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Danger no swiming or diving - dried up waterhole
Having grown up in drought country you know the value of water. In some areas its worth more than gold. Australians get criticised a lot for killing Kangaroos on the land but truth be known these odd looking animals can be a farmers worst enemy (along with rabbits) in times of drought.
Of course urban folks really have no concept of how a kangaroo can be such problem to a farmer but they are. Also urban folks don’t really even think through water issues till it affects them personally. Imagine the last ten years in Australia all cities have imposed water restrictions. There is no washing the car in the drive, watering the plants as you wish, long showers or full baths. In fact it’s quite the opposite there are times you water your plants. Imagine your front lawn is now just brown and has been for year. You may clean your car windows, mirrors and lights and there is a whole industry of new car washes that may wash your car. You cannot at all hose hard surfaces (ie pressure wash the concrete). There are loads of regulations and different times set by the government as to when and how you can use water. Yes water is a commodity.
I bring all this up because it’s worth thinking about and worth considering – are we prepared for more and more people coming into our neighborhood? Do we consider the stress on our community with more people moving in and what it does to our infastructure? Will our schools cope with more students – do we have the room? What does this do to traffic? Will we get more public transport? Is water an issue?
liquor wine bear
- tattoo stop or is that “stop Tattoo”
adultworld
house of pain tattoo
- tell her nothing
Pictures can say a thousand words. Great place to raise a family? but don’t go out at night!
©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008
It’s interesting to read the article at Santa Clara The Mission City blog and here there perspective on Karen Hardy. I’ve never met the women but I’m fascinated that someone would take on the challenge of running for a seat without actually being on the formal ballot. She has requested to be on it as a ‘write in’ candidate. So what that means she and her followers are asking voters to write her name on the ballot against the unopposed Kevin Moore. I’m not sure how many people will do this – it is certainly a gutsy campaign and an interesting one. I’m not even sure why I understand someone would do this, but they have. I guess it’s a formal protest against the incumbent Mr Moore (seat 4). So I guess if you don’t like him or you feel he doesn’t represent you – here is your chance to do something different – you write Karen Hardy in the space provided. Perhaps this is how the dog from Sunol got voted in – but it does require some paperwork and nominations. Who in their right mind nominated a dog? and did the dog sign the required nominating forms - or rather did he leave his paw print?
I think Karen at least has a chance of leaving her mark! All good politicians, such as Mr Moore need to have a little wind put into their campaigns and Karen is doing that.
Though I highly suspect Ms Hardy is not a popular vote between the powers that be that seem to hold the balance of power in Santa Clara – I say good luck to her for taking on this somewhat odd way of running for council. She clearly has a more idealistic view of the world than most politicians and in reading what is out there on the web she is not one to be scared of a challenge. It’s a shame she didn’t run out right on the ballot but I’m sure she has her reasons for doing what she is doing.
©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008
Well I went strolling back up to Central Park yesterday as I did want to touch base with some of the candidates that were spending their day doing meet and greet. I dropped by Will Kennedy he seems like a very interesting young man, nevertheless an attorney. I think he is a little wishywashy on the stadium and maybe a flip flopper on some other issues – it’s hard to tell in a 2 minute conversation with anyone especially political people. Hmmm – makes me think it’s not a good idea. As I have said I’ve not made up my mind on this 49ers Stadium - but I do have to ask what is in it for the Residents? Or is it just the big guys that are going to win this game? Those people who are opposed to it were busy talking to people – they attempted to talk to me again, but as I said I’m not sure and I’m actually thinking of buying that book on why stadiums don’t work for in larger cities – I have a link at this site if you are interested.
Then Brian Lowery, I like his campaign slogan “get on board” – very clever. He should be elected for that reason alone. A play on words, very clever indeed. Another smart thing he had was a business card with his main policies. So you put that in your pocket and keep that rather than a piece of paper you are more likely to recycle. Plus he’s not afraid to mention his religious affiliation – I found this amazing – no Catholic in Australia would mention that fact until after the fact. They would be on the DLP (vote Mack Back) ticket or the NCC – boy those are parties I haven’t thought of in years. I wonder how Bob SantaMaria is doing in heaven, he’s probably sitting next to St Peter.
