NEW ALUM ROCK FIRE STATION BREAKS GROUND

East San Jose City Council member Nora Campos(center) is joined by Mayor Chuck Reed, City Manager Debra Figone(left) and others for the ground breaking of a new state of the art fire station on Alum Rock Avenue.

When shovels hit the ground for San Jose's new fire station #2, it was more than just another groundbreaking for a big city project, it was a symbolic victory for the residents of Alum Rock. The old Station 2, known by firefighters as "The Rock" was growing weary after decades of service and was in need of repair and seismic upgrade. It was a significant safety issue because Station 2 was also the busiest fire station in San Jose, with more calls for service than any other location.

But city leaders differed on how to upgrade the station. Mayor Chuck Reed favored a less costly "retrofit" while District 5 Council member Nora Campos argued for an entirely new modern station house. That's when the neighborhood got involved. People wrote letters, lobbied the city council and showed up in force at council meetings whenever the issue was discussed. The community's efforts paid off when the council was persuaded to support the building of a new station. The 60-plus year old firehouse was demolished, firefighters and equipment were relocated to a temporary firehouse up Alum Rock near St. John Vianney. New construction is now underway. The new station will add to the redevelopment of the Alum Rock corridor and ensure a safe environment for the dedicated men and women of the SJFD, plus provide reliable, upgraded fire protection for the residents of Alum Rock.

EAST VALLEY SPRING SOCCER OFF TO FLYING START

photo by Len Ramirez
Fresh cut grass, sunshine and soccer! Those are the ingredients to a perfect Saturday morning in San Jose. My son's team the sharks did not end up winning this game, but the team played well despite some giants on the other team (under 8? c'mon!) The games were played on the nicely tended fields of Rancho Middle School in Milpitas. Great times.

ALUM ROCK PRINCIPAL WINS TOP AWARD

Norma Rodriguez of Dorsa Elementary wins 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year for Santa Clara County.

By Aurora Quevedo

SAN JOSE, CA – The Association of California School Administrators recently announced Norma Rodriguez, Dorsa Elementary Principal, as 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year. In May of this year, Ms. Rodriguez will be recognized by her peers for her county-wide recognition at the Annual Awards Dinner sponsored by ACSA Region 8. Ms. Rodriguez will also receive her state-wide award at the annual ACSA State Leadership Summit which will be held in Sacramento November 5-7, 2009. "Norma is a shining example of what is possible in public schools when the right person is in the position to lead," said José L. Manzo, Interim Superintendent of Alum Rock Union Elementary School District. "She is a model leader, a fierce advocate for education equity, and an inspiration for educators." During Ms. Rodriguez’s four years of leadership at Dorsa, the school has experienced a positive increase in student achievement, boasting an Academic Performance Index (API) growth score of 715 which represents a total gain of 123 points. Norma has led the school transformation through a systematic and complex program. The Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) strategy embraced by Ms. Rodriguez and her entire school community requires knowledgeable leadership and a strong commitment by all involved. Now in its third year of implementation, RTI2 encompasses high-quality instruction, early intervention and prevention, and behavioral strategies. By using culturally relevant, research-based instruction, and with continuous assessment of student learning and increased parental involvement, student learning is accelerated. The RTI2 program integrates resources from general education, categorical programs, and special education into a comprehensive system of instruction and intervention that best fits the needs of the students. Therefore, the focus of the program is on the individual student and what will best help him or her learn. Through her strong leadership, Ms. Rodriguez has motivated the total school community and harnessed its energy and dedication to make this an effective instructional method, resulting in significant student academic growth. In a recent interview, Ms. Rodriguez appeared humbled and honored by the recognition. She gave kudos to her dedicated staff, supportive parents, and district resource professionals. “Even though ACSA is giving me this award, I feel like it has been a team effort,” said Ms. Rodriguez, acknowledging a student’s education involves teachers, support staff, and parent participation. Dorsa Elementary serves approximately 574 students in grades K-5; its demographics include a high Hispanic/Latino community (92.7%) and a high English learner population (66.9 %). The efforts at Dorsa have significantly narrowed the achievement gap.

