On Time AND Under
Budget!!
Grand Opening of the Dr. Roberto
Cruz - Alum Rock Community Branch Library
Marks New City/County Collaboration
in Library Service Delivery
From Lorraine Oback, Marketing Communications
Director, San José Public Library
|
New Library Facts:
• Size: 26,000 sq. ft.
• Collections: 137,000 items
• Seats: 145
• Public Computers: 50
• Group Study areas: Space for 25 persons
• Storytelling Area: Space for 38 persons
• Community Room: Space for 100 persons |
Alum Rock neighborhood residents gathered Saturday, July 9, to celebrate the
opening of a new and significantly larger library, replacing the county-operated
6,890 sq. ft. library that has served the area since mid-1978. The opening of
the Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Community Branch Library adds a branch to the
San Jose Public Library system and reflects an agreement by the City of San Jose
to assume primary responsibility for providing library services to the Alum Rock
neighborhood with continued financial support from the County of Santa Clara.
The 26,000 sq. ft. facility designed by Franco Associates Architects, AIA and
The Colyer Freeman Group, LLP and constructed by West Bay Builders, Inc. has an
estimated 137,000 items in its collection, excluding periodicals. The
international languages component includes a large selection of Spanish-language
materials.
"This beautiful new library is the result of San Jose residents voting to
increase our community's investment in learning in all our neighborhoods," said
Mayor Ron Gonzales. "The Alum Rock branch will be a wonderful tribute to Dr.
Roberto Cruz and a welcome addition to this part of San Jose."
The Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Community Branch Library is the fourth
library to be completed under the $212 million library branch bond program
approved by voters in November 2000. The library worked with community
representatives and the design team to achieve its vision for dynamic spaces and
experiences that addressed the needs and preferences of the local community.
"The Alum Rock Village is well known for the character and charm of its
shops, restaurants, and community," said Councilmember Nora Campos. "The Dr.
Roberto Cruz Library will add a marketplace of knowledge that will become part
of an already vibrant business district."
Highlights of the new branch include an Internet Café, a Community Living
Room with a fireplace, a Technology Lab, a Family Learning Center, Group and
Quiet Study Areas, and a Community Room, as well as significantly more space for
seating, collections and computers. The Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Community
Branch Library is the second of four libraries designated to operate a Family
Learning Center, each offering educational activities tailored to the needs of
the local community, but all intended to provide children with the skills and
confidence that they need to achieve their full potential and to enable parents
to provide a supportive learning environment. As an example, the Alum Rock
library will offer English-as-a-Second Language classes through a partnership
with East Side Union High School District.
Public art at the new library features four large terrazzo discs inset in the
floors, each with a complementary skylight well, that reflect historic,
cultural, nature and community themes of the Alum Rock neighborhood and San
José. The art was conceived and executed by artists Jim Hirshfield and Sonya
Ishii of Chapel Hill, NC, whose other public art commissions have included the
Broward Boulevard Streetscape (Broward County, FL) and the Historic Electric
Streetcar Project (Tampa, FL). The library project incorporated “green” design
principles and was completed with a total project cost of $16.6 million more
than $200,000 under budget, with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency funding $3.1
million (total cost includes $5.6 million in land acquisition).
The Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Community Branch Library is adjacent to the
old library at 75 South White Road, which closed on May 28 to make way for a new
parking lot.
Following a dedication ceremony that included remarks from City and Library
officials, Library and Youth Commissioners, and KPIX South Bay Bureau Chief Len
Ramirez, residents were free to explore the library; partake of refreshments,
tours and a book giveaway; and enjoy a broad range of free entertainment. Face
painting, costumed storybook characters, storytelling by community
representatives including Councilmember Campos, NBC 11 News Reporter Damian
Trujillo and Roberto Cruz II, poetry readings by local poet Roberto Duran and
Mt. Pleasant High School Students, and musical performances by Mariachi Tapatio
and the student choirs of Ryan Elementary and St. John Vianney all helped to
make the occasion a memorable one.
