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News for the week of May 20, 2002 Budget
scythe largely misses city coffers The state budget deficit turned out to be $23.6 billion, not $22 billion as expected. That's the bad news. The good news is that Gov. Gray Davis' attempt to balance the 2002-03 state budget will be less at the expense of the cities and school districts than originally feared. The effect on counties, though, will be heavier. Gov. Davis released his "May Revise" last week, detailing a mix of tax increases, spending cuts and borrowing that he hopes will help balance the state's budget for the new fiscal year. The budget must pass the Assembly and Senate; it is then sent on to the Governor who, typically, 'blue pencil's out some items. "I'm relieved that it looks like this will have minimal impact on city's budget," said Mayor Dennis Kennedy. "It does look like the counties will take a much heavier hit. That is going to be tough." The Davis plan takes aim at some obviously vulnerable 'sitting ducks'. He proposes raising taxes on cigarettes by 50 cents a pack and restoring vehicle license fees to their 1998 pre-taxcut levels. Though motorists have been paying the reduced rate, cities still count on and receive full fees because the state "backfills" the amount taxpayers no longer pay. The cities would be in serious financial trouble if the state withheld this backfill. Trying to eliminate this expense, the governor is asking motorists, most of whom receive city services paid for by the tax, to pay the full amount as before. Vehicles are assessed on their value. The average registration fee, currently $64, would be raised to $148 per car. Returning motor vehicle taxes to 1999 levels would bring another $1.3 billion into the treasury. Besides adding $1.8 billion in tax revenues, the Davis plan would cut $7.6 billion in spending, part of which would be from health programs and aid to local governments. The plan also suggests selling $4.5 billion in bonds and delaying some programs until the economy recovers. The budget deficit may affect city revenues by going after Redevelopment Agency funds. RDAs may join the ranks of property owners sending tax money to Sacramento to add to the school fund. Morgan Hill, however, has plans for all its RDA funds: the community and cultural center, the aquatic center, part of a new library, an indoor recreation center to name a few. In January the council alloted all $147 million expected RDA money. "We will still get $147 million in RDA taxes," said Tewes. It only depends, he said, whether we get it in five years or seven years. About the "May Revise's" effect on the cities, Tewes was more cautious. "In light of the significant increases in the state budget deficit, we are gratified that the governor has proposed (budget) changes are less drastic than we had feared," said City Manager Ed Tewes. "But, it's not over. We need to continue lobbying state officials to inform them that public safety could be impacted if substantial revenues are shifted from the cities to the state." The Morgan Hill School District is still mulling over the news from Sacramento. Superintendent Carolyn McKennan said Wednesday she was not ready to comment on how the governor's revise might affect the School District budget. "I'm cautious," she said. "There are a lot of numbers there, and before I make a judgment, I want to have a better handle on what they will mean to us." McKennan said she would attend a video-taped conference Thursday with other school leaders from across the state presented by School Services of California, a financial organization that acts in an advisory capacity to many districts in the state. "We will go through line by line, step by step," she said. "Then, on Friday, I will attend a meeting with other school administrators to go through it again ... After these two sessions, I should have a much better idea what our situation will be." School Board trustees got a look at what district staff is recommending for it's restricted programs at last night's regular meeting. Staff recommendations for the general operating budget will go to the board at the June 10 meeting. The complete 2002-2003 budget will be presented to trustees for approval at the June 24 meeting. .Meanwhile, the City Council saw the 2002-2003 proposed budget for the first time on Wednesday. Jack Dilles, city finance director, introduced the $86,544,839 budget and answered the council's questions. Last year's budget was initially projected at $102,537,716 but was revised upwards during the year to $107,471,892. This number does not reflect the 5 percent spending reduction imposed successfully on most city departments in October. According to Dilles, the money was not spent; neither was it deducted from the budget figures. The general fund that pays for public safety, city administration, recreation and park maintenance, is $16,246,408 Other highlights: $5.33 million is amount of the general fund that's generated from
sales tax revenue 13.3 percent of the general fund is alloted for recreation and
park maintenance 60 percent of the general fund will be spent on public safety (police, fire and EMS) The only entries added to the new budget are those for the community and cultural center and playhouse. An event coordinator position was approved by the council. Because it takes the place of the unfilled position of leisure services coordinator, no additional funds needed to be appropriated. "We have probably one of the healthiest reserves of any city in the state," Kennedy said. The council will hold a workshop on Friday, May 31 to discuss the budget and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). June 26 has been set as a public hearing to adopt the 2002/03 budget. In case the council is not able to finish the budget discussion on the 26th, a special meeting will be held the following day. July 1 is the deadline for the budget to be adopted. Santa Clara County's $85 million budget challenge could increase by another $50 million. Last week, county officials scrambled to Sacramento to save local residents from being hit with a massive loss in services, because of, roughly, a billion dollars in cuts proposed by the governor in his revised budget for 2002-2003. Under the formula used by state planners, roughly 5 percent of those cuts would come at the county's expense. The proposed cuts would severely affect the county's ability to provide social and mental health services, and slash several public safety initiatives, county officials say. "We could manage something more reasonable, $15 million to $20 million," said South County Supervisor Don Gage. "$50 million, we can't recover from that." Gage went to Sacramento last Wednesday to meet with Speaker of the Assembly Herb Wesson Jr. D-Culver City. The county has already tightened its belt because of $85 million revenue shortfall in sales and property tax revenue. County officials have formulated a plan to battle the $85 shortfall by cutting $33 million in services, using $35 million in reserves, and stopping an additional $26 million subsidy to Valley Medical Center. The first round of cost savings included measures such as a countywide hiring freeze instituted last fall. Layoffs are not out of the question in light of the state's proposed cuts, according to County Executive Richard Wittenberg said. Wittenberg believes the county will make it through this coming budget year - which runs July to June - without having to declare bankruptcy. However, Wittenberg said county officials will have a much better idea by early summer, when the state is required to adopt a budget. "This is the most dramatic cut that Santa Clara County has ever faced," Wittenberg said. The budget plan can be found online at http://www.dof.ca.gov Fashion prowess proved at L.O.
