Happy New Year!
Welcome to the first edition of my 2011 newsletter! It has been my honor to represent District 8 on the City Council for the past two years. I am proud of all that we have accomplished. Looking forward, I am optimistic that we can continue working to improve the quality of life for our residents.
Despite the challenges of 2010, great things are happening!
Budget - Pension Reform
The most significant accomplishment last year was moving forward with pension reform. Thanks to the voters' passage of V&W, we have the opportunity to get San José back on track for long term fiscal sustainability. For Fiscal Year 2011-2012, we are projecting a $90 million budget deficit and facing more tough decisions. Fortunately we are already working on solutions. Click here for the budget calendar and timeline. It also includes community meetings. Your input is very important. I will keep you informed on the latest budget developments through my newsletter and email blasts.
Economic Development
Economic Development has been and continues to be one of my top priorities in District 8 and citywide. Mayor Reed recently appointed me the Chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee. Click here to read about my 2011 committee appointments.
I also played a key role in developing policies to stimulate business in San José. Offering parking incentives to companies who renewed leases in San José and giving a break to struggling businesses renewing their business license fee. Click here to learn more.
The Council passed my proposal to stop putting public money into a venture capital fund that was losing money and instead used the money to spur job growth. This change freed up money to close a major deal to bring Maxim Integrated Products and its 2,200 employees to San José.
New Business in Evergreen
We saw some new businesses in Evergreen open in 2010. Such as the State Farm Insurance Aborn Road, Evergreen Coffee Company at Evergreen Village Square, Evergreen Studio of Music & Arts on Aborn Road, Sonoma Chicken Coop on Capitol Expressway, and the Caspian Sea Restaurant on Villages Parkway all opened in 2010. I am often asked about the grocery stores that close and how we can attract new grocery store replacements. I am using every opportunity to advocate for grocery store tenants in District 8. A few examples: I gave a presentation to the California Grocers' Association (CGA) pitching them on the opportunities in Evergreen. I promoted Evergreen at the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC) which is attended by all the major brokers and grocers. Most importantly, I am working with the shopping centers to support their efforts to locate new tenants. I expect to hear more positive retail news in 2011. In the meantime let's renew our commitment to shop locally and demonstrate that we will invest our money in the businesses that choose to locate in our community.
2010 brought positive news for Evergreen Village Square. First, the decision to locate the Southeast Branch Library there will serve thousands of residents and provide a major anchor tenant for the center. Secondly, this future amenity, along with the proposed improvements at the Mirrasou project, has brokers talking and interested in the retail center. Most importantly, I was able to get the key businesses Shapell and Summerhill to agree to a joint marketing and landscaping plan. Joint signage, lighting, and landscaping will lead shoppers from Aborn Road into the Square. This will have a very positive impact on tenants in the Square and give them much needed visibility. The ultimate goal is to create quality retail and community amenities that improve the quality of life for our residents.
Transportation Improvements
Traffic congestion relief is in sight with the start of the Highway 101/Tully project. Come join me at groundbreaking on Friday, February 4th at the Caltrans Knox Construction Office on 1700 Know Avenue. The $23.5 million construction contract is underway and scheduled to be completed in the winter of 2012. As a VTA board member, I will continue to push for completion of the 101/Capitol Expressway/Yerba Buena as well. With savings of $10 to $15 million from the Tully portion, we have a very good chance of acquiring the rest of the money to finish both.
Capitol Light Rail Expressway Pedestrian Improvements are coming soon. As a member of the VTA Board, I supported the agency's efforts to secure $24.3 million in State funding pedestrian improvements along Capitol: $16 million will go toward pedestrian improvements and $8.3 million toward property acquisition for improvements at the Eastridge Transit Center and bus stops on Story Road and Ocala Avenue. Bids for sidewalk and landscaping work are currently being evaluated and construction should begin in April.
Ground Breaking and Grand Openings in 2010
In August, I was thrilled to break ground and then celebrate the grand opening of Aborn Park that features two new play lots right next to our busy Evergreen Branch Library.
Summer and swimming go hand in hand and I am glad we pulled the right team together, West Coast Aquatics and PRNS, to help keep the Silver Creek High School pool open over the summer. It was such a success last summer that West Coast has indicated interest in doing it again.
My office worked with PRNS and Kidango to open their doors at Meadowfair Community Center. Construction should be starting soon with an expected grand opening in the spring.
Fire Station No. 36, at Yerba Buena Road by Silver Creek Linear Park, broke ground and the ribbon cutting ceremony is expected this summer.
Neighborhood Clean ups
In addition to the five neighborhood clean ups in Evergreen, the Great American Litter Pick Up gathered over 200 District 8 volunteers to help clean up litter in our community. Let's double that in 2011! If you know a student who needs service hours or a group that would like to work together, here is a great event.
District Events
Senior Health Fair
In May, I hosted the second annual Senior Health Resource Fair at Eastridge Mall. The event was a huge success that attracted 300 senior participants and over 60 health resources. The health fair also included an exercise component along the walking route.
National Night Out
In August, over 500 residents participated in National Night Out events held in over 19 neighborhoods throughout District 8, where TOCKNA/KONA SNI had 350 participants.Neighbors came together to keep our community safe.
Day In The Park
District 8 comes to Lake Cunningham in October at our annual Day in the Park. This year the theme was "Come Together! Get Moving!" Over 3,000 residents and 100 vendors attended last year. The rock climbing wall was a hit!
Festival of Lights
The "Festival of Lights" was held at Evergreen Village Square to promote and celebrate our multiculturalism. More than a 100 families came to celebrate their culture's winter traditions and learn about their neighbors' traditions. I look forward to next year's festival, which the attendees of the festival promised to make bigger and better. I was proud to be a sponsor.
Citywide Events
Salute to Women Veterans
As a veteran of the US Air Force, I am dedicated to the issues of our nation's veterans and conveying my gratitude to the men and women that serve our country. In March, the County of Santa Clara and I co-hosted the Salute to Women Veterans Reception. This year this annual event will coincide with Veterans Day and take place in November.
City Council Ceremonials
Invocations
Folklórico Nacional Mexicano
William C. Overfelt High School Royal Band
Evergreen Studio of Music and the Arts Youth Chorus
Proclamations
"Holocaust Remembrance Day"
"Women's History Month"
"Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day"
"Women's Equality Day"
"Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month"
"La Raza Round Table"
"Alzheimers Awareness Month"
Commendations
Stormgears for their plan to improve Evergreen's transportation system and accomplishments at the Northern California Lego Robotics.
Mrs. Ulleseit's 5th grade class from James Franklin Elementary School for their efforts in accomplishing their goal of collectively writing a novel for National Novel Writing Month.
2010 Silver Creek High School Japan Bowl Teams for their achievements at the 2010 National Japan Bowl Competition.
Kamali'i O Ke Kai Outrigger Canoe Club for their passion to teach the unique sport of outrigger canoe paddling in the San José community and for their efforts to keep the Lake Cunningham Marina open.
Lake Cunningham Regional Park Rangers Stephanie Ferris and Fred Cortopassi for performing heroic measures in the work place where they assisted in the rescue of a visitor by saving his life.
Overfelt High School's Save Our Schools (S.O.S) Project for their contributions in exemplifying steadfast dedication to education and its well being.
Camelot Summer Institute at William C. Overfelt High School for their dedication to prepare students for academic success and instilling the importance to pursue a higher education.
Aging Services Collaborative of Santa Clara County Caregiver Support Team for the Caregivers Count! Conference.
As always, my staff and I are committed to helping you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to contact me at district8@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4908 with any questions or concerns you may have.
Wishing you all a prosperous year,
