SAM'S CORNER

Making San Jose America’s “Solar City"
          I’m fortunate to have colleagues on the City Council who share my passion for environmental advocacy.  On June 5, we unanimously approved the most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction strategy of any major city in the United States, voting to reduce municipal emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2012, with larger reductions in future years. We have good reason to feel bullish about our prospects, based on our City’s accomplishments to date.  For example, the recent installation of LED’s in traffic lights city-wide saves our taxpayers $1.4 million in energy costs annually. The City will announce meetings in the coming months where we’ll discuss community-wide strategies for reducing our collective carbon footprint.
     Although we have a team in City Hall dedicated to reducing the City’s use of nonrenewable energy, those efforts—and the City’s leadership in this area--appear stymied by budgetary constraints. Despite boasting some of the nation’s largest and most innovative solar technology companies, and despite a climate of 300 days of sun a year, we still do not have a solar panel on a single City building.  We are missing opportunities to save millions of dollars in energy costs, and we’re failing to take leadership in an area in which we should earn the title as America’s “Solar City.”
     Joined by my colleague, Judy Chirco, I introduced a measure in May designed to seize upon those opportunities, by launching a strategy to finance the capital costs of installing photovoltaic cells on city buildings throughout San Jose.  We will do so without increasing taxes or touching the general fund, through either of two strategies: solar energy bonds, which city departments would amortize with the energy cost savings, and power purchase agreements, that would allow private companies to build and own their solar installations, and sell electricity to the City at a discounted rate. We’ll see the measure come to the Transportation and Environment Committee (of which I’m Vice-Chair) in August, and I’ll work to push it forward thereafter.  With passage of the measure, we can all benefit from knowing that we’re saving taxpayers money while doing our part to protect our planet.

Sincerely,

Sam Liccardo

Contact Us
P: (408) 535-4903
http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/

D3 Staff
Sam Liccardo, Councilmember
Roma Dawson, Policy Director
Khanh Bui, Staff Director
Kevin Schwaba, Council Aide
Rhonda Hadnot, Exec. Assistant
Eric Hernandez, Council Intern

The New Downtown Parking Management Plan & Pilot Project
Sam and various city departments have been deliberating on how to enhance our downtown's nightlife experience while also addressing the concerns of public safety, impacts on nearby residential neighborhoods, and police overtime costs related to security and vandalism in parking garages. The City Council approved a pilot project introducing both a graduating fee for garage parking after 6 pm and a “soft closing” up to 3 am on weekends.

For parking security and management, there will be a $5 entry fee after 10 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from July 1 thru December 31, 2007, on a pilot basis at these garages:

• Convention Center Garage
• Market Street Garage
• Second & San Carlos Garage
• Third Street Garage
• Fourth Street Garage
  *A $2 entry fee after 6 pm will be added on January 1, 2008

Sam supports thorough measurement criteria including reviewing club attendance levels, lot entry data, and criminal activity reports. Sam suggests that careful comparison of the pre-pilot data and vigilant, periodic assessment of the pilot in process will give the plan a chance to correct course if necessary, and provide concrete results of successes as they become evident.

Additionally, a “soft close” allows nightclubs and restaurants legally operating until 2 am to operate until 3 am in a 12-block radius of downtown, but alcohol sales must end at 1:30 am. Establishments can and will hopefully make food available in the late hours after 1:30 am. A longer time to disperse and more time to sober up is expected to reduce policing costs.

Sam knows that there is a delicate balance to strike with businesses, neighbors, and those who want to enjoy the offerings of our downtown at night and the overwhelming majority embrace the new plan.

There will be a community meeting with Sam, the Department of Transportation, SJPD, and several other experts to talk about the changes coming and to answer your questions. Please join us.

Date: Thursday, June 28
Location: City Hall in Wing Rooms 119-120
Time: 6:30pm

Parking in Green area near Wing entrance Bring entrance ticket to validate Parking is free only with validated ticket

Bumps and Lumps
Policy 5-6 mandates that traffic calming measures only be taken when analysis shows average speeds exceed a speed set for that type of street. While this policy looks at reducing speeds collectively with an average, it does not account for individual incidence of speeding and their number per day which is what the residents on a street can experience. On June 5th, the City Council approved Sam's motion to grant a temporary exemption to Traffic Calming Policy 5-6 so that a speed lump pilot program could take place in the Vendome neighborhood.

