San Jose's First Homocide of 2010

Albert Cobarrubias became San Jose's first homocide victim of 2010, after being shot to death Saturday night, while playing pool with friends in an open garage in the East Side neighborghood where he grew up.

It's just one in a long list of tragic, senseless, useless killings happening far too often, although this first incident in San Jose may prove the most tear-jerking and heart-breaking of all.

Cobarrubias graduated with honors from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in justice studies, and held the dream of becoming a lawyer in order to fight off the social injustices of racial profiling he experienced growing up.

"Albert had two paths to choose from: the right path or the gang life", his uncle Mitch Cobarrubias said.  "He chose the right path and got his education."

"He grew up in an area that wasn't the richest or safest", said Sang Kil, one of Albert's professors at SJSU.  "Instead of distancing himself, he embraced it and was going to help!  That's what was so beautiful about Albert". 

Saturday night, after watching his beloved Sharks whip the Sabres 5-2 on T.V., Cobarrubias went to a friends house to shoot pool at the 2700 block of Chopin Avenue just south of Eastridge Mall, when shots rang out about 11pm.  According to Albert's uncle, a strange car stopped in front of the home and someone got out from the passenger side, walked up the driveway and opened fire...killing Cobarrubias.

"It's just a random act of violence," said Mitch Cobarrubias.  "Albert was not into gangs.  he was educated.  It was a case of mistaken identity."  Albert's family and friends concur that he had no gang ties, and San Jose Police maintain a tight-lipped investigation into a crime outcome that seems more ironic than slitting one's throat on a first aid kit!

Countless, upstanding young citizens like Cobarrubias  who focus on solving society's problems, continue to end up dying because of them!  All  Albert wanted to do was go to Santa Clara Law School and fight for a better, safer society.  So what if he shaved his head, wore baggy clothes, body tatoos and drove an older model, beat up Buick?

He finished highschool, joined the Marine Corp. Reserves, put himself through college working full-time at a paint store, volunteered his weekends at criminal justice clinics and neighborhood watches, publilshed praised research papers on the realities and possible solutions for racial profiling, and  the hurdles he faced growing up in East San Jose.

Why did a happy, smart young man who is loved by family, friends, professors and leaders alike, have to fall to a senseless bullet, fired by some low-life, yellow bellied, scum-bag, street punk with a single-diget IQ and an itchy trigger finger?

No one said life was fair, however, we can still keep Albert's dream alive by fighting to end social injustice, and by putting an end to freedom for sub-human criminals like the one who took him from us!

Anyone with information about this first homocide is urged to call the SJPD homocide unit at 408-277-5283, or Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP  if wishing to remain anonymous.

Also, San Jose Pastor Sonny Lara, a longtime gang prevention and intervention activist, is holding a prayer vigil for Albert Tuesday at 7pm outside the steps of San Jose City Hall!

Thanks, and be safe.

PeteCam4

STORMS POUNDING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

STORMS POUNDING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Rain! Rain! go away come again another day, is what we said as kids so we could go out and play. California needs the rain desperately, but this storm has been causing havoc. Lighten storms and high winds causing trees to fall on power lines, knocking out power all over the Bay Area. San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland airports has had delays since this storm started due to high winds. Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz mountains is a nightmare. There is a down Oak tree blocking road way mud slides and flooding and  that’s just the beginning the accidents have not started yet. San Mateo County has had one severe storm warning already and high surf warnings.  Petaluma has a flash flood warning  in affect. San Jose is having trouble on highways 280 and 101 with flooding and accidents. San Jose is keeping a eye on Guadalupe River for possible over running its bank. The City Of Oakland Public Works Department is providing sand bags to residents to help with flooding. Redwood City has experienced significant flooding. The hillsides above Belmont and San Carlos has had mudslides. Felton in Santa Cruz has a flash flood warning residents advised to evacuate. Monterey County high surf warning. With all this rain we so desperately need,  be vigilante of your surrounding. If your on the roads slow down give your self enough time to get were you’re going so the accidents can be kept down.


