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2009
Accomplishments |
The following is a summary of projects I have been working on,
many with you, to improve our community. I have organized the following
into neighborhood areas. Please let me know if you have any comments
or questions at district4@sanjoseca.gov.
Citywide
Districtwide
Alviso
Berryessa
North San Jose
Citywide
San José Main Post Office Renamed
After Gordon N. Chan
Last year, I supported Congressmember Mike Honda by bringing a resolution
to the City Council to rename the San José Main Post Office
in honor of our community leader Gordon N. Chan. On February 18,
2009, the official dedication ceremony was held at the Post Office.
I would like to thank the following community members who wrote
to the City Council encouraging the City to support the resolution:
Overfelt Chinese Cultural Gardens, Asian Americans for Community
Involvement, Dr. Rodney Lum, Rose Whitcomb, and many more.
Preserving Essential Services in FY 2009-2010
Budget
The Proposed FY 2009-2010 Operating Budget included a large number
of service reductions with serious impacts on the well-being of
our residents. Responding to the enormity of those impacts required
attention to numerous reinstatement recommendations, including:
the park ranger program, branch library hours, traffic calming program,
crime prevention staffing, as well as police staffing.
Collaboration opens opportunities for thinking outside the box
and being creative in addressing issues and problems. In 2009, the
City of San José faced the challenge of making up an $85
million shortfall to balance the budget for the fiscal year beginning
on July 1, 2009. Instead of focusing on neighborhood specific budget
recommendations, I worked collaboratively with Councilmembers Campos,
Kalra, Nguyen, and Pyle and took an uncommon step of offering a
broad, multi-issue Budget Document to the Mayor for preserving essential
city services. Council Members had a deadline to submit their budget
recommendations to the Mayor on Thursday, May 21, 2009.
State Budget Impacts on the City of San
José
In July, the City of San José selected me to represent San
José at the Local Government Summit on Governance and Fiscal
Reform in Sacramento. This was a two-day forum where mayors, council
members, county supervisors, and school board members from across
California discussed and debated emerging proposals to reform our
state governance and fiscal systems. The outcome of this summit
resulted in the adoption of three key principles to protect local
revenue sources, reform term limits at the State level, and allow
communities to approve taxes with less than the current two-thirds
majority needed at the State level The City of San José’s
lobbying efforts continue to strongly oppose proposals to borrow
or take San José’s local revenues and urges the State
to focus on solving the State’s budget problems without harming
local governments. The City of San José is part of a broad
coalition on these efforts, which includes the League of California
Cities and other public agencies. Together, cities are pulling together
to file a lawsuit against the State of California to protect their
local revenue sources in order to ensure that essential services
are preserved for their residents. Further details about the state
budget and its impacts to the City of San José will be shared
as the budget unfolds and more information becomes available.
Plastic Bags
In 2008, I co-authored a memo with my fellow colleagues, Mayor Chuck
Reed and Councilmember Nora Campos, to propose a ban on single-use
carry out bags in the city. Last September, City Council voted to
approve work to begin on drafting an ordinance and implementation
plan with the target of the bag ban to begin December 31, 2010.
The City has launched an extensive outreach effort to businesses
and consumers to allow for sufficient
It is estimated that 3 million barrels of oil are required to produce
the 27.5 billion plastic bags used annually in California. Plastic
bags also effect the environment as litter. Even when plastic bags
are thrown away, many don’t make it to the landfill; many
are thrown to the winds and dispersed due to their light weight
and poor handling in transit. This ban will bring the City of San
José and residents one step closer to environmental responsibility
not only for us, but for future generations as well.
Districtwide
Educational Park Branch Library Groundbreaking
Ceremony
On Saturday, June 20, 2009, District 4 celebrated the Groundbreaking
Ceremony of Educational Park Branch Library. The new facility will
replace the existing branch library with an 18,000 square feet library
that will features an Internet café, community living room,
technology space, teen room, group study areas, and a community
room that will accommodate 70 persons. Once construction is underway,
the new library will be expected to be completed by 2011.
