OH, Oh, Oh! It's the Season for Holiday Deals Galore ...One and All!
This Black Friday could end up costing you more than the numbers on a Sales Receipt. The FBI has issued a Warning for On-line Shoppers to Beware! The notice goes so far ... as to Alert Chrome, Safari and Edge users "NOT TO BUY from specific suspect Websites this Season. THAT IS A BOLD
STATEMENT ... People take notice.
The appearance of SCAM Websites has "increased over 80 per cent over last year", according to Zak Doffman, reporting for Forbes. Estimates are that approximately, again 80 per cent of those shopping "hints" landing in your INBOX are FRAUDULENT. And thereby misleading you ... down a path ultimately,
for not so Happy a Holiday experience. So, the FBI advises folks that On-line Shopping at a Website you have never purchased from before — IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Well, that Great Gift
or that Have-to-Have item — is just Not Worth the Risk of money lost and/or possibly Identity Theft. Beware folks, the Cyber Thieves have even infiltrated our On-line Shopping to where some
of your Google search results are "Poisoned" to redirect traffic to what are truly Dangerous Websites.
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City Welcomes Animal Care & Services Audit Findings, Lays Out Plan for Rapid Implementation
SAN JOSE, Calif.
anguyenphotography.com
– The City of San José’s Animal Care & Services (ACS) Division welcomes the City Auditor’s San José Animal Care and Services Audit Report, called for in October 2023 by the City Council. The administration agrees with all of the City Auditor’s recommendations, recognizes the overpopulation crisis in the shelter, and supports the shelter staff as they re-affirm their mission to provide a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them.
“San José is committed to providing the best outcome for all adoptable pets who come into our care,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “I am pleased that the team has already taken action on several recommendations, and we expect all March and June 2025 deadlines to be met on time or ahead of schedule.”
Of the 39 audit recommendations, 21 are considered the highest priority. Key performance metrics, commitment to effective protocols, and stringent data collection are themes throughout the audit that the shelter staff are
keen to improve.
"The community's concerns about overcrowding and shelter conditions have been heard loud and clear," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "We called for an audit to find out exactly what is and isn't working – and it turns out the community was right. Now, it's crucial for staff to implement the auditor’s recommendations quickly to restore trust and ensure adoptable pets keep finding their forever homes."
“In 20 years, the demand for community animal care has changed dramatically, but our core mission remains the same; we will always be the temporary caretakers to adoptable pets until they find their forever families or rescue champions,” added Matt Loesch, Public Works Director, the department responsible
for ACS. “We need to and must do better for the animals in our care, our partners and our community.”
Relationship building is a common theme throughout the audit and securing more partnerships will be key to the future of animal care responsibilities in the South Bay. This year, ACS has increased its rescue partnerships by seven percent for a total of 104 active rescue partners and will increase investment of staff time and other resources in this work. The partners specialize in
everything from newborn kittens to pets in medical crises to senior pets and can help support the shelter further as the City works to reduce overcrowding.
"Today, the Mayor, City Council, and I are proposing measures to improve the San José Animal Shelter and make it easier for animals to find loving homes,” said Councilmember Bien Doan. “If approved, we'll make sure the audit recommendations are fully implemented and provide additional resources if needed by the
www.sanjoseca.gov
end of 2025. Additionally, we are expanding TrapNeuter-Release services and offering low-cost spay/neuter options for pets in lower-income areas. We’ll also work with rescue groups to help more animals leave the shelter and focus on securing contracts for spay/neuter services. Additionally, we’re proposing to remove the $50 fee for rescue partner registrations. These steps will help the shelter run more smoothly and give animals the care and attention they deserve."
As a municipal shelter, ACS does not turn away sick or injured pets, or pregnant cats, which increases unhealthy pets coming into ACS care. About twenty-nine percent of stray pets arrive in the category of Unhealthy/ Untreatable animals on intake, almost 4,000 this
year compared to almost 2,000 last year. ACS staff work collaboratively to ensure the best outcome for pets and is increasing vet tech staffing and adding a veterinarian to meet the demand.
