Menu for Maui at the Signia San Jose

Executive Sous Chef Joe Derla has a strong personal connection to the islands and crafted a unique menu offering to benefit the Kokua Hospitality and Restaurant Fund. It's called Menu for Maui and it's available at the Fountain Restaurant every Sunday until October 1st. Proceeds will assist fellow restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers displaced be the wildfires in West Maui.

The menu includes items such as ube custard French toast with candied macadamia nuts, braised short rib loco moco with kimchee fried rice, fish with poi, and a pineapple mimosa with Hawaiian salt.

It's a great menu for a great cause. The Signia is located right in front of Plaza de Cesar Chavez in the middle of Downtown San Jose.

Downtown San Jose mini-boom

San Jose Inside has an uplifting article about how Team San Jose rallied together 14 hotel owners to provide discounted rooms for fire victims and evacuees. These visitors are in return giving back to the local community. Despite the questionable air quality, restaurants along San Pedro and San Fernando Streets have been booming--giving a ray of hope to San Jose restaurateurs. Read the article over here.

As an added bonus, here is another San Jose Inside article about developers staying bullish on Downtown San Jose. Even with COVID19, many large-scale residential and office projects are still moving forward. Perhaps 2021 will be our year.

Silicon Valley Strong

The city of San Jose has put together a website to consolidate COVID-19 related news and resources. Silicon Valley Strong also features volunteering opportunities, starting with helping distribute food to the most vulnerable residents in San Jose and Silicon Valley. The site is your one-stop-shop for the latest emergency notifications, protocols, and city service updates.

Bookmark the Silicon Valley Strong website over here.

Tiny homes for the homeless

San Jose is exploring a novel way to house part of our homeless community, currently around 3,231 people. The city is working with Gensler to build 80 "tiny homes" that would cost as little as $6,500 each to build. The homes are 80 SQFT but have a bed, storage areas, and a sitting area. Each also come with heating and cooling and three windows.

The plan is to build two pilot communities that would each have 40 of these homes, along with communal areas for cooking. Bathrooms would be placed in a temporary structure.

It may not seem like much, but this would greatly help those that need it most get back on their feet--not to mention reduce the population of our "tent cities." The goal is for residents of these homes to move to permanent housing within 6 months.

This kind of out-of-the-box thinking is exactly what we need in order to make an impact. Just doing more of the same does not seem to be working. Fingers crossed that this will help ameliorate one of our key social issues.

Source: SVBJ

Silicon Valley Pet Project opens community center today

The Silicon Valley Pet Project is opening Pup Plaza, our first canine community center, at Cambrian Park Plaza (14408 Union Avenue, San Jose). Today they are having an open house from 3pm to 8pm where you can hang out with other dog lovers and learn about upcoming programs and shop at the new retail boutique with items from local artists. Details are below.

Dog lovers rejoice! Silicon Valley Pet Project opens community center for

dog adoptions, educational events, and workshops

SVPP celebrates “Pup Plaza” launch with Open House on Giving Tuesday, Nov 27, 2018

SAN JOSE, CA - November 20, 2018 - Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is celebrating the grand opening of Pup Plaza, Silicon Valley’s first canine community center, with an open house on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The new facility is at Cambrian Park Plaza Shopping Center (14408 Union Avenue, San Jose).  Guests are invited to visit the newly renovated space, meet and hang out with dog lovers and dogs, learn about upcoming educational programs, explore opportunities to foster or adopt, and shop at the new retail boutique which features items from local artists.

Programs like Shelter Dog Day Out are already on the curriculum at Pup Plaza.  In partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project volunteers will bring adoptable dogs from the shelter to Pup Plaza every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Shelter dogs will have an opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and socialize with volunteers and the public. “Doga” – or Dog Yoga – is another program offered twice a month on Sundays starting November 25.  During Community Open Hours, Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy the dog-friendly space (with or without their dogs), ask questions about how to get involved, or be directed to community resources related to pet ownership. Pup Plaza can also be reserved for dog birthday events or any dog friendly social gathering.  For more information, go to Pup Plaza’s website at pupplaza.org.

