November 30, 2007

District 8 Report

Shared solutions

By Dave Cortese, City Councilmember
Special to the Times

Following the City Council adoption of budget process reforms in early January 2007, the 2007- 2008 budget process was expanded to solicit and incorporate feedback from the community. A telephone survey, along with Neighborhood Association Priority Setting Sessions, was conducted in January 2007 to explore residents' perceptions of city services and their funding and policy priorities. The results of these efforts guided the Council Priority Setting session that resulted in an Operating and Capital Budget of $3.7 billion dollars and the establishment of the following three- year goals.

· Strive to become the Safest Big City in America

· Eliminate the structural budget deficit

· Reduce deferred maintenance and the infrastructure backlog and develop a strategy to improve the infrastructure

· Increase economic vitality

· Provide full funding for parks, pools, community centers and libraries, including maintenance, operation and development

In a time of tight financial constraints, we are all attempting to do more with less. As we prepare for the upcoming budget cycle one thing is clear. Without your participation we as council members won't have the benefit of your life experiences, suggestions and priorities. There are no easy answers. What is required are participation, innovation, and a recognition that just as we share in the benefits of living in San Jose, we must all share in the solutions that will become necessary as we address these fundamental problems together. Please email me your thoughts, suggestions, and priorities for the upcoming year so I can continue to represent your interests here at City Hall.

With the end of the calendar year fast approaching, I wanted to update you on a number of important projects and initiatives occurring in District 8. It is my hope that you will take part in the upcoming community and family holiday events and speak out on the policy issues confronting our district and the City Council.

Smoke- Free City Parks
I was pleased the council adopted the proposal I put forth with Councilmember Madison Nguyen to make San Jose parks smoke-free, an important public health initiative. My thanks to all of you who contacted me with your opinions on this issue; I appreciate the feedback.

District 8 Farmer's Market
The move from the Evergreen Library to Evergreen Village Square has been a great success. As a reminder, the Farmer's Market is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 9: a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanks to all of you for your patronage and please continue to support this great community gathering spot.

Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park Project
Slated for completion this spring, this 40,000 square-foot skate park will be a tremendous addition to Lake Cunningham Park. Stay tuned for exciting grand opening announcements and activities.

Falls Creek Park
This new park is well under construction just north of Evergreen Valley College. Schedule to open in summer 2008, the public can plan to enjoy an open-space turf area, walking paths, a picnic area under an overhead pergola and a play lot. Ever mindful of the need to conserve resources, the park plan incorporates low-maintenance design techniques, including a lawn that is configured for easy mowing and a "woodland garden" containing low-maintenance plants.

Tribute to John J. Montgomery
A member of the Aviation Hall of Fame, John Montgomery undertook over 50 flights from Evergreen, not far from the corner of San Felipe and Yerba Buena Roads. As you may have seen, a public art monument and plaza is being constructed near Evergreen Park to honor Mr. Montgomery's achievements. Next month, expect to see the installation of the final piece of this exciting project, an artist's rendering of a glider wing and representation of airflow patterns on the decorative concrete around the wing. The selection of this public art was guided by a group of District 8 residents and eventually presented to the District 8 Round Table.  Look forward to the grand opening of this new plaza in early 2008. 

Day in the Park
Over 10,000 folks gathered in what was truly a great multicultural event. With over 80 community booths, and entertainment on two stages, we handed out over 3000 hamburgers, 1000 hot dogs, and 1000 pumpkins! Thanks to all who participated, and the tremendous efforts of our volunteers and District 8 staff were greatly appreciated.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays finds you and your family in good health and great spirits. 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.