More than 400 people watched as 150 students modeled at least three of their creations. "There were some quilts also, and some of our beginning students showed their drawstring pants and duffle bags," said fashion show organizer and Live Oak teacher Donna Foster. "And some of our students had made clothes for nieces and nephews or family friends, so we had children modeling cute clothes also." Evening wear was a popular item, with many of the students wearing outfits designed for the prom, Foster said. "A lot of the boys made ties, some made cummerbunds and vests," she said. "Some designed things for their girlfriend to wear to the prom." There are five male students in her classes, Foster said, but she has several others that come by during their lunch hour and before or after school to work with her because they can't fit the class into their schedule. "Fashion design offers students things at so many levels," she said. "It's math, it's very practical, and it is a potential career on a lot of different levels." The theater was filled to fire code limits for the show, with ushers letting in newcomers only as people left the building. "The show truly exceeded our expectations," Foster said Friday. "We always have good attendance, but this was beyond what we've had in the past." Foster said planning for the 22-year-old tradition begins almost from the first day of school in the fall. "We have to set the date a year in advance, and the students need time to put together a collection of at least three of their best garments," she said. "Our more advanced seniors get together early in the year to discuss the theme and plan the show." This year's theme was masquerade, Foster said, with each of the 12 scenes in the show beginning with at least one model in the Mardi Gras colors of green, gold and purple. "Everyone made at least one masquerade piece," she said. "Masks and capes were popular ... We went to Los Angeles early in the year to get the special materials." The money made from ticket sales helps defray some of the costs of putting on these shows, said Foster. "But what is really important that it does is it provides money so we can offer scholarships each year," she said. Beyond that, she uses the money for equipment. Last year, she said,
she was able to purchase three new sewing machines. Veterans honored At 9 a.m. Bowers will raise the flag used at the funeral of recently deceased vet, Fred Strome. Bud Flaherty and Paul Yokoi from V.F.W. Post 4112 have offered to lay memorial wreaths; fellow VFW member Tim Watson will read the names of Morgan Hill military personnel killed in action and Mike Cheetham offers a prayer. Essays on freedom will be read by schoolchildren. To close the ceremony honoring lives lost and service given, Steve Johnson will play TAPS. Strome, who died on Oct. 2, 2001, served in the Navy in the 1950s then built a career as an electrician with San Martin Electric. A generous man, he would often work on seniors' houses for free - for a plate of brownies, his wife Karen said. Strome, who loved to hunt and fish, was active in the local VFW, the Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited and Fish and Game. "He was the perfect man," Karen said. "Everyone
misses him, every day." The Veterans Memorial is in the road
median at First Street and Monterey. The inside lanes, northbound
and southbound, will be closed to traffic during the ceremony. The
public is encouraged to attend. Rain hits area Although it's unclear whether the rain was the culprit, 27 people were stranded in the rain on the new SkyTrail monorail ride at Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy because of electrical problems on the ride, said park spokeswoman Gena Sakahara. An apparent short-circuit caused park officials to shut down the monorail ride in the late afternoon. Riders in the open cars on the raised track waited at least 30 minutes in the rain before firefighters could rescue them with ladders. Riders were provided a free meal and hot chocolate at a park restaurant as well as discounts on future admission. The ride has a manual retrieval system, but park officials didn't want to use it because of safety concerns regarding the electrical system, Sakahara said. "It was more of a short (circuit)," Sakahara said. "When that occurs, for safety reasons everything just shuts down especially if it's raining." The park also closed down four hours early because of the inclement weather, as only 2,100 people turned out against expectations of 4,000. "For lack of a better word, (the weather) was miserable," Sakahara said. National Weather Service spokesman Mark Burger said exact numbers aren't in yet, but it's likely that a half-inch to an inch of rain will fall in South County between Sunday and Monday. CDF reported 0.13 inches of rain by 8 a.m. Monday, though rain continued on and off throughout the day. Thunderstorms were reported Monday in some parts of the Bay Area. Most of the Bay Area Sunday and Monday experienced gusty winds and rain showers off and on. The Sierra-Nevada area is taking a frosty punch from the same weather system. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for all of Monday in the Lake Tahoe area, where snow was expected to force chain restrictions over Sierra passes. Through Tuesday, the weather service was calling for 6-12 inches of snow above 7,000 feet and 3-6 inches of snow below that from the late-season storm. "It will definitely seem like winter again," said weather service forecaster Tom Cylke. "It's not out of the question to see an inch or so of snow in Reno." A winter storm watch also was posted for Monday night into Tuesday morning for above 5,500 feet in much of northern Nevada, including Elko, White Pine and Humboldt counties. After today, according to the weather service, thing will begin to return to normal. Forecasts for the rest of the week in the Gilroy-Morgan Hill-San Martin area show the rain moving out Wednesday. Organizers and volunteers for Morgan Hill's Mushroom Mardi Gras, to be held this weekend, can breathe a sigh of relief as the area is expected remain dry through the weekend, with temperatures warming to the mid- to upper-60's. In Morgan Hill, there were no weather-related emergencies. PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith reported that a power line went down on Wright Avenue between Hale Avenue and Delmonte Street around 2 p.m. "Only eight customers were affected," he said. "One crew was called out and had the situation taken care of and power restored by 5 p.m." There were no injuries as a result of the downed wire. The Morgan Hill Police Department reported no unusual problems related to the weather. Battalion Chief Hal Chase of the El Toro Fire Station said there were the usual minor collisions associated with bad weather, but no major problems. The rain was mixed news for some South County farmers. Hay farmer Kip Brundage said several hay farmers could have been affected because of the rain's timing at the start of the hay harvest season. At this point farmers traditionally have begun cutting hay and letting it dry in the fields, or baled and stacked it. Rain can soak uncovered bales, causing them to mildew, Brundage said. Hay spread in the fields is more salvageable, but still ends up at a reduced quality and price. So far it's hard to estimate the damage the rain caused, Brundage said. Farmers probably stopped cutting when they heard weather forecasts, he said. Ironically, the harvest is also running later this year because of heavy rainfall during the planting season in the winter a factor that probably reduced the amount of hay subject to damage. "It's not huge," he said. "Most everyone planted late due to the heavy December rains and didn't plant until mid-January, so that hay hasn't been cut yet." At Christopher Ranch south of Gilroy, Bill Christopher said Monday that he had not found much damage from the rain on the company's 60 acres of cherries. Most of the damage had already been done, Christopher said: pollination problems in the bing cherries that make up the majority of the crop will allow the ranch only a 10 percent yield from plantings this year. Of the salvageable bing cherries that are left, Christopher said most weren't ripe enough to be affected much by the rain, which can stretch the skin of the fruit and pull it away from the meat of the cherry. Meanwhile, the burlat cherries grown for fruit stands that are currently in harvest are soft enough that the rain does not crack them easily, he said. "Right now it doesn't look too bad," he said. "I've seen a few that have cracked, but the timing could have been worse." Rain and wind helped force three Gilroy families out of their homes for the night after a large tree branch fell on the roof of a duplex in the 500 block of Fairview Drive early Sunday afternoon, according to Gilroy fire officials. Although the branch apparently did not cause extensive structural damage, it raised concerns that the rest of the tree could topple in the storm and threaten residents. Fire officials waited on scene for four hours while trying to track down a tree crew that could take care of the problem. Eventually, the two families were put up in a local motel overnight
by the American Red Cross, while a third found shelter with relatives,
said GFD Captain Clay Benson. The property owner's insurance company
has reportedly contacted tree crews that may respond today. Gavilan may not renew lease for
