News You Can Use...

Wanted: Voters For November 2006

This past primary election produced dismal voter turnout at the polls. Statewide turnout was lower than expected at 28.1 percent, while turnout in Santa Clara followed at 28.8 percent. Out of the 747,644 registered voters in our county only 215,760 actually voted on Election Day, this number includes absentee voters.

Our community must work together to increase this number in the November 2006 general election. Not only must we individually commit ourselves to casting our ballot in November, we must go the extra step and commit to getting our family and friends out the polls as well.

The deadline to register to vote in the general election is October, 23 2006. To avoid last minute conflicts that may prevent you from getting to the polls on Election Day, I encourage all of you to register to vote absentee. For information on absentee voting please visit the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters website. http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/rov

Election Day is the time to make your voice heard! Your vote DOES count!

For more information on Election 2006 results go to http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm

Joe Coto Congratulates National Hispanic University…

On Another Year Of Graduating Students Dedicated To Academic Excellence And Community Service.

On Saturday June 3rd, National Hispanic University held their 2006 commencement ceremony on the lawn of the University’s beautiful state of the art building. Assemblymember Coto was in attendance to present two very special students with awards from his office.

Tasneem Syeda who served as President of NHU's Student Body Association and Rose Wilcox who maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 while working full time. Both students received awards for their scholastic achievements as well as their dedication to making their community better.

National Hispanic University has been diligently serving our community since 1981. The mission of NHU is to enable Hispanics, other minorities, women, and others to acquire an undergraduate degree or certificate using a multicultural educational experience to obtain a professional career in business, education, or technology.

To find out how to apply and get on the right track to academic success visit the University website http://www.nhu.edu/index.htm and/or contact the admissions office.

Coto To Serve as NABE Honorary Conference Chair

Assemblymember Joe Coto will serve as a NABE Honorary Conference Chair for the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) 2007 Annual Conference to be held in San Jose, California on February 7-10, 2007. This conference will bring together bilingual and bicultural education advocates from across the nation and will be hosted at the San Jose Convention Center in the 23rd Assembly District. For further conference information, contact Mary Jew at mary_jew@cupertino.k12.ca.us.

The State Of California Offers Housing Assistance

The filing season for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance program begins July 1, 2006 through October 16, 2006.

The Homeowner assistance program is a once a year payment from the State to individuals who qualify based on part of the property taxes assessed and paid on their homes. The Renter Assistance program allows a once-a-year payment from the State individuals based on part of the property taxes that they paid indirectly when they paid their rent.

It is important to the state that you achieve your homeownership goals. Please take advantage of this valuable program and feel free to call my staff if you would like to receive the forms you need to get started.

For more information or to see if you meet the eligibility criteria please visit http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/hra/index.html

Joe Coto Supports The Bay Area Art Scene

The eighth annual Latino Art auction on June 3rd was a success for San Jose’s own MACLA (Movimiento de Arte de Cultura Americana). The gallery was filled with almost 100 original paintings and sculptures by Latino artists, many of whom have roots in the Bay Area. According to winning bids, the art auction pulled in tens of thousands of dollars for MACLA's programs and performances, with 20 percent of the final bid going back to the artist.

Joe Coto was in attendance along with a list of other dignitaries dedicated to supporting our growing Latino art community.

MACLA is an energizing contemporary arts space located in San Jose, California. The organization was founded in 1989, by a group of community activists engaged in a broad mobilization to change the representation of multicultural artists within the City's art allocations.

The office of Assemblymember Coto applauds the work of Tamara Alvarado, Executive Director. Tamara has been a wonderful spokesperson and driving force behind MACLA. It is due to her hard work that Latino Art community has moved to the forefront in our community. http://www.maclaarte.org/index.html

San Jose – Valley Of Heart’s Delight.

Before “Silicon Valley”, before state of the art indoor shopping malls and before eBay, San Jose was known for its agricultural contributions. On June 22, History San Jose will pay homage to our city’s rich and fruitful heritage.

