March 5, 2008

Council Report

With tagging increasing, help wipe out graffiti

By Councilmember Judy Chirco
Special to the Times

As spring approaches and the weather turns sunny, it brings us all out to enjoy our parks and other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in graffiti throughout San Jose.

Since 1999, the Anti-Graffiti and Litter Program has taken an annual survey on the number of tags; they have found a steady decline in tags every year until 2007. An initial review of tags abated during the first six months of this fiscal year compared to the same time period last year indicates that city staff removed almost 61 percent more tags this year.

We are continuing to address this problem and ask for your help by calling the 24-hour anti graffiti hotline at (408) 277-2758 to report graffiti. I encourage you to become a volunteer by calling Graffiti Abatement at (408) 277-3208 and they will supply you with free anti-graffiti supplies and information. Let’s make District 9 graffiti-free.

City commissions, boards
I appreciate all the residents of San Jose who volunteer to serve on city boards and commissions. Currently District 9 has 16 individuals serving on 10 of the 27 commissions.

They are:

Katie Hawn, Youth Commission
William Brill, Jr. - Civil Service Commission
Emma Eljas – Disability Advisory Commission
Anette Howell – Disability Advisory Commission
Kevin Lichtenberg, Disability Advisory Commission
Timothy Kirby – Chair, Early Care and Education
Sharlyn Maeda – Early Care and Education
Vernon Swart, Jr. – Mobile Home Advisory
Marilou Christina – Senior Citizens Commission
Troy Tibbils- Downtown Parking Board
Raji Bains – Human Rights Commission
Jessica Rossman – Human Rights Commission
Caroline Martin – Library Commission
Michael Davis – Senior Citizens Commission
Brian Rossman – Small Business Development Commission
Brian Ho – Small business Development Commission

Thanks to all of our District 9 neighbors who are giving of their time and talents to make San Jose a better place to live, work, and play.

Applications are being accepted for San Jose Boards and Commissions: Airport, Arts, Disability Advisory, Early Care and Education, Historic Landmarks Commission, Housing and Community Development, Library, Parks & Recreation, Senior Citizens and Planning and Traffic Appeals.

You must live in San Jose and have a commitment to being active in the community. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, March 7. Applications will remain active and on file for one year from the date received. The process includes a written application and interview with the Diversity Committee for appointments starting July 1.

Application forms and information sheets that describe commission duties and time commitments are available from the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113 or on the City’s Web site at: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/forms/forms.asp. If you would like additional information about a particular commission, board or Committee, please log onto Boards & Commissions, visit or call the City Clerk's Office (408) 535-1260.

Spring Celebration, Saturday March 15
Bring your youngsters for a morning of springtime crafts, games, face painting and family memories for an exciting “eggstravaganza” on Saturday March 15 at the Cambrian Community Center beginning at 10 a.m. There will be egg hunts for each age group and a chance to take pictures with the Big Bunny. Egg hunt times will be 15 minutes per age groups between 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Each child will receive a goodie bag filled with surprises. Space is limited; pre registration is required. The $5 fee is for children ages 1 to 10 with children 12 months and younger are free, but everyone needs to be registered. The event is scheduled to last until noon. The Camden Community Center is located at 3369 Union Ave. Register at the Center or mail/fax registration using the Citywide Activity guide found online at www.sanjoseca.gov. For further information, call (408) 559-8553.

Sign up for summer activities
Camden Community Center is gearing up for a great spring and summer with lots of new programs and special events for the whole family. Some of the new classes for children include Little Hoopsters and Outdoor Activities, Tiny Tales art class and Stranger Danger - Kid Escape Workshop. Adults can sign up for a Zumba fitness class, calligraphy or square dancing.

The Summer Day Camp schedules include “Survivor Camden” and Leaders in Training camp for teens ages 11–16. The Extreme Teens Camp combines visiting local destinations and the challenge of activities that will push the limits.
The new spring/summer activity guide from the city of San Jose’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is available on- line and the Camden Community Center’s information can be viewed at www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/centers/CC/Camdencc/Camden.asp. You can also pick up a guide at any Community Center or Branch Library.

If you wish to receive periodic e-mails from my office, please visit the District 9 Web site at www.sanjoseca.gov/district9 and click on “Join Judy’s e-mail list.” As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at District9@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4909.