old City Hall The college offers educational programs and incubates small businesses in the building with a $400,000 grant from the federal government. It pays the city $3,000 a month in rent and spends $1,500 more in maintenance costs. "They've been good tenants and we would like to continue on with them if possible," Dorn said of Gavilan College, which rents the turn-of-the-century building located at Sixth Street and Monterey Road. The original grant was to span two years, but was extended through September as was the college's lease with the city, said Rachel Perez, associate dean of community education, economic development and special projects for Gavilan. No additional money was included in the grant's extension. College officials have made no firm decision whether they will renew the lease, said Marty Johnson, Gavilan vice-president of instructional services. "We're still investigating what some of our options are," Johnson said, "but the bottom line is the lease runs out and the grant runs out." The grant was given to Gavilan College with the understanding that it would benefit the community in which the building was located, an area with a high density of low income and Hispanic people, Perez said. To this end, the grant money has been used to incubate small businesses. Since the building has a large commercial kitchen, food-based enterprises became the logical focus of what would be incubated, Perez said. The main business venture is located on the ground floor and called the Wild Rose House of Taste Restaurant, which opened last September, and employs 16 people, said owner Patricia Caradonna. The restaurant allows local musicians to play there and local artists to hang their wares around the dining room. "We want this to definitely be a creative arts center," Caradonna said of the restaurant. For the first six months of their year-long sub-lease with Gavilan College, the restaurant paid $525 per month in rent, according to Perez. For the second six months of the sub-lease, it is paying $750 per month in rent. In the event the college is unable to extend the lease, Dorn said the city would look for a middle ground. "I don't think we want to be in the position of shutting down the restaurant," Dorn said. "We're probably going to have to figure out some sort of compromise for them and I don't know where that will land until we sit down and talk." Several other businesses are working with college officials, including a group of six tamale vendors who will begin selling their products within the next week, Perez said. The tamale makers will rent Old City Hall's kitchen on an hourly basis, probably around $10 an hour, she said. "There's a risk factor involved in a lot of things," Perez said of whether the businesses will survive. About 15 percent of the grant also is being used to offer a variety of public service classes on the second floor, such as not-for credit courses in the English as a Second Language program. A variety of workshops have also been offered covering topics ranging from landlord-tenant disputes to in-home childcare providing, Perez said. There is also a computer lab in the building. Currently, between 20 and 30 students are enrolled in the not-for credit ESL classes, and about 100 students are enrolled in for-credit ESL classes. Many of the students live locally, and thus it is easier for them to take courses at Old City Hall as opposed to traveling to the main campus, she said. "For some of them it's just a transportation issue," Perez said of the students. Johnson said if the college cannot stay in Old City Hall, Gavilan officials will look for another grant and see whether another space can be rented in the downtown area. Garlic
train off - this year The Garlic Train will not roll this year. Caltrain plans to make extensive repairs of tracks on weekends for the next two years, so the Garlic Festival's well-liked train running from San Francisco to Gilroy will be canceled this summer and possibly next. "We definitely scrubbed it for this year," said Dave Bell, Garlic Train coordinator for the Golden Gate Railroad Museum. "At least for this year, it's a dead issue. It's just an unfortunate combination of things." In the past, volunteers for the museum have run the popular train as a way to earn money for the railroad museum located at Hunter's Point in San Francisco, he said. Caltrain will do a major upgrade of its tracks which will be completed in summer of 2004, said Jayme Maltbie, public information officer for Caltrain. "It's the largest construction project we've ever undertaken," she said. Each weekend for the next two years is tightly scheduled for construction, and to change the schedule for the Garlic Train would add more cost and more logistical problems to construction, she said. Caltrain rents one of its trains to the railroad museum to serve as the Garlic Train, and the museum's volunteers run it, she said. The museum board had discussed operating a Garlic Train from Palo Alto to Gilroy this year, but decided the low ridership would not make it worthwhile logistically and economically, Bell said. About 10 to 15 percent of Garlic Train riders board in Palo Alto and San Jose, he said. Most come from San Francisco. Stops also include Burlingame and Redwood City. "By the time you're that far south (Palo Alto), what's another 20 miles," Bell said. Last year, the Garlic Train transported 1,100 people on Saturday of the festival and 700 on Sunday, he said. Last year, a round-trip ticket cost $43 and included entrance into the festival and a festival program. The train is popular and past riders were disappointed to find out it was canceled for this year's festival, Bell said. "We had a group from Lawrence Livermore Labs this year that wanted to hire two cars," he said. Last year, the museum made about $20,000 from the Garlic Festival. The money goes to renovate antique trains, he said. "It's been a good fundraiser," he said. "People can relax on the train, and don't have to worry about drinking and driving, traffic or dealing with parking (at the festival)," he said. A shuttle from Gilroy's depot takes train passengers to Christmas Hill Park where the festival is held, he said. The museum board is considering running a train from Oakland next year, he said. It might also possibly rent an Amtrak train running from Sacramento, he said. Joann Kessler, assistant executive direct of Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, said she was disappointed the train won't run this year because it was popular with many visitors and helped to alleviate parking and traffic congestion at the festival. "It was kind of a party train because you don't need a designated driver," she said. "People had a good time on the train." Besides the cancellation of the Garlic Train, the Garlic Festival Association will set up several "logistical changes" this year, said Dick Nicholls, executive director of the Garlic Festival "We're going to be expanding our recycling efforts this year and do a more thorough job on recycling," he said. The festival will place containers for plastic bottles and paper products throughout the festival grounds and encourage visitors to help out with recycling, he said. The festival will also open a new parking facility for visitors, he said. The new area is a 60 acre site off Ballybunion Drive along Santa Teresa Boulevard. The exit would be across from Club Drive near the Eagle Ridge development. The original 40 acre parking lot will still be in use, he said. The festival organizers also plan to provide more room for vendor and suppliers on the Ranch side of the park, he said. "We'll have plenty of parking," he said. Shuttle transportation will still be available for visitors to and from the parking lot, he said. The festival organizers also plan to expand the children's play area so it won't be crowded, he said. One criticism by parents of last year's location for the children's area is that it was placed on a slope which made it hard for people with strollers, but the area will not be changed, he said. "We don't have any other place to put it," he said. No changes will be made to the Gourmet Alley food menu, Nicolls said. The year's menu will include the festival's famous pepper-steak sandwiches, garlic bread, as well as the garlic sausage sandwich which was introduced at last year's festival. "Food-wise, we're going to be about the same," he said. "We won't have any new items in Gourmet Alley." Also coming back is the popular "Got Milk Gravity Tour," he said. This is an "X-games" style exhibition of in-line skating and biking on a ramp sponsored by the milk industry board, he said. "Those types of sports are extremely popular right now," he said. "There's something attractive about them for young people. We want to have them because they're fun to see." Admission prices will be the same as last year. Adults will be charged $10 but discount coupons will be available; children and seniors will be charged $5 with kids under six years old admitted free. Nicholls said the festival expects about 3,800 volunteers to help out, about the same number as last year. Plans are being discussed by the festival board to provide honor individual and group volunteers, but no specifics have yet been decided." "We're going to be looking at a way to do more volunteer recognition," he said. Kirsten Carr, chairperson of the festival's entertainment committee and executive director of the Gilroy Visitors' Bureau, said this year's event will include Bay Area singers and performers. "I'm very excited about the entertainment this year," she said. "We're having a great variety going on all three stages." Bands will include local groups such as 1950s-60s groups "Sha-Boom" as well as "The Corvairs," and pop dance music "Smurfy Brown." San Jose-based "Brickhead" will play popular dance music from the 1980s. Country music groups will include local band "Silver Creek" and San Francisco's "Red Meat." Sarah Sigman, who had her first appearance at the festival last year, will sing country music again this year. Local "boy band" group "Juz Cuz" will also be appearing at the festival. "They are all cousins, high school age, from the San Martin, Gilroy area," Carr said. Also will have clowns and other entertainers strolling around the festival grounds, she said. Belly dancers will also make an appearance. "They're such