“We believe that spaces like Pup Plaza will provide the community with resources about adoption and pet guardianship, while celebrating our love for pets in a fun, upbeat environment.” said Melissa Lisbon, SVPP President.

###

About:

Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization committed to saving local at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement, and education. SVPP is a proud rescue partner of the San Jose Animal Care Center, San Jose’s municipal animal shelter. Since starting operations in 2015, SVPP has rescued and adopted over 975 cats and dogs.

Upcoming Events:

Doga at Pup Plaza

Every first and third Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
First session: Sunday, November 25

Following the success of the Doga in the Park summer series, SVPP will continue to host Doga (yoga with dogs) sessions at the newly opened Pup Plaza. Each Doga session will be led by a certified yoga instructors and is perfect for people and pups of all levels. Each session is $25 and all proceeds go to support the organization. To reserve tickets, register here.

Shelter Dog Day Out at Pup Plaza

Every Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project volunteers will bring adoptable dogs from the shelter to Pup Plaza. Shelter dogs will have opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and socialize with volunteers and the public. Interested volunteers can fill out a volunteer application here. Please mention Dog Day Out Program in the application.

Community Open Hours at Pup Plaza

Every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Guests are invited to visit Pup Plaza to learn more about the space, upcoming programs, or ask for advice regarding pet ownership and adoption. Guests are also encouraged to simply relax and enjoy the space with their furry critters and friends!

Coworking Foundation begins new chapter in Silicon Valley

All Good Work is a nonprofit foundation that connects "social impact organizations" (mostly nonprofits) to donated workspaces. The foundation has officially expanded to Silicon Valley and already has a network of 15 flexible workspace hosts. Veggielution is one of the first San Jose organizations that will benefit from their generosity.

The official launch of their Silicon Valley program took place a week ago at Common Grounds and featured a speech from San Jose Mayor, Sam Liccardo.

For more info on the launch and the organization, head over here and here.

San Jose will pilot tiny homes for homeless

The city is looking at three different sites to build dozens of tiny homes that would provide temporary housing for the homeless. The homes would primarily be for the 3-5 year period between qualifying for housing assistance and when an actual housing unit is available.

Gensler designed the tiny homes, which are designed for 1-2 people and are essentially boxes with separate common areas for bathrooms and cooking.

Before you become concerned that these will pop up in your neighborhood, all three locations are not exactly desirable areas. One is proposed for the southwest quadrant of the 280/680/101 freeway interchange, another is on a VTA staging area on Mabury Road, and the last is at the intersection of Hellyer Avenue and Silicon Valley Boulevard.

I feel like this is a great initiative to house those that need it the most. However, I am also a bit concerned that the more resources we provide, the more homeless will migrate to the area (look at San Francisco as an example). We should really prioritize temporary housing for those that were born-and-raised in San Jose, if we don't do this already. There needs to be some balance between taking care of our own and not becoming a haven for homeless from other regions. Knowing that locals are living here and not transients would also go a long way towards getting public support of these projects, which are very necessary.

Source: SVBJ

BeatifySJ Grants

Last month, the city launched a new program called BeatifySJ that will provide micro-grants to 71 different community organizations. The goal is to make San Jose a better place by enabling grassroots and community organizations. Grants will be $5,000 or less, which is enough to fund hundreds of projects from tree plantings to cleaning up graffiti. To see the full list of projects, head over here.

Knight Foundation San Jose Grants

The Knight Foundation is giving $1 million to 11 San Jose organizations that are positively contributing to San Jose culture and quality-of-life. Their mission is to "foster informed and engaged communities." San Jose Inside has the full list of recipients:

Gehl Studio, Inc. ($249,600) – Providing public life trainings and capacity building for San Jose's city and civic leaders to help them better advance, design and measure efforts to make the city’s public realm more vibrant and people friendly. Gehl will also produce two San Jose-specific reference handbooks containing guidelines and resources for integrating public life into civic projects and work with the community on a vision document to advance this goal.

