Dear Neighbor,

 

As we anticipate the upcoming holidays I hope you'll find time to enjoy your family, friends and neighbors at gatherings that encourage support for each other and our community. Evergreen's exciting multi-cultural mosaic offers all of us a chance to celebrate our diversity and find commonality in traditions. This was my intent when I founded the "Festival of Lights" in the Evergreen Village Square sponsored by Involved Evergreen. Although we come from different traditions, lighting the dark night of winter with candles is shared by many cultures and celebrations. This year the tradition lived on with record attendance at the "Festival of Lights" event. It was a full day of singing, multi-cultural dancing, music and even a "walk on" magical performance by two elementary school-aged brothers! We ended the night by lighting candles around the square's central fountain. It was an inspiring night - one that I hope continues to grow.

 

These are the kinds of experiences that build community and inspire me to represent the Evergreen area in City Hall. During our recent District 8 Community Forum over 120 residents came and shared their vision of what they want their community to be now, and in the future. Your input is invaluable to me as I work for you making decisions that affect Evergreen, the entire city and region. I will be hosting these District 8 Community Forums quarterly so I look forward to seeing more of you at our next meeting. Stay tuned for details through this newsletter and future email notifications. With your support and encouragement, I know we can overcome the challenges we face and set a course for growth and prosperity.

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Holiday Schedule for City Hall

City Hall will be closed from December 23, 2011 through January 2, 2012. City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 and resume normal business hours. If you need immediate help during the Holiday break, please contact the City's Call Center at (408) 535-3500.
 

New Leaf is Hiring for its New Grocery Store in Evergreen!

New Leaf Community Markets store is slated to open in February 2012 and is currently hiring for its new location in Evergreen! Make sure to check their website regularly to view openings and apply for positions.

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Senior Nutrition Program Reminds Participants that "Lunch is Still Served"
  

Since November 1st, and in accordance with the Senior Nutrition Task Force recommendations, the City of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services began a partnership with Bateman Senior Meals to continue offering the Senior Nutrition Program. All meals will be cooked on-site at four City of San José community centers and delivered to the additional nine PRNS Senior Nutrition Program sites throughout the City. We encourage all seniors to continue to spend lunch at their local center, while enjoying the company of friends in a safe and welcoming environment. As always, all meals will meet County Health standards and will be provided for a suggested donation of $2.50 per meal.
 

2011 Holiday Garbage and Recycling Collection Reminders 

Recycle Your Holiday Tree at Curbside

When the holiday season is over, set your tree out at the curb between December 26, 2011 through February 3, 2012 for free recycling. Natural and flocked trees are accepted. Simply remove the stand, tinsel and decorations and cut the trees into 5-foot pieces or shorter.

Let the Holidays Bring out the "Green" In You

Be green when spending time with family and friends during the holidays! The following are some tips to help you have a very merry green holiday:

Cooking

From the Pan to the Can - Your holiday meal is enjoyed by all except your kitchen sink. Pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain or in your garbage disposal clogs pipes, can potentially cause backups into your home and an expensive visit by the plumber. Avoid a visit from the plumber by scraping oil and grease into a non-breakable container, such as an old can, and placing it in the trash can.

Giving gifts

Out with the OLD, in with the NEW - When gifting portable electronics such as cell phones, pagers, laptops, digital cameras or MP3 players get rid of the old ones by scheduling a free drop-off appointment. Call (408) 299-7300 or visit www.hhw.org. Electronics contain harmful metals such as lead and mercury that cannot be placed in your garbage or recycling cart.

This season give the gift of an experience - Save a trip to the store and reduce waste by treating your loved ones to a memorable experience, such as an evening at Downtown Ice, a visit to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo or a movie night.

For more information on how to recycle unwanted items that do not belong in your garbage or recycling carts, call the Recycling Hotline at (800) 533-8414 or visit www.recyclestuff.org.  

Councilmember Herrera honoring fallen soldier Sean Walsh on his last journey home.  

Mayor Reed, Councilmember Herrera and Councilmember Kalra presenting a proclamation to Tonya York of the National Family Caregivers Association and Joanna Farris, CEO of the Silicon Valley African American Cultural Center, declaring the Month of November as "Family Caregiver Awareness Month" in the City of San José during the council meeting on 11/29.

Mayor Reed, Councilmember Chu, Councilmember Herrera and Councilmember Campos, during the council meeting on 11/29, presenting a commendation to Julian Zamora from Mt. Pleasant High School for his involvement in the San José Police Department Public Safety Ad Campaign.

 Councilmember Herrera at the first D8 Community Forum hosted at the Evergreen Community Center on 11/28.

Councilmember Herrera with Kristi Yamaguchi at the Downtown Ice Opening on 11/21.

 
 Councilmember Herrera with Major General Robert B. Ostenberg at the Veterans Day Villages Voices Concert on 11/11.

Councilmember Herrera accompanied by Councilmember Pyle, Councilmember Rocha, Mayor Reed and Councilmember Oliverio while greeting the crowd at the Veterans Day Parade on 11/11.

 
 Mayor Reed, Councilmember Herrera and the Office of Economic Development staff presenting a proclamation in support of the Shop San José Campaign to Women Impacting Public Policy, representatives of San José's neighborhood business associations and small business owners declaring November 26, 2011 as "Small Business Saturday" in the City of San José.

Councilmember Herrera and 4th and 6th grade classes from James Franklin Smith and Tom Matsumoto Elementary School at Evergreen Branch Library for the National Novel Writing Kickoff on 11/4.

Councilmember Herrera presenting a commendation to the 3rd Annual Salute to Military Women Panelist

during the County's Salute to Women Veterans event at the Santa Clara County Board Chambers on 11/2.

Mayor Reed, Councilmember Herrera and Councilmember Campos presenting a commendation, during the 11/1 council meeting, to Eros Correa of the San José PAL for his representation in the AIBA World Boxing Championships, and victories at the US Olympic Boxing Trials and CAL PAL Championships.

View More Photos at the
 D8 Photo Gallery