a popular number that we have to have two days," she said. Drop in assessed value will result
in tax break Nearly 1,500 property owners in South County saw their assessed values drop enough to qualify for a property tax break this year, according to the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office. The properties are some of 29,000 across the county that have seen assessed values plummet due to the economic downturn, county Assessor Larry Stone said. While the total assessed value of property in Santa Clara County is expected to rise more than 6 percent for 2002 to about $185 billion, Stone is projecting a $3.7 billion drop for the 29,000 properties a 15 percent decline from the value of those properties last year. Values of 846 properties in Morgan Hill declined for a total drop in assessed value of nearly $45.7 million a 9.3 percent drop from values in 2001. This amount is still 4 percent more than the assessed valuation in fiscal year 2001-02. In fact, the newly introduced Morgan Hill 2002-03 budget projects property tax revenues of $1,883,000, up from $1,626,000 projected in 2001-02. City Manager Ed Tewes said this is a function of new growth, sales and reassessments. Meanwhile, Gilroy saw 623 properties decline for a total drop of about $18.8 million a 5.5 percent drop from 2001. The reductions are mandated by Proposition 8, a law passed by state voters in 1978 that entitles property owners to either the lower of their fair market value from a Jan. 1 yearly assessment or the assessed value as determined at the time of purchase or construction, increased by no more than 2 percent annually. Property owners were notified of their assessed value by mail when the Assessor's Office on May 17 mailed cards to residents. However, the reduction is temporary and assessed values will be restored if the market improves at a later date, Stone said. "While this 'temporary' reduction in assessed value may appear to be good news for almost 30,000 property owners, it is very stressful for homeowners when the value of their home which for most families is their single most valuable asset declines," Stone said. Countywide, 98 percent of the properties affected area single-family homes and condominiums, Stone said, with the balance are industrial, office, retail, hotels and multi-family properties. The overwhelming majority are homes that were purchased or constructed in the top of the housing market between 1999 and 2001, Stone said, especially in affluent communities such as Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills at the "epicenter" of the dot-com boom where multiple offers often drove up prices above the asking price. In Los Altos Hills, for example, 128 properties declined for a drop of $147 million a nearly 27 percent decline. But the drop came after several years of exceptional growth, Stone said assessed values there had risen 42.5 percent between 1999 and 2001. The state which receives 61 percent of the property tax revenue generated in the county will come out the biggest loser in the drop, Stone said. The balance of revenues is spread between the county, its cities and other public agencies here. The county and redevelopment agencies receive 12 percent and the county's cities nine percent. During the last recession in 1995-96, about 98,000 county properties received the Prop. 8 reductions, Stone said, which produced a drop of $5.6 billion from the property tax rolls. Property owners are encouraged to contact the Assessor's Office at 299-5300 or visit http://www.scc-assessor.org before June 15 if they think the assessed value of their property is inaccurate. Property owners can file a formal appeal July 1 through Sept. 15 with the clerk of the Board of Supervisors Interim housing available for
victims of disaster The Haven facility, located at 937 Locust St., San Jose, began year-round operation in April, serving as many as four families at a time who have been displaced because of fire, flood or other domestic disaster. The program will provide Haven residents with up to 30 days of interim housing in addition to housing search assistance, crisis support, food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and community agency referrals. Pooling resources to develop The Haven, the City of San Jose Homeless Services Department provides funding for the program, the American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter delivers immediate relief and program support, and EHC owns and operates the building. Details: EHC for Contributions, 294-2100, ext. 406 or www.homelessness.org Gavilan to discuss hiring president The board will discuss whether or not to hire an interim president from outside the college or select one from the administration, said Leonard Washington, president of the board. "The board is split right now about whether we go in-house or a 'rent-a-president,'" he said. "We have to talk about it and come to some conclusions." Rose Marie Joyce, Gavilan's president since 1996, announced earlier this month she would be leaving Gavilan to head Rio Hondo Community College in Whittier. She will be starting the new position on July 1. According to Washington, three possible candidates for the interim presidency are Marty Johnson, vice president of instructional services, Kent Child, dean of liberal arts and sciences, and John Baker, vice president of student services. Child will retire from the college at the end of May, but might continue as interim president, Washington said. Baker started working at the college last summer, but his experience at other colleges would help him serve as an interim president, he said. "He's been in the system for a long time," he said. The board will announce its decision for selecting an interim president at the open meeting following the closed session, Washington said. The meeting will be held in the lounge of the Student Union at the Gilroy campus. Last week, trustees heard public input related to their search for a new president. Washington indicated that while the selection of the interim president will be the responsibility of the board, public comment in regards to selection procedures was welcome. "We take that under advisement," he said addressing audience member Shirley Trevino about public input when selecting an interim president. Trevino, a member of the Latino Advisory Committee for the college, has voiced opposition about college procedures used to select trustee appointments. Noted by audience members and Gavilan staff was concern over the next year's budget, and the request that the college not hire a consultant to conduct a search for a new president. Joyce's departure shows signs of political tension, mainly the narrow 4-3 vote last summer to renew her contract to 2003. There have also been recent controversies, including charges of racial bias in the board's selection of interim trustees and a flap over a student mural. Joyce has said that her decision to leave was not influenced by
the close decision to renew her contract. Details: 848-4712. Safety work set for Highway 25 "We're hoping to start on May 20, but even with delays, by the latest we should begin by May 28," Caltrans spokesman John Burke said. Transportation officials expect the roadwork to begin soon because late last week Caltrans awarded a $5.27 million construction contract to Granite Construction Co. The construction project will be the final phase of a multi-million dollar safety improvement project along the stretch of Highway 25 that runs from San Felipe Road in Hollister to the Santa ClaraCounty line. The safety improvement project consists of constructing a 4-foot wide soft median barrier, 12-foot wide lanes, and additional 10-foot wide shoulders with a 1-foot- wide rumble strip at the edge line, and a left-turn pocket from southbound 25 onto Flynn Road. A soft barrier is a set of double solid yellow lines with a ground-in rumble strip about two inches wide and two inches deep with reflectors in between the yellow lines. San Benito County officials and safety advocates said the changes are a welcomed to increase safety along the dangerous stretch of highway. "This will have a significant effect on traffic once it's installed," Hollister City Manager George Lewis said. The construction project represents the completion of a $9.1 million plan to improve safety on Highway 25 promised by Caltrans officials more than a year ago. Caltrans crews will work in one-mile-long sections from San Felipe Road to the San Benito and Santa Clara county lines. Crews will work on the changes in small sections to prevent any undue traffic congestion. The California Transportation Commission, which has the power to authorize funding for all Caltrans projects, was on the verge of denying the $7.7 million state officials had pledged to the safety improvement project. It took a last-minute appeal from Assemblyman Simon Salinas, D-Salinas, and state Sen. Bruce McPherson, R-Santa Cruz, to save the funding for the project. It took a direct appeal from both local legislators to help the CTC understand the need for the funding. "I don't think they had any idea of how dangerous Highway 25 has been over recent years," McPherson said. The 11-mile stretch of Highway 25 between U.S. 101 and San Felipe Road has been the site of 18 traffic fatalities since February 2000. But safety improvements will not end with the coming project. Recently, the Council of San Benito County Governments and the county Board of Supervisors asked the Highway 25 Safety Corridor Task Force to reconvene. "They've asked us to look forward to some longer-term solutions," said Capt. Bob Davies with the California Highway Patrol. Davies, who also volunteers as chairman of the task force, said
