![]() |
2010
Accomplishments |
2010 has been an incredibly busy year serving
the City of San Jose and District 4. It has been a
pleasure serving you another year and I look forward to serving
you in the new year.
I also welcome any comments and feedback from you. You are
the eyes and ears of the community. If you have any concerns
that I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact
me at district4@sanjoseca.gov.
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
Preserving Essential Services in FY 2010-2011
Budget
On June 29, 2010, the City Council approved the budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, beginning
July 1, 2010. In order to balance the budget, the City Council needed to make up a $118.5 million
shortfall. While this was a very difficult budget year, the City Council was able to preserve
essential services in the City of San Jose, including the restoration of Branch Library Hours,
keeping community centers open at existing service levels, and providing funding for park rangers
and ant-graffiti programs.
In June, the City Council approved agreements with six bargaining groups that met the goal of a
10% reduction in total compensation for those 1640 employees. Over the month of July, the City
continued their discussions with police and fire unions and a few other unions about concessions
for those employees and will be bringing forward any new agreements for City Council approval in
August.
Reaching the agreements has allowed the City to reverse many of the service cuts that would
otherwise have been necessary to balance the budget. The savings achieved through these
agreements allowed the City Council restore 107 non-sworn positions and several key services.
I appreciate hearing your thoughts, concerns, and priorities over the past few months. Your
feedback continues to give me invaluable insight during the budget process as I work with my
colleagues on the City Council during these challenging times.
Plastic Bags
On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, my colleagues and I passed the most environmentally aggressive single-use carryout bag ban in the nation. This has been a long multi-year effort that was proposed by myself and Mayor Chuck Reed and former Councilmember Nora Campos in 2007. Plastic bags, introduced in the 1970s, have become a nuisance. Plastic debris, including bags, make up 60% of the litter polluting our waterways and it costs San José in excess of $3 million a year in clean-up costs from creeks and littering. Banning plastic bags will allow our generation to begin environmental stewardship for our future generations, and start a new way of shopping as environmentally conscious consumers.
The ordinance, taking effect on January 1, 2012, will ban all plastic bags and a $0.10 cents charge for paper bags that are made of at least 40% recycled content. The charge will not be going to the City and will be used to reimburse the store’s cost of paper bags. Families on the WIC program, non-profit organizations and businesses that handle take out food will be exempted. Additionally, pharmaceuticals and bags that are used to separate meats and vegetables will also be exempted.
Update on Local and Statewide Bag Ban Efforts
 On Monday, November 29, 2010, I joined Governor Schwarzenegger, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, Green Cities California, and the Clean Seas Coalition for a press event at the State Capitol to highlight fast moving local and statewide efforts to restrict the use of single-use bags and promote local action and urge the Legislature to continue to work toward green job growth and a safer environment by adopting statewide policy that promotes reusable bags.
Assembly Bill 1998, proposed by Assemblywoman Brownley, would have provided uniform statewide restriction of single use bags, but failed passage in August. Local governments are adopting their own policy to restrict single use bags. Los Angeles County adopted their bag ban ordinance on November 16, 2010, and Marin County, Santa Monica, Santa Clara County, and many other jurisdictions plan to follow suit soon, including the City of San Jose, who will be considering policy as soon as December 14, 2010. This was a great show of regional support among communities who were committed in being environmental stewards for a cleaner, brighter future.
Tobacco Retail Policy
In May 2010, as part of the approved 2009-2010 Mayor’s Budget Message, staff began the process to consider the implementation of a Tobacco Retail License Program that would require tobacco resellers to obtain a license with the City of San José. This program’s goal is to reduce tobacco access to minors. Along with my colleagues, Councilmembers Ash Kalra and Xavier Campos, we have been working aggressively with staff to offer a successful program with a successful enforcement component. Through youth decoys, the City can accurately identify tobacco retailers who are in violation of selling tobacco to minors under the age of 18.
 Trail Count 2010 Results Show Usage up by 5%!
I am pleased to share with you that the City’s annual trail count shows trail usage has increased 5% above last year’s figures. Trail Count 2010 was conducted on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at seven stations along five trail systems. Staff and volunteers monitored trail usage over a 12-hour period with over 1,200 pedestrians and bicyclists counted in total.