SAN JOSE APPROVES CESAR CHAVEZ WALKING TRAIL

See it here on CBS 5:

http://cbs5.com/local/cesar.chavez.walk.2.972839.html

CESAR CHAVEZ MEMORIAL WALKWAY PROPOSED

SAN JOSE - Mayor Chuck Reed invites residents to attend a community discussion regarding a proposal to establish the César Chávez Memorial Walkway in San José. The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29 at the Mexican Heritage Plaza Pavilion from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“With the recent addition of the César Chávez Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice on the campus of San José State University, Downtown and Alum Rock have many landmarks related to César Chávez that reflect his great contribution to our City,” said Mayor Reed. “Many people have approached me with the idea of tying these locations together. This meeting will bring the community together to get feedback and ideas for a walkway commemorating the life and legacy of César Chávez.”

The outreach meetings will elicit the community’s opinion on topics such as the proposed route, sign design, landmarks to include, and overall thoughts on the project. Proposed plans for the Memorial Walkway consist of street signs attached to existing poles and will connect various landmarks being considered include Plaza de César Chávez, César Chávez Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice, Mexican Heritage Plaza, Chávez’s former home, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

The project has received the blessing of the family of César Chávez to move forward. “I convened a family meeting… their response was overwhelmingly positive and everyone agree[d] to endorse the project,” said Rudy Chávez-Medina as President of the Chávez Family Vision, Inc. in a letter to Mayor Reed. “We believe that the plans need to move forward and we are committed to working with you on this endeavor.”

In October of 2007, Mayor Reed established the Mayor’s Committee to Honor César E. Chávez in order to help expand on the civil rights leader’s legacy in San José. The volunteer, community advisory panel consists of Reverend Deacon Sal Alvarez, Monsignor Eugene Boyle, Monsignor John Sandersfield, Rudy Chávez-Medina, and former Mayor Susan Hammer. The César Chávez Memorial Walkway was expressed as a committee priority through a letter to Mayor Reed in October 2008.

“This walkway will be able to unite relevant landmarks in San José while recognizing the connection and influence that César Chávez had in our community,” wrote committee chair Sal Alvarez in his letter to Mayor Reed. “We believe that it is vital for citizens to remember the contributions of César Chávez and recognize his profound impact in protecting the exploitation of the underserved community.”

The Mayor’s Office will be planning two additional outreach meetings on the project. Those unable to attend are encouraged to submit their thoughts electronically by emailing mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov.

OBAMA INAUGURATION VIDEO

Just back from Washington DC. My flight landed at 1:00 am Thursday morning after a whirlwind trip. What an amazing experience it was. I will update this post but for now, this is what it was like to be in the crowd on that historic day:

http://vimeo.com/2901400

LEN RAMIREZ COVERS DC INAUGURAL

Hi everybody back home in the good ol' East Foothills. I am writing this to you in a luxurious home in suburban Virginia where the temperature outside is about 20 degrees. I'm staying with National Hispanic University President Dr. David Lopez and his family and friends. What a time!
I left sunny California yesterday for a trip to witness history: the inauguration of Barack Obama as our nation's 44th President. I took off from SFO after hugs and kisses from my wife Julie and our three kids. My flight on United was packed. I changed planes in Chicago, and made the hop, skip and jump to DC aboard what seemed like the Obama Express: lots of people heading to the inaugural. The plane was packed with excited people: ladies in Obama sweatshirts, guys in Obama caps and everyone ready for a party! Arriving in DC at 9:30 local time, it was a madhouse at Dulles Airport. The place was packed with people very dressed up for the occasion. I saw many ladies in fur coats and men in suits and topcoats. I also saw one man being helped into his outerwear while sitting in a wheelchair. The man was wearing a cap signifying him as a member of an elite and dwindling group of pilots: The Tuskeegee Airmen. This was a group of African American World War II pilots who overcame severe racism and silenced doubters in their struggle to get their wings. They not only flew, but several became aces in dogfights against enemy pilots over Germany. I interviewed one of them last year at an event in Morgan Hill. One thing that will always stick with me is a statement the pilot made about what happened to him when he got shot down. He said the Germans treated him better as a prisoner of war than his fellow countrymen on the streets of Tuskeegee. Something to think about as we head into this historic week.

