SAM'S CORNER

Bus Service for Downtown Residents
I represent the area with the highest concentration of public transit in the county, so it’s natural that I also sit on the board of the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).  The VTA is a county-wide agency that provides bus, light rail, paratransit (i.e., the “Outreach” vans for the disabled) services throughout Santa Clara County, and it also sponsors our expressway and highway improvements projects.

In 2005, a couple years after tax revenues and transit use plummeted with the dot-com crash,  then-incoming Executive Officer Michael Burns inherited a VTA agency that had endured well-publicized financial troubles.  Under its new leadership, however, the VTA has subjected itself to an unprecedented amount of public scrutiny through a rigorous organizational and financial assessment conducted by a team of outside professionals.  The management and Board have openly embraced the less-than-flattering audit, and have already incorporated many of its recent recommendations.

Positive changes have already emerged.  Usage of VTA light rail and buses has increased, to 42 million riders this year, an all-time high, and a 7% increase over last year.  Financial results also continue to improve, resulting in a recent announcement of top bond ratings for the agency, and early payments on VTA’s bonds.

Among the more visible benefits for our residents: a set of revised bus routes.  Under the current proposal, the VTA will cut many suburban routes traveled by near-empty buses, while increasing service to the more transit-dependent residents in San Jose’s Downtown and East Side.  The changes will come on line in January of 2008, which spells good news for our District Three residents.   It also means that county taxpayers benefit from a more efficient--and more effective--transit organization.

A map of the proposed route changes can be found on the VTA’s website,  and you can read more about it by clicking here.  The proposal will have overwhelmingly positive impacts on bus service to our neighborhoods, including:

• A new route, utilizing smaller “Community Bus” vehicles, linking Northside and senior housing in Japantown with our downtown and the Market Center stores on Coleman and Taylor.
• Increased service on the key Santa Clara Street-Alum Rock Avenue corridor, sending buses every twelve minutes along the east-west that links our neighborhoods with El Camino Real and Stevens Creek Boulevard to our west, and with Capitol Expressway to our east.
• Service to Valley Medical Center will improve for residents in neighborhoods like Spartan Keyes, and Tamien (route 25, every 10 minutes) and Northside and Hyde Park (routes 61/62, every 15 minutes).  Direct service from the Downtown core (route 85) will be cut, but service will be made more frequent by transferring from the 23 (every 12 minutes) to the 61 or 62 (every 15 minutes).
• Express bus service from Downtown to the Fremont BART station (routes 180 and 181, every 15 minutes), and many other locations.

Obviously, your input is important.  The VTA will have two community meetings on Tuesday, August 7th, at 3 p.m., and again at 6 p.m., on the 2nd Floor of the MLK Library, on the corner of 4th Street and San Fernando (take the 62, 63, 72, or 73 bus).   If you can’t make it, then let us know your thoughts, and I’ll make sure that they’re heard by the VTA Board at our August 30th public meeting.  You can also provide your input directly to VTA staff via email, at coa@vta.org, or send letters to VTA Public Affairs, 3331 North First Street, Building B, San Jose, CA 95134.

Sincerely,

Sam Liccardo

Contact Us
P: (408) 535-4903
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

Renewed Efforts in Providing Affordable Housing
The Council recently took action to address the need for affordable housing with the approval of the five-year Housing Investment Plan, on Sam’s motion.  This set of proposals will improve our City’s approach to building and maintaining affordable housing; in past years, we’ve produced a high number of units without sufficiently deep subsidies to reach working families struggling to make rent.

Under the new plan, the City’s funding will now focus its scarce resources on our neediest residents, directing 30% of the project funding to building units for “extremely low income” residents (those making up to 30% of the median income, or $31,850 for a family of four), and another 30% for those in the “very low income” category (up to 50% of the median, or $57,350 for a family of four).   The proposals include additional flexibility in the City’s inclusionary zoning policy, both to allow developers to meet their commitments and to maximize the benefit to the public.

The policy also implements a pilot teacher rental assistance program to help promising young teachers afford living in our valley.  Sam’s team continues to work actively with principals throughout the school district to ensure that the word gets out, through the regular “principals’ breakfast” that Sam convenes at City Hall.  In high-cost San Jose, housing assistance for teachers—both renters and homebuyers—becomes a critical tool for schools seeking to recruit the best educators for our children.