The library acknowledges and appreciates the generosity of numerous
individuals and organizations that have supported the opening of the Dr. Roberto
Cruz - Alum Rock Community Branch Library with their contributions, including
the following Major Founding Donors:
The Milligan Family Foundation - Children's
Storytime Area
Theresa and Brian Bumb - Check Out Area
Stella B. Gross Charitable Trust - Partial funding for the Opening Day
Collection
The Skoll Foundation - Teen Area Group Study Room
Hugh Stuart Center Trust - Partial funding for the Opening Day Collection
Councilmember Nora Campos, District 5, City of San José - Friends' Book
Alcove
The Hillcresters - Partial funding for the Family Learning Center
Other Founding Donors are: Adam and Alexa Arreola, Ayupan and Rembulat
Families, In Memory of William E. Bates, In Memory of Mary Garcia Bernal, In
Memory of Michael Albert Caravayo, Tanya and Rick Freudenberger, Paul, Patti,
and Kayla Henneke, Ned and Sheila Himmel, Charles B. Kuhn Memorial Fund, A.J.
and Charlene Laymon Family, Chung V. Le Family, Jane Light, Pia Moriarty and Bob
Hurd, James L. and Eileen Murphy, Mrs. Patricia Ross, Rotary Club of San José
East/Evergreen, Wayne and Sandra Savage, Judy and Allan Thompson. Thirty-seven
Community Donors also contributed to the branch.
The Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Community Branch Library is located at 3090
Alum Rock Avenue in San José. Current hours of operation are: Monday 2:00 PM -
7:00 PM, Tuesday - Wednesday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM and Thursday - Saturday 10:00 AM
- 6:00 PM. For general information, call (408) 808-3090.
Click here for photos of our new library.
Keep reading for more stories on our new library and a farewell to the old
County library.
NNV Gets a Sneak Peek Before
Grand Opening of the Library
Avoiding the crowds, your editor was
able to take some “before” photos for you
And … Thank YOU for voting for new libraries!
Rich Desmond, Director of Branch Library Development for the City of San
Jose, made us an offer we certainly couldn’t refuse. Just two days before the grand
opening of the new library branch, he invited us for a “sneak peek” at the
library and an opportunity to take some photos before the opening day masses
descended. And it’s a really good thing that he did! There were more than
4,300 guests on hand on opening day, July 9th. It was a pleasure to have a
personalized tour guided by Rich and to take some photos without bumping elbows
with 4,299 other people!
Workmen were everywhere painting walls, stringing wires and hanging signs.
The furniture had just been delivered that day (!) and was sitting in stiff rows
waiting to be disbursed throughout the building. Books were being arranged on
shelves, the carpeting was covered with fritter and in need of a good vacuuming.
The terrazzo mandalas on the floor were covered with taped-down brown paper.
Rich pulled up the loosened corner of one for a photo. As the branch library development
guru, Rich was able to point out the facility’s unique features and, of course,
he had all the data on the tip of his tongue. He even showed off the staff
lockers (even they’re unique) and the library’s complicated wiring center. The
large tubs which receive materials via the outdoor drop slots have mechanisms
which allow them to accept books and other materials while gradually, gently,
getting deeper and deeper as more and more weight is received. Rich said these
tubs (or at least the refinements they include) are an invention of an employee
in his department.
The history of the courtyard’s large palm tree finally came to light. Rich
explained that when the architect saw the original old buildings which were to
be demolished to make way for the new library, he pointed to the old palm at the
side of the lot (it would have been growing close to the wall between Esperanza
Market and the library lot) and said it was the only thing worth saving. It
became a motif for the new library and was pruned, tidied and moved to a central
location outside the main entrance in May. The library’s public artists used a
stylized palm theme for one of the mandala designs.
Our new library is just about exactly the same size as the new Berryessa
branch on Noble Drive, but it looks much larger - perhaps because it fills its
corner location so tightly. The lighthearted but imposing architecture defines
the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and White Road. NNV thinks that nothing could
have been a better new asset for our community than this center of
enlightenment. So, thank you, Mr., Mrs. and Ms. San Jose Voter. You gave this
gift to yourselves!
Click here for
photos from the sneak preview.
