Nonprofit to hold blood drive Feb. 15 at YMCA in East San Jose

Gift of life

Vitalant, a blood and biotherapies healthcare nonprofit, is urging eligible donors to show their love this month by giving the gift of life. Vitalant is holding a blood drive on Feb. 15 at the East Valley Family YMCA in San Jose. All donors will receive two San Jose Sharks tickets.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O and platelet donors. Type O can help the most patients because of its broad compatibility. Platelets help stop bleeding and are frequently needed to help cancer patients. Platelets have a short storage life and must be used within a week of donation.

To make an appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).

Neighborhood Notes

CAMBRIAN/WILLOW GLEN: The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority appointed Cathryn Ming Hyde to the District 5 seat on the authority’s board at its Jan. 22 meeting.

Hyde brings over 35 years of public policy experience to the role. She will serve out the term of Vicki Alexander, who resigned in December 2025. The term ends Dec. 4, 2026.

District 5 extends across much of southwest San Jose and includes the Cambrian Park and Blossom Valley neighborhoods, as well as portions of Willow Glen.

At its Jan. 8 meeting, the authority board elected District 4 Director Kathy Sutherland as chair and District 6 Director Lisanna Dominguez as vice chair. Sutherland’s term ends in 2028, Dominguez’s at the end of this year.