March 2007 Newsletter

    News You Can Use...

    Assemblymember Coto Promotes Reading during Têt Celebration at the Tully Community Library

    Earlier this month, the San Jose Public Library, Tully Branch was filled with parents and children participating in the Coto Vietnamese American Literacy Event and the library’s Tet Celebration. The day’s celebrations included a puppet show, musical performances, a Vietnamese story hour consisting of a traditional Lunar New Year folktale presented by Assemblymember Coto’s office, and a three lion dance performance by the Far East Dragon Lion Dance Association.

    In addition to the festivities, 100 hardcover copies of the bilingual English-Vietnamese story book “The Tet Pole: The Story of the Tet Festival” also known as “Sự Tích Cây Nêu Ngày Tết” were given to the families along with over 200 coloring and children’s activity books.

    Assemblymember Coto, a former educator, talked to the families and stressed the importance of reading. He said that, “the most successful students in school learn to read at an early age, not only by having their parents read to them, but by reading to their parents as well.”

    In addition to promoting good reading skills, the event was intended to recognize the importance of cultural preservation and the tangible benefits, both short and long term, that come with multi-lingual language skills. Hence, the activity was to not only showcase a book that was printed bilingually but to make sure that all materials, coloring books and activity books, were distributed in both English and Vietnamese.

    The book give-away was sponsored in part by the generosity of International Children’s Assistance Network, Asian American Women’s Alliance, Assemblymember Coto and Pan Asian Publishers.

    Assemblymember Coto plans on having future bilingual literacy events for the Spanish- speaking and Vietnamese-American communities based on the positive reception of the families, the library and most importantly the children.

    For information about future community events, check the community calendar of this e-newsletter or check the “Important Dates” section on Assemblymember Coto’s web site http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a23/.

    Jenny Do Selected As The District 23 Woman of the Year

    Each year the California Legislative Women’s Caucus sponsors the annual “Woman of the Year” celebration. Every Assembly Member in the state selects one woman who resides in his or her district who has significantly contributed to the community. The honorees are introduced during a ceremony in the Assembly Chambers and presented with a framed certificate. A reception is held upon adjournment of the floor session. The honorees are highlighted in the California Museum for history, women and the arts during the month of March. This year’s event is being held at the Capitol on Monday, March 5, 2007.

    Jenny Do was selected for making a difference in San Jose and beyond. In addition to being a successful attorney, Jenny is the Executive Director of the Friends of Hue Foundation which operates an orphanage serving 40 children, a mobile medical clinic serving 100 patients per month and a micro-financing program serving 1,000 families in Central Vietnam. Jenny also serves as an Arts Commissioner on the City of San Jose’s Arts Commission and was the founder of GreenRice Gallery which provides a venue for Vietnamese-American artists. Jenny has helped to plan and organize numerous fundraising events to support impoverished women and to assist non-profit community organizations and the arts. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from San Jose State University and her law degree from Lincoln Law School. Jenny is currently a candidate for a Masters degree in Art History at San Jose State. The 23rd Assembly congratulates Jenny on this award and thanks her for all she does for the community.

    March is "Read Across America" Month

    The National Education Association initially created the Read across America Day program as a one-day event to celebrate reading on March 2nd, Dr. Suess’ birthday. It has now become a program that promotes reading everyday throughout the year.

    The program begins on March 2nd each year. Schools, libraries and bookstores all across the nation participate in Read Across America Day as the beginning of the year-long campaign to get more adults to read to children.

    Reading is a skill that must be taught, supported and sustained. An adult can develop a lifelong love of reading in a child. Supporting children’s reading activities, especially by reading with a child on a daily basis, requires a substantial commitment from parents, older brothers and sisters and other caring adults. While the effort may be difficult, the rewards are great. Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school and children who read frequently develop stronger reading skills. If you have ever shared a book with a child, you know the excitement this small but extremely meaningful act can bring. Be sure to take the time this month to read to a child.

    Three Overfelt High School Students Chosen to Participate in Capitol Focus 2007!

