Hello neighbors! Thank you to the more than 80 District 1 volunteers who spent half of their Saturday helping to clean-up our district. I hosted an Illegal Sign Clean-Up event, with assistance from our city's Code Enforcement department, to help eliminate this blight from our neighborhoods. It was a great success and to read more about what we accomplished, click here.
With the illegal sign clean-up behind us, I am looking forward to another event just around the corner. As the City's first Greek-American Councilmember, I am proud to host the upcoming 2nd Annual Greek Flag Raising Ceremony from 4 - 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, here at City Hall Plaza to commemorate Greek Independence Day. Click here to view the event flyer. I began this tradition last year which featured Greek dancers and cultural food and we plan to do it all again. I invite you to come join the Greek community and experience the Greek culture.
An issue that you've probably heard or read a lot about in recent weeks is my effort, along with that of Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio, to protect and preserve the City's Crossing Guard Program. In our attempts to ensure funding for crossing guards, we discovered an inherent structural problem with our budget process. You can learn more about what we found and how we are proposing to fix it by reading the full article here.
In continuing with my commitment to public safety, I am excited to announce that I have been appointed by the League of California Cities to serve on the National League of Cities' (NLC) Public Safety and Crime Prevention (PSCP) Policy and Advocacy Committee. I will represent the City of San José and State of California as I serve a one-year term on this committee. To read more about my new role and responsibilities, please click here.
In this month's newsletter you'll also be able to read about new efforts to prevent gang activity and focus on at-risk youth at one of our local middle schools. Striving Toward Achievement with New Direction, known as S.T.A.N.D., is a program sponsored by the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task Force that promotes youth development. Click here for the full article.
I need your help. I know that there are people and organizations that work tirelessly behind the scenes to help make our community better, and whose efforts may oftentimes go unnoticed. If you know of anyone or any group that deserves to be recognized, can you let me know so that we can acknowledge their contributions and accomplishments formally and properly? I welcome your suggestions. Nominations can be made on my district website by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page. On this proclamation and commendation page you will also be able to see who we've already recognized. I look forward to hearing and learning about who you think has helped make West San José a better place to live, work and play.
Your Neighbor,
P.S. I will be bringing City Hall to you during my community office hours this Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the West Valley Library and from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 19, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church (a temporary location due to construction at the Cypress Senior Center).
GOT BLIGHT? NOT ANYMORE |
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN |
S.T.A.N.D. |
Illegal Sign Clean-Up a Success On Saturday, February 28, more than 80 District 1 volunteers got up early and braved the cold to help remove illegal signs throughout the district. I hosted our first-ever Illegal Sign Clean-Up event in conjunction with the City of San José's Code Enforcement department and it was a huge success.
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Preserving the Crossing Guard Program We are currently in the worst economic climate since the Great Depression. We're anticipating and bracing for this crisis to still get worse, and no one can accurately predict when our situation will turn around. Given this climate of depleting resources and a $70 million budget deficit, we are faced with having to make some extremely difficult choices when it comes to preserving and maintaining core city services. |
New Gang Prevention Effort in District 1 During a visit to Monroe Middle School last year, I met with their then new principal, Dawnel Sonntag. Principal Sontag expressed the school's need for effective and productive after-school activities, as students there seemed to be at risk to be lured by gangs. Although Monroe Middle School is physically located in District 6, it is in the Campbell Union School District and a majority of its students reside in District 1. |
| WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 1? |
| Office Hours Wednesday, March 4, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. West Valley Branch Library - 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road, San José Join the Councilmember to share your thoughts or ask questions - no appointment necessary! For further information, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901 |
San José Council Salary Setting Commission Community Meetings |
Small Business Tax Assistance Day |
| Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event Saturday, March 7, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Rain or Shine International Christian Center - 3275 Williams Road, San José Come drop off all of your computer and electronic equipment to be recycled. Proceeds of the event benefit the Lynhaven Neighborhood Association. For more information call Earthcare at 943-9943 or info@earthcarerecycling.com. Click here for the flyer. |
Registration for Spring Classes, Sports Leagues and Spring Camps Begins |
| Cypress Senior Center Advisory Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Cypress Senior Center at Immanuel Presbyterian Church - 3675 Payne Avenue, San José Come and make a difference at your center. We would like a representative from each group or club at Cypress to attend the Advisory Council Meeting to give us input on your activity. For more information, call the Cypress Senior Center at (408) 249-6580. |
