Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sunday, October 19, 2008
2007 FBI Crime Rates - Santa Clara County Cities
Congratultations to Sunnyvale for having one of the lowest crime rates in the county. In calendar year 2007 their violent crime rate dropped 16.3% and their property crime rate dropped 10.2%. However, for my hometown, Mountain View, it is alarming to see we have the 2nd highest violent crime rate only to San Jose :(
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
HFSV 2008 La Familia Award
If I had to pick only one word to describe the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley's 19th Annual Charity Ball, it would be surreal. My family was honored with the 2008 La Familia Award. We were treated first class from the moment we met Teresa Alvarado, HFSV Executive Director, and Jim Gonzales, Charity Ball Committee Chair, in our living when they both personally notified us of our award, to the last song played at the Ball. Thank you HFSV!It was blessing to have our children at the celebration because they too have participated in many community events and they also have made many sacrifices. We are also grateful to our extended family, our Mesa family, and friends for joining us.
Don't be fooled by the smiles because we were nervous throughout the evening, well at least until after I gave the acceptance speech, then it was time to party like a rock star. Nearly 700 people attended the ball. It was a Who's Who of Latinos in Silicon Valley. Jessica Aguire was the MC and like always she added her Latina spice to the evening. Our friend, Damian Trujillo, was also supposed to be co-MC, but he was unable to attend due to his father passing away - our prayers and condolences go to him and his family. The HFSV recognized several nonprofits that it awarded grants too. They also recognized three Latina scholarship recipients. The evening recognition ended with our friend Laura Macias introducing our La Familia Award and with a brief video of Mesa and our family, narrated by Damian. Well, there was one last thing, and that was our acceptance speech, which my family asked me to give. Below is the text of the speech.
Good evening everyone. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the HFSV for creating this prestigious award and honoring our family. A special thank you to our amiga, Laura Casas-Frier for nominating us. Bruce Barsi and Gay Krause, thank you for your support and unwavering belief in our family. To our Mesa family, your commitment and compassion for serving our community energizes us. To our daughter Angelica, our son David, our niece Yvette, my father-in-law Fred and my sister-in-law Marisa, who always join in the fun, thank you for being on our team.
The number one question we have been asked is “How does it feel to receive the La Familia award?” After the initial feeling of shock and surprise, we are humbled because we view our community work as a labor of love, and a responsibility to give back to others, as others have given to us. In February 2005, Lisa and I sat in a school board meeting passively listening to school closure proceedings. Rosemary was carrying the torch of community involvement as a trustee. Although Lisa and I were active in community work during college and early in our marriage, we fell victims to the attitude that we were “too busy” to help others. At the time we were running two businesses and helping care for my sick parents with Marco and Elena, I was working fulltime, Lisa part-time and we had two young children. In our minds we were busy. Our children were in private school so we didn’t see how the closing of a public school would impact our lives. We had forgotten what we were taught as children that family isn’t only your blood relatives. Our community is our family. As Frank Carbajal would say “Es Tiempo”, it was time for us to change our attitude, stop making excuses and take our eyes off our self and place them on the needs of others. As we enjoy this evening, I challenge you to reflect upon your own life. Have you forgotten some of the values you were raised with? What excuses are holding you back from giving more?
Today our country is experiencing an economic calamity unseen in our generation. Quoting my friend, Richard Hobbs we are facing a crisis of compassion and serving others. The need is great. In this room tonight we have people that have triumphed against high odds and achieved success in their respective field. However, let us not be lulled into an illusion of success, of having arrived or that we can’t give more. Instead ask not for a lighter load, but for a stronger back to help carry the load of those who are unable too. If you have money, give of your time. If you have time, give of your money. If you have neither, give of your heart. Whether you sit behind a mahogany desk or you clean a mahogany desk, you have within you the power to influence others. We are indebted to past Latino generations and it is our responsibility that we continue to fund the social and moral accounts their sacrifices opened for you and me. We must continue their legacy of progress, unity and familia so that current and future generations can stand on our shoulders as we have stood on the shoulders of those before us.
In closing, I leave you with some words from the boycott marches of 2006.
The number one question we have been asked is “How does it feel to receive the La Familia award?” After the initial feeling of shock and surprise, we are humbled because we view our community work as a labor of love, and a responsibility to give back to others, as others have given to us. In February 2005, Lisa and I sat in a school board meeting passively listening to school closure proceedings. Rosemary was carrying the torch of community involvement as a trustee. Although Lisa and I were active in community work during college and early in our marriage, we fell victims to the attitude that we were “too busy” to help others. At the time we were running two businesses and helping care for my sick parents with Marco and Elena, I was working fulltime, Lisa part-time and we had two young children. In our minds we were busy. Our children were in private school so we didn’t see how the closing of a public school would impact our lives. We had forgotten what we were taught as children that family isn’t only your blood relatives. Our community is our family. As Frank Carbajal would say “Es Tiempo”, it was time for us to change our attitude, stop making excuses and take our eyes off our self and place them on the needs of others. As we enjoy this evening, I challenge you to reflect upon your own life. Have you forgotten some of the values you were raised with? What excuses are holding you back from giving more?
Today our country is experiencing an economic calamity unseen in our generation. Quoting my friend, Richard Hobbs we are facing a crisis of compassion and serving others. The need is great. In this room tonight we have people that have triumphed against high odds and achieved success in their respective field. However, let us not be lulled into an illusion of success, of having arrived or that we can’t give more. Instead ask not for a lighter load, but for a stronger back to help carry the load of those who are unable too. If you have money, give of your time. If you have time, give of your money. If you have neither, give of your heart. Whether you sit behind a mahogany desk or you clean a mahogany desk, you have within you the power to influence others. We are indebted to past Latino generations and it is our responsibility that we continue to fund the social and moral accounts their sacrifices opened for you and me. We must continue their legacy of progress, unity and familia so that current and future generations can stand on our shoulders as we have stood on the shoulders of those before us.
