i'mwe're also getting ready tandfor los tres reyes magosas, on your "comunidad del valle." male announcer: nbc bay area presents "comunidad del valle" with damian trujillo. damian: we begin with the special programs at the san jose public library system. nancy macias is the head of the library. well, one of the heads of the library. welcome to the show, nancy. welcome back. so, you have this thing called fine-free items. tell us what that is and how the community benefits from that. nancy macias: so, the fine-free items is an initiative that was presented by the mayor and unanimously passed by council, and it allows all children items and teen items to no longer accrue late fines.

damian: did you find that a lot of the--like any kid, a lot of child, they're just forgetting that there was a deadline, and then a month later, "oh my god, now i'm overdue by a month." nancy: i mean, if us adults forget, we can just imagine, you know, these kids forgetting. you know, we do try to--we give 'em, you know, receipts and we send 'em e-mails to let them know that their items are coming due. however, we know, you know, things happen, and if they were to be late, it's okay 'cause they're no longer accruing late fines. damian: do you--what kind of reception do you think the community has given you for that? 'cause that's gotta be a burden to some, even if--i mean, even if you owe $2.50, when you get something in the mail that says you owe money, it can take a child back a little bit. nancy: right, so we have--believe it or not, we have most positive, you know, comments from the community, but we do have some adults that don't understand, like, why we're doing this.

you know, they say that children have to be taught responsibility. damian: uh-huh, that's a good question. nancy: right, and so we are teaching children responsibility, we just also need to be realistic that once we have barriers for children at the library, they will not have access to the services and access to information, and it's their right to access that. so, we do what we can to break those barriers. and if that means getting rid of the late fines, then that's what we'll do. damian: at some point, though, if--you mentioned something off camera that if it's past a certain amount of days, then you take a different approach. nancy: yes, so again, this is the late--these are-- these fines are being waived for late items. however if you lose an item, you are responsible to pay for that item. if you cannot pay for it, we have fine forgiveness programs, such as our volunteer away your fines program. so, you can volunteer away that fine, that specific fine. damian: i mean, it's not like the library system needs to draw

traffic, foot traffic, into the libraries, 'cause you go into any of the branches and they're packed. i mean, you're drawing the crowds that you should be drawing to the libraries. nancy: yes, i mean, that's our goal is just, you know, to constantly be reminding people that it's-- like i said earlier, it's their right to access their library. and the beauty of the library is it's not, you know, these hush hush places that we grew up thinking they were. they're welcoming, safe places for everyone, regardless of their background, regardless of their age, and that's our goal, to just keep reminding people to come to the library, but become a member of your library. get your library card so that you can go home and access so much more online. damian: you have other initiatives also that, coming the new year, you're gonna be implementing. nancy: yes, coming the new year, we're gonna be rolling out our library membership campaign. so, now that we got rid of these late fines for children and teen materials, we're hoping that we can boost some excitement

and see our library membership numbers increase. and so, that's an ongoing campaign that's gonna be happening. damian: you know, and we know that there still is a digital divide. a lot of children, especially on the east side of our communities, lack the resources, or the parents, the families lack the resources to implement putting any type of wi-fi system, internet system. because you know, $30 a month or whatever it is is a lot of money for a lot of families, and so that's where the libraries still serve as that valuable resource where you can stay on par in your school studies and do your homework if it requires online. nancy: right, so we have a total of 24 locations. twenty-three of our branches are open six days a week. people can go in there, access study rooms, technology, free wi-fi. and then we have what we like to call our headquarters, the king library in downtown. that's open seven days a week. same thing, people can go in there, access wi-fi technology available to them.

and so, you spoke about the digital divide. currently what we're also doing is we're partnering with local tech companies to offer coding programs at our branches for children. damian: wow, well, that's our next topic. we gotta expand on that later on. but if you'd like more information, it's the san jose public library system. they are packed. every single branch that i've visited, there is always a lot of activity. any final thoughts, nancy, before we let you go? nancy: just wanna remind everyone that the san jose public library is a safe and welcoming place. everyone is welcome. go get your library card and make sure you use it. damian: thank you, nancy. nancy: thank you. damian: all right, and up next here on "comunidad del valle," cancer carepoint, stay with us.