Shelter staff have begun to work with the Finance Department for more contracted spay and neuter surgeries as recommended in Audit finding #9 and have finalized two contracts for this fiscal year. Recommendation 10 called for an easier way for online Trap-NeuterRelease appointments to be booked and staff made that improvement in October. By Nov. 1, 2024, all of the available free surgery spots were booked for the calendar year 2024. To better gauge the community’s needs, ACS staff have left the form open to continue
collecting data.
ACS is eager to establish the recommended Community Action Committee to focus on ways to increase the spay and neuter services to the community, improve rescue partners’ engagement and communications, tailor information to rescues to their specific needs, and review options for providing affordable spay and neuter services to owned pets in the community.
“We look forward to delivering all of the recommendations of the audit and continuing to build our presence in the South Bay to be a resource for pets in need in our community,” added Loesch.
To make it even easier for San José residents to meet adoptable pets, ACS is opening its first-ever temporary downtown
adoption location on Friday, Dec. 5. The San José Downtown PAWpUp at 93 E. San Carlos Street. Adoptions of large and small dogs, cats, and rabbits can be made at the location with the pets ready to join their new families. The location will be open Friday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
each day until Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. All adoption fees are waived for pets adopted at the Downtown PAWp-Up. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, the City will host a press conference to spread the word about PAWp-Up at 11:15 a.m. More details will be shared with the media in the morning.
Putting Hope Within Reach Beyond the Holidays
Giving Tuesday this Year—a special day dedicated to supporting causes that make a real difference. This year, we're inviting you to partner with Teen Challenge NorWestCal Nevada and join us in making a difference in the lives of all generations. Together, we can bring hope to men, women, teens, children, and families who need it most beyond this Christmas season.
Teen Challenge NWCN is proud to join this worldwide movement of generosity. This season, your donation, whether it's $5 or $5,000, can make a significant impact. Your gift can be the light that guides someone out of darkness and into a bright future!
Thank you for your unwavering support and compassion. Families are being restored this holiday season because of your contribution.
We are deeply grateful for the hope, joy, and healing you have brought to families in need. Maybe add something like, Join others on this Giving Tuesday and be a part of something huge! Click on the button below.
U.S. Postal Service Releases 2024 Post-Election Analysis
Report Detailing the Successful Efforts Taken to Deliver
the Nation’s Election Mail Securely and Effectively
More than 99 Million Ballots Processed During 2024 General Election On Average, Ballots Were Delivered from Voters to Election Officials Within One Day
CALIFORNIA —
Today, the United States Postal Service released its 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report, outlining the agency's steps to process more than 99.22 million ballots in the 2024 general election. The full report can be read here: 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report.
“In 2024, the Postal Service once again admirably performed our role of efficiently and effectively delivering the nation’s ballots,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “As we continue to transform the nation’s postal network to better meet the demands of the modern mailing and shipping customer, we stand ready to work with policymakers at all levels to make the nation’s effective vote by mail process even stronger.”
The Postal Service’s success in 2024 was the result of a deepened focus on operational precision and integrated communications, the
engagement of the USPS Election and Government Mail Services team and execution of longstanding, proven operational processes and procedures, including extraordinary measures.
As in previous general elections, the Postal Service deployed extraordinary measures in the final weeks of the election season to swiftly move Ballot Mail entered close to or on Election Day and/or the state’s return deadline. Extraordinary measures began on Monday, Oct. 21, continued nationwide through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and extended through the last day in each state that boards of elections accepted completed mailin ballots as timely.
In 2024, the Postal Service’s extraordinary measures included but were not limited to: extra deliveries and collections; special pickups; specialized sort plans at processing facilities
to expedite delivery to boards of elections; and local handling and transportation of ballots.