the funding to widen Highway 25 probably would not be available
until 2011. "That's if everything goes perfectly," Davies
said. "In the meantime, we will be looking for ways to make
driving on the highway as safe as possible." Council appoints 2 to planning
commission The seven-member Planning Commission has returned to all-male status, with the appointment of two men to finish out the terms of commission chair, Barbara Sullivan and commissioner Patricia McMahon, who are resigning. From four eligible candidates, the City Council chose commercial real estate broker Bob Engles and Robert Escobar, a human resource manager for Valley Transit Authority and a former Santa Clara County Planning Commissioner. "They bring an added depth of experience and a different perspective," said Councilman Greg Sellers. Bob Engles is a commercial real estate broker for Grubb & Ellis. A 20-year resident, he has served on several city and Chamber of Commerce commissions and committees concerned with economic development and downtown revitalization. "It is a great opportunity," Engles said. "Morgan Hill is at the edge of one of the most economically viable regions of the world. It is one of the few (cities) that still deals with open space." Engles said he looks forward to the challenges that situation will bring. "I support Measure P but think it needs to be overhauled and updated," Engles said. "I'm a member of the Downtown Task Force and would like to see a little more density downtown." Engles may have the opportunity to do something about that since he has applied to be on the Measure P update committee. That committee will review the substance, scope and timing of changes to the voter-approved residential slow growth ordinance needed to allow the city to comply with state-mandated affordable housing levels. The city ordinance that created the commission requires six members to live within the city limits but allows one member to hail from "the sphere of influence." Engles lives outside the city limits, though within the "sphere." Robert Escobar, another 20-year resident, is a human resources manager for the Valley Transit Authority. His résumé records a B.A. and M.A. in public administration and a professional background in community development and land use planning. Escobar served on the Santa Clara County Planning Commission from 1978-82. Escobar wrote in his application that it was during his term as County Planning Commissioner that the state first enacted legislation to require cities to submit annual land use plans. "I'm pleased to have been appointed and happy to serve on the Planning Commission," Escobar said. "As I indicated to City Council members, I intend to listen and to learn - especially to listen." Escobar did not offer to serve on the Measure P committee, indicating that one commission at a time was enough. "I think we can continue to work and live within (Measure P)," he said. "With some refinements we can ensure that we maintain our quality of life." Escobar is aware that the measure has a controversial history in town but, he said, the voters have made clear what they want. "Our challenge is to balance that with the attempt to continue to provide affordable housing," he said. Both terms expire June 1, 2003; at that time the new commissioners can reapply for full terms. The city ordinance that created the commission requires six members to live within the city limits but allows one member to hail from "the sphere of influence." Engles lives outside the city limits. The seven-member commission advises the council on matters of city growth and development and approves or disapproves applications designating cultural resources and historic districts. The commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Commission meetings are open to the public and are broadcast over cable channel 17. School cuts ire speakers at meeting Eleven of the speakers at Monday night's meeting appealed to the board to reconsider a recommendation by the district budget committee not to fill the position of one of the two counselors at Martin Murphy Middle when she leaves at the end of the school year. "Counseling students is one of the most important functions at a middle or high school," said Phyllis Thomas, longtime former Live Oak High counselor. "And there is 10 times more need for that now than there was when I retired. That 7th-12th grade time period is very difficult. They need to know there is someone who cares about them at the school." Thomas also referred to the importance of counselors assisting in career planning. "Even at the middle school level, they need to have some idea of direction," she said. "They need to have someone to encourage them to reach for the moon, to let them know they don't have to do it alone ... I can't imagine anything worse for students than not having available counselors." Recommendations by the budget committee come as part of a need to cut $2.6 million from the district's budget for next year. Some speakers suggested that district administration was top-heavy and that any personnel cuts should come from the district office. "There are still some things that have to happen to meet state requirements, state standards," Superintendent Carolyn McKennan said Tuesday. "District staff support the classrooms. There are people who think the district office is filled with lots of folks who sit around with nothing to do. There is an extraordinary amount of oversight required here, and we are a bare bones staff." Board President Jan Masuda said Thursday that many people may not realize what district staff do. "Before I became a board member, I didn't realize the extent of their responsibilities," she said. "People think that these positions don't affect the classroom; these people do the work that keeps our classrooms running." Other speakers suggested that 2 percent administrative raises, approved by the board at the May 6 meeting, could have paid for the second counselor. During the same meeting that the raises were approved, the board also approved a staff recommendation to cut 13.5 classified staff positions and reduce further the hours of library clerk typists. Teachers and classified employees also received 2 percent raises earlier in the year. "We can't go to our administration, which also includes principals, and tell them that they are the only group that's not getting a raise," McKennan said. "Everyone could have said, 'we're not going to take a raise this year so we can support those positions.' "But you can't ask people not to take a raise when all around you people are taking them. We're on the middle end for this area." Adrienne Medalie, the remaining Martin Murphy counselor, said she would wait to sign her contract until she saw a description of her responsibilities. "Obviously there will be some things that will have to go," she said. "And what I'm afraid is that it will be the actual counseling that will go." Medalie said when she first heard about the possibility that counselor Kristi Airing would not be replaced, she made note of just a few of the situations she, with only half the student body as her responsibility, had to try to help students with. She read her list to the board. "The death of a parent; a runaway; parents upset over an incident perceived as racial harassment; a student whose parent had just been hospitalized for alcoholism; a schedule change for a boy who had said something to a teacher which was perceive as a threat; a gay student in crisis and a signed promise that he would not harm himself; a young lady quite shaken over a widespread rumor that she had lost her virginity over the weekend; social workers requesting reports for a court hearing; children caught in the middle of ugly divorces and custody battles, the enrollment of two non-English speaking students from Russia who have never been to school before, and others too numerous to recall or recite," she said. McKennan said Tuesday that the decision was a not an easy one. "It is so difficult," she said. "Of course we wish we didn't have to cut any services to our students ... Our counselors are academic counselors. We don't even think about having the resources to provide all the services, even if you only had a 400 case load. Our counselors are special people doing the very best they can under very difficult circumstances." Martin Murphy Principal Rhoda Wolfskehl said she has looked at redistributing responsibilities in case the board approves the budget with the vacant position. "Basically we're waiting until its finalized, but I have spoken to the counselor remaining," she said. "We have considered having assistant principals take some of those responsibilities. We are also looking at some of the services we now provide that may no longer be available to students." Parent Lynn Wong said parents need to feel they can count on board members to protect these kinds of services for their children. "This is no small decision," she said. "My worry is that this will extend to the high school. Counselors are a critical link that we cannot afford to break. Right now, our school board does nothing to take action to safeguard the children from these moves." Wolfskehl said the move would affect teachers as well as students. "Counselors deal with emotion not only with students but also with teachers. With all the outside social problems of the students, with the different classes and teachers to deal with parents need one person they can talk to. The counselor can be the bridge between the parent and the teacher, can help assuage any frustrations." Wolfskehl said there is no easy solution to the budget difficulties because the district is already staffed without extras. "The district is a tightly run ship," she said. "We
have no unnecessary people. Unfortunately, we have to cut the budget.