SMALL SCHOOLS: WAVE OF THE FUTURE?

Alum Rock has been doing it for years with Adelante Dual Language Academy
L.U.C.H.A. School and Renaissance Academy.
Now the idea of small schools (a school which occupies the same campus as a large school, but operates independently) is catching on everywhere. Check out this article from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/education/21shared.html?_r=1&hp

CURETON KIDS GET CHRISTMAS JOYS, TOYS

San Jose City Councilmember Nora Campos helps Santa pass out toys to waiting kids. Photo by Len Ramirez

Horace Cureton Elementary students excitedly lined up in their school cafeteria for a special treat on Friday. The day before Christmas break was exciting enough, but other joys awaited them: SANTA! PRESENTS!

Each of the 570 students at Cureton received a new, wrapped toy to play with courtesy of Jolly Ol' Saint Nick, City Councilmember Nora Campos, her staff, Toys for Tots and corporate sponsors BAE Systems and Target Stores, which contributed toys, cash and gift cards. Rolando Bonilla, Campos' press aide, explained that the entire District 5 staff came up with the idea after a recent brainstorming session on ways to give back to the community. Cureton was chosen because it is a school where there is a critical need this year. About 80% of the student body qualifies for the state's free school lunch program.

NEW LAWYERS TO EXAMINE MARTINEZ DEAL

Another large audience attended Thursday's Alum Rock School Board meeting. Photo by Julie Ramirez

In a meeting that lasted until the midnight hour, Alum Rock trustees convened into a closed session with their newly hired lawyers to examine the severance deal previously granted to Superintendent Norma Martinez.

The trustees hired the law firm of Burke, Williams and Sorensen of Menlo Park to review, assess and analyze the severance agreement to see if it was legal and proper.

Earlier in the night, the school board faced criticism from members of the public still angry over the deal to give Martinez a $300, 000 "golden parachute" after she resigned.

"That's like winning the lottery," said community member Beth Johnson, "You don't deserve our trust."

Others demanded answeres, and resignations from trustees Frank Chavez and Patricia Potter, who are the only two trustees still on the board which approved the severance package. Trustee Gustavo Gonzales, who was elected board president tonight, voted against the December 2nd deal. Newly elected trustees Esau Herrera and Dolores Marquez were not on the board at the time when the package was approved 3 to 1.

"Chavez, you lost the respect of this community, Potter, you have no judgement," said neighbor AJ Sen, before demanding the two step down. Chavez and Potter did not immediately respond, and gave no indication that they would quit.

The board did approve the formation of a 16-member citizens advisory committee to assist in the search and hiring of a new superintendent. Interim Superintendent Jose Manzo will continue to serve until a new superintendent is hired, a process that could take four to five months.

ALUM ROCK SCHOOLS SHINE IN PERFORMING ARTS

First graders sing and dance onstage at Joseph George.


On the same night parents and teachers were telling the Board of Trustees what was wrong with the Alum Rock School District, hundreds of other community members were celebrating what's going right.
150 students showcased their talents in front of an audience of about 500 people in a first of its kind Visual and Performing Arts Showcase. Students from Linda Vista Elementary School joined Joseph George Middle School students on the George campus for a night of singing, dancing and instrumental performances.
Two stages (one outdoor) were in busy rotation to handle a wide variety of acts including a first-grade choir, a fourth and fifth-grade choir, elementary and middle school orchestras, a middle school mariachi group, an elementary bell choir and Hawaiian, line dance and hip hop dancing groups. The George library also showcased student art and photography walls. Parent volunteers also handed out free hot chocolate and cookies to the kids.
Ealier this year, Linda Vista and Joseph George became VAPA (visual and performing arts) campuses which strive to integrate art and music with traditional classroom subjects for a more well-rounded educational experience.

