Easing back into work while recuperating from his Jan. 28 stroke, San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales signed a proposal from his home on Feb. 12 to drain the city's $15.8 million "economic uncertainty" reserve fund to avoid cutting municipal jobs this year.

In exchange, the city's labor unions must agree to freeze wages and benefit increases next year. Don DeMers, president of the 1,400-member San Jose Police Officers Association, said, "We can't respond because we don't know what the city's real resources are. I know the general fund has been reduced. I'm not saying there aren't financial problems." The union has hired a financial expert to examine the city's budget, he added.

The reserve fund was created three years ago out of surplus funds. "Putting funds aside in an economic uncertainty reserve was a strategic, long-term investment the city council made in anticipation of the tough times we are now confronting," Vice Mayor Pat Dando said. "Using the $15.8 million to help avoid layoffs is a wise decision. We put that money aside to help make the situation we now face a little less difficult."

The mayor also proposed eliminating 100 vacant city positions, Dando said. Council members at the Feb. 17 city council meeting approved the mayor's plan.

SJPD Chief Davis
at Vineland Library

Newly appointed San Jose Police Chief Rob Davis will hold an open public safety forum on Feb. 25 at Vineland Library (1450 Blossom Hill Road) at 6:30 p.m.

Davis was sworn in as chief on Jan. 22 and has told the city council he's committed to keeping San Jose safe despite a looming $85 million city budget deficit. The 46-year-old Almaden Valley resident previously served as a deputy chief in the department. For more information, call 408.808.3000.

YMCA offers 2004
summer camps

The YMCA of Santa Clara Valley has announced its options for summer camp 2004, in concurrence with February as National Sign Your Child Up for Summer Camp month.

The YMCA first offered camping in 1867 and today offers a variety of camping programs for ages 5 and older. Parents and children can choose from traditional, sports, half-day and specialty camps in addition to travel, family, and teen leadership camps. Also, YMCA Camp Campbell in the Santa Cruz Mountains offers resident camping experiences for elementary and junior high students, teens and families during the summer.

The Y will also offer some new specialty camps for 2004 designed to further nurture a child's interest in cooking, ceramics, skateboarding, performing arts, journalism, and even sandcastle building.

Y camps are accredited by the American Camping Association, and the YMCA believes that every child should have the chance to enjoy summer camp. A financial assistance fund is available to assist families unable to pay the full camp fee. For more information about Y programs, contact the South Valley Family YMCA, 5632 Santa Teresa Blvd, at 408.226.9622 or call 408.288.YMCA for the Y nearest you.

South Valley YMCA
seeking volunteers

The South Valley YMCA is looking for volunteers who want to put their special talents, passion for teaching and a little extra time to use helping out in the teen center.

Whatever the specialty, whether it be arts and crafts, dancing, or yoga, Sarah Jackson, associate teen program director, says the Y can put that experience to use.

"If someone wants to teach a painting class or a hip-hop class, that would be great," she says. "We can even use volunteers who just want to hang out with the kids or work with them on homework."

Anyone of any age can apply and offer to share their knowledge or skill with kids at the teen center. She says most of the teens who attend the center are younger, and the Y is constantly looking for people who can make a commitment of at least a couple of months. The YMCA is always looking for volunteer help.

For more information, call Jackson at 408.226.9622 or stop by the South Valley YMCA, located at 5632 Santa Teresa Blvd.