Key 2024 Election Mail Performance Statistics
As part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, USPS is responsible for processing, transporting, and delivering the nation’s Election Mail safely, securely, and on time. During the General Election, USPS processed more than 99 million ballots. On average, Ballot Mail sent from voters to election officials were delivered within one day.
99.22 Million Ballots Processed in the 2024 General Election: During the general election period of September 1 –November 15, the Postal Service delivered at least 99.22 million ballots to or from voters.*
99.88 Percent of Ballots Delivered to Election Officials Within a Week: The agency successfully processed, transported and delivered
99.88 percent of ballots from voters to election officials within seven days, and 99.64 percent within five days.**
97.73 Percent of Ballots Delivered from Voters to Election Officials Within Three Days: The Postal Service successfully returned 97.73 percent of ballots from voters to local election officials in fewer than three days.
1 Day Average Delivery Time for Ballots from Voters to Election Officials: On average, the Postal Service delivered ballots from voters to election officials within one day.
3.37 Billion Pieces of Political and Election Mail Delivered in 2024: The total mail volume surpassed 3 billion mailpieces for both Political and Election Mail tracked.
As an essential part of the nation’s disaster response network, readiness and preparation for natural disasters are standard procedure for the Postal Service. In September and October 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated portions of Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina just weeks before the election. However, through the deployment
of extraordinary measures in the weeks before Election Day, voters in the impacted areas who chose to use the mail to vote received performance comparable with the rest of the nation.
Recommendations To Improve the Nation’s Vote by Mail System in Future Election Cycles
The Postal Service is both a national service and a world-class logistics organization. As such, consistent policies are needed nationwide to ensure that operations run smoothly, that the 640,000 USPS employees understand what is expected of them, and the millions of customers can have trust in the Postal Service’s ability to deliver for them. At the same time, when it comes to the delivery of Election Mail, there are 50 states and nearly 8,000 election jurisdictions that are far from uniform in their election laws and practices, and that often do not consider how the mail system works. This can result in a mismatch of timeframes, deadlines, ballot return suggestions and the practical reality of
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Thank you to everyone who made Giving Tuesday so impactful!
Because of your generosity and an incredible matching donor, every dollar you gave yesterday turned into $3 for Social Change—tripling the impact for the communities we serve. And the good news? One generous donor is still matching all gifts through the end of the year. That means every dollar you give from now until December 31st will be doubled!
There’s still time to make a difference. Donate today at socialchange.site/donate or via CashApp at @chisocialchange. Together, we’re transforming lives and building a more just and equitable future!
Todd Belcore Co-Founder
Showcased impactful stories at 2 film festivals, including a Youth Changefest and ChangeFest Chicago, inspiring dialogue and action for social justice.
This year alone, thanks to YOU, partners and so many others, we’ve achieved incredible milestones:
Organized 21 food giveaways, providing fresh groceries to families in Illinois, Florida, California, North Carolina and more
Made 12 radio appearances, including the The Patti Vazques Show, Marsha Johnson show and Dr. Nil-Quartelai Quartey’s show, amplifying our message of equity and justice.
Organized 2 volunteer appreciation events, like the Chicago Sky Game and Bears Practice, bringing the community together to make a difference.
Posted 6 free legal clinics, helping individuals reclaim their futures through clearing their records.
Love What We Do?
Social Change is a year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities, amplifying underrepresented voices, and addressing systemic barriers through advocacy, education, and action. Our impactful programs include free legal clinics, fresh food giveaways, ChangeFest film festivals, and initiatives like the Lift Every Voice campaign to mobilize civic engagement. www.socialchange.site
Engaged in 12 community events, from the Easter Event at Williams Park to the empowering Back to School Bash at Dearborn Homes in Chicago.
Children’s Toy Drive in Urgent Need of 3,000 More Gifts Before Saturday
Unexpectedly large amount of last minute RSVPs for toy giveaway for low income families has led to organizers asking community for toy donations.