National Association of City Transportation Officials ($198,000) – Improving neighborhood life by designing an all ages and all abilities bicycling network across central San Jose and sharing lessons learned with a national audience. The organization will work with the city of San Jose to expedite the process of designing, constructing and maintaining protected bike lane projects with a specific focus on central San Jose. 

California Walks ($150,000) – Creating a safer and more walkable San Jose by supporting the launch of Walk San Jose, the city’s first pedestrian advocacy program. Through the program, the organization will work with city officials and community members to advance initiatives that support walkability, organize events that encourage people to explore San Jose on foot, and act as a convener for citizens, community organizations and civic leaders interested in making the city more pedestrian-friendly.

iCivics, Inc. ($75,000) – Encouraging middle and high school students and their parents to get more involved in local government by developing a customized version of the iCivics educational video game, “Counties Work” focused on Santa Clara County. The game teaches players about local government by challenging them to complete activities such as building public spaces, finding the right department to address their concerns, or managing resources.

Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California ($75,000) – Creating more affordable housing in San Jose by piloting new engagement and outreach tools that will open opportunities for residents to learn about, participate in and lead solution-building and other initiatives.

SJMade, Inc. ($75,000) – Increasing work opportunities for people in underserved communities through the creation of Manufacture San Jose, a program that will deliver educational and hiring support to local manufacturers looking for local talent. Through the program, SFMade will also increase outreach to low-income high school students to educate them about careers in manufacturing and place students in paid “makerships” – positions that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship – with local manufacturers.

SV@Home ($75,000) – Supporting housing-ready communities in Santa Clara County through public education, policy and communication efforts that aim to ensure the success of Measure A, a $950 million bond measure for affordable housing approved by voters in November 2016.

San Jose Taiko ($45,000) – Connecting the city’s diverse residents by launching “Yokkosoi,” a project to promote and preserve the unique neighborhood feel of Japantown by welcoming newcomers and actively promoting their inclusion.

SOMOS Mayfair ($30,000) – Advancing civic engagement by expanding the organization’s efforts to engage residents in creating positive change in their communities through programs that educate people on local systems, connect neighbors, advance leadership development and encourage people to voice their concerns.

YWCA Silicon Valley ($30,000) – Building grassroots women’s leadership capacity in San Jose and Santa Clara County by engaging underrepresented communities, especially young women of color, to shape the priorities and implementation framework of a “Women’s Bill of Rights” ordinance for San Jose.

Catalyze SV ($28,837) – Supporting the launch of a grassroots group aimed at increasing community engagement and support for urban, mixed-use and people-friendly projects across Santa Clara County.

Pink October - Cocktails for a cause

If you enjoy cocktails and want to contribute to a great cause, several local restaurants are donating a portion of proceeds from signature cocktails to HERS Breast Cancer Foundation. This is a local nonprofit that directly supports women healing from breast cancer regardless of financial status.

Participating Venues

SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant

Forthright Oyster Bar & Kitchen

The Vesper

Can't make it out? You can make a donation to support the cause: 

https://pinkoctobersv.eventbrite.com/

Facebook event page:

www.facebook.com/events/179211435983724

Pop-Up Bikeway + Events

The City of San Jose is hosting several events related to biking next week thanks to funding from the Knight Foundation. The events begin with a temporary protected bikeway running along 4th Street between St. John and San Salvador starting on Monday, August 7th and continuing for a whole week. It will be interesting to see how the community reacts to the concept. You can check out the first flyer below for an idea of how this might look.

There will also be a community roundtable on August 9th to discuss how to better incorporate biking into our streets. Finally, there will be a meet & greet happy hour at Uproar brewery on August 10th. All of the flyers and Facebook page links are below.

Temporary pop-up protected bike lane on 4th St
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/463681204000450

Community Roundtable
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/114812749171629

Evening Social  
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/481765975492276/

Village Oaks Yogurtland Hosts Fundraiser for Avon39 Walk To End Breast Cancer

Appropriately timed for Mother's Day, a South San Jose Yogurtland is participating in the Walk to End Breast Cancer. Their participation runs from tomorrow to June 15th and they are hoping to raise more than $1,000 for the cause. You can visit this location at 5638 Cottle Road.