    Each year, students from throughout the state gather at the State Capitol for a series of interactive sessions with professionals representing the legislative and executive branches, lobbying organizations and the media. These students are given the opportunity to look at contrasting perspectives on statewide issues, conduct mock legislative hearings and cast their on votes on controversial issues. The overall goal of the conference is to develop enthusiasm for the democratic process, along with providing the knowledge, confidence and skills necessary to effectively participate in the political process.

    This year, thanks to full scholarships from State Farm Insurance Agency, three 11th graders from William C. Overfelt High School – Sharie Baclig, Mario Barbosa and Athena Floro – were given the opportunity to attend the Capitol Focus Youth Conference in Sacramento.

    “It is important that our students be exposed to the political process at an early age, not just learning about it in text books but actually seeing it in person and having access to hands on activities dealing with current real life issues. I thank State Farm and Capitol Focus for helping us to develop future leaders for the 23rd Assembly District.” – Assemblymember Joe Coto.

    Make A Plan and Be Informed About Natural Disasters

    Emergencies are not just limited to natural disasters; they can happen at any time. Do you know what to do in case of an emergency? Listed are some tips to share with your family members.

    Create a Family Plan

    You and your family may not be together during a disaster. Discuss and be prepared for a variety of situations. Make sure all family members have contact information for each other. During an emergency, it may be easier to make a long distance phone call than to call across town, so families should select an out-of-town contact who may be a in a better position to communicate and agree to contact that person if the family is separated. Make sure all family members know who to call and have the person’s contact information. When preparing for an emergency situation, it’s best to first think about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Keep extra bottles of water and canned foods for emergency situations and make sure blankets and flashlights are easily accessible.

    During a Flood

    • Be aware that a flash flood can occur. If this happens move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
    • Turn off all main switches or valves if instructed to. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch ANY electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
    • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of water can be dangerous and a foot of water will float most vehicles.

    Earthquakes

    Before...

    • Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections. Get appropriate professional help.
    • Bolt down and secure to the wall studs your water heater refrigerator, furnace, and gas appliances.
    • Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall and discuss them with family members.

    During…

    • Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
    • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
    • If outdoors, stay away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.

    Fires

    • Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your
    • chances of dying in a fire by half. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.
    • Teach family members to stay low to the floor when escaping a fire. The air is safer there.

    Being prepared will help you take care of yourself, your family, and your community.

    March 11th, 2007: Reminder To Spring Clocks Forward an Hour

    Use Daylight Savings Time As A Reminder to Safeguard Your Home

    Important Steps to Take When You Change the Clocks
    (From San Jose Prepared!)

    1. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Save the batteries for re-use in handheld electronic devices and toys. Recycle used batteries through our County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program: 408-299-7300.

    2. Change all the batteries in your emergency supply kits and your household flashlights. Follow the same reuse and recycle steps as in #1.

    3. Rotate the food, water and non-prescription medications in your car kit, desk kit and household caches. Use the previously stored food within the next few weeks. Ensure that the newly stored food is recently purchased and has at least nine months left on the “use by” date noted on the container. Discard medications from the car kit, and put desk kit items in the front of the medicine chest for first use.

    4. Check your gas shut off valve. Turn the valve 1/8 of a turn in each direction to ensure that the valve moves freely. If the valve does not move readily, call PG&E for a FREE valve service and lubrication. THIS IS NOT A DO-IT-YOURSELF JOB!

    5. Sort through the supplies stored under your kitchen sink and in the laundry cupboard. Ensure that you keep all liquid cleaning products containing “chlorine” or “bleach” in the laundry, and all liquid products containing “ammonia” in the kitchen. If you have children in the home ensure that these cupboards are protected with properly installed and working safety latches to prevent child poisoning.

    6. Sort through the toxics stored in your garage. If you find items that you no longer need, properly recycle or discard those items in their original containers through the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program: 408-299-7300. Ensure that the items you keep are separated by category and properly stored in waterproof containers with lids, and with locks if you have children in your household. Sort into: paint and painting supplies, gardening fertilizers and pesticides, automotive products, and hobby supplies. Store the lidded containers on the garage floor or behind locked cupboard doors.

    7. Review the medical information in your Vial of Life and with your child’s caregiver. Update the information to add or change medical conditions, medications and dosages, doctors’ names and phone numbers, and emergency contact information.