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services conducts an annual count of trail users each Fall. The data gathered increases the City’s competitiveness for grant funding and demonstrates the value of trails as part of the City’s overall support from the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, local advocates, and community members.
I encourage all of you to continue to take advantage of the City's wonderful trail systems. Trails such as the Penitencia Creek Trail in the Berryessa neighborhood are important community connectors, linking to parks, schools, community centers, businesses, and a light rail station. The City's Green Vision sees the completion of the 100 mile trail network within 15 years and continues to seeks grant opportunities and other funding opportunities that will assist the City to deliver on this commitment. More information about Trail Count 2010 can be found at: http://www.sjparks.org/trails/trailcount.asp.
Districtwide
Great American Litter Pick Up
 The 2010 Great American Litter Pick Up event held on Saturday, March 20, 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. The 2011
Great American Litter Pick Up will be held on Saturday, March 19,
2011. Please contact my office if you are interested in participating
in this event by calling (408) 535-4904 or email district4@sanjoseca.gov.
District 4 Neighborhood Commissioners
The San Jose 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. Our District 4 Neighborhood Commissioners include David Biagini, Rafael Sabic, and Linda Locke. Our neighborhood commissioners held their first District 4 Neighborhoods Annual Caucus on Saturday, September 11, 2010 to provide a report to the community detailing the Commission's first-year accomplishments, provide insight into next year's plans, and solicit input and feedback from our community members. 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. For more information about the Neighborhood Commission, please click here.
First Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade and Festival
 This year, my office co-sponsored the First Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade and Festival in North San Jose. Inspired by Chicago’s own Disability Pride Parade, the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with their First Annual West Coast Disability Pride Parade and Festival! Zona Roberts, a passionate disability activist and mother of the founder of the Independent Living Movement, Ed Roberts, will be Grand Marshal of the event. For more information about the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, please visit www.svilc.org.
On Tuesday, August 10, 2010, I invited the Silicon Valley Independent Living Center to receive a commendation from the San Jose City Council to congratulate them on a very successful event and commend them for their much needed services to our community.
Partnership with My Project Youth Connect to Host Free Community Education Workshops
This year, my office has partnered with My Project Youth Connect and Supervisor Dave Cortese to host free community education workshops at the Berryessa Branch Library. Presentations and topics included: internet safety, bullying, and teens and drugs. To learn more about My Project Youth Connect, please visit http://www.mypyc.com.
Re-Appointment of District 4 Youth Commissioner
Kasey Ong, a Junior at Piedmont Hills High School, was re-appointed as the District 4 Youth Commissioner in August 2010. During her tenure on the San Jose Youth Commission, Kasey not only learned more about her own community but also gained exposure, experience, and insight working with local government. Within her first year, she was elected Second Vice Chair of the Youth Commission and currently serves as the Chair of the Youth Commission.
Grand Opening of the San Jose Conservation Corps Childcare Expansion
Last week, I joined my colleagues, the Redevelopment Agency, and community to celebrate the grand opening of the San Jose Conservation Corps Childcare Center operated by the SJB Child Development Center.
This project was a successful partnership between the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, San Jose Public Library, and City of San Jose to construct the San Jose Conservation Corps Childcare Center. The facility, operated by SJB Child Development Center, provides care for nearly 85 children and features 3,000 square foot outdoor play area with new landscaping, a play set and water fountains.
The San Jose Conservation Corps, established in 1987, is a non-profit that supports and focuses on the interdependence of education and work, and addresses the individual needs of socially, educationally, and economically disadvantaged youth.
The Center is one of more than 51 childcare sites operating under San Jose's Smart Start program, an early childcare initiative implemented by the City of San Jose and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, and administered by San Jose Public Library to expand and improve the education experience for infants through preschool age children.
I am thrilled to have this child care site open in our district. San Jose Conservation Corps is a vital organization that provides a much needed service in our community. If you or someone you know is looking for affordable child care or would like to receive assistance from San Jose Conservation Corps, you may be eligible to receive service. Please contact my office if you would like to inquire about this.