“Alum Rock Garden” Public Art
Sings at New Library
Dazzling designs in terrazzo symbolize Alum Rock area
Our new library’s unique public art is decidedly an integral part of the
building just as was called out in the specifications. The four 8 foot terrazzo
“mandalas” (circular designs symbolic of the universe) interrupt the sea of
carpeting in four strategic locations in the building. Library-goers can walk
directly upon the bright, shiny “Alum Rock Garden” motifs. On opening day,
little kids unselfconsciously stopped and reached down to touch the
metal-outlined designs.
Patrons experience the first mandala as they enter the main entrance of the
library. The motif here is composed of subtly colored vases which symbolize the
historic natural springs of Alum Rock Park. The corresponding skylight well above the terrazzo
is created in a plummy shade of color-imbued plaster washed with gold.
At the entrance to the children’s area, the mandala is brightly colored with
a stylized palm tree which reflects the large palm at the building’s main
(south) entrance. Small handprints complement the design both on the floor and
in the skylight well above.
The “Marketplace” mandala marks the entrance to the adult and family area of
the library. Its theme reflects the orchards of our area’s past with a twining
tree, leaves and fruit. Its corresponding light well has metal-imbued leaf
shapes applied randomly to the plaster.
At the entryway to the Internet Café, the mandala’s design was inspired by
the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. Its starry motif is rendered on a
field of inky blue terrazzo. Starlike elements enhance the light well above.
After installation, a vendor working in the building accidentally scratched this
particular mandala leaving a mark which looked, for all the world, like a
shooting star in the navy blue firmament. It will be buffed out, say the library
folks.
The original design by husband and wife partners, Jim Hirschfield and Sonya
Ishii of North Carolina, included complementary motifs embedded in plastic
skylights at the top of the light well above each mandala. However, design
changes during construction necessitated ordinary skylights so the artists
altered their plan and chose rich colored plaster in the light wells and applied
small gold, copper and silver-leafed motifs.
The 4,300 opening day guests seemed of like mind – they loved the bright,
colorful, uncomplicated designs. No notes of explanation were necessary for this
straightforward public art. Cool!
Click here for
library art photos.
Water Tender Saved at Station
2 – For Now
San Jose Fire Department and Water
Tender 2 Update
“San Jose awaits other shoe falling in talks with
police, fire unions”
This San Jose Fire Department budget stuff sure is interesting – and hard to
keep up with.
You may recall that in the June/July edition of NNV, we started this subject
with Station 2 Firefighter to be Eliminated and Water Tender Moved by a
local, anonymous firefighter and resident. We don’t usually publish any
anonymous articles but we suspected this one was accurate and checked it out
quickly with our fire department contacts. We decided this was an important
enough story to use an anonymous source and we asked Councilmember Nora Campos
for her comments.
She sent us City Councilmember Campos Promises Her Support for Water
Tender, which included, “As part of the budget process, I have submitted
a budget document to the Mayor with a plan to retain the water tender at Station
2.”
Then we asked for comments from SJFD Fire Chief Jeff Clet, which resulted in
a response that pointed out that, “There's a $59 million City budget shortfall”
and “We have to reduce the Fire Department Budget by $10 million.” His response
went on to insist that, “Moving the Water Tender to Station 16 is better than
eliminating it” and referred to the “Fire Chief's over-riding responsibility of
mitigating impacts to core emergency services Citywide.”
Your editor did not appreciate the response from the fire chief and wrote an
editorial, The East Side takes it on the chin again, which included,
“Water Tender 2 belongs at Station 2. That’s why it’s there. We can’t wait for
this truck, with its eight tons of water, to lumber up from South King Road when
there is a fire in the East Hills – or in Alum Rock Park or Berryessa.”
We thought four stories on this subject should be plenty and we put the
June/July edition of NNV on our Web site on Friday, June 3, for the final check
by our writers. But late Friday night, we received an e-mail from another
anonymous firefighter that told how the firefighters on Water Tender 2 saved a
home during the big fire in the Penitencia Creek area in October, 2000. We moved
very quickly Saturday morning to get this story on our
Letter to the Editor
page before we sent out the e-mails to let you know that the June/July edition
was ready. (We felt like we were trying to run a daily newspaper, which we
definitely don’t want to do!)
