The timetable will eliminate four peak-hour trains: trains 25, 29, 70 and 80. Trains 25 and 29 were northbound trains from San Jose to San Francisco, while trains 70 and 80 were southbound trains from San Francisco to San Jose.

Caltrain officials said the service modifications was the result of a declining number of riders and a tightly constrained budget. Before cutting services, Caltrain tightened its budgets by implementing a hiring freeze and postponing some capital projects.

"Enough capacity is available on the remaining peak-hour trains to accommodate all of the passengers from the four eliminated trains," said Jayme Maltbie, public information officer of Caltrain.

New timetables are available onboard and at staffed stations. Passengers can also call 800.660.4287 or visit www.caltrain.com.


Animal center opens next fall

Stray animals in San Jose are expected to have a new $16 million shelter in September of 2003.

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales kicked off a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 21 for the city's first animal care center.

Located at 2750 Monterey Rd., the one-story, four-acre facility will house more than 20,000 animals and will become one of the largest shelters in the country. In addition to providing adoption and education programs, it will house a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

"I hope people will come to the animal center because the facility is new," said Julie St. Gregory, marketing specialist for the Animal Care and Services Division of San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. "Hopefully, people will return and more animals will be adopted."

The city of San Jose started planning for the shelter in 1999 after the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley ended its contract with all the cities in the county because of a bill introduced by Sen. Tom Hayden.

The bill, which went into effect in July of 1999, mandates that shelters hold animals for six days instead of the original three days before euthanizing them. The Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley decided to cancel all city contracts because its facility is too small to comply with the new legislation otherwise.

The San Jose Animal Care and Services Division was created in late 2000 to take charge of the city's animal control services. The Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley will continue sheltering animals for the city of San Jose until the new animal care center is complete next September.


Emergency help for Santana Row victims

The San Jose Housing Department and the Red Cross are coordinating services to provide temporary shelters for the approximately 130 residents who lost their homes as a result of the fire at the Santana Row shopping and housing complex Aug. 19. The affected residents may be eligible for emergency accommodations as well as vouchers for clothing and food.

Residents requiring emergency information or assistance can go to the Sherman Oaks Community Center, 1800-A Fruitdale Ave., between Leigh Avenue and Southwest Expressway. Staff members from the city and the Red Cross are there to answer questions. Residents can also call the Red Cross at 408.577.1000.

For the 28 business tenants scheduled to open in the Santana Row building, the city is working with Federal Realty Investment Trust and the developers of Santana Row to determine what type of assistance these businesses may need.

Affected businesses may contact the San Jose Office of Economic Development at 408.277.5880.


Agency advocates for housing rights

TThe Community Homeless Alliance Ministry (CHAM) will host a series of activities to advocate for living wages and affordable housing and health care.

Dozens of labor and community groups in the South and East Bay areas have said they will join the events, which include marches, meetings and workshops.

"We are marching to save the soul of America because we feel it is in danger," said Sandy Perry, community outreach minister of CHAM. "We have a vision of a society in which everyone has a house, medical insurance and living wages."

On Aug. 28 CHAM will march to support a bill that will establish a fund to provide housing for the nation's low-income families. Participants will walk from the First Christian Church, 80 S. Fifth St., to Rep. Zoe Lofgren's office, 635 N. First St. in San Jose.

For more information, visit www.cham-ministry.org and www.weap.org.


Volunteers needed at SJ rose garden

The San Jose Heritage Rose Garden is recruiting volunteers to deadhead roses on Sept. 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. After deadheading, volunteers can enjoy a free ice cream sundae.

"The roses have bloomed several times because of the year's weather pattern," said Lucy Perez, the garden's volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own clippers. The park is located at intersection of Taylor and Spring streets.

For more information, call 408.298.7657.


Special Olympics organizes walk

Special Olympics Northern California: Silicon Valley Region will organize a walk to raise funds for people with developmental disabilities. Businesses and individuals are invited to walk on Sept. 28 at Almaden Lake Park, at the intersection of Almaden Expressway and Coleman Avenue.

"This is a premiere event for Special Olympics Northern California," said Christina Knudsen, regional development director of Special Olympics North California: Silicon Valley Region. "We hope this noncompetitive event will bring participants together to promote friendship and fitness while raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics."

For more information, call 408.392.0170 or visit www.sonc.org.