You can look at the extensive 93-page report at this link: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/Agenda/061907/061907_04.06.pdf

San Jose Grand Prix
This year’s Grand Prix takes place Friday, July 27th to Sunday, July 29th. However, street closures and movement restrictions will be longer. The following closures are from 7 pm Wednesday, July 25th through 7 am Monday, July 30th:

• Northbound Market St. between William Street and San Salvador St.
• Southbound Market St. between William Street and San Salvador St.
• Both directions of Almaden Blvd. between Santa Clara St. and Reed St.
• San Fernando Street between Almaden Blvd. and Delmas Avenue
• San Carlos St. between Market St. and Woz Way
• Park Avenue between Market St. and Woz Way
• Woz Way between Almaden Blvd. and Auzerais St.
• Post St. between Almaden Ave. and Almaden Blvd.
• Balbach St.
• Viola St.

For questions about the fencing, trash collection, parking, noise, and any other information pertinent to local residents and businesses, please visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/grandprix. Note this site also has visual representations of street closures and parking stations, as well as contacts for issues possibly associated with this event.

Watson Dog Park ReOpened
A recent technical report found the northern end of Watson Park safe for public use. The dog park has reopened to companion dogs and their people friends. The park is open from 7 am to sunset 7 days a week. However, park access has changed slightly, so visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/watsonpark/WatsonReports.asp for details and information. Additionally, the Soccer Bowl is now available for reservations to the general public on a first come, first served basis. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday from 9am-5pm, and on weekends from 9am to dusk. Call the Field Reservation Office at (408) 871-3827 for reservations.

Now for the bad news, additional delays have plagued the southern half of Watson Park, due to the State Agency's failure to obtain necessary clearances for soil clean-up. Currently, PRNS estimates that the park clean-up and improvements will begin in April 2009 with a reopening of the entire park in 2010.

Northside Community Center
Following up on recent reports about the Northside Community Center and its future direction, the City is now maintaining operations and oversight of the facility. Community-based organizations will individually provide services under contract with the City. These conditions offer the most flexibility, and give a greater opportunity to leverage resources offered by non-profits which can provide programs that serve a community diverse in age and ethnicity. Of course, neighborhood groups will continue to have access to the center. For information on the center’s expanded services and activities call (408) 277-2686.

Northside Community Center is located at 488 N. 6th Street and the City has a webpage under construction at the following link: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/prns/centers/CC/northsideCC.asp

Garbage and Recycling Pick Up Transition
Unlike past years' efforts to change garbage hauler companies, this month’s waste removal transition went smoothly. Route audits by the Environmental Services Department (ESD) showed a small number of missed pick ups and the call volume at City Hall's call center remained normal. The community’s patience, along with the coordinated leadership of Deputy City Manager, Deanna Santana and the Environmental Services Department, all added to the success of this complex transition.

Relief From High Temperatures of Summer
When the temperature is extremely high (making conditions dangerous for the very young and the elderly), the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services extends the hours in our local community centers for those who need to stay out of the heat. District 3 has two centers that open for extended hours when PRNS determines there is a need:

St. James Senior Center
(next to St. James Light Rail)
199 North Third Street
Ph: (408) 277-4194

Gardner Community Center
(for public transportation take the 64 or next to the Virginia Light Rail Station)
520 West Virginia Street
Ph: (408) 277-4761

For more information on when the centers are extending hours for heat relief, call the locations listed above. Also, take a look at this very informative blog for news and public information (including heat-related safety tips) created by the San Jose Fire Department at http://sjfd.blogspot.com/

Speak Up For A Child
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is a nonprofit organization of trained volunteers, called Advocates, who work one-on-one with a child in Foster Care standing up for them and helping them to thrive and feel safe. Advocates make a lifelong difference for abused and neglected children by serving as friends, mentors and court-appointed Special Advocates. Over 350 children are currently on the waiting list for an Advocate with 47% of all children served by Child Advocates being Latino. Sam and Councilmembers Campos, Williams, and Chu gathered in June to unveil new billboard and bus shelter designs created by Child Advocates to promote their advocacy program through a visual outreach to the Latino community. The ads are meant to alert and engage the Latino community in helping children who need a consistent, adult friend in their lives.

Child Advocates of Silicon Valley needs advocates from every corner of our diverse community. To learn more and to consider volunteering, please visit http://www.BeMyAdvocate.org or call Megan at (408) 573-5611.

Local Art On Display
KALEID is a local artists' gallery featuring fine art, limited editions and creative gifts by over 60 artists. Emerging as a project of the Phantom Galleries program, KALEID makes use of an empty retail space by giving local artists visibility and an open forum to share their work with the public. There are paintings, photography, prints, jewelry and gift items on display and for sale. On the first Friday of each month from 7-9 pm, KALEID, and the other art venues in the SoFA district, open their doors for an evening of refreshments, music by local bands, and free entry to meet the featured artists and browse the galleries. Take a look at KALEID’s website at http://www.kaleidgallery.com/ for gallery hours and location information. For more information on South First Fridays visit http://www.southfirstfridays.com/ and plan a walking tour of the galleries with your friends on a Friday evening.