Wrong Again!
At that point, we thought for sure we had done enough on this subject. Wrong
again!
On June 6, the San Jose Mercury News printed an
editorial on Fire Department
cutbacks that said Councilmembers “Yeager, Campos (are) failing to keep (the)
entire City’s needs in mind” so we had to write a “letter” to NNV ourselves and
put it on our Letters page to point out that, “This editorial trivializes East
Side concerns.”
And on June 8, faithful NNV reader/writer Bracey Tiede snapped some photos of
Water Tender 2 at one of the first wildfires of the season near Clayton Road -
so we put that on our Letters page.
And on June 13, Councilmember Campos, in an excellent and
enlightening
article in the Mercury News opinion section, made the case for strong San Jose
council districts and effectively replied to the Mercury News editorial on Fire
Department cutbacks so we had to publish and reinforce her article.
Big Rally at City Hall That Night
Next the firefighters held a big rally at City Hall before the Budget
Hearing that same evening. There were lots of firefighters and their families
there – they filled all the empty seats at the Budget Hearing and lined the
entire back wall. Click here for some photos of the rally.
This rally was, of course, much more effective than anything we residents
(especially those of us who can’t vote in City elections) could ever do and the
City Council voted to support Councilmember Campos’ memo to the mayor. As
Councilmember Campos put it in her June 16 Newsletter:
“Public safety remains the top priority for
communities citywide. In the weeks preceding the budget vote I, along with my
colleague, Councilmember Ken Yeager, had outlined the need for equipment and
personnel to continue (to) be strategically located at Fire Stations 2 and 6.
With the strong support of Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez, the City Council voted to
amend the FY 2005-2006 Budget to maintain Fire Department Emergency Response at
its current levels. The budget amendment retains staffing and apparatus at Fire
Stations 2 and 6.”
So, you might assume that we’re OK for another year and that the firefighter
in question and the Water Tender will be at Station 2 when we need them.
Don’t count on it yet!
Other shoe waiting to fall
As the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal of July 15 pointed out in
its Page 2 article,
San Jose awaits other shoe falling in talks with police,
fire unions:
“Nearly a year and a half after San Jose's
contracts with its police officers and firefighters expired, the city is still
negotiating and still dreading the inevitable budget impact that will come with
a new contract. And as each month goes by, the potential cost of any retroactive
pay raise or increase in pension costs, rises.
‘We are operating on borrowed time,’ says City
Councilman and mayoral candidate Chuck Reed. ‘It could get pretty big.’ …
And that could spell trouble for a city that just
cut $58 million from spending plans to close a budget shortfall for the fiscal
year that began July 1. Built into that budget is a 1.5 percent pay increase for
police officers and firefighters, the same amount that other city unions have
agreed to for the new fiscal year. Those unions accepted a three-year pay plan
with no increase last year.
The budget assumes that police and firefighters
will do the same.
Every additional percentage point increase above
that will cost $2.49 million a year, says City Budget Director Larry Lisenbee.”
‘That’s money that isn’t in the budget,’ he says.
‘We’d have to reopen the budget.’”
Stay tuned to see what happens next. And remember to check our
Letters page
which, along with our Community Bulletin Board, is updated as needed between
editions of NNV.
Click here for
photos from the big rally.
New Neighborhood Voice Founding Sponsors
More than 100 Patients Seen at
Trauma Center Since June Opening
Eight board-certified Trauma
Surgeons provide 24/7 care
Regional Medical Center Update
“Code 4 Trauma – 3 Minutes.” That message is now heard often over the loudspeakers at Regional Medical Center of San Jose. The announcement alerts
hospital staff to prepare for the arrival of a patient with serious,
life-threatening injury. The trauma surgeons, nurses, respiratory therapists,
laboratory technologists, radiology techs and other support staff quickly move
into position like a well-oiled machine. Each knows exactly what to do to save
another life.
“It creates a sense of energy,” says Linda Raby, RN, director of Trauma
Services at Regional Medical Center. “The staff comes together like a
well-choreographed dance. They are trained professionals who know exactly what
to do.”
