALUM ROCK SCHOOL FEATURED ON CBS-5 NEWS

2008-09-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Adelante Academy's dual immersion program was featured on CBS-5 Eyewitness News last night by your friendly neighborhood blogger and TV newsman Len Ramirez. It was a fine report if I do say so! Check it out:

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=39639@kpix.dayport.com

CHAVEZ MEMORIAL DEDICATED AT SJSU

2008-09-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of students, faculty and community members gathered at San Jose State University on Thursday to dedicate a monument Cesar E. Chavez. The Arch of Dignity, Equality and Justice stands 20 feet tall and is capped by the Aztec eagle emblem that became the symbol for Chavez' United Farm Workers union. The arch, created by Chicana artist Judith F. Baca of Los Angeles, also features a mosaic of Chavez and larger than life paintings of farmworkers, Chavez' role model Mahatma Ghandi and Dolores Huerta, Chavez' partner in the UFW.
Chavez grew up in East San Jose near Alum Rock Avenue and spent his early adult years as a community organizer in the Community Service Organization with other East Side legends such as Herman Gallegos and Leonard C. Ramirez. Before moving on to found the UFW, Chavez and other early CSO members staged voter registration drives and fought for paved streets, sidewalks and street lights in East Side neighborhoods.
The arch stands near the entrance to the SJSU student union and organizers hope the artwork will inspire students of all backgrounds to get involved in community activism.
Portraits of Dolores Huerta (left) and Mahatma Ghandi.Students will see this mosaic of Chavez as they pass through the arch. Artist Judith F. Baca (left) stands with Dolores Huerta under Huerta's portrait.

The arch was blessed with holy water during the dedication.

SALSA FESTIVAL HEATS UP ALUM ROCK

2008-08-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Photos by Len and Amanda Ramirez

The first ever San Jose Salsa Festival in Alum Rock Village was a smashing success! The sounds of Latin Affect and Orchesta America got the crowd moving. The salsa and the moves on the dance floor/Quick Stop parking lot kept it hot. And the dozens of vendors and food booths made the afternoon fun. Hundreds of Alum Rock neighbors and families turned out for this first ever Salsa Festival in The Village. There was also salsa tasting, a dance demonstration, dance lessons, a dance contest, a raffle and much more. Check out all the photos and give us your comments on the festival in the space below!

HOT SALSA PARTY COMES TO ALUM ROCK

2008-08-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

By Judy Thompson

Our own charming Alum Rock Village will be the site of some terrific “firsts” on Saturday, August 23rd. The Village Business Association (ARVBA) is hosting The First Annual San Jose Salsa Festival which will be held on the street and sidewalks of our historic little business district. This is the first time in anyone’s memory that Alum Rock Avenue will be closed to traffic for nearly 24 hours to accommodate an honest-to-goodness Family Street Fair. And, this will be the first time ever that such an ambitious event will take place at our community’s crossroads hub, Alum Rock Avenue and White Road.

Countless hours of planning and organizing are going into preparations to make this community-building festival an event to remember. Midblock between White Road and Millar/Manning there will be a very large stage. On this stage there will be non-stop musical programming featuring two professional bands, our neighbor Len Ramirez (of Channel 5 fame) emceeing and Village business owner “Salito” Cortes doing vocal impersonations. Local dignitaries will be on hand to greet festival-goers from the stage. DJ’s will round out the program.

An amateur Salsa Dancing contest will be held - but not until guests have had a chance to avail themselves of some free lessons given at the stage. Prizes will be awarded!

Salsa of the edible kind will be featured at a special tasting booth where guests can vote for their favorites from among local restaurant’s offerings.

Food and retail vendor booths will line the median strip offering delicious comestibles and outstanding shopping opportunities. The festival will be the perfect place for family lunch or dinner amid the happy throng.

Along the sidewalks, local non-profits will set up shop offering information and literature - and freebies for kids. There will also be a special kids’ area with a wide array of activities. A free betta fish will be available for every child! Smokey Bear will be there.

Many Village shops and restaurants will be open for business – and most will welcome visitors inside. It will truly be a community event celebrating the people of the Alum Rock neighborhood.

Entrance is free. Parking is free (at James Lick High School, Cruz/Alum Rock Library, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Logos Christian Fellowship Church). However walking is encouraged! Alcohol will not be served assuring children a safe and welcoming environment. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley and James Lick High School.

Hours: Noon to 7:00 PM. Street closure will begin around midnight the night before (to allow installation of the temporary “village within a village”).

And, of course, It Will Be HOT!!!

To learn more about ARVBA, visit our new Web Site at http://www.arvba.org/ or go to http://www.sanjosesalsafestival.org/.

NEW STORE COMES TO ALUM ROCK VILLAGE

2008-05-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

After being vacant and an eyesore for months in Alum Rock Village, the former Bodega Market space is getting ready to re-open this summer. You probably noticed the bright new paint and modernized store front. Those are just a few of the upgrades that are taking place to make The Village Store ready for its first customers this August. According to San Jose's Redevelopment point person for Alum Rock, the new store will be a small grocery with fresh fruit and veggie bins out front, and a deli/eating area in the back. The new owners are reportedly trying to get things ready for the grand opening in time for the Alum Rock Salsa Festival, which is coming on August 2nd. The Salsa Festival will be a local street happening with a closure planned for Alum Rock Avenue in the village area. It should be fun!

NEW SKATEBOARD PARK OPENS AT LAKE CUNNINGHAM

2008-04-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

Opening day at the new skateboard park. Skaters gave it rave reviews. They tell me this puts East San Jose on the map in a big way with pro and amateur skaters from all over the country.

REED'S SPORT SHOP TO CLOSE

2008-04-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

If you grew up on the East Side, there was only one place for athletes and sportsman to go if they were taking up a sport or planning a camping or fishing trip: Reed's Sport Shop. But after 60 years in Alum Rock, Reed's is calling it quits. No word yet on the official story, but a clerk confirmed the rumor yesterday, saying Reed's planned to close it's store in July and move the gunshop to its indoor range in Santa Clara. There are no going out of business signs on the outside of the building, but store employees are telling customers informally of the plans. Reed's has been an anchor business and a family-run operation in Alum Rock since 1948

TWO TEENS SHOT IN ALUM ROCK

2008-04-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Two teenagers are suffering from critical injuries after being shot in our Alum Rock neighborhood early Saturday morning.
The double shooting happened at about 1:10 a.m. in an unincorporated neighborhood off Madeline Drive, according to Sgt. Don Morrissey of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.
Although the gunshot wounds were serious enough to be life threatening at the time, Morrissey said the victims look like they will pull through.
Morrissey also said homicide investigators are handling the case, but there's no word if anyone has been arrested or if suspects have been identified.
Father Eddie Obero opened mass at nearby St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Sunday morning by asking parishoners to pray for the victims and for peace in the neighborhood.

TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP ALUM ROCK

2008-04-10T09:11:00.001-07:00

Clean up kits include an orange vest, gloves, trash bags, a mechanical litter-picker-upper and a voucher that allows you to put out extra trash bags on your curb for pick up.

Let's pitch-in! If you're tired of seeing littered streets, clogged gutters and graffiti tags in the area, here's a chance to do something about it. Cool clean up kits and graffiti-removal kits will be given away to the public on Saturday, April 12th from 8 to 1pm at the Plata Arroyo Park basketball courts at the corner of McKee and Jackson.

The kits are being given away to residents as part of a wider effort to clean up our neighborhoods called "The Great American Litter Pickup," and is being sponsored by the City's Parks and Recreation Department. The event also includes a free lunch from 12 to 1pm for volunteers. Let's all get involved to make Alum Rock a better--and cleaner--place to live!

ALUM ROCK LITTLE LEAGUE KICKS OFF WITH PARADE

2008-04-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

Indians coaches Franciso Haro(left) and Joseph Raya led a happy tribe of T-ballers into their first season.(photo by Julie Ramirez)

Play Ball! Hundreds of boys and girls and their families celebrated a great American tradition: Little League!! The streets around Ben Painter Elementary School were filled with Yankees, Giants, Indians, Pirates, Reds and A's as well as White Sox, Red Sox and Mets. There were also Pink Panthers, Crushers, Bruisers, Knock Outs and Icy Hots as the girls kicked off their softball season. San Jose Police cars and fire engines added to the pageantry and let their sirens wail as the ball players entered the school fields. Alum Rock's Little League fields underwent some upgrading over the off season to accommodate disabled access. As Vin Scully might say..."it was a beautiful day for baseball!"

Respect, teamwork and fair play are part of the Little League players motto recited during opening ceremonies.(photo by Len Ramirez)

STARBUCKS GRAND OPENING THIS WEEKEND

2008-04-04T08:59:00.001-07:00

Open for Business! James Lick High School student Lizete Carapinha(center) and friends are among the first customers this morning at the new Starbucks at the corner of Alum Rock and White. Manager Farrah Myers says the coffee house had a soft opening Thursday, but is planning a grand opening this weekend with free samples. (photo by Julie Ramirez)

MISS CAFE ON CBS 5

2008-04-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Alum Rock is in the news again. In case you missed it on CBS 5 at 11 last night, here's a report from inside Miss Cafe:

http://cbs5.com/local/sj.cafe.controversy.2.690059.html

ALUM ROCK COMMUNITY UNITES, PLEDGES TO IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD

2008-03-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Alum Rock neighbor James Cape and Todd Trekell of Barry Swenson Group shake hands after Trekell pledged to include the community in any new plans to develop the PEO home property on Kirk Avenue. Cape and others promised to hold the developer to his word.

By Len and Julie Ramirez

If anyone ever doubts the commitment of Alum Rock neighbors to improve their community and their ability to defend it, let them hear about what happened tonight. "I left excited and ready to roll up my sleeves," said one long time Alum Rock resident after attending the standing room only meeting at the fellowship hall of Foothill Presbyterian Church on McKee Road. About 150 residents packed the room for the Alum Rock Neighborhood Coalition's regular March meeting. Community spirit was reborn and special commissions were set up so neighbors working in small, cohesive groups could tackle some of areas of concern:

Graffiti Removal
Blight
Beautification
Neighborhood Watches
Roads and Traffic
Schools and Education
Community and Business Relations
Public Relations/Media

But two items dominated the night's agenda: the future of the PEO home on Kirk Avenue and the ongoing concern over the proliferation of swanky nightclub-style cafes on Alum Rock Avenue.

Interest over the PEO property exploded during the last 10 days while talks of a women's prison surfaced and later fizzled. Intense emails and phone calls flooded the in-boxes of local officials, news reports aired, and tempers flared, while neighbors rallied. "Calls went from nothing to 50 the next day over this issue," explained Darcie Green of Assembly Member Joe Coto's office. Applause broke out as ARNC President David Sanchez proclaimed, "What's the latest on the PEO home? Nothing--it's over!!"

The sigh of relief was short lived; however, while neighbors realized the future of the property is still a big question. Todd Trekell, representing property owner and developer Barry Swenson, also noted the overwhelming response of neighbors to his office over the prison plan. "We heard you loud and clear," he said. Trekell also assured the community that Barry Swenson will work with the community in the future. Trekell tried to gain credibility with the skeptical crowd by citing his own family ties to the East Side as well as Mr. Swenson's (he graduated from James Lick High School). Trekell told neighbors that the site is an excellent location for an assisted living center, and that his company is working with a couple of entities in that regard, but noted that the land is for sale, and thus could be sold and developed by others.

Neighbors also heard a presentation by Greg Lippman, of ACE Charter Schools, over his company's interest in the PEO site as a potential charter middle school. Citing its beautiful grounds, good driveway access and ample classroom and meeting areas, Lippman said the site is an excellent candidate for a school of about 400 students. But he also noted that his company is not yet ready to move forward with formal plans.
The owner of Miss Cafe on Alum Rock Avenue faced a large and skeptical audience of concerned East Siders.

Some of the most heated discussions of the night centered around two of the newest members of the Alum Rock business community: Miss Cafe and Thien Y, which are Vietnamese cafes that feature short menus and even shorter skirts and skimpy tops for their waitresses. Attorney James Barrett, who represents Miss Cafe brought up the businesses owner (who was not named), his wife and two toddlers and said "these are the faces of Miss Cafe." The audience gave a collective chuckle, but bit its tongue on voicing more pointed comments until after the wife and children had left the front of the room. Miss Cafe attorney James Barrett fielded questions and criticism from neighbors while Miss Cafe's owner and manager stood by. Barrett said "I want Miss Cafe to be a part of this community."

"This is an issue of appropriateness and its impact on this community," said neighbor James Cape referring to the dark, reputedly smoky environment and skimpy outfits. Maureen Behlen pointed out how she currently avoids using the Wells Fargo ATMs next to its entrance after her 12 year old son was shocked by what he saw during their last visit to get cash. "Would you take your children there?" she asked the owner. To her surprise he admitted he took them to work with him and his wife. As the audience gasped, she snapped, "Shame on you!"

Attorney Barrett said he would meet with ARNC's newly formed community and business relations commission next week, while insisting he wants Miss Cafe to "be a part of this community."

ALUM ROCK CAFES UNDER SCRUTINY

2008-03-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Mercury News Columnist Scott Herhold attended a recent ARNC meeting and wrote the following article after interviewing Alum Rock locals Julie Ramirez and ARNC President David Sanchez. His article takes a look at the Alum Rock Vietnamese cafe controversy:

http://www.mercurynews.com/scottherhold/ci_8688825?nclick_check=1

PEO PRISON PLAN DROPPED!

2008-03-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

The following is a letter to the Alum Rock community from Leaders in Community Alternatives President Linda Connelly formally withdrawing from the PEO/Prison plan:

Dear Neighbors,

I submitted a letter to the State of California today officially withdrawing our application for a Female Rehabilitative Community Correctional Center at 10 Kirk Avenue. Our intent was never to develop this site without the consent of the neighbors, and it was apparent there was not enough support to continue with the process.I want to apologize to you that it appeared as though we were trying to push this project on the neighborhood without your involvement. We were in the very early stages of discussions with the State of California for the project. This was a highly competitive bid process (funding was availablefor 1200 beds and there were 10,000 beds bid throughout the state), and there was no certainty that Santa Clara County would be selected. We were in the planning process with some Alum Rock neighbors strategizing the who,what, where, why, and when of talking with neighborhood groups andindividuals, and the best way to go about that. We planned this process to take several months, and did not want to begin in a major way until we knewif the state was even interested in Santa Clara County for the women'sprogram. Unfortunately this very preliminary concept of possibly using the 10 Kirk Avenue site for a rehabilitative program for women was leaked to the pressvery prematurely and we were not given a chance to talk to each of you. I know this has been very distressing, and has caused great concern for manyof you. I understand completely, and am deeply disappointed that this washow you heard about our proposal. I have worked in the criminal justice field for 34 years, and have opened many residential programs over the years. Our typical process if to lookfor potential sites. When we find one, we first talk to immediate neighborsto see if there is any major concern. If not, we begin the process of talking to police, elected officials and neighbors. This process is done over several months because it takes at least six-nine months to go through a conditional use process. It is during this time that we decide if we canget the community support to open a program,. If not, then we back away from a site. Neighborhood support is crucial, and without it, there is no point in going forward. There is a serious lack of programming available in Santa Clara County for women and men returning from state prison to their home communities. Theresult of this is high recidivism rates, increased crime, and significant expenses to the local infrastructure. The State of California, Departmentof Corrections and Rehabilitation, is attempting to mitigate the revolving door of our criminal justice system, utilizing evidence-based research, and developing intensive treatment programs in the community offenders will bereturning. This is a huge asset to local communities and a significant benefit for the clients in the program and the communities housing theprograms. Obviously, though, the program site needs to be in the rightlocation. All of the programs I have started, and the hundreds of programs my colleagues across the country have started, have completely integrated themselves into their respective neighborhoods in a positive way. Neighbors end up loving these programs because of the value they bring to thecommunity - jobs, tax revenues, community service and neighborhood projects,resources for neighbors as well as program clients, 24-hour awake presence,decreased crime, and increased housing pricing. The research and actual programs demonstrate this over and over again. I know it would have been true at 10 Kirk, and I know it can be true where ever we end up.The silver lining in what has transpired over the last week is that thisvery serious issue of re-entry has been brought to the forefront of not only the Alum Rock neighborhood, but also the city of San Jose and County of Santa Clara. There has been a lot of interest in working with us to providethis necessary treatment services in the right location within the County. The other silver lining is that your neighborhood has demonstrated its cohesiveness and ability to coalesce around an important issue in a short period of time. It was impressive. I wish you the best, and again, my heartfelt apology that this process did not work itself out the way it was intended. Regardless if the end result had been the same, you and the program deserved to be fully vetted and understood before a decision was made. Thank you.

Linda Connelly,
President/CEO Leaders in Community Alternatives, Inc. (LCA)594 Howard Street - Suite 300San Francisco, CA 94105415-546-5222 (Phone)415-546-1932 (Fax)mailto:lconnelly%40lcaservices.com http://www.lcaservices/.com

PEO HOME MEETING SET

2008-03-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

By ARNC President David Sanchez

This Thursday's Alum Rock Neighorhood Coalition Community Meeting will be held at the Foothill Presbyterian Church, 5301 McKee Road and will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.. An agenda will be posted but the main focus of this meeting will be on the PEO Home/FRCCC (Female Rehabilatative Community Correctional Center) with updates from last months meeting.

Please use the evite invitation link ..... HERE ...... to RSVP, it will help us get a rough idea of the attendance. The invitation is and open invitation so please share this email and the evite link with others who may be interested in attending. If someone would like to post the invitation at some of the local businesses as well, that would be great!

LET'S KEEP THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT ALIVE

2008-03-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

By Julie Ramirez

The energy and momentum generated in Alum Rock over the last week is inspirational and a real testiment to the will, committment and wealth of knowledge in our community. Our neighborhood has sent a clear message to San Jose and state leaders that our neighborhood is not a suitable area for a prison. Aside from the buzz of the proposed prison site, neighbors have begun asking: "What's next?" "How can we keep the momentum going to build a better Alum Rock? How can we attract [and sustain] more businesses to our area?" The answer has clearly emerged: We need to invest in our neighborhood!!

Among the many hidden treasures in our area, one that is often neglected and bashed is our school system. My children attend an award winning school. It offers extra curricular activities including GATE, band, drama, and dance. They are exposed to and enjoy the diversity of cultures and languages. Their teachers are credentialed. They're offered a hot breakfast and lunch and a free after school YMCA program. They go on several field trips throughout the year, attend enrichment festivities like a Back to School Carnival, Family Literacy Nights and an International Dance Festival. And, they are receiving a great education!

I don't pay high tuition rates; I don't transport them across the Valley. And I don't settle for mediocrity. I proudly send them to Linda Vista Elementary school. If we are looking for a place to start investing in our community, it makes sense to start with the schools.

Linda Vista is a California Distinguished School with an execellent, experienced staff. Principal Paddy Douglas and Vice Principal Colin Ford are dedicated and work closely with their staff and students to create a welcoming environment and great educational experience. Over the last three years, it has consistently improved its API scores, and is getting very close (765) to breaking the 800 barrier which many parents shopping for neighborhoods and schools look for. It's an outstanding achievement for the students and staff given the diverse community Linda Vista serves.

Unfortunately, many families in the area are quick to look beyond our local schools when it comes to their kid's education. Just imagine what the schools in the area can become if more parents invested in them? And we get so much in return. As a family, we have built great relationships with our neighbors because of our ties to Linda Vista.

The Alum Rock Unified School District also houses three other Distinguished Schools-- including McCollam, which is also in our immediate area. Alum Rock has 27 schools throughout its District, including three so called "small schools." Our Superintendent Norma Martinez was recently named "Administrator of the Year" by the Association of California School Administrators and many of its teachers have been recognized as well.

Schools are the heart of a community, more so than trendy businesses and fancy chain stores. They are where families meet. If you build strong schools, more people will be attracted to the area, and prosperity will follow.

PEO PRISON PLAN DEFEATED?

2008-03-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

The recent groundswell of opposition to a proposal to locate a state women's prison facility on the PEO Home site may have forced the plan's backers to look elsewhere. Here is how NBC 11 covered the controversy tonight:

CITY CRACKS DOWN ON ALUM ROCK CAFES

2008-03-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

The following letter was sent as a follow up to the recent Alum Rock Neighborhood Coalition meeting in which several neighbors urged city planning and code enforcement officials to take
a harder look at the cafes. The specific complaint neighbors made is that the cafes applied to be restaurants, but are not operating as such.

Miss Cafe/2880 Alum Rock Avenue

Code Enforcement issued a compliance order to the property owner and business owner requiring that entertainment activities cease until such time as the business can demonstarte that the business is operating as a "bona fide eating establishment" as defined by the Zoning Ordinance. In addition, the property owner and business owner were ordered to remove the outdoor seating located to the rear of the building that was added without Planning approval. Finally, the business owner has been issued administrative citations for allowing smoking to occur inside the business.

Please be advised that I personally accompanied staff during inspections conducted on Monday, March 10th and Wednesday, March 12th. The Miss Cafe has created a menu that now offers a variety of menu choices for customers. You may recall the original menu appeared to serve only appetizers. In addition, I inspected the kitchen area and observed silverware and plates/cups necessary for a restaurant use. Finally, I observed the kitchen refrigerators and observed food items necessary for preparing food when ordered. During my inspection yesterday, at noon, I did not observe any of the customers eating food, of the approximate 20 customers in the Cafe'. In addition, I observed several tables and chairs to the rear of the building for smoking customers. I was accmpanied on the inspection with Principal Planner Jeannie Hamilton as I was interested in her viewpoint as to whether the business was operating as a restaurant as described by the Zoning Ordinance.

I am not convinced, at this point, that the Miss Cafe' is operating as a restaurant as described in the Zoning Ordinance, though I believe that the Cafe' is moving towards compliance with there efforts to date. I admonished the business owner on allowing outdoor seating and ordered that the outdoor seating cease immediately, pending subsequent Planning review and approval. I advised the business owner that entertainment may not be reinstated until Code Enforcement is convinced that the use is that of a restaurant and not a "coffee shop".

Thien Y Restaurant/3116 Alum Rock Avenue

Code Enforcement staff has been monitoring the business since the original complaint was received, and on March 3rd obtained enough preliminary evidence to begin enforcement proceedings. Additional evidence was obtained yesterday, March 13th, to support Code Enforcement's position that this business is not operating as a bona fide public eating establishment.

Code Enforcement has issued a compliance order advising the property owner and business owner of the following violations: entertainment, specifically karaoke, must cease at 10:00 p.m. and for failing to obtain building permits for the mounted television monitors that exceed 50 pounds as previously instructed. The compliance order will provide the property owner and business owners notice of violations and corrective action required as follows :

1. Obtain a building permit or remove the mounted television monitors that exceed the 50 pound limitation no later than Thursday, March 27, 2008;
2. Cease any live entertainment, specifically the karaoke entertainment, after 10:00 p.m., no later than 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2008.

Thus far, Code Enforcement has issued the business owner a $250.00 administrative citation for failing to obtain a sign permit.

Please let me know if additional information is desired. Please share this e-mail with community/neighborhood members.

Cordially,

Michael Hannon
Code Enforcement Official
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department
City of San Jose

BIG CHANGES COME TO ALUM ROCK VILLAGE

2008-01-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

After more than a year of waiting and wondering if a new coffee house would be coming to Alum Rock Village, the question seems to be answered. "Starbuck's Coming Soon" banners were hung this week from the top of the old Rafiki's coffee house space at Alum Rock and White Road. Several residents were hoping for a Starbuck's or perhaps a Peet's and negotiations had been going on for some time to bring a major coffee house to the corner. No word yet on when the store may be open, but it appears work inside the space is moving quickly along. The space has been gutted inside.

This means that not only will great coffee be coming to Alum Rock, but so will jobs.

A notice in the window of the door says there will be a Starbuck's Coffee Company Hiring Fair on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 2990 East Capitol Expressway (Capitol and Tully) from 10am to 12pm. No word on how many full or part-time jobs will be created.

Meantime, across the street, the Thai White Rock Cafe has sadly closed down. The signs have been taken down and the windows have been shuttered. Word that the restaurant would be shutting down circulated in the neighborhood for months and it finally happened. It was a well-regarded restaurant and had several good reviews. There is now a notice in the window that says there has been a change of ownership. And it appears a new Vietnamese restaurant will take it's place. No word on when the new restaurant will be open.

FLEMING PARK PLANS TAKE SHAPE

2007-09-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Most community members at the meeting liked Concept Plan1 the best, with the exception of the gazebo. Neighbors voted for the gazebo to be replaced with a longer trellis type structure as seen in Concept Plan 3 (below).

Despite community outreach from the city, only a small group of neighbors from the Fleming/Alum Rock area turned out for a final neighborhood meeting to plan a new city park for the area. The meeting on September 17th, was also attended by two city employees from the parks department, Evelyn Velez-Rosario and Jason Condit, as well as City Councilmember Nora Campos and her staff member Ryan Ford. Condit, who is a park designer, unveiled three plans for the half-acre site between Alum Rock Avenue and Fleming Court (former site of the Korean Baptist Church).

All three of the plans incorporated elements previously requested by neighbors at a meeting last spring such as a small childrens play area, par course, covered seating and grassy open space. The designs also include existing assets such as the mature pine, oak and fruit trees on the property.

Click on the photos above to get a closer look at the plans.

After some discussion, neighbors voted to accept the Concept Plan 1 design, which will be modified to include a longer trellis type structure instead of a gazebo, as well as a low decorative fence around the park's Fleming and Waterstone Court perimeters.

Not all neighbors in attendance approved of the plans. One gentleman who stated his family has lived on Fleming for 70 years said he "couldn't believe" the city was putting a park on Fleming Avenue. He called it the worst thing he's ever heard of. The neighbor had not been involved in the process before.

The park plan was developed as a compromise effort to reduce density, ease traffic and create open space in conjunction with a Braddock and Logan housing development next to the park. In late 2005, developers announced plans to build 21 homes on the former church site. Shortly thereafter, neighbors banded together and spoke out at a series of planning and council meetings throughout 2006 to get number of homes reduced. Eventually, the city council approved a plan to build 14 homes on the site, with some of the remaining land to be used for a small public park.

Unfortunately, city officials stated that the park will not be completed until sometime in 2009, although construction on the homes is well underway.

SJPD LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE SERVICE

2007-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

San Jose Police have launched a very useful new service on the http://www.sjpd.org/ website which allows residents with personal computers to monitor the numbers, types and locations of all calls for service.
The free service works with Google maps and shows graphically the general location of where reported crimes are taking place. Individual calls show up as small icons denoting the type of crime, when it was reported and the incident number in case you want to follow up later. Individual addresses are not shown to protect people's privacy. The service also allows residents to get email alerts in near real time when the crimes have been reported. This is potentially a great tool for neighborhood groups trying to monitor crime in their area. They can look for trends, such as a rash of burglaries or car break-ins. Unfortunately for many of us, crimes reported to the Sheriff's Office are not part of the new online service

You can find the SJPD'S Crime Reports site here:

http://www.sjpd.org/Crime_stats/CrimeReportsFAQ.html

TRAFFIC BACKLOG GETS WORSE

2007-09-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

No, I wasn't using my cameraphone while driving. I was completely stopped on 680, waiting for the light on the Alum Rock offramp. I decided to take a picture, because this was the first time I can ever remember traffic being backed up this far out onto the freeway. In fact, traffic was backed up so far that cars were side by side with those backed up from the Capitol Avenue exit. This was taken at 6pm on Wednesday. Is the East Side area getting crowded or what?

LYNDALE AVENUE BOY STRUCK BY SUV

2007-09-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

The California Highway Patrol reported that late this morning that an unidentified 3 year old boy was struck while riding his bike by an SUV on Lyndale Avenue at Highwood. The boy was taken by ambulance to Valley Medical Center with minor injuries according to CHP Officer Todd Thibodeau. "He wasn't wearing a helmet", Thibodeau said, adding that the boy was lucky to escape with only "cuts and scrapes."

The boy's bike shows what could have happened. It was lodged beneath the wheels of the GMC Suburban. The driver, Maria Velasquez, told the CHP she was motoring northbound at about 20 miles per hour on Lyndale, when the boy veered into the street. Thibodeau said she tried to avoid hitting him, but could not stop in time. Velasquez is not a licensed driver, Thibodeau said, so she was cited and the vehicle was impounded.

Neighbors Nancy and Allen Olson said they had noticed the boy and his younger sister riding bikes and scooters earlier in the morning, apparently unattended. "We saw no parents," Nancy Olson said.

ALUM ROCK YOUTH CENTER FUNDRAISER

2007-09-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Community Friends:

On Saturday, September 15, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, the Alum Rock Youth Center Advisory Team is hosting a flea market in the parking lot of the Youth Center at 137 North White Road. Please share the information with others, consider rent a space to sell, visit us Saturday to buy items, or donate items to sell. We appreciate your continued interest and support. You are welcome at any of our Advisory meetings which are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Center.

Sincerely,

Tanya

OOPS! WRONG NAME SET IN CONCRETE

2007-08-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Fleming Dr. is stamped into the concrete on Fleming Ave's new wider curb and gutter at Braddock and Logan's new housing development.

Construction workers finished the new wider curbs and gutters leading into Braddock and Logan's new development on Fleming Ave. Unfortunately, it appears someone forgot to look at neighboring street signs or a map before the street name was stamped into concrete as Fleming Dr.

POLICE CHASE ENDS IN EAST SAN JOSE; SUSPECT ESCAPES

2007-06-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

From the San Jose Mercury News
By Leslie Griffy

Sunnyvale public safety officers are searching for a San Jose parolee who escaped a dragnet Monday night, Lt. David Pitts said today.
Alegandro Alcala, 21, eluded officers after a chase that led investigators from a Sunnyvale mobile home park to East San Jose. The pursuit included an alleged assault and a stolen car and led 100 officers from four police agencies to search a San Jose neighborhood well after midnight.
The incident started at about 9:30 p.m., when a Sunnyvale public safety officer came into contact with Alcala in a parking lot. Alcala, who is wanted for a parole violation, ran.
Alcala ran into a mobile home park on Borregas Avenue.
At the park, Pitts said, Alcala broke into a mobile home where he allegedly assaulted a 76-year-old woman, who confronted him. Alcala ran out of the home after the woman's son went after him, Pitts said.
Next, Alcala allegedly broke into a second home in the park and stole a set of car keys. Officers next spotted him driving out of the park, Pitts said.
From there, they chased Alcala to an East San Jose neighborhood near Lake Cunningham, where Alcala crashed the car and ran away from law enforcement.
He was able to escape the 100-officer dragnet set up for him in the area after the crash. Residents reported seeing police helicopters for hours after midnight this morning. Pitts said officers cleared the area around 6 a.m. this morning.
Alcala is wanted on suspicion of kidnapping, assault, burglary, car theft and reckless evading of police officers. He is described as being 5-foot-11 inches tall, weighing 160 with short brown hair and brown eyes. He is Hispanic.

TWO VIEWS: HIGH DENSITY OR GREAT OPPORTUNITY?

2007-06-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

The following opinions were submitted on ARNNE (Alum Rock Neighborhood Network Email list) by David Sanchez, Alum Rock Neighborhood Coalition President, and Andrea Flores-Shelton, Alum Rock Neighborhood Coalition Treasurer:

Dear Neighbors,
Another projected housing development (PDC07-041) is slated for 380 N. White Road, near the corner of McKee & White. From what I can tell, "The City" is trying to turn our community into the high density housing hub of San Jose, yet we continue to be one of the most neglected areas of the City.

Have any of you driven by the corner of McKee and White lately? The traffic light there is very old and always going out, there are no sidewalks on the north side of McKee, the two strip malls (7-11, Dairy Bell) are some of the worst blighted areas, and you would think White Road is one big crosswalk the way people are walking in the middle of the street to go from Seafood City back to their homes. Not to mention that there are already signs erected that another large high density housing development is being built at the same corner!, North Point I believe.

Add to this the recent closure of several large grocery stores in our area, the resistance of the City to rebuild Fire Station 2, already the busiest in San Jose mind you, and The City's inability to upgrade, or sometimes even maintain, our roads and services and you have a once proud community that is quickly becoming overcrowded, ugly, dangerous and very, very undesirable to live. From speaking with many of you at recent community meetings we as a community do not need, want or support The City's plans to turn Alum Rock into San Jose's Hub of High Density Housing.

I am a proud and long time resident of Alum Rock, 45 years, and my family has called this area of The City home for longer than that. We've been born, baptized, educated, raised and buried in this community. This is our home, you are our family, this is OUR community ........ speak up Alum Rock, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Let The City know what we want our community to look like, what our community needs are and how their decisions are affecting the community that we live in.

David Sanchez
alumrock.ning.com

David and others -
Thanks for the heads-up about this development but I have a different perspective on this. I wouldn’t consider 7 houses on an acre high density. When you look at the lot size (1 acre) and the shape of it, and the fact that it is currently vacant and next to a large development already, adding 7 detached homes seems cramped (probably tiny yards), but the new standard. It doesn’t sound like high density to me – not townhouses, condos, apartments. Best of all, converting this vacant lot with weeds, chain link fence around it catching garbage with no one caring about it into homes (hopefully in the realm of affordable) is a win from my perspective. I drove past it today – what an eyesore!

High-density will be Northpoint! High-density will be coming the day the American Legion decides to sell, but not even Northpoint can talk them into it.

I do think the community must use every development opportunity to extract community benefits – sidewalks, street lights, etc especially when long neglected, unincorporated parcels like this one are being annexed into the city due to the development. Fleming Avenue is a wonderful example with the pocket park being a part of the conditions of approval. My hope with the Northpoint development is that this community gets very involved because this is going to be huge and McKee and White MUST get the sidewalks and street lights, and traffic calming it desperately needs.

I am a tree hugger by most people’s standards, so development in Coyote or outside the urban service areas, and those mega homes that ruin our hillsides in Evergreen/San Jose/Milpitas hills make me cringe. But, 7 homes along White Road seems reasonable at this rate.

My two cents.
- Andrea Flores Shelton

ALUM ROCK FIRE STATION MEETING TONIGHT!

2007-06-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Community Members!

Thank you all for making your voices heard! We have been overwhelmed with support in the fight for public safety and funding for our community priorities.

I have included important information about our next steps. Let’s keep working together!

Bring signs, friends, family and neighbors to a brief info session before we head into the Council Chambers to show the Mayor and Councilmembers that we need to keep resources and improve public safety in the area with the highest need. It is critical that we maintain funding for the rebuild of Fire Station #2.

Date: Tuesday, June 5

Time: 6:00 p.m. Group Pre-Meeting/Information Session
7:00 p.m. Council Session and Public Forum

Location: Bamboo Garden
San Jose City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara Street

Parking: 6th Street and Santa Clara Street
Underground garage
Parking validation will be available

*Don’t forget to bring 10 community members with you!

Key messages:
Fire Station #2: Oldest! Busiest! Neediest!
Our firefighters deserve better!
Protect the East Side ! Protect the City! Rebuild Fire Station #2!
Fiscal Responsibility! No Band-aid solutions!
Keep the promise! Don’t Cut Funding for Fire Station #2!