Then I made a point of finding Council Women Jamie McLeod, again she was very busy meeting and greeting and listening to residents. I got talking to someone that had a Tshirt on with Jamie McLeod for City Council printed on it – turned out she had designed and created that Tshirt 4 years ago and was still very proud to wear it. She felt Jamie had done a lot for the older folks in her area and was telling me a bunch of great things Jamie has done. Well there you have it – Jamie McLeod wins the hearts of some of her constituents still 4 years later in politics. That’s good – I like hearing about followings like that.
In fact Jamie McLeod and Ted Mack have a lot in common – in Ted’s case the North Sydney City Council threatened to build a 17 story building behind his back fence. This turned this quiet Sydney architect into a public persona and political activitist. Ted’s campaign was “Vote Mack Back” and I can remember each year on TV these inexpensive but effective ads reminding voters to “Vote Mack Back” – Ted always did well. I suggest to you too “Vote Mc Back” this time the Mc being short for McLeod!
©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008
So I noticed while wandering the Art & Wine Festival up at Central park there are a number of candidates for the up coming Santa Clara city council election. Here is a chance to get to know them – see how they reflect and plan to support certain issues.
Lets see, this is how I walked by the candidates. At the start of the gauntlet was Cirian O’donnell – I think that’s how he spells his name, he seemed to be doing a fair bit of meet and greet. Then there was Jamie McLeod who is the current council women for seat 7 I believe. Jamie had many supporters around her and was attempting to touch base with a lot of people. Oh and Mr O’Donnell tells me he is running against Jamie the current incumbent and there is one other person competing for this seat but they were not there. Brian Lowery was up there – I didn’t get a chance to meet him – his opponent was also not there.
Then the other big race is the one between Will Kennedy, Mary Emerson and Mario Bouza all of whom were there doing the meet and greet. That race will be an interesting race. Mary Emerson has I believe the only endorsement from the Democrats. Mario seems very passionate about the city and is a long time resident with deep connections to the city and lots of opinions how our money should/could be spent. I didn’t take time to talk to Mr Kennedy – I’m always a little weary of attorneys. I’m am of the same opinion that was in the SJ Mercury news recently – that Attorneys really are an indicator of “No Change” and yet they use that as their slogan this year. So I tend to stay away from attorneys - I don’t know but I wonder if they are even in touch with whats going on in the real world? Just a thought. Perhaps if I have time tomorrow I will return and give Mr Kennedy some time to answer my questions. He was busy talking to others and I did not wish to interupt.
Very interesting, I think what was more interesting was that there was a heavy bit of campaigning on the part of the Democrats in general to register voters and to support the Obama campaign. I should have stopped and asked them about attorneys and why I should vote for Obama? I don’t know attorneys and real estate professionals in politics just send up red flags for me.
I missed seeing the Parks and Trails people handing out there literature and the library information. But it was good to see people discussing the stadium and meet a couple of the school board candidates and the college candidate. There was clearly a lot of people that are not in favor of the stadium – it was apparent from amount of interest in the booth. Oh and that same booth had their own ticket for Santa Clara City council – also very interesting as they recommend a write in for Seat 4 – write in Karen Hardy I believe against Kevin Moore who is standing unopposed. Personally I always like the fact that one year in Sunol a dog was written in as Mayor – in fact years later that same Mayor’s body was stuffed and stood behind the Bar at the Sunol Pub. Excellent way to remember a politician. Stuffed and mounted around a bunch of liquor!
The fact that these people take time out to be there and talk to residents says a lot for them. This is true grass roots politics. I took literature from Noelani Sallings, Albert Gonzalez and Don Borenave all running for the school board and all represented at Politics Alley. I chatted with some of these candidates or their representatives and now have an idea who I am going to vote for. On a side note I like the fact that Albert Gonzalez had no endoresements. I find endorsements odd and rather make up my own mind than having the approval of say a politician or a business person.