You might be wondering “What is a Speed Lump?” Unlike speed bumps, speed lumps have grooves in them spaced wide enough to let the tires of a fire truck roll through them (also called “split lumps”). For cars the rise in the lump takes place over a length of seven feet resulting in a smooth, rolling motion if driving at slow speeds. Bicyclists can also ride between the lumps.

The Vendome Neighborhood Association voted overwhelmingly for these lumps in a January community meeting. The pilot program will install six lumps on North San Pedro between Taylor and Ryland streets for one year starting in October, and will include comprehensive analysis every six months. The cost is $5,000 per lump which will be funded with traffic mitigation fees from a nearby development, meaning they come at no cost to taxpayers. Six months after the installation, city staff will report the results to Sam and the rest of the Transportation and Environment Committee.

Sam also proposed reforming Policy 5-6 to improve the policy's ability to adapt to new, innovative traffic calming measures, as well as to facilitate neighborhoods' desire to address traffic wrought by new developments.

A big “Thank You” to the Vendome Neighborhood Association and Deputy City Manager, Mark Linder, who worked hard to find a way to make this happen.

NAG Update
Elections to choose a Chair and a Vice-Chair to run the Neighborhood Advisory Group (NAG) have taken place. Congratulations to our new Chair, Don Gagliardi, and our new Vice-Chair, Beth Shafran-Mukai. NAG has already begun work on the three focus areas chosen after deliberations and with the following criteria in mind: 1) That the priority is transformative for the community, 2) that it is an issue that affects all of D3, 3) that measurable accomplishments can be seen in the next 2 years, and 4) that it is an issue where neighborhood leaders can contribute to the solution by marshaling our resources together, not just by throwing money at it.

The Youth Activities/Gang Abatement Working Group has chosen these three goals:

• Strengthen enforcement by pursing more aggressive legal measures such as civil injunction and gang abatement;
• Develop community job programs with a mentorship component;and
• Increase activities/hours of activities at community centers and improve current programs.

The Streets, Sidewalks and Infrastructure Maintenance Working Group has chosen these three goals:

• Maintain our city streets through community projects such as street cleaning, signage, enforcement/ticketing.
• Implement Traffic Calming and Couplet Conversion measures such as bulbouts, stop signs, and speed bumps.
• Improve the aesthetics through measures such as planting street trees in park strips, burying utilities, and increasing the number of trash cans.

The Parks, Pools, and Trails (amended to also include community centers and libraries) Operations & Maintenance Working Group has chosen these three goals:

• Maintain what we have (including staffing)
• Restore what closed (i.e. pools, Watson Park, staffing)
• Implement plans for new facilities (include staffing)

At the next meeting on June 20 (at City Hall-Wing Room 118-119), we will be electing the leadership for the three working groups. You are welcome to attend. Remember that within the working groups, we are attempting to leverage community resources and community leadership to come up with novel and inventive ways to do more with what we have.

Summer Aquatics Program
Here is the latest from the City Manager’s office regarding the Summer Aquatics Program:
“Early mail-in registration for the summer aquatics program closed on May 18. Preliminary analysis indicates registration activity has been heavy, with over $71,000 collected in revenue for the eight sites to be operated. Camden and Fair, the two City-owned facilities, are tracking at or above normal. Of the six leased sites, Santa Teresa and Piedmont High Schools have received the highest level of mail-in registrations. The additional funding approved by Council in February will not only double the number of pools available this summer, but will also allow for evening and Saturday hours to be offered in response to the input received from residents during the Aquatics Master Plan process. Walk-in registration for summer swim lessons will take place on June 14 and 15 from 4-7 p.m. at Camden Community Center, Fair Swim Center, Peter Burnett Middle School, Willow Glen High School and Del Mar High School and on June 15 from 4-7 p.m. for Piedmont Hills High School, Santa Teresa High School and Silver Creek High School. Staff is working with the local media to promote the walk-in registration process. The first day of the Summer Aquatics season starts on June 19th.”