The groundbreaking ceremony included various activities for families
and attendees. One of the activities included ‘Dream Rocks,’
which allowed attendees to inscribe on rocks their hopes for the
new library. These rocks will become part of the new library’s
foundation.
The groundbreaking ceremony also marked Educational Park Branch
Library’s final day of business for the original 14,084 square
feet library, which has served residents of Districts 3, 4 and 5
since 1976. I would like to thank SJ Library staff for co-organizing
this event with my office. I would also like to thank Councilmembers
Sam Liccardo and Nora Campos, for this library is in a special location
that borders all three districts to serve our residents.
Gran Paradiso Neighborhood Park Ribbon Cutting
Event
On Saturday, March 21, 2009, I hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony
event for San José’s newly installed turnkey park at
Gran Paradiso Neighborhood Park, located in District 4’s newest
development, Villas at Lundy by Toll Brothers. Gran Paradiso is
a 1.25 acre neighborhood park featuring a children’s play
area, a shaded picnic structure with picnic tables, a half basketball
court, concrete walkways with lighting and benches, and irrigated
turf and landscaping. Gran Paradiso Neighborhood Park was a collaborative
effort between the City of San José’s Parks and Recreation
Department and Public Works. I would like to thank staff for the
successful coordination in making this park a reality.
Great American Litter Pick Up
The 2009 Great American Litter Pick Up event held on Saturday, April
25, 2009 was a success! Out of nearly 2000 volunteers, District
4 had a turn out of over 250 volunteers and a total of 95 bags of
litter picked up! Keeping District 4 clean takes a community-wide
effort and I want to commend the community members who participated
in this event for their efforts and hard work. This year, the 2010
Great American Litter Pick Up will be held on Saturday, March 20,
2010. Please contact my office if you are interested in participating
in this event.
District 4 Neighborhood Commissioners
The San José City Council appointed the Neighborhood Commission
nominees to serve on the Neighborhood Commission for the two-year
pilot at June 2, 2009 City Council meeting. The Neighborhood Commission
forms an integral part of the community engagement process and provides
valuable insight into many of the emerging neighborhood issues.
In addition, it provides a crucial link to empower the voices of
our community members.
I am pleased to introduce our District 4 Neighborhood Commissioners:
Christopher Zhou, David Biagini, and Rafael Sabic. I would like
to thank our new commissioners for volunteering their time by serving
on the Neighborhood Commission and ensuring that our neighborhoods
are represented in District 4. The first Neighborhood Commission
meeting took place on July 8, 2009.
District 4 National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 4, 2009, neighborhoods throughout San José
were invited to participate with other communities nationwide for
the 26th annual National Night Out. National Night Out is designed
to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation
in anti-crime efforts, and strengthening neighborhood spirit and
police-community partnerships.
National Night Out involved over 100,000 communities and over 34
million Americans participated this year. Approximately 70 neighborhoods
in the City of San José showed their support in “America’s
Night Out Against Crime” by enjoying an evening with their
neighbors and local police officers by hosting a variety of events,
such as block parties, ice cream socials, barbecues, and informal
gatherings.
This year, my office, in partnership with the Alviso Youth Center,
hosted the first National Night Out event in Alviso. Over 50 community
members participated in the event, which included an ice-cream social
and arts, crafts, and games for the children.
In addition to visiting the neighborhood organized National Night
Events in District 4, my office our 2nd annual National Night Out
Resource Fair and Outdoor Movie Night, featuring the film “Kung
Fu Panda.” By putting together a movie night, families and
neighbors were able to attend and participate in a fun and entertaining
evening. Not only did this event promote community unity, it was
also a great way for my office to provide important resources for
the neighborhood and to involve the District 4 community in this
national celebration.
National Night Out was a successful partnership between the community,
San José Police Department, and the City of San José.
