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Accomplishments |
It has been a
pleasure serving you for the psat 5 years. I am committed to building a healthy, safe, and sustainable community for the residents of District 4. 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
Alviso
Berryessa
North San Jose
Citywide
Green Building Policy
In 2007, the Mayor and City Council approved a private development—a residential unit project at the Berryessa Flea Market site, which was the first development requiring building standards equivalent of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the standard rating system developed by the U.S Green Building Council (LEED) Silver Standards. The City Council also approved a residential project in North San Jose requiring the applicant to implement green building practices equivalent to LEED Silver Standards. This approval was the third major residential rezoning in San Jose approved with such a requirement. The approvals follow a memo I drafted requesting the Mayor and City Council to implement sustainable building practices in private developments.
In October 2007, the City of San Jose adopted the Private Sector Green Building Policy for new construction. The policy lays out 10 ambitious sustainability goals. Green Vision Goal No. 4 is to build or retrofit 50 million square feet of green buildings (public and private) by 2022.
Green building practices are ultimately about conserving our natural resources. San Jose should ensure that green building projects progress through the development process efficiently. I am proud to say that I took part in such a big step toward bettering the environment.
Plastic Bags
In 2008, I co-authored a memo with my fellow colleagues, Mayor Chuck Reed and former Councilmember Nora Campos, to propose a ban on single-use carry our bags in the City of San Jose. In September 2009, City Council voted to approve work to begin drafting an ordinance and implementation plan.
On December 14, 2010, my colleagues and I passed the most environmentally aggressive single-use carryout bag ban in the nation. During 2011, the City launched an extensive outreach effort to businesses and consumers to allow for sufficient consumer education and “ramp-up” time. The ordinance took effect on January 1st of this year, banning plastic bags and a $0.10 cents charge for paper bags that are made of at lease 40% recycled content. The charge will not be going to the City and will be used to reimburse 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.
Tobacco Retail Policy
In May 2010, as part of the approved 2009-2010 Mayor’s Budget Message, staff considered the implementation of a Tobacco Retail License Program that would require tobacco resellers to obtain a license with the City of San Jose. This program’s goal is to reduce tobacco access to minors. This was a collaborative effort between former Councilmember Nora Campos, Councilmembers Ash Kalra and Xavier Campos, and myself. 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.
Automatic External Defibrillators
On February 15, 2008, I joined my colleagues, Councilmember Liccardo and former Councilmembers Campos and Williams, to issue a memo to require the placement of Automatic External Dibfibrillators (AED) in hotels, motels, and senior apartment communities. Each year, 330,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and the San Jose Fire Department responds to 10 cardiac related calls a day.
Suicide Prevnetion Resolution
On October 19, 2011, I brought a memorandum forward to the Rules and Open Government Committee recommending adopting a resolution to support the Santa Clara County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. As a former member on the Santa Clara County Mental Health Board, suicide prevention is a topic that I feel is very important to address in our community. While the subject matter concerning suicide prevenetion may seem like a taboo topic for some, it is something that cannot be ignored. According to the Suicide Plan, the City of San Jose's suicide data indicates a total of 418 deaths by suicide between the years of 2000-2006. This is a rate of 6.26 per 100,000 residents. In addition, when you glance at the Suicide-Homicide Comparison Table, you can see that we are losing more people from suicides than homicides. Suicide prevention is a matter that concerns residents of all races, gender, age, and other characteristics. Adopting a resolution will convey our support for the work the County is conducting through their Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.
On November 15, 2011, the City Council unanimously voted to adopt a resolution in support of the work that Santa Clara County is conducting through their Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.
Healthy Living and Active Living
On October 19, 2011, I also brought a memorandum forward to the Rules and Open Government Committee recommending adopting a resolution to support the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Cities Campaign. The HEAL Campaign is a partnership of the League of California Cities, the California Center for Public Healthy Advocacy, and the Cities, Counties, and School Partnership. The Campaign works with California cities to adopt policies that will improve the physical activity and food environments for all residents. The HEAL Cities Campaign promotes policy options that cities can adopt to improve nutrition and physical activity environments in their communities. Unfortunately, the Rules and Open Government Committee did not recommend this to go to the full Council for approval. However, I remain committed to ensuring healthy living and sustainable environments in our communities.
California Disclosure Act
In January of this year, City Council unanimously supported my call for greater disclosure in campaigns by supporting Assembly Bill 1148, the California Disclosure Act. This was a joint effort with the support of Councilmember Ash Kalra who signed on the original memo.
The California Disclosure Act, authored by Assemblymember Julia Brownley, would require full disclosure, in the advertisements themselves, of the largest major funders of all political television, radio, print, mass mailing, and online advertising. Ensuring transparency is a crucial first step in the direction of assisting voters make informed decisions. Every voter deserves to know who is paying for political advertisement.