SAN FRANCISCO –
Joy to the City is a holiday event aimed at giving low income families the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with live entertainment, ice skating, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and fun craft projects for kids. Last year the inaugural event was attended by over 5,000 people with the main event being a toy giveaway for low income families that ensured over 4,000 children received at least one gift for the holidays. In the last three weeks leading up to the second annual Joy to the City, organizers have received thousands more RSVPs than last year and are in urgent need for donations of an additional 3,000
toys for kids. Organizers are asking businesses or individuals who are able to donate unwrapped toys to the event before Saturday.
Joy to the City is a free, all-ages holiday and toy giveaway event focused on low income families in San Francisco and is organized by Assemblymember Matt Haney and Code Tenderloin and their non-profit 501(c)(3) partner Center for New Music— a community organization that provides services to families in the Tenderloin neighborhood.
Code Tenderloin has been leading the toy drive effort for Joy to the City and last year at the first Joy to the City, provided over 4,000
often low-income families don’t have the means to buy children presents.
“I think it’s important that every child gets at least one toy to open on Christmas morning,” said Assemblymember Haney.
“We’ve seen the need for toys skyrocket this year, and we’re hoping the community can help us make these kids' holiday wishes come true.”
Business leaders and
employees, community members, neighbors, and residents are welcome to donate unwrapped toys.
“Items like dolls, action figures, art kits, books, and sports equipment are especially needed,” said Code Tenderloin Executive Director Donna Hilliard.
“Help us spread joy and make the holidays brighter for families in need.
moment of relief for families, especially in my community,” said Mission District resident Wilma Bolia, a mother who brought her four children to Joy to the City last year. “We rely on amazing people who can donate their time and toys for kids’ smiles.”
Over 10% of families in San Francisco live in poverty, and 1.4 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area live in or at the edge of the poverty line. The holiday season can be an especially challenging time of year for families to make ends meet, and
Together, we can make this season magical for all!” www.sjbcdc.org
On-Line Shoppers Beware This Holiday!
Here are the Tips for On-line Shopping for a Happy Holiday and not for Avoidable Hangovers
1. Beware of ANY Sellers who post an Auction/Ad - as though they are located in the U.S. But will reply back to you from with an Out-of-Country, email address or phobe number. Saying they are out of the U.S. because of a family emergency, business issue, or some such explanation ... etc., etc.
2. Beware of ANY Websites that have Unusual and/or Elaborate Shipping Instructions! And, BIG RED FLAG, requests payment by Direct Money Transfers.
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4. Look closely at the URL for ANY/ALL Shopping Sites - does it have misspellings and/ or specific added wordssuch as: "www.ugghboots/ blackfridaydeals.com" as a Caution. Probably, Not the official Website for that well known item.
receive packages because that is a whole lot cheaper than dealing with stolen purchases by "Porch Pirates" and Yeah, your own personal security ... You have given out your home address to ?? Who are these nameless, faceless Scammers asking
Use a Credit Card ...which gives you a certain amount of protection.
3. Do Not use Pre-Paid Gift Cards for purchases on these sketchy Websites ... once you redeem these by giving out the card number and it's PIN ... That's it. So the Gift Card is redeemed - Money Gone and you're likely not going to receive any merchandise.
5. FBI suggests that you do your own research into ANY/ALL unfamiliar Websites, while seeking those great Holiday Deals by confirming the "https" is at beginning of the Full URL Address. Look for lots of transactions and AVOID those with Few or No positive reviews. Keep your Eye on your Money, Personal details ... And get a P.O.Box to
for your Social Security Number, your Birthdate, your Mailing Address and and Phone Number?? Enjoy your Holiday Shopping Experiences ** But Please be Cautious with your Choices!!
www.siliconvalleyworkspace.com
Rep. Ro Khanna's Education Town Hall
On Tuesday, December 10th, at 6:00 pm PT, Rep. Ro Khanna will host a virtual Town Hall, where he will discuss his latest work in Congress and answer questions from constituents.