In closing, I leave you with some words from the boycott marches of 2006.
When you return to your work, school and your daily life and perhaps feel like your voice doesn't count, please remember the energy, the passion and the fervor of this day. Look into the eyes of the person next to you. See into their soul and remember that we all have a spirit of overcoming, and our cause is just, and we will be victorious. Brothers and sisters, America heard our actions, but I ask you, let our actions echo for generations to come.
To those that say, "We are illegal," I say, "We are people with dignity."
To those that say, "We take jobs away," I say, "Jobs go to those willing to work."
To those that say, "We cost the government money," I say, "We helped build the world's No. 1 economy."
To those that say, "Let's build a wall," I say, "Let's build a stronger America."
To those that say, "We should only speak English," I say, "Let's speak multiple languages."
To those in Washington who say, "Let's criminalize immigrants," I say, "Remember your heritage."
To those that say, "Go home," I say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
May God bless all of you and may God bless America.
Thank you everyone from the bottom of our heart for sharing this special evening with us.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Silicon Valley’s Disappearing Middle Class
Silicon Valley Index warns of impact as mid-wage jobs decline
MIDDLE-WAGE JOBS BASE ERODING AS SOCIAL ILLS GAIN, ANNUAL INDEX WARNS
By Scott Duke Harris
Mercury News
Article Launched: 02/19/2008 01:30:37 AM PST
Silicon Valley is uncommonly resistant to America's broader economic troubles but is feeling the strain of uncertainty and financial turbulence.
Those are the good news/bad news findings of the 2008 Index of Silicon Valley, an annual report billed as measuring "the strength of the region's economy and the health of the community." This year, it took a strikingly introspective turn, emphasizing the "volatility" felt by the region's middle class.
The valley's tech economy has minted many thousands of millionaires and also has led to a relatively high cost of living. Yet the eroding public schools system and rising social ills, the report found, raise questions about whether the valley is nurturing a "home-grown" workforce capable of replacing retiring baby boomers.
The index contains an array of data concerning economics, demographics, education, crime, drug abuse and aspects of society. It has been produced since 1995 by Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, a non-profit community group that combines representatives of industry, government, education and social service non-profits.
Russell Hancock, Joint Venture's president and chief executive, likened the report to "Silicon Valley's physical exam." Its purpose, he said, is to stimulate discussion and community initiatives.
The index spotlights some of the region's stark and widening dichotomies in education and income distribution.
"The research is a wake-up call," said Emmett D. Carson, chief executive of the non-profit Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which for the first time collaborated with Joint Venture on the report. He characterized its findings as "good news for some, rough patches for others and heart-wrenching choices for many."
An uptick in drug abuse and juvenile crime, Carson suggested, may reflect stress that many families are feeling.
Among the disparities:
• Average household income in the valley is rising and outpacing the national average. Yet from 2000 to 2006, the proportion of workers earning in the middle range of $30,000 to $80,000 declined from 52 percent to 46 percent. The portion earning more than $80,000 rose by only 1 percentage point, while the group earning less than $30,000 rose by 5 percentage points.
• As a magnet for high-tech workers, the valley has a highly educated population, with 44 percent of adults holding a bachelor's degree, compared with 27 percent nationwide. Yet the valley's high school graduation rates slipped 3 percentage points to 84 percent in 2006-07. Roughly 1 in every 4 Hispanic students drops out, as does 1 in 5 African-American students. Dropout rates of white and Asian students, while lower than other groups, rose sharply in 2006-07. "We're not sure what to make of that," Hancock said.
• The valley is recognized as the world's leader in biotech and medical device innovation, yet is falling short in training health professionals. Valley community colleges are not coming close to meeting the demand from students seeking training in nursing, radiology, pharmacology and respiratory therapy. Applicants for nursing classes outnumbered available seats by roughly 7 to 1.
In a joint introduction to the report, Hancock and Carson underscored the valley's dissonance: "We're encouraged that boomer retirements
are creating thousands of mid-wage jobs for the region, but it's not at all clear if those jobs will be filled by a home-grown workforce."
In addition to troubling high school dropout rates, they wrote, "the reading proficiency of our region's third-graders is decreasing; large achievement gaps persist by race and ethnicity; and juvenile felony offenses rose for a fourth consecutive year."
Such conditions exist in contrast to a thriving technology sector, the report found. Venture capital investments were up 10.8 percent as the valley added 28,000 jobs - a 1.7 percent gain over 2006. Compared with the nation as whole, the valley is affluent, with an average wage of $73,300 and per capita income 57 percent higher than the national average.
The 2008 report included a special analysis of a long-recognized trend: How the restructuring economy has created greater flux in employment, encouraging people to change jobs, companies and even careers more frequently - a hallmark of what economists call "creative destruction" wrought by advancing technology.
As a result, people have to adjust to uncertain incomes and spend more on heath care, as "paternal" practices of employers wither, Hancock said.
To illustrate the challenges, the report's cover depicts a graphical image of human silhouettes who require a ladder to climb the steps of an over-size staircase. The 2007 report, in contrast, emphasized how the region had "re-booted" from the tech crash early in the decade, prospering as a driving force of expanding global markets.
The valley needs to develop "ladders of opportunity" to help people move from low-wage to mid-wage jobs, said Doug Henton, president of Mountain View-based Collaborative Economics, which has conducted the index research since its inception. In addition to improved secondary education, better occupational training is a critical component of social needs, he said.
