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- Animal Rescue Hero - An animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, or a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation.
- Education Hero - An adult or youth who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others in a school or other educational setting.
- Good Samaritan - Adult (21 years old and up) - An adult who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others.
- Good Samaritan - Youth (Under the age of 21) - A youth who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others.
- Law Enforcement Hero - A professional law enforcement officer (Sheriff, Police, FBI, Highway Patrol, etc...) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.
- Medical Professional Hero - A medical professional (doctor, nurse, EMT/paramedic, hospital/clinic staff, etc...) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of their job to help another in critical need.
- Military Hero - A member of the armed forces (active, reserve, retired, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose life-saving action during active duty status went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.
- Professional Rescuer Hero - A professional rescuer (firefighter, lifeguard, etc...) whose life-saving action went beyond the scope of his or her job to help another in critical need.
- Workplace Hero - An individual who used life-saving skills to save or attempt to save the life or lives of others at his/her place of employment or on a job site.
- If you smoke, quit. There are many resources to help you; contact your health-care provider.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet.
- Use medication, diet, and exercise to bring unhealthy amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood to desirable levels.
- Lower high blood pressure (hypertension) by making lifestyle changes and faithfully taking your medications.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. Exercising even several minutes at a time is beneficial, and it can add up to 30 minutes quickly. Aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling are especially good for the heart, but choose any exercise that you enjoy. Start at your comfort level, and build up gradually. (If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.)
- If you have diabetes, it's extremely important to work with your doctor and other health professionals to manage it. People with type 2 diabetes have high rates of heart disease.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, learn what steps you can take to change your eating habits and be more physically active. Lowering your weight by just 10 percent can make a significant difference in reducing your heart disease risk.
- Find healthy outlets for managing stress and anger in your life.
- Take aspirin daily (if recommended by your doctor).
- Drink alcohol in moderation (if you drink).
February 2008 Newsletter
CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES ASSEMBLYMEMBER JOE COTO
Assemblymember Joe Coto was recently recognized by the California Small Business Association (CSBA) for his support and commitment to the issues that are important to small businesses. The CSBA recognizes annually the state legislators who have been advocates for their concerns and places them in three categories depending on their involvement and support for small business. Coto was recognized in the top group for his efforts this past year.
In 2007, Coto worked with the CSBA to introduce Assembly Bill 761, which was signed into law. This legislation establishes 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. Contract reports from the previous years had indicated that: (1) the awards to small businesses in 2005-06 were 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. The new legislation will increase small business participation in the bond funds significantly.
This legislative session Coto is working with CSBA again to introduce another bill aimed at setting goals for local agencies that receive bond funds to ensure small businesses get their fair share of the contracts.
"California's one million small businesses are one of the driving forces of our economy," said Coto. "We need to encourage and support them."2008 CASH FOR COLLEGE CAMPAIGN
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Through the Campaign for College Opportunity’s Save Me a Spot in College Scholarship Contest California students in grades 6th through 12th are invited to submit a written word, poster or television ad answering the question, “Why should California leaders save you and your peers a spot in college?” This contest is an opportunity for students to win $500-$2,500 college scholarships. Over $100,000 in scholarships will be distributed to winners across California.
The deadline to submit entries is March 15th, 2008. To learn more about the scholarship contest, register, become a contest partner, schedule a classroom presentation, or volunteer as a judge in your area visit www.collegecampaign.org/contest or call 1-800-459-9586 and ask for Stephanie Romero-Crockett
During the past two years, Assembly Member Coto has had winners and /or honorable mentions in his district. To view a complete list of winners and their entries visit www.collegecampaign.org and click on Save Me a Spot in College.
The Campaign for College Opportunity is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of Californians has a chance to go to college. |
NEED HELP FILING TAXES?
Get free tax services in our community!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs utilize trained volunteers to help older adults and low-income individuals and families complete their tax return forms. Below is a list of current VITA locations and links with more information on Tax Aid;
> VITA Site Locations
> VITA Site, Early Income Tax Credit, and Federal Child Tax Credit FAQs
> Bay Area Tax Aid Site Locations in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese
FOR VOLUNTEERS
> VITA Training Schedule (for Volunteers only) - updated 01/17/08
> Online Course Site
> Online Test Site
For more information on free tax services for low-income families please visit http://www.211scc.org/ or http://www.tax-aid.org/
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AMERICAN RED CROSS SANTA CLARA VALLEY SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL REAL HEROES AWARD BREAKFAST
The American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter is asking Silicon Valley residents, companies and organizations to nominate individuals, who reside or work in Santa Clara County, and whose extraordinary acts of courage or kindness make them a hero. The winners will be honored at the 2nd Annual Santa Clara Valley Real Heroes Breakfast on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose. The deadline to submit nominations is March 13, 2008.
