Dear Neighbor,

 

Summer is finally here and the longer days are perfect for enjoying all the outdoor activities that Evergreen has to offer. I hope you were able to come by Evergreen Village Square last Friday to enjoy the music and outdoor movie, "Toy Story 3." A record number of families came to enjoy the special BBQ dinners prepared by Evergreen Coffee Company, live music by The Jazzinators and a delightful family movie. If you missed this last event, there will be another Evergreen Village Square Movie Night on Friday, August 5, 2011. Come out and have fun with your neighbors!

 

Roadway and Pedestrian Improvements

There's a bright spot amongst the challenges of this year's budget deficit. Recently, the Santa Clara County Transportation Authority (VTA) announced approval of a $24 million funding request from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for the completion of the U.S. 101/Capitol/Yerba Buena Project. As a VTA Board Member who pushed for creative solutions for funding, this project is a victory for Evergreen residents and anyone who commutes in, out and through our area. The contract for this second phase of the project could be awarded as early as next summer. For more detailed information about the project, go to:

http://www.vta.org/projects/101_improvements/capitol_interchange.html

 

Not only are our freeway entrance and exit improvements important to the overall congestion relief plan, but expressways and major roads running through our area are under construction, too. Improvement to Aborn Road is in progress right now with the addition of a third left turning lane from Aborn to Capitol Expressway. This will be completed by the end of 2011.

 

I'm pleased to announce that I was able to get both the City of San José and VTA to include a pedestrian overcrossing from Thompson Creek at Quimby Road across Capitol Expressway to the new Eastridge Transit Center as one of the new projects planned. This is only part of a larger lightrail project where phase I includes sidewalk, street lighting and landscaping on Capitol Expressway between Capitol Avenue and Quimby

Road. For more details on this project go to: http://www.vta.org/projects/capitol_rail_project/celr_fact.pdf

 

With all this construction occurring in our neighborhoods, please remember to help keep our road workers safe by "slowing for the cone zone."

 

PG&E Open House

In response to recent testing hydro-testing on gas lines in the Evergreen area, my office has coordinated with PG&E to conduct an open house on Monday, July 25, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Community Center (4860 San Felipe Road). This meeting will focus on gas safety and PG&E's hydrostatic testing program. Customers will have an opportunity to meet with PG&E representatives one-on-one to address their questions and concerns. I will continue to communicate any updates we receive from PG&E regarding local gas line testing and repair. To learn more about PG&E's gas line system go to: http://www.pge.com/gassystem/

 

 Las Catrinas Grand Opening

A wonderful new restaurant has opened in Evergreen. Located at 4075 Evergreen Village Square, Las Catrinas is a Mexican restaurant with cuisine from all over Mexico. I celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, July 9th with the owners, the Gutierrez Family, while residents enjoyed live music and food specials all day! I was fascinated with the interesting stories about the history of the name, Las Catrinas. Catrinas are dolls made all over Mexico depicting well-dressed female skeletons inspired by the famous "La Catrina" of Jose Guadalupe Posada, who depicted a very well dressed woman at the turn of the century as a skeleton. Since then, she is seen all over the country as a national symbol of Dia de Los Muertos. The name and symbol are part of the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Las Catrinas Restaurant continues the tradition bringing the flavor of Mexico to our neighborhood. Join me in welcoming one of Evergreen's newest businesses!

 

National Night Out

For many of us, National Night Out has become a tradition we look forward to every year. On August 2, 2011 residents are invited to give crime and drugs a going away party! The strongest neighborhoods are the ones who develop a connection with each other, share their contact information and watch out for the safety of others in their area. National Night Out seeks to be the event that helps start those relationships. Spend some time enjoying your neighborhood and getting to know your neighbors! Register your neighborhood's event to let the police department know you are hosting an event and you'll receive a visit from your local officers. The deadline to register your National Night Out event is Friday, July 22, 2011. Go to www.sjpd.org. Click here to view more information.