San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant - Plant Master Plan Update
The City of San Jose is leading the Plant Master Plan effort to benefit residents and businesses that daily
rely on the Plant to manage their wastewater. At the November 18th
meeting, the Plant Master Plan
Community Advisory Group was presented a Draft Recommended Land Use Alternative. It was exciting to
see what has come together since the beginning during 2008 where Data Analysis and Brainstorming was
just taking place among the Plant Master Plan Advisory Group. The Draft Recommended Land Use Alternative identifies the future footprint of the plant that will offer dependable wastewater treatment service for
the next 30 years. It will allow for 300 acres of clean tech, environmentally sustainable development and will
re-establish a connection between Coyote Creek and the Bay. The Draft Report also proposes to create
over 1,200 acres of protected habitat and will provide flexible space for future recreational opportunities.
For more information on the Draft Recommended Land Use Alternative
go online to www.rebuildtheplant.org
where you will find dates for upcoming community workshops where
a presentation on the draft will be shown to the community; come
and share your thoughts with staff who will be present to receive
feedback. Additionally, you can also call Environmental Services
Department at (408) 535-8550 for more information.
District 4 Outstanding Citizen Award Honorees
We are truly fortunate to have so many outstanding individuals in our community who dedicate their
time to make District 4 a better place to live. I know there are so many remarkable volunteers who
have positively contributed to the success of our community and want to make sure they are recognized for all their hard work and dedication. I made a call for nominations for your help in nominating an outstanding individual, group of individuals, company, or organization that live, work, or volunteer in our community. Nominations were closed on September 30, 2010, and I received an overwhelming response. To find out who our honorees are and to read about their contributions to District 4, please click here.
I wish to congratulate the following for their efforts to make our District 4 a true community.
My office will be coordinating a Volunteer Appreciation Event that will take place on January 29, 2011. Please join me as we come together to thank our volunteers for all they do in District 4.
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.
Alviso
Alviso Marina Boat Ramp Opens
 On Saturday, June 5, 2010, I joined County Supervisor Dave Cortese to celebrate the grand opening of the brand new Alviso Marina County Park boat launch. We are pleased to share with the community that the long-awaited boat launch is finally open and will finally re-connect the South Bay to San Francisco through the Alviso Slough. This project was made possible through grants from the California Department of Boating and Waterways and the San Francisco Water Trail Project. Land contributed in part by the California State Lands Commission. The launch of the Alviso Marina County Park is a valuable opportunity to connect the South Bay to the greater Bay Area. I plan to continue working with all interested entities to see where economic development opportunities can turn the Alviso Marina into a thriving amenity.
The boat launching area includes two piers: one for non-motorized, hand-launch craft such as kayaks and canoes, and another for launching larger motorized boats. There were boating and hiking organizations’ booths as well as representatives from community organizations advocating boating activities right in our backyard. To view pictures from the celebration, please click here.
Alviso Neighborhood Group Selected to Receive Keep San Jose Beautiful Grant
The mission of Keep San Jose Beautiful is to make San Jose beautiful through community advocacy, education, and empowerment. Matching grants are available to nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, schools, and other community organizations who wish to help foster community pride in San Jose through beautification or landscaping.
A total of 8 neighborhood and community groups received grants during this grant cycle. Councilmember Chu would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Alviso Neighborhood Group for receiving the Spring 2010 – Cycle 28 Beautification Grant. To learn more about Keep San Jose Beautiful or to find out when the next grant cycle takes place, please click here.
Alviso Grant Puts Bay Trail Within 'Reach'
On October 15, 2010, the Bay Trail Steering Committee approved a $200,000 grant for the design of 1.1 miles of future paved trail alignment in the Alviso area. This project is consistent with the Bay Trail Master Plan adopted by the City Council in June 2002. The completed design and construction documents will support additional grant-seeking efforts as the City works toward the ultimate goal of a planned recreational corridor that will encircle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with a continuous 400-mile network of bicycling and hiking trails.
Replanting of Alviso Palm Trees
On Saturday, August 7, 2010, I joined the Alviso community to celebrate the replanting of the historic Alviso palm trees.
