Coto Salutes Veterans And Youth

On Monday, July 23, 2007, Assemblymember Joe Coto hosted a reception to honor World War II veterans and youth delgates from the Digital Clubhouse Stories of Service Program. Over 80 people attended the event to honor the 30 youth delegates from the Digital Clubhouse who traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to represent their schools and community in the 1st annual Stories of Service Memorial Day Rally. The students gained national recognition for creating "digital stories" documenting the lives of World War II veterans in their communities. Their stories have been placed on a web site so that they can be shared with schools, museums, and libraries and with a global audience to educate and inspire future generations.

Large posters of World War II soldiers were displayed at the event, many of the portraits were of the veterans who attended the reception. Their stories had been documented by the students. The students had also carried the posters during the march in Washington D.C.

During the program Assemblymember Coto provided special recognition to veteran Ysidor Sanchez, a recipient of two purple hearts, for his heroic efforts during the war and for his active participation in the Stories of Service Program. Mr. Sanchez has traveled around the world advocating for the program and helping to identify veterans. Also receiving special recogniton was Robert Corpus, a student at Evergreen Valley College and the driving force behind the program. Robert has been actively recruiting students around the world and encouraging them to participate in this effort.

This year, Stories of Service will be partnering with The History Channel, the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, and other organizations to promote the program throughout California and the rest of America. Stories will coincide with the new 14-hour Ken Burns documentary about WWII that will air on PBS in September, and as part of the US Air Force 60th Anniversary Commemoration and Heritage Campaign.

On August 12th Digital Clubhouse will hold the first ever "Day of Remembrance and Reflection" commemorating the end of World War II. It will be held at History Park San Jose located at 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. The event will run from 10am - 4pm.

"This Digital Clubhouse Stories of Service Program not only enhances our students technological and multimedia skills, but more importantly it gives them insight into the significant contributions that so many of our veterans made for our country," said Coto.

Annual Healthy Children's Day At The Children's Discovery Museum Of San José

On Saturday September 8, 2007 the Office of Assemblymember Joe Coto will hold the 3rd Annual Healthy Children's Day at the Children's Discovery Museum of San José.

Last year, over 900 families took advantage of the free passes offered by Assemblymember Coto to the 2nd Annual Healthy Children's Day at the Children's Discovery Museum of San José. In addition to the wide variety of activities offered by the Children's Discovery Museum, families were able to have their children's eyes checked, obtain information on free health insurance programs for children, and have their children fingerprinted and registered with Child Quest.

This year Kaiser Permanente, Children's Healthy Initiative, Sportsbasement, ICAN, The California Optometric Association, DVC Dental Hygiene, and the San Jose Giants will also join in the festivities offering free services and give-aways.

3RD ANNUAL HEALTHY CHILDREN DAY
11AM - 3PM
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2007
CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY MUSEUM of SAN JOSÉ

For more information about the event or to learn how to receive FREE entrance please contact Darcie Green in the Office of Assemblymember Coto at (408) 277-1220.

Free Homeowner And Renter Assistance

Every Monday during the month of July the Office of Assemblymember Joe Coto provided mobile district office hours at the Eastside Neighborhood Center to assist members of our community who wished to apply for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance (HRA) Program. Each year the State of California's HRA program accepts applications from residents who are 62 years old or older, blind, or disabled with a total household income of $42,770 or less. The HRA is a program intended to assist those seniors and disabled applicants who lived in a qualified home or rented residence in California that was subject to property tax and may have paid it through their rent or property tax. These programs provide a vital assistance to those members of our community who are in need of assistance and qualify for these state programs.

Those interested in receiving information regarding the program may call the district office at (408) 277-1220. Members of the community can also contact the Franchise Tax Board directly at (800) 868-4171, or visit their website at www.ftb.ca.gov. Help will be available during the filing period of July 2 - October 15, 2007.

Vision New America, Inc. Holds Its Second Annual Youth Health Fair

Vision New America, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes civic participation and leadership, is holding its Second Annual Health Fair August 18, 2007 at the East Valley Family YMCA, 1975 S. White Rd. from 10am to 2pm.

The purpose of the fair, "The Beauty of Health: Feeling Good about Yourself," is to educate families of East San Jose on health issues that may affect them. Speakers from different organizations will be in attendance to answer health related questions. This event will also include free entertainment and activities such as live bands, youth performances, rock climbing wall, and a bounce-house.