Japantown Improvements
On May 10th, Japantown community leaders and the Redevelopment Agency held a meeting to discuss the Yu Ai Kai / Boys & Girls Club Project, new diagonal parking and resurfacing on Jackson Street, as well as aesthetic improvements like banners and lights, and a public parking lot on 6th Street. These improvements come along as the city finishes negotiations with Williams & Dame Developers to finalize the contract to develop the Corp Yard lot. Jackson Street between 4th and 6th is estimated to be resurfaced and incorporate diagonal parking and meter installation in June. Jackson Street between 6th and 9th Streets will be slurry sealed and incorporate diagonal parking and install meters from 6th to 7th Street in August. All businesses on Jackson Street will have sidewalk access during construction activities. Sam continues his commitment to protecting and strengthening the community assets of Japantown.

Recognition and Inspiration at the Strong Neighborhoods Dinner
On June 6th, Neighborhood Housing Services, staff from multiple city departments, Sam and other City Councilmembers, and neighborhood residents celebrated the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. The event was emceed by District 3 neighborhood leader Autumn Guttierez. Awards were given to several District 3 neighborhood leaders for their tremendous efforts in SNI areas including Omar Torres, Don Gagliardi, Terry Christensen and CommUniverCity, Kathy Sutherland, Marie Sequeira, Kevin Christman, Steve Burbank, Tom Boehme, Frank Barnard, Walter Soellner, Mary Guzman, and Yolanda Arteaga. Congratulations to these wonderful neighborhood leaders who have empowered their communities through their generosity, selflessness, and hard work.

NHS is a non-profit providing programs and services that promote and support responsible home ownership as a means of revitalizing lower-income neighborhoods in San Jose. As part of their response to needs arising in the community, NHS announces a new hotline to help those who may be facing foreclosure. The hotline provides someone to talk to who understands how the process works, and what resources may be available to help homeowners dealing with foreclosure. The phone number is (888) 995-HOPE.

We also thank Deputy City Manager Mark Linder, SNI Director Laura Lam, and SNI staff for their impressive leadership.

San Jose Pride Parade & Family Festival 2007
On June 10, the 32nd Annual San Jose Pride Parade marched in the downtown with the community theme “We are all growing stronger together.” There were 29 elected officials marching in the parade including Sam, Dave Cortese, Nancy Pyle, and Judy Chirco as well as PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), BAYMEC (Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee), and many church & civic groups. Sam spoke to the large crowd at the Family Festival and won the "Hottest Parade Participant" award. Sam is a star wherever he goes.

Reading is Fundamental
Debbie Harika knows how important a good foundation in reading can help children thrive. Debbie’s grandmother (who was a teacher) required her to read books all summer in her childhood and when school was out for summer for her own kids, they were sent home with a reading list and a book report form to be completed before school started again in the fall. At a recent Women’s Service Group meeting, discussion turned to school libraries and Debbie found out that funding cuts had reduced or eliminated a number of them. Debbie got to thinking and with just a little bit of research and the help of Barnes & Noble Book Stores, she started a Summer Reading Program for the kids in her Hyde Park neighborhood. She delivered 100 packets with an offer to parents to enroll their children, ages 6 to 16. Each child will receive a $10 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble to buy a book It also comes with a book report form to complete and send to Debbie when they finish the book. She will then send out another $10 gift certificate so they can get another book and continue exploring the world through reading all summer long. Children can choose any book they would like to read except comic books and on-line material. If Debbie’s program inspires you, like it did us, you can contact her at mailto:debbie@debbieharika.com or call her office at (408) 583-3604 for more information.

Police Burglary Unit Warning
The San Jose Police Department Burglary Unit is investigating several reports of sus-pects impersonating Water District employees. These impersonators contact senior citizens at their homes saying they are with the Water District or some other construc-tion or utility company doing work in the area. Typically, they will ask to perform some task in one part of your house or yard while a partner goes to other parts of the house and takes valuables. You should not allow any unscheduled visitor, repairman or “com-pany employee” of any type into your home. Call “9-1-1” immediately if you see any suspicious person, vehicle or activity in your neighborhood.

