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    October 2007 Newsletter

    GREAT ATTENDANCE AT THE 3RD HEALTHY CHILDREN'S DAY

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    Assemblyman Joe Coto’s 3rd annual Healthy Children’s Day event, held at the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, attracted more than 1,000 families from San Jose neighborhoods. In addition to the free passes to the museum provided by the Office of Assemblymember Coto, families were able to: obtain information on health insurance from the Santa Clara County Children’s Health Initiative, have their eyes checked courtesy of the California Optometric Association, learn how to brush and floss their teeth courtesy of the DVC dental hygienists and have their children fingerprinted by Child Quest. In addition, Kaiser Permanente organized a Teddy Bear Clinic teaching children the importance of good health and nutrition using teddy bears and at the same time teaching them not to be afraid of doctors. Three energetic doctors from Kaiser, Dr. Chynna Bantug, chief of Pediatrics, Dr. Padmaja Padalkar, assistant chief of Pediatrics; & director of the Children's Weight Management Program; and Dr. Linda Wolf, assistant chief of the Dept. of Head and Neck Surgery volunteered their time for the clinics. The YMCA and Sports Basement had fun activities and giveaways for the children to enjoy also.

    Assemblymember Coto spent time walking through the museum and talking with families about the importance of a proper diet and exercise. Children received a Coto Healthy Children’s reusable lunch sack filled with coloring books, healthy snacks and other gifts after their fun-filled day.

    The office of Assemblymember Joe Coto would like to thank the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and all event participants. A special thanks goes to Comcast, United Latinos Vote, Wells Fargo, PhRMA, and Garden City Sanitation Company for helping to sponsor the event.

     

    AB 262, THE COLLEGE STUDENT CREDIT PROTECTION ACT, MAKES IT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK

    On September 7, 2007 the California State Legislature sent the College Student Protection Act to the Governor’s desk. If signed by the Governor, the bill will direct California’s public university campuses to disclose exclusive credit card marketing arrangements with banks on those campuses, prohibit card companies from offering gifts to students who complete credit card applications on campuses, and urge the UC regents to revise a 2004 policy that exempted many banks from campus regulations.

    Although there are many financially responsible college students, there are some segments of the college-age population that are vulnerable to aggressive marketing strategies. This piece of legislation is meant to strengthen the preexisting university policies and to limit the amount of pressure put on youngsters by credit card companies.

    Nellie Mae, one of the nation's largest student loan companies, says the average balance on a graduate student's credit card is $8,612. Undergraduate students average about $2,169 in credit card debt.

    For more information please email Assemblymember Coto at Assemblymember.Coto@assembly.ca.gov.

     

    ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE FACING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES

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    With the increase in mortgage foreclosures and the potential threat of families losing their homes, we would like to make people aware of the following actions that may be taken by individuals needing assistance.

    1) Contact your lender as soon as you have a problem. They may have alternatives and can work with you during difficult financial times. Make sure to read your loan document and know what your lender may do if you can’t make your payments.

    2) Beware of foreclosure recovery scams.  You may be contacted by firms promising to negotiate with your lender. While they can be legitimate businesses, they may charge a hefty fee for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide free if you contact them. These foreclosure recovery scams prey on the threat of potential mortgage foreclosures, particularly on constituents who are older, speak English as a second language, or those who are unaware of their rights under the foreclosure process.

    3) Speak with a housing counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide. HUD approved counselors can assist you in knowing your options and the law to organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. HUD can be contacted at (800) 569 – 4287.

    We hope this information will be of some assistance to those facing mortgage difficulties.

     

    LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE TACKLES DIABETES AND OBESITY

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    According to the American Diabetes Association:

    • There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes - an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, but 6.2 million people don’t know they have the disease.
    • Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death in the US
    • The total annual economic cost of diabetes in 2002 was estimated to be $132 billion
    • The prevalence of diabetes is much higher for African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians
    • If present trends continue, one in three Americans, and 1 in 2 minorities, born in 2000 or later will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

    These alarming statistics initiated the development of an Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR 114) that established a Legislative Task Force on Diabetes and Obesity.   Assemblymember Coto authored the resolution along with the support of the Latino, African American and the Asian Pacific Legislative Caucuses. The purpose of the task force is to study the factors that lead to high rates of diabetes and obesity especially among African Americans, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Latino Americans, and Native Americans and develop legislative proposals to help prevent the high incidences of this deadly disease.  The Task Force is composed of 10 legislators, and 12 researchers and doctors from universities and organizations across the state. 