Local and national organizations like Red Cross and Santa Clara Department of Health will also be in attending. Members of these organizations will either serve as lecturers or set up informational booths. The Health Fair is sponsored by VNA and YMCA.

VNA originated in 1996 with the purpose of encouraging young people, starting with the Asian Pacific American youth, to learn more about government and public service. For more information on VNA's Second Annual Health Fair or other VNA programs, please contact Linda Pham at (408) 260-0116.

Coto Community Spotlight
Ysidor Sanchez
World War II Veteran

Ysidor Sanchez is a World War II Veteran and life long community activist.

Ysidor lives in San Jose, with his wife Mary, and remains active in veteran's affairs. In June 2004, because of Ysidor's service and dedication, the French Government personally invited him to take part in the D-Day commemorative ceremonies in Normandy. During the ceremony, he received France's highest commendation - the prestigious Legion of Honor.

The holder of two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, Ysidor remains an active member of several military organizations, including a 21-gun-salute honor guard. He has spent the last year traveling around the world helping to record the stories of other Latino World War II veterans.

On Monday, July 23rd, Assemblymember Coto presented Ysidor with a resolution on behalf of the California State Assembly in honor of his sacrifice and service to our country.
Assemblymember Coto commends Ysidor's significant achievements and his efforts to preserve the history of our Latino Veterans. "Ysidor Sanchez is a role model for young Latino men and women in our community. I would like to personally thank him for all he has done to educate our youngsters on the Latino community's momentous influence on our nation's history," said Coto.

Community Calendar

August 10th - 12th, 2007 - 18th Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival, presented by Southwest Airlines. Event starts at noon, and it is located throughout Downtown San Jose. The Jazz Festival of Silicon Valley features more than 100 performances on 10 indoor and outdoor stages and all that jazz in downtown San Jose: Blues, Latin, Salsa, R&B, Big Band, jazz beyond and more. For more information call (408) 288-7557 or visit www.sanjosejazz.org.
Admission: ONLY $5 PER DAY (Children 12 and under: free)

August 11th, 2007 - Luz-Al Promotions and El Mexicano presents a Public Dance/Concert. Concert includes: Conjunto Primavera, Huracanes del Norte, Alacranes Musical, Chapo de Sinaloa and Morros de Durango. Event starts at 7:00 p.m., held at: San Jose McEnery Convention Center, located at: 150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113. For more information call (408) 960-2700. Number to the Convention Center: (408) 277-3900.
Admission: $30 - $60

August 12th, 2007 - USS Hornet Museum presents Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive - A Day of Remembrance and Reflection. Event held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at San Jose History Park, 1650 Senter Road San Jose, CA, 95112. For more information call (408) 287-2290.

August 15th - 18th, 2007 - Visa Gymnastics Championships. Held at HP Pavilion, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA, 95113. Times vary depending on the events that you want to see. Visit http://www.hppsj.com/VisaChampionships.asp to find out which events are at what time. To call for more information: (408) 287-9200 or 1-800-755-5050. Or for the direct line call (408) 287-7070, and ticket information (408) 999-5719.

August 17th, 2007 - Santa Clara County Peace Officers Benefit Magic. Family Magic Show with grand illusions and other high-energy performances. Event starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts: 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113. For more information call (408) 277-3535 or 1-800-SAN-JOSE.

August 18th, 2007 - Vision New America, Inc. Second Annual Youth Health Fair, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Valley Family YMCA, located at: 1975 S. White Road in San Jose. For more information contact Linda Pham at (408) 260-0116.

August 19th, 2007 - Perfect Day For a Cure, Indy Rock Concert by Ben Araiza, held from noon until 6 p.m. at Guadalupe River Park / Discovery Meadow: This area is located just North of the Children's Discover Museum at 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110-2722. Its major cross street is San Carlos Street. For more information, call (408) 298-7657. This event is the 2nd annual and all proceeds go to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

August 22nd - 26th, 2007 - Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Show times: 11:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; Doors open 1 hour prior to show. Show located at HP Pavilion: 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA, 95113. For more information call (408) 287-9200 or 1-800-755-5050, or the Direct HP Pavilion line: (408) 287-7070.

For more information on please contact:
Assemblymember Joe Coto's office
State Capitol, Room 2013
Sacramento, CA 95814
916.319.2023 (phone)
916.319.2123 (Fax)
assemblymember.coto@assembly.ca.gov

San Jose District Office
100 Paseo de San Antonio #319
San Jose, CA 95113
408.277.1220 (phone)
408.277.1036 (fax)