ALUM ROCK TRUSTEE QUESTIONS VALIDITY OF MARTINEZ DEAL

Deal or no deal? That's the question more than one hundred residents, parents and teachers wanted answered at a special school board meeting Wednesday night at the Alum Rock Youth Center gymnasium. The meeting was called late last week as a response to the public outcry over a recent board decision to give a $300,000 "golden parachute" severance package to superintendent Norma Martinez, who resigned.
"There is no severance agreement," said newly elected Trustee Esau Herrera as he held up an audio recording of the meeting. According to Herrera, who is an attorney, the previous board which approved the severance deal in a hastily called closed session meeting did not follow board policy or state law. "Nothing exists that is enforceable," he said of the severance package, "let someone else try to enforce it."
Dozens of speakers repeatedly asked Board President Frank Chavez to justify the agreement with Martinez but he provided no details. "It's not like we gave her a hundred million dollars," Chavez recently remarked to CBS 5 News. He also said people who criticized the deal were "way off base."
The board was not legally required to give Martinez any severance pay because she asked to step down for "personal reasons."
The severance package, which amounts to 18 month's salary for Martinez to walk away, was approved in a 3 to 1 vote on December 2nd, the last day before two newly elected trustees (Hererra and Dolores Marquez) were to take office. Trustees Chavez, Patricia Potter and outgoing member Lalo Morales voted in favor of it, while Trustee Gustavo Gonzales voted against it. Outgoing Trustee Tanya Freudenberger was absent due to illness.
Dozens of residents lined up to speak on the issue to the board. Some speakers called on Chavez and Potter to resign. Others noted how the severance package, which includes health care benefits to Martinez and her husband until age 65, comes at the worse possible time with state budget cuts to education looming. "If she wants to walk away, let her stand in the unemployment line with the rest of the people who got laid off," said one neighborhood activist.
"The people who are here tonight, don't represent the entire community," said board member Potter, a comment which drew astonishment, boos and hisses.
At the end of the four hour meeting, the Martinez severance was re-agendized until December 18th, when the board will seek advice from lawyers as to whether or not the deal is legal and proper.
Martinez did not attend the meeting because of illness but she was represented by Pat Souza, of the Association of California School Administrators. Souza told the board and community that Martinez believes the separation agreement with the Alum Rock School District was properly put together and valid. Souza also said Martinez asked the association's attorneys to review the agreement.
The board also voted unanimously to designate Deputy Superintendent Jose Manzo Interim Superintendent for the Alum Rock Union School District.

ALUM ROCK SUPERINTENDENT QUITS THEN GETS A RAISE

It appears the Alum Rock school board gave Superintendent Norma Martinez the mother of all golden parachutes. Moments after Martinez asked to step down in a closed board session, a lame duck school board went into open session and voted 3-1(with one member absent) to give her a raise that boosted her severance package to almost 300 thousand dollars plus medical, etc. until she is 65. Parents are outraged that money is being wasted during these times with budget cuts looming. Word is Martinez wanted to step down because the current board has a majority that favors her. The new board coming in after November's election would be at odds with her and she read the writing on the wall.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I'm a parent in the district, and my wife is a PTA officer and sits on the Superintendent's Resource Council as a parent adviser/volunteer.

MERCURY NEWS ARTICLE:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11132593

LIGHT UP ALUM ROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Judy Thompson

Another first is taking place in Alum Rock Village! This coming Saturday, December 6th, Santa Claus is taking up residence in his own house in what is newly designated as the “East Pole”! His presence is part of the Alum Rock Village Business Association’s (ARVBA) third annual Light Up the Village holiday celebration from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.

