Santa Clara County Fair Books Entertainment
San Jose – As part of a focused effort to make the Santa Clara County Fair more popular this year, a strong entertainment lineup has been booked for this summer’s event which will run Aug. 1-5 at the County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road in San Jose.
Opening act will be Shanana, accompanied by fireworks. The fair will end Aug. 5 with Gregg Rolie and more fireworks, said fair manager Ray Lueckeman.
Other entertainment during the event includes “Elvin Bishop” and “Starship with Mickey Thomas.” There will also be country music acts. Â
Also, guidelines for those who want to enter their best in this year’s event is now available at the fair grounds office or online at www.thefair.org or by calling (408) 494-3100.
The divisions open for exhibit entries range from baked and canned goods to sewing, knitting, quilting and weaving. Flower arranging joins photography and graphic arts along with home grown fruits and vegetables plus dozens more. This year’s expanded five-day fair opens up competition to once again welcome juniors and seniors. New divisions include the Rose Competition, a special contest for all ages, along with robotics, computer science, and Web design categories for juniors.
One ticket gives entrace to all fair events.
Details: Steve Stagnaro, (408) 354-5145 or visit www.thefair.orgÂ
County Health Workers Protest Cuts
Hundreds of mental health workers, patients and supporters filled the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday morning to rally once again against upcoming budget cuts.
The protesters addressed the board one by one, waving signs and applauding after each speaker while Supervisor Don Gage repeatedly asked for silence. The county has proposed $110 million in cuts to public and mental health services. The cuts would close four mental health clinics and would leave 8,000 clients without care.
Several speakers raised the shootings at Virginia Tech as an example of a young man slipping through the cracks of mental health.
Supervisors are struggling to balance a $3.5 billion budget while facing a staggering $238 million deficit.
The fiscal year 2008 budget will be publicly available May 7 and will be finalized June 15, according to Deputy County Executive Leslie Crowell.
County Declares ‘West Nile Virus Week’
It may not sound glamarous but the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors dubbed this week “West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week.”
The California Department of Health Services and Centers for Disease Control predict West Nile virus will again threaten humans and animals this summer and fall. The board of supervisors hopes the announcement of its resolution will help increase the public’s awareness of the risks of West Nile virus.
In the last three years, the mosquito-bourne disease has affected humans, horses, birds and other wildlife in Santa Clara County. Last year, five human cases were reported and the county had the highest number of infected birds in California.
County health officials urge residents to remove standing water from their property and avoid mosquito bights by using repellents or staying indoors between dusk and dawn.
To increase awareness, the Southern Region of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California has created several three-minute podcasts about West Nile virus available on iTunes. Users can visit the iTunes Store online and search for “Vector Control Today” to download and view these creative podcasts on a computer or personal media player.
Governor Schwarzenegger Proclaims April 15-21 as Volunteer Week
Sacramento – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed April 15-21 as “Volunteer Week” in California.
“During National Volunteer Week, California is proud to celebrate the individuals who give their time and talents to improve their communities,” said Schwarzenegger. “Whether mentoring a child, cleaning up a beach or helping in numerous other capacities, volunteers strengthen our state and nation through their dedicated efforts.”
National Volunteer Week was designated in 1974 to call attention to the tremendous contribution of volunteers. This year’s theme, “Inspire By Example” reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help and also inspire those around them to serve.
Last fall, Maria Shriver and CaliforniaVolunteers launched a new innovative statewide Web portal, CaliforniaVolunteers.org, to connect Californians with volunteer opportunities in their communities.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to every Californian who invested in their communities through volunteering,” remarked Karen Baker, executive director of CaliforniaVolunteers. “Through their service, they improved the lives of those around them, while enriching their own.”
CaliforniaVolunteers manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteering. Today, there are over 25,000 volunteer opportunities available on CaliforniaVolunteers.org involving the arts, education, animals, disaster preparedness, the environment and other areas of interest.