Since the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors designated Regional Medical
Center a trauma center, the hospital has treated more than 100 seriously injured
patients. On June 22, the new trauma center was integrated into the County’s
Emergency Medical System and began accepting patients via ambulance. Helicopter
transport capability will soon follow.
“Our new helipad was completed July 21 and has been approved by the FAA and
CalTrans,” says Raby. “Once the County gives the green light, helicopter
transport for seriously injured patients in our area will be available, thereby
expanding access to trauma services for the entire region.”
Regional Medical Center’s trauma center has eight board-certified trauma
surgeons, in addition to numerous physicians specializing in neurosurgery,
orthopedics, plastic surgery, anesthesiology and general surgery. While a few
trauma patients are “walk-in’s,” Raby says that most trauma patients are brought
in via ambulance or helicopter. “The safest way to get to the right hospital is
to access the 911 system.” After arrival, trauma patients enter the emergency
department where they are resuscitated and sent on to the operating room or
intensive care unit, then to a medical-surgical floor and rehabilitation.
“The cool thing about trauma is you can follow your patients through that
whole continuum of care,” says Raby, a trauma nurse for 15 years.
Raby, who began her career as an intensive care nurse, says she was drawn to
trauma care nursing because of the complexities and the challenge of trauma
cases.
“Hospitals with trauma centers are different,” explains Raby. “They’re
required to have more resources, more physicians, and a higher level of training
and expertise in their field. All those resources can make a difference between
life and death. At a trauma center, those resources are available 24/7.”
Emergency Department and UrgentCare Clinic work in tandem
Patients who need emergency care can continue to access Regional Medical
Center’s Basic Emergency Services. The largest private emergency service in
Santa Clara County with 34 beds, Regional recently built nine additional beds to
serve emergency patients and renovated its main nursing station, according to
Victor Benlice, RN, director of Emergency Services.
A third level of care offered at the hospital is the Regional UrgentCare
Clinic. Expected to treat more than 10,000 patients in its first year, the
UrgentCare Clinic has been busy, says Physician Assistant Cyndy Flores.
"The community's response to our UrgentCare Clinic has been fantastic," she
says. "We're receiving patients who have been referred to UrgentCare from their
primary care physician, insurance carrier, friends and family. On average, we're
helping close to 30 patients per day."
Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and 365 days per year,
Regional's UrgentCare Clinic treats patients ages eight weeks on up that suffer
from minor ailments such as measles, flu, broken bones, skin lacerations, or
other minor illness or injury. The facility features six private treatment rooms
and a family-friendly waiting room with separate children's area.
"At Regional Medical Center, patients benefit from the UrgentCare Clinic and
our Emergency Department working in tandem," says Benlice, who oversees both
services. "If we're experiencing a heavier flow at UrgentCare, we will rapidly
adjust our staff to handle the increased traffic. This allows us to continually
provide the utmost in care and convenience when treating our patients at
UrgentCare."
Located at 225 N. Jackson Avenue, Regional Medical Center’s trauma and
emergency services are located at the south entrance to the hospital. The
hospital’s UrgentCare Clinic is located at 219 N. Jackson Avenue, Suite A, on
Regional Medical Center's campus, adjacent to the emergency department. From
Highway 680 south, exit McKee Road west, head left onto Jackson Avenue, and the
hospital is on the right. From Highway 680 north, exit left onto Jackson Avenue
and the hospital is several blocks down on the left. The UrgentCare Clinic is
located on the hospital’s south campus adjacent to the emergency department. For
more information about services or programs at Regional Medical Center, please
contact 1 (888) RMC-8881.
Click here for photos of the Life Flight
helicopter and the new helipad at RMC.
Neighbors Coalesce to Fight
Auto Repair Shop at McKee/Vista
City invites wrong neighborhood to
hearing!
Resident tells what’s happening
By Elaine Travers
A little history of the corner: Previous to our move to Vista Avenue, the
business at the corner of McKee and Vista had been a gas station. In 1979 when
we moved in, there was a florist shop. Since we never saw any customers there,
some neighbors thought it was a “front” for some “shady” business. It was vacant
for a while and then two civic-minded individuals named Abdul and Matthew opened
a produce stand. It was a welcome addition to our neighborhood. It flourished
for several years until Save Mart opened its new and improved store with a fine
produce section. Our corner shop closed and moved to the San Martin/Gilroy area.