The town hall is open to attendees through the YouTube live link. Tell us if you can attend or have any questions for Rep. Khanna by contacting his office.
For updates, check my Facebook and Twitter.
Please contact the CA-17 District Office at 408-436-2720 if you have any questions.
And if you would like to receive email updates from our Silicon Valley and D.C. offices and to learn about upcoming town hall events.
https://live.stanford.edu
Network for Good: Chopsticks Alley
Dear Friends and Supporters of San Jose, As a proud board member and program director at Chopsticks Alley Art, I’d like to take a moment to share what this organization has meant to me personally, as well as celebrate the incredible impact it has had on the San Jose community as a whole.
I was first introduced to Chopsticks Alley Art as a poet hired to read original work at an art exhibit. I knew immediately that this was the type of organization that I wanted to work with. I was treated with respect, paid my worth, and fed until my belly was full (you never go hungry with Chopsticks!), and I can say with disappointing confidence that this is not always the case for artists in the South Bay. The exhibit showcased a 15-year-old Filipina girl who made masterpieces with Sharpie markers and pens. Because of Chopsticks
Jose. Our commitment to showcasing the diverse talent of AAPI artists has not only provided a requisite platform for their voices but has also enriched the cultural tapestry of our city.
U.S. Postal Service Releases 2024 Post-Election Analysis Report Detailing the
Alley Art, a talented young artist was able to share her perspective with her community, build connections, and celebrate her creativity and culture. This is what our Executive Director and Founder, Trami Cron, set out to accomplish over six years ago. Her vision was to promote Southeast Asian cultural heritage through the arts. Since then, Chopsticks
Alley Art has become a beacon of Asian American representation in San
As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what comes next: the next AAPI open mic, the next gallery exhibit, the next Asian American Healing convening, the next free art class at Olinder Community Center, and the next youth ambassador… but none of these future events are possible without the support of the community that has benefited from them.
That’s why I’m asking YOU to GIVE today, on Giving Tuesday, to Chopsticks Alley Art and to the artistic and cultural future of San Jose.
With Gratitude, Chris Locsin Board President www.chopsticksalleyart.org Chopsticks Alley Art
Successful Efforts Taken to Deliver the Nation’s Election Mail Securely and Effectively
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using the mail. Many of these laws and practices were not established with the Postal Service’s operations in mind.
As USPS continues to transform the nation’s postal network to better meet the demands of the modern mailing and shipping customer, the organization stands ready to work with policymakers at all levels to continue educating them on how the mail works. While the Postal Service provides effective, efficient, and reliable service for all mail,
including Election Mail, there are long-standing recommendations that policymakers should consider to help expedite the transport of mail-in ballots to and from voters including:
Following and implementing USPS recommendations on mail piece preparation
Applying visibility tools to Election and Ballot Mail
Better understanding of Postal Operations
Continuing voter education initiatives on state laws and reasonable mailing deadlines
Help Bring Global Communities Together
This Giving Tuesday your chance to double your impact and help African Diaspora Network unlock $50,000. The ADN board has pledged to match donations made to ADN, up to $50,000. Your contribution will not only have a significant impact but will also be doubled, allowing us to further our mission and expand our reach.
www.eturbonews.com
We have received a $10,000 pledge towards today’s fundraiser. A big thank you to this generous donor! Please help us raise an additional $21,440 to unlock the full $50,000 challenge fund. Together, we can make a real change and create a more connected and empowered diaspora community.
Join us May 28-30, 2025 for the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS25) in Washington, D.C.,
USA. For our 10-Year Anniversary, we are taking the symposium to where the idea first blossomed: the capital of the United States. Our signature convening celebrates the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Africans, African Diasporans, and friends of Africa.