LM

EARTHQUAKES

EARTHQUAKES
California is a beautiful place to live. I am a native Californian I lived on the  East Coast for a year the people I met there, always asked me how do you deal with the earthquakes. I would say you get use to them, and hopefully your prepared with your earthquake kits. California has been having earthquakes for the last two weeks. A 4.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Calaveras fault near Milpitas causing minor damage on January 7, 2010.
 A  6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Eureka on January 9, 2010 causing $18 million dollars in damage and a 3.6 earthquake hit Humbolt County causing no damage. The disaster in Haiti is tragic, let us here in California be prepared. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days.
In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local maps Cell phone with chargers Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container Cash or traveler's checks and change Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/


PRAYER TO HAITI

We here at Streetwise would like to send our deepest regrets for your disaster, our prayers go out to all Haitians. We wish you a timely and speedy recovery, may God bless all of you. If anyone out there would like to help here is what you do Text YELE to 501501 to donate $5.00 or
click on     http://www.yele.org/



http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Earthquake+California+coast+causes+minor+damage/2426160/story.html

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100113/news/100119794&tc=yahoo

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/

http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html

LM

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STEROIDS IN SPORTS

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STEROIDS IN SPORTS


Using steroids to make your game better, and not for medical reasons is
cheating and stupid. Another sports figure Mark McGwire former Oakland A’s
player has just admitted using steroids during his illustrious baseball career. Jose Canseco former teammate of Mark McGwire admitted using
anabolic steroids in his tell all book “Juiced: Wild time, Rampant ‘Roids,Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big” in 2005. Mark McGwire was named in this book as a steroids users, but of course he denied it. My mother used to
say “you can deny, deny, deny it will all come out in the wash” that’s just what happened to a former Oakland A‘s player Mark McGwire. Former San Francisco player Barry Bonds is still denying his use of steroids he should come on clean and get it over with. I fell that anyone using steroids in any professional sports as well as non professional sports don’t deserve to be mention in the Hall Of Fame or any other accolade,because they cheated. These sports figures are setting poor examples for
our youth. I know what steroids can do to your body. It can cause long lasting irreversible negative health consequences. Steroids can lead to premature heart attacks, strokes, liver tumor, kidney failure and serious
psychiatric problem. In addition, because steroids are often injected, users risk contracting or transmitting HIV or Hepatitis. Steroids have no place in sports.

http://www.kcbs.com/McGwire--I-Used-Steroids/6088490


LM

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Bay Area Football

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Just how interested are Bay Area football fans in watching the NFL playoffs, since neither the San Francisco 49ers or the Oakland Raiders have taken part since the 2002-2003 season?

 

Despite what's become a frustrating, seven-year itch for the fans,  and  for two teams who've combined for eight Super Bowl titles....this weekend's games had some interesting national story lines.

 

Today, the Phoenix Cardinals scored an overtime defensive touchdown  to beat the Green Bay Packers 51-45, in the highest scoring offensive show in playoff history.

 

They move on to play the suprising Saints in New Orleans, while yesterdays victorious Dallas Cowboys round-out the National Conference line-up by battling the Vikings in Minneapolis next week.

 

In the American Conference, the Baltimore Ravins shocked the New England Patriots today 33-14, and will visit the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts.  Meanwhile, the New York Jets fly west to San Diego to play the Chargers....the closest to a hometeam that we have. 

 

So, what's happened to our local teams?  The 49ers glory days began precisely 28-years ago today, when Dwight Clark made "The Catch" against Dallas on January 10th, 1982. Five Super Bowl rings followed, however, the last one happened 15-years ago! 

 

Meanwhile, the Raiders won their first Super Bowl 33-years ago yesterday on January 9th, 1977....and on January 22nd will mark exactly 26-years since they won their third and final world championship at Super Bowl 18.

 

Although they did reach the big game 7-years ago, the Raiders lost badly in Super Bowl 37, and haven't come close  to recovering since..

 

The 49ers are probably closer to re-entering the playoffs under 2nd-year headcoach Mike Singletary, who improved the team by winning eight times....while the Raiders finished with an NFL leading 7th-strait season with 11 or more losses.

 

If  Oakland does what's expected,  and fires their 2nd-year headcoach Tom Cable, it would make nine  different  Raider headcoaches to lose their jobs over the past 20-years!

 

For the Raiders to really improve, Owner Al Davis needs to retain Tom Cable and fire himself, at least by way of hiring on a general manager who can cut loose of Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, and continue to develop the Raiders talented young players....as Al takes a back seat!

 

The 49ers just need to continue improving with quarterback Alex Smith, Pro Bowlers Vernon Davis and Patrick Willis....who,  like Nnamdi Asomugha of the Raiders, have become genuine team leaders.

 

A handful more players like these on both teams, would no doubt restore NFL playoff games to the Bay Area, and probably spice up interest for everyone....not only the hardcore fans. 

Thanks, and enjoy next weeks games. PeteCam4

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2010 Census controversy

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The U.S. Census Bureau on Friday announced it would explore eliminating the term "Negro" from future surveys, responding to an emotional outcry and passionate debate which questions why our government still asks Americans if they identify with a term that many consider outdated, obsolete and racist.