Nominations for the heroic acts of local residents that took place between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007 are being accepted in the following categories:
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FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Below is information on how to reduce your risk of heart disease courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.
Learn more at www.kp.org/heart.
Know your numbers
Most experts agree on the following levels for the general population; your doctor can help you interpret your numbers, taking any added risk factors you may have into account.
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Too high: |
Too low: |
Ideal: |
Blood pressure* |
140/90 mm Hg or greater |
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120/80 or lower |
Total Cholesterol |
240 mg/dL or greater |
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below 200 mg/dL |
LDL Cholesterol |
160 mg/dL or greater |
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below less than 130 mg/dL |
HDL Cholesterol (women): |
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less than 50 mg/dL |
above 60 mg/dL |
HDL Cholesterol (men): |
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less than 40 mg/dL |
above 60 mg/dL |
Triglycerides |
150 mg/dL or greater |
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below 150 m |
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|
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Take prevention to heart
Following the recommendations below will help boost your heart's health. If you discover that you need to make changes in many areas, you might feel so overwhelmed that you don't make any changes at all. Remember, you don't have to make these changes all at once. Instead, work on changing just one or two things at a time. (Get tips to help you make successful lifestyle changes.)
COTO COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Cell Phone Exchange Program
Now through February 29, 2008, bring in your old cell phone to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and receive one free admission pass in exchange. One cell phone = one free pass.
Sunday
10:00a to 4:30p
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
San Jose CA
Cirque du Soleil: "Kooza"
Between strength and fragility, laughter and smiles, turmoil and harmony, KOOZA explores themes of fear, identity, recognition and power.
2/10/2008
Sunday
1:00p
Taylor Street Bridge
San Jose CA
Stay & Play
Parents and children are invited to stay and get acquainted after storytime. We will put out toys for the children to play with while the adults chat.
2/12/2008
Tuesday
12:00p to 12:30p
Evergreen Branch Library
San Jose CA
Teen Valentine Craft Workshop
Create a lovely valentine or two for your sweetheart! We'll have plenty of supplies to create Valentine's Day cards and gifts at this workshop.
2/13/2008
Wednesday
3:30p to 4:30p
Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library
3090 Alum Rock Ave. - Teen Room
(408) 808-3090
28th Annual San Jose Day of Remembrance
"20 Years After Redress: Civil Liberties and War" The event commemorates Japanese American Internment during WWII and the 20th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.
2/17/2008
Sunday
5:30p to 7:30p
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin
San Jose CA
Free Credit Score Enhancement Seminar
This seminar is open to both members and non-members. Learn how to drive up your credit score and get lower loan rates!
2/21/2008
Thursday
6:00p to 8:00p
Valley Credit Union Willow Glen Financial Center and Administrative Office
San Jose CA
Hardwood Ballers basketball Tryouts
Basketball tryouts for highly competitive, fundamentally sound basketball players willing to travel and being committed to a team.
2/26/2008
Tuesday
6:00p to 8:00p
Peter Burnett Academy Junior High
San Jose CA
International Movie Night
Tortilla Soup is the tale of a father, his daughters, and the men in their lives. As with every culture, especially when someone is transplanted to another country, food plays a very important part in cultural identity and connections.
2/26/2008
Tuesday
5:30p
Vineland Branch Library
San Jose CA
Disney On Ice: Princess Wishes
2/28/2008
Thursday
7:30p
HP Pavilion
San Jose CA
Cinequest Film Festival
Cinequest Film Festival is proud to present 250 screenings, 80+ films, witth 40 U.S., North American, and world premiers. It’s time to escape the same old Hollywood endings and discover films that matter.
2/27/2008 – 3/09/2008
Check listings
Camera 12
201 South Second St.
San José Ca
http://www.cinequest.org/cinequest_18.php
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)