If we need to function with one less counselor, we will do our absolute
best to make sure the students are served. And we will try to make
it a do-able position. I don't want the one counselor to be drowning. 101 ahead of schedule, under
budget The widening of the highway between Cochrane and Metcalf Roads is expected to be completed by March 2003, and cost $12 million less than originally budget. That would put the widening of U.S. 101 from four to eight lanes six months ahead of the original schedule. The cost of the project to widen the 7.5-mile stretch will also be formally reduced this June from roughly $64 million to about $52 million, according to VTA officials. The project's general contractor, RGW Construction, was able to save money by securing bids from sub-contractors lower than originally anticipated, according to VTA Spokeswoman Grace Lynch. "They got some better bids on engineering than anticipated," she said. The cost of the project was also substantially reduced through the use of a more efficient design process, according Jeff Funk, who oversees the project from day-to-day for VTA. One portion of the work that needs to be rescheduled is the repair of U.S. 101's road shoulders. The contractor has shifted traffic onto the shoulders, which are not designed to handle such wear and tear. Originally, the shoulders were expected to be ground down by a few inches and repaired at the project's end. Now, the work will be begin this summer, but it is not expected cost taxpayers any additional money or cause traffic delays, according to VTA officials. District One Supervisor Don Gage said he is impressed with the pace of the widening. "There's nothing better than to work for something really hard and make it come to life," he said. Widening on a separate 2.5-mile section between Metcalf and Bernal
roads which is associated with another $58 million project involving
the Route 85 interchange in south San Jose is slated for wrap-up
by April The interchange project will also include a feature that officials said is a first on Silicon Valley roads new, entirely separate connector structures linking carpool lanes on Route 85 and U.S. 101 in northbound and southbound directions. With a companion project at the 85/101 interchange in Redwood City, the ramps are meant to allow carpoolers to drive almost 40 miles between Morgan Hill to Redwood City without merging into single-driver traffic. When finished, the overall project is expected to save commuters an average of about 21 driving minutes a day. "When I go in to work if there's no traffic if I can make it from house to my parking space in 40 minutes," said Gage, who works in San Jose. "On a bad day it takes me an hour and a half." Gage foresees South County residents having a lot more free time in their daily routines, once the widening work has been completed. Meanwhile, VTA officials expect they will start paving south of
Coyote Creek Golf Drive by July. Jackson homework club a big hit
Disbrow, who created a homework club, has been selected as one of four finalists in the county for the Dia Del Maestro award for outstanding teaching. "This is a very special award, given to teachers who have gone out of their way to enable and provide good role modeling for less advantaged Latino students," Jackson Principal Mike Crocker said. "She will be honored at a banquet at the Biltmore hotel and receive $1,000, which she already has spent in her mind for the club." Disbrow started the club, which meets Monday through Thursday for an hour or two after school, first at a Village Avante community room. Later, the club outgrew the facilities and moved to the school. Village Avante, which is located on Del Monte Avenue, is in the area where most of the students in the homework club lived. When the club moved to Jackson, located on Fountain Oaks Drive in the Jackson Meadows area, the same students continued to participate although transportation had to be arranged for some. "When the club was at Village Avante, that was more what I had in mind when I thought of this," Disbrow said. "To be there in the community where they live. I was looking for a way to interface with the parents. They have strong family values, and I knew if I could hook into their family values, the support for the children would be there. All I would need to do was teach them school sucess skills." The club grew quickly. "She started with a grant from the Live Oak Foundation," Crocker said. "Her intent was to reach the children who had no materials at home to complete their homework, kids who needed help with their homework but had parents who were unable to give it, either because of language or time or whatever reason. She had kids lined up out the door in no time and had to add a teacher to help her." The other teacher, Jennifer Gehring, and Disbrow occasionally get help from Crocker and other teachers. There are 150 signed up for the club; Disbrow said 35 use it regularly and the rest when they need it. "There has been such a huge turnaround in what the children learn," Disbrow said. "In the beginning, I went to some of their homes on visits and began to meet a lot of the parents. The initial slight suspicion quickly changed to a very, very supportive feeling." Disbrow said she will spend her $1,000 on materials for the program. "There are so many pieces of material that are hands on that make learning fun and easy," she said. "You don't even know you're learning. Students are simply busy creating things. Many of these chldren don't have these kinds of tools in the home, and when you put a product in front of them, it's like putting a drink in front of a person who's really thirsty." As important to the students as the homework club is, Disbrow said there are so many other areas she feels it is important to work on. "The award is not just for this (the club)," she said. "I worked last summer running a migrant kindergarten. I met migrant children and had a lot of them come in to my home and tutored them one on one. These kids can so easily get lost in the system. When someone spends time with them, they can easily become readers, to begin to want more and are capable of doing more." Crocker described Disbrow as "a lady on a mission." "It's like she says, 'Give me your most needy kids,' "
he said. "She is absolutely driven to help kids, especially
those who are at a disadvantage for some reason." Festival organizers cast wary
eye on sky Temperatures both days in the low to mid 70s should be just about perfect, though, making for a crowd-perfect weekend. If it doesn't rain. Organizer Tilly Mayeda said the threat of rain is not about to change her plans. No, she said, they don't have rain insurance. It is too costly and almost impossible to qualify for compensation, Mayeda said. Still, preparations for the weekend event are coming along nicely. "There are always a few surprises," she said, "but we can handle them." For 23 years the Memorial Day event has thrilled, amused, fed, watered and entertained thousands of visitors who live nearby and those from farther afield. Even though this year's entertainment area boasts only one stage, compared to two in previous years, organizers have signed up popular musical headliners and warm-up groups. The grounds of Community Park, on Edmundson just west of Monterey, will be awash with booths selling an unimaginable variety of wares, food and drink. Many booths are staffed by local non-profit organizations, using the funds they raise to support their various programs. Children are kept amused and safe in their own Munchkinland which returns for another weekend of heavy use. Families will find everything they need in the area, including the baby changing/mothers' nursing area. One kid-friendly activity that continues is duck-watching. Because the pond is fenced off to protect small festival visitors, the park's duck families spend the day floating around in the pond watching the people. People stand outside the fence watching the ducks. After hours duck families become unpaid volunteers, helping with food cleanup. The teen area, sporting a climbing wall, rappelling tower and water wars, has been relocated to the south side of the park, away from Munchkinland. Eddie Money is Saturday's main musical attraction; War performs on Sunday. Two bands open the headliners: Caravanserai, a fantasy band that is a tribute to the legendary