with me from cancer carepoint on "comuis rob tufel.le" he's the executive director. welcome to the show. rob tufel: thank you very much for having me. damian: talk about your services at cancer carepoint.

they gotta be vital for those families who are going through something traumatic as cancer. rob: absolutely, we offer free non-medical support services to cancer patients and their families, because we know that cancer is not just a medical diagnosis. so, of course, when you're diagnosed, you need help with your emotional impact of cancer, the financial impact of cancer, practical things, so that's what we do. and we have classes in nutrition, we have counseling, we have meditation, exercise, we have a wig bank. we have a special program for parents with cancer and their minor children. and we have a special survivorship program. we have therapeutic massage. everything provided at no cost to the patient or the family member, because we also know that when someone's diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is diagnosed with cancer. damian: they really are, especially when you think about a family's state of mind. not only the patient who's been diagnosed, but the state of mind of the family when they find out that their loved one is being impacted by cancer, i mean, it's a shock. i'm speaking from personal experience. rob: yes, that's correct. damian: and it becomes a family battle,

and you're searching the internet. what can we do differently? what should we have done differently? you have all these questions, but that's where you come in with answers. rob: that's where we come in. so, we are able to provide that support to the family member and the patient. sometimes you know, the patient doesn't come in. it's the family member, the caregiver that says, "i really need help." they'll come in, they'll get a massage, they'll talk to a counselor. they'll use our services to help them support the patient in the best way that they can. damian: and you have-- you've published this survivorship report that you provided us. tell us what's in here and what the main points are. rob: sure, so pretty interesting. the good news is that our treatments are getting better, and that means that people are surviving their cancer. actually three out of five people will survive their cancer now, which is a big change from, you know, 30, 40, 50 years ago. but what we've been seeing is that along with survivorship, people come through that experience of the treatment but they're still having some issues. so, that's what we wanted to focus on. it was very interesting. we would have people come to us and they'd say, "you know, i finished my treatment. my family's so excited. there's no more evidence of the cancer.

my family's excited. my doctor's excited. my friends are excited. but i'm feeling depressed. i'm feeling confused. i'm feeling lost. what's wrong with me?" that's a very, very common feeling, so we developed a survivorship program, a six-week survivorship program to really help people process those things. how did the cancer impact your family, your relationships, your job, your spirituality? so, we have a social worker that will be with the survivors for six weeks and go through this program. but we really wanted to know what was happening in silicon valley. are there other people feeling that way? how big is the problem in silicon valley? so, we did a survey of over 300 cancer survivors in silicon valley to say, "okay, when you were finished with your treatment, did you get support?" patients are supposed to get something called the survivorship care plan. it's like a treatment plan. when you first get diagnosed, the doctor says, "here's what we're gonna do. here's the chemo, the radiation, the surgery, whatever." patients are also supposed to get a survivorship care plan that says, "now that you've finished treatment, these are the things you should be focusing on."

our survey showed that over 70% did not get a survivorship care plan. so, the cancer doesn't end when the treatment ends. so, by doing this report, we really wanted to highlight this issue in silicon valley. patients told us they were still dealing with side effects, things like chemo brain, or fatigue, or other kinds of things that may have been a result of the surgery. people all have--cancer patients have a fear of recurrence. that's one of the biggest ones. if i don't feel well, do i go to my primary care doctor or do i go back to my oncologist? is the cancer coming back? so, really, by doing this report, we wanted to highlight the issue. and as a result of this report, we have formed the first ever cancer survivorship coalition of silicon valley. we had our first meeting in november. we'll be meeting again next year. and we brought together people from the department of public health, cancer organizations, the aging community,