I would also like to thank our community partners, North Valley
Community Association, North Valley Chinese Schools, and the Parks
and Recreation Staff, for their support and assistance. The success
of District 4 depends on the collaborative efforts of our communities.
Appointment of District 4 Youth Commissioner
Kasey Ong, a Junior at Piedmont Hills High School, was sworn in
as the District 4 Youth Commissioner at the August 11th City Council
Meeting. During her first two-year term, she hopes to create a strong
Youth Advisory Council in District 4, where youth can provide input
and perspective on community issues.
1st District 4 Family Festival and Resource
Fair
My office, in partnership with Supervisor Dave Cortese and My Project
Youth Connect to host a District 4 Family Festival and Resource
Fair on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Morrill Middle School. This
event provided an opportunity inform members of the public about
the resources and services available from the City of San José,
County of Santa Clara, and local organizations.
Neighborhoods Commission Selects District
4 Member as Vice Chair
I am pleased to announce that on September 9, 2009, the Neighborhoods
Commission selected our very own District 4 resident, Christopher
Zhou. Christopher is also the youngest member of the commission.
Christopher and the other District 4 Neighborhoods Commissioner,
David Biagini and Rafael Sabic, felt it was important to have someone
from District 4 in a leadership role. We are very fortunate to have
such forward thinking and dedicated commissioners.
The Chair of the commission is Beth Shafran-Mukai, a District 3
resident and former Campus Community Association (Naglee Park) president.
Safe Neighborhoods Workshop
On October 7, 2009, my office hosted a Safe Neighborhoods Workshop
at the Berryessa Branch Library. This was a collaborative effort
between my office, the San Jose Police Department, the Berryessa
Branch Library, the Berryessa Union School District, and Piedmont
Hills High School. This was a well attended event, with approximately
80 residents attending. I appreciate everyone who took the time
to join us for an evening discussion about how we can keep our neighborhoods
safe for our children.
I touched upon the fiscal challenges the City of San Jose continues
to face. While my colleagues and I continue to look for ways to
preserve essential services in our neighborhoods, we are limited
in our resources. By maintaining safe neighborhoods for our children,
we can ensure that they grow up in a safe and healthy environment.
District 4 Wins 2nd Annual City Council
Tree Decorating Contest
I am pleased to announce that District 4 won the 2nd Annual City
Council Tree Decorating Contest at Christmas in the Park this year
with 69% of the votes. This was my second year to support Christmas
in the Park by sponsoring a District 4 Tree and participating in
the 2nd Annual Tree Decorating Contest. This was also the second
year that San Jose City Council Members have engaged in a friendly
competition to see who could decorate the best tree. This year,
the District 4 Tree was decorated by the Piedmont Hills High School
Associated Student Body and Leadership Class.
Community Office Hours
As your Councilmember, it is important for me to know what is happening
in our community. I am always trying to find new ways to make my
office more accessible throughout District 4. In August 2007, I
began holding monthly community office hours in order to receive
feedback and provide assistance to residents. Over the past years,
I have enjoyed meeting with many of you and being able to assist
you regarding City issues. I encourage you to continue to take advantage
of the community office hours so that I may be of assistance to
all of you.
District 4 Newsletter
My office launched our first issue of our bimonthly newsletter,
“Door-to-Door in District 4” in Spring 2008. The newsletter
serves as a way to keep District 4 residents informed about what
has been happening by providing updates, news, and notices about
future events. We welcome any input, feedback, and suggestions.
District 4 Mobilehome Town
Hall Meeting
In December 2009, I co-sponsored the 2nd Annual Mobilehome Town
Hall meeting with County Supervisor Dave Cortese and State Assemblymember
Alberto Torrico. The Town Hall Meeting succeeded in providing resources
and support from questions regarding fences and trees to rental
rights and neighbor disputes. I would like to thank CMRAA and GSMOL
for their participation in the town hall meeting and their support
for Mobilehome residents.