While there has been much discussion in Santa Clara County regarding the California Disclosure Act, the City of San Jose is the first city taking a formal stance. In the spirit of having an honest and open government, the California Disclosure Act promotes transparency, ethics, and accountability.
Sponsored Public Safety Forums
In the course of 2011, I held a series of public safety forums in three different languages: Spanish Chinese, and Vietnamese. This was an opportunity for all residents to learn about their rights. The community had the opportunity to meet with the San Jose Police Department Chief Chris Moore and Independent Police Auditor Judge La Doris Cordell. Residents learned how we can collaborate and work towards a safer community.
In that same year, I also partnered with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Santa Clara Valley to host a series of public safety forums for residents of San Jose. This series featured topics, including: Gang Violence, Prevention, and Awareness; Domestic Violence; Bullying; Mental Health; Crime Prevention; and Fireworks Safety. To date, we have held 10 forums.
Since 2007, my office has partnered with the City, County, Berryessa School District, and neighborhood based groups to hosted a number of forums for the community addressing issues such as gang prevention, parent awareness, neighborhood safety, etc. I hope to continue to partner with community organizations to find ways to make a positive effort to keep our neighborhoods safe.
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Alviso
New Pedestrian Signage in Alviso
Traffic calming issues are one of the major concerns in the City of San Jose. My office works closely with the City Manager’s Office and the Department of Transportation to address traffic safety in the Alviso community. In 2009, my office initiated the Department of Transportation to install additional pedestrian signage by George Mayne Elementary School along North First Street. Pedestrian advisory signs were installed in both directions prior to the Tony P. Santos intersection. Another advisory sign was also installed for eastbound traffic near the Alviso Youth Center.
School Traffic Safety at Downtown College Prep in Alviso
In 2009, the Department of Transportation installed yellow crosswalks at all four corners of Liberty Street and North First Street in order to ensure the safety of our students with the initiation of my office. New speed limit signs were also installed along Gold Street at Liberty and North First Street. Existing signs were relocated for better visibility.
Community Development Block Grant Funded Projects
In 2009, Alviso 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. Another project took place along Liberty Street between Moffat Street and North First Street. The work consisted of the installation of new storm laterals, inlets, wheelchair ramps, driveways, and approximately 1,300 feet of sidewalk and curb and gutter. In addition, Alviso also received $350,000 in CDBG funding to address sidewalk improvements along the Alviso Health Center. This project consisted of installing a curb, gutter, and sidewalk along the frontage of the health center.
Replanting of Alviso Palm Trees
On August 7, 2010, I joined the Alviso community to celebrate the replanting of the historic Alviso palm trees. With the help of the Alviso community, my office pushed for the replanting of these historic trees.
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Berryessa
Expansion of the Berryessa Branch Library Parking Lot
Since I took office in 2007, my office has worked with City Staff, community members, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders 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 agreed that it would be in the best interest to demolish the building to expand the library’s current parking lot. 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 of 2010. In January 2011, the Berryessa Branch library parking lot was completed. The expansion project has added an additional 38 parking spaces for visitors to the library. The expansion of the parking lot has greatly benefited visitors at the Berryessa Branch Library.
Berryessa Farmers Market
In 2007, I met with Allen Moy, the Assistant Director of the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association, to locate a farmers market to Berryessa. The Berryessa Farmers Market held their grand opening on May 3, 2008. Due to the positive feedback from residents, the Berryessa Farmers Market decided to open year-round instead of seasonally, as they originally had planned. My office has continued to partner with the Berryessa Farmers Market over the years on events such as Family Day and will be hosting a Health Fair later this spring.
Safety Improvements in Berryessa
Having safe neighborhoods is one of my main priorities. I am always looking at ways to improve our road networks to make the street of District 4 safe and sound. The major safety improvement works that I initiated include:
Penitencia Creek Road and Viceroy Way - March 2008
The installation of the flashing beacons at Penitencia Creek Road and Viceroy Way was finished in March 2008. This project was a joint effort between the Department of Transportation, Parks Department, and my office. The project consisted of a sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA curb access ramps, traffic signs, pavement striping and markings, and a median island pedestrian refuge. With the installation of flashing beacons to alert drivers that pedestrians are crossing, the crosswalk leading to Penitencia Creek Park will be more pedestrian-friendly.
Piedmont Road and Hostetter Road - September 2009
Having safe neighborhoods continues to be a priority throughout the City of San Jose. There has been substantial progress to improve our road networks in Berryessa. Many residents have expressed their concerns regarding to the intersection at Piedmont and Hostetter. My office has worked with the Department of Transportation to divert funding from District 4 Capital Improvement Projects funding to address this safety concern. This project was completed and activated on September 16, 2009.