"We need to be thinking about social innovation, about how to build career ladders," Henton said.
The Silicon Valley Index is largely based on data collected prior to the subprime mortgage collapse and its ripple effects through the economy. Even so, Henton and other economists say the valley's distinctive economy should enable it to weather a downturn more than most regions.
The valley, Henton said, is buoyed by two factors: its strong connection to expanding global markets, and a continuing demand for housing as the region creates more jobs.
Still, fear of recession "dims the glow" for many valley residents, Hancock said.
The 2008 Index expanded its definition of "Silicon Valley," which had previously excluded northern San Mateo County. Now it includes all of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, as well as southern Alameda County and Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County. The region has a population of 2.49 million.
Contact Scott Duke Harris at sdharris@mercurynews.com or (408) 920-2704.
Monday, December 10, 2007
5th Annual “Cops That Care” Holiday Gift Program
Calling all Toy Donations!
On Saturday, December 22, 2007, over 1700 children from the community will gather at the Mountain View Police Department for the 5th annual "Cops That Care" holiday gift giving event. This wildly successful event, founded by Officer Ron Cooper, provides gifts for children whose families may not have the means to purchase gifts on their own. Children who have an affiliation to the Mountain View community will be able to visit the North Pole (also known as the Police/Fire Auditorium at 1000 Villa St.) and select a toy from the thousands available.
Every year, the Mountain View Police Department relies on cash and toy donations from the community in order to make this event successful and fun for the children. The Department is now accepting new and unwrapped toys and clothing as well as gift cards and cash. Donations can be brought directly to the Police Department at 1000 Villa St.
This program is designed for the families in Mountain View that are unable to purchase gifts for their children this holiday season. Parents or guardians of participating children will be asked to present something that will show their child’s affiliation to Mountain View. Examples include, but are not limited to: driver’s license/ID card with a Mountain View address, school report card, school ID, child day care enrollment form or bill, utility bill, etc.
The North Pole will be open to children on Saturday, December 22, 2007, from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about this program, community members should contact Officer Ron Cooper at 650-903-6344.
Net Gain - After School Program Celebration
Congratulations to Net Gain organizers.
Net Gain is an after-school tennis program for at-risk/disadvantaged kids in Mountain View currently on-going at the Rengstorff Park tennis courts. It is a six week program that is meeting, rain (Community Center) or shine, Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM; it started on November 5th and runs through December 12th. The goals of the program are to introduce tennis to other segments of the community that would not generally be exposed, promote "Community, Competition, and Character" as well as good sportsmanship and positive self-esteem.
Net Gain is the result of several members of the community teaming with the Mountain View Police Activities League, the city's Community Services Department Recreation Division, Mesa de la Comunidad, and the Mountain View Tennis Club. We currently have 15 coaches who are working with 29 children from Mountain View middle schools; we have aspirations of growth and expansion to include additional academic components. In addition to spending time on the courts with the children, the volunteers have put in many additional hours organizing and planning the clinic, and soliciting sponsors and donations from local businesses and individuals.
On the last day of the clinic, we are going to hold a fun tournament (weather permitting) at the Rengstorff Park tennis courts (3:30-5:30 PM). In addition we will be having an Awards Celebration Pizza Party at the end of the clinic for all the participants and their families. We would like to invite you to join us. It will be held Wednesday, Dec. 12th, 6:00–7:30 PM at the Mountain View Police Department Auditorium, 1000 Villa Street.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Choices Lite
CHOICES LITE
PRESENTED BY
COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER LIZ WYLIE
MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESENTED BY
COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER LIZ WYLIE
MOUNTAIN VIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT
TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007
6:30 - 8:30 P.M.
CRITTENDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
1701 ROCK STREET
This informative and entertaining program is designed to provide middle school students important information about safety and to provide parents some peace of mind as their children start early adulthood. The program is modeled after the department's award winning “Choices” program geared towards college-bound high school students.
This “lighter” version of the original Choices program features many interactive activities to educate participants about safety and law enforcement, but most importantly to realize the consequences of the Choices we make in life.
The Program includes interactive presentations and demonstrations regarding:
Personal Safety
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
Internet Safety
Gang Awareness and Avoidance
Role Playing
And much more!
This program, a must for all middle school students and their parents, is offered for free. Spanish translation will be provided.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Immigration Forum: Inform, Educate & Plan
Mesa de la Comunidad, in collaboration with the Mountain View Whisman School District, the Mountain View/Los Altos Union High School District, St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Mountain View Police Department, the Day Worker Center, Mayview Community Health Center, the Office of Human Relations for Santa Clara County is hosting an immigration forum.
Inform: What is the role and responsibilities of local police, schools and
healthcare organizations regarding immigration?
What collaboration is there with ICE?
Educate: Understand the recent immigration proposals
What rights do immigrants have?
Plan: Do organizations and individuals have a plan in the event of a raid?
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church-582 Hope Street, Mountain View
Date/Time: Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 from 2:30 PM to 4 PM
Spanish/English translation provided.
Inform: What is the role and responsibilities of local police, schools and
healthcare organizations regarding immigration?
What collaboration is there with ICE?
Educate: Understand the recent immigration proposals
What rights do immigrants have?
Plan: Do organizations and individuals have a plan in the event of a raid?
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church-582 Hope Street, Mountain View
Date/Time: Sunday, June 3rd, 2007 from 2:30 PM to 4 PM
Spanish/English translation provided.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
LASD English learner population
Hi Mesa Members,
I was asked to gather information about Los Altos School District’s (LASD’s) English Language Learner population. I have linked a pdf file containing information from the California Department of Education website about LASD’s English Language Learners. http://www.mesacomunidad.org/LASD_English_learner_population.pdf
If you find that I have missed some public data from the state’s site, please let me know. This was quickly done, so please forgive any omissions and give me the opportunity to make corrections.
