October 3, 2008

District 8 Report

‘Won’t you be my neighbor?’

By Vice Mayor Dave Cortese
Special to the Times

Building strong neighborhoods, in my opinion, is one of the most important causes public leaders can take on. So I am honored to continue this celebration of community and diversity and would also like to extend an invitation to you, your family and friends, to join me at the annual Day in the Park: A Multicultural Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

While your kids are enjoying the sports clinic, you can mingle with your neighbors and meet local non-profit, government, and community-based organizations to learn about their services. And since last year’s featured section focusing on health and wellness in our community was such a hit, in addition to bringing back the toothmobile and other free health services, we are going to be showcasing a section on making your home environmentally friendly and saving money in the process. You can also find out about some of the services that we can provide for you here at City Hall.

Please come out and enjoy a free BBQ lunch and live entertainment including the return of San Jose’s very own Manuel Romero. Since the admission is free and parking is free, there really is no excuse for you not to come out and join us. And be sure to get there early, since the first 2,000 kids can pick out a free pumpkin for the holidays.

“Happy Trails to You”
Since most of our modern cities and towns have been built around the car, it is ever more important for us to set aside pedestrian and bicycle friendly sidewalks and trails. There are so many benefits to walking or biking, such as healthier bodies and minds, helping the environment while saving money, and just getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Riding bikes with my kids is a favorite activity of mine, so when I came into office, I wanted to bring more accessible trails to our community. So it is my pleasure to invite you to attend the official opening of the Thompson Creek Trail on October 18, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the corner of Tully Road and Glen Hanleigh Drive. We are opening the first segment of the trail from Tully Road to Aborn Road, and down the line, it will reach all the way to Heartland Way along San Felipe Road.

While you are there, you can meet your friendly neighborhood San Jose firefighters or scratch the noses of the majestic horses of the San Jose Police Department’s Mounted Unit. And be sure to have your children bring their bicycles as I will be giving out goodie bags for all the children who join me walking or riding on the trail.

Fahrenheit 451
Perhaps one of the first places you will go to on this new trail is the Evergreen Library. This fantastic neighborhood center is home to many great novels, romantic movies, and educational children’s books. Where else can you go and take items free of charge on only the promise that you will bring it back?

And while you are there, perhaps you could think about what you can do to help such a great public service. A dear friend of mine, Elizabeth Gill, has figured out a way; she is one of the founding members and current president of the Friends of the Evergreen Library. This tireless group of volunteers collects and organizes donated books to sell at their monthly book sale benefitting the library. Without them, the library would not be able to update its extensive collection quite as often or be able to purchase that rare gem.

If you like reading as much as I do, maybe you could come out to the next Friends of the Evergreen Library Book Sale on October 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and browse the eclectic collection. You might find the book that you have always wanted to read or never knew you wanted to read, and at the same time, help out this wonderful organization. If you can not find the book that you must have, you could also volunteer your time to help sort the books for the next sale so that you can have a free preview of next selection. And if you can keep up with her, ask the tireless Elizabeth why libraries are so important and what it was like growing up without them. For information on how to volunteer, please go to http://www.friendsofevergreenlibrary.org.

As always, please contact me with any questions or comments you may have.  I look forward to hearing from you by phone 408-535-4908 or email dave.cortese@sanjoseca.gov.