South Valley Review
VOL. 2, NO. 21
December 5, 2018
Better at knowing what matters to you Christmas In The Park
It doesn’t matter if you are human or elf, young or old, reindeer or polar bear, Christmas in the Park brings together a diverse community each holiday season with its magical displays and lively entertainment. For over 35 years, Christmas in the Park has brought over 750,000 visitors each holiday season to
Downtown San José. But how did this tradition start? It simply started with a man who had a passion for the holidays and his community. He didn’t set out to make a tradition for the purpose of having his name echo in the history books, but to bring together a diverse, growing community. The tradition began
SVR Home Delivers Papers To These ZIP CODES 95119 95123 95124 95125 95032 95008 95126 95128 *COMING SOON* 95037 95051 Y1Z
back in the 1950s with a single Nativity display built by family man Don Lima. Don Lima owned Lima Family Mortuary in Willow Glen and decided to bring some holiday spirit to the community by borrowing $300 [...]
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When...Where SVR South Valley Review 2059 Camden Avenue Suite 219 San Jose, CA, 95124 (408) 898 - 7534 Minority Owned Business President: Richard Pugh Richard@southvalleyreview.com Publisher: Brigitte Jones Brigitte@southvalleyreview.com Executive Editor: Sonya Ruffin Editor@southvalleyreview.com Operations/Accounting: Dorothy Pugh Accounting@southvalleyreview.com Graphic Design Director: Amanda Faris Graphics@southvalleyreview.com Photographer Andy Nguyen Editor at Large: Pearl Baeni Editor, Public Affairs Liaison: Pamela Gustava Curry
SVR welcomes letters to the Editor Please limit content to 200 words or less. Submissions are subject to scrutiny for content and grammar but all effort will be made to retain intended meaning of such letters. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Articles so published reflect the views of the authors - not necessarily those of South Valley Review. All submissions become the property of B & R Media Group, Inc. and cannot be acknowledged.
WHO’S HOLIDAY! is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that fateful Christmas Eve when she first met the Grinch…and what happened next! The little tyke has become a bottle-blonde adult who spends her days in a trailer atop Mount Crumpit. Only those with a naughty sense
of humor will be ready for this holiday offering that dirties up Christmas while ultimately reveling in its spirit. WHO’S WHO? You’ve seen her as Patty Andrews in “Sisters of Swing”, as Red Girl in “Shout! The Mod Musical”, as the Adjectives Girl in “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”, as Treitel in “The
MeshugaNutcracker!”, as Frankie Marks in her award winning take in “Thanks for Playing… The Game Show Show”, and as the host of every sing-along at 3Below Theaters and The Retro Dome. Now, see producer/ playwright/performer Shannon Guggenheim in this hilarious and delightfully naughty onewoman show where she’ll
You Never Know What Who’s Going to Say! You last saw her with the Grinch when she was just two But ever wonder what happened to Cindy Lou Who? It’s 40 years later – come see the results In a holiday show that is just for adults!
sing, dance, and rhyme her way through the holidays.
December 7-22 3Below Theatre 288 S 2nd St. San Jose, CA 95113
If your fond childhood memories include Dr. Seuss The Grinch, his dog Max, and a ‘ville filled with Whos Tickets: Then you’ll love this sequel from 40 years hence Admission: $45 Though if you’re a Grinch, too, you might take offense. Discount for advance purchases: $40 The new play Who’s Holiday! by Matthew Lombardo Discount for advance Senior/Student/ Is strictly R-rated, so don’t bring your kiddo Child/Military purchases: $36 Yet if your mind’s open and you trust rave reviews This Off-Broadway treat will come as good news! https://3belowtheaters.com/events/ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the source of this send-up whos-holiday/ But you’ll never guess how this parody will end up
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Worship Directory First Congregational Church of San Jose United Church of Christ 1980 Hamilton Ave., San Jose, CA 95125 (At the corner of Hamilton and Leigh) (408) 377-7121 www.firstccsj.org
We are a progressive, Open and Affirming, welcoming congregation of faithful people who seek to wrestle with scripture, and live out our faith, in the real world. We are far from perfect, but we try to offer as wide a welcome as possible, and invite you to join us on the community path, wherever it takes us. We offer lively, multi-generational worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM (nursery care provided). We have regular educational programs for all ages, children through adults, and a variety of groups and offerings for spiritual development and service. Come check us out and find a community for the journey.
Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church 5370 Snell Ave, San Jose, CA 95123 (2 blocks north of Blossom Hill Rd on Snell) (408) 629-5906 Email: santateresahills@gmail.com
We are a friendly, progressive, multicultural church striving to understand and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ. All are welcome!! Come visit us and participate in opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and community outreach. We can pursue our faith journeys together! Sunday services are at 10:00AM with children’s Sunday school and nursery care available on site. Handicapped and hearing impaired services available. Visit our website for sample sermons, photos and a lot more information www.sthpc.org We look forward to meeting you!!
Hillside Church San Jose 545 Hillsdale Avenue San Jose, CA 95136 (408) 269-4782 www.hillside.org
At Hillside Church, we take God and His Word seriously. We are a growing congregation of friendly people who are taking the hope of the Gospel to a world that desperately needs it. Join us in our mission to change this world one soul at a time. Our Sunday services are at 9:00 AM (acoustic/quiet) and 10:45 AM (more high energy). Make a difference in the live of people in our community. Help us as we point others to Jesus Christ, teaching them to live for Him. Visit our website, listen online, or join us this Sunday!
Sunrise Valley Baptist Church
5860 Blossom Avenue (at Blossom & Calero) San Jose, CA 95123 (408) 225 - 0200 www.sunrisevbc.org “Rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say rejoice!” Come join us in a traditional worship service that is steeped in the old hymns of our faith and rooted in expository Bible preaching. A friendly congregation will encourage your heart. Our Wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ, offers peace, love & joy. On Sunday we have Sunday School at 9:30 am; Sunday Morning Worship at 10:45 am; and Sunday Evening Worship at 6:00 pm. On Wednesday Evening we have Awana at 7:00 pm (Children’s Bible Clubs K-6; Sept May) and Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting at 7:00 pm.
Advertise Your place of Worship with the South Valley Review! Contact us at advertising@southvalleyreveiw.com.
Local Hero Mountain View sailor assumes command of USS Stockdale A change of command ceremony was held underway on the ArleighBurke class guidedmissile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106), Nov. 1. Cmdr. Leonard Leos, from Mountain View, California, relieved Cdr. John Halttunen as commanding officer during a ceremony that took place aboard Stockdale’s flight deck. “Four years ago I stepped onto the decks of DDG 106 and had an instant feeling that there was something different about this ship,” said Halttunen while delivering departing remarks to the crew. “There is energy and spirit on these deck
plates that is uncommon, that is special. That simple difference is you. The professionalism, respect, fighting spirit and devotion to mission that we cultivate and perpetuate amongst each other is nothing short of inspiring. You are the envy of other ships, and it has been my privilege to be part of this team and the honor of my life to stand in front of you as your captain.” Leos officially assumed the title of commanding officer after his orders were read and salutes were rendered. Upon assuming command, Leos delivered remarks to the crew. “Thanks to the crew,
the chief’s mess and the wardroom for a great turnover,” said Leos. “I can honestly say there is no ship in the entire Navy I’d rather be on than Stockdale.” Leos shares a unique connection to the ship’s namesake, Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale. Both Leos and Stockdale
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were fellows at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. Stockdale was a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions as a leader while imprisoned in Vietnam. “The toughness which Admiral Stockdale displayed is a source of inspiration for us all,” said Leos. “He may have been knocked down, but he was never out of the fight. I think Admiral Stockdale would be extremely proud of the tough Sailors I am blessed to command. Like him, they love our country and what it stands for, work and train hard under tough conditions, and are ready for any contingency.” Before releasing the
crew to carry out the plan of the day, Leos discussed the importance of a ready and capable crew when out to sea. “This great crew of warriors will be ready for action,” said Leos. “We will be ready to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea. All while taking care of your fellow shipmates, your brothers and sisters next to you--and then we will return with honor.” Stockdale is currently underway conducting routine operations as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 in the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operation.
