January 25, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

Volunteers critically needed at the polls for Feb. 5 election

The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters still needs over 1,000 citizens to volunteer to serve as Election Officers in the February 5th Presidential Primary Election. This is the first time that the Presidential Primary Election has been held this early and that has made recruiting Election Officers more challenging.

Election Officers are needed throughout the county, especially the areas of Cupertino, Saratoga, Mountain View and Gilroy. There is also a critical need for over 100 Spanish bilingual Election Officers.

Anyone who is registered to vote in the state of California can become an Election Officer. Election Officers are paid a stipend of $95.00 or more. They can also earn an extra stipend for bilingual skills. Bilingual Election Officers must be fluent in English and one of the following federally mandated languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Tagalog.

Experience is not necessary as training is provided.

High school students who would like to be involved in the election process can participate in the Student Election Officer Program. Students must be at least 16 years old with a minimum 2.5 grade point average, receive permission from their school and parents or guardians. Student Election Officers have the same responsibilities and receive the same stipends as other Election Officers.

For more information, call:

English: 299-POLL [7655]
Spanish: (408) 282-3095
Vietnamese: (408) 282-3097
Chinese: (408) 282-3086
Tagalog: (408) 535-3916
Students: (408) 282-3091

Our City Forest to host a Jewish Arbor day celebration

Jewish families in San Jose will be planting trees in cooperation with Our City Forest to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees. The families will come together on Sunday, Jan. 27 to plant street trees for disabled and senior residents around San Jose who are unable to plant on their own.

Jewish Arbor Day or Tu B'Shevat, literally the 15th day of the month of Shevat, which begins at sundown on Feb. 12, is a celebration of spring’s renewal and an appreciation of the interconnectedness of man and nature. Tu B’Shevat is often celebrated by planting trees locally or in Israel, or by participating in a seder. But more recently it has become a Jewish Arbor Day, concentrating on the physical benefits of installing energy-efficient light bulbs, planting native, sustainable landscaping and setting up recycling bins.

For more information, contact Busara Melrose at 408/998-7337 x 111.