because cancer's a disease of aging, to say, "how can we address this issue as a community to find--to give support to these survivors?" and we know the number of survivors is growing. damian: and this report is on your website? rob: this report's on our website, www.cancercarepoint.org, or they can call our organization, 408-402-6611 to request a copy. damian: okay, and we'll have that information on the screen now before we wrap this up. you know, and even if the family-- i lost my dad ten years ago, but in the back of my mind is, "okay, now i'm--it's the genes, and now i'm next." and so, i'm good at making sure that i get frequent checkups, making sure that whatever i lost my dad to, it doesn't impact me personally. but i mean, that's what you gotta do, right? you gotta go and be proactive when it comes to something like this? rob: you have to be. you have to. i mean, everybody knows somebody that has cancer, and every year in silicon valley, 10,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. there are 1.7 million cancer survivors in the united states. so, everybody will be impacted by this disease, and most people diagnosed are over the age of 50.

so, the older you get, the greater your chances are of getting cancer. so, you wanna get the support, and that's what cancer carepoint does. damian: cancer is a bad word, and the work that you do makes it--turns it around and makes it positive because you're helping people deal with it. it's cancer carepoint and they're here in silicon valley. there's their address and there's their web address for more information. you can find this report there online and find out more information, thanks so much. rob: perfect, thank you so much, appreciate it. damian: and up next here on "comunidad del valle," los tres reyes magos, stay with us.

♪thisi'm gonna let it shine. ♪ it's energy saving time, ♪ i'm gonna reduce mine. ♪ californians all align ♪ to let our great state shine. ♪ let it shine, ♪ the power's ours to let it shine! ♪ ceciliof san jose,ithyes magos the chwelcome to the show.useum cecilia clark: thank you. damian: well, tell us who you brought her with us on "comunidad del valle" today. cecilia: oh, yes, well these are the three kings who are going to be with us at the celebration on january 12 and 13 at the children's discovery museum. damian: all right, melchior, gaspar, and balthasar are here on the show with us. talk about the significance of what you're celebrating at the

children's discovery museum and of having the three wise men also in appearance. cecilia: yeah, the three kings celebration is a holiday that's celebrated in many countries and cultures around the world, and especially in spanish-speaking countries, and it celebrates the arrival of the three kings to bethlehem to give gifts to baby jesus. and years ago when the museum was launching our cultural celebration series, we were looking in the various communities that exist here in the bay area and we didn't see any celebrations that were celebrating the three kings. and so we worked with a group of latino advisors and put together the three kings celebration, and 21 years later, here we are. damian: and it's not--it's gone beyond being a religious celebration. it's more of a cultural celebration now. cecilia: yes, absolutely. it's just a very joyful culture celebration over two days where there's just so much hands on arts and crafts, mexican traditional arts and crafts, and live music, and dance performances.

damian: and here we have the children there who are holding i think what you have also in your hands. tell us what they're holding and what you brought with you here on the show, 'cause it's part of the arts and crafts. cecilia: yes, one of the many arts and crafts activities that we'll have is corn husk doll making. and so, this is an example of actually the three kings-- damian: maybe a little lower so we can see it. cecilia: that we've had at the museum for a number of years, and people can make any kind of configuration of corn husk dolls that they like. that day--those two days, as well as any day at the museum, we have corn husk doll making. damian: that is really neat. so this allows the families-- you know, it's a family project-- to get creative and kind of get into the spirit of things. cecilia: yeah, yeah, i mean, all the activities are for children of all ages. damian: and you brought this. tell us what the significance of this. i'll hold this for you. cecilia: this is an example of the crowns that the children of all ages, again, can make. and you can make these king crowns, and decorate them, and wear them all weekend.