Alviso
San José Goes Solar in Alviso
On September 19, 2009, the San José Goes Solar kick off event
was held at the Alviso Branch Library with nearly 100 people in
attendance. This event celebrated the installation of 6 solar power
systems (20kW), funded by Community Development Block Grants, on
City buildings in low and moderate income neighborhoods, with the
Alviso Library being the first of six to go green.
This project advances two of the City’s Green Vision goals
to reduce per capita energy use by 50% and receive 100% of San José’s
electrical power from clean renewable sources by 2022. In addition,
these projects help reduce energy consumption and increase use of
renewable technologies.
Demolition of the Former Nations Restaurant Building and Shopping
Center Sign
I am pleased to announce that on June 10, 2009, the former Nations
Restaurant building was demolished. The shopping center sign was
demolished shortly after. The burnt building, located at the intersection
of Piedmont Road and Hostetter Road has been an ongoing eyesore
in our community. I would like to thank the residents for your patience
regarding this blight issue.
My office has been working closely with City staff and the property
owner to address this blight issue for a long time and I would like
to thank the residents for your patience. In the meantime, the property
owner is looking into redeveloping this property to meet District
4’s needs. I will keep you updated as this project moves forward.
Alviso Community Garden Clean-Up
I would like to thank Pastor Jon Talbert from WestGate Church and
the Team of Beautiful Day for completing two service projects in
the Alviso community on November 14, 2009.
A team of 200 volunteers participated in a beautification effort
to clean up the Alviso Community Garden and George Mayne Elementary.
In addition, another team of 50 volunteers participated in Beautiful
Day’s Better Homes Projects that serves the elderly, low-income,
or disabled property owners y providing a home makeover. Volunteers
worked together to clean, repair, repaint, and redesign the landscaping
for a home located on Grand Boulevard.
New Pedestrian Signage in Alviso
Traffic calming issues continue to be a major concern in the City
of San José. My Office has been working closely with the
City Manager’s Office and the Department of Transportation
to address traffic safety in the Alviso community. I am pleased
to announce that the Department of Transportation has recently installed
additional pedestrian signage by George Mayne Elementary along First
Street. Pedestrian advisory signs were installed in both directions
prior to the Tony P. Santos intersection. In addition, another advisory
sign was installed for eastbound traffic near the Alviso Youth Center.
School Traffic Safety at Downtown College
Prep in Alviso
In order to ensure the safety of our students, the Department of
Transportation installed yellow crosswalks at all four corners of
Liberty Street and First Street. In addition, new speed limit signs
were installed along Gold Street at Liberty and First Street. Existing
signs were relocated for better visibility.
Community Development Block Grant Funded
Projects
Alviso has received $480,000 in Community Development Block Grant
funding for the North First Street – Grand Boulevard Storm
Drain Improvement Project. This project is located along North First
Street between Tony P. Santos Street and Grand Boulevard and will
eliminate the unlined draining ditch across from the school and
library. The ultimate widening of the roadway and the installation
of sidewalk, curb, and gutter would occur when the adjacent property
is developed.
A similar project will occur along Liberty Street between Moffat
Street and North First Street. The work consists of the installation
of new storm laterals, inlets, wheelchair ramps, driveways, and
approximately 1,300 feet of sidewalk and curb and gutter.
Construction for both storm drain projects are anticipated for
this spring. Alviso has also received $350,000 in CDBG funding for
sidewalk improvements along the Alviso Health Center. This project
will install a curb, gutter, and sidewalk along the frontage of
the health center. Construction is anticipated to begin this spring.
Berryessa
Berryessa Flea Market Development Update
On Tuesday, July 7, 2009, a community meeting took place to provide
residents with an update about the proposed development of the San
José Flea Market site. In 2007, San José City Council
approved the rezoning of property located on and around the current
site of the Berryessa Flea Market that would allow for residential
properties, mixed use and commercial property, and a school. Currently,
the project has submitted the first Planned Development Permits
(PD Permit), which would allow for construction of 105,000 square
feet of commercial and 243 residential units north of Berryessa
Road in the first phase. The first phase will also require traffic
improvements which include widening of Oakland Road between Commercial
Street and Highway 101, adding 2 left turn lanes on Commercial Street
and widening of Highway 101-Northbound entrance from Oakland Road.