 

Hoot & Howl

Happy Hollow has been "Nourishing Childish Behavior Since 1958." If you're native to San José like me, you probably have wonderful childhood memories of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. Well, it's not just for kids anymore! Join me for this adults-only VIP party benefiting San José's zoo. Hoot & Howl is a signature event/fundraiser for the Happy Hollow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Come experience an after hours access party with foodie bars, cocktails, up-close animal meet and greets, dancing, bath tub races, rides on the roller coaster and Danny the Dragon along with a sake bar on top of the Redwood Lookout Tower. I'm looking forward to the fun and I hope you are too! To purchase tickets, visit: hootnhowl.eventbrite.com. For event details, visit: www.hhpz.org.

 

As always, my staff and I are committed to assisting you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at district8@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4908 with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

Regards,

 

Councilmember Rose Herrera

BMX and Skateboarding Summer Camps in Evergreen!

Interested in learning or improving your BMX or Skateboarding skills? This summer, Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park, California's Largest Skate/BMX venue will host many week-long summer camp sessions. Learn the tricks of the trade and improve your skills with training from professionals. Camps run through August and are open to all ages.

More Details

Learn to Sail at Lake Cunningham Regional Park

Interested in learning how to sail? This year, Lake Cunningham Regional Park is hosting one-week and two-week courses on how to sail. Learn how to be a professional sail boat driver or even improve your skills! Pre-Registration is required and there is a $100 charge per session.

More Details

New Hours and Days of Service for San José Public Libraries

If you visit a San José Branch Library, heads up! Branches are now open four days a week, per the adopted 2011-2012 budget. The Evergreen Branch Library will now be open:

Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday - Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Second Harvest Food Bank: Kids Now Program

Do you know kids that need groceries this summer? Second Harvest Food Bank is sponsoring the Kids Now program! The Kids Now program was created to provide easy to make, nutritious meals to alleviate the lack of summer free/reduced lunch programs. Second Harvest Food Bank and YMCA's Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara County are working together to provide eligible kids with 8 to 10 pounds of groceries per weekend.

More Details 

Summer Arts & Culture Day Camps at the Mexican Heritage Plaza

The Mexican Heritage Plaza is hosting Summer Arts & Culture Day Camps for children between the ages of six to seventeen! They are offering three-day sessions for two weeks each, with lunch and two snacks included for $200.

For more information, please contact Nelly Torres at (408) 794-6250 or ntorres@1stact.org.

More Details

San José  Public Library Presents: The Third Annual Graphic Novel Contest

Now - July 30th, 2011

Libraries Citywide

Do you have a talent for writing and drawing? Would you like to win prizes and citywide fame? Enter this year's Graphic Novel Contest, happening at many public libraries in San José. To enter, all you have to do is create a short, eight page illustrated novel with text and pictures in black and white. Different categories include children, teens and adults, with each category having its own distinct prizes and winners. Each submission must be the creative work of the individual submitting it and must be submitted no later than July 30th, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at a reception at the Evergreen Branch Library on August 27th at 3:00 p.m.

Fresco World Market Job Fair

Saturday July 23rd, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In front of Bank of America (Former Circuit City Building)/Corner of Capitol Expressway and Quimby Road

Fresco World Market is set to open at Eastridge Mall in San José. If you can deliver great customer service and want to work at the coolest supermarket, come to their job fair. From cashiers, cooks, to butchers, they are now hiring for all departments. You can also download an application at www.frescoworld.com and bring the completed application to the job fair.

More Details

Movie Night at Evergreen Village Square
Friday, August 5th, at dusk
Evergreen Village Square (on Ruby Avenue, off Aborn Road)

Councilmember Rose Herrera, Involved Evergreen and Shapell Industries invite you to Movie Night after a Concert in the Park! Movie Night will take place after the concert in the square from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. featuring Chubby's All Stars. Come for some great live music, enjoy a delicious BBQ from the Evergreen Coffee Company or other restaurants at Evergreen Village Square and watch a classic movie with your neighbors under the stars!

Movie Night is sponsored by Involved Evergreen with a Community Action and Pride Grant from the City of San José, along with Shapell Industries and the Office of Councilmember Rose Herrera.
More Details
  

Save the Date: Kamali'i O Ke Kai Outrigger Canoe Club Community Appreciation Day

Saturday, August 13th

Lake Cunningham Regional Park

Join Kamali'i O Ke Kai Outrigger Canoe Club at its annual Community Appreciation Day at the Lake Cunningham Marina. It is open to the public to paddle, meet the outrigger canoe club members and learn more about their unique organization and their competitive sport and tradition.