It’s Not Easy to Count Numbers of English Learners Because the State Has a Variety of Categories and Tests
What I found was that it is not easy to count the number of students with limited English because there are many different types of students who have very different types of needs, and the state lumps them together for one kind of count and then disaggregates the numbers for other types of counts.
For example, students who are proficient in English and redesignated out of English learner classification are still counted as English learners for a few years afterwards. The state asks the district to inflate the number of English learners in their count in case these students need extra services even after they are considered fluent.
This may explain why one of our Mesa members told me that there are only nine families served by the English Learner teacher at Almond and the district numbers are much higher.
CELDT Testing Outcomes Indicate High English Language Skills in LASD
The state requires school districts to give English learners a test called the CELDT test to determine the level of English language development. Students who are at the intermediate, early advanced and advanced are considered good English speakers, yet they are still considered English language learners.
English learners are “redesignated” when they do well on the CELDT test. (Doing well by state standards is high intermediate, early advanced or advanced). I do not know what LASD’s requirements or cut-offs are.
It also looks as if the state recommends that students can be below grade level proficient (high Basic) as English Learners and be redesignated. Obviously, given the high average API scores for English Learners and Hispanic students in Los Altos, it is likely that the majority are beyond high basic. However, when one sees averages, it is possible for one portion to be extremely low and another portion to be extremely high, so it is difficult to draw conclusions from the average APIs.
Some of the CELDT data is included in the following pages, but readers should link to the CELDT webpage and look at all of the data. (I did not include them all here.)
LASD’s English Learners and Hispanic Population Are High Performing By State Standards
The Los Altos School District’s English learner population has an average API of 834 (included are 242 second through eighth graders—kindergarten and first grade are not included in API.)
The state designates an 800 API as high performing, so on average, English learners in Los Altos test as high or higher than English speaking White students in many schools in California. (For example, White students at Lynnhaven Elementary in the Campbell district have an average API of 821. White students at Blackford Elementary in Cambrian district average 750 API.)
LASD’s Hispanic population had an average API of 797 (119 second through eighth graders), very close to that magic 800 number indicating high performance.
Here’s some averate API statewide comparisons for grades 2-6 (not including grades 7-8). The API averages below are the averages for all students in California:
English Learners average 676.
White students who are not Hispanic average 837
Hispanic students average 690.
Low socioeconomic students average 686
Students with disabilities average 567
http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2007/2006Base_StAPI.aspx
We know that LASD is one of the top performing, if not the top test scoring district in the state, but I thought you would want to see how much higher than the state average.
Here's the link to the English learner data
http://www.mesacomunidad.org/LASD_English_learner_population.pdf
Vicki Hobel Schultz
May 15, 2007
I was asked to gather information about Los Altos School District’s (LASD’s) English Language Learner population. I have linked a pdf file containing information from the California Department of Education website about LASD’s English Language Learners. http://www.mesacomunidad.org/LASD_English_learner_population.pdf
If you find that I have missed some public data from the state’s site, please let me know. This was quickly done, so please forgive any omissions and give me the opportunity to make corrections.
It’s Not Easy to Count Numbers of English Learners Because the State Has a Variety of Categories and Tests
What I found was that it is not easy to count the number of students with limited English because there are many different types of students who have very different types of needs, and the state lumps them together for one kind of count and then disaggregates the numbers for other types of counts.
For example, students who are proficient in English and redesignated out of English learner classification are still counted as English learners for a few years afterwards. The state asks the district to inflate the number of English learners in their count in case these students need extra services even after they are considered fluent.
This may explain why one of our Mesa members told me that there are only nine families served by the English Learner teacher at Almond and the district numbers are much higher.
CELDT Testing Outcomes Indicate High English Language Skills in LASD
The state requires school districts to give English learners a test called the CELDT test to determine the level of English language development. Students who are at the intermediate, early advanced and advanced are considered good English speakers, yet they are still considered English language learners.
English learners are “redesignated” when they do well on the CELDT test. (Doing well by state standards is high intermediate, early advanced or advanced). I do not know what LASD’s requirements or cut-offs are.
It also looks as if the state recommends that students can be below grade level proficient (high Basic) as English Learners and be redesignated. Obviously, given the high average API scores for English Learners and Hispanic students in Los Altos, it is likely that the majority are beyond high basic. However, when one sees averages, it is possible for one portion to be extremely low and another portion to be extremely high, so it is difficult to draw conclusions from the average APIs.
Some of the CELDT data is included in the following pages, but readers should link to the CELDT webpage and look at all of the data. (I did not include them all here.)
LASD’s English Learners and Hispanic Population Are High Performing By State Standards
The Los Altos School District’s English learner population has an average API of 834 (included are 242 second through eighth graders—kindergarten and first grade are not included in API.)
The state designates an 800 API as high performing, so on average, English learners in Los Altos test as high or higher than English speaking White students in many schools in California. (For example, White students at Lynnhaven Elementary in the Campbell district have an average API of 821. White students at Blackford Elementary in Cambrian district average 750 API.)
LASD’s Hispanic population had an average API of 797 (119 second through eighth graders), very close to that magic 800 number indicating high performance.
Here’s some averate API statewide comparisons for grades 2-6 (not including grades 7-8). The API averages below are the averages for all students in California:
English Learners average 676.
White students who are not Hispanic average 837
Hispanic students average 690.
