December 2007 Newsletter

Happy Holidays

ASSEMBLYMEMBER JOE COTO AND STAFF WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY

The importance of small businesses to the California economy was recently highlighted by the recent passage and approval into law of Assembly Bill 761 (Coto). In collaboration with the California Small Business Association and the California Association of Independent Business, Assemblymember Coto successfully advocated to establish a 25 percent contracting goal for small businesses in connection with the Infrastructure Bond Acts of 2006. These five bond acts authorize $42.7 billion for numerous transportation, housing, education, resources, and flood control projects over several years.

The effort to assist small business comes on the heels of the most recent contract reports that show: (1) the awards to small businesses in 2005-06 was nearly 7% short of the state's goal for small business participation; (2) the number of contracts for state procurement fell by 4% between 2004-05 and 2005-06; and (3) the number of contracts by CalTrans to small businesses was only 9.2% of all awarded construction contracts.

With such a drop in contracting to small businesses, efforts to advocate on their behalf toward a goal of 25% small business/ micro-business participation in state contracts gained the support of the Governor. The bill also requires state agencies to advertise contract opportunities and provide information on bidding procedures and technical assistance available to help small businesses.

"California's one million small businesses are one of the driving forces of our economy," said Coto. "It is my hope that we can provide them with greater access to bond project funding."

COTO RECEIVES GOOD GRADES ON VOTES FOR ENVIRONMENT, CONSUMER PROTECTION, SENIOR ISSUES AND WORKING FAMILIES' RIGHTS

Every year a variety of different organizations evaluate state lawmakers based upon how they voted on legislation important to their constituencies. For the 2007 legislative session, Assemblymember Coto has excelled on many Legislative Scorecards, including:

• California League of Conservation Voters – CLCV rates legislators for their support of California's environment. http://www.ecovote.org/scorecards/2007/scorecard_2007.pdf

Assemblymember Joe Coto – 100%

• 100% - Consumer Federation of California – CFC rates legislators for their key votes on consumer rights bills. State Assemblymembers and Senators were evaluated on a range of issues, including financial privacy, health care reform, cell phone customer rights, food safety, truth in advertising, and consumer product safety standards. http://www.consumercal.org/resources.dyn/CFC2007scorecard.pdf

Assemblymember Joe Coto – 100%

• 100% - California Alliance for Retired Americans - CARA rates legislators for their support of priority issues like health care reform, prescription drugs, affordable housing, long term care, pension protection, etc. http://www.californiaalliance.org/pdf/1462.2007_Scorecard.pdf

Assemblymember Joe Coto – 100%

• 100% - Congress of California Seniors - The CCS analyzes and rates all state legislators on their voting record related to key senior issues. (These results are not yet available online) http://www.seniors.org/default.asp

Assemblymember Joe Coto – 100%

• 100% - American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – This organization protects the rights of workers in county governments, school districts, cities, special governmental districts, hospitals, private sector health and transportation agencies and the State of California and rates lawmakers on how they vote on issues related to workers. These results are not posted on the web.

Assemblymember Joe Coto – 100%

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Mr. Garcia was recognized for his leadership skills both within the community and at his company. In a recent press release by Comcast, Regional Vice President, for Government Affairs Karen Munro said: "Eddie is an innovative executive, an inspirational leader and influential role model, taking it upon himself to personally mentor and motivate employees to become involved in the community." The release also highlighted Eddie's contributions to the community. A native Californian, Eddie has devoted his life to public service. This has included work on campaigns and with prominent elected officials, and serving on numerous community boards and committees like City Year, Silicon Valley; Mexican Heritage Plaza; the San Francisco 49ers; and the San Jose Sports Authority.

"As a friend, I have personally witnessed Eddie's steadfast commitment to ensure that our youth have the support and resources to succeed," said Assemblymember Joe Coto, Chair of the California State Legislative Latino Caucus. "His commitment is unwavering; he personally dedicates his time and talent to youth, whether it is coaching basketball at the local high school or as the Trustee of the East Side Union High School District."

Stories about Eddie Garcia and other inspirational honorees were aired in October, exclusively on Comcast-On-Demand. 

SPREAD THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT - VOLUNTEER THIS DECEMBER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots delivers a message of hope in the form of toys for needy children, helping them to understand the importance of giving later in life. The principal Toys for Tots activities are organized by Marine Corps Reserve Units or veteran Marines, and is authorized by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

To Donate Toys or Money: Please send checks or deliver toys to:
United States Marine Corps Reserve
901 East Mission Street
San Jose, CA 95112

Santa Visits Alviso

The "Santa Visits Alviso" Foundation is an all volunteer organization that provides educational gifts along with the joy and spirit of the holidays to hundreds of youngsters ranging from toddlers to teenagers. The Foundation accomplishes their work without administrative overhead due to the generosity of time, talent and monetary donations from volunteers. The Foundation is active all year, and along with their holiday activities they also fund a scholarship program and many other events organized by the Alviso Library and the Alviso Youth Center. Visit http://www.alvisosanta.com/ for more information.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties
Second Harvest is seeking turkeys, chickens and non-perishable goods. Most needed food items include tuna, powdered milk, peanut butter, canned meats and stews, hot and cold cereals, 100 percent fruit juices, dry beans, rice and pasta. The agency also hopes to collect money to feed 170,000 people throughout the winter months. Volunteers also are needed. Donations can be dropped off at 750 Curtner Ave. in San Jose and at 1051 Bing St. in San Carlos from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For December's schedule, please call (800) 870-3663 as the drop-off schedule may vary, or click on http://www.2ndharvest.net/hffd/_drop_off_hours.php.

