September 7, 2007

District 8 Report

Updates on Lunardi's, smoke-free parks, John J. Montgomery tribute, and more

By Dave Cortese,
San Jose Vice Mayor
Special to the Times

With the end of summer fast approaching and school back in session, I wanted to update you on a number of important activities going on in District 8 and also some changes happening here at City Hall. You will see that the next few months are very busy for the district and the city as a whole and it is my hope that you will take part in the great family activities and speak out on the policy issues confronting our district and the city council.

Lunardi's Grocery Store Closure - Important Community Meeting
Most likely everyone has learned about the closure of the Lunardi's Grocery Store at the Evergreen Village Square. Personally, I am saddened by the closure; my family lives two streets down from the Village Square and we have been regular Lunardi’s shoppers since it opened. Professionally, I recognize the overwhelming need for quality retail and grocery in District 8. My office, in coordination with the Concerned Neighbors of Evergreen Village Square, is holding a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Village Square (Suite 100) to discuss next steps for the shopping center, which we are committed to preserving and growing. Present will be representatives from Shapell Industries (the owner of the shopping center), the Planning Department and the Office of Economic Development. The purpose of this meeting is to figure out what type of grocery retail can survive and thrive at this center and what efforts each of the parties are putting forth to make the vision of the Evergreen Specific Plan a reality. Community participation is critical - you are the customers of this center and you play a HUGE role in the success of any of the retail out here. Please pass this message on to your friends and neighbors.

Smoke-Free Parks almost a reality in San Jose
Last month the city's Parks & Recreation Commission held a public hearing on a policy I put forth with Councilmember Madison Nguyen to make San Jose parks smoke-free. The Commission accepted the report with six commissioners supportive of the ban and one commissioner opposed. There were numerous public speakers at the hearing including youth from Mount Pleasant High School and Evergreen Valley College, all supportive of preserving public health by making our green spaces smoke-free. In addition, many of you contacted me with your own opinions on this issue and I very much appreciate the feedback. The city's Rules Com-mittee (which sets the agenda for the city council) will take up this issue on Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. and then the full council will consider the item in late September/early October. It is important the city council hear the will of the public so please contact the city by email or phone to register your opinion:

- Mayor Chuck Reed: (408) 535-4800 mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Pete Constant: (408) 535-4901 District1@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Forrest Williams: (408) 535-4902 forrest.williams@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Sam Liccardo: (408) 535-4903 District3@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Kansen Chu: (408) 535-4904 District4@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Nora Campos: (408) 535-4905 District5@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio: (408) 535-4906 District6@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Madison Nguyen: (408) 535-4907 District7@sanjoseca.gov.
- Vice Mayor Dave Cortese: (408) 535-4908 dave.cortese@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Judy Chirco: (408) 535-4909 judy.chirco@sanjoseca.gov.
- Councilmember Nancy Pyle: (408) 535-4910 District10@sanjoseca.gov.

Tribute to John J. Montgomery  
If you've passed by Evergreen Park recently you may have noticed some construction activity. A long-awaited tribute to John J. Montgomery is being constructed there. John J. Montgomery was a pioneer in aviation and undertook nearly 55 flights from Evergreen, not far from the corner of San Felipe/Yerba Buena Roads. Mindful of this important piece of Evergreen's history, my office worked with the city and the community to design a thoughtful and educational public art piece that fits in with the pastoral setting. Scheduled to be completed in December 2007, the project includes landscaping, a pathway, a public art feature, plaza and sign wall. The monument is one of many exciting stops along the Thompson Creek Trail and it is my hope that pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists will stop by with their children to read about the father of flight and take in the views of the San Felipe foothills.

District 8 Farmer's Market
The Farmer's Market at Evergreen Library has been up and running since May 2007 and is a tremendous success, so much so that overflow parking is now being graciously accommodated by Grace Lutheran Church across the street. Thank you for keeping this District 8 tradition alive and growing. The fact is that our growing and diverse district can easily support a year-round market and that is what I am working on. Hopefully I can count on your support. In the meanwhile, please note that the hours of operation have changed to 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Day in the Park 2007
Just a reminder that this year's Day in the Park, A Multicultural Festival will be on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Lake Cunningham Park. We will welcome back the free BBQ provided by the Retired Firefighters and Police Officers, 1000 free pumpkins (first come, first serve), live entertainment on two stages, informational booths and this year, an entire section devoted to public health. Last year we saw nearly 9,000 people pass through the park so please plan to stop by. It is not too late to have a booth or become an event sponsor.

For more information on the above items or if you have questions on any matter at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at dave.cortese@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4908.