Boy would I hate to be the city council tonight – here we go again having to show our true colors to the residents that vote for them.  Hopefully, they will know that we are not small children who need to be ‘guided’ and ‘convinced’ that what they are doing is a good thing for us – but they will hear the words of the residents that go something like this regarding the proposed project at 900 Kiely, Gallery on Central, fairfield residential project in Santa Clara;

The current project is;

Too Dense – too many units proposed for this site – as it currently stands 806 units amounts to 2% of the local Santa Clara population

Traffic concerns  – some of the local intersections have been deemed as failures by the vTA and this project will add more traffic to these interesection ans the surrounding streets

Trees – most of the trees at the current site will be cut down being replaced by saplings – how sad when those current trees add to the current feel of the area and blend in with what is already there.  why cut down mature trees when we already know so much about global warming?  Odd idea

Schools – do we have right numbers – it seems that we have conflicting reports on numbers – this is alarming. how can we get the right figures? is there some way to have this clarified.

Swim center – apparently there is mail out there from the developer attempting to have the local swim center swamp (excuse the pun) the meeting with supporters for the project.  But unfortunately for the developer he does not realize that some of those swim center emails went out residents who are not in favor of the project as it now stands.  Oxy Moron stuff don’t you think?

Also the developer has been talking to the chamber of commerce and local businesses attempting to have them speak in favor of the project because businesses need economic assistances and they are touting the idea that more residents will increase their business.  Yes maybe some truth to that but perhaps many of these business need to reassess what it is their business does and what their service is like.  Just a thought – rather than look to the potential new residents as ’saving grace’?

oh dear the list goes on and I pity the city council tonight – because I am sure like me in their heart of hearts they know that the project as it now stands is not ideal but we do need something there but not this.  This developer has only talked to people who seem to benefit from the project such as the swim pool center and the local stores, they have continously refused to listen to local residents who share streets with this new developer.  They have refused to be a part of the community but rather are waging a war of ‘hate’ behind the scenese by attempting to create a ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude.  We are the old wiser parent who has done this many times before and we know what we are doing – but do they?

They are attempting to turn small Santa Clara with heart into a concrete jungle – just as was mentioned in the mission city lantern blog.  Hopefully the council will stand up to this giant corporate America and say ‘Yes we hear our residents’ and ‘come back with something that is more in keeping with the area and have your project blend in’.

This developer has turned this project into a political debate – how sad – had they worked with the locals and heard their requests for less density, more parking, more open space, fewer units, more amenities for the general public, it might have been an enjoyable working relationship.  However as it now stands we have disgruntled residents who look to their elected leaders for resolution.

So last night was Halloween and though I was home late from work I missed many of the early trick or treaters, though I think the weather kep peole at bay.  I hope the weather will not stop people voting on Tuesday or the unwillingness to take an hour out of their day to vote.  I saw that Google is endorsing a plan for their employees to remember to vote.  They will be sending mail out to their staff to remind them on Tuesday.

So as we go into the final days of this election it’s worth reflecting on the race and what I have observed:

The candidates that have dropped by personally and door knocked are:  Mary Emerson, Brian Lowery and Jamie McLeod. 

I have seen two mud slinging postcards against Jamie Mcleod which totally turned me off.  The language on those cards were particularly disgusting.

I’ve not had a visit from: Bouza, Kennedy, Blair, O’donnell, Moore or Matthews – I guess they have been too busy elsewhere

I’ve had voicemail from the Mayor and someone else at city hall endorsing some candidates

I’ve seen ‘paid’ for endorsement from Blair and O’donnell

I’ve caught: Bouza, Blair and McLeod on comcast TV.

I’ve saw the San Jose Mercury News endorse Jamie McLeod, do an expose on the who called whom regarding the Bouza and Moore, and a article about Mr Lowery’s suit expense.

I’ve not heard from Moore but I have spoken to the Write in Candidate Karen Hardy that is running against Mr Moore.

I walked the gauntlet at the Wine and Art Festival: O’donnel, McLeod, Kennedy, Bouza, Lowery, Emerson – and saw them talking to locals.