| Mass Care & Shelter Operations Training Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 12, 2009 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. City of Saratoga North Campus-Administration Building - 19849 Prospect Road, Saratoga Become familiar with how Shelter Operations work and how the Red Cross does business. This is an excellent opportunity for CERT volunteers to become cross-trained for assisting in neighborhoods or local shelters. For more information or to register, please call (408) 577-2010 or e-mail Tom Busk at buskt@usa.redcross.org. |
| Cypress Senior Center St. Patrick's Day Dance Party Tuesday, March 17, 2009 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cypress Senior Center at Immanuel Presbyterian Church - 3675 Payne Avenue Come join the celebration of all things green! $1.00 for members and $2.00 for non-members. Please sign up at the Church or at the West San José Community Center. For more information, call the Cypress Senior Center at (408) 249-6580. |
| Free 2 Succeed: How to Survive an Economic Crisis Tuesday, March 17, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Calabazas Branch Library - 1230 Blaney Ave., San José Learn about community resources that can help you during difficult economic times. This workshop, presented by West Valley Community Services, will provide information on how to get emergency assistance with food, rent, and utilities, and how to sign up children for health insurance. In addition, subsidized child care, affordable housing services, and job search and employment resources will be covered. The workshop will be presented in English with Chinese translation available if needed. For more information, contact Ruth at 996-1536 or 996-1535. |
| Office Hours Thursday, March 19, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Cypress Senior Center at Immanuel Presbyterian Church - 3675 Payne Avenue, San José Join the Councilmember to share your thoughts or ask questions - no appointment necessary! For further information, please call the District 1 Office at (408) 535-4901. |
| E-Waste Recycling and Household Donation Event Saturday, March 21, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Easterbrook Discovery School - 4835 Doyle Ave., San José Get an early start on spring cleaning - take this opportunity to drop off your e-waste and other usable household goods/clothing with the Salvation Army. Donate a TV or ream of paper and get a free car wash! Proceeds from TV/CPU e-waste will benefit the Easterbrook Discovery School and three local neighborhood associations (Primrose, Strawberry Park, and Easterbrook). For more information, contact Lori Kahn at lkahn_pna@sbcglobal.net. |
| Free 2 Succeed: Effective Job Networking Tuesday, March 24, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Calabazas Branch Library - 1230 Blaney Ave., San José Learn skills that improve the effectiveness of your networking and job-related conversations. You will develop a conversation opener, a transitional statement, and a success story. This program will be presented by the Workforce Institute of the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District. For more information, contact Ruth at 996-1536 or 996-1535. |
| Greek Flag Raising Ceremony Wednesday, March 25, 2009 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. San José City Hall Plaza and Rotunda - 200 East Santa Clara Street, San José Come celebrate Greek Independence Day with Councilmember Pete Constant and special guest Greek Consul General Ambassador Xenia Stefanidou. Enjoy Greek dancing, music and food reception in the Rotunda immediately following the ceremony. For more information, contact the District 1 office at 535-4901 or www.sjdistrict1.com. Click here to view event flyer. |
| California High-Speed Rail Authority Wednesday, March 25, 2009 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Roosevelt Community Center, Community Room B - 901 E. Santa Clara Street, San José This public scoping meeting is the first step of the environment review process and will be an opportunity for you to comment on the projects potential environmental eefects that should be included in the EIR/EIS. Comments will be accepted throughout the scoping meetings and through close of business on Friday, April 10, 2009 via e-mail with subject line "San Jose to Merced HST" to comments@hsr.ca.gov, or mail to Mr. Dan Leavitt, Deputy Director, ATTN. San Jose to Merced, California High-Speed Rail Authority, 925 L Street, Suite 1425, Sacramento, CA 95814. |
Free2Succeed: Healthy Habits for Families |
| Free Tax Assistance for Seniors Friday, February 6, 2009 to Friday, April 10, 2009 Starbird Youth Center - 1050 Boynton Ave., San José The 2008 Income Tax season began Friday, February 6, 2009 at Starbird Youth Center. Volunteers trained in cooperation with IRS and AARP are available to assist lower income seniors with filing their tax returns. Assistance is provided at Starbird Youth Center. If you are interested in getting help with your tax return please contact Cypress Senior Center to schedule an appointment at (408) 249-6580. |
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
| Fremont Union High School Foundation Crab Feed Friday, April 3, 2009 5:00 p.m. DeAnza College Gym - 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino Enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat fresh cold crab dinner with pasta, green salad, and bread side dishes. All proceeds benefit Cupertino, Fremont, Homestead, Lynbrook, and Monta Vista High Schools. For more information call the Foundation at (408) 773-1218. |
| West Valley Senior Walk & Prescription Drop-off Friday, April 17, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Westfield Valley Fair - 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., San José Join Councilmember Pete Constant for the 4th Annual West Valley Senior Walk. Find out how mall walking can keep you fit and healthy. Enjoy free registration, free gifts, free raffle, free breakfast, and a free resource fair! For more information, contact the District 1 office at 535-4901 or www.sjdistrict1.com. |
PETE IN THE NEWS
March 1, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Editorial: The great crossing guard panic of San Jose
Councilmen Pierluigi Oliverio and Pete Constant decided that they needed to protect this essential public safety service, so they proposed that the $2 million per year cost should come out of the Healthy Neighborhoods Venture Fund... (Mayor Reed) carved out the one legitimate point in the venture fund controversy, which was to change the grant schedule so that the council could include the program as part of its overall budget discussion. This seemed to be Constant's main concern ...
February 27, 2009
Field of Schemes, San Jose launches A's talks, Facebook group
San Jose is definitely trying to be the front-runner in the where-will-the-Oakland-A's-end-up derby, at least in terms of public image... More seriously, San Jose councilmember Pete Constant has called for public money towards an A's stadium to remain on the table if it's part of "a deal that makes financial sense for the city."
February 22, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Urban market expected to get San Jose council's OK
Adding to Campos' concerns were meetings three other council members had with McEnery on downtown issues last fall. Two of the council members, Pete Constant and Pierluigi Oliverio, both said Sunday the urban market wasn't discussed. The third, Dave Cortese, now serves on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
February 19, 2009
SJSU News, Porn filters: The battle of protection vs. free speech in local, national libraries
While age was not a question in the polling, yes-responding participants generally were older and parents, which is a key point for Constant in his proposals to the City Council. In the interview with Constant he said, “My biggest group of supporters are parents,” also adding that, “The city should not be paying for people to view porn.” Constant is not alone in his beliefs and has the support of not just parents, but SJSU students as well.
February 15, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose officials debate spirit of tobacco settlement as they feud over use of the funds
Councilmen Pierluigi Oliverio and Pete Constant have proposed taking about half of the money now awarded to the community programs and using it to cover the $1.9 million annual cost of the police department's school crossing guard unit for the next three years.... Oliverio and Constant also want grants from the tobacco fund, which now are committed in March so programs can begin receiving it by July 1, to wait until May and June when the city finalizes its budget.
February 13, 2009
KLIV, Constant named to national policy commitee
Pete Constant will represent the city in maters of public safety and crime prevention ... Constant said he hopes to not only share what San Jose has been doing right during his one-year term on the committee, but to learn from other cities what they've been doing to cut down on crime and improve public safety.
February 11, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, San Jose councilmen renew push to tap tobacco money for crossing guards
Parents and school officials joined Councilmen Pierluigi Oliverio and Pete Constant in urging that proceeds from a multistate settlement with tobacco companies be used to provide stable funding for the city's nearly 200 police-supervised crossing guards.... Constant, who also sits on the committee, suggested the city hold off awarding the tobacco money to nonprofits until it deals with the rest of its budget.
February 10, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Pizarro: San Jose Councilman Pete Constant will be ringing in Friday the 13th
Constant says he was honored to be asked to perform the duty at the Winchester House, which is in his council district. Knowing that the house's superstitious originator, Sarah Winchester, was obsessed with spider-web patterns, he'll be wearing a tie emblazoned with one.
February 4, 2009
San Jose Mercury News, Two San Jose pension trustees resign
Reed, Constant and Liccardo in particular have cited concerns about pension fund oversight and have called for greater expertise on the boards, including replacing council members with financial experts. Constant and Liccardo are trustees themselves.
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Councilmember Pete Constant
District 1, City of San José
200 East Santa Clara Street,
18th Floor
San José, CA 95113
Telephone: (408) 535-4901
Fax: (408) 292-6448
Pete.Constant@sanjoseca.gov
www.sjdistrict1.com
Inside this Issue:
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Pete's Message
Helpful Links for D1 Residents:
Service Providers for D1 Residents:
277-4528 |
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535-3850 |
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535-3570 |
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Cypress Senior Center |
244-1353 |
Moreland West Community Center |
871-3821 |
Starbird Teen Center |
984-1954 |
West San José Community & Policing Center |
249-6580 |
277-8900 |
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| 808-2000 | |
Calabazas Branch Library |
996-1536 |
West Valley Branch Library |
244-4766 |
554-6391 |
Connecting to your government:
Important Phone Numbers:
City Hall Call Center |
535-3500 |
277-5305 |
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277-3208 |
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578-7297 |
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277-2762 |
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535-3555 |
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Bulky Item Pickup |
535-5300 |
Cable TV Complaints |
535-3500 |
277-4528 |
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Crime Prevention— Neighborhood Watch |
277-4133 |
Dead Animal Collection |
578-7297 |
535-3850 |
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277-3700 |
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Emergency Services |
277-4595 |
535-3515 |
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Green Team |
283-8500 |
299-7300 |
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998-5200 |
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723-4114 |
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99-TREES |
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Parks Concerns |
793-5510 |
Police Information |
277-2211 |
975-4480 |
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277-4444 |
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279-7900 |
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Senior Programs |
277-4561 |
277-3158 |
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296-8290 |
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Street Light Repair |
277-5517 |
277-4373 |
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535-5300 |
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277-4341 |
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792-5010 |
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535-3500 |
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Youth Services |
535-3570 |
The Neighborhood Limelight
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