Valley of Heart’s Delight will honor the work of local activist Pat Loomis as well celebrate the unveiling of the online exhibit Label Legacy: The Muirson Label Company.

Tickets are $100 per person and seating is limited.

Attire for this exciting event is blue jeans and boots; a tribute to the orchard and farm land that once dominated the City of San Jose.

To purchase a ticket or get information visit http://www.historysanjose.org/valleyevent.html

Joe Coto Challenges Constituents To Get Involved!

Californians are worried about schools, traffic-jammed commutes, the environment, the economy, housing and health care – all areas affected by the state budget. State legislators are now using more forward-thinking tools to take action and get Californians more involved.

The California legislature announced the launch of the “California Budget Challenge” on May 15th in Sacramento. Constituents can log on to www.nextten.org, an independent, nonpartisan organization Website, and click on the “California Budget Challenge” link for a chance to balance the state’s budget and explore the policy options faced by legislators today. Constituents will not only have the chance to make decisions on how much to give schools, health care, prisons and other state programs, but they will have the ability to share their budget priorities with the state legislature.

In addition to the “Challenge”, the Website features other tools to help residents become more educated about the critical issues affecting our state. “California Budget Choices” is an eight page highly visual brochure which answers basic questions about the budget. Constituents can test their knowledge of 13 key budget facts by taking the “Budget Quiz” available in English and Spanish. “California and Glance” is a one-page quick overview with interesting facts about our state.

Next Ten’s vision is to educate, engage, and empower Californians to improve the state’s future economy and quality of life. “A well-informed, engaged public can work together to break gridlock, rebuild trust in the government and rebuild the California dream,” said F. Noel Perry, founder of Next Ten.

Fun Summer Activities For Kids!

Summer may be a break from school, but it shouldn’t be a break from learning! Keep your youngsters engaged this summer in District 23! WE'VE provided a number of options for you to consider:

ET Kids

Phone: (408) 257-5425
Email: ouretkids@yahoo.com
Ages: 5 - 12

Activities: Drama, swimming, play, music, karate, studio art, dance, cooking, excellent care and snacks and lunch provided

Hot Feet Day Camp

Phone: (408) 559-7542
Email: scott.briscoe@sanjoseca.gov
Ages: 7-12

Activities: Hot Feet Day Camp has (4) two week sessions. The program includes arts & crafts, games, and special events.

Metro Day Camp

Phone: (408) 287-4170
Email: happycamper@girlscoutsofscc.org
Ages: 6-14

Activities: This is a Girl Scout day camp, non-girl scouts welcome. We have a 1 to 8 staff to camper ratio. All staff are trained adults. Metro Day Camp is ACA accredited. Full and half day programs are available.

Actors Theatre Center: Summer Arts Conservatory

Phone: (408) 985-5500
Email: info@theatrecenter.biz
Ages: Entering Grades 7-12

Activities: Professional 6 week, all day hands-on theatre training program for teens. Classroom courses in acting, singing, dancing, technical theatre and specialty areas such as directing, choreographing, and stage managing. A full scale Broadway musical production will be the final performance. This year's show is Superman The Musical and will perform to the public 2 weekends in August 2006.

Artopia- Arts and Crafts Camp

Phone: (408) 266-4130
Email: rebecca@artopiastudios.com
Ages: 6-14

Activities: Summer camps run in two sessions per day. Morning session is held from 10-12:30; Afternoon session runs from 1:00 pm to 3:30. We suggest registering in advance to ensure adequate staff and projects, however, drop-ins are welcome subject to space and project availability.

Monart Summer Art Camp

Phone: (408) 264-7800
Email: info@bavaniart.com
Ages: 4 and up

Activities: At Monart School of South San Jose. Our camps include a drawing project using the Monart method for drawing and also a craft project that goes with the drawing project theme. Monart Summer Camp uses only professional quality supplies and all supplies are included in the tuition.

Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose Summer Camp

Phone: (408) 979-9997
Email: peggy@vivaceyouthchorus.org
Ages: 6-10

Activities: Training in music theory and learn to appreciate and enjoy the unique connection of art with music through games, creative expression and performance.

Major League Soccer Camps

Phone: (860) 536-9966
Email: soccer@mlscamps.com
Ages: 5-18

Activities: Weeklong soccer camps.

Spartan Boy's Basketball Camp

Phone: (408) 924-1222
Email: brent.davis@sjsu.edu
Ages: 7-18

Activities: Session I June 19-22, 2006. Session II August 7-10, 2006. They offer early drop off at 7:45am and late pick up until 5:30pm at no additional charge (please note that camp runs from 9-4). Camp focus is skill development, team building, and fun! Cost is $170.

Camp Galileo

Phone: (800) 854-3684
Email: info@campgalileo.com
Ages: K-5th graders

Activities: An Art, Science, and Outdoor summer day camp developed in partnership with Art in Action, The Tech Museum, and Klutz. Kids rotate daily through all three activities with time for skits, cheers, and games. Camp sessions are Monday - Friday; 9am - 3pm daily. Three unique weeks of programming offered. Weekly sessions start June 20th and end August 5th at ten Bay Area locations from San Jose to San Francisco.

Harker Summer Programs

Phone: (408) 871-4600
Email: campinfo@harker.org
Ages: K-12

Activities: The K-8 programs offer a unique blend of academic enrichment and recreation activities in 2, 4 and 6 week sessions. The Summer Institute for high school age students offers academic and enrichment courses in areas such as Math, Science, Debate and test-taking preparation.

TechKnowHow Computer & Lego Camps

Phone: (650) 620-9300
Email: info@techknowhowkids.com
Ages: 6-16

Activities: Week-long computer & Lego classes including Game Design, Lego Projects & Robotics, Flash F/X and Games, and 3D Modeling! Our 11th year of serving the Bay Area. Tuition: $180/wk half-day; $309-319/wk full-day

The Tech Museum Summer CampsPhone: (800) 854-3684

Email: techcamps@galileoed.com
Ages: 4th - 8th graders

Activities: Hands-on science and technology classes at The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, CA. Kids may choose from 11 different class topics including Lego Robotics, Video Game Design, Roller Coaster Physics, Architectural Engineering and many more. Classes taught by experienced educators, building and design challenges in small groups. Weekly sessions start mid June and end mid August.

Youth Science Institute

Phone: (408) 356-4945
Email: info@ysi-ca.org
Ages: pre-K to 6th Grade

Activities: Hands-on science activities outdoors. Biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Our camps take place at Vasona Park in Los Gatos, Sanborn Park in Saratoga, and Alum Rock Park in San Jose.

Guadalupe River Park & Gardens  --Safari Summer Day Camp

Week Long Summer Day Camps
5 Days/Week
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Activities: The perfect recipe for an awesome summer adventure: Combine 15 children with bugs, worms and birds. Add a bit of mystery. Sprinkle with something from the past, present and future. Top it all off with plenty of creativity, adventure, and fun!

This is the San Jose Safari, where children get to explore a whole world of new experiences right here at home! Small groups allow each child to participate fully and make new friends, as the group sets out on a different adventure each day. The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens are planning another great summer of explorations at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Winchester Mystery House, Arena Green Carousel and Playground, Intel Museum, San Jose City Hall, Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, San Jose Quilt Museum and History San Jose*.

* For a full list of all activities going on the summer in San Jose please visit the Citywide Activity Guide now available!

Your "one-stop” shopping for recreation activities, leisure opportunities, and programs available to youth, adults, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

For more information on please contact:
Assemblymember Joe Coto’s office
State Capitol, Room 2170
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 #300
San Jose, CA  95113
408.277.1220 (phone)
408.277.1036 (fax)