February 9, 2009

News Briefs

Picture perfect

Friendship Photography has been selected for the 2008 Best of Campbell Award in the photographers category by the U.S. Local Business Association [USLBA].

The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Friendship Photography is by appointment only. Call (408) 379-3556.

Assemblymember Jim Beall’s Alcopops Label-ing Bill receives award from Friday Night Live

Assemblymember Jim Beall, Jr., who forced the alcopops [heavily flavored alcoholic drinks targeted at underage drinkers] industry to warn consumers that its products contain liquor, was honored Wednesday, Jan. 28, by Friday Night Live, a statewide, youth-oriented organization devoted to steering kids away from trouble and alcohol and drug abuse. The award recognizes people who are leaders in their communities and are committed to supporting young people.

“I want to thank Friday Night Live for singling out my legislation on alcopops labeling for this honor,’’ said Beall. “We both understand how alcohol can harm young lives and lead to behaviors that can trouble them for the rest of their lives.’’

Said Dr. Jim Kooler, administrator of the California Friday Night Live Partnership: “We are excited to recognize Assemblymember Beall for his leadership in challenging alcohol industry practices that target and encourage under-age drinking.’’

Friday Night Live’s award underscores Beall’s Assembly Bill 346, which became law on Jan. 1. The bill requires the makers of alcopops to plainly state “Contains Alcohol’’ on their products’ labels to avoid any confusion by consumers about the true contents of the drinks.  These alcoholic beverages attempt to mimic the appearance and taste of energy drinks, sodas, and juice to entice young adults and under-age drinkers.

Assemblymember Beall also introduced AB 2337 which added alcohol and drug counselors to the list of professions required to report incidents of child abuse. The bill, signed by the Governor, extends liability protections to the counselors, too.

Participate in law and order

The Civil Grand Jury is looking for people to serve on the 2009-2010 panel. The Grand Jury is an arm of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. Volunteers must be willing to commit to significant amount of time, 20-25 hours per week, maybe more.

But the experience lets citizens take part in a vital aspect of county government. Volunteers must have lived in Santa Clara County for at least one year, be a U.S. citizen and 18 or more years old. The one-year term of service begins on Jun. 25, 2009.

Those interested must submit the application by Mar. 5. For more information and to get an application, contact Gloria Alicia Chacon at (408) 882-2722 or visit the Web site www.sccsuperiorcourt.org/jury/gj.html.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is coming to San Jose

Go into the attic. Rummage through your garage. Gather your heirloom articles. The things you have might be valuable. The popular television show about antiques is coming to San Jose on Aug. 15 and its appraisers just might have some good news for you.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’s 2009 Tour features a series of local events at which top appraisers offer the public free evaluations of antiques and collectibles—revealing the often surprising history and value of these items.
If you are not familiar with the show, it’s on KQED on Mondays at 8 p.m.

Admission to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW events is free, but tickets are required and must be obtained in advance. Complete ticketing rules are available on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Online at pbs.org/antiques or by dialing toll-free 1-888-762-3749. Ticket recipients will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

For the event in San Jose, 6,800 tickets will be available to 3,400 people – that’s two each. Ticket holders are invited to bring two items for a free verbal evaluation. All ticket holders are guaranteed an appraisal.

In addition, the ROADSHOW Furniture Roundup is looking for large pieces of furniture within 50 miles of each tour destination. Complete furniture submission rules are available online or by dialing the toll-free information line (see above).

Portions of the programs taped in San Jose and other locations will make up ROADSHOW’s fourteenth broadcast season on PBS, airing in 2010. Additional information about the Summer 2009 Tour is available at pbs.org/antiques.

YWCA Rape Crisis Center needs volunteers

The Rape Crisis Center of the YWCA of Silicon Valley needs dedicated volunteers for its 24-hour crisis line. Volunteers must complete the 40-hour state-certified training, which begins Feb. 24.

Crisis line advocates counseling and emotional support for survivors of assault and their family members on the phone and at the hospital during forensic exams.

Bilingual volunteers are preferred. To volunteer or for more additional information, call the YWCA at (408) 295-4011 ext. 229.