Tree survey
Our City Forest is asking San Jose residents to complete a survey to help elected officials better understand how the community feels about city trees and create a plan action around same.
The San Jose Community Forest Survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJCommunityForest.
Free COVID-19 testing at Valley Med
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is offering free, appointment-based COVID-19 testing for anyone without symptoms. You do not need to be a patient of the hospital to take a test. Testing is for active virus only, not for antibodies. Results will be available within two to four days.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.scvmc.org/patients-and-visitors/for-patients.
Indoor outdoor events
During the pandemic, those who want to enjoy nature from the comfort and safety of their home can avail themselves of online events hosted by Bay Area Older Adults.
The group isn’t holding its regular group hikes but has posted two virtual trail walks: Birding at Shoreline can be found at https://www.bayareaolderadults.org/2020-virtual-hikes#july2020shoreline, while those who want to take a naturalist walk at the closed preserve at Little Uvas Creek can visit https://www.bayareaolderadults.org/2020-virtual-hikes#may2020littleUvas.
Other upcoming events focus on the area’s natural history. A retired soil and groundwater specialist will give an online talk on “Mining and Mineralogy” on Sept. 10, The speaker will discuss the New Almaden mines in San Jose as well as mines all over the world, with the goal of alerting the public to mining-related environmental issues and restoration. On Sept. 24, an expert from Save the Redwoods League will talk about the history of preserving redwoods in parks and those who helped make it happen.
Both talks stream 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. To be sent a link to either event, visit https://www.bayareaolderadults.org/2020-virtual-lectures.
Neighborhood Notes
Rose Garden>>Local artists are welcoming visitors to their work spaces this month, with social distancing protocols in place.
Chantal Eilerts and Syvie Levesque are offering private visits to their studios at The Alameda Artworks, 1068 The Alameda, on Saturdays through Aug. 29, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Masks are required. For more information, visit The Alameda Artworks Facebook page.
Across The Alameda, Visual Philosophy is hosting a virtual open house Aug. 15 for its artists to showcase their artwork, talk about their process, demonstrate and sell pieces. The event is set for 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with aritsts hosting live chats at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information and links to the chats, visit https://www.visualphilosophystudio.com/upcoming-events.