Soon thereafter renovation of the corner commenced. An enormous signpost went
up. Additional signs went up: “Oil Change,” “Tires,” “Service,” etc. Neighbors
complained. The huge sign, which was against code, came down.
Two years ago neighbors on Vista and Summit sent in a petition signed by 38
of us opposing an auto repair shop. There is no need for one since there is an
auto repair shop directly across the street, as well as at McKee and White and
on Alum Rock near White. Our neighborhood doesn’t want noise from the shop or
from test-driving. Also, most importantly, test-driving would be unsafe because
we have no sidewalks; children walk to and from Linda Vista School down our
street with no place to walk but in the street. We also have a lot of senior
citizens walking in the street to go shopping or for exercise.
The City told us that the auto repair was not allowed under current zoning,
and that it would probably not be allowed. After a few years of waiting while
the corner remained lifeless, we heard by chance that there had been a hearing
this past February and a conditional use permit had been issued! No one on Vista
had been notified of the meeting. At the hearing, permission had been granted
with four ayes, two noes and one member absent. We let the City know that the
law says nearby residents must be notified of a public hearing. Carol Hamilton,
a senior planner for the city, told us that they accidentally mailed letters to
residents of Ridge Vista.
We went into action, making phone calls, meeting with officials, writing
letters and getting signatures once again. The neighbors and businesses near
this corner deserve a hearing. We need to show the planning commission our
concerns.
If you live, shop, or go to school around here and also oppose such a
business at this location, give me a call at (408) 258-4255 and please call the
Chief of Staff for Councilmember Nora Campos, Christine Silva Burnett, at (408)
535-4944 or e-mail
Christine.SilvaBurnett@sanjoseca.gov.
Click here for a photo of the building
waiting for someone to determine its future.
Apply for a Library Card, Pay
Fines from Home, Work or School!
Download audio books and check the
multi-lingual library catalog, too
San Jose Libraries Now Accepting
Library Card Applications and Fine Payments Online
From Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library
Months of preparations came to fruition late last month when San Jose library
officials tripped the switch that allowed potential library users to initiate
the process of applying for a library card online.
Web visitors log on to
SJLibrary.org, then:
- click on "Library Catalog,"
- click on "Apply for a Library Card Online,"
- select the appropriate form (Adult, Youth under 18, SJSU Faculty or
Staff),
- complete the electronic form,
- read the Borrower's Agreement, click on the check box to accept, print if
desired, then
- click on Submit.
New card applicants must bring required identification to the Accounts Desk
at any San Jose Library within 30 days to pick up their library card. Youth
under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
San Jose libraries also began accepting fine payments online three weeks
prior. By keeping the introduction low-key, administrators were able to monitor
the software to ensure smooth transactions.
To use this service from home or office, log on to
SJLibrary.org, then:
- click on "My Library Account,"
- enter your name, SJPL barcode or SJSU ID and your PIN, and click on
"Submit,"
- click on "Unpaid Fines and Bills" to view amounts owed,
- click on "Pay Online,"
- to pay for selected items, click on "Clear All," then place a check next
to desired items and click on "Recalculate Total,"
- complete the credit/debit card information form, click "Submit,"
- review your transaction carefully, then click on "Submit."
- OPTIONAL: Automated receipts will be sent to the email address provided,
but users may elect to click on the "Print" button to obtain a receipt right
away.
IMPORTANT: Users must pay the entire fee for any individual item and
there are no refunds. The system accepts all credit cards and debit cards that
bear the VISA or Master Card symbols.
"The ability to pay fines with credit or debit cards has been a frequent
request of library users," says Trish Umali, Acting Access Services Manager for
San Jose Public Library. "Given the high level of interest, we anticipated that
our patrons would have little difficulty finding and using the service." That
has already been the case. Even with little fanfare, the new service collected
over $19,000 in the first three weeks of operation.
Users lacking remote access from home or office may still utilize these
functions using dedicated e-COMM stations located at all branches of the San
Jose Public Library, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
Online library card applications and fine payment
are the latest in technological service enhancements that the library has
introduced over the past year. Enhancements have included downloadable digital
audio books, the introduction of MP3 audio book CDs, creation of a multi-lingual library catalog
interface, and translation of key information on the library website.
_____________________
San Jose Public Library programs, materials and services are funded in part
by the Library Parcel Tax.
Santa Clara County Boards and
Commissions Vacancies in District Three
Volunteers needed to advise County
Board of Supervisors
From Santa Clara County Supervisor Pete McHugh,
District 3
The Board of Supervisors has established approximately fifty-two Boards and
Commissions. These Boards and Commissions advise the Board on many County
issues. Boards and Commissions members review and discuss matters related to
their policy areas and forward recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for
consideration. Commissioners must reside in Santa Clara County and are appointed
by the Board of Supervisors. Most meetings are held monthly at the County
Government Center located at 70 West Hedding Street in San Jose.
My office currently has eleven vacancies on nine different Commissions.
Although appointees may reside in any of the five Supervisorial Districts, I
prefer to appoint candidates who live in my District. If you wish to apply, have
any questions or want to request an application, please contact Irene Whiteside
from my Office at (408) 299-5036. You may also download an application at:
http://www.sccgov.org/scc/assets/docs/204130application_membership.pdf
Below is a list of some District Three vacancies.
Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities
This Commission reviews and evaluates the needs, services, facilities and
special problems of persons with disabilities in Santa Clara County. Commission
members must be either disabled, a relative of a disabled person, a
representative of a disabled community provider organization, or a
representative of different disability groups as defined in the Americans with
Disabilities Act. The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at
6:00 p.m. This Commission will submit nominees for appointment to my Office for
consideration. I currently have two vacancies. If you wish to be included in
this list, please contact the Clerk of the Board at: (408) 299-5080.
Commission on the Status of Women
This Commission promotes the Board of Supervisor’s policy to take action to
eliminate the practice of discrimination and prejudice on the account of gender
in the areas of housing, employment, education, and related fields. This
Commission meets the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. Any resident with an
interest in women’s issues may apply.
Correctional Industries Advisory Board
This Board makes recommendations on ways to help County jail inmates develop
skills and work experience. A focus of the Commission is to enhance an inmate’s
ability to find employment after release. Any resident with an interest in the
County jail system may apply. This Board meets the first Monday of every quarter
at 4 p.m. at 701 South Abel in Milpitas.
Domestic Violence Council
The purpose of the Council is to encourage coordination between agencies
dealing with domestic violence. The Council also seeks to reduce incidents of
domestic violence and abuse by promoting effective prevention, intervention and
treatment techniques. Any resident with an interest in domestic violence issues
that is also a representative of any faith community may apply. Members serve
three-year terms and meet on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m.
Health Advisory Commission
The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on issues that impact the
health of the public. Recommendations may include policy and system changes,
service enhancements, and resource allocations. This Commission also monitors
and evaluates County actions regarding public health. My appointee must be a
representative of the nursing field. This Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the
first Wednesday of every month.
In Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Board
In 1992 California passed a bill that allowed counties to create Public
Authorities for In Home Support Service (IHSS). The County Board of Supervisors
adopted an enabling ordinance in December 1996 that requires the appointment of
an advisory board of not more than 11 individuals. Members shall not serve for
more than one consecutive four-year term. Any resident with an interest in
In-Home Support Services may apply.
Historical Heritage Commission
The Historical Heritage Commission’s purpose is to protect, preserve, and
promote the historical and cultural heritage of this county. Meetings are held
on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the County Government Center.
I have two vacancies and any resident with an interest in Santa Clara County’s
history is eligible to apply.
Pete McHugh
Supervisor, District Three
Santa Clara County
www.pmchugh.org
pmchugh@bos.sccgov.org
Click here for Section 2
of the August 2005 Newsletter
(This newsletter is in two sections to reduce the
download time for this page)
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Copyright© 2005 by Judy Thompson, 16174 Highland Drive, San Jose, CA
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Updated 8/9/05.