Anyway these guys will be there tomorrow no doubt so go and talk to them find out whats important for you and see if you found someone you wish to support. After you’ve done that take some time and relax, drink some wine, listen to the band – Santa Clara puts on a great art and wine festival.
©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008
The best and most creative idea I heard the other day was Roof Top Parks for Santa Clara.
I can see it now – planning suggesting to developers to include a ‘roof top park’ in their plans. Now a roof top garden I might come at but a park? What the heck will it include a slide and climbing structure? I hope so for the kids in these high rise buildings will love it. Can you imagine adding a pond to your roof top park? No worries mate – we can do that.
Oh my oh my can you believe that this comment was made by one of our city officials?
Years ago I had reason to work closely with a group of civil and structural engineers. I remember one building in Sydney that was having issues with what is called ‘concrete cancer’ - this photo gives you an idea of what concrete cancer looks like. Concrete cancer like most cancers can be treated and like cancer there are various types and reasons for it developing. I recall one building in Sydney that was riddled with cancer because of a roof top garden (only a garden – not a park!) – drainage issues had not been addressed and over a number of years there was a major issue in the entire building. An expensive repair exercise and years later the building was fixed – meanwhile tenants were required to leave the building as well.
So as we project the idea of building up Santa Clara do we also intend to increase our services? Will we increase our parks per head of population? I guess now we know where the term a concrete jungle comes from – it’s because there are some people out there that think having a park on top of a concrete building is an answer to regular parks and gardens as we know it!
sigh….
©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008
The City of Santa Clara is looking for the input from the residents on the proposed idea of having the 49ers be part of our community. Tomorrow night at city hall you can go and ‘float’ your ideas or give your input as to the idea of having them be part of our city.
There was an article in the SJ Mercury news today informing residents of these meetings tomorrow. There will be two sessions where people can give their input one at 3.30pm and one at 6.30pm. Unfortunately I cannot make either of those because of a prior commitment but I urge those that are concerned about other planning issues in Santa Clara to go to one of these two events. It’s an opportunity for the city to be aware that we do care as a city about what they are planning for our future.
I know Mr Moore is in favor of the stadium – I think he may be a 49er fan – good for him. I can understand his commitment to the idea. I have seen Mrs Mahan on the news sprout support for the idea. I wonder how she feels about the fact that Belmont was trying to talk the 49ers into moving there – or was that Redwood city. Do I care? No – not really. I don’t care who tries to get the 49ers. A part of me wants them to stay in San Fransisco after all they are synonymous with that city. I am, however, a little like Jamie McLeod on this one – if it makes good financial reasoning to have the 49ers here then perhaps we should have them here in Santa Clara.
At the end of the day let’s face it they haven’t really said that they are coming to SC. The city may be spending a lot of money on a pie in the sky idea – I hope that’s not the case and if they do come to SC I hope it’s a case of them creating long term wealth for the city not a short term idea. From information I’ve read on the web it sounds like NO city has made money out of Stadiums be they Football or otherwise. They tend to be a negative project. So why then do councils even enter into such an idea? Is it all for the “Glory” of having your name attached to a stadium? Or is it going to be like Qualcomm Stadium or is it AT&T stadium – sorry what is that place called now? Each year we could re name it for a different club or company. Now that makes sense to me – Santa Clara could be the first city to “Ebay” their stadium name. What you think of that idea Jamie McLeod – does that make economic sense? I think even your mate Moore might like that one. Yes, I rather like the idea of putting the stadium on Ebay for naming rights.
I think one question I would ask tomorrow is what kind of jobs does this project hope to bring local residents? Are they jobs that include permanent positions with health care and benefits or are they once again seasonal type jobs like Great America. Though I’m not against seasonal jobs I think they benefit students and retired people it would also be good to see more permanent positions in this general area especially as our projected housing development is going up. Soon we will have more houses and apartments than jobs! That too me is a little out of balance, especially as the city council is always attempting to justify development of homes because local industry cannot find local housing for their employees.
The stadium in my mind brings a lot of short term jobs – I sincerely hope it brings permanent long term jobs that are year round not seasonal.
As I said before I haven’t made up my mind.
©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008