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to participate as an active paddler during which time you will be in an outrigger canoe and be able to paddle around Lake Cunningham with the help and guidance of Kamali'i O Ke Kai. Come on over and enjoy a nice summer day at the lake with Councilmember Rose Herrera and the club! Everyone is welcome, children and adults of all ages!

More Details

Spirit of '45 Day

Saturday, August 13th, noon - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday August, 14th, noon - 5:00 p.m.

History Park (1650 Senter Road)

Bring the family to History Park at Kelly Park for a day of commemoration and celebration in honor of the Greatest Generation! There will be children's activities, a live big bands swing contest, 1940s fashion and make up contest, vintage clothing and WWII memorabilia flea market, 1930s and 1940s car show and a 40s Dinner Dance on Saturday night!

More Details 
  

Starlight Cinemas - Free Summer Outdoor Movies

Wednesdays, Now - August, 7:00 p.m.

Various Locations in Downtown San José

Take advantage of San José's warm, summer nights and enjoy a movie under the star-studded sky at Starlight Cinemas, brought to you by the San José Downtown Association.

July 20th: Post St. at First St. - "The Birds"

July 27th: San Pedro St. and Santa Clara St. - "Toy Story"

Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:00 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. Don't forget to bring your own chair or blanket as well as some snacks - or an entire meal from a nearby downtown restaurant!

More Details

Music in the Park

Thursdays, Now - August 25th, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Plaza de César Chavez (Market St. and Park Ave.)
  

San José summers wouldn't be the same without Music in the Park, downtown's most anticipated concert series. The world's biggest stars have appeared at free Thursday night concerts for 23 years. The annual summer tradition returns and you don't want to miss this event! Join hundreds of people in continuing a San José tradition.
More Details
   

Green Vision Clean Energy Showcase

Now - December 2011

Fourth and San Fernando St. Garage (10 N. 4th and San Fernando)

The City of San José and the U.S. Department of Energy announced the opening of the San José Green Vision Clean Energy Showcase, an interactive new innovation center housing installations of cutting-edge clean energy technologies available on the market now and in the future. The Showcase will give visitors hands-on experience with advanced solar, wind, and energy efficiency technologies, provide information required to make informed decisions about clean energy options, and further community participation in San José's Green Vision.

More Details

No Meetings - July Recess

Councilmember Herrera sings with the Evergreen Singers during their 4th of July concert at Evergreen Community Center

on 6/30.

 Councilmember Herrera with staff from Facebook and Made in San José at the Small Business Social Media Conference hosted in the City Hall Rotunda on 6/23.

Councilmember Herrera with the West Coast Aquatics team celebrating the opening of the aquatics summer program at Evergreen Valley High School's pool during their Ribbon Cutting on 6/18.

Councilmember Herrera celebrating the grand opening of Raging Waters' new water slide, "Bombs Away," during its Ribbon Cutting on 6/18.

Councilmember Herrera with Girl Scout Troop 60642 in the City Hall Plaza after their tour of City Hall on 6/14.

Councilmember Herrera at the 6/14 Council Meeting presenting a commendation to TechBA CEO Jorge Zavala for his involvement as a board member of work2future and his leadership as Director of TechBA, a Mexico-Silicon Valley Technology business accelerator located in San José that has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Councilmember Herrera, Mayor Reed and fellow Councilmembers acknowledging the Boards and Commissions during the Volunteer Recognition Event at the City Hall Rotunda on 6/14.

 Councilmember Herrera accompanied by ballet dancers during the San José Youth Ballet at the Evergreen Valley Performing Arts Center on 6/11.

 Councilmember Herrera accompanied by Scholars Academy staff, students and alumni helping plant a tree at Scholars Academy during their Fun Faire on 6/10.

Councilmember Herrera presenting a commendation to the Achieve Learning Center at their Award Ceremony on 6/9.

View More Photos at the
 D8 Photo Gallery