Day on the Bay
I joined Supervisor Dave Cortese for Day on October 16, 2010 for the first annual Day on the Bay event held at the Alviso Marina. This was a multicultural festival and celebration that included an informational fair where the local community can meet non-profit, government, and community-based organizations to learn about their services. In addition, festivities included a resource fair, health fair, free kayak rides, free food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.
Berryessa
Fire Station 19 Grand Opening
On Saturday, November 20, 2010, I joined Mayor Reed and Fire Chief McDonald for the grand opening of Fire Station 19. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Boy Scout Troop 41 and Cub Scout Pack 165, St. Victor’s Elementary School, the Sierramont Middle School Orchestra, and the District 4 community for coming out on this momentous occasion to celebrate the opening of our newest fire station.
 Fire Station 19 is a two-story, 6,049 square feet single company fire station with two apparatus bays. Construction started in September 2008 and was completed over the summer. Fire Station 19 was relocated from their existing address at the corner of Piedmont Road and Penitencia Creek Road to the southwest corner of Piedmont Road and Sierra Road. In March 2002, the City of San Jose voters passed the Neighborhood Security Bond Act that approved the issuance of the $159M in General Obligation bonds to fund the construction of public safety facilities. Fire Station 19 is one of the stations being relocated as part of the public safety bond program to improve service delivery.
 I would also like to bring to your attention to the community's newest public art piece located at Fire Station 19, entitled “Guardians of the Garden City” by the artist team Mythograph Studio designed by Kipp Kobayashi and Marta Perlas. The term ‘guardian’ suggests forms common to the entrances of historic cities, temples, and monuments from simple columns to elaborate figurative sculptures, and are found throughout the world. The artwork is two brushed stainless steel columns etched with images of contemporary fire fighters and archetypes/heroic firefighting-related figures from various cultures. Each column is divided into three parts; the parts can be turned like a section of a mix ‘n match puzzle so that the figures can be morphed into any number of combinations. This is a great interactive public art in our community and I invite all of you visit this piece. Please click here to view photos from the grand opening.
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. Unfortunately, given the
monetary investment needed to renovate the
current building, it proved to be difficult for the
City to find a tenant to take over the building. I
have met with City staff regarding next steps
and agreed that it was in the best interest to
demolish the old Berryessa Library to expand
the library’s current parking lot. I have heard it
loud and clear from the community that this
vacant building has been an ongoing eyesore in
our 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.
The demolition of the old library took place over the summer. The project will expand the existing parking lot at the new Berryessa Branch Library to include an additional 38 parking spaces. The project is expected to be complete early January 2011.
 
Synopsis of BART to Silicon Valley Community Meeting
On Wednesday, October 27, 2010, VTA held a community meeting to discuss the BART Silicon Valley extension. Over 30 community members attended the meeting held at the Berryessa Branch Library. Bernice Alaniz, VTA Communications Director, presented an overview of the BART to Silicon Valley extension, schedule, and funding update. A VTA panel comprised of representatives from Real Estate, Environmental Planning, and Engineering were present to answer questions from attendees. In addition to the presentation, VTA provided display stations of project route and updated station areas.
BART Silicon Valley is an extension of the existing BART regional heavy rail system to Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. The 16-mile BART Silicon Valley Project will be delivered through a phased approach.
The Berryessa Extension is the 10-mile, two-station, first phase of BART Silicon Valley. The Berryessa Extension project is being implemented in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) New Starts Program. The Berryessa Extension Project is a fully operable extension of the existing BART system with service to the cities of Milpitas and San Jose in Santa Clara County.
This extension of the BART system will begin south of the future BART Warm Springs Station in Fremont and proceed alongside the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) through Milpitas and end in the Berryessa area of north San Jose at Las Plumas Avenue. Engineering on the project is advancing, and full construction activities are scheduled to begin in 2012.
The two stations will feature parking structures, bus transit centers, bicycle and pedestrian connections and convenient access to the BART system. For more information about the BART Silicon Valley project, please click here.