Around 1:00 PM, Santa will arrive at his house at 4300 Alum Rock Avenue in an antique car convoy after a mini-parade through the neighborhood. Neighbor Ray Fontaine has signed on as Santa’s chauffeur in his 1925 Model T touring car – top down. (Please keep your fingers crossed for a nice day!) East Foothill old car enthusiasts Rick Willson, Bob Sletten and Doug Moore will all be accompanying Santa and Ray in their own precious collector cars.

At “Santa’s House in the Village” Santa will see children from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. His house is at the east edge of the Village at the corner of Alum Rock Avenue and Millar Avenue. Don’t let its 4300 Alum Rock address fool you – it’s just one house removed from the 3100 block which is “the Village.”

Santa’s participation is just a small part of an all-afternoon community holiday celebration. Entertainment will be non-stop at the stage area on the sidewalks of the Village near the Planned Parenthood Clinic. Look for neighbor (and Channel 5 news personality) Len Ramirez to emcee a program of caroling, a hand bell choir, school bands, a youth choir and Mr. Andres Faz, a fabulous long-time professional classical guitarist.

The sidewalks will be festive with booths including Regional Medical Center’s ornament-making project for kids, various supportive neighborhood entrepreneurs and vendors. The trees will be beribboned, the shop windows will be lighted – it will be a lighthearted afternoon! Free refreshments will be served to kids.

Attendees of all ages will be invited to take part in the third annual free “bingo raffle” where they will take a bingo-type card to participating Village businesses to be stamped. The stamped cards become part of a drawing for numerous prizes donated by local businesses. The raffle will end around 3:00 PM with the drawing not long after.

The icing on the cake will be a lighting ceremony at the corner of Alum Rock and White Road. Folks will gather in the vicinity of Starbucks at around 4:45 PM. They will be serenaded by carolers from the James Lick choir, meet local dignitaries and enjoy a carol sing-along. James Lick’s huge pines behind the marquee will come to life with hundreds of colored lights. It will be an occasion which little kids will long remember.

Please come for the afternoon. Make a point of getting acquainted with our local businesses. Meet your neighbors and celebrate community! The Dr. Roberto Cruz – Alum Rock Library will also welcome visits during its concurrent holiday event. Look for parking at the James Lick High School lot and the City lot behind YSI and Planned Parenthood.

ALUM ROCK UNION SCHOOL BOARD RACE PROFILE

The San Jose Mercury News profiled the race for Alum Rock School Board in their
Sunday editions. In case you missed it, you can find it here:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10578731?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

ALUM ROCK SCHOOL FEATURED ON CBS-5 NEWS

Adelante Academy's dual immersion program was featured on CBS-5 Eyewitness News last night by your friendly neighborhood blogger and TV newsman Len Ramirez. It was a fine report if I do say so! Check it out:

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=39639@kpix.dayport.com

CHAVEZ MEMORIAL DEDICATED AT SJSU

Hundreds of students, faculty and community members gathered at San Jose State University on Thursday to dedicate a monument Cesar E. Chavez. The Arch of Dignity, Equality and Justice stands 20 feet tall and is capped by the Aztec eagle emblem that became the symbol for Chavez' United Farm Workers union. The arch, created by Chicana artist Judith F. Baca of Los Angeles, also features a mosaic of Chavez and larger than life paintings of farmworkers, Chavez' role model Mahatma Ghandi and Dolores Huerta, Chavez' partner in the UFW.
Chavez grew up in East San Jose near Alum Rock Avenue and spent his early adult years as a community organizer in the Community Service Organization with other East Side legends such as Herman Gallegos and Leonard C. Ramirez. Before moving on to found the UFW, Chavez and other early CSO members staged voter registration drives and fought for paved streets, sidewalks and street lights in East Side neighborhoods.
The arch stands near the entrance to the SJSU student union and organizers hope the artwork will inspire students of all backgrounds to get involved in community activism.
Portraits of Dolores Huerta (left) and Mahatma Ghandi.Students will see this mosaic of Chavez as they pass through the arch. Artist Judith F. Baca (left) stands with Dolores Huerta under Huerta's portrait.