I’ve seen the issues be: 49ers stadium and the more and more proposed high rise buildings.  Though the Santa Clara weekly feels that the tight run closed ranks city council is not an issue the San Jose Mercury News did pick up that it is an issue and a concern that one family has for a number of years managed to control the Santa Clara City council.  I too am alarmed that this has been the case and the fact that it is always pooh poohed as a non issue, which again then makes it an issue. 

I noted that Kennedy was not endorsed by the Mayor – which surprises me but she didn’t endorse McLeod either.  Why is that? 

So if you have any questions outstanding and feel you haven’t touched base with a candidate and need to learn a little more about them before you vote remember Monday Night City Hall all the candidates will be gathered.   You can hear them for the final say and if you have a concern about ethics you can have your say as well.

©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

Don’t you just love streaming on the Internet – now you can watch the Santa Clara City Council via the web – awesome idea.  Very Cool – saves having to go to city hall!

Seems like the city council heard the citizens last night and their concern about the issues that surrounded the proposed building on the old Wheels and Deals site.  Congratulations to all the city council, it seemed that none of them in one way or an other were inspired to support the proposed development.  The city council recommended that the developer go back to planning and reconsider the plan – especially the back where it shaded the homes behind the complex and the related creek.

The cynical side of me just can’t help but question some of the reasons behind the decision but for the purpose of this exercise I will refrain from making comments.

It does occur to me that why the city didn’t send back the Marina Playa project when there were questions regarding how the traffic would enter and exit that site.  I guess it was nothing compared to the big picture of having Marina Playa there on Lawrence Express Way.

Now that the city has set a precident let’s see if they can be consistent.  Let’s hope that they continue to listen to neighbors and hear there concerns about high density.  Maybe they are starting to think twice about the plannin departments dream to fill the empty space with high rise condos.  (By the way – I love Mr Riley talkin about the four story complex on Wheels and Deals – and then the architect admiting it’s actually 5 story)  How is that?  Such discrepencies should not exsist in planning – might forget to build a floor! oops

Anyway victory to the residents around Wheels and Deals -  and Victory to the City Council for taking a stand against developers who don’t consider residents, but don’t feel that because a developer doesn’t sit down with you for an hour that they took the residents concerns into consideration.  Or because a developer offers to run a bike path or a creek conversion beside the new complex it doesn’t mean it’s truly something the community wants.  I couldn’t think of anything worse – I’d rather a complex that offers a descent cuppa coffee and a newspaper or some WIFI so I can watch our fine council members finally taking a stand against developers who stomp on residents - hope it lasts at least till the Fairfield Residential discussion.

The sad part out of all of this was that here was a great chance to clean up El Camino – something Mr Moore pointed out.  Oh well hopefully Mr Moore will do something about this as he continues to be in office after the next election.  Good maybe there is hope  …. I just hope it’s not more big time developers vs little guys who haven’t got the right PR system behind them.   Tip to the Wheels and Deals developer – employee a PR person – they will help you in smoothing the way – and never read a magazine while sitting in Council Chambers – not a good idea.  (Good pick up Mrs Mahan)

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

Is Santa Clara loosing the battle with Graffiti taggers?  There has been an increase of Graffiti in the last few months. 

Previously it seemed that Graffiti was under control and only visible in areas around Cabrillo.  Now it seems that it’s all over.  It was noticeable on the old Marina Playa buildings before the developers bulldozed that site.  (Perhaps there is a good side to developers). 

Santa Clara city along with the SC Police Department have a policy of no tolerance and even have an assigned officer.  To read more you can go to the SC Council website and learn how you as a local can even earn a ‘bounty’ if you turn in a tagger. 

When I first came to the US  I had an expectation to see more Graffiti as it seemed to be an issue in Sydney and Melbourne.  In fact a Graffiti artist would call it a ‘badge  of honor’ if he could tag something that seemed impossible to reach.  An example of that would be a Bridge or a prominent statue.  The only area I ever really noticed tagging here were many of the fly overs on 101 as you headed into San Jose area – notably around Tully. 

I always found Santa Clara to be ‘clean’ from Graffiti but since the increase of empty lots and clearly the lack of surveillance of some of these lots Graffiti has increased and encroached on other private property.

Why an increase?  No surveillance is obvious of the properties in question ie the Marina Playa project before it was bulldozed, the old Kaiser building on 900 Kiely.  These are obvious but if you look closer and carefully you will see it on the tops of the Safeway on Homestead, you will learn that there are some truck owners around Victoria are regularly targeted. 

Clearly these taggers have too much time on their hand and obviously money – because thier spray paint must cost money.  Their ability to draw and create is not being funneled in the right area.  Imagine if we were to give these creative kids an avenue to channel their art into something that either is profitable or of use to the city?  Brighten up public spaces?  Come on Patricia Mahan you must care about the youth of this city.  Rather than offer a ‘bounty’ for these kids – have the money go towards programs that give these kids an outlet a space to create – a city funded art program for teenagers.  Does something like that exist?  If not why not.  Mr Caserta is a teacher he must know how to go about communicating with kids like this.  Mr Kolstadt is a former cop – he must know how to find these ‘lost kids’.  Mr Moore is always looking for a new idea that has his seal of approval. 

Why do you think in Santa Clara vs say Los Altos we have such a high incidents of Graffiti – could it be that we have working class parents that are so busy trying to pay their bills that they can’t be at home with their kids?  sigh… doesn’t that then justify us a little more assistance?  Oh I guess not, for after all isn’t it the unspoken rule that the city can ask you for assistance, tax you and speak for you but you can’t ask for assistance for the city because they are too busy doing work for you that has already been budgeted for and there is not budget to create something new that the residents might actually see might assist the residents.  After all we are just children of the city and really don’t know what we need but the people in office/management/administration know more than us.  We the residents are just the children. Mum and Dad know better …. sigh

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

It’s well know that many of the major developers work their magic by getting their developments accepted at planning and city council by donating to the council.  Donations are varied as I see it.

You have the donation to the cities capital fund for projects like, parks and recreation, sewers, roads.  You know something that the city feels needs to be addressed – that’s probably why Santa Clara and Dominic Caserata can say we don’t have a pothole in Santa Clara.  The city gets the developers to contribute towards the ‘pothole’ fund.  It’s worth noting that Fairfield Residential has not contributed to the ‘pothole’ fund as yet but I’m sure they will find the appropriate ‘pothole’ – personally if I was them I would make a contribution to the largest ‘pothole’ the ‘International Swim Center’ I’m sure Mrs Mahan would love that being built in her time perhaps they could even call it the Mahan Swim Center?  Though in my humble opinion it should be the Mark Spitz Swim Center given he really ‘begun’ his career in that very swim center.  And Mark is a one of my favorite swimmers – along with a bunch of great Aussie Atheletes, Gould, Thorpe, Fraser, Rose, Perkins and the wonderful gentle giant Klim!  But Mark had the guts to state what he wanted and win the gold everytime.  He also is someone you can look up to – he managed to win all those medals during a very difficult and trying game.  To understand these games read this at wikipedia. 

A second way Developers donate to cities is to make part of their plans is to build affordable housing in the development.  So for instance in the million dollar plus development on Prunridge and Lawrence that boasts Cupertino schools. Also known as the Enclave there are four units in there that are not as large or expensive that have been made available through a system to those that could not afford to normally buy into an area like that.  Great concept – something that the Dutch have done for years – nothing new.  But what does annoy me is that the developers have this hoity toity attitude that they are doing us all a favor – what a lie.  The council deems it part of the agreement to build and the average joe blow knows that the developer factors in the cost of everyone of those units into the bottom price of the other units so the middle class Joe blow pays for this puppy.  Give me a break I wasn’t born yesterday.   One way the developers look better to the council is that instead of giving the minimum per cent in affordable housing they give more so instead of say 10% they give 15% – how sweet is that?  Sweet to whom? 

The third way they give money is to pay for different city councilmen/women’s political campaigns – legal donations to campaigns.  Ask Mr Caserta he knows how that works – and then ask him how he voted on each and everyone of those developments of the developers that supported him.  I’m sure as we go into an election this year we might see developers supporting other city council candidates.  Oh and developers are tricky – to deflect the controversy over this they get company individuals to donate.  Heck that’s totally legal right – so if you have a big family – say you are one of 100 family members – each member gives the minimum dollar amount which let’s say is $100 you now have 100×100 – you do the math!  Then when you look at the list of who contributed and you see $100 from every Wong or Smith – you know why.  What’s worse is that that same city council member now does not excuse themself from the vote on that development.  That’s just WRONG and STINKS in my book.  I wonder if I were to get 1000 voters to campaign against high rise development and each of them to ‘pay’ oops I mean donate towards a council persons campaign could I now ’sway’ their vote?  hmmm food for thought – no that just smells of good old fashioned bribery.  Doesn’t it to you?

Meanwhile I came across this article in one of the Australian Newspapers on line – the Developers are now saying that they feel the controversy of supporting political campaigns.  The public is creating a back lash against the developer and they are feeling the heat and the developers are not going to fund political campaigns.  About time – I think developers should be held accountable for their actions and that citizens should start to question their involvement in city politics.  Good for the Aussie developers for taking the lead – I predict the same will start to happen here.  Developers should rightly keep their money and their nose our of politics and do what they said they would do develop.  As it’s been said to me many times – the developer comes, makes a mess in a city and then leaves.  Leaving the havoc and the mess to those that now live in the city to clean up.  A lot of this mess is because they think they are doing great things but never really look at the bigger picture.  Here is the article.

PS Fairfield Residential if you are looking to ‘donate’ to Santa Clara City Council ‘pothole’ fund I recommend $400,000 because that’s how short the city was in rebuilding the Swim Center and as a result the project got shelved another year! And we all know by next year that $400K will be $600K!

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

One thing the city of Santa Clara gets right is the 4th of July Fireworks in Central Park.  People come from all over to sit and enjoy the fireworks.  Since we live in walking distance to the park our family leaves late in the evening to find our spot and wait.  We have this ’secret’ little spot.

This years events were spectacular and the police definitely had the whole thing under control.  This year they had Kiely drive completely closed off.  With Kaiser closed there was no need to have the street open except for residents with parking passes or a drivers license with the same street address.  This made navigating the area on foot much easier than in the past. 

Just before the fireworks started someone came to the podium and welcomed everyone to Santa Clara.  I was surprised he didn’t do an advertisement for over 2,000 proposed new apartments and homes.  Hey here was a chance to really sell Santa Clara – the city is always wanting to let people know what a great city it is, they had thousands of people there why not some unashamed blatant promotion?  Are they not always looking for more people to come and live here and pay taxes? 

I was also a little surprised that our Major Ms Mahan was not there to say something or perhaps some other City Councilmen/women.  Heck what would it take to be there and say a dozen words at one of the cities biggest events that brings out most of it’s residents and people from other cities.  I’m okay if you promote yourself – George Bush does it, Obama would do it, Mclean would jump at it.  I’m surprised our star wannabe politician Mr Caserta wasn’t there promoting his favorite developers  – he could have said something about the Fairfield Residential complex – in fact the city could have had someone from Fairfield tell all these residents about the wonderful 806 proposed residents they are going to build and the 536 of them that will be for rent that will over look the park.  Man what a golden opportunity to sell your product.  Or maybe they just aren’t proud of this development …. makes you wonder.

The fireworks were fabulous and clearly the city knows how to turn on a good show.  Well done to the company who put on the show was Fireworks America - the music was great.  And I guess as my first 4th of July as a citizen I found it all so more inspiring and patriotic. 

Great Job!

PS Rick if what you say is true – then all I can say is she has a deep voice and sounded just like a man – perhaps she needs to take voice lessons.

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

Wow finally people of ‘importance’ are talking to each other.  I’m always amazed here in the US about the ‘me’ culture.  There is a reason in Australia we call everyone a ‘mate’.  We definitely consider our mates and got their back covered more than here in the US where it’s all about “ME”.  So I read in the SJ Merc today that Santa Clara, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino city councils sat down and talked about the planning issues on the books.

They all hugged – how Californian is that? Should I be so rude to say: Pass me a bucket! 

It’s about time these people of ‘influence’ and so called ‘power’ sat down and realized that the locals aren’t happy with what is going on and we do notice things.

I think what is interesting is that less than 10 residents were there to be a part of this – is this yet another case of ’secret meetings’ ?  It seems to me that city councils like to have meetings in camera i.e. behind closed doors.  They want us to live in their city but they don’t want to tell us what they are up to maybe because they know we might leave if we knew the truth.  Then they turn on each other with childish attitudes in defence of what the other city has supposedly done to them i.e. the right turn lane forcing traffic back to Santa Clara

I see Ms Mahan wants to include San Jose in the talks – wow Patricia how big of you!  Why didn’t you guys do it to start with?  Worried they might have some more pull than you Patti?  Hey your average reporter out their may not recognize the political ploy you just pulled but … your average local yocal does. 

Personally I think the city officials and staff should sit down with the big developers and call a truce and start working out a plan to improve the areas that truly need improving and then start building new areas and cleaning up old areas.

Perhaps we could have a bit more “mateship” and a little less American “me” provided we don’t take on the tall “poppy syndrome”, she’ll be right mate!

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

The city has taken it open themselves to hold open discussion with residents about the future of Santa Clara – what a shame so few people attended these events.  Perhaps it’s because their is a general acceptance by a lot of old timers in the city that there is no way to have the city planners, administrators or council people hear what we want.  Years ago I heard that there was public outcry about the proposed changes to the old quad downtown. 

I observed tonight that the public relations company that ran the meeting has obviously been instructed to get the residents to start thinking about where they would like the ‘downtown’ of Santa Clara to be.  Funny I always thought a downtown was where the streets were called “Main Street” “1st Street” “High Street” “2nd Street” or streets named after the founders of the city “Harrison” “Lafayette” – why would you now want Lawrence and El Camino to be the heart of our downtown?  It’s practically the border of Sunnyvale – makes no sense to me.  But then again I’m just a resident their is no money in any of this for me!  Oh, what’s worse I’m not a Mahan, Caserta, Kennedy or other city councilman/women who owns property in the old quad where the old downtown used to be – I don’t have a vested interest in where downtown should be.

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008

Yesterday I had cause to go to Santa Clara Post office on Kiely. Today I had cause to go to Cupertino Post office on Stevens Creek. Talk about a night and day experience. I happen to know some of the people working at Kiely because I’ve been going there for a number of years. So they are always very courteous and very helpful and have something to share with y’all. Even at Cupertino that lady that helped me had a good chuckle when we discussed the ‘pressure of today’s society’ vs ‘life when we were growing up’. She happened to say well I guess life changed when we got color TV and I laughed and told her in our house we waited for years before we had a color TV because my dad was color blind. He didn’t see the point of a color TV. Mind you once we had it he couldn’t understand why we hadn’t had one earlier.

Well Santa Clara as nice as it is – is such an inconvenient place to go. You can’t park easily, you have to wait on Kiely most times before you can enter the site. You sit there on Kiely praying some maniac doesn’t plow into you! And then when you do finally leave the parking area you pray that you don’t reverse into someone else reversing! It’s a GEICO nightmare.

I’m sure this really doesn’t affect the Santa Clara City Council, after all why would they care? Why would they care about anything that doesn’t affect the main city councilors directly like: Mahan, Caserta or Moore? Every time I go in there and talk with locals you can hear the frustration in their voice about the parking and the wait to be served.

Now let me tell you about the office on Stevens Creek in Cupertino. Talk about a breeze where it comes to parking! No problem mate – take your pick of endless parking spots. Head to the line and wait approximately 1 minute before one of the five clerks are ready to serve you. Every station waiting to help you out. This is NO SANTA CLARA Kiely post office. I love my attendants at Kiely but Stevens Creek in Cupertino was a winner today! They rock.

What do we have to do in Santa Clara to get some great amentities? I know be like a five year old – rant and scream, kick and pout, wave and stomp, shout and point! Sour grapes for Santa Clara!

©Letters From Silicon Valley 2008