This year, we will present a theme that has become an integral part of ADN’s strategic plan: “Beyond Remittances: The Evolving Role of Africans in the Diaspora in Unlocking
Transformational Investments.” For three days, leaders and entrepreneurs from across the globe will gather to envision opportunities, generate collective solutions, and explore strategies that effectively mobilize the diaspora’s resources for Africa’s growth and development.
We can’t wait to share the full agenda and registration details with you very soon! In the meantime, you can review our engagement opportunities at our Website.
www.africandisporanetwork.org
www.SavingPlaces.org.
ADN convenings have brought together people from over 115+countries
Explore San Jose
This Holiday Season!
You Can Request a Traffic Fine Reduction Online
Santa Clara County Superior Court now offers the California Judicial Council’s new MyCitations: Ability to Pay tool, an online option for people having difficulty paying fines related to traffic infractions.
This tool allows court users to look up traffic citations online, answer a series of questions and submit a request to the Court for a possible reduction in the amount owed based on their financial situation. Users can also request a payment plan, more time to pay or community service. This new option allows the public to make requests without the need to appear in Court. To request a fine reduction, visit mycitations.courts.ca.gov.
New Pilot Program Cuts Fees, Streamlines
What: Applications are now open for SJ PLACES, a pilot program that eliminates fees and simplifies applications for Downtown San José small-scale public events.
When: The program is available for events occurring now through Oct. 31, 2024.
Who: City staff, partner non-profit organizations and service providers will be at the event to share resources for small business owners.
Background: SJ PLACES (Public Life and Community Event Spaces) is a pilot program that removes all permitting costs for organizers of small-scale
outdoor events at select locations in Downtown San José.
Along with no-permit fees, event organizers will be able to take advantage of expedited processes including a simplified reservation form and a reduced approval timeline of 45 days to 21 days.
For more information and to apply, visit https:// bit.ly/SJPlaces.
Qualifying locations include:
• Arena Green Park
• San José City Hall
• Fountain Alley
• Parque de los Pobladores
• St. James Park
• Hammer Theater Center Plaza
Giving Tuesday is here! Historically, Giving Tuesday has been a powerful catalyst for nonprofits to amplify their missions, increase their impact, and foster a community of equally passionate supporters.Your timely gift can help make a lasting impact on folks experiencing homelessness. We're looking for 100 people to donate $100 to help fight homelessness through employment and self-sufficiency. Your donation will:
Fund programs that help people obtain housing, employment, personal development skills, etc.
Provide hands-on experience that leads to real-world job opportunities
Meet Amen Ra
Aid outreach efforts to those needing a support network of peers, trained professionals, and passionate change-makers
Amen Ra first came to us in late 2022, joining our Volunteer Program in Marin. Eager to contribute to the community, his hard work beautifying Marin led to a promotion to Volunteer Team Lead. As his skills and confidence grew, he was hired as a Participant Employee on our Workforce Development cleaning crew in 2024.
At this point, all we really knew about Amen Ra was that he was a hard worker and dedicated to doing a good job. Over time, he felt safe enough to confide in his Case Manager about his personal struggles. We came to learn that his living conditions were dire. Amen Ra was dealing with a severe rat infestation, mold, and a clogged shower. Despite repeated attempts to address these issues with the landlord, the problems persisted, and Amen Ra found himself in a hazardous living situation.
After our Case Manager successfully secured a safe apartment for Amen Ra, he still had barriers in the way. Faced with financial constraints and furniture damaged by rats, Amen Ra's relocation to a new apartment was hindered. Thanks to the support of a local organization in addition to his Case Manager, Amen Ra was finally able to overcome these challenges and secure a safe and healthy living environment! We are thrilled to share that Amen Ra has recently started a new job with the USPS! His unwavering positivity, strong work ethic, and commitment to his community continue to inspire us all.
Be a Champion for Ending Homelessness!
Every gift, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to creating lasting change for folks like Amen Ra. Will you join us this Giving Tuesday and help us continue this important work? Your contribution makes all the difference. Please visit streetsteam.org/donate to support our mission.