Low socioeconomic students average 686
Students with disabilities average 567
http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2007/2006Base_StAPI.aspx
We know that LASD is one of the top performing, if not the top test scoring district in the state, but I thought you would want to see how much higher than the state average.
Here's the link to the English learner data
http://www.mesacomunidad.org/LASD_English_learner_population.pdf
Vicki Hobel Schultz
May 15, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
MV's First City-Wide Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Pioneer Park in Mountain View
Saturday, May 5 from 1:00-4:00 pm
Entertainment Includes: Marco Romero's Dance Studio, Mariachi Aztlan, Castro School Folklorico Dance Group, Raises de Mexico Dance Group
Speakers: City of Mountain View Mayor, Laura Macias; Assemblywoman, 22nd Assembly District "Speaker Pro Tempore", Sally Lieber; County Supervisor, District 5, Liz Kniss
Activities: Arts and Crafts with Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA), Face Painting and Temporary Tattoos, Pinata Breaking, Games with Grant Road YMCA, Safety Lessons with Palo Alto Chapter of the American Red Cross, Learn Heatlthy Eating Habits with Healthy Ventures, Meet the Mountain View Police Departments "New" Mounted Police Division, Sit inside a real Mountain View Fire Department Fire Engine, and stop by the informational booths representing many local organizations.
Food and Drinks: Local restaurant Taqueria Los Charros will be grilling up fresh tacos and serving aguas frescas. Bottled water and sodas will be available for purchase as well.
Parking: We encourage walking or using public transportation when coming to this event. Since downtown parking is limited, we encourage guests to park at the City of Mountain View underground parking garage located on Mercy Street or in designated parking lots. Please do not park in library parking spaces or in the library's underground parking garage.
Saturday, May 5 from 1:00-4:00 pm
Entertainment Includes: Marco Romero's Dance Studio, Mariachi Aztlan, Castro School Folklorico Dance Group, Raises de Mexico Dance Group
Speakers: City of Mountain View Mayor, Laura Macias; Assemblywoman, 22nd Assembly District "Speaker Pro Tempore", Sally Lieber; County Supervisor, District 5, Liz Kniss
Activities: Arts and Crafts with Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA), Face Painting and Temporary Tattoos, Pinata Breaking, Games with Grant Road YMCA, Safety Lessons with Palo Alto Chapter of the American Red Cross, Learn Heatlthy Eating Habits with Healthy Ventures, Meet the Mountain View Police Departments "New" Mounted Police Division, Sit inside a real Mountain View Fire Department Fire Engine, and stop by the informational booths representing many local organizations.
Food and Drinks: Local restaurant Taqueria Los Charros will be grilling up fresh tacos and serving aguas frescas. Bottled water and sodas will be available for purchase as well.
Parking: We encourage walking or using public transportation when coming to this event. Since downtown parking is limited, we encourage guests to park at the City of Mountain View underground parking garage located on Mercy Street or in designated parking lots. Please do not park in library parking spaces or in the library's underground parking garage.
Monday, March 19, 2007
"Immigration: Opportunities and Challenges"
Peninsula Chapter of the World Affairs Council, Leagues of Women Voters of Palo Alto and Los Altos/Mountain View, Avenidas and Mesa de la Comunidad
Saturday, March 31, 2007
9:00 am Sign In and Refreshments
9:15 am to 12:15 pm Program
Hewlett Packard Headquarters
3000 Hanover Street
Bldg 20 Auditorium
Palo Alto, CA
"Immigration: Opportunities and Challenges"
Richard Hobbs, Director of the Office of Human Relations for Santa Clara County
Steve Levy, Director and Senior Economist of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy (CCSCE)
Alex M. Saragoza, Associate Professor of Chicano Studies in the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California at Berkeley
Jayashri Srikantiah, Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at the Stanford University Law School
Larisa Casillas, Director of the Bay Area Immigrant Rights Coalition (BAIRC)
Immigration is intensely debated in America even though it is an essential contribution to our population growth and is needed for innovation and work force contributions. However, many immigrants enter the country illegally and regional entities express anxieties over their inability to deal with the impact on their societies, economies and services. Uniform and comprehensive laws that account for security, humanitarian concerns, that are enforceable, and that account for existing conditions are needed. This half-day conference will address the impact on social and economic trends, foreign relations, legal issues and legislative status, and the perspective of the immigrant community.
For information: (650) 327-9148 or World Affairs Council (415) 293-4600
Saturday, March 31, 2007
9:00 am Sign In and Refreshments
9:15 am to 12:15 pm Program
Hewlett Packard Headquarters
3000 Hanover Street
Bldg 20 Auditorium
Palo Alto, CA
"Immigration: Opportunities and Challenges"
Richard Hobbs, Director of the Office of Human Relations for Santa Clara County
Steve Levy, Director and Senior Economist of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy (CCSCE)
Alex M. Saragoza, Associate Professor of Chicano Studies in the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California at Berkeley
Jayashri Srikantiah, Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at the Stanford University Law School
Larisa Casillas, Director of the Bay Area Immigrant Rights Coalition (BAIRC)
Immigration is intensely debated in America even though it is an essential contribution to our population growth and is needed for innovation and work force contributions. However, many immigrants enter the country illegally and regional entities express anxieties over their inability to deal with the impact on their societies, economies and services. Uniform and comprehensive laws that account for security, humanitarian concerns, that are enforceable, and that account for existing conditions are needed. This half-day conference will address the impact on social and economic trends, foreign relations, legal issues and legislative status, and the perspective of the immigrant community.