The Berryessa Flea Market, located south of Berryessa Road, will
be untouched during this first phase and approximately 20 acres
of the current parking lot will remain open for flea market patrons.
It is my understanding that the Berryessa Flea Market will not close
until a site has been identified in San José as replacement
property.
Traffic Signal at Piedmont
and Hostetter
Having safe neighborhoods continue to be a priority throughout the
City of San José. There has been substantial progress to
improve our road networks in Berryessa. Many had contacted my office
to express concerns regarding the intersection of Piedmont Road
and Hostetter Road. The traffic signal at Piedmont and Hostetter,
activated on September 16, 2009, has greatly improved the neighborhood
by making the roads safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
Celebration of “Wishing
Wands” Public Artwork at Berryessa Creek Park
“Wishing Wands,” the artwork created by the artist team
Wowhaus for Berryessa Creek Park was completed and installed in
Fall 2009. A short celebration took place on October 9, 2009 at
Berryessa Creek Park. The project was created in conjunction with
the renovation of the park’s children’s play area, which
was recently updated to provide inclusive play equipment for children
with physical disabilities. Situated in the plaza adjacent to the
play area, “Wishing Wands” consists of three 12’
high sculptures depicting ‘dandelions’ in their parachute
ball stage. They are rendered in stainless steel and Austrian crystal.
The sculptures cast cascades of tiny rainbows at times of the day
when the sun refracts through the prismatic crystals.
The concept underlying “Wishing Wands” is the universal
practice of children blowing on the dandelion and making a wish,
something the artist found the neighborhood children to be doing
on visits to the park site. The encounters the artist had with the
park users was instrumental in shaping the design of the artwork.
Demolition of the Old Berryessa
Library
First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for your patience
regarding the re-use of the Old Berryessa Library. I have met with
City staff regarding next steps and have agreed it was in the best
interest to demolish the old Berryessa Library and expand the parking
lot. I understand that this vacant building has been an ongoing
eyesore in the community for the past few years and I believe that
the expansion of the parking lot will better serve the increasing
needs of the visitors at the Berryessa Branch Library.
Before the demolition can take place, the City needs to complete
an environmental study. The demolition and construction is expected
to start in June 2010 with an estimated completion in November 2010.
The total cost for this project is estimated to be around $600,000
and funding for this project comes out of Library Bond dollars,
as a result of cost savings on other City funded bond projects.
North San Jose
@First Development Update – North
1st Street and Holger Way
@First Properties have begun constructing a project on North First
Street that will bring retail to the residents of District 4. This
project includes a Target and 77,000 square feet of retail.
The project will also have over 1 million square feet of office
space, and over 300 premier hotel rooms. Construction for the project
is moving forward as planned and will break ground in Spring 2010.
There will also be several traffic improvements to plan for future
traffic. One particular improvement in a street-light planned on
North First Street and Holger Way, which will also provide a safe
access to and from Lamplighter Mobilehome Community.
North San José LED Lights
In December 2008, I submitted a budget request for consideration
by the City Council and Redevelopment Agency for funding to install
LED lights for the North San José Redevelopment Area. Using
North San José industrial area as a starting area, funding
was approved for 200 streetlights. LED lights require much less
energy and lasts much longer than the Low Sodium lights and therefore
maintaining them is much more cost-effective. The average life span
of the LED is 15-20 years as compared with the 4 years for the current
Low Sodium lights.
As the City of San José continues to face tough economic
times, it is important to continue looking for creative and innovative
ways the City can reduce costs. The lights and control system are
on order and should be installed by the end of January 2010.
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