    These seven steps taken every six months will ensure that you are ready for emergencies!

    For more information contact the Office of Assemblymember Joe Coto at 408.277.1220 or email San Jose Prepared! sjprepared@sanjoseca.gov

    Useful Tip of the Month - Courtesy of Neighborhood Housing Services of Silicon Valley

    IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING A LOAN TO PURCHASE A HOME….
    • Do your homework! Familiarize yourself with the home loan process and what you can afford. Attend a homeownership education course or meet with a homeownership counselor. These services are available locally and often without a fee.

    For more information contact Neighborhood Housing Services Silicon Valley at 408.279.2600 or visit www.nhssv.org

    Coto Community Calendar of Events

    South First Fridays
    First Friday of every month (March 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 and San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles. Free and open to the public.

    Cinequest
    Feb. 28-March 11
    Camera 12 Cinemas, California Theatre, San Jose Repertory Theatre and other downtown locations
    www.cinequest.org
    Downtown comes alive with one of the nation's leading film festivals. Who will be this year's mavericks? Come check out the best of indie, international and first-run films at a variety of downtown locations.

    4th Annual Asset Champions Breakfast
    Thursday, March 1, 2007
    9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    Project Cornerstone
    1922 The Alameda # 3
    San Jose, CA 95126
    (408) 351-6482
    www.projectcornerstone.org

    Lifeskills Discussion Group for Teens
    San Jose Public Library - San Jose
    Thursday, March 1, 2007 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    This recurring event is scheduled every week until Thursday, March 29, 2007, and you may want to check if this event is accepting new participants.

    Kids Create
    San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
    Downtown San Jose
    Sunday, March 4, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, April 1, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, May 6, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, June 3, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, July 8, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Sunday, Sept. 2, 2007 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    Student Panel
    Tuesday, March 6, 2007
    6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
    Parents Helping Parents
    3041 Olcott St
    Santa Clara, CA 95054
    (408) 727-5775
    www.php.com
    LD/ADD Lecture Series and Support Group - Santa Clara

    Full Day IEP Training
    Saturday, March 10, 2007
    9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Parents Helping Parents
    3041 Olcott St
    Santa Clara, CA 95054
    (408) 727-5775
    www.php.com

    Sibshops
    Saturday, March 10, 2007
    10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    Saturday, May 12, 2007
    10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
    Parents Helping Parents
    3041 Olcott St
    Santa Clara, CA 95054
    (408) 727-5775
    www.php.com

    City of San Jose Strong Neighborhood Initiative Community Workshop
    March 17
    9am – 2pm
    San Jose High Academy Cafeteria
    Join SNI in the first of three engaging community workshops to collect your ideas and preferences for the San Jose Neighborhood Improvement Plan.

    NCAA men's basketball West Regional finals
    Thursday and Saturday, March 22 and March 24
    www.sjsuspartans.com
    March Madness comes to San Jose. San Jose State University plays host to four of the top 16 teams in the country. Games will be played at HP Pavilion.

    Is My Body Good Enough? A Workshop for Teens
    Friday, March 16, 2007
    4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    San Jose Public Library
    Downtown San Jose

    Childhood Bipolar Support and Education Group
    Parents Helping Parents
    3041 Olcott St
    Santa Clara, CA 95054
    (408) 727-5775
    www.php.com
    Wednesday, March 21, 2007 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Wednesday, April 18, 2007 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

    Changing The Workplace, Changing The World!
    9to5 Third Annual Regional Leadership Conference and Policy Day
    Saturday, March 24, 2007
    San Jose, CA
    10 AM - 2 PM
    To Pre-Register:
    Please contact between 9 and 5 by telephone or email:
    Bay Area 9to5 Office
    Cathy Deppe - cdeppe@9to5bayarea.org
    408-432-6044

    Social Skills Development Training
    Tuesday, April 3, 2007
    7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
    Parents Helping Parents
    3041 Olcott St
    Santa Clara, CA 95054
    (408) 727-5775
    www.php.com
    LD/ADD Lecture Series and Support Group - Santa Clara

    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)