Jackson Avenue and Mossdale Way
I would like to thank community member Mike Flaugher for his unyielding efforts and dedication to advocate for a crosswalk at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Mossdale Way. After personally compiling data and surveying the number of people who were crossing at this intersection, Mike scheduled an appointment with me during my community office hours to present his findings and ask for my support and help.
After a year of working collaboratively with my office and the Department of Transportation, the crosswalk was completed in Spring 2009. The project consists of a sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA curb access ramps, traffic signs, pavement striping and markings, and a median island pedestrian refuge. With the installation of flashing beacons to alert drivers that pedestrians are crossing, the crosswalk
leading to the Penitencia Creek Trail will be more pedestrian-friendly.
Berryessa Business Association
I am proud that I worked alongside with the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council and established the first Berryessa Business Association in the Berryessa/North Valley neighborhood. The association was created 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. The Berryessa Business Association provides 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.
District 4 Parks
I am pleased to announce that we are moving forward with two long awaited projects in District 4: Commodore Park and Noble Dog Park. I strongly believe that parks and open space contribute to the overall quality of life in our community.
I have remained committed to seeing the build out for the long awaited Commodore Park and I am pleased that we are able to move this project forward without any impact to the City's general fund. Residents in the neighborhood have been looking forward to the build out of this park for over 30 years. A community meeting was held on January 26th to review plans to develop Commodore Park, located at the intersection of Commodore Drive and North Jackson Avenue. Over 25 community members attended this meeting. Staff from the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services reviewed the park plans that will include a tot lot and youth lot, fitness station, picnic area, and parking. This will be the City's 2nd park fitness center. In addition, both playgrounds will be fully accessible via ramps, adaptive swings, and multiple activity areas for children of different capabilities.
In addition, the planned dog park for District 4 has also placed on hold for the past several years for similar reasons. Over the past year, my office has worked with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services to revisit this project and have considered several locations. A community meeting was held on February 1st to review plans to develop a dog park on Noble Avenue, adjacent to Noble House. Approximately 30 community members attended this meeting. Staff from the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services reviewed the proposed plans for an off-leash, fenced dog park that will include a small dog area and a large dog area. Funding is available for design, construction, and the operation and maintenance of this dog park.
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North San Jose
North San Jose Task Force
The creation of the North San Jose Task Force was a campaign promise that I kept. The taskofce, chaired by my office, comprised of residents, industrial developers and property owners, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the South Bay Labor Council. The taskforce, which completed its work in March 2008, has had the responsibility of assessing the future needs of the neighborhood regarding to schools, parks, trails, transportation, fire, police, retail amenities, and residential development in relation to economic development in North San Jose. Our community's active inovlvement in the redevelopment of North San Jose has provided enormous beneficial changes to what will make the City an ever better place to live.
On April 22, 2008, the City Council received the results of the North San Jose Neighborhood Taskforce. I would like to thank the task force members for their participation in the 15 meetings of intense planning work focused on making North San Jose an ever better place to live, work, and play in the next 20 years. The Council approved over 150 guiding principles which will serve as the basis for the Impelemntation Strategy to be developed in the next 4 months.
In 2007, I initiated the convening of the North San Jose Neighborhoods Planning Task Force. The Task Force consisted of the North San Jose residents, business owners and property owners who assisted with planning for the development of new neighborhoods and neighborhood services as part of the implementation of the City’s North San José Area Development Policy. The North San Jose Neighborhoods Planning Task Force held a total of 15 meetings over a roughly 9 month period.
The Task Force was a forum for residents and stakeholders of the North San Jose and the Rincon De Los Esteros Redevelopment Project Area to contribute comments and recommendations as it relates to the development of unique environment of walkable livable neighborhoods within the Vision of North San Jose. Within the scope are items and issues I feel strongly about such as police, fire, community centers, public improvements, retail amenities, schools, parks and open space, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and the design and integration of residential development. The Task Force unanimously adopted a set of Guiding Principles for future planning and development activity in the North San Jose Policy area.
North San Jose Neighborhoods Plan for a California APA (American Planning Association) Award
On September 2011, the North San Jose Neighborhoods Plan received an Award of Merit in the Neighborhoods Planning category. This recognition is from the State Chapter of professional organization of hard work and successful planning efforts undertaken by the North San Jose Neighborhoods Task Force and other community stakeholders. The award was presented at the State American Planning Association (APA) conference in Santa Barbara. You can view the full list of 2011 California APA Award Winners online at http://www.calapa.org/attachments/wysiwyg/38/2011AwardWinners.pdf.
I continue to support bringing in amenities and resources to this developing area and commend the North San Jose Task Force for their hard work and dedication in creating such a great vision for the North San Jose community.
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 José Redevelopment Area. Using North San Jose industrial area as a test pilot 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. It is important for the City of San Jose to continue looking for creative and innovative ways the City can reduce costs. The lights and control system were installed in January 2010.
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