FIRESAFE PROGRAM COMES TO EAST FOOTHILLS

2007-05-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

After the Suncrest Avenue Fire near Alum Rock Park, September 24, 2006. Defensible Space helped save the homes near the top of this hill. (Photo by Richard Brown)

By Allan Thompson

The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council (SCFSC), a local non-profit group dedicated to preventing wildfires in Santa Clara County, has launched Defensible Space Chipping Programs to reduce hazardous fuels in selected areas of the county. These programs are funded by $90,442 in federal grants from the USDI Bureau of Land Management.
With the start of the 2007 Wildfire Season upon us, SCFSC is launching its pilot Chipping Programs in several areas including east and south San Jose and the East Foothills near Alum Rock Park, where last year’s “Suncrest Avenue Fire” burned a swath of grassland near some hillside homes.
These federal grants, and local matching funding from area individuals, companies and organizations like Pacific Gas and Electric Company and San Jose Water Company, enable SCFSC to provide these services free-of-charge. SCFSC is also offering more extensive assistance to qualified seniors and disabled residents through its Special Needs Assistance Program or SNAP.
To learn more about these free Chipping Programs, visit the SCFSC Website at http://www.sccfiresafe.org/ and click on “Defensible Space Chipping Programs.” If you have questions, e-mail DSChip@SCCFireSafe.org or call (408) 975-9591.
SCFSC also has a 20-page, guide for homeowners and residents available on-line or by mail. The guide, Living With Fire in Santa Clara County, is at www.SCCFireSafe.org/FireSafe/LivingWithFire.htm and is appropriate for the Wildland Urban Interface areas. It illustrates how to create Defensible Space and use fire resistant plants and roofing materials.

CALL TO ACTION: FULL FUNDING FOR FIRE STATION

2007-05-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

Fire Station 2, on Alum Rock Avenue, is the oldest and busiest fire station in San Jose.

By Monica Limas
Office of Councilmember Nora Campos

This is a critical time and we need your support to restore full funding for the rebuild of Fire Station 2. We need to work together to ensure that the concerns of our community members are heard. Help give the Mayor and City Council the message that we are willing to fight for the much-needed resources in our community.

As requested by many of you, we have attached a sample letter. As well, we have included the city’s response to our request for full funding of the rebuild. Below are important dates and contact information.

Please confirm your participation so that I may be available to assist.

Important Dates:
* June 1st – Mayor’s Budget Message (Budget & Update)
* June 5th – Afternoon council session and public forum at 1:30 pm. Evening session at 7:00 pm.
* June 11th – Public hearing on Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets at 7:00 pm.
* June 12th – City Council vote to approve 2007 – 08 budget.

Contact Information:
* Mayor and City Council
200 E. Santa Clara St. 18th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408.535.4800

D5 Staff will be available with more information at the Mayfair Community Groundbreaking at 2039 Kammerer Ave. on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 6:00 pm. See you there!

In Unity,

Monica Limas
Community Relations Coordinator
Office of Councilmember Nora Campos, District 5
408.535.4905
408.535.4948 Direct
408.292.6262 FAX
monica.limas@sanjoseca.gov
https://webmail.cbs.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district5

City of San Jose
200 E. Santa Clara Street, 18th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113

NATIVE EAST FOOTHILLS OAK TREE SCHEDULED FOR REMOVAL

2007-05-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Tree cutters arrive to chop down this 40 foot oak on Fleming Avenue at Fleming Ct. But due to last minute protests over a lack of neighborhood notification, the tree was saved, but maybe not for long. Removal was approved by the San Jose City Council as part of a street widening project in conjunction with the new housing development by Braddock and Logan.

Letter to City Council from Doris Livezey of Our City Forest regarding the tree:

Apparently neighbors were successful in putting a temporary stop to the removal of a native oak next door to 145 Fleming. Neighbors were told by the contractor there was a permit for its removal but they had never seen it posted. Neighbors have stepped forward saying they want the tree saved. When I called the San Jose City Arborist's office I was told that a permit was never issued because the removal had been approved by the City Council members for street widening and future construction. I'm assuming I was given the correct information. What is wrong with this picture? City Council can order a tree removed but the average property owner has to go through the removal process? The City of Mountain View has roads going around trees as does Los Altos. I just returned from a town in Southern California where the street curves out to accommodate an ancient tree. We've all seen it. Is the City of San Jose that interested in future construction that it has to destroy an old oak tree? I would assume time is of the essence. I'm appealing to all of you who received this email to save the tree!

Doris Livezey
San Jose taxpayer and member of Our City Forest

CAMPOS CALLS FOR REBUILDING, NOT REMODELING ALUM ROCK FIRE STATION

2007-05-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Please plan to attend and speak out at the final public hearing on Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets June 11 at 7:00 pm - City Council Chambers!

Message sent on behalf of Councilmember Nora Campos:

Dear Friends,

As your representative and an active community member who recognizes the importance of public safety, I am advocating for the complete rebuild of Fire Station 2 in our community. The City's 2007-2008 proposed budget reduced funding and downgraded this project to a remodeling despite that it was fully funded last year as a comprehensive rebuild. A remodeling would not sufficiently address the deficiencies of the existing station, which is one of the oldest in the city. We have worked together to advocate for quality facilities and services in our community, and I ask that you continue to work with me to achieve these objectives by joining me in advocating for this project.

Located at Alum Rock Avenue between Capitol and White, Fire Station 2 was built in 1947 and has the highest volume of service calls at any single fire station in San José and the entire County. In Fiscal Year 2004-2005, Fire Station 2 saw 4,007 calls for service. A remodel is not a long-term solution for the improvements needed to allow firefighters to respond adequately to the amount of activity day in and day out at Fire Station 2. As the facility continues to age, it is important that we achieve the necessary quality of a new state-of-the-art fire station that can meet the great need in our community.

With new facilities such as the Dr. Roberto Cruz-Alum Rock Library and the Alum Rock Youth Center, storied buildings in the Alum Rock Village, and the vulnerability of the East Foothills, a fully rebuilt station that will result in improved services, increased public safety, and continued community revitalization in District 5 is critical. Please make your voice heard throughout the budget process and support with me the full funding and complete rebuild for Fire Station 2.

Sincerely,

Nora Campos
Councilmember

Important Dates:
June 11 at 7:00 pm - Final Public Hearing on Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets, City Council Chambers

Contact:
Office of the Mayor
San José City Hall
200 E. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel. (408) 535-4800
Fax (408) 292-6422

ALUM ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION: "LET'S GET TOGETHER!"

2007-05-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

By David Sanchez
ARNC President

That's right, it's that time again ..... The ARNC Monthly Meeting will be held on May 17, 7:00 p.m. at the Joseph George Community/Recreation Center at 277 Mahoney Drive.

Some great information and ideas came out of last month's meeting:

Andrea Flores-Shelton has been researching the abandoned shopping cart issue on ARNNE (Alum Rock Neighborhood Network Email), thanks Andrea!. She supplied us with contact numbers on who to call to pick them up.

Steve Pollock has been working on having a guest speaker from Our City Forest share with us how OCF can help with Alum Rock beautification. Thanks for setting this up Steve!

Elizabeth Driedger is getting us information on San Jose's new Anti Graffiti Program and how Alum Rock can tap into this new resource. We can't wait to hear what you've found out about this Elizabeth!
San Jose Job Corps was contacted about litter issues that affect their Dale Drive neighbors, they are more than willing to work with the community at being a good neighbor but we need to hear back from our Dale Drive representatives.

Darcie Green and Elizabeth are working on setting up an ARNC Cleanup Day for the Alum Rock Village.
Darcie's been in contact with the folks responsible for running the James Lick Flea Market and is keeping us up to date as she finds out more information. Thanks Darcie, I know our neighbors are looking forward to this Flea Market starting up again.

With all of the talk about the Berryessa Art & Wine Festival, from yours truly, an idea came up as to whether something like this could work in our Alum Rock community to support our schools music program. There was some discussion but we'll have updates and more discussion this month.

With James Lick getting a new principal next year, Mr. Glenn Vanderzee, ARNC thought it would be a good idea to welcome him into the neighborhood with a small get together. Details are being worked out and Darcie is getting this on his calendar. We'll update you at the meeting on the date, time and location.

Last, but not least, your ARNC board members attended a meeting last month of the Neighborhoods Commission Work Group on the discussion of a proposed caucus election process. There was some very important information presented on the process that San Jose will be using to ensure relationships between the City of San Jose and the Community. Darcie and Elizabeth are working on getting the word out to all Neighborhood Group leadership in our area. We can update everyone at the meeting on our findings and answer any questions you may have.

I'll be sending out an agenda early next week. Oh ...... did I forget to mention the fantabulous door prizes again? lol

FLEMING AREA NEIGHBORS DESIGN PARK

2007-05-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

Neighbors looked at several photos of existing parks in San Jose to help them decide which elements to include in the Fleming Avenue park.

By Len Ramirez

Horseshoe pits and barbecue pits are out. Open space, a play area, fitness equipment and a covered sitting area are in.

Those are some of the ideas generated by neighbors when they sat down with San Jose parks officials Monday night to plan a half-acre park on Fleming Ave.
The neighborhood could be enjoying its very own park in about a year, according to officials. About 15 people, including 9 neighbors, sacrificed watching both the Sharks and the Warriors in televised playoff games to attend the park's first planning meeting at the Berryessa Community Center.

Also attending were City Councilwoman Nora Campos and Jim Sullivan of Braddock and Logan, the developer. Park planners showed neighbors a series of photos of other half acre parks in San Jose, so they could get a feel for what can be done in that amount of space. Amenities will include landscaping, fencing, gates, a water fountain, lighting, in-ground irrigation and seating. Campos stated that the park's maintenance is secured through District 5 funds for the first two years.
The park is being built in conjunction with a 14 home development near Fleming Court. Construction has already begun with the homes due to be completed by the end of summer, 2007. Construction of the park will take longer, but should be completed by spring, 2008.
Another park planning meeting is tentatively scheduled for sometime in July, when neighbors will get to see three park design plans that incorporate the elements discussed tonight.

Neighbor attached dots next to their preferences. Blue indicates what they want; red indicates what they don't want.

PLAN A NEW PARK TODAY

2007-05-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

What does a small city park look like? This is O'Donnell's Garden Park on William Street in downtown San Jose.

Just a reminder to all concerned, there will be a meeting to plan the new half-acre Fleming Avenue neighborhood park tonight. Please plan to attend and bring your ideas!

WHEN: May 7th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Berryessa Community Center, 3050 Berryessa Road

ROCK LEGEND SANTANA VISITS EAST FOOTHILL'S NHU

2007-04-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Carlos Santana speaks to students at the National Hispanic University about the importance of education. Photos by Julie Ramirez

By Len Ramirez

Legendary Rock guitarist Carlos Santana paid a visit to the National Hispanic University to deliver a message of inspiration and hope to hundreds of high school and college students.

Santana's visit was another coup for the small, predominantly Latino university on Story Road at the base of the East Foothills.Santana decided to visit the students from the Latino College Preparatory Academy and the NHU (which share the 11 acre campus) after being invited by a small but persistent group of students who never gave up in their efforts to bring the Grammy Award-winning artist to their campus. Santana, like many of the students, was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States as a child. His family settled in San Francisco's Mission District. Santana said visiting and speaking at schools helps him pursue his interest in helping students realize their full potential.

Carlos and his wife, Deborah, have been active in making a positive contribution to the welfare of the underserved through their foundation- The Milagro Foundation. The Milagro Foundation was started in 1998 to benefit underrepresented and underprivileged children around the world. With funds generated by concert ticket donations and generous individual and corporate donors, the foundation makes grants to grassroots, community-based tax exempt organizations that work with children and youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, the United States and countries around the world touched by the music of Santana.
"We are honored to host Mr. Santana and that he has taken an interest in the great work we are doing here at NHU and LCPA", said NHU President Dr. David Lopez.
The National Hispanic University is a private, accredited, 4-year university celebrating its 25th year in higher education. Founded in 2001, the Latino College Preparatory Academy is a charter high school for English Language Learners and is the first part of the NHU 8-year academic ladder (Grades 9-baccaulaureate degree at NHU).

NEIGHBORS ASKED TO HELP PLAN NEW FLEMING AVENUE PARK

2007-04-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

This is the notice sent out to neighbors asking for participation in the planning of the new Fleming Avenue park.

By Len Ramirez

The East Foothill's first new park in many decades is becoming a reality and the city of San Jose is inviting us to help plan it.

Many neighbors in the Fleming corridor recently received a notice in the mail asking them to attend a special meeting at 6:30 pm, Monday, May 7th at the Berryessa Community Center for the purpose of planning the new park, which will be built on Fleming Avenue near Fleming Ct. The meeting is sponsored by the office of City Councilmember Nora Campos and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services.

The 1/2 acre park will be built in conjunction with a new housing development of 14 homes on the former site of The Lord's Baptist Church, and is the result of a hard-fought battle between neighbors and the housing developer Braddock and Logan over that development. Neighbors successfully petitioned the city of San Jose to reduce the number of homes and add the park. The development originally planned for 21 homes to be built on the 2 1/2 acre parcel. The final result was a 1/3rd reduction in the number of homes and the addition of a small neighborhood park. In addition, at least two large mature trees were saved from the chainsaws and will become part of the park's design and keep that part of Fleming Avenue green and shaded.

This is a rare opportunity to make a real community impact and neighbors throughout the Alum Rock/East Foothills area should plan on attending the meeting on the 7th, to help ensure the new park is something neighbors will be proud of.

WHO:East Foothills Neighbors

WHAT:New Fleming Avenue park

WHEN: Monday, May 7th, 6:30 pm

WHERE:Berryessa Community Center

WHY:Help plan the park

HOW:Neighborhood participation

ALUM ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION PLANS MEETING, OFFERS PRIZES!

2007-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

By David Sanchez

Howdy Neighbors!

This is your reminder for the upcoming ARNC monthly meeting, April 19, 7:00 p.m. at the Joseph George Community/Recreation Center.

Last months meeting saw our attendance double, we had folks show up to the meeting after hearing about it only hours beforehand. AWESOME! What a great group of people it was, with lots of Alum Rock pride and enthusiasm to improve our community.

Come hear Bud LoMonaco, our Alum Rock Village business representative, give us the latest scoop on The Village, a new monthly feature of our meetings.

Oh, and don't forget about the fantabulous door prize! See you Thursday.

David Sanchez
ARNC President

EATH DAY EXTRAVAGANZA AT ALUM ROCK FARMERS MARKET

2007-04-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

By Talia Shapiro

Celebrate a healthy earth at the farmers' market on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22! There will be cooking demonstrations at 10am and 11:30am with our very own Market Chef Chris Hay, children's Earth Day arts and crafts, and an array of earth-friendly organizations to inform you.

We will have live music by local musicians and a special presentation on Sustainable Gardening given by local Master Gardeners.There will be a lot to see and do, but let's not forget our local farmers who bring you the freshest produce around. There will be fresh Asian greens from Yia Moua Farms and many kinds of fruit from Lujan Farms. Munch on kettle corn from Eat the Best and pick up a colorful bouquet of flowers from Osako Nursery to brighten up your day.

Here's a great recipe for a light spring meal using fresh Asian produce:
Stir-fried Baby Bok Choy with Shiitake MushroomsIngredients1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil2 large garlic cloves, minced6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps cut into 1-inch pieces1-1/2 pounds baby bok choy, leaves separated from the stems1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine3/4 cup Vietnamese stir-fry sauce.
Directions:In a large skillet or a wok, heat the oil until small puffs of smoke begin to appear. Add the garlic and stir-fry over high heat for 10 seconds. Add the shiitake and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the bok choy and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the wine and cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Add the Vietnamese stir-fry sauce and cook until the bok choy is tender but still bright green and the sauce is slightly reduced, about 4 minutes longer. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

So if you're looking for a fun day with the added benefit of informing you about how to help keep the earth healthy and how to keep yourself healthy, then come on by and enjoy a beautiful spring day.We thank you for supporting your local farmers and producers by visiting the market. We're at 57 North White Road every Sunday, year-round, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm.

JAMES LICK'S NEW PRINCIPAL FEATURED IN MERC NEWS

2007-04-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

James Lick's new principal, Glenn Vander Zee,was featured in a very positive editorial by the Mercury News. The article highlights several areas that have previously been featured here in The Neighborhood View. If you missed it, or want to read it over again (as I did) here is the link: GO COMETS!
http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_5657640

JAMES LICK RECRUITS NEW STUDENTS WITH VIDEO

2007-04-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

James Lick Senior Marissa Covarrubias gets one-on-one attention from her teacher in this video still taken from the DVD. Lick has one of the lowest teacher to student ratios in the East Side Union High School District.

Hundreds of middle school students are getting exposed to the many positive things going on at James Lick High School thanks to a slick new video that's making its way around San Jose schools. "It's very convicing," said one 8th grader after viewing the video at Fisher Middle School last week. The video was produced by Tom Castellano of Independent Productions. The Neighborhood View got a sneak preview of the 11 minute movie on DVD and reproduced a clip for our web audience. You can view the clip by clicking on the link below.
http://motiono.com/watch.m?o=4769

CESAR CHAVEZ HOME RECOGNIZED

2007-03-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

By Len Ramirez
Photos by Julie Ramirez

You'll see the large brown sign pointing the direction to a little piece of Alum Rock history...the boyhood home of one of the most influential American civil rights leaders of the 1960's and 70's: Cesar E. Chavez.

Chavez's brother, Librado, joined San Jose City Councilmember Nora Campos and children from nearby Cesar Chavez Elementary School, Adelante Academy and McCollam Elementary to unveil the prominent sign directing visitors to the Chavez home. The new sign is located on the corner of Sharff Avenue and E. San Antonio Street.The festive occasion was highlighted by the students, who read their award-winning poems about Chavez and farmworkers. "It's very fitting that the children are here, because education is the key to success," said Campos. Librado added that although his brother never finished school, "education was always very important to Cesar."Cesar Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona and lived there until his family lost their home when he was ten. The family then moved to California and migrated around the state following the seasons and picking crops. The family finally moved to San Jose and settled into the small home on Sharff Avenue when Chavez was in the 8th grade. After serving in the US Navy, Chavez moved back to San Jose, married Helen, his teenage sweetheart and became active as a political organizer in the neighborhood off Alum Rock Avenue, then known as "Sal Si Puedes" (get out if you can) because the streets in that section of 1950's East San Jose were not paved. Chavez joined others committed to improving the area in the Community Services Organization, and later he branched off forming farm labor unions, including the United Farm Workers (UFW). His work led to numerous improvements in wages and working conditions for farmworkers. Chavez died on April 23, 1993. His birthday on March 31st, has become a holiday in four U.S. states including California, and many parks, cultural centers, libraries, schools, and streets have been named in his honor in several cities across the United States.
The Chavez family home has been designated as a San Jose Historical Landmark, one of few on the East Side.

ALUM ROCK SCHOOLS MAKE "SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS"

2007-03-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Six of Alum Rock Union Elementary School District's schools showed "significant improvement" on their revised Academic Performance Index (API) test scores, according to school district officials.
Statewide results were published Tuesday by the California Department of Education.
Based on an in-depth analysis of the revised API scores, the data shows Linda Vista Elementary increased 16 points from 726 to 742; Rogers Elementary grew 7 points from 679 to 686; Shields increased 6 points from 645 to 651; Painter Elementary moved up 2 points from 761 to 763; and Cureton Elementary and Slonaker Academy both increased by 1 point from 702 to 703 and 666 to 667 respectively.
"These improvements are the result of a uniform focus on the state content standards, on research-based best practices of teaching and learning, and data-driven accountability," said Alum Rock Superintendent Norma Martinez in a district press release.
Alum Rock also met all of its Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) indicators in 2006.
The API measures school and district growth based on a scale ranging from 200 to 1000 points.
Unfortunately, no Alum Rock schools met the state's target of 800 points.

LIBRARY: FRIENDS WANTED, NEEDED

2007-03-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

By Elaine Travers

"Winter , Spring, Summer or Fall, All you have to do is call, And I'll be there, You've got a Friend."
These are the words in a song by Carole King that exemplify what it means to be a Friend of the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Library. Friends of the libraries are volunteers committed to support and supplement needed library resources. Friends advocate the importance of library services in our communities and raise funds through book sales to achieve library goals. Your donations of gently used and resalable books are accepted at the library year-round. Be a Friend and share your ideas and talents. Contribute books, cassettes, CDs, DVDs and videos. Also encourage others to use the library and make it an essential part of their lives.
Our next meeting is March 27th, 5:00 - 6:00 at the library. For more information call the library at 808-3090 or Elaine Travers at 258-4255.
"I get by with a little help from my Friends." --Paul McCartney and John Lennon

INJURED IRAQ WAR VETERAN COMES HOME TO ALUM ROCK

2007-03-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

Words, photo, and video by Len Ramirez

Cpl. Ivan Hernandez needs an hour of physical therapy everyday to help rebuild his strength following injuries suffered during combat in Iraq. CBS 5 Cameraman Joe Rojas gets the shot on video.

Marine Corporal Ivan Hernandez survived two tours of duty in Iraq, three IED explosions and came home to Alum Rock on Friday with two Purple Hearts for injuries suffered in combat.
"I can't even put a sock on because I can't reach down there," Hernandez told me during an interview which aired on CBS 5 tonight, the fourth anniversary of the Iraq war.

Hernandez,22, was severely injured in a suicide bomb attack in Barwana, Iraq on February 7th. Two Marines, one Iraqi interpreter and two Iraqi policemen were killed in the attack, which happened at a security checkpoint when an insurgent with explosives under his clothing walked up to the crowded area and blew himself up. "I heard the explosion, and I fell to the ground," Hernandez explained in a quiet voice. "I tried to get up, but I couldn't."

The blast left Hernandez with shrapnel wounds on his left shoulder, hand, knee and ankle. Metal debris tore through nerves making it difficult and painful for him to walk, even with crutches. After treatment in Iraq and Germany, Hernandez was transported to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, where he has been undergoing physical therapy.

"It's hard to see myself, not being able to do things," Hernandez said during one of his workouts.

Hernandez has made progress during the past month, and was discharged from the VA last week. He also passed a special driving test given to injured Iraq veterans by the VA to clear them to get behind the wheel again. Hernandez left the hospital with his wife Desiree and their 3 year old daughter Destiny at his side. The couple met when they were both 16 and working part-time at Great America. He is a graduate of Yerba Buena High School, and Desiree graduated from James Lick. The young family lives near Capitol and Alum Rock. "You hear about soldiers who get injured everyday, but you never hear about all the recovery they have to go through. That was really overwhelming," Mrs. Hernandez said.

Many more months of rehab await Corporal Hernandez, who credited his wife and his mother, Maria. "I don't know what I would have done without them," he said. Maria Hernandez told me in Spanish that she prays for her son's recovery, and for peace.

See Len's TV news report on CBS 5:

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=21733@kpix.dayport.com

Watch raw video behind-the-scenes on CBS 5 shoot:

http://motiono.com/watch.m?o=1824

ALUM ROCK NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION:"GET INVOLVED!"

2007-03-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

Come on Alum Rock neighbors! Join us, your fellow concerned Alum Rock neighbors, this Thursday evening, March 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Joseph George Community/Recreation Center (277 Mahoney Drive). The building is located right between the band building on the corner and the back of the school cafeteria ... where the small parking lot is for the middle school. Not sure where that is ..... just get yourself near the building, Steve and I will be standing outside to greet you B-).