CityTeam Ministries
City Team Ministries needs frozen turkeys, canned and non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped off at CityTeam's Family Service Center, 1297 N. 13th St., San Jose, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (408) 293-4657 for large pickups. Visit www.cityteam.org.

EHC LifeBuilders
EHC Lifebuilders needs money to buy food to serve more than 1,000 meals a day this winter, and over 300,000 meals during the year, at San Jose's largest shelter. The facility, located at 2011 Little Orchard St., is also seeking volunteers to prepare and serve meals. Call Nicolette Pacho at (408) 539-2131 or visit EHC's Web site: www.ehclifebuilders.org.

InnVision
InnVision serves 8,000 people a year at 11 locations with emergency shelter, transitional housing and job or skills training. The agency needs frozen turkeys, canned hams, large cans of fruit juice, vegetables, soups and gift certificates for groceries and restaurants. Other needs include: new underwear and warm clothing for men, women and children, blankets, comforters, sleeping bags and linens. Volunteers are needed to sort donations. Food can be dropped off at the Julian Street Inn, 545 W. Julian St., at any time. Other donations can be taken to the Georgia Travis Center, 297 Commercial St., San Jose, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (408) 292-4286 or visit www.innvision.org.

Sacred Heart Community Service
Sacred Heart Community Service needs frozen turkeys and chickens, canned hams, vegetables, soup, tuna, tomatoes, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, rice, dry beans, dry milk, pasta, Spam, cereal, macaroni and cheese, toilet tissue, bar soap, all sizes of diapers, powdered Enfamil with iron, warm clothing for children and adults and new or clean used blankets, new underwear and socks. New unwrapped gifts for all ages are also needed. Donations may be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, at 1381 S. First St., San Jose. Call (408) 278-2160 or www.sacredheartcommunityservice.org.

Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen
Loaves and Fishes needs non-perishable food items plus new toys for all ages of children and caps, sweaters and sweatshirts for seniors. This organization serves families and seniors five days a week and distributes food baskets. Items can be dropped off behind St. Patrick's Church, 389 E. Santa Clara St., from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Call (408) 934-4990 or visit www.loavesandfishes.org.

Martha's Kitchen
Martha's Kitchen, located at 311 Willow St. in San Jose, needs frozen turkeys, five-pound canned hams, large cans of green beans and of enchilada/green chili sauce. The center also needs toiletries, specifically soap, lotion and shampoo. Donations can be made Monday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (408) 293-6111. No volunteers are needed.

Cathedral of Faith
Cathedral of Faith, located at 2315 Canoas Garden Ave. in San Jose, helps more than 60,000 people annually, and will accept turkeys and personal hygiene products at its reaching-out center on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Call (408) 267-4691.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Coldwell Banker Residental Brockerage's Northern California offices are joining the Marines in collecting unwrapped new or unused toys for the local Toys for Tots campaign. Donations can be brought to the following brokerage offices through mid-December to the following locations:1021 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose (408) 264-5000; 820 E. Dunne Ave., Suite 150, Morgan Hill, (408) 779-5000; 12029 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, (408) 996-1100; 449 N. Santa Cruz Ave. or 221 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, both in Los Gatos, (408) 395-1500 or (408) 354-2295; 21269 Stevens Creek Blvd., Sunnyvale, (408) 616-2600; 3340 Walnut Ave., Suite 110, Fremont, (510) 608-7600

COTO COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Now through January 2nd at Plaza de Cesar Chavez

Each year, the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 60 musical and animated exhibits and glittering lights and the 60-foot City Community Giving Tree. Some of the original displays are housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, and include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters. The Victorian Village, a 25-foot growing Christmas tree surrounded by the animated Nutcracker Suite exhibit and Santa House welcome park visitors. Guests enter a winter wonderland of lights, songs and entertainment by local schools and groups, and stroll through a forest of trees decorated by San Jose schools, community groups and businesses.

Christmas in the Park draws over 450,000 people to downtown San Jose during the four-week holiday season. It is supported through fundraising efforts by the volunteer Board of Directors, is free to the public and is open from 9 a.m. to midnight daily. Children can have their photograph taken with Santa Claus, watch the nightly entertainment and enjoy refreshments. It takes more than 257,000 volunteer hours to present Christmas in the Park. To learn how you can help call (408) 995-NOEL (6635). http://www.christmasinthepark.com.

San Jose Moose Lodge Children's Christmas Party
December 8th, 11:30 – 2:30 pm at the San Jose Moose Lodge
Families are encouraged to attend the Annual Moose Children's Christmas Party. Donations of toys are also needed. Contact the San Jose Moose Lodge at 408.238.3212 for information

Downtown Ice Rink
Now through January 13 at the Circle of Palms across from Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Admission 12 and younger $12/ 13 and older $14
Visit www.sjdowntown.com for more information

7TH ANNUAL WINTER WONDERLAND
Now through January 1st along Paseo de San Antonio and Park Avenue
Bring the family to downtown San Jose and experience street performers, artisan demonstrations, a gift market and your favorite amusement rides including a ten story Ferris wheel.

To add a community event to the Coto Calendar, please email the event details to darcie.green@asm.ca.gov before the 15th of each month.

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)