Holiday Traditions Christmas In The Park Cont’
(Due to inflation, $300 in the 1950’s is equivalent to almost $2,800 today!) to build the first ever holiday display in San José. Lima noticed the enthusiasm surrounding his display that sat on his lawn each year so he began adding more complex displays year after year. “There were very few displays at that time… and the following year… because of the enthusiasm of the neighborhood and families around we decided to make it a little bigger,” said Lima. As the display grew, so did the crowds. People would park blocks away just to walk to the display and gaze in amazement. There was bumper-tobumper traffic on the main street because cars drove by, slowly, just to catch a glimpse of the holiday spirit Lima so proudly showcased on his lawn. Eventually the display
got so big that Lima decided to donate it to the City of San José in the 1970s. He wanted to donate it to a place where people felt like it was theirs; as if they were a part of it. The displays were set-up on the lawn of San José’s original City Hall on First and Mission Street. The displays were getting bigger and more complex that in the early 1980s, Lima gathered a group of community leaders and requested that the City move the displays to the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. While at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Christmas in the Park grew into more than just a citywide event. Visitors from all around the Bay Area travel to Downtown San José at least once a year to take in the holiday spirit. Now there are over 50 displays, numerous vendors, entertainment nightly and free visits
with Santa! Visitors are even able to experience snow as it falls in certain areas of the park. In 2012, after a 33year partnership with the City of San Jose, the City could no longer afford to keep the event going, so the non-profit took full control of the event and works with the city as an in-kind
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sponsor, to manage the event. Three full-time staff and a dedicated board of directors along with seasonal help and volunteers make the magic happen each year. Christmas in the Park will take place in 2018 and the years to come, so please, come and experience the joy and magic the park gives you–
and don’t forget to Leave a Donation! Christmas in the Park is not only a great, free event for families and friends to enjoy during the holiday season, but also benefits the community and local businesses. Christmas in the Park is an anchor event during the holiday season. It brings families of all
Holiday Traditions different backgrounds to Downtown San Jose, and from there, they decide where they want to go to dinner, or what show they want to see. This event is great for the economy because it brings so much business to local companies, restaurants, and attractions. Over 700,000 people visit the park every year, with at least half of those visitors stopping at a local restaurant or attraction to indulge in some holiday spirit. There are many other ways that Christmas in the Park branches out to the community. For instance, Christmas in the Park participates in various community events throughout the year that gets visitors and residents more involved. The community can see Christmas in the Park driving a train float down the road during the Rose, White and Blue Parade on the fourth of July! In addition, Christmas in the Park has been a sponsor of Bark in the Park and the Rotary Club’s Downtown Fireworks display. Volunteers have always played a major role at Christmas in the Park. Be it 400 high school students that show up the Saturday before we open, the local electricians union IBEW Local 332 who decorate our 50 foot tree each year or local businesses who donate their time or sponsor our event, volunteers are a
cherished aspect of our organization. Christmas in the Park is more than just a park filled with Christmas decorations - it is a community event that brings everyone together, creates a lifetime of memories, and is a great tradition for all. Christmas in the Park is open everyday through December 25 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Sweet Selections in the Fairmont Hotel Lobby
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Helping Hands
Tzu Chi USA to Hold “Hope Heals” Relief Distribution for Camp Fire Survivors The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, also known as Tzu Chi USA, will hold ongoing disaster relief distributions for those impacted by the Camp Fire throughout the week until Sunday, December 9th. After this violent wildfire left a trail of pain and destruction, Tzu Chi volunteers quickly mobilized to provide 3,674 cash cards to impacted families, totaling $2,017,950 in direct financial assistance. As of December 3rd, 8,456 individuals have benefited from our aid. As part of our Hope Heals campaign, we have made it our goal to provide immediate cash relief to families affected by the Camp Fire by raising donations from 10,000 people, which will directly fund cash cards for 10,000 Camp Fire survivors before Christmas. Registration to receive our emergency financial assistance for this weekend’s
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distribution is still open. Paradise homeowners whose homes have been damaged or who have been displaced by the Camp Fire may receive on-the-spot financial aid from Tzu Chi USA at the Disaster Recovery Center at the Chico Mall (1950 E 20th St) on Saturday, Dec. 8th, if they are west of Clark Rd, and Sunday, Dec. 9th, if they are east of Clark Rd. Magalia, Concow, and Yankee Hills homeowners are also welcome. For faster service, all applicants are encouraged to pre-register at www.tzuchi.us. Thank you for taking this journey to recovery with us. We strive to leave no one behind and hope to help as many people as we can on their road to recovery. To reach our goal of gathering 10,000 donors, Tzu Chi USA is currently accepting donations online at www.tzuchi.us and via mobile (text TZUCHI to 91999). About Tzu Chi USA In 1966, Dharma
Master Cheng Yen established Tzu Chi Foundation in Hualien, an impoverished rural county of Taiwan. The devout Buddhist nun was moved by the misery and pain she saw around her, and made a powerful aspiration to relieve suffering and help the poor. She joined forces with five female disciples and thirty housewives, and to fund their charity, the women made baby shoes for sale, and put money aside from what they had for food. From these humble origins, Tzu Chi has now provided help in ninety-five countries and counting. Over time, the mission of Charity expanded to Medicine, Education, Humanistic Culture, Disaster Relief, and Environmental Protection.
“In Chinese, “tzu” means compassion, and “chi” relief: With open hearts and helping hands, our volunteers are here to serve you.”
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District 15 News Legislators Call For Urgent Action to Improve Mental Health Services and Delivery On the opening day of a new legislative session, lawmakers from the Senate and Assembly gathered to call for action to stem California’s mental health crisis. “It’s no secret that access to integrated mental health services and provider shortages plague our state, resulting in deteriorated mental health outcomes for all Californians,’’ said Beall, chairman of both the Senate Mental Health Caucus and the Select Committee on Mental Health. “The lack of integrated, accessible mental health services is one of the greatest humanitarian challenges we face and we must invest in mental health infrastructure to save many, many lives. “Early access to treatment is key. Threequarters of all mental health issues have their onset by the age of 24. Yet adolescents and young adults are the group least likely to receive mental health care.
“State Auditor Elaine Howle identified that counties have millions of dollars in unspent mental health funds and the state is projecting now a massive budget surplus. With resources available and the need for comprehensive mental health so great, the time for legislation and legislators to act is now.’’ Joining Beall were John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa), and Assemblymembers Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) and representatives from the Steinberg Institute, Mental Health America of California and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This morning, Beall introduced three bills to increase and ensure mental health services and treatment: · SB 10 increases the effectiveness of mental health and addiction supportive services by establishing a state certification process for
peer providers -- people with lived experiences as family members, clients, or caretakers of individuals recovering from addiction or mental illness – who guide and help their clients · SB 11 strengthens enforcement of state and federal mental health parity laws by requiring health care service plans and health insurers to submit annual reports to the state to determine if they are complying with parity laws. The information would be available to the public on the website of either the Department Of Managed Health Care or the Department of Insurance. · SB 12 declares the intent of the Legislature to amend the existing Mental Health Services Act (Proposition 63) to authorize the state and local governments to establish at least 100 drop-in centers to meet youths’ needs. They would be modeled after the headspace project, an Australian national
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network comprised of “one-shop stop’’ centers for youth to ensure they have the coping skills and a support system in place for a successful transition to adulthood. In California, 17 percent of high school students reported they have seriously considered attempting suicide; 9 percent reported they have attempted suicide one or more times. The need for mental health treatment, therapy, and counseling is high in California. Only three out of four Californians who have mental health needs receive treatment. The legislators made clear that California must eliminate gaps in the delivery of mental health
services. Sen. Moorlach called for connecting mental health services to young people. “I think with the Mental Health Services Act and all the funding that’s available, redirecting, giving more focus, and getting things moving is so critical. We can’t have $2.5 billion sitting in bank accounts languishing when we have so many families in need,’’ he said. Arambula said, “Our foster kids who are exposed to more trauma than most shouldn’t have to deal with the crisis of the moment by being penalized and being sent to a judicial system that is not ready to process them instead we should be meeting them where they are at by providing wraparound services, a social worker and a crisis line.’’ Chu said he supports having at least one mental health professional on school campuses. “I believe the most central location to provide wraparound services is at the school,’’ he said.
In need of food for the Holidays! The Lord’s Pantry can help provide food bags. Call Food Connection @ 1-800-984-3663 to be included on our list. Giveaway Dates are Dec. 17, 18 or 19th, 2018. The Lord’s Pantry 121 S. White Rd. San jose, CA 95127 408-258-7563
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District 2 News Everyone is invited and welcome to celebrate the end of another successful year with Councilmember Sergio Jimenez and fellow community members at our District 2 Holiday Appreciation Party! Southside Community Center 5585 Cottle Rd, San Jose, CA 95123 Come Enjoy great company, light refreshments, and our Sock Drive.
Awards Ceremony
Nominate your neighbors! Councilmember Sergio Jimenez will be honoring residents for their outstanding service to the community. The District 2 Office will be awarding winners in the following 5 categories: 1. Community Leader Award 2. Outstanding Youth Award 3. Stellar Senior Award 4. City Employee Award 5. Woman of the Year Award We would love to hear who you think has made a positive impact on your community! Know someone who deserves an award? To make your nominations, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLSdPy2NTgHYYkQukHvagm8oz1ISIO 9FfBaNwOo6_sy0ssKHHPg/viewform Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, November 28, 2018.
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Public Health World AIDS Day As part of a week of Red Ribbon events promoting AIDS awareness - Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody and Dr. Sarah Lewis, both of the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department were present at Getting to Zero Celebration Friday, November 30th. “I am just honored on this day to remember those who have died of AIDS, and to help prevent HIV infections, and ensure that all people living with HIV receive appropriate prevention, care, and treatment and can live long and rich lives. 31 years on, we have built on decades of effort and made monumental progress in both the treatment and prevention of HIV. So this is good
news. Today we have highly effective medicines to treat HIV. Our department is helping people who are diagnosed with HIV live long and healthy lives, regardless of income or life circumstance. We know that the sooner someone is linked to treatment, the better their health will be. I want to share some really nice measurements of the work that’s happening. Effective treatment means prevention. Twothirds of people living with HIV in our county are virally suppressed, meaning they are not able to pass HIV onto their partners. This is critically important in bending the HIV curve to zero. With support from Supervisor Yeager and
Supervisor Ken Yeager, Dr. Sara Cody, and Supervisor Dave Cortese.
the entire Board of Supervisors, we have more than half a million dollars a year for Getting to Zero–which Supervisor Yeager has discussed. This support enabled us to do many things, among them: help increase
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awareness of PreP and its effectiveness, inform healthcare providers about PrEP, and even pay for PrEP to provide equitable treatment to all residents, no matter their income. So much has been accomplished, but we
certainly have much more work to do, and I want to echo some of the comments that Supervisor Yeagar made in a moment.” - Dr. Sara Cody, Public Health Department Director and Health Officer
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