Participation at the ARNC meetings has been at a critical low lately, Steve's getting tired of hauling that same 'ol box of water in and out of his car and I'm getting tired of seeing the same 'ol faces! sorry guys and gals but I know you feel the same way ........ LOL

We want to brainstorm and discuss, with a larger group, potential neighborhood projects for the year, perhaps we can even come up with a fun neighborhood meet and greet activity. Bring all of your ideas! bring a neighbor! heck, bring your dinner if need be, just get yourself to THIS meeting. Did I mention the fabulous door prize yet? what? you didn't know we had a door prize? see what you're missing!

See you Thursday evening!

David Sanchez
ARNC President

EAST FOOTHILLS FIRE PROTECTION PLAN RELEASED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

2007-03-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

By Allan Thompson

The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council has released the first Public Draft of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the East Foothills area east of San Jose for comments. Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) are the new standard for evaluating a community’s risk from wildfires. CWPPs not only set forth a detailed plan for ongoing wildfire prevention maintenance in a specific area, but also provide other important benefits to the community.
These Benefits to the Community include:
Higher priority for Federal grant dollars for fuel reduction projects
Quicker turnaround for environmental permits or navigating compliance issues
Communities can organize projects to reduce fire prone fuels without Federal funding
Identification of appropriate Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) boundaries with community input
The East Foothills CWPP was developed by SCFSC and Dudek, a wildfire prevention planning company, with assistance from the San Jose Fire Department, CDF (now CAL FIRE), and many other stakeholders and residents. It is the first CWPP completed in Santa Clara County. The San Jose Fire Department Wildland Officer, Fire Captain José Guerrero, has been involved in the planning process from the beginning. Captain Guerrero states, “We’re very excited about this project. It’s a great example of how the public and private sectors can take steps to reduce the risk of wildfires in the foothills of San Jose.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Allan Thompson
Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
(408) 272-7008

VIDEO ARCHIVE: FLEMING AVE. GRASS FIRE 5/26/2006
How quickly can fire strike? Just watch this video shot by Julie Ramirez!

TV ANCHORWOMAN BRINGS CANCER FIGHT TO JLHS

2007-03-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

As a cancer survivor, KRON-4 TV's Ysabel Duron knows the importance of early cancer detection. That's why her latest non-profit venture, Latinas Contra Cancer is launching a Cervical Health Initiative in February 2007. They plan 4 Mother/Daughter rallies in Santa Clara County high schools to educate Latinas about the HPV virus and cervical cancer. James Lick High School will host a rally on March 15th.

The mission of LCC is to save lives through education, access and early detection. 2 times as many Latinas get cervical cancer as the mainstream population.
The campaign is targeting 1000 low-income, Spanish-speaking mothers and their daughters who often lack awareness, and face income, cultural and social barriers to education and health care. LCC trained 16 teen peer educators to help lead their unique bi-lingual educational game, Cervical Health Bingo, at the rallies.
The bingo serves as an icebreaker, works to dispel myth and misinformation, and opens up taboo conversation about this deadly disease. The human papilloma virus is the source of cervical cancer and is a sexually transmitted disease. The teens and their mothers will learn this is not about sex but about health and a life saving vaccine. At the beginning of the campaign, one of the girls took the invitation home to her father; her mother is in Iraq. He listened and learned and took her to get the vaccine. That’s one less LCC has to worry about.
LCC has invited the public health department, and clinics to provide as many low cost screenings, pap smears and the HPV vaccine as possible.
If this unique educational event and the CHB tool works as effectively as expected, LCC plans to make the program available to other Latino health care providers to launch in their communities.
The first rally was held February 8th at Gilroy High School and 102 mothers and daughters attended. 14 girls or 30% of attendees signed up for the new HPV vaccine. The three other schools are Latino College Prep Academy at NHU, James Lick High School and Downtown College Prep.
The Cervical Health Initiative is the primary education campaign leading up to LCC’s
2007 Mother’s Day Walk Against Cancer, May 13th, in downtown San Jose, which will turn the spotlight on cervical and breast cancer.

For more information you can visit her website:

http://www.latinascontracancer.org/

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

2007-03-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

CBS 5's Eye on the Bay visits Alum Rock. Correspondent Marla Tellez and crew did a fabulous job profiling our little corner of the world.

You can view the video online by clicking on the link below:

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=21122@kpix.dayport.com

BODY FOUND NEAR ALUM ROCK PARK ENTRANCE

2007-03-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

San Jose police are investigating the discovery of a man's body on Penitencia Creek Road near the entrance to Alum Rock Park Wednesday morning.
Passersby called authorities to report seeing a man down at Penitencia and Dorel Drive at about 6:40 a.m., police Sgt. Nick Muyo said.
"We're not quite sure what time it all went down," but the death
is being investigated as suspicious, he said.
Police believe there may have been a fight or some other disturbance in that area in the hours prior to the body's discovery. Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to call the San Jose Police. This is believed to be San Jose's 5th murder of 2007.

CONTACT: San Jose police (408) 277-5339

EASTSIDE STUDENT MUSICIANS PERFORM HEROICALLY IN FPC SANCTUARY

2007-03-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

"You had to be there!"

Words and photo by Judy Thompson

It wasn’t hosannas rising in the sanctuary of Foothill Presbyterian Church last Friday afternoon, but the atmosphere rang with music and youthful exuberance as the student musicians of four local schools strutted their stuff for the community.

With the cooperation of the church and its music director, Jay Jordana, the music department of James Lick High School hosted the second annual Alum Rock Music Festival to showcase the accomplishments and musicality of our own youngsters. Last year’s event was held in the Rotunda of the new City Hall downtown. The rotunda was a novel performance venue for the young Eastsiders, but the reverberating acoustics (and lack of seating) left much to be desired. Foothill Presbyterian, on the other hand, seems a natural - considering its proximity, warm ambiance, comfortable seating and pleasant openness for musical “sharing.”

Lick’s vibrant young music director, Tomoko Nakajima, invited the advanced bands of Joseph George, Ocala and Pala Middle Schools to perform on a program which included the JLHS wind ensemble and choir. Pala Middle School presented a bonus performance from their fledgling vocal ensemble – an earnest group of a dozen or so young singers which meets with director Ted Henderson three days per week simply for the joy of singing – no credits earned. Mr. Henderson said that last year’s performance by the Lick choir inspired his students to raise their voices in song, as well.

It was not exactly a competition, but the students representing the four schools enthusiastically and loyally rallied at each mention of their school. Lick principal Bill Rice, District 5 Councilmember Nora Campos, and Lick alumna Darcie Green (who now works in the office of California Assembly member, Joe Coto) all addressed the assembled students and community members. There were two clear messages: the first one thanked parents and the community for supporting music programs and young musicians in our area and urged them to please continue the interest. The other message beamed passionately at the middle schoolers especially by Ms. Nakajima was to set their sights on James Lick High School to continue with their music education when they matriculate to high school. The Lick band and choir program could easily accommodate many more students in Ms. Nakajima’s capable and loving musical embrace.

The music performed ranged from classic arrangements for band to exotic imaginary trips to other cultures and earlier eras. At one point, Ms. Nakajima even had the whole room singing along about “Livin’ and Lovin’”!
The finale was a performance of the Lick High School Fight Song played and sung by the formally dressed JLHS band and choir with community members joining in.

When the performances and applause were just echoes in the sunny sanctuary, the students and community members regrouped in Foothill’s community room for refreshments. Cakes of many flavors and descriptions disappeared quickly as the teenagers (and not-so-teenagers) dug in. Newly minted ARUESD board trustee, Patricia Potter, could be seen deftly wielding a spatula serving up carrot cake squares.

Next year – surely there will be many more such annual celebrations – plan to join in this musical love feast. What more could our community desire than a great afternoon of free performances, plentiful cake and a huge dose of youthful energy? The latter rubs off on us older folks, you know.

VALLEY VIEW CELL TOWER: A MAJOR MISCUE

2007-02-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

Video by Gustavo Gonzalez

Watch and listen to a San Jose Planning department official explain to Valley View area neighbors how a proposal to build a 60 foot cell tower went from being disguised as a pine tree (which neighbors approved) to a barren "slimline" tower without any neighborhood notification.

NEW BUSINESSES OPEN IN ALUM ROCK VILLAGE

2007-02-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

You've passed the village a million times on the way home, but now there are two new reasons to stop! Reis Gifts & Home Decor and Vintage Rose Consignment Boutique bring a little bit of a shoppers' paradise to our neighborhood.

If you're looking for unique gifts, Owner Paula Reis hopes you'll stop in at her new gift shop, Reis Gifts & Home Decor, located at 3144 Alum Rock Avenue. "We have a variety of gifts from garden supplies to furniture, candles and scented oils." In addition, local vendors bring their own hand-made crafts to sell. The Grand Opening was on February 10th and Reis says her shop is open seven days a week. "It's been a little slow, but we're hoping to get the word out," she adds.

Just a few steps away, you'll find Andrea Hapin and the Vintage Rose Consignment Boutique. She's converted a dark and dated tatoo parlor into a bright and busy boutique. Once a month you can shop at an outdoor flea market with local vendors showcasing one of a kind jewels and artwork. Inside you'll find antique collectables, designer purses and clothing. "I'm doing all I can to support local artisans," she explains. A jewelry designer herself, she notes how difficult it was as an artist to sell her designs without getting up before 6am and trekking across the valley. Her goal, she says, is to provide a venue for local artisans to showcase their talents, and photographer Leah Rondeau is glad she's doing it. "These are photos from my travels," she says as she shows me prints from Paris to Chicago. "Andrea has an ecclectic mix...modern looks with a vintage flair," she adds.

BLOODY NIGHT ON ALUM ROCK ROADS

2007-02-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Alum Rock Avenue was closed for two hours on Saturday night following a fatal head-on accident.
The crash happened at about five o'clock on Alum Rock near Mtn. View and involved a Volkswagen Beetle and a Chevrolet Blazer. Police say the driver of the Beetle was killed, apparently on impact. Officers cloaked the VW in a plastic tarp while waiting for the Coroner to arrive at the scene. Traffic was blocked off by the California Highway Patrol at Kirk and McKee while officers investigated the scene and interviewed witnesses. It appeared as though the Blazer was traveling east on Alum Rock and the Beetle was headed west when the two cars collided, but it is unclear which car crossed the center line. Both vehicles were badly mangled, and there was no word on other injuries.
Later in the evening, there was another serious accident less than a mile away. A big Chevy pickup ended up on its side on the campus of James Lick High School after crashing through the brick wall along N. White Road at Highland. From the looks of it, it appeared as though the pickup was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed due to the damage suffered by the rebar-enforced wall. The impact sent bricks flying into a row of parked cars in the new circular driveway at Lick. It is unclear if there were other cars involved. Traffic continued to flow on White Road during the investigation and cleanup. Unfortunately, the crash damaged the newly remodeled front section of the school and landscaping that was looking so nice.

MARDI GRAS VANDALS HIT E. SANTA CLARA STREET

2007-02-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what happens in downtown San Jose on Mardi Gras night? Take a look!

AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA TAKES ON EAST FOOTHILLS

2007-02-21T18:26:00.000-08:00

photos by Len Ramirez

The Amgen Tour of California roared past me somewhere on Sierra Road. After struggling up half the mountain to find a good spot to photograph the riders, I was once again amazed at the speed these riders take on 10 to 15 percent grades. Thousands of people lined Piedmont and Sierra Roads to get a glimpse of the riders as they sped past. Kids off from school, bike nuts like me, tourists and Sierra Road residents waited for hours for the racers to take on the climb. After starting in Stockton, the riders came through the Central Valley, Livermore and Calaveras Road before heading into the steepest hills of the race. Today's stage finished in downtown San Jose at City Hall, and was won by Jens Voigt of team CSC. Santa Rosa's Levi Leipheimer took second and retained his overall lead, heading into the Big Sur stage tomorrow. The race will end Sunday in Long Beach.