(SAN JOSE, CA) May 8, 2017— From May 15 – June 15, San Jose yogurt lovers can treat themselves to the flavors they love and give back to a worthy cause.  For the second year, the Village Oaks Yogurtland, located at 5638 Cottle Road in San Jose, is collecting donations in a month long fundraiser for the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer.

After guests finish creating their yogurt masterpieces, they can also choose to donate to the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer at check out. Those who donate will be asked to write their names on a pink ribbon, which will be put on display until the completion of the fundraiser.

"Breast cancer hits close to home for many, even me. I'm proud to support the Avon39 Walk because it has helped women like my childhood friend," said Jen Borbert, storeowner of the Village Oaks Yogurtland. "The support we received last year was overwhelming. This year, I know our Yogurtland family can make an even greater impact on this worthy cause."

Last year, the Village Oaks Yogurtland raised nearly $1,000 for the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer thanks to the gracious donations of its visitors. With the help and support of its yogurt lovers, the Village Oaks location hopes to raise more this year.

About Yogurtland
Yogurtland’s flavorologists are continually seeking craveable flavors that keep fans loving their experience. Yogurtland owns its own dairy and by controlling the frozen yogurt making process, the company can deliver the highest quality flavors, setting new standards for millions of fans.

All of Yogurtland’s flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility. Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Presently Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Guam, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela and Dubai. Flavors are always subject to creative change and popular demand. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

San Jose Flood Relief Fundraiser @ SP2

Another fundraiser benefiting San Jose flood victims is taking place this Saturday at SP2 from 2pm to 7pm. 100% of door donations and a portion of bar sales are going to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, one of the key organizations helping out our neighbors impacted by the floods. In addition to great food, there will be music by Cutso, Shea Butter, and Claksaarb.

SP2 is located at 72 N. Almaden Ave, next to the San Pedro Square Market. You can RSVP for this event over here.

San Jose Flood Relief Fundraiser @ SoFA Market

There will be a fundraiser Downtown tomorrow benefiting San Jose flood victims. Up to 20% of food and drink sales between 4pm-9pm at the SoFA Market on First Street will be donated to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, one of the key organizations helping flood victims right now. You can also try out SoFA's two newest eateries while you are there: Pizzeta 408 and Toasted Craft Sandwiches. This also happens to be SoFA's first city fundraiser. There is nothing like eating and drinking for a good cause!

San Jose Flood Victim Resources

Our heart goes out to all that were impacted by the flooding last week. Below is a list of resources that might be helpful.

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation has setup a special fund for San Jose flood victims. It just takes 60 seconds to make a donation and I'm sure it will go a long way for neighbors whose lives have been turned upside-down by the unprecedented flood. You can access the San Jose Flood Victims Relief Fund over here.

The City and its partners have provided the resources below for flood victims

Flood debris removal locations
See where dumpsters will be around the city at the maps, which the City provided in three languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

Returning to your flooded home checklistWe request all residents who return home look at the following checklists in three languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

Food safety checklistPlease be careful with any foods that went unrefrigerated, and, when in doubt throw it out. See our infographics for more details in three languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Vietnamese 

Free rides for flood victims
The ride-hailing app Lyft will provide $20 off rides for flood victims who need to go to work, get their medications or engage in other critical-need activities. Please contact Alex Wilson for the codes.

The City will pay for Yellow Cabs for San José flood victims who need transportation to and from the Local Assistance Center. Call 408-777-7777 account #1421. 
Free pumps for flooded housesThe City has 15 pumps for public use. Please contact Paul Pereira for more information and to access the pumps.

Towing and Parking EnforcementThe SJPD will suspend parking enforcement for the duration of the emergency. Vehicle owners will not be charged for any towing related the to Coyote Creek flood. Owners can contact the Police Station Auto Desk by calling 408-277-4263 to determine where their vehicle is located.

Vehicle flood damage
Was your vehicle damaged in the flood? Please contact the San José Police Department's Auto Desk at 408-277-4263.
Donation of goods
Contact Mollie Tobias
(408) 535-3588 or mollie.tobias@sanjoseca.gov
 *Emergency Operations Center is asking people who would like to donate goods to work with the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Local assistance center
This is a multi-agency support center to provide help and resources to residents and businesses affected by flooding. We'll help you connect with:

• Social services, including food assistance
• Housing services and tenant/landlord questions and concerns
• Replacing DMV documents
• Filing for losses
• And more—agencies including:
  
  • County Department of Eligibility and Benefits Services
  • County Department of Aging and Adult Services
  • San Jose Office of Economic Development
  • San Jose Housing Department
  • State Contractors Licensing Board
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  • Franchise Tax Board

This is a safe place for affected residents, regardless of immigration status, to receive resources. Read more here.

This information is available as a flyer in:

• English
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

Sunday, February 26	9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, February 27 to Friday, March 3	8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 4	9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shirakawa/Vietnamese American Community Center
2072 Lucretia Avenue, San José

The City of San José is paying for Yellow Cab service for those affected by the flood needing transportation to/from Local Assistance Center ONLY. Call 408-777-7777, mention account number 1421.

Servicio gratuito: caro de sitio al centro de asistencia local para afectados por inundación #sanjosefloods llame al 408-777-7777 cuenta1421

Temporary storageU-Haul Company of South Bay is offering 30 days of free self-storage to those impacted by the floods.

Here’s a list of the 11 U-Haul locations participating:

U-Haul of Campbell
1266 White Oaks Road
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 371-5183
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Fremont
44511 S. Grimmer Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 656-2200
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Thornton
4833 Thornton Ave.
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 796-3151
U-Haul of Mountain View
62 W. El Camino Real
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 965-3151
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Redwood City
2200 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 365-6233
U-Haul at Curtner Ave.
705 Curtner Ave.
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 267-7000
U-Haul at Tully Road
2395 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 295-9234
U-Haul of Milpitas
2395 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 943-9191
U-Haul Moving & Storage at The Alameda
1027 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 295-4884U-Haul Moving & Storage of Santa Clara
2121 Laurelwood Road
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 660-3108
U-Haul of Sunnyvale
939 E. El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 735-7060

Disposing household hazardous wasteCall Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Program (408) 299-7300

Property assessment information
Any misfortune or calamity that was not the fault of the property owner or the party responsible for the taxes eligible for property tax relief under Section 170 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code under certain requirements.

Read more at the Santa Clara County Assessor's website.

Rebuilding inspection fees and permits
The City will waive all permit and inspection fees for victims of the flood. Call the Permit Center for more information 408-535-3555.

Map of cleared and evacuated areas
Most recent map of cleared and evacuated areas

• Map of North of 280 to South of 237

• Oakland Road
• Rock Springs

Updated 5:10 p.m. 2/24/2017

Cars towed in flooded areas
Was your car towed during the Coyote Creek Flood? Vehicle owners will not be charged tow fees, and will need to follow these simple steps to collect their vehicle:

Residents can visit the San Jose Police Department Auto Desk (201 West Mission Street) or call at (408) 277-4263.

• Provide the vehicle's license plate number and the registered owners identification.
• The Auto Desk will run the license plate number to determine where the vehicle was towed to: Alongi Tow, Century Tow, or Matos Tow.
• Owner will then be able to make contact with the specific tow company for release of their vehicle.

Medication lost in the flood
Medications exposed to flood water are considered contaminated, and should not be used. To assist the 2017 San Jose flood evacuees with filling their lost medications, the Santa Clara County Pharmacy will make every attempt to provide a one-time fill of their prescriptions.

• English
• Spanish (Reemplazo de medicamentos perdidos en inundaciones) 
• Vietnamese

Exposure to flood waterAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks of infectious diseases after a flood in the U.S. are very unusual. Exposure to flood water alone is not a reason to give tetanus-containing vaccine or any other vaccine. Read more here. 

Click here for the most current information 

Knight Cities Challenge Names Eight San Jose Finalists

Today the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced 144 finalists across 26 communities in their third annual Knight Cities Challenge. The contest is a national call for ideas that will make local communities more vibrant places to live and work. The three main themes of the contest are helping cities attract and keep the best talent, expanding economic opportunities, and encouraging civic engagement.

Eight San Jose proposals made the cut and are finalists. Winners will be announced in the Spring and will receive a share of $5 million. All of the San Jose projects sound fantastic to me. Have a look at the list below and let us know which sound most worthy of funding.

San Jose Knight Cities Challenge Finalists

Local Color by Exhibition District (submitted by Erin Salazar): Activating vacant commercial
sites with a creative bazaar featuring artist studios alongside modular, open spaces for multidisciplinary community learning and teaching.

A Mobile Street Amenity Builder by Better Block Foundation (submitted by Jason Roberts):
Developing a mobile unit that includes the resources and tools needed to improve city blocks
and construct public benches, wayfinding signage, bus stops, planters and other resources.

Reimagining the city: Chief Architect of San Jose by Office of Mayor Sam Liccardo, city of San Jose (submitted by Shireen Santosham): Working to ensure San Jose develops into a walkable, green and engaged metropolis by hiring a visionary chief architect.

San Jose Pedestrian Paradise Project by Concrete Gardens (submitted by Liz Ruiz): Artistically reinforcing the established Pedestrian Priority Zone by further developing a pedestrian-focused environment–including sidewalk murals, vacant storefront installations, wayfinding signs–in downtown San Jose’s core.

San Pedro Square Great Public Plaza by Department of Transportation, city of San Jose (submitted by Laura Wells): Piloting a space for community engagement, the Great Public Plaza on San Pedro Street, to inform the design of a potential permanent plaza.

SoFA Playground by Public Space Authority (submitted by Ryan Sebastian): Creating a meeting place for residents to meet and connect with a food truck playground in the heart of San Jose’s arts and culture district.

#TogetherWeVote > Together We Are San Jose! by PACT (People Acting in Community
Together) (submitted by Akemi Flynn): Deepening ongoing civic engagement by engaging new
and first-time voters in discussions to learn about their experiences with voting; the project will also use community events as a forum for sharing how voting makes a difference and how to become more civically involved.

Young Placemakers by City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (submitted by Zacharias Edward Gabriel Mendez): Facilitating youth-driven neighborhood improvement projects, by creating opportunities to learn, design and execute ways to enhance and activate public spaces.

For more information, head over to knightcities.org.

November is National Adoption Month

Guest post by: Phillip Bergman

November is National Adoption Month, an initiative spearheaded by the Children's Bureau, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The goal of National Adoption Month is to increase awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the U.S. foster care system.

San Jose is home to an office of Seneca Family of Agencies - www.senecafoa.org - founded more than 30 years ago to help children and families through life's toughest challenges. There are about 100,000 kids available for adoption nationally, including thousands in the region. Seneca provides adoption and other important services for children and families in the area and statewide, and it is a great source of information for those considering adoption.

Call 877-380-5300 to reach Seneca Family of Agencies during National Adoption Month or throughout the year for more information.

Knight Cities Challenge 2017 kicks off today!

The Knight Cities Challenge is a battle for the best ideas to improve local communities. $5,000,000 in grants are up for grabs in 26 cities, including San Jose. We have done quite well in this competition in previous rounds. Earlier this year, $100k was given to create a Post Street Night Market and another $100k went to create MayFeria at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.

Applications will be accepted through November 3rd at knightcities.org.

Each submission should pertain to one or more of the following three themes:

• Talent - what will allow us to attract and keep talented people?
• Opportunity - how can we expand the economic prospects of our community?
• Engagement - what will spur civic connection and involvement?

Funding is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Head over here and help make San Jose a better place!