rock and roll stars, Santana. Because Caravanserai uses the same
instrumentation and arrangements from Santana's early days and more
modern works as well, their music will appeal to Santana fans. The Dynatones are a San Francisco-based soul revivalist band turned
into a hard-rocking, horn-propelled party band. Brigitte DeMeyer's acoustic guitar and vocalizing will cool down frenzied Mardi Gras visitors with bluegrass, country and rock and roll at the festival's Wine Garden Tent. Parking in the lots of nearby businesses and walking in to the park is not allowed. The Vineyard and Tennant Station lots are off limits to festival-goers. Drivers who know the area are encouraged to park at the Caltrain lot on Butterfield, between East Main and East Dunne Avenues or at a lot at San Pedro and Church Streets near Tennant. A free Mardi Gras shuttle will loop around past both sites several times an hour. The San Pedro and Church lot is quite close to the park grounds. Out-of-towners can park at a lot on West Edmundson, about a quarter mile west of Community Park. Again, several free shuttles will deliver festival-goers to and from the lot and the park. The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras, Inc., is a non-profit organization, chartered in 1980, totally staffed by volunteers. Its purpose is to provide scholarships for area youth. This year the organization awarded $26,000 in scholarships for a total of $450,000 over the past 23 years. Pets and carry-in food and drink are not allowed. Mushroom Mardi
Gras is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets
are $10 for adults, $5 for kids over 5 and seniors 55 and over.
Kids under 5 are free. Ticket gates will be open on W. Edmundson
and Edes Court, off Monterey. Details and to volunteer: www.mmgf.com
or 408-778-1786. Chemical leak closes city well The well, at Tennant and Railroad avenues, was contaminated with perchlorate from an industrial site across the street. The presence of the chemical was brought to the attention of city officials by the Olin Co., which manufactured highway safety flares at a now-abandoned site across the street, according to Jim Ashcraft, city public works director. Potassium perchlorate is an inorganic by-product of flare production, also used in solid rocket propellants and fireworks. Ashcraft said the chemical leaked into the underground water supply. Ultimately it percolated into the city well 275 feet south of the property. The California Department of Health Services regards as unsafe any count above four parts per billion of perchlorate. The Tennant well has averaged during testing 15 ppb at depths of 190 - 412 feet. Levels have been as high as 18 ppb at a depth of 200 feet according to Mike DiMarco, spokesman for the Santa Clara County Water District. In January 2002 the state agency reduced its action level from 18 ppb to 4 ppb to provide a wider protective buffer for the public. Ashcraft said the state only began to require statewide testing for perchlorate this year. The city has notified owners of nearby wells to have their water tested if it is used for drinking. Exposure to perchlorate can cause thyroid problems and is especially risky to pregnant women and fetuses. According to the water district report, adverse health effects are not anticipated from levels between 4 and 18 ppb. Council also approved the new well's location. The site must near enough to a city water line to allow easy connection with the well. Council agreed that the proposed sports complex property on Condit, San Pedro and Barrett, east of the freeway, is the only location that would allow completion in time to meet summertime peak demand. The well will be built on the northeast corner of Condit and San Pedro in what is now a parking lot. The city staff is confident that the new well building will not adversely affect either the CYSA fields now or the city-built sports complex of the future. Ashcraft said it would take 60 days to complete the project. Without the Tennant well, 11 wells supply water for the city's 34,800 residents. "I'm not happy that we have to take $700,000 from the budget, diverting it from other capital projects," said Councilman Steve Tate, "though I'm sure we will be fine in the end." Olin Corp. and then the Standard Fusee Corp. manufactured fusees on the site from 1955-96 when the plant was closed and razed. They also produced skeet and clay pigeons coated with lead chromate from 1965-81 at the Morgan Hill facility. DiMarco said Olin began testing the property two years ago to prepare for a possible sale of the property. Three monitoring wells were installed on the property in August 2000 to do environmental sampling. There were indications then, DiMarco said, of problems. The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is now involved. Questions about the extent of contamination include whether the (contaminant) plume is moving and in what direction, and what public or private wells might be in danger. DiMarco said it was not impossible that the property could be designated a super fund site, requiring major clean up. DiMarco said California state law says the responsibility of cleaning up contaminated property rests with the property owner, not an affected city. Olin Corp. is based in Tennessee. City Attorney Helene Leichter said the matter is under discussion. "The well will be drilled and we will send the bill to Olin," said Leichter. "If they decide they don't want to take responsibility (for the bill), then we will talk." Program treats addicts Proposition 36 was passed by voters in November 2000 with the goal of lowering California's crime rate by offering rehabilitation services. Its aim is to give people convicted of petty drug offenses two options: spend their sentence in jail or on probation or enter a drug treatment program sponsored by Prop. 36. Once convicted of a drug offense and opting to enter the Prop. 36 program, the convict must be evaluated for the level of drug treatment required. Participants visit the County Assessment Center in downtown San Jose, where they meet with both a probation officer and a representative of the county's Alcohol and Drug Services Department. The participants discuss their drug history and individual needs with county representatives, and the county representatives then draw up a treatment plan for the participant. There were 1,541 participants between July and December 2001, and more than 3,000 participants are expected by July 2002. "I think the thing that has been most noticeable has been the level of addiction and the criminal histories," said Sally Logothetti, who is the county's program manager for Prop. 36. "We're talking about a seriously addicted population." Nearly 60 percent of those enrolled in Prop. 36 drug treatment
programs have received treatment before, and nearly 30 percent of
all participants have children under the age of 18, according to
Logothetti Free admission expected to boost
county fair visits In an unprecedented move to serve the community and attract new visitors, the Santa Clara County Fair announces free admission to FairFest 2002, to be held Aug. 2-4. The previous general admission price of $8 for adults, $5 for kids has been eliminated and several new attractions have been added to the annual event. Nightly fireworks shows will be the centerpiece of each day's schedule of stage shows, live music, rides, food, exhibits and all the traditional elements of the Santa Clara County Fair. Also new this year, special arts and crafts exhibitors and vendors will join the scores of Fair participants, along with antiques and collectibles on display or for sale. A unique Food & Wine Expo will occupy an entire exhibit hall and will feature cooking and product demonstrations, wine tasting and sponsored exhibits by area food stores, restaurants and houseware vendors. One of the most successful venues at the Fair is the Blues N' Brews area where local rock, blues and country bands perform on stage. Local microbrews and other popular beverages are served in this closed off area. All of the family fun, entertainment, exotic foods and traditions of the County Fair have been packed into a three-day, non-stop event. The fair is open each day from 11am to 11pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 2-4. Details: Vic Heman at vheman@carterisrael.com or 918-0578 MHUSD trustees agree on Sobrato