A New Youth Commissioner for D3
We want to congratulate Claudia Flores, our super fantastic intern on her nomination to the City's Youth Commission. As an advocate for youth, she will be representing District 3 to promote more youth involvement in municipal government, help allocate resources to youth programs, and play a key role in fostering the growth and vision of the commission. For the summer, we will be losing Claudia, but she isn't going far. Claudia Flores is attending a summer program at Stanford University called “Stanford Medical Youth Science Program”. Claudia is already a very accomplished young person in our community and we wish her luck and a fantastic summer with her new challenges.

Historic District's New Retailers
New restaurants and clothing boutiques are continuing to shape the identity of Downtown San Jose's Historic District while providing more dining and shopping options for Downtown's diverse audience.

Two new boutiques opened on South First Street, bringing their own sense of style and fashion to Downtown San Jose. On First Boutique (76 S. First Street - formerly The Record Shop) features independent fashion labels in men’s and women's apparel and accessories such as Modern Amusement, Paul Frank and DSL55. On the same block, Purist Boutique recently opened its doors at the former Pueblo Viejo location (66 S. First Street). Purist features urban apparel for men and women from brands like Stussy, Toki Doki and True Religion Denim.

Historic District patrons also have more dining and lounge options. For the mature crowd, A Perfect Finish (55 S. First Street) opened its doors at the corner of First and Post Streets. The upscale wine and dessert bar serves premium wines and spirits, scrumptious desserts and small plates in a living-room-like atmosphere. Across the street, Koji Sake Lounge (48 S. First Street) features over 25 kinds of premium sake and shochus, signature sake cocktails and small dishes in a modern deco setting.

Along with the new retailers and restaurants, CIM's The Globe residential complex between Second and Third Streets is currently forming an interest list. They will be opening an on-site leasing center in the summer with a full model unit for viewing. For more information, please visit http://www.theglobesanjose.com.

Jazz Festival Volunteers Needed
The 18th Annual San Jose Jazz Festival is right around the corner, and every year volunteers provide essential assistance at concerts, booths, and in the festival office. Consider being part of this exciting experience (you get a free T-shirt too!). To apply to be a volunteer at this year's festival go to: http://www.sanjosejazz.org/volunteer.html and download the application form. Festival dates are August 10-12, 2007.

You are Cordially Invited
Join Honorary Hosts Sam Liccardo, Nora Campos, and Blanca Alvarado for Vinos del Cielo, the Hispanic Vintners Alliance Gala Wine Tasting with special guest of honor José Eduardo Loreto, Acting Cónsul General of the Mexican Consulate. The event features ultra-premium wines of the Hispanic Vintners Alliance paired with platillos y botanas Mexicanas. This event benefits the Mexican Heritage Plaza Youth Mariachi Program, and the Alum Rock School District East San Jose Latino Role Model Conference.

Date: Saturday, July 21, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza 1700 Alum Rock Ave.

Ticket sales will be limited. Advance purchase only. For secure online reservations go to: https://www.acteva.com/go/VinosdelCielo. For more information contact the Mexican Heritage Plaza box office at (408) 928-5563 or call Esau Ruiz Herrera at (408) 926-7163.

The Tech Museum of Innovation Hosts the First Northern California Showing Of BODY WORLDS 2 & The Three Pound Gem -- Gunther von Hagens’ Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies

Featuring more than 200 real human body specimens, including more than 20 whole bodies, healthy and unhealthy organs, body sections and slices, all preserved through a remarkable process called Plastination, visitors to BODY WORLDS will actually see inside the human body, learn how it works and how it can be affected by disease and lifestyle choices. In conjunction with the exhibition, The Tech is partnering with presenting sponsor, The Health Trust, and other local and national health associations and institutes to offer educational programming centered on health, fitness, prevention and well-being. Additionally, The Tech will be featuring the relevant and educational IMAX movies “The Human Body” and “Wired to Win”. Get your tickets early to this very popular event http://www.thetech.org/bodyworld/buy_tickets.html

Date: Sept. 27, 2007 thru January 26, 2008
Time: 9:00am -9:00 pm
Location: The Tech Museum

Tickets go on sale to the general public on July 2.

Next time you are at the Airport, check out these light boxes, promoting San Jose.