The arch was blessed with holy water during the dedication.

SALSA FESTIVAL HEATS UP ALUM ROCK

Photos by Len and Amanda Ramirez


The first ever San Jose Salsa Festival in Alum Rock Village was a smashing success! The sounds of Latin Affect and Orchesta America got the crowd moving. The salsa and the moves on the dance floor/Quick Stop parking lot kept it hot. And the dozens of vendors and food booths made the afternoon fun. Hundreds of Alum Rock neighbors and families turned out for this first ever Salsa Festival in The Village. There was also salsa tasting, a dance demonstration, dance lessons, a dance contest, a raffle and much more. Check out all the photos and give us your comments on the festival in the space below!

HOT SALSA PARTY COMES TO ALUM ROCK

By Judy Thompson

Our own charming Alum Rock Village will be the site of some terrific “firsts” on Saturday, August 23rd. The Village Business Association (ARVBA) is hosting The First Annual San Jose Salsa Festival which will be held on the street and sidewalks of our historic little business district. This is the first time in anyone’s memory that Alum Rock Avenue will be closed to traffic for nearly 24 hours to accommodate an honest-to-goodness Family Street Fair. And, this will be the first time ever that such an ambitious event will take place at our community’s crossroads hub, Alum Rock Avenue and White Road.

Countless hours of planning and organizing are going into preparations to make this community-building festival an event to remember. Midblock between White Road and Millar/Manning there will be a very large stage. On this stage there will be non-stop musical programming featuring two professional bands, our neighbor Len Ramirez (of Channel 5 fame) emceeing and Village business owner “Salito” Cortes doing vocal impersonations. Local dignitaries will be on hand to greet festival-goers from the stage. DJ’s will round out the program.

An amateur Salsa Dancing contest will be held - but not until guests have had a chance to avail themselves of some free lessons given at the stage. Prizes will be awarded!

Salsa of the edible kind will be featured at a special tasting booth where guests can vote for their favorites from among local restaurant’s offerings.

Food and retail vendor booths will line the median strip offering delicious comestibles and outstanding shopping opportunities. The festival will be the perfect place for family lunch or dinner amid the happy throng.

Along the sidewalks, local non-profits will set up shop offering information and literature - and freebies for kids. There will also be a special kids’ area with a wide array of activities. A free betta fish will be available for every child! Smokey Bear will be there.

Many Village shops and restaurants will be open for business – and most will welcome visitors inside. It will truly be a community event celebrating the people of the Alum Rock neighborhood.

Entrance is free. Parking is free (at James Lick High School, Cruz/Alum Rock Library, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Logos Christian Fellowship Church). However walking is encouraged! Alcohol will not be served assuring children a safe and welcoming environment. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley and James Lick High School.

Hours: Noon to 7:00 PM. Street closure will begin around midnight the night before (to allow installation of the temporary “village within a village”).

And, of course, It Will Be HOT!!!


To learn more about ARVBA, visit our new Web Site at http://www.arvba.org/ or go to http://www.sanjosesalsafestival.org/.

NEW STORE COMES TO ALUM ROCK VILLAGE

After being vacant and an eyesore for months in Alum Rock Village, the former Bodega Market space is getting ready to re-open this summer. You probably noticed the bright new paint and modernized store front. Those are just a few of the upgrades that are taking place to make The Village Store ready for its first customers this August. According to San Jose's Redevelopment point person for Alum Rock, the new store will be a small grocery with fresh fruit and veggie bins out front, and a deli/eating area in the back. The new owners are reportedly trying to get things ready for the grand opening in time for the Alum Rock Salsa Festival, which is coming on August 2nd. The Salsa Festival will be a local street happening with a closure planned for Alum Rock Avenue in the village area. It should be fun!