November 1, 2006

Council Report

News and events in District 9

By City Councilmember Judy Chirco
Special to the Times
Cambrian Library opening

The new Cambrian Library will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. I am thrilled that book lovers in the Cambrian community will be able to begin enjoying this wonderful new facility.

Although the bond measure financed this wonderful new building, the cost of furnishings must be raised separately. Thankfully, the San Jose Library Foundation launched a campaign last year to raise the needed funds and I was happy to jump-start the campaign with a challenge grant of $10,000 with another $5,0000 when the challenge was met—which it was!

As of today, 210 community members have donated $75,000. Thank you to everyone who has donated! A special recognition and thank you goes to our major donors: Bob and Nancy Weeks; Pamela Anderson-Brule; Shari Clare in memory of her father Bob Levin; and Paul Ballantyne and family in memory of Helen P. Ballantyne.

I am proud of our community for showing such great support for our library. Please keep in mind that it is not too late to join in this effort by making a donation. You can donate online at www.sanjoselibraryfoundation.org/contribute.htm, or by printing out a form from the same Web site and mailing it to the San Jose Library Foundation at 150 E. San Fernando Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112-3580. Be sure to earmark it for the Cambrian Library.

Youth Commissioner Snook elected chair
Congratulations to Samantha Snook, who was elected chair of the Youth Commission for the coming year. A senior at Branham High School, Samantha has served on the Youth Commission for the past three years. Samantha has been instrumental in leading the District 9 Youth Advisory Council.

The Youth Commission is made up of 11 young people representing each council district and a citywide commissioner. The Youth Commission's mission is to advise city government on youth–related issues. If you are interested in learning more about the youth commission or the youth advisory council for District 9, contact Betty Montoya at (408) 277-2744.
 
Celebrate new intersection upgrades
I want to offer a special invitation to join us for the celebration of the new street and pedestrian safety improvements in front of the historic “We and Our Neighbors” clubhouse on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. The project at the intersection of Union Avenue and Los Gatos-Almaden Road included adding sidewalks, traffic-signal modifications and crosswalks. Newly planted trees and improved drainage are also elements of this million-dollar improvement project.

“We and Our Neighbors” is one of the oldest continuously meeting women’s service organizations in the valley. These women started meeting in 1892 and built their clubhouse in 1910. It is listed in the National Register of Historic places. This historical clubhouse, located at 15480 Union Ave., will be open for viewing during the ribbon-cutting event.

Butcher Dog Park
We will be celebrating the groundbreaking of San Jose’s newest dog park at Roy M. Butcher Park on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 1- 2 p.m. Roy M. Butcher Park is located on Camden Avenue between Lancaster Drive and Oakwood Avenue.

Construction of the new Butcher Dog Park will complement the growing list of off-leash dog park facilities in other San Jose neighborhoods, including Jeffrey Fontana Park, Miyuki Park, Ryland Park and Los Gatos Creek Park in Campbell. This dog-friendly park is located in the northwest corner of the 10-acre Roy M. Butcher Park.

Upon completion, canines and their owners will be able to utilize pet-friendly amenities including a double-gated entry, separate large and small dog areas, decomposed granite and artificial turf, benches, a community bulletin board and a small shed for staff and volunteers to store supplies. The facility is designed to accommodate between 30-50 dogs at one time.

The $566,333 project was funded by State Proposition 40 grant, Council District 9 Construction and Conveyance Tax Funds and the Park Trust Funds. Construction of the park is scheduled to start in December, with the grand opening scheduled for June 2007.

Breakfast with Santa
The first-ever Cambrian “Breakfast with Santa” takes place on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Camden Community Center. A holiday activity for the entire family to enjoy, activities include a festive holiday breakfast, a holiday crafts workshop and a visit from Kris Kringle himself, aka Santa.

Cost of the event is $8 for adults; $5 for children 2-11years old; children 18 months or younger are free. Space is limited. To reserve your place, call the Camden Community Center at (408) 559-8553.

Winter Activity Guide
The Parks and Recreation winter quarter “Neighborhood Citywide Activity Guide” with classes and activities for young and old, will be available on Nov. 6. Pick one up at Camden Community Center or go online to www.sanjoseca.gov/prns. The center will process class signups from Dec. 4 until Jan. 7, the first day of the winter quarter.

My office
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@sanjsoeca.gov or (408) 535-4909.