    They have begun meeting as a group and engaging more experts in the field to look at cutting edge diabetes research and strategies that effectively address prevention. Several hearings will be held around the state over the next few months to solicit input from the public and increase awareness. The Task Force is hoping to introduce legislative proposals by early next year. Assemblymember Joe Coto stated, “There is a real sense of urgency and commitment on this issue among the task force members, I’m confident that we’ll be able to develop good legislative solutions that begin addressing this crisis.”

    COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT- CONNIE MARTINEZ

    Connie Martinez, Executive Director of the Children's Discovery Museum of San José, has recently been named Executive Director of 1st ACT Silicon Valley.  According to the 1st ACT website, 1st ACT (Arts, Creativity, Technology) is a cross-sector collaborative whose mission is to inspire leadership, participation and investment at the intersection of art and technology.
    The Children’s Discovery Museum, under Connie’s leadership, is considered one of the top ten children’s museums in the nation. The museum provides over 150 interactive exhibits as well as many award winning programs.

    Connie has lived in California since 1986, holding several leadership positions within the community including Director of Strategic Initiatives for University of California Santa Cruz; Vice President for Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network; and Deputy City Manager, prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Children’s Museum.

    Connie lives in downtown San José and is very active in the community. She is the former-chair of the San Jose Arts and Culture Roundtable and a co-founder of 1st ACT. Connie is a board member of the American Leadership Forum-Silicon Valley, Association of Children’s Museums, Los Lupenos and a member of San Jose Rotary.

    Assemblymember Coto would like to thank Connie Martinez for her leadership and commitment to providing enriching programs to families and children in San José. Her support was imperative in our efforts to bring the experience of the Children Discovery Museum to all families in San José regardless of economic background. “Connie has been a great partner in our efforts to educate our community on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for their children and I wish her much success in her new endeavor,” said Coto.

    COTO CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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    South First Fridays
    First Friday of every month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2)
    8 p.m. until late
    Galleries in the SoFA District from 300 - 520 S. First St.
    www.SouthFirstFridays.com
    271-5151
    An eclectic evening of arts and culture on the First Friday of every month in downtown San Jose's SoFA district.  Participating galleries include: Anno Domini, GreenRice Gallery, MACLA, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, Works, KALEID and San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles. Free and open to the public.

    National Hispanic University 25th Anniversary Fiesta and Art Auction
    October 4th
    6pm – 8pm
    14271 Story Road, San Jose
    contact 408.273.2692

    CET 40th Anniversary Gala and Community Celebration
    October 5th and October 7th
    5:30 pm
    701 Vine Street, San Jose
    www.cetweb.org

    Step Out to Fight Diabetes
    October 6, 2007
    1.5 mile walk, 5K walk and 10K run
    10am Start for 10K run, 10:30am Start for 1.5K and 5K walks
    Guadalupe River Park and Gardens
    For more information call: 1-888-DIABETES
    http://stepout.diabetes.org/site/TR/StepOut/StepOut557058010?pg=entry&fr_id=4638

    Spirit of Japantown  Festival
    October 6, 2007 9am-5pm
    San Jose Japantown is one of the last three major Japantowns that remain in the United States. The Festival has been organized to promote unity, preservation of this historic site and culture.  It will feature 8 city blocks of food, fun and entertainment for all.
    For more information visit http://www.spiritofjapantownfestival.com/

    18th Annual Hispanic Charity Ball
    October 13th
    6pm
    Fairmont San Jose
    www.hfsv.org

    Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
    October 14
    Start time is 8AM on Santa Clara and Almaden
    www.rnrsj.com
    Race goes through downtown streets and ends in Discovery Meadow
    People had such a good time running and dancing the first year, they're going to do it all over again. Race past 14 stages and plenty of cheer squads, and enjoy the after-race party.

    Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley
    Fundraiser Comedy Jam
    Saturday October 20, 2007, 7PM
    701 Vine St., San Jose
    Tickets $25
    Contact: Vernon Medicine Cloud at (408)445-3400 ext 208

    YWCA of Silicon Valley 17th Annual Luncheon
    October 23
    11:30am – 1:30pm
    San Jose McEnery Convention Center
    For ticket information, call 408.295.4100 or visit www.ywca-sv.org

    Halloween Activities in the San Jose
    Sartorette Elementary's Pirate-Themed Haunted House in San Jose
    Oct. 28, 4-8 p.m.
    Haunted house, games, food and raffle. Great event for children and the community.
    (408) 497-1769

    Happy Hollow Park And Zoo
    Sunday, October 28 1:00pm to 6:00pm
    at History Park (Kelley Park), San Jose

    Price: $6.00 per person
    Phone: (408) 277-4193
    Web: http://www.hhpz.org
    Age Suitability: All Ages
    11th annual Haunt the Hollow with an additional Trick-or-Treat through Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the History Park!
    Trick-or-Treat through Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the History Park, Sunday, October 28, 2007 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in Happy Hollow and 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the History Park. Two places to trick-or-treat! Stations will be set-up throughout the Park & Zoo and at the houses in the History Park, providing a fun, safe and family friendly experience for all. Admission includes trick-or-treating at both Happy Hollow and the History Park, trolley car rides, puppet shows, play areas, and the Zoo!

    Happy Hollow will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on this event day.
    This event is included with regular admission of $6.00 per person. One price admission for both Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the History Park!

    For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 408-277-4193 or visit www.hhpz.org
    Happy Hollow and the History Park are located inside Kelley Park on Senter Road.
    This scare free event is sponsored by 94.5 KBAY and The Mercury News.

    Various Free Events At San Jose Public Library Branches:
    Educational Park Branch
    1770 Educational Park Drive, San Jose
    Special Spooky Halloween Storytime
    Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    Children can make Halloween crafts and listen to stories that will send shivers down their spine!
    Monday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  (408) 272-3663, www.sjlibrary.org.

    Seventrees Branch
    Halloween Bash
    3597 Cas Drive, San Jose
    Oct. 28, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
    Children can listen to spooky stories, enjoy terrifying tunes and make a creepy craft to take home.
    408-629-4536

    Tully Community Branch
    880 Tully Road, San Jose
    Halloween Party
    Oct. 28, 3-4:30 p.m.
    Enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun, including games and crafts. Children who arrive in costume or bring a carved pumpkin will receive a special prize.
     Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library,
    150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, CA 95112
    October 31 3:00pm
    Price: Free
    Phone: (408) 808-2183
    Age Suitability: All Ages
    Children and their families are invited to participate for some stories, songs and finger plays to celebrate Halloween in the library. After the Halloween story time, there will be a fun-filled, traditional parade in the library. Children of all ages and their families are invited. Costumes are encouraged

    Mommy & Me on the Row - 'Halloween Fest'
    Tuesday, October 30 10:00a to 12:00pm
    Santana Row, San Jose
    Price: Free    Phone: (408) 551-4611
    Web: http://www.santanarow.com
    Age Suitability: Kids and up
    Santana Row's monthly kids club presents its annual Halloween Fest, with Halloween events and activities for children, including trick-or-treating throughout Santana Row! Children are encouraged to come in costume for Santana Row’s annual Halloween Fest. Activities include pumpkin decorating courtesy of Action Day Primary Plus and a "spooktacular" puppet show by the National Puppet Theatre.

    Mommy & Me on the Row is a free kids club at Santana Row that features live stage entertainment, interactive games, arts & crafts, and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Families can register for the free program through the Santana Row website, at the Concierge Center in Santana Row Park, or the morning of the event in Park Valencia. Membership includes a variety of incentives that range from specially priced lunches to shopping incentives provided by Santana Row merchants.

     

    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)