January 8, 2008

Council Report

Reed to swear in Chirco as Vice Mayor

By Councilmember Judy Chirco
Special to the Times

On Jan. 27 I will be sworn in as the Vice Mayor for the city of San Jose. It was an honor to be asked to serve in this capacity for the next two years by Mayor Chuck Reed. I look looking forward to working collaboratively with the mayor and city council members for the citizens of San Jose. Although it will entail more responsibility, my staff and I will continue to serve my constituents in District 9 with the same dedication as I have in the past six years.

In 2008 we opened a new Pearl Avenue Branch library and a new Fire Station, number 17 on Blossom Hill Road. This year we will begin partial remodeling of the Kirk Senior Center and create a Kids Zone at the Camden Community Center.

I am thrilled that we have seen two new libraries, a community center, remodeled Fire Station s and Butcher Dog Park come to fruition in the past six years. If you haven’t visited these great community resources please consider a New Year’s resolution to visit this year.

Repairing burned-out streetlights
You can help improve safety in our community and assist the city of San Jose by reporting burned out streetlights. The City has a goal to repair burned out streetlights within seven days of reporting. You can report burned out streetlights at www.sanjoseca.gov/trasnortations/s_streetlights.html or by calling 408/277-5517. The following information is needed to report: your name and phone number; the six-digit number on the pole located at approximately eye level and the address of the street pole or general location. We appreciate your help with keeping the lights on during these long winter nights.

The grand opening of the Roosevelt Skateboard Park was in December. The new 10,000 square foot Skate Park is located at 901 East Santa Clara Street at 20th Street. The park offers two bowls and a street course. Skaters are to bring their own boards or in-line skates and safety gear such as helmets, kneepads and elbow pads. Skate parks can be enjoyed daily during regular park hours, sunrise to an hour after sunset.

On Saturday, May 16 we will host the fourth annual Celebrate Cambrian Spring Community Festival at the Camden Community Center. This year the theme is a country fair. There will be a community resource fair, live entertainment, food and children’s activities. More information will be available in future news articles, our district e-mail, and Web site.

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.