Grocery Stores Are Coming!
Have you stopped by the new Trader Joe’s neighborhood grocery store? Their high-quality foods and beverages are now available in the San Jose Market Center at 635 Coleman Avenue, and there is ample parking. For more information about Trader Joe’s visit http://www.traderjoes.com/.

Additionally, on June 19th, the City Council approved zoning for a Whole Foods Market at the northwest corner of The Alameda and Stockton Avenue. If you are curious, more information on the zoning application can be found at this link.

Nijiya Market, Yolanda’s Market (both referenced in past newsletters), Trader Joe’s, and the planned Whole Foods are all welcome and much-needed additions to our district neighborhoods.

Boards and Commissions Vacancies
Boards and Commissions were created to advise the City Council and provide ongoing input into policies and issues affecting the community. The City of San Jose is now accepting applications for vacancies for the following:

• Advisory Commission on Rents
• Appeals Hearing Board
• Disability Advisory Commission
• Early Care and Education Commission
• Housing and Community Development Advisory Commission
• Human Rights Commission
• Mobile Home Advisory Commission
• Small Business Development

Applicants must live in the City of San Jose and have an active commitment to serving the community. The deadline for accepting applications is 5 pm on Friday, August 31. You can find further information and forms for applying at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/Clerk/commissionboard/boardscommissions.asp

Give Crime and Drugs A Going Away Party - National Night Out
On Tuesday evening, August 7th, neighbors all over the district, and all over the country, will be gathering for the 24th annual National Night Out event. National Night Out was designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that neighbors are organized and fighting back.

Please check with your local neighborhood association or group for more details regarding time and location.

NAG Update and BBQ Invitation
The Neighborhood Advisory Group is taking July and August to meet separately in their workgroups to develop plans for the next full meeting in September. For current information on the three working groups and discussions go to https://www.bigtent.com. If you have not yet signed up to be a member of the community, go to http://www.sanjoseca.gov/district3/bigtent.asp and fill out the request box. You will receive an email with all the information to get started.

The next NAG meeting will be a summer barbecue at the Bamboo Garden in City Hall Plaza( in between the Hall Towers and the Rotunda outside), on Wednesday, August 29, from 6-9 pm. Please RSVP to this meeting/event so the team can prepare in advance. Go to https://www.bigtent.com sign in, go to the Integrated Calendar, find August 29 and click on the date. A window will pop up asking you to RSVP to this event. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. All are welcome.

A special “thank you” goes out to our inexhaustible interns: Kevin Starry (Parks working group) and Anngiely Salvacion (Youth working group). Your help is invaluable.

Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Summer Events

Children’s Concert & Carousel Rides - FREE!
Bring your family and a picnic lunch to enjoy an afternoon of fun. Plan to take the children on a free ride on the Children’s Carousel and walk along the river visiting educational booths and watching entertainment. Andy Z, a popular local singer-songwriter, will entertain with songs and stories for children ages 3-7, but all are welcome. Watch Andy Z at two performances at 11:30 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. For more information visit http://www.grpg.org/Education.html or call (408) 298-7657.

Date: Thursday, August 9
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Arena Green, located on Autumn St. at Santa Clara St. across from the HP Pavilion.

Adventure Camp
For ages 7 to 10, Adventure Camp is a week-long summer day camp taking kids back in time to explore the animals and people that once lived along the Guadalupe River. Campers will make new discoveries everyday. Some of the activities include: becoming an archaeologist for a day, visiting the Peralta Adobe, dissecting flowers, planting a pizza to take home, and much more. For more information visit http://www.grpg.org/Education.htmlor call the educational staff at (408) 298-7657. The cost to attend is $200 per child with a maximum of 20 children so each child can fully participate.

Dates: August 13-17
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Campers meet at the GRPG Visitor Center on Coleman Avenue each day

Do You Know Your Way Through San Jose?
This August, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will offer a one-day workshop for educators of all grade levels to introduce the high-tech adventure game of Geocaching (a new teaching tool combining technology, math and science). Longitude and latitude coordinates are plotted on handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) units that beam off of U.S. government satellites orbiting thousands of miles above Earth. The object is to find hidden caches in Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. For information and registration visit http://www.grpg.org/Education.html or call (408) 298-7657. The cost is $35 per person.

Date: Tuesday, August 21
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor and Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue.

Downtown Summer Events
Bookmark this site for essential and current information about our downtown from events, to transit & parking, to business directories, and much more. Here are just two of the upcoming events in the downtown:

Children's Musical Theater presents Charlotte's Web
Dates: August 9-12
Location: Montgomery Theater
Information: (408) 288-5437

Music in the Park
Dates: July 12-September 6
Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez