SAM'S CORNER

Thinking Outside the Box
           
            “Sometimes we’re the ones who created ’the box.’”

-San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, in response to a colleague’s repeated exhortation to city staff to “think outside the box” to improve City services in spite of growing budget deficits 

With repeated budgetary cuts over the last seven years, the size of San José’s parks staff has shrunk while the city has continued to add park land to its inventory.  The predictable result: fewer programs, shorter hours for activities like supervised swimming or organized sports leagues, and thinner staffing for maintenance. 

A consensus has emerged that partnerships with private or non-profit groups could provide—in carefully selected circumstances—an effective way of providing quality services to our residents in a fiscally and socially responsible way.   One longstanding obstacle lies in our path, however: the City Charter’s 3-year time limitation for which organizations can lease facilities.  

I have heard several concerns from potential community partners on their inability to work within the 3-year restriction imposed by our Charter.  Nonprofit organizations--that might enhance child-friendly programming at a local soccer field, for instance--need a longer lease period to assure foundations and grant makers that they will provide services over a sustained duration.   Interested companies often need a longer lease to financially justify the substantial start-up costs of providing services, which may include up-front capital investment, such as building a roof for our Roosevelt roller hockey rink.   In each case, negotiations with community partners have hit a snag with the three-year limitation posed by the City Charter. 
 
Joined by my colleagues Judy Chirco and Nancy Pyle, I’ve asked the Council to consider placing on the November 2008 ballot a revision of that 3-year limitation.  Doing so will allow Council to have the discretion to engage in longer leases with some partners, where doing so serves the public interest. 

Previously, getting around the Charter’s limitation—as with Happy Hollow Park and Zoo or Raging Waters—has required seeking a vote of the electorate in each and every instance, an effort that requires the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of public dollars.  This problem has so vexed our city leaders that several unsuccessful efforts to amend this charter provision have been attempted since 1972, when then-Mayor Norman Y. Mineta and then-Councilmember Janet Gray Hayes led a ballot initiative, Measure L, seeking longer leases.   
   
Obviously, we need to be careful about whom we allow to exercise stewardship over our parks.  Council will need to ensure that parks remain in the public domain for everyone’s use, and that such contracts don’t threaten longstanding City policies that ensure fair wages for workers.    In light of the worsening budget constraints now facing the City, however, and with a growing consensus for improving youth programs and parks maintenance, the time has come to think more boldly. 

I hope you will join our efforts - you can speak about this initiative at the next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission, on Wednesday April 16th at 5:30 pm in the City Hall Wing, room W-120.  A time-certain request for public comment has been passed along to the Commission; this will allow you to speak on the initiative, and still make it on time to the District 3 NAG meeting at 6:30 pm next door in the Wing, rooms W118-119 to discuss the City budget.

Sincerely,

Sam Liccardo

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

D3 Staff
Sam Liccardo, Councilmember
Khanh Bui, Staff Director
Roma Dawson, Policy Director
Ruth Cueto, Council Assistant
Ragan Henninger, Council Assistant
Kevin Schwaba, Council Assistant
Rhonda Hadnot, Exec. Assistant

Ordinance Changes in the Works to Protect Historical Structures
The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement has started the process of modifying the City’s Neglected Vacant House Ordinance. This action was taken in response to recent fires that severely damaged or destroyed several of San José’s historical structures. Staff is proposing draft language to include specific mention of historical structures, expand the Ordinance to include commercial and industrial structures, minimize the time and circumstances that a property owner can board up a structure, and include possible measures an owner could take to ensure a vacant property is secure from vandals and fire. These changes should improve the City’s ability to protect its historical structures and reduce blight conditions typically associated with vacant structures. The draft Ordinance will be presented to Council this fall, following input from the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the City Attorney’s Office. For additional information, please contact Jamie Matthews at (408) 277-8455 or Jamie.matthews@sanjoseca.gov.

Making Downtown Sparkle
Groundwerx, the newly formed Property Business Improvement District, in its first seven weeks has already had an impact in the downtown. Patterned after successful programs in major cities like New York, Philadelphia and Denver, Groundwerx aims to make downtown streets more attractive. The service teams, dressed in orange and green uniforms, have provided ambassador assistance and enhanced cleaning services in the downtown core. They’ve been sweeping trash, scrubbing sidewalks and removing graffiti. Additionally, they’ll soon be beautifying downtown with planters, benches and even hanging flower baskets. Also, the ambassadors are canvassing downtown ready to help visitors with everything from directions to restaurant advice. They are also providing extra eyes and ears on the streets for San Jose Police reporting.

Mayor Holds Town Hall Meetings on Gang Activity
Mayor Chuck Reed and the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force are holding town hall meetings throughout San José to address the issue of gang activity within the City. These community forums will offer residents an opportunity to share their concerns about gang activity and provide input on the City’s efforts to prevent and suppress local gangs.
           
The Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force is a collaborative network organized to prevent, intervene, and suppress gangs in San José. The Task Force provides response to gang related incidents which result in serious injury or death and is comprised of city, county, state, community-based organizations, SJPD, faith community, schools, parent groups, and other community stakeholders.

Plans for St. James Park Improvements
The San Jose Redevelopment Agency and the City of San José are embarking on a construction project to make improvements to parts of St. James Park downtown. The improvements are part of the Master Plan Update for St. James Park developed in 2002, but was never implemented due to a lack of funds.
For Fiscal Year 2008-2009, the Agency and the City are investing more than $3 million for the project. The funding available will focus on improvements to the west side of the park between First and Second Streets. The Master Plan establishes strong guidelines for the protection of the historical character of the park and the need to upgrade the infrastructure of the park.

The project will be out to bid in the fall and construction is scheduled for the spring of 2009.  The plan is to have the park ready for summer events in 2009.
All are welcome to participate in community planning meetings. The next meeting is Thursday, April 24th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Church (81 N. Second Street). Topics will include the park’s historical character, the involvement of the community and art. If you need more information, please contact Roma Dawson at (408) 535-4903 or email roma.dawson@sanjoseca.gov.

Feedback Sought on Downtown Zoning and Entertainment
Downtown is a vibrant mix of retail, housing, business, culture and entertainment. We want to have a balance that enables us to keep the downtown rising in terms of residential development, and at the same time maintain a vibrant nightlife. The City of San José is identifying issues associated with downtown entertainment venues to determine if new strategies are needed to better manage entertainment uses. You’re invited to participate in the process and provide feedback.  The Redevelopment Agency is hosting an online survey, click here, to take the survey.

Spartan Keyes to Renew Neighborhood Priorities
The Spartan Keyes Neighborhood Action Coalition is hosting a community workshop to renew their top priorities. The Spartan Keyes Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Planning area encompasses the neighborhoods surrounded by I-280 on the North, SJSU Spartan Stadium on the South, Coyote Creek and Senter Road on the East and First Street on the West. If you live in this area, this is an excellent opportunity to meet with your neighbors and share ideas. What are your ideas on how to improve your community? Please RSVP to Emily Wilcox at (408) 795-1885 or email at emily.wilcox@sanjoseca.gov.

Chiaramonte’s Deli Makes the Cut
The Northside Neighborhood’s own Chiaramonte’s Deli & Sausages made the cut in the bid for restaurants serving the expansion of San José 's airport. Chiaramonte’s is one of the local restaurants that are preliminary winners set to feed hungry travelers. Lou Chiaramonte is the fourth generation owner of the Northside fixture and it will be Chiaramonte’s first expansion since Lou’s great-grandfather founded the business in 1908. About 40 new food and retail stores will be throughout the new Terminal B and the revamped Terminal A, starting late next year.

Downtown Public Art Pays Homage to Robert Kennedy’s Legacy
San José recently announced the launch of RFK Remix by artist Helena Keeffe, as part of Who’s on 1st/ What’s on 2nd (www.w1w2.org), a series of temporary multi-media artworks—by Bay Area artists—along San José’s main downtown public transit corridor.

RFK Remix is one of eight art projects that are debuting between October 2007 and July 2008 along First and Second Streets from St. James Park to Paseo de San Antonio in downtown.

In 1968, Robert F. Kennedy spoke in San José just months before he was assassinated. This occasion is marked by the Robert F Kennedy Memorial Forum, a concrete monument in the form of a speaker's podium located in St. James Park. RFK Remix consists of three distinct yet interwoven parts: an audio walk, live performances and a fabric sculpture at the monument. All are aimed at temporarily renovating the site and reintroducing this forum for public debate and discourse in San José.

The RFK Remix ‘audio walk’ will be available from April 7 – June 15, 2008 and takes participants along the downtown transit corridors, including a visit to the monument. The content includes music, interviews and speech reenactments. The tour is approximately 15 minutes in length. CD players will be available for check-out from the following locations: San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs (365 S. Market St. M-F, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.), Good Karma Vegan Café (37 S. First St., M-Sat., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. Noon-7 p.m.), Circle A Skateboards (108 Paseo de San Antonio, M-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and St. James Senior Center (199 N. 3rd St., M-F, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.).

On June 7, 2008, 40 years after the assassination of Robert Kennedy, local musicians and performers will gather at the monument to present music and performances inspired by the words of Robert Kennedy. Audience members will be encouraged to recite parts of RFK speeches. The event is from 1-3 p.m.

Additionally, every Saturday in May, starting May 10, members of Toastmasters, students and local activists will engage the monument through the recitation of historic speeches. For more information on RFK Remix click here.

Teening Up for a Greener World
Local VTA is helping promote the national American Public Transportation Association’s “Teening Up for a Greener World: A Youth Summit to Advance Public Transportation.” This summit provides the opportunity for 50 high school juniors and seniors to travel to Washington DC (all expenses paid) to learn more about public transportation in America. The three day event is June 22nd – 24th . The goal is to educate future leaders about public transportations role in shaping communities, saving the environment and enhancing lives. Student applications must be postmarked by April 25th, to apply visit here.

A Fantasy for Your Palate
Join Sam at the12th annual Rivers of Chocolate Festival, benefiting EHC LifeBuilders, on Sunday, April 27, 2008, from 1 to 5 pm at the Adobe Lodge and Mission Gardens at Santa Clara University. The revenue from this event benefits EHC LifeBuilders youth programs. EHC LifeBuilders has been helping homeless children and teens in downtown San José for nearly 30 years.
Rivers of Chocolate has established itself as the premier chocolate tasting event in Northern California.
Guests, many of whom come year after year, delight in the rich chocolate creations and savory delights prepared and donated by leading chocolatiers and chefs. Guests are treated to music, wine, silent auction, and a live auction called by Pete DeVries, the Cowboy Auctioneer, who is always a crowd favorite. Last year, Rivers of Chocolate was attended by over 700 people and raised nearly $100,000 for EHC LifeBuilders youth programs. Click here to purchase tickets.

Spring in Guadalupe Gardens
A celebration of the out-of-doors, with activities showcasing gardening and protecting the environment, is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th in Guadalupe River Park & Gardens.
The 14th annual Spring in Guadalupe Gardens event is from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Visitor and Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue, as well as in the park’s Heritage Rose Garden. Entertainment and activities for all ages will be featured throughout the day including sales of unusual plants, workshops, kids activities, solar power exhibits and health resources.
Cynthia Sandberg, owner of Love Apple Farm, will speak on tips and tricks for harvesting more tomatoes than you ever thought possible from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the entertainment stage. Free compost will be distributed by GreenWaste Recovery. Jazz and bluegrass musicians will perform throughout the day. There will be garden tours and trail walks to encourage families to explore more of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. More information on Spring in Guadalupe Gardens is available at www.grpg.org or (408) 298-7657.

San José Children’s Faire Focus on Health
The 20th Annual San José Children’s Faire will be held on Saturday, April 26, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is expected to draw 5,000 attendees to Discovery Meadow (in front of the Children’s Discovery Museum). “Growing Up Green: Healthy Children, Healthy Families, Healthy Community” is the theme for this year’s event, which features family-oriented stage entertainment, special attractions, and over 40 booths staffed by local non-profits, community organizations, local government agencies and businesses that provide programs and services for families with young children. Each booth offers a free hands-on activity for children, ages two to 8, in addition to information about education, child care, health and safety resources, creative arts and recreational programs. Sponsors for this free event include San José Mercury News, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Kidango, Center for Employment Training, Santa Clara Valley Family Health Plan, Sprig Electric, and others. For more information, please contact Early Care and Education Services at (408) 808-2624.

Community Air Quality Input Meeting
Friday, April 18th
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
San Jose City Hall, Wing Room 119 $ 120
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Community Air Risk Evaluation (CARE) program estimates health risks associated with exposure to outdoor toxic air contaminants in the Bay Area. The Air District is hosting a meeting to provide an overview of the CARE program, describe funding opportunities to reduce air pollution emissions and solicit community feedback and ideas on possible mitigation measures. For more information click here.

Creating a Strategic Plan for an Issue Campaign
Wednesday, April 23rd
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kirk Community Center, 1601 Foxworthy Avenue
Has your neighborhood recently identified a top priority or issue to focus on? Once your neighborhood group has identified a neighborhood issue the next step is creating a plan of action and the Neighborhood Development Center can help. Participants in this free workshop should bring an issue and be prepared to share their thoughts on creating an organizing timeline. For more information, call (408) 723-4114 or email ndc@sanjoseca.gov.

Mercury Fever Thermometer Exchange
Friday, April 25th
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Cypress Senior Center, 403 South Cypress Avenue
The City’s Environmental Services Department and the San José /Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant are sponsoring a thermometer exchange. Bring your glass mercury fever thermometer and exchange it for a digital thermometer for free. The limit is one free digital thermometer per household. Call (408) 945-3000 for more information visit here. 

Electronic Waste Recycling
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Upper Watson Community Center Parking Lot
550 N. 22nd St., San Jose, CA
Free
Do good by recycling your electronic waste and help the 13th Street NAC get fundraising credit. Items accepted include: computer monitors, computers (CUPs), laptop computers, televisions, printers, PC Boards, keyboards/mice, oscilloscopes, cables/cords, hard drives, optical drives, power supplies, stereo components, tape/zip drives, lab equipment, electronic parts, loose PCBAs, fax machines, telephones (batteries removed), radios (batteries removed), shredders, microwaves, DVD/VCR players.

Friends of the King Library Bag Book Sale
Sunday, April 27th
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St.
The Friends Group at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library are having a Winter Season bag book sale. All the books you can fit into a bag, provided by the Friends, for only $5. The revenues from sales are donated back to the Library for use in sponsoring a variety of community and literacy projects.

Public Safety Memorial Visioning Meeting
Thursday, May 1st
5:30-7:00 p.m.
San Jose City Hall, Wing Room 120
San Jose City Council has initiated a process to determine potential locations and criteria for erecting a public safety memorial on the grounds of City Hall. The Office of Cultural Affairs invites you to share your vision and ideas in shaping this important project. For more information, contact Lynn Rogers at (408) 277-5144 x15 or lynn.rogers@sanjoseca.gov.

Off the Wall
Friday, May 9th
3:30 to 5:00 pm
Guadalupe Gardens Visitor & Education Center
$10/members, $15/non-members
Ages: 5-10
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so nature must have a lot to say! Learn how to use different types of media such as watercolors, pastels, and charcoal, just to name a few. Test your techniques indoors and then take your skills outside where we will observe, sketch and draw something we find in the park. You’re the artist so let nature be your inspiration! This class will take place at the Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave, San José, 95110. Pre-registration is required. To register call (408) 298-7657 or visit our website at www.grpg.org to learn more. Parents need not be present during the workshop.

River Day Camp Summer 2008
June 23-27, August 4-8, August 11-15
9:00am-1:00pm (depending on age)
Guadalupe Gardens Visitor & Education Center
Ages: 5-10
$30-$40/day
Looking for something fun and exciting for your kids to do this summer? Are you unable to commit to full week long camps due to scheduling conflicts or planned vacations? This year, try Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens River Day Camp, running each morning the weeks of June 23-27, August 4-8, and August 11-15. For the younger students, ages 5-7, there are fossils to find, plants to grow, and even a visit to Trader Joe’s to discover where our food comes from. Younger kids will enjoy the fun activities and various daily topics, offered Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. For your older kids, ages 7-10, every Friday is full of exploration as we use GPS technology, take a bike ride down the trail, or try to break records from around the world. This day class runs from 9:00 to 1:00 pm and offers your older child an opportunity to discover new things and challenge themselves, all while having fun. To see what topics are offered throughout the summer, visit the website at www.grpg.org where you can download a registration packet or learn more about this amazing summer opportunity. Registration is now OPEN!