For information: (650) 327-9148 or World Affairs Council (415) 293-4600
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sizzlin' Latin Night
The City of Mountain View Recreation Division and Juan Aranda with additional support from the Mountain View Police Activities League (PAL) and Mesa de la Comunidad Mountain View would like to invite all Mountain View teens to attend "Sizzlin Latin Night".
What: A night of latin music, dance exhibition, lessons and lots of fun. Watch and learn the salsa, samba, waltz, merigue and more for middle and high school teens.
When: Saturday, March 10th
Where: The Whisman Sports Center in Mountain View
Time: 6:30pm-9pm
Age: Middle & High School Students
Why: This is a showcase for ongoing free Latin dance classes that will be offered every Saturday night during open gym hours at Whisman Sports Center.
Cost: Free ***School IDs are required at the door.***
What: A night of latin music, dance exhibition, lessons and lots of fun. Watch and learn the salsa, samba, waltz, merigue and more for middle and high school teens.
When: Saturday, March 10th
Where: The Whisman Sports Center in Mountain View
Time: 6:30pm-9pm
Age: Middle & High School Students
Why: This is a showcase for ongoing free Latin dance classes that will be offered every Saturday night during open gym hours at Whisman Sports Center.
Cost: Free ***School IDs are required at the door.***
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Delia Ybarra honored at the 35th Annual Human Relations Awards Breakfast
Sixteen human relations leaders of the highest calling and caliber will be honored on Friday, February 23 at 7:30 a.m. at the 35th Annual Human Relations Awards Breakfast at the Wyndham Hotel. The theme for this year’s award breakfast is “A Journey of the Heart: From Intolerance to Acceptance”.
District Five, Liz Kniss: Delia Ybarra
Delia Ybarra was an educator in the Fremont School District for over 35 years. Delia is active with the Community Health Awareness Council, providing support to combat alcohol and drug abuse among young people in the greater Mt. View area. Delia also serves as the Social Policy Director for the League of Woman Voters in the Mountain View-Los Altos Area and is a member of “Mesa de la Comunidad”, facilitating understanding and cooperation between all groups for the betterment of the community. Delia is a tireless advocate and community bridge builder who facilitates open dialogue and communication between all groups regardless of race or economic differences.
District Five, Liz Kniss: Delia Ybarra
Delia Ybarra was an educator in the Fremont School District for over 35 years. Delia is active with the Community Health Awareness Council, providing support to combat alcohol and drug abuse among young people in the greater Mt. View area. Delia also serves as the Social Policy Director for the League of Woman Voters in the Mountain View-Los Altos Area and is a member of “Mesa de la Comunidad”, facilitating understanding and cooperation between all groups for the betterment of the community. Delia is a tireless advocate and community bridge builder who facilitates open dialogue and communication between all groups regardless of race or economic differences.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
KnowHow2Go: College Awareness night for all Mountain View residents
Parents and students are invited to learn about: the A-G requirements for California Universities, free money for college, and opportunities for special scholarships. There will be refreshments and giveaways. There will be a panel speaking on these topics and more.
Where: Graham Middle School Multi Use Room
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The MVWSD AVID program and The Campaign for College Opportunity are sponsoring this event.
Join us and receive valuable information!
KnowHow2Go: Noche del conocimiento de la universidad para todos los residentes de Mountain View.
Pardres y estudiantes estan todos invitados a aprender sobre: los requisitos del A-G para universidades de California, el dinero gratis para la universidad, y las oportunidades para becas especiales. Habrá refrescos y regalos. Habrá un panel que habla en estos asuntos y más.
Donde: Graham Middle School, Multi Use Room
Cuando: Miercoles, 28 de febrero de 6 PM - 8 PM
Ensámblenos y reciba información valiosa
El programa ÁVIDO de MVWSD y La Compaña Para La Oportunidad de la Universidad están patrocinando este acontecimiento.
Where: Graham Middle School Multi Use Room
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The MVWSD AVID program and The Campaign for College Opportunity are sponsoring this event.
Join us and receive valuable information!
KnowHow2Go: Noche del conocimiento de la universidad para todos los residentes de Mountain View.
Pardres y estudiantes estan todos invitados a aprender sobre: los requisitos del A-G para universidades de California, el dinero gratis para la universidad, y las oportunidades para becas especiales. Habrá refrescos y regalos. Habrá un panel que habla en estos asuntos y más.
Donde: Graham Middle School, Multi Use Room
Cuando: Miercoles, 28 de febrero de 6 PM - 8 PM
Ensámblenos y reciba información valiosa
El programa ÁVIDO de MVWSD y La Compaña Para La Oportunidad de la Universidad están patrocinando este acontecimiento.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
"From High School to College"
Please Join Us at
"From High School to College"
When: Tuesday, February 6, 2006 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Los Altos Youth Center, Civic Center Plaza, I North San Antonio Road, Los Altos
A downloadable flyer is at http://communitydialogues.org/
Michael Kirst, Stanford Education Professor, author, and national education expert, Martha Kanter, Chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, and Barry Groves , Superintendent of Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, will discuss issues related to student achievement and educational opportunities. Audience participation includes small group discussion and conversation with the presenters.
Professor Kirst has recently written a book called From High School to College which raises issues of interest to anyone with a child or young adult in the education system and to anyone concerned about the future of our community and our country.
Professor Kirst, Chancellor Kanter, and Superintendent Groves will address relevant educational issues. For example:
•We think about a unified K-12 (kindergarten through twelfth grade), but what about K-16?
•Are our children inadequately or over-prepared for college?
•If the majority want a four year college education, why do so many leave before a degree?
•What about career opportunities, where do our children gain employable skills?
• What are we doing in the highly competitive, global, twenty-first century to ensure opportunities and success for each and every high school graduate?
Learn about programs, like MVLA Community Scholars and Partners for New Generations that are focused on greater opportunities for our community's youth. Meet and share ideas with community members who are concerned about the future of our youth, our region and our country.
A Community Dialogues Forum
Hosted By MVLA Community Scholars and Partners for New Generations
and co-sponsored by the Los Altos-Mtn View League of Women Voters and Mesa de la Comunidad
***Spanish Translation Available***
"From High School to College"
When: Tuesday, February 6, 2006 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Los Altos Youth Center, Civic Center Plaza, I North San Antonio Road, Los Altos
A downloadable flyer is at http://communitydialogues.org/
Michael Kirst, Stanford Education Professor, author, and national education expert, Martha Kanter, Chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, and Barry Groves , Superintendent of Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District, will discuss issues related to student achievement and educational opportunities. Audience participation includes small group discussion and conversation with the presenters.
Professor Kirst has recently written a book called From High School to College which raises issues of interest to anyone with a child or young adult in the education system and to anyone concerned about the future of our community and our country.
Professor Kirst, Chancellor Kanter, and Superintendent Groves will address relevant educational issues. For example:
•We think about a unified K-12 (kindergarten through twelfth grade), but what about K-16?
•Are our children inadequately or over-prepared for college?
•If the majority want a four year college education, why do so many leave before a degree?
•What about career opportunities, where do our children gain employable skills?
• What are we doing in the highly competitive, global, twenty-first century to ensure opportunities and success for each and every high school graduate?
Learn about programs, like MVLA Community Scholars and Partners for New Generations that are focused on greater opportunities for our community's youth. Meet and share ideas with community members who are concerned about the future of our youth, our region and our country.
A Community Dialogues Forum
Hosted By MVLA Community Scholars and Partners for New Generations
and co-sponsored by the Los Altos-Mtn View League of Women Voters and Mesa de la Comunidad
***Spanish Translation Available***
Friday, January 12, 2007
Congratulations Laura, Ronit & Margaret
Congratulations to Mesa members Laura Macias for being elected Mayor of Mountain View and to newly elected council members Ronit Bryant and Margaret Abe-Koga. We are honored that your are representing the residents of Mountain View. We wish you much success in your new positions.
Monday, November 13, 2006
MVPD Presents - Personal Safety Class for Women
Greetings from the MVPD!
Although we live in a safe community, crime can happen anywhere at anytime. Now is the opportunity to build your knowledge of personal safety.
Join Police Chief Scott Vermeer and Crime Prevention staff for a special presentation on personal safety for women. The class is open to all female community members 16 and over. Topics will include: developing a crime preventive mindset, tools for personal safety and responding to threats.
The class will be held in the Police Department Auditorium (1000 Villa Street) on Tuesday, November 21 from 6:30-8:30pm.
There is no charge for the class and you can register by emailing the Police Department at police@mountainview.gov. Please consider yourself enrolled once you submit your email. You will be contacted only if the class is full. Registration may also be completed by calling the Community Action and Information Unit at (650) 903-6186.
Although we live in a safe community, crime can happen anywhere at anytime. Now is the opportunity to build your knowledge of personal safety.
Join Police Chief Scott Vermeer and Crime Prevention staff for a special presentation on personal safety for women. The class is open to all female community members 16 and over. Topics will include: developing a crime preventive mindset, tools for personal safety and responding to threats.
The class will be held in the Police Department Auditorium (1000 Villa Street) on Tuesday, November 21 from 6:30-8:30pm.
There is no charge for the class and you can register by emailing the Police Department at police@mountainview.gov. Please consider yourself enrolled once you submit your email. You will be contacted only if the class is full. Registration may also be completed by calling the Community Action and Information Unit at (650) 903-6186.
Friday, October 27, 2006
KMVT City Council Candidate Debate (Watch the Video)
Should the City of Mountain View amend the City Charter to set the base salary of City Council members from a monthly stipend of $500 - $1500? Listen to both sides of Measure C as they come together for this informational Round Table to help you decide how to vote.
*Replay on Saturday, October 28th and November 4th at 10 AM
*Replay also Monday, October 30th from 5:30-6:30 PM
Running Time: 1 hour
Aired in Mountain View Only
*Replay on Saturday, October 28th and November 4th at 10 AM
*Replay also Monday, October 30th from 5:30-6:30 PM
Running Time: 1 hour
Aired in Mountain View Only
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Arte del Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead Art)
Free event -- "Arte del Dia de los Muertos" with Maria De La Rosa of the Mexican Heritage Plaza, San Jose -- on Thursday, October 12, 7 pm, at the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mtn. View.
Have you ever considered spending the night in a graveyard...other than on a dare? Come learn about Dia de los Muertos & the unique artistic endeavors through which Mexican families remember those who have passed & celebrate the continuity of life.
This is the opening presentation in CSMA's free 2006-07 Classes w/o Quizzes, "101" Arts Lecture series featuring outstanding regional arts educators sharing their expertise and passion in lively, introductory presentations.
Have you ever considered spending the night in a graveyard...other than on a dare? Come learn about Dia de los Muertos & the unique artistic endeavors through which Mexican families remember those who have passed & celebrate the continuity of life.
This is the opening presentation in CSMA's free 2006-07 Classes w/o Quizzes, "101" Arts Lecture series featuring outstanding regional arts educators sharing their expertise and passion in lively, introductory presentations.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
MV PAL Launch Event
Saturday, September 16, 2006
You are cordially invited to join the Mountain View Police Department, City officials, your neighbors and local business owners at a fun-filled, FREE community event that will mark the official launch of the Mountain View Police Activities League (MVPAL).
WHAT: Welcome PAL back to Mountain View! Bienvendio a PAL!
WHEN: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - Sábado, 16 de Septiembre 2006
TIME: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE: Castro Elementary School, 505 Escuela Avenue, Mountain View
TREATS: FREE food, presentations, activities, and more! Comida, presentaciones, diversiones y más.
ALSO - a special visit from Sharkie from the San Jose Sharks and a chance to play street hockey on the Mobile Shark Tank - http://www.sjsharks.com/community/fans/MobileSharkTank.asp.
Stay tuned for more details! Tendremos más detalles pronto!
For more information on MVPAL, please contact Joanne at joanne.pasternack@mountainview.gov or (650) 903-6139 or visit www.mvpal.org.
You are cordially invited to join the Mountain View Police Department, City officials, your neighbors and local business owners at a fun-filled, FREE community event that will mark the official launch of the Mountain View Police Activities League (MVPAL).
WHAT: Welcome PAL back to Mountain View! Bienvendio a PAL!
WHEN: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - Sábado, 16 de Septiembre 2006
TIME: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE: Castro Elementary School, 505 Escuela Avenue, Mountain View
TREATS: FREE food, presentations, activities, and more! Comida, presentaciones, diversiones y más.
ALSO - a special visit from Sharkie from the San Jose Sharks and a chance to play street hockey on the Mobile Shark Tank - http://www.sjsharks.com/community/fans/MobileSharkTank.asp.
Stay tuned for more details! Tendremos más detalles pronto!
For more information on MVPAL, please contact Joanne at joanne.pasternack@mountainview.gov or (650) 903-6139 or visit www.mvpal.org.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
CultureFest - Bolivian Folkloric Group
Juan Aranda, Mesa co-founder, brings his Bolivian Folkloric Group to Mountain View's CultureFest July 22nd and 23rd. The dance group will perform at Civic Center from 11AM to 12:30PM.
Juan will also have a semi-show with the same dancers and other dancers from 1PM to 2:45PM followed with salsa music.
All ages are welcome so spread the word. Please contact Juan Aranda at juansback2@yahoo.com for more information.
Juan will also have a semi-show with the same dancers and other dancers from 1PM to 2:45PM followed with salsa music.
All ages are welcome so spread the word. Please contact Juan Aranda at juansback2@yahoo.com for more information.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Nick Perry's New Book Release
Exciting news. Nick Perry's new book on the history of Mountain View is being released next month. Below is information from the publisher's site about Nick's book.
Book Description: Mountain View earned its name for its scenic vantage point between the Santa Cruz and Diablo ranges. Founded as a stagecoach stop along the El Camino Real in 1852, Mountain View became a diverse and bountiful agricultural community in the “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” During the depths of the Depression, Bay Area citizens raised almost half a million dollars to purchase land north of town that was offered to the navy. The gamble paid off with the opening of Moffett Naval Air Station in 1933, inaugurating Mountain View’s turn toward commercial and residential development. It was in an old apricot storage barn on San Antonio Road that William Shockley founded the first silicon manufacturing company in 1956, making it the true birthplace of the “Silicon Valley.”
Author Bio: Author Nicholas Perry, a graduate student in city planning at the University of California, Berkeley, is a fourth-generation Mountain View resident and author of several in-depth historical articles for the Mountain View Voice and Palo Alto Weekly. He has drawn from the extensive photographic archives of the Mountain View Historical Association and the Mountain View Library to create this visual journey through time, bringing us from the sun-striped orchards of long ago to the prosperous technological powerhouse of today.
Author: Nicholas Perry Link: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/book/0738531367
Book Description: Mountain View earned its name for its scenic vantage point between the Santa Cruz and Diablo ranges. Founded as a stagecoach stop along the El Camino Real in 1852, Mountain View became a diverse and bountiful agricultural community in the “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” During the depths of the Depression, Bay Area citizens raised almost half a million dollars to purchase land north of town that was offered to the navy. The gamble paid off with the opening of Moffett Naval Air Station in 1933, inaugurating Mountain View’s turn toward commercial and residential development. It was in an old apricot storage barn on San Antonio Road that William Shockley founded the first silicon manufacturing company in 1956, making it the true birthplace of the “Silicon Valley.”
Author Bio: Author Nicholas Perry, a graduate student in city planning at the University of California, Berkeley, is a fourth-generation Mountain View resident and author of several in-depth historical articles for the Mountain View Voice and Palo Alto Weekly. He has drawn from the extensive photographic archives of the Mountain View Historical Association and the Mountain View Library to create this visual journey through time, bringing us from the sun-striped orchards of long ago to the prosperous technological powerhouse of today.
Author: Nicholas Perry Link: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/book/0738531367
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Olympics in Mountain View - Sunday, June 4th
Olympics in Mountain View is coming Sunday, June 4th. The track and field event is a free city-wide event for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders that attend a school or live in Mountain View. This is another collaborative event that includes the MVWSD, MVPD, MV Recreation Division, MV/LA HS District, MV Voice, Kaiser Permanente, Palo Alto Red Cross and Mesa de la Comunidad. Please visit www.olympicsinmountainview.org to download an English or Spanish flyer. Call Oscar Garcia at 888-657-6801 or email ogarcia@mesacomunidad.org for more information or to volunteer.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
May 1st March & Rally
May 1st is the nationwide march in support of immigrant rights. Mesa is supporting the Day Worker Center in their march and rally. The march will begin at 4 p.m. from the Day Worker Center, located at 1880 California Street. Participants will then walk along California Street to San Antonio Road, turn left onto El Camino Real and then left onto Castro Street. A rally will take place at the Civic Center Plaza until 7 p.m.
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