July 17, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

Chamber urges support for governor’s water bond compromise plan

The San Jose Silicon Valley (SJSV) Chamber of Commerce applauds the bi-partisan compromise plan between Gov. Schwarzenegger and Sen. Dianne Feinstein to update California's aging water system as a critical step in assuring adequate, safe and clean water supplies. Silicon Valley relies on the Delta for more than 50 percent of its water supplies. The state legislature needs to set aside its differences to secure California's future water resources.

"The $9.3 billion bond act will fund a comprehensive solution to California’s chronic water crisis," states Pat Dando, president and CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We cannot afford to continue to gamble with the Delta's precious water resources. Any further delay in rebuilding its fragile infrastructure may jeopardize our ability to meet future water needs and adversely impact the critical growth of jobs and housing in our urban centers."

The SJSV Chamber has long supported water bonds that improve current water supply; provide new storage, conveyance and conservation incentives; and, protect the Delta to guarantee sufficient water resources for the future growth of California.

The SJSV Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit business association representing 2,200 employers and 250,000 employees throughout the greater Silicon Valley region. For more information on the chamber, visit www.sjchamber.com or contact Jody Hansen, at (408) 291-5262 or jodyh@sjchamber.com.

Dance Masters award Dennis Nahat

Dance Masters of America will present Ballet San Jose Artistic/Executive Director Dennis Nahat the coveted DMA President’s Award at their national convention in Orlando, Florida this Saturday.

This award celebrates Nahat’s work as a dance educator. Said National DMA President Mimi Costa White, “You have given so freely of your time and talents to the dance world through your teaching. The countless accomplishments of your students are a testament to the impact of your life’s work. Your dedication as a dance educator is endless and we, the officers and members of the Dance Masters of America as a small part of the dance community, want to say thank you.”

The event, held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Hotel, will be attended by some 500 dance makers and educators from throughout the United States. Dance Masters of America is the oldest and largest not for profit organization of dance educators in the country.

The list of past recipients of the DMA President’s Award reads like a who’s who in dance education; Sherry Gold, Al Gilbert, Buster Cooper, Jules and Art Stone, The Stern Family and Dance Magazine, Ken and Jean Phifer, Robert Audy, Ronn Daniels, Roni Mahler, Phil Black and Jo Rowan.

“I am honored to have my name added to such a prestigious list of dance educators. And I am very much looking forward to attending the convention and seeing so many good friends,” Nahat said.

He has just returned from a five-week Goodwill Tour of China, and will take a short break from his summer dance program at USDAN Center for the Creative and Performing Arts in New York to travel to Orlando to receive the award and attend the event. While in Florida he will teach master classes for DMA on July 19 and 20.

He returns to San Jose on Aug. 11 to prepare for Ballet San Jose’s 2008-09 season, which opens in November with the staging of “The Toreadore” set by Flemming and Vivi Flindt. It will be the ballet’s 23rd season in San Jose.

Santa Clara County Youth Fair scheduled for Aug. 1-3

Santa Clara County 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) youth will host the Santa Clara County Youth Fair Aug. 1-3 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds at 344 Tully Road in San Jose.

The free admission event will feature a variety of 4H and FFA animals on display as well as more than 1,300 arts and crafts entries created by local youth ages 5-19. Two stages will feature local performers and many organizations are hosting fun interactive booths. There will be a petting zoo, pony rides and many other family friendly events throughout the weekend. A livestock auction will take place Sunday, Aug. 3.

“This event provides a venue for the youth of Santa Clara County to showcase their talents, and win awards for their hard work,” said Jennifer Graybeal, publicity coordinator for the Santa Clara County Youth Fair. “We are excited about this event and the value it will bring to local families and youth.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring backpacks and school supplies for donation to the Family Giving Tree for local kids in need.

Both FFA and 4H are dedicated to supporting their local community through a variety of service programs and leadership opportunities for youth. In addition to animal projects, members can focus their learning on business, technology, public speaking, and the arts. This event will provide a snapshot of the many projects youth members have completed throughout the year.

A complete list of Youth Fair events can be found at www.sccyouthfair.com/blogspot. Call (408) 494-3194 for more information and to host an interactive exhibit.

Almaden resident gradates from infantry training school

Army National Guard Pfc. Shane S. Keno has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of basic infantry training and advanced individual training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The advanced individual training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Keno is the son of Catherine Kimbriel of Bret Hill Court in San Jose. He graduated from Leland High School in 2006.

Almaden Neighborhood Church to hold earthquake fundraiser

Almaden Neighborhood Church will hold a barbeque fund-raiser for Sichuan earthquake relief on July 27 at Via Valiente Plaza.

The church is looking for businesses and people to help raise money for this cause. Cash, items and gift certificates are being accepted, which will be auctioned. All gifts will be posted at ANC's Web site http://www.anchurch.org. Other churches are also being asked to partner with Almaden Neighborhood Church.

The Almaden Neighborhood Church first opened its doors in September 1955. Located in the heart of the Almaden Valley, the church has always existed to reach out to the local community with the love of Christ. The congregation is made up of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds that come together to form a warm and welcoming family.

In 2006, Pastor Jordan Wong was installed to lead the church into deeper relationship with God and greater impact in the community. Currently, Almaden Neighborhood Church is growing and filled with children, teens and adults who desire to love God, love others and change the world.

American Lung Association applauds landmark wood burning regulation

The American Lung Association of California applauds the recent historic vote by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to reduce harmful exposures of wood smoke pollution in the Bay Area. The air district voted unanimously to support a wood burning regulation that will curtail wood burning on nights when the air is unhealthy and will limit visible emissions from chimneys year round.

“The vote is a giant step forward for healthier air in the Bay Area,” said Karen Fulton Holine, regional vice president of the American Lung Association of California. “Wood smoke pollution is a serious problem that, until now, has not been regulated. The air district recognizes the harmful effects of wood smoke pollution and this measure will provide public health protection for the seven million residents of the Bay Area, including an estimated one million who suffer from lung disease.”

Wood smoke consists of tiny toxic particles that pose a serious public health threat when inhaled. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable. Research has shown that wood smoke pollution can worsen breathing, exacerbate asthma and emphysema and cause premature death.

“We have made major improvements in public health by limiting exposures to secondhand tobacco smoke. It is time do the same for wood smoke,” said John Balmes, M.D., a pulmonary and critical care physician representing the American Lung Association of California at today’s public hearing.

The American Lung Association of California has worked for nearly two decades to advance protections against harmful wood smoke pollution. By banning all wood burning on nights when the air is unhealthy, and restricting visible wood smoke emissions year-round, this is the most health protective regulation in California, and possibly the nation.

“The regulation will help protect residents from the serious health consequences of toxic wood smoke pollution. These include heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks, and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” said Anthony Gerber, M.D., a UCSF researcher and a volunteer with the California Thoracic Society.