 

"My first reaction was that we take two steps forward to take one step back," said Rick Callender, former president of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP.  "African-Americans in this country have not referred to themselves as Negro since the 1950's."

 

Question 9 on the census, referring to a person's race, lists one of the options: "Black, African Am., or Negro."  The controversy started early this week as the Census Bureau started its road tour in New York.

 

"I wouldn't say it offends me, but it makes me feel uncomfortable," said Austin Jackson, a 16-year old Fremont student serving as president of the NAACP Youth Council in Alameda County.  "It's unfortunate they would use such a clearly outdated term."

 

Sonny Le, a regional spokesman for the Census Bureau, said the term "Negro" has been on the survey for at least 100 years, and that the form is thoroughly analyzed and reviewed by different offices and advisory groups before being finalized.

 

Le also aid the decision to keep the term on the form was due to some older African-Americans who still identify themselves by it.  In fact, the 2000 census included more than 50,000 people who wrote down explicitly that they identified themselves as "Negro" in a section offered to provide additional information.

 

"At the same time, I think it's a good time for everybody to have this conversation now," said Le.  "The census is an evolving process that's supposed to reflect our country.  If enough prople don't want the term used, we should revisit whether or not it belongs."

 

Callender questions the argument about older African-Americans still identifying themselves as "Negro" saying, "I'd like to know just who those African-American's are."  He says his late grandmother in her 80's, never used the term, nor does his mother in her 60's.

 

Today the Census Bureau stated that it will gather research from the 2010 census to analyze the effects of removing the term "Negro" on future surveys, and on the 2020 census.

 

David Glover, Executive Director of Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal expects the term will turn-off many African-Americans, and may thwart their attempts to improve participation in the once-a-decade count.  Glover adds that he will tell as many as he can to "go ahead and be counted, because that's the most important thing."

 

Meanwhile, young Jackson concluded that, "this is a good discussion to have, but honestly....there are more important things going on in the world right now."

 

Being Caucasion, this writer can in no way properly relate to this controversy,  except to say that....my memories of the outdated term come from old movies, books, newsreels and an intense, personal study of perhaps the greatest league of American baseball players in history--who had to wait until 1947 to properly display their GLOBAL dominance!

 

The "Term" may have been ok then, but this is now!  The U.S. Census Bureau should adjust accordingly, and exclude it.

 

 

Thanks,  PeteCam4

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THE SEA LION

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THE SEA LION

Last Friday night a poor Sea Lion, was entangled around the neck and snout with fishing line on pier 39 in San Francisco. Every since the Loma Prieta earthquake Sea Lions have been floating on a platform at pier 39. San Francisco was planning Sea Loin anniversary celebration, but with Oscar plight that’s what I’m calling him the celebration was postponed. Oscar The Sea Loin is so scared he swam away from pier 39 in San Francisco sometime late Friday night early Saturday morning. Oscar The Sea Lion swam 100 miles all the way to Moss Landing in Monterey County. On Thursday rescuers attempted to catch Oscar The Sea Lion, but he was to quick and managed to avoid capture. I’m wondering why they didn’t tranquilize Oscar the Sea Lion if it doesn’t hurt him, so they can capture him and get him some help. Well Oscar The Sea Lion is swimming some where out in the sea, so if you spot Oscar The Sea Lion call the Marine Mammal Center (831) 633-6298. Oscar I’m praying for your safe rescue.

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Injured-Sea-Lion-Evades-Rescue-Again-81016712.html

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BERKELEY HIGH TO CUT SCIENCE LAB

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BERKELEY HIGH TO CUT SCIENCE LAB

With all of the budget cuts that have been going on for years, our schools are suffering the worse. Berkeley High is considering chopping there science lab, which is held before and after school, I say good, Students are required to go school outside of the school day. I think this is so unfair, what if they have to work or take care of other responsibilities and can’t get there, they fail! When I was in school science lab was a place you went to get extra help not mandatory. Berkeley High is not alone in the challenges, of these hard economic times, schools all over this country are going through financial difficulties in one way or another.
Now students have to pay if they want to play sports in school this means you can‘t be a three sports athlete its to expensive, parents can‘t afford t. A lot of schools have cut Physical Education and the Arts as well. This is definitely not good, students need Physical Education, because
this is probably the only physical activity they get. The arts is a way some students express and feel good about themselves through the arts.Berkeley High your not a lone in your financial challenges.
http://www.kcbs.com/Science-Labs-on-Chopping-Block-at-Berkeley-High/6042805


LM