eCommunity
By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace have made it easier for individuals to communicate, express themselves and keep in touch with friends.
Facebook allows it users to create fan pages that are dedicated to a specific person, place, idea or topic.
But with fan pages titles such as Soccer is Better that Football, Saying the Word Hella and Texting in Awkward Situations, it is clear that the majority of these fan pages are for entertainment purposes only.
Arturo Fass created his own fan page on Facebook. However, he did not create the page for jokes and giggles. He created the page to promote the area he grew up in, East San Jose.
"I started the page to try to get parents and kids active and aware about positive events and organizations," Fass said. "I wanted people to be aware of helpful phone numbers, and to inform families of city and statewide activity that may affect our community. I wanted to use Facebook as way to bring our community together."
The page gained 70 fans within four days and Fass says he hopes the page reaches 10,000 fans.
"I ask the fans to participate and share events or programs that can benefit our youth and community," Fass said. "I hope that the members become active in the neighborhood associations and at all of our different school board meetings. I see the page as an online forum to voice concerns, share experiences, and generate ideas to share with the rest of the Facebook crowd. Through the power of networking I feel we can accomplish transparency and generate positive action."
Fass has lived in East San Jose for 33 years and attended Overfelt High School. He is a custodian for East Side Union High School District, local union 187 members, and runs a small sole proprietorship landscape business.
He is also J. Manuel Herrera's campaign manager, in his run for City Council (District 5).
"Working with him has enabled me to meet people from all walks of life, from stay at home moms to city officials," Fass said "I became aware of programs run by the city and non profit organizations that invest in educating parents and kids."
Fass said he plans to continue working with the community even after this year's council election.
"I'll continue to be a community activist, organizer and continue helping shape our youth so they can become strong leaders," Fass said.
For more information on this fan page visit the Safe, Successful and Stronger Eastside!! Community Outreach Page on Facebook.

PHOTO CAPTION: Arturo Fass, community activist and creator of the Safe, Successful and Stronger Eastside!! Community Outreach Page on Facebook.