June 1, 2005

NewsBriefs

Espinoza convicted in student death

Benny Espinoza, 21, who was accused in the January 2004 killing of Samuel Pena Jr., was convicted May 25 of first-degree murder and will be sentenced on July 15.

Espinoza was accused of stabbing Pena after an argument on a VTA bus prior to school. Espinoza followed Pena off the bus several blocks from Willow Glen High School where Pena was a sophomore. The argument escalated and Espinoza reportedly stabbed Pena before running away. He was found in downtown San Jose later that day.

The trial lasted three days. Espinoza claimed self-defense. The jury disagreed. He faces 25 years to life.

Alexander Green graduates from basic training

Army Pvt. Alexander N. Green has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During his eight weeks of basic training, Green received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid and Army history, core values and traditions.

Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to an infantry crewman.

Green is the son of Eric Green of Lurtner Avenue, San Jose. He is a 2004 graduate of Willow Glen High School, San Jose.

Kiwanis Club seeks new members

Anyone interested in meeting new people and helping others should look to the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen, which is always looking for new members.

The club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 12:10 p.m. at the Puerta Azuel, 1072 Lincoln Ave. in Willow Glen. A typical meeting includes lunch, announcements, reports, a group song and a program featuring a guest speaker, panel, musical group, forum or special program.

Like other Kiwanis clubs in the area and throughout our country, the Willow Glen club's main purpose is to serve the community. Its members provide camperships to the Crippled Children's Society and Camp Castonoen, financial support to the YMCA with scholarships to the Boy Scouts and to Willow Glen Little League. It gives scholarships to the Leland Key Club and Willow Glen High School.

Kiwanis of Willow Glen also sponsors and helps fund a number of other groups and charities. These include Leland High's Key Club, the San Jose Family Shelter, The Next Door, Second Harvest Foundation, InnVision, City Team Ministries, Chaplain's Ministry at Valley Medical Center, California's Parks Ministry, Sacred Heart Community Services and Martha's Kitchen among others.

If you'd like to join, there are only a few simple commitments. These include meeting attendance, some time commitments for fund raising and community service projects and sponsorship of a new member each year. In return you'll receive an opportunity to share your experience and knowledge as well as your time in serving your community.

If interested in joining the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen, contact Michael Rubino at (408) 978-8234.