 District 4 Neighborhood Safety Meeting
Councilmember Chu along with Supervisor Dave Cortese and District 4 Neighborhood Associations hosted a Neighborhood Safety Meeting on Monday, March 29, 2010 at the Berryessa Branch Library.
Due to rising concern over the safety of residents in District 4, Councilmember Chu and District 4 Neighborhood Associations organized this Neighborhood Safety Meeting to address the current situation and inform residents about what is going on in our neighborhoods and how to keep our community safe. Representatives from the San Jose Police Department, Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, Crime Prevention, and Code Enforcement were present to address neighborhood safety concerns. Santa Clara County District Attorney Dolores Carr and Sheriff Laurie Smith were also present. To read a synopsis of the meeting, please click here.
Berryessa Business Association
 It has been our long time goal in the community to establish a business association in our community to meet the needs of business owners in the district and create an opportunity for our owners to have a platform to improving businesses in our community, attract new businesses, and create a friendly and attractive area for businesses to grow. I have been working alongside Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council to establish the first Business Association in the Berryessa/North Valley neighborhood. The Berryessa Business Association will provide a forum to network and build relationships with existing merchants in the community and provide opportunities for business owners to work with stakeholders to become more competitive.
My office and the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council hosted the kick-off event for the Berryessa Business Association in a collaborative effort to establish this association on December 9, 2010 at Denny’s Restaurant on Berryessa Road. With many City of San Jose staff, community organizers, and a handful of business owners, the meeting geared itself towards the development of a successful Berryessa Business Association for the next year. If you are a business owner in the District and are interested in hearing more about the association and meet fellow business owners, please contact my office at district@sanjoseca.gov.
North San Jose
North San Jose Development Update
North San Jose plays a vital role in San Jose’s economy. It continues to be the prominent location for the
worlds driving industries and continues to grow. As part of the North San Jose 2030 plan, the City is
committed to the thriving employment lands and creating housing, jobs, and community essentials.
Since the economy bust, it has been a difficult task to maintain the North San Jose 2030 goals. However,
with extensive collaboration among city staff, redevelopment staff, residents and developers, there are now
projects that are moving forward. Brocade Communications opened their new home off of North First
Street and Target just opened their doors in September. South of Target, a retail village including a hotel
has begun construction and is scheduled to finish in 2012. You may have also noticed the old Sony building
being demolished on Zanker and River Oaks Parkway. The first of many housing projects will be built here
and plans for a residential community with approximately 1,900 units. There should be more information in
the coming months and I will be updating you as I receive information.
San Jose’s Newest Target Opens on 10/10/10 in North San Jose
I am pleased to announce that the Target in North San Jose will celebrate their grand opening on Sunday, October 10, 2010. North San Jose’s newest location, located at 95 Holger Way at North First Street, will be San Jose’s 10th Target store and is one of the few Targets opening in the country this year.
In addition to the new Target store, the @First project will bring a 77,000 square foot retail village, which will include over 1 million square feet of office space and over 300 premier hotel rooms. Construction for the retail village is moving forward as planned and continues to have a planned completion date of 2012.
I am pleased to announce that the Target in North San Jose celebrated their grand opening on Sunday, October 10, 2010. North San Jose's newest location, located at 95 Holger Way at North First Street, will be San Jose's 10th Target store and is one of the few Targets opening in the country this year.
In addition to the new Target store, the @First project will bring a 77,000 square foot retail village, which will include over 1 million square feet of office space and over 300 premier hotel rooms. Construction for the retail village is moving forward as planned and continues to have a planned completion date of 2012.
North San Jose Business Appreciation Series
 Despite the recent economic downturn, North San José businesses have continued to persevere and show their commitment to being in the premier zip codes for business innovation. As a token of gratitude, I had begun a series of Appreciation events to show our appreciation for these businesses and offer assistance from the City and the Redevelopment Agency through the many programs that we have here to retain and attract businesses. These events were very successful, allowing us to strengthen and create partnerships that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. If you have a business in the North San José area, we would love to be connected with you and assisting any way we can to contribute to your success.
North San Jose 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 Jose Redevelopment Area. Using
North San Jose 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 Jose 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.
|