land to be deeded to City of San Jose School Board trustees took several more steps down the road to making the planned Sobrato High School a reality during their regular board meeting Monday. The district is still in negotiations with property owners for two parcels of land adjacent to the Sobrato site, the 15.57 acre Shintani site and the 11.78 acre Miyasaka site, where the district will build the school. As a part of the agreement to settle a lawsuit filed by the city of San Jose, the district agreed to deed 75 acres of the Sobrato site to San Jose to be held as green space, while accepting $3.5 million from the city to purchase the parcels. School buildings will be located on the parcels, according to the agreement, while school sport and practice fields can be located on the Sobrato site. In closed session Monday night, board members voted 6-1 to authorize Superintendent Carolyn McKennan and Board President Jan Masuda to deed the Sobrato property to the city of San Jose. John Kennett was the dissenting vote. During the regular session of the meeting, trustees voted 6-1 to approve an agreement between the district and the city of San Jose. Kennett was again the dissenting vote. The agreement will allow the district to have temporary use of the Sobrato property deeded to San Jose and to construct stormwater drainage facilities on the site. The district's attorney Kirsten Powell explained that the temporary use of the property for construction staging would benefit the district financially. "This will enable the district to keep its construction staging area in one location throughout the entire project and result in cost savings to the district," she said. Trustees also considered the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the district, the city of Morgan Hill and the city of San Jose. The agreement would authorize the city of Morgan Hill to provide services to the high school. Powell told the board that there were few changes to the MOU since its last iteration as a draft. It now includes a detailed water supply analysis and a specific traffic monitoring plan to focus on the Madrone Mobile Home Park Entrance. Kennett was concerned about the monitoring plan. "It sounds like we're setting ourselves up to put in a traffic signal," he said. "I don't know all the technical requirements, but it seems to me if we only monitor traffic during peak morning and afternoon hours, then we can guess the results." Powell explained that not only the flow of traffic would be used as a determining factor in whether a signal light was required. She said the intersection would also have to meet a state standard accident requirement or a pedestrian usage requirement. The board will vote on the proposed MOU at its June 10 meeting. The city of San Jose was scheduled to consider it at their meeting Wednesday, and the Morgan Hill City Council will discuss it at its meeting June 5. The newly created position of director of construction-modernization
was filled last month by Paul Czajkowski. It will be his responsibility
to coordinate all remodeling work at Live Oak High and to oversee
for the district the construction of Sobrato. His salary will be
paid out of the bond funds earmarked for construction, according
to McKennan. Gavilan picks Johnson as interim
president The Gavilan College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Martin Johnson, 59, current vice president of instruction at Gavilan, as interim president of the college Tuesday night in a closed session meeting. The decision came two weeks after current president Dr. Rose Marie Joyce's announcement that she will leave Gavilan June 7 to accept a position at Rio Hondo Community College in Whittier. Board President Leonard Washington said that Johnson was a clear choice for interim president. "We didn't really consider anyone else," Washington said. "(Johnson) has taken over (Dr. Joyce's) responsibilities several times in her absence." Johnson's experience on campus and familiarity with current campus issues were factors the board considered in its appointment. Washington said that the board weighed the costs of hiring and training someone for the position and decided it should hire someone from within the college. No plans have been made to replace Johnson in his current position. No terms have been set for Johnson's salary as interim president. He currently earns $112,000 annually. Joyce, who has worked with Johnson for 12 years, said he is an educator with "strong leadership skills" who solves problems in a "low-key but deliberate way." The board decided in an open session to form a subcommittee that will consider costs and benefits of hiring a consultant to aid in the selection of a permanent president. Washington, Lucha Ortega and Deb Smith will be on the subcommittee. Smith said that the main responsibility of the subcommittee will be to determine the best way to go about a comprehensive and effective search for a new president. "The task (of the subcommittee) is mainly to do some research and review various presidential search options that are available," Smith said. Joyce presented the board with a three-point plan for selecting a new president. She urged the board to consider an in-house search, hiring a consultant, and using in-house resources in conjunction with the services of a consultant to make the decision regarding the new president. Some staff members at Gavilan had urged the board to limit the cost of selecting a new president by not hiring a consultant; however, Enrique Luna, president of academic senate, said that he supports the board's decision to consider the pros and cons of hiring a consultant. Washington said the benefits of hiring a consultant outweigh the costs. "It's obvious to us that (when) we are talking about a process as expansive as getting a president you need the experience of someone who has already done it before," Washington said. "I'm not so sure we (will save) that much money (by not hiring a consultant), because our staff may not have the expertise and contacts necessary to hire a president." The subcommittee will meet next week to consider consultants recommended by the Community College League of California. Washington said that working with the league will enable the board to select a consultant with extensive experience in selecting community college presidents if it decides to hire one. The board has not yet decided on a timeline for hiring a permanent president, Washington said. Johnson said that "for personal and professional reasons" he does not intend to seek the permanent presidency. Johnson said he intends to retire within a few years and he does not think it would be fair to apply for the position under those circumstances. Johnson has worked at Gavilan since 1985. During his time as interim president, Johnson hopes to increase the visibility of the board on campus and to continue good communications between students, community, faculty and staff at Gavilan during the process of selecting a president. "I look forward to working with the board to obtain the largest
and most qualified and most diverse pool of applicants for the position,"
Johnson said. Discount bus pass for youth The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has lauched the Summer Youth Discount Pass Program to promote VTA services and encourage off-peak and weekend travel riding VTA. For $49, youths ages 5 to 17 can take unlimited rides from June 1 through Aug. 31 to destinations like Paramount's Great America, Eastridge Mall, Raging Waters, Kelley Park, San Jose Giants' Games and many more. It's also a great way to save money getting to a summer school or a summer job. Youth Summer Discount Passes can be purchased through June 16 at
the VTA Downtown Customer Service Center, VTA River Oaks Building
B front counter. Details: www.vta.org or VTA customer service, 321-2300. |