damian: all right, so something is working, right? because the children's discovery museum continues the celebration. it's been happening for 21 years, so something is clicking with what you're doing and with the community. cecilia: yes, well, i'm really proud of our cultural celebration series. the three kings celebration is one of eight celebrations that we do throughout the year that showcases the many cultures that exist here in the bay area. and we really pride ourselves in being a place that's welcoming, and inclusive, and provides an opportunity for families to come and learn about the different cultures and traditions. and you know, what better way to start creating a welcoming and an inclusive environment than with children. damian: all right, and will the kings be there at a special time? are they all day for both days? cecilia: well, the festivities are on saturday and sunday, on the 12th and 13th, and the festivities start from 12:00 to 4:00, and the kings will be there roaming throughout the museum, mingling with visitors,

and handing out chocolate coins, which is always a big favorite, especially for the little visitors. damian: all right, and who-- the target audience, as far as children, it's from toddlers to what age would you say there's still a learning experience there at the museum? cecilia: to ten years ago. i'd say between zero and eight is probably our real sweet spot, but we have--and especially on the celebrations, we have children of all ages that come and enjoy these because there's so many activities, and the live music and dance performances appeal to people of all ages. damian: yeah, talk about that, because we showed the video when it shows the arts and crafts that's taking place there, but there are musical and dance performances also. cecilia: right, we have a stage that'll be running all weekend long. we have flamenco dancers. we'll have folklorico dancers. we'll have contemporary dancers. we have a really awesome group of young artists doing hip-hop dancing, which is always very popular. we have a mariachi band. and then we'll have a singer singing children's songs and storytelling. damian: all right.

cecilia: yeah, so it's packed. damian: but the three kings, they will speak there at the museum? here they're not allowed to speak, but they will. cecilia: yes, yes. damian: all right, they will speak to your children and pass out chocolate coins you said. cecilia: yes, yes. damian: all right, well again, this is the three wise men, the three kings, los tres reyes magos, the celebration happening over at the children's discovery museum on january 12 and 13. there is the web address for the cd and for more information. any final thoughts before we let you go? cecilia: well, yes, one more thing that i did wanna share with folks is that last year for our 20th anniversary, we did a ceremonial precession with the three kings that was led by a camel and a donkey, and it was so popular that we have the camel and donkey coming back. and the camel's name is freddy, and the mini donkey's name is beverly, and so beverly and freddy will be there for the ceremonial procession which starts at 12:00 noon on saturday and kicks off the weekend, so. damian: well, thank you so much for carrying on traditions. damian: thank you very much. cecilia: thank you. damian: we'll have more when we continue on "comunidad del valle," stay with us.

♪ damian: and now in your comunidad on "que pasa." ♪ ♪ damian: and our saludos for those celebrating a special day, felicidades. ♪ damian: and here's our contact information. you can follow me on twitter. my handle is @newsdamian. also, pick up a copy of "el observador" newspaper and support your bilingual weeklies all across the bay area. we thank you once again. you can also watch us actually on telemundo canal 48.

your "comunidad del valle" every sunday at 11 a.m., right after this show. we thank you for sharing a part of your sunday with us. we hope you have a great christmas. buenas dias. [cheering] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ i love the way you make me love you ♪ ♪ i love the way you make me smile ♪ ♪ i love the way you make me want you ♪ ♪ so, sit right down, stay a while ♪ ♪ 'cause with you by my side ♪ ♪ i know i can make it ♪ you just give me your love ♪ ♪ i want you so much and i love you ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ of all the times we've been together ♪ ♪ well, it's so hard to let them go ♪ ♪ or could it be we'll last forever? ♪ ♪ and only time will let us know ♪ ♪ 'cause with you by my side ♪ ♪ i know i can make it ♪ you just give me your love ♪ ♪ i want you so much and i love you ♪ ♪ and i need you

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ i love the way you make me love you ♪ ♪ i love the way you really do ♪ ♪ for me there couldn't be no other ♪ ♪ just thinking of things that we've been through ♪ ♪ 'cause with you by my side ♪ ♪ i know i can make it

♪ you just give me your love ♪ ♪ i want you so much and i love you ♪ ♪ and i need you, ooh ♪ and i love you, ooh ♪ and i need you, ooh ♪ and i love you, ooh ♪ and i love you ♪ oooh ♪ yeah, ooh ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ cc by aberdeen captioning 1-800-688-6621 www.abercap.com

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