October 20, 2006

District 8 Report

Taking pride in San Jose’s diversity

By District 8 Council Member Dave Cortese
Special to the Times

San Jose is a city that takes great pride in the diverse races, religions, and cultures that are shared amongst its residents.

As a native of San Jose and District 8, I am extremely lucky to have grown up and raised my children in an area rich in diversity and culture. It is one thing to be aware of the beautiful differences among our neighbors, but it is through community events where we can engage and converse with our neighbors in a way that truly brings home the rich diversity of cultures and traditions.

There are numerous events that take place in the City of San Jose that celebrate culture, music, art and much more. Yet, I have a personal connection to the traditions carried on in District 8. One example would be Day in the Park, District 8’s annual Multicultural Festival, which occurred on October 7th.

Every year, this event has grown in scope and size and 2006 saw thousands of people spend their day supporting local non-profit organizations, enjoying multicultural entertainment and food, participating in arts and crafts and most importantly, educating and reacquainting themselves with what this city has to offer. The District 8 Council Office thanks all of the organizations that helped make this year’s event a success and we are already looking forward to next year.

Another event that puts District 8’s diversity on display is the annual Carry the Vision Nonviolence Conference for Building a Culture of Peace in our Families, Our Community, and Our World. Now in its fifth year, this conference honors the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez and demonstrates the power of nonviolence to transform lives. Scheduled to occur on April 21, 2007 at Evergreen Valley College, the conference has the following overarching goals:

- Provide new tools and inspiration for individuals and groups to build bridges of peace and understanding within our culturally diverse community

- Raise awareness of local resources

- Inspire participants to commit to simple and profound acts that contribute to positive change through nonviolent means.

As your District 8 Councilmember, I feel that these events and others that take place in our district and citywide should also reflect and accommodate the needs of you, the resident. The Evergreen Farmers Market, National Night Out, district -wide dumpster days, and neighborhood clean-ups all result in building bridges of greater community and open lines of communication among residents.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all in their separate and individual capacities.”

Through communication, respecting each others differences, and embracing our multicultural society, I hope to continue to support you all and aid in maintaining the numerous events and traditions that we currently have in our district as well as start new ones. As always, if you would like more information about any of the events I have mentioned or have any comments, please feel free to contact my office at (408) 535-4908 or dave.cortese@sanjoseca.gov