September 6, 2006

News Briefs

Hospice of the Valley presents ‘Life Without Lisa: A Widowed Father’s
Compelling Journey Through the Rough Seas of Grief’

Hospice of the Valley proudly presents Rich Ballo, award-winning author of “Life Without Lisa: A Widowed Father’s Compelling Journey Through the Rough Seas of Grief” on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at a special reading, brunch and book signing at Hospice of the Valley.

Rich Ballo’s story offers hope, understanding and healing and will resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one, as he shares his journey of grief and loss and how he kept afloat and eventually finds happiness and enjoying life again.

“Rich Ballo shows courage and vulnerability in his book and offers hope and understanding to all who suffer devastating grief and loss,” says Sally Adelus executive director of Hospice of the Valley. “’Life Without Lisa’ is not only an intimate view of how a young man faces loss while raising two young boys on his own, it is also life affirming and offers very practical insight for those left behind. Rich’s story is touching, inspiring and uplifting,” added Adelus.

“Life Without Lisa” is a compelling story of a young man’s journey through grief. His book is based on the journal he kept for five years after his beloved wife died at age 38, leaving him to raise their young sons on his own. Rich Ballo will present reflections from his journey and provide insights into the healing power of journaling.

The general public and anyone experiencing grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Guests will be invited to meet and interact with Rich Ballo. A book signing will follow. This workshop is underwritten by Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation Inc. of Saratoga/Cupertino CA.

A $20 donation to Hospice of the Valley includes brunch, presentation, interaction and book signing. RSVP by Sept. 15 to Hospice of the Valley at (408) 947-1233 x460 or e-mail you request to request@hospicevalley.org Hospice of the Valley is located at 4850 Union Ave. in San Jose.

Bed, Bath & Beyond open for business

Photo by Samantha Lauren Berry

Thanks to big draw “box” stores Kohls, a 98,000 square foot behemoth, which opened in April, and the 41,000 square foot Bed, Bath & Beyond store which opened Aug. 16, Campbell City Planning Commissioner Tom Francois predicts that the next city budget will not only break even but that there will be a surplus due to the increase in tax revenues. He is also looking forward to the revenue and revitalization of the downtown area thanks to the future “Ultra Lounge,” which will replace the Gaslighter Theatre and the group of shops and restaurants, including Aqui’s and a “high end” clothing store, which is being built across from Sonoma Chicken Coop on East Campbell Avenue.

"Campbell Makes Cents" campaign draws attention to how we fund public services

Shopping in Campbell not only makes sense, it literally makes "cents" for Campbell. One cent of every taxable dollar spent in Campbell stays in Campbell funding public services like police, fire and parks.

The city has announced the launch of "Campbell Makes Cents" Shop Campbell campaign to draw attention to how important sales tax revenue is to funding city services. One cent (of the 8.25 cents) collected in sales tax per dollar of taxable purchases made in Campbell stays in Campbell. With such a small percentage being returned to our community, it makes "cents" to shop Campbell, as every penny counts. Each purchase you make whether large or small, for business or pleasure, impacts Campbell's ability to provide vital community services. In fact sales tax revenue, totaling over $10 million, is the single largest source of revenue for the city's General Fund operations.

When spending your dollars in Campbell you're supporting local business owners and getting an "additional" return on your investment; the desired city amenities and lifestyle you've come to expect and enjoy.

Sales tax dollars support everything from the Community Center track and lighted tennis courts, to parks with children's play equipment and open space. Sales tax also supports the numerous on-going services like street repairs and street sweeping, emergency assistance, police and fire protection and much more. So when you're shopping in Campbell you're really investing in the future of your community.

Want to help keep our community clean?

Volunteers sought for creek clean up Saturday, Sept. 16

Supervisor Jim Beall’s Office has adopted Los Gatos Creek between Campbell Avenue and Camden Avenue and is seeking help from the community for this fun, annual event. This is a perfect event for families with young children, singles, high school students looking for community service hours and/or active seniors. Join your friends and neighbors for the next Creek Clean Up on Saturday, Sept.16. Register at 8:45 a.m., Clean Up is from 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., Youth Awards will be given out 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.

Meet at the Campbell Inn, 675 East Campbell Ave. To RSVP or if you need further information, please call Andrea Villaseñor-Perry at (408) 299-5042.

Attempted entry into a child’s bedroom

On August 31, 2006, at approximately 10:30 PM, the Campbell Police Department responded to an attempted residential burglary on Sharmon Palms Lane in Campbell. Witnesses reported seeing an unknown race male wearing black pants and a black t-shirt attempting to remove a screen from an open bedroom window.

From the subject’s position at the window, it was apparent that there was a child asleep in the bedroom. When a witness saw the subject and began honking their horn, the subject fled the scene.

A similar incident occurred in the area on July 15, 2006, at approximately 10:53 PM. During that incident a Hispanic male in his mid-twenties, 5’7”, 170-180 pounds, wearing a blue t-shirt and dark pants was seen removing the screen to a child’s window. When approached, this subject fled the scene as well.

Neighbors are encouraged to keep their windows secure in the evenings, especially windows to their children’s bedrooms. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Berg of the Campbell Police Department Investi-gations Unit at (408) 866-2708 or (408) 866-2101.