TOUR OF CALIFORNIA CYCLISTS TO TAKE ON EAST FOOTHILLS CLIMB

2007-02-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Bobby Julich of Team CSC, finished 3rd in last year's Amgen Tour of California and will be back as one of the top American Favorites. To get ready for the race, Julich and his team have been training on Mt. Hamilton road. Julich is seen here at the 2004 Tour de France. Photo by Len Ramirez

We all know how beautiful and our East Foothills are...now the rest of the world will get to see. The Amgen Tour of California cycling race is back and will be rolling into the East Foothills and downtown San Jose this Wednesday, February 21st. The most elite professional cyclists in the world will get to see what local cyclists already know: the hills and roads around here are world-class tough. Last year's toughest stage will be making a comeback: a 3-mile climb up Sierra Road. The first rider to the top will get the coveted "King of the Mountains" jersey. The stage will start in Stockton and go through farmlands, over Patterson Pass, and then through Livermore and onto Calaveras Road. Then it's onto Piedmont Road and up the torturous Sierra Road climb. Riders will loop around through Ed Levin Park, back onto Piedmont, White Road and Maybury into downtown for a finish at City Hall. Lots of local cyclists will be riding up Sierra in advance of the race to get a great viewing spot on the top of the hill. Last year's inaugural race drew a world-wide television audience and this year it should get even more coverage. Look for an up-coming feature on the race next week.

More on the race:

http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage3.html

HUGE CELL TOWER RAISES CONCERNS

2007-02-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

By Gustavo Gonzalez

Hello Fellow Residents. We have a 60' cellular phone tower going up and it will be the tallest man made structure in the East Foothills. The cellular phone tower is going up on McKee in the parking lot of the Presbyterian Church. The city/county informed us that they would camouflage the cell tower making it look like a tree, but for some reason this has changed and it will now look like a huge silver pole sticking out 6 stories high so everyone will be able to see this it where ever you are. Help us hold our elected officials accountable and make them follow through with the original plan of camouflaging this cellular phone tower. Neighbors on Valley View Avenue will be holding a meeting on Thursday Feb. 15th at 7 pm. The location is 326 Valley View Ave. Please come, join us and sign your name to the petition that will be sent to our elected leaders.

CBS-5 PUTS EYE ON ALUM ROCK part 3

2007-02-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

Get your Tivos and VCRs ready...and call your neighbors.
CBS-5's Eye on the Bay will air its feature on Alum Rock on Thursday, February 22 at 7:00pm on Channel 5. I spoke to Executive Producer James Reid and Producer/Show Host Marla Tellez about the project this week. They tell me the segment is edited and ready for air and that we got an extra minute of airtime for a total run-time of 6 minutes! I can't tell you how big that is in the TV biz, where we often claw and scratch to be given ten extra seconds. As mentioned in previous posts, we hit about ten locations the day we shot. Unfortunately, even with 6 minutes, not everything will make it in the segment. Apologies in advance for those who didn't "make the cut." The Alum Rock segment will be part of a larger program focusing on some of the Bay Area's most diverse neighborhoods.

CBS-5 PUTS EYE ON ALUM ROCK part 2

2007-01-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

CBS-5's Marla Tellez and her cameraman interview Mario the Barber at his shop in Alum Rock Village for an upcoming segment on Eye on the Bay. Lucas Ramirez, 4, enjoys the trim.

The date was set, the calls were made and the camera crew from CBS 5's Eye on the Bay rolled into Alum Rock Village to focus on the characters and places that make our neighborhood unique.

As tour guide for this trip around the East Foothills, I wanted to expose Bay Area television viewers to as much as possible. So we started early, at James Lick High School. Principal Bill Rice showed us around the recently renovated campus including the new athletic fields. But the highlight of the trip to the home of the Comets was a sneak peek at the new Media Magnet facilities, which are absolutely top-notch. We saw the state-of-the-art television studio, control room and a non-linear edit suite. We also saw the plans for the media lab which will include approximately 30 more edit suites for film and vido production.

Next it was off to another Village landmark, Peters Bakery. Nancy Peters graciously showed us around the shop offering tastes of their classic items like burnt almond cake, plus their newest specialty, pineapple upsidedown cake (do try it). Then we hit Mario's Barber Shop for a chat with Mario while he cut my son Lucas's hair. As expected, Mario had great stories to tell about the neighborhood and the people who make it special. While in the Village, we also hit YSI Thrift and Gift, Treasure Chest Aquarium and Pets to see the 1,000 gallong shark tank (we were "treated" to a viewing of a shark feeding frenzy!), and the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Library. Then it was off to Reynaud Drive for a sequence on what it was like growing up in the area. There, we interviewed my friend and neighbor Dan Gentile, Sr. who showed off his classic Ferarri and Alfa Romeo cars. Dan is also a living piece of Silicon Valley history. He holds 3 patents for chip design during his time at Fairchild Semiconductor, the company that "started it all" in Silicon Valley.

Our next stop was the National Hispanic University where we spoke to Roberto Cruz II about his family's educational contributions to the Alum Rock area. His father, Dr. Roberto Cruz started the NHU 25 years ago and his mother Lupe, teaches at Linda Vista Elementary. We also learned that San Jose and Santa Clara County have special citations in store for the school's award-winning debate team.

Then, it was off to the crown jewel of the neighborhood, Alum Rock park. Suffice it to say,this sequence will be one of the highlights of the show, so you'll just have to watch. Even I was surprised and amazed by what I saw.

With our earlier slices of cake starting to wear off, it was time for lunch at Mark's Hot Dogs. After a quick bite, we trekked off to see an another Alum Rock landmark: Cesar Chavez' home on Scharff Avenue.

We ended the day with a few more shots of neighborhoods and views from Miradero at the top of the East Highlands. Although a bit hazy, we could see Alum Rock and San Jose spread out beneath us, and glistening in the afternoon sunlight.

Overall, we shot over an hour's worth of footage for what will be a 5 minute segment. We don't have an air date yet, but keep watching this space for an update when a date has been set. I would like to thank Marla, her cameraman Scott and her Producer James Reid for coming to Alum Rock and giving our area some positive attention. And finally, thanks to all the readers of The Neighborhood View who wrote and emailed me suggestions on what to see and do. As you will see, we packed a lot of your suggestions in.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP PRESERVE ALUM ROCK RAILROAD HISTORY

2007-01-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

photos courtesy Silicon Valley History Online

By Park Ranger Roger Abe, Alum Rock Park

From Downtown San Jose it came up Alum Rock Avenue, along Kirk, to Penitencia Creek Road. It carried families to picnics in "Little Yosemite". It ran through fragrant fruit orchards and olive groves, and to climb on, it only cost a quarter—what is it? If you ask local historians or train buffs, you might get a knowledgeable answer, but most people wouldn’t have a clue. This, of course, excludes those of you who have seen Judy Thompson’s Alum Rock Park History--still available online in the New Neighborhood Voice Archives. Don’t you think there should be something right here to tell the story?
There is no visible explanation for the old elevated roadbed abutments decorating the creek and the hillsides as you meander up Penitencia Creek Road into Alum Rock Park. Currently there is nothing on site to explain that railroads existed here from 1896 through the 1930’s and impacted local culture, politics and economics with all the related drama surrounding railroads. 25 cent fares, train crashes, saloons, dance halls, hotels, restaurants, bathhouses, zoos, the Natatorium, business scandals, a world-wide popular spa destination, crowded park use, bankruptcies--those abutments may no longer carry "The Big Red Cars" but they and their cohort, the Alum Rock Trestle, (all about 96 years old) represent an era during which railed mass transit served both the park and the neighborhoods on this side of town.

There are few now who remember those times. If you would like to help commemorate the Alum Rock Railroads, please contact the Park Rangers at Alum Rock Park at 259-5477 or e-mail roger.abe@sanjoseca.gov or rob.reynolds@sanjoseca.gov. The park is seeking help in the form of funding, partners or sponsors, historical photos or information or volunteers to create historical markers to tell some of the stories of the Alum Rock Railroads—a grand, but nearly forgotten part of our community heritage.

NHU takes on USC and wins!

2007-01-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

East San Jose's National Hispanic University took on the best...and won!
NHU's Ethics/Debate team defeated the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business to become California Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Champions.
The NHU Debate team went undefeated in the 8-team competition hosted by Chico State on December 2nd, beating the host, CSU San Bernardino, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California in route to the title.

Clockwise from left: Prof. Michael Jordan, Juan Ruiz, Ana Castro and Team Captain Xavier Flores.

This was truly a story of David versus Goliath as the team from the 25 year old, little known university serving 600+ nontraditional college-going undergraduates in the East Foothills defeated the team from a 126 year old, premier institution with 16,500 undergraduates for the title. The NHU Debate team was founded in 2003 by a group of 5 students that were interested in philosophy. The team has faced obstacles including inexperience, and a lack of confidence.

But the biggest challenge may have been the fact that more than half of the team had to debate in their second language- English.
""It was difficult at the beginning. I was the one with the heaviest accent and the least amount of confidence", said senior, team captain Xavier Flores.

The Ethics Bowl competition is inspired by TV’s College Bowl, but modified rules adapt the game to the subject of ethics. In Ethics Bowl a moderator poses questions to teams of three to five students. Questions may address ethical problems on classroom topics (e.g. cheating or plagiarism), personal relationships (e.g. dating or friendship), professional ethics (e.g. engineering, law, medicine), or social and political ethics (e.g. free speech, gun control, etc.). Each team receives a set of ethical issues in advance of the competition, and questions posed to the teams at competition are taken from that set. A panel of judges evaluates answers; rating criteria are clarity and intelligibility, focus on ethically relevant factors, avoidance of ethical irrelevance, and deliberative thoughtfulness.

NHU's first place finish qualifies them for the 32-team national competition which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio this February. The team is now preparing to take on schools such as Indiana University, University of Washington, Clemson University, Depaul University, Tuskegee University and the U.S. Military and Naval Academies in the nationals. We wish them well!

WATCH THE VIDEO FROM CBS-5! http://cbs5.com/video/?id=20073@kpix.dayport.com

The National Hispanic University is a private, accredited, 4-year university authorized to grant degrees since 1981. For more information on NHU, please log onto:www.nhu.edu

CBS-5 TO PUT EYE ON ALUM ROCK

2007-01-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

CBS-5's hit TV show Eye on the Bay will be focusing an upcoming segment on our dear old Alum Rock neighborhood. I got a call this morning from show host/producer Marla Tellez asking me if I could play tour guide for the show which will be taped on January 30th. Of course I exitedly accepted this great offer to show off our little corner of the world to the TV viewers of the Bay Area. But where to start? We plan to meet at the Dr. Roberto Cruz library and fan out from there, our stops will include Peters Bakery, James Lick High, Marks Hot Dogs, and of course Alum Rock Park. Here's where you, the readers of The Neighborhood View come in. We need a few more location suggestions...the often overlooked, the off-beat, the interesting and of course anything picturesque. Please put suggestions in the comments section below and we will see you on TV!
Eye on the Bay used to be known as Evening Magazine. It is a daily, half-hour TV program that airs at 7pm on CBS 5. The show is known for its high quality, often witty and always interesting profiles of people and places around the Bay Area. You can check out some recent segments here: http://cbs5.com/eyeonthebay
As a lifelong resident of the Alum Rock area and a CBS-5 TV News Reporter, I want to put our best foot forward on this important project.

LAST STAND FOR LORD'S BAPTIST CHURCH

2007-01-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

The giant jaws of an excavator chomped down on the wood frame of The Lord's Baptist Church on Fleming Avenue this morning, reducing it to rubble in a matter of minutes. Work to clear the site will continue for the next few weeks as developer Braddock and Logan begins the long awaited and hard-fought construction project. A new 14 home neighborhood will be built on the site. But thanks to neighborhood involvement, a deal was struck with the developer and the city to also build a half-acre park on the land along the Fleming frontage. More on this to come...

LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!... James Lick Shoots for New Image

2007-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Videographer Tom Castellano moves in for a shot during the production of a video that will be shown to San Jose high schools to attract more students to James Lick's new media magnet program.

James Lick High School is undergoing some exciting and dramatic changes that are designed to inspire its current student body and attract new students into a top-notch learning environment.
The newly renovated exterior of the school invites students and visitors to this "charming" school, according to Principal Bill Rice. "With a population of about 1,100 students, James Lick is easily the smallest and most comfortable school in the district," said Rice in a recent video documentary about the school that is being produced to promote its new media magnet program. "This is a school where the administration, counselors and teachers know the students well, so no students feel lost."
James Lick offers the comprehensive academic, athletic and extra-curricular programs found at all district schools, but because of its status as a magnet school, it also offers a unique cutting-edge program in "New Media."
The program features an academic and career program that introduces students to the latest digital media: television and radio broadcasting, graphic arts, digital photography, music, multi-media, and journalism. These are the building blocks of our new digital society as outlined recently in Time Magazine's Person of the Year issue.
The school is installing a new state of the art television broadcast studio. Students will produce a weekly community show broadcast through Comcast Cable as well as live broadcasts to James Lick High School.
There are also new state of the art computer labs utilizing the latest software, including Adobe Creative Suite and Video Suite. The program is designed to be cross-curricular in that it integrates language arts, computer technology, visual arts, and media production (radio, television, web page, desktop publishing, music, video, print journalism, and digital photography).
Business Partnerships with Comcast and CBS-5 Eyewitness News and education partnerships with local colleges and universities will further enhance the student experience.
"As students prepare for college, they will be exposed to potential four-year majors in the areas of communication and modern media," according to Rice.
Students will develop skills in modern media that will allow them to enter the media professions such as broadcasting, multimedia, and graphic arts.
"When students graduate from the Modern Media Magnet, they will have produced a digital portfolio featuring quality works from each of the areas of modern media," Rice stated. The portfolios will be presented as part of their senior project, he said.
Access to this kind of technology will be available at Lick and be invaluable to students wishing to pursue exciting multi-media careers. But it will be just one of many reasons students and families should choose James Lick. Lick also offers several honors or advanced placement (AP) classes in english, english literature, spanish, spanish literature, US history, biology and calculus. These rigorous courses allow students the opportunity to get college credit in these courses, so they won't have to take them at the University level, saving time (and their parent's money!).

JAMES LICK HIGHLIGHTED IN MERCURY NEWS

2007-01-01T23:14:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, the James Lick Comets football team was featured in the San Jose Mercury News recently. It's a nice article that focuses on the courage and determination of the student athletes and the school in general. As you know, James Lick is making a major turnaround. Like the football team, the school has a long way to go, but I believe it has turned the corner and is on the comeback! Look for great things in the future from the Mighty Comets!

You can check it out here:

www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16355323.htm

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2006-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Casa Ramirez

It's time to make The Neighborhood View more interactive...so let's start by inviting our neighbors into our homes. Take a picture of your favorite holiday decorations...your tree, your lights, your house decorations, your store or shop, your street lit up at night or your family Christmas picture and send it in. Write up a short note, talking about your family traditions and we'll post them online. This will be a great way for us to share the holidays and get to know eachother a little better.

Send words and photos to:
lenramirez@aol.com

Share, don't be shy

POSADAS TRADITION KEPT ALIVE IN EAST FOOTHILLS

2006-12-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

National Hispanic University students Carla Estrada and Juan Villalobos play the part of Mary and Joseph during Las Posadas at NHU.

By Len Ramirez

Families, the faithful and students gathered at the National Hispanic University on Sunday afternoon (12/10) to take part in the Mexican holiday tradition of Las Posadas.
"We have to keep the tradition alive" said Maria F. Hernandez-Schabbing, one of the organizers who helped make this a festive, colorful display of Christmas culture.
Las Posadas is the re-enactment of the holy family's epic search for lodging in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Christ. 18-year-old Carla Estrada and 18-year-old Juan Villalobos, both NHU Freshmen, superbly played the part of Mary and Joseph, leading a procession of angels, musicians and Aztec dancers through the NHU quad. Tradition dictates that the procession makes stops along the way at several doorsteps where Mary and Joseph ask for shelter in song, the reply is also sung, but there is "no room at the inn", so the procession moves on. Finally, shelter is found and a song of thanksgiving is sung. In this case, the procession ended with a rendition of the Jose Feliciano Christmas classic "Feliz Navidad."
The event also included a street faire with games and prizes, and a spanish mass that featured a beautiful Ave Maria, sung by San Jose teenage recording artist Manuel Romero.

P.E.O. HOME TO CLOSE; LAND UP FOR GRABS

2006-12-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

A tagger has already marked the wall in front of the California P.E.O home, aka Maguerite Terrace .

By Len Ramirez

The end is near for the California P.E.O. Home on Kirk Avenue.
"All residents will have been moved to a new home by this Saturday" said Randy Eilts, spokesman for the home, by telephone. "It had been a trickle of people moving out since word of the closure was announced back on April 12th."
Eilts said closing the home, which housed 37 women and is also known as Marguerite Terrace, was a difficult decision for the P.E.O's Board of Directors to make. But he said the board concluded that it was no longer financially feasible for the home to remain open.
Although the front building was remodeled a few years ago, most of the rest of the facility was in need of upgrades such as heating, cooling and roofing. Eilts says remodeling all eight buildings in the entire 40-plus year-old facility was not "financially viable."
Eilts also said the property has been put up for sale, although he would not divulge the asking price on the property. He did say "We're still taking offers" on the land.
It is doubtful that any new owners would continue using the property as a nursing home, given the condition of the facilities.
The property sits on 4 1/2 acres in San Jose city limits and is zoned for the current use, but some neighbors have already expressed fears that the property could turn into another large and dense housing development, such as the ones recently built on Alum Rock and Story Roads.

KIDS, PARENTS AND STAFF PITCH IN TO BEAUTIFY LINDA VISTA

2006-12-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

Some of the many volunteers who helped make Linda Vista a better place to be.

Linda Vista is already a California Distinguished School, Saturday was a good example of why.

About 100 people from the school community showed up on a gorgeous Saturday during the holidays to pick up shovels, rakes and brooms and spend the day beautifying the already scenic campus.
Together with several members of the Linda Vista teaching staff, Principal Paddy Douglas rolled up her sleeves to help create retaining walls and gardens clustered in three areas around campus. One of the areas will be a vegetable garden the students will tend to learn more about science and nutrition. "We're also going to make a mural" Douglas said. It will be on a wall backing up the garden and it will have a "farmworker or agricultural" theme.
It was a total team effort as several Linda Vista families showed up to help out. Several students spent the day, side by side with their parents and teachers to make their school a better place to be. Helping to make it all possible are the kind folks at the Alum Rock Orchard Store, Payless Rockery and Mission Concrete who donated materials and the expertise to pull off a beautiful job.

ALUM ROCK VILLAGE CEREMONY LIGHTS UP THE HOLIDAYS

2006-11-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

Councilmember Nora Campos and James Lick Principal Bill
Rice are joined by young people for the ceremonial lighting
of the village.

Wow...this was a fun night!

For the first time ever, Alum Rock neighbors gathered to celebrate the lighting up of the village for the holidays. About 150 people surrounded the stage in front of the former Brasil Auto Repair shop as the sun was setting on Alum Rock Avenue. The James Lick High School choir and band, under the direction of Music Director Tomoko Nakajima, provided carols and music to set the perfect mood. The students were all dressed in festive gowns and tuxes for the occassion and they looked and sounded sharp.
Yours truly was honored to be the Emcee for the night's festivities (thank you CBS 5, which let me off early to participate!). Neighbors sipped Starbucks coffee and mingled with Village shopkeepers who donated several great prizes for a raffle. Santa took Christmas wishes from kids in the old Karate studio. The U.S. Marines stood guard over a Toys for Tots bin that was quickly filled with gifts for needy children. And the crowd listened to James Lick Principal Bill Rice describe how his school (and my alma mater) is on the upswing.
And speaking of upswings, San Jose City Councilmember Nora Campos, whose office organized the event, spoke of how this is a milestone in an ongoing effort to restore pride and prestige in Alum Rock. She also mentioned that some deals are in the works to bring even more businesses to the Village in the next year or two, adding to the Village's ambiance, and making it more of a destination for the community. Those will certainly be big announcements in the future, but for now, let's enjoy what we have in the Alum Rock area and support the businesses that support our community. Bravo to all involved, and for those of you who missed it, mark it down for next year because this will be an annual event that is not to be missed!

ALUM ROCK NAMED ONE OF TOP PARKS

2006-11-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

By Andrea Flores-Shelton

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
My husband and I took our son to Alum Rock Park early Wednesday morning and we saw a certificate had been given to the park by Sunset Magazine for being in the Top 10 Thanksgiving Hikes of 2006. Yesterday, at my parents’ house I picked up their Sunset and found that Alum Rock Park had been ranked #5. We are so blessed to have this place - #5 or not, in our backyard. It was a gorgeous morning and we had the place almost to ourselves.

Here is the write up:Fall days linger, especially golden, in the east-west-running canyon of Alum Rock Park. The east San Jose sanctuary offers both mellow strolls and muscle-taxing climbs through its 720 acres. Opt for the flat 2.5 mile Creek Trail, which follows Penitencia Creed, from the park’s entrance to the handsome stone bridges at Sycamore Groves’ mineral springs. Or for a more challenging 3-mile trek with vertigo-inducing views-and the chance to see deer, rabbits, and quail- Take South Rim Trail from Inspiration Point, where natural beauty and quire inspire genuine thanks-giving.

If you are curious, the Top 10 Thanksgiving Hikes are:
#10 -Salk Lake City – Bonneville Shoreline Trail
#9 – Denver, Deer Creek Canyon Park
#8 – Sante Fe, Borrego-Bear Wallow Loop
#7 – Scottsdale, AZ, Pinnacle Peak Park
#6 – Malibu, Point Mugu State Park
#5 – San Jose, Alum Rock Park
#4 – Orinda, CA, Briones Regional Park
#3 – Sacramento – C.M. Goethe Park
#2 – Portland, Wildwood Trail
#1 – Seattle, Seward Park

-- Andrea

CRAB SEASON COMES TO ALUM ROCK FARMERS MARKET

2006-11-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

From the Alum Rock Village Farmers Market

Crab Season has begun at the Alum Rock Village Farmers' Market.

Along with the chill that fall brings, comes the long awaited Dungeness crab season in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Right now, you can find fresh, local crab than at the Alum Rock Village Certified Farmers' Market.

In December and January, crab supplies are plentiful and the meat is sweetest. Local fishermen including Pham's Fresh Fish, Salter Crab Co., and Stu Fish are now bringing us this season's bounty of seafood, including shrimp, and a variety of fish and crab! The Alum Rock Village Farmers' Market is also brimming with fall and winter vegetables and fruits. From butternut squash to broccoli, from persimmons to pears – year-round, there is no better place to buy fresh, local fruits and vegetables than at the farmers' market. Looking to make an impression during the holidays? Fresh brussel sprouts sautéed in olive oil with fresh garlic and slivered almonds, candied yams, freshly baked herb-potatoes, or orange-glazed carrots should do the trick. Try your hand at making a fresh apple strudel or freshly baked persimmon bread. Decorate the table with a beautiful bouquet of freshly-cut flowers. Or, if you are after artisan breads, savory pies, eggs, kettle korn, orchids, honey, or other locally grown or locally produced goods – come join us!

The Alum Rock Village Farmers' Market operates year-round, rain or shine, on Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at James Lick High School, 57 N. White Road, San Jose.For more information on the Alum Rock Village Farmers' Market, or to find another farmers' market in your area, please contact the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association at (800) 949-FARM or go to: