Virtual networking
The Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting virtual networking events for its members throughout April. The hourlong events will bring together small business owners to discuss how to weather the coronavirus storm. The group has temporarily suspended member fees. Find a full calendar of virtual events online at tinyurl.com/VirtualSVCC.
Answering the call
After initially suspending the service, the city of San Jose will once again begin responding to calls about illegal trash dumping. Workers have begun to address backlogged calls in a joint effort by city staff and the San Jose Conservation Corps. To report illegal dumping, visit San Jose 311 online at sanjose.custhelp.com.
Check out libraries
San Jose public libraries continue to thrive during Shelter in Place, only unbound and online. In the first month of the restrictions, residents checked out more than 56,000 e-books and audio books, twice as many as had been checked out before the libraries shut their doors. In the same timeframe, the library issued 3,000 new digital library cards to residents who did not yet have access to library services (find them online at sjpl.org/eLibraryCard).
Mayor Sam Liccardo has partnered with the library to start a series of weekly “virtual story times,” where he reads bilingual books on Facebook Live every Thursday at 2 p.m. Watch them live on Liccardo’s Facebook channel @SamLiccardo1.
Food map
San Jose residents who are struggling to put food on the table during the coronavirus pandemic can find more than 100 food distribution locations throughout the county. City staff helped create an interactive map, where residents can find the closest food distribution sites. Find the map at gis.sanjoseca.gov/maps/covid19foodpublic.
Not debatable
Bellarmine College Preparatory Academy’s speech and debate coach was recently recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association Honor Society. Matt DeLateur was awarded the Donus D. Roberts Coaching Excellence Award, meaning his students have amassed an exceptional number of points in competitions throughout the year, in addition to participating in service and leadership projects. DeLateur graduated from Bellarmine in 2012.
Neighborhood Notes
CAMBRIAN>>District 9 City Councilmember Pam Foley will hold a virtual town hall May 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. She and her staff will brief the public on the city’s COVID-19 response and discuss how to move forward. For more information on how to access the town hall and propose discussion topics, email Michael.Lomio@sanjoseca.gov.