The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday that it has established a free hotline for Bay Area residents to report corrupt public officials.

By calling 800.376.5991, citizens will be able to alert the FBI to allegations of government corruption at the federal, state and local levels, Special Agent LaRae Quy reports. The agency hopes that the hotline will uncover more corruption schemes by public officials, which are often difficult to detect due to their secretive and sophisticated nature.

Corruption can encompass charges of embezzlement, extortion, illegal campaign financing, misuse of authority or the solicitation of bribes or kickbacks, according to Quy.

Community grants
applicants sought

For residents looking for neighborhood funding, the San Jose Community Action and Pride Grant program might be a solution.

The city is now accepting Community Action and Pride program applications for the 2005-06 year. This program, also known as CAP, was developed to promote the continuing growth of healthy and self-reliant neighborhoods.

The CAP program provides financial support to help resident-based groups build and strengthen neighborhood organizations, improve neighborhood conditions or address issues important to a neighborhood's quality of life. Funded projects will operate from May 2005 through April 2006.

Completed hardcopy applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Feb. 28, at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, 4 N. Second St., Ste. 600, Large Conference Room, San Jose, 95113.

A technical assistance workshop is scheduled for Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, 4 N. Second St., on the sixth floor. Call in advance to RSVP at 408.277.4693.

The application packet is available at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, 4 N. Second St., Ste 600, or can be downloaded from the Internet at www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/nsinfo.htm#cap.

Knitting convention
to be in Santa Clara

Knitters from across America are heading to the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara Feb. 11­13 for Stitches West, sponsored by Knitter's Magazine. Classes are scheduled for each afternoon. The market, which includes more than 200 booths, is open to the public Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Admission is $7 and children 10 and younger are admitted free.

For more info, visit www.knittinguniverse.com or call 800.237.7099.