San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Reach 3 Completion Celebrated With

By Robert Haugh

Inching closer to finalizing a vision of City residents of having an abundant, thriving bicycle and pedestrian trail winding through the City and stretching into other communities, City leaders, prominent City visionaries, and many community members and bicyclists enjoyed a beautiful Friday morning breeze, celebrating the grand opening of Reach 3 of the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail.

Spanning approximately 1.25 miles, extending from Scott Blvd., to Monroe along the west bank of the San Tomas Aquino Creek, with undercrossings at Central Expressway, Walsh and the Caltrain railroad tracks, like the other portions of the trail, it is paved, with signing and striping, directional and interpretive signs, retaining walls with art panels, drainage systems, fencing and railings.

An at-grade crossing now provides a signalized traffic crossing for trail users to safely cross Monroe, connecting them to the Creek Trailhead where there is a parking lot. Existing Reaches 1 and 2 combined with Reach 3 total approximately 3.85 miles of trail.

“Even in tough times, we’re making things happen in our wonderful City,” says Council member Kevin Moore, who Mayor Patricia Mahan invited to speak --- who she considers the ‘founder of the creek trail.’

Reach 4 of the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail will extend an additional 1,000 feet from the Creek Trailhead to Cabrillo Avenue and connect to existing on-street bicycle lanes on Cabrillo and is expected to be completed later this year.

Upon completion, bicycle and pedestrian trail users will have a continuous recreational trail extending from the San Francisco Bay Trail near Highway 237 to Prospect Road in San Jose. The 12-mile trail will traverse approximately five miles of Creek corridors and seven miles of local streets, connecting with parks, open space facilities, employment centers, transit systems and residential areas.

The first three segments (Reach 1, 2, and 3) of the Creek Trail are open and provide a walking, running, and bicycling trail extending south from the San Francisco Bay Trail to Monroe Street. A public parking lot at the Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club, 5155 Stars & Stripes Drive, provides free parking and trail access. There is another parking lot, the Monroe Street Staging Area, located on Monroe Street just west of San Tomas Expressway. Both parking lots are City-maintained.

Reach 1 of the Creek Trail extends south from the San Francisco Bay Trail to Agnew Road. In Reach 1, undercrossings are provided at Highway 237, Old Mountain View-Alviso Road, Great America Parkway, and Tasman Drive in order to provide a continuous trail without users crossing busy streets.

Reach 2 of the Creek Trail extends south from Agnew Road to Scott Boulevard. This segment with undercrossings at Mission College Boulevard, State Highway 101 and Scott Boulevard was opened for public use in May 2006.

Undercrossings may be subject to periodic closures during the rainy seasons when they are inundated by the water levels in the creek. For information on closures of the trail for maintenance or weather, call (408) 615-3080.

Milestones 7/15/09

By Miles H Barber
There seems to be some confusion in Santa Clara.
While this may not be unusual when it comes to politics it is very unusual when the confusion is the result of media created perception.
Somehow, a few people in town, including Councilwoman Jamie McLeod seem to be confused about a Senate Bill introduced by Senator Elaine Alquist that allegedly would change Santa Clara’s City Charter.
First, let’s be clear. This is not totally true.
Here is the issue.
Currently our city charter requires our city to obtain three bids for any public project and award the bid to the lowest bidder. So far so good!
Our City Council has voted 5-2 to put the building of a new stadium in Santa Clara to the voters.
If you have not been in a coma for the past two years, you already knew this. However, you might not be aware that there are only 31 NFL football stadiums in America.
This is the problem.
Only a few companies in the entire country are qualified to build football stadiums, in fact, the real number is two.
Now, fast forward a few months and assume you are ready to vote on the stadium proposal.
The proposal passes. According to our Charter, we would have to go out for bids and take the lowest bidder.
This of course opens the door for any “wannabe big time contractor” to submit a bid.
Legally, we would have to accept the lowest bid which is awarded to Slippery Hands Construction (SHL).
Ok, so we take the lowest bid and what happens? SHL only misses the actual costs by $50 million.
Thanks to Jennifer Sparacino and Ron Garrett, our financial manager guru’s at City Hall, the 49ers by agreement would have to pay the costs of the overruns. Good for the City, not so good for the 49ers.
To keep the SHL’s and other non-qualified companies out of the bidding process, the 49ers (who are paying the cost over-run bills) want to limit their expense exposure to trusted and proven stadium contractors.
Therefore, the 49ers would like the two companies in all of America who are capable of building a 68,000 seat stadium be the two general contractors selected.
This seems logical.
That is, unless you are opposed to the stadium regardless of how good it is for our City and for our schools.
So, it appears to be the issue with Councilwoman McLeod. She was opposed to the stadium at the time the Council voted and she continues to object by Mcleoding the issues.
The Senate bill as proposed is a project specific bill. It does not change the city charter for anything other than football stadiums and it would apply to all cities in California.
We have not built a new NFL stadium in California in over 30 years. So, it’s not something that is going to affect any city on a weekly basis.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently stated that in all his years in being associated with the NFL he has never seen a better deal for a city than the one put together by Santa Clara.
That should clear up the confusion.
Hopefully the dark clouds of Mcskepticism will also fade quickly and we can build a Council team for objectives rather than obstructions.

Miles H. Barber can be reached at SCWeekly2004@yahoo.com

How Did California Get Into This Mess?

There's plenty of blame to go around in the budget crisis. Fingers can be pointed at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Democrats, Republicans -- and you and me.

By John Vasconcellos


I was recently hospitalized with a life-threatening illness that it took doctors several days to accurately diagnose. Until they fully understood the problem -- which turned out to be an antibiotic-resistant staph infection -- they couldn't prescribe the medication that would cure me.

The experience got me thinking about California.

Our state's protracted budget crisis sometimes seems unsolvable. But part of the problem may be that those who are trying to solve it don't fully understand its cause.

I represented the Silicon Valley for 38 years in the Legislature, and I chaired the Assembly Budget Committee for 15 of those years. As a result, I have some insights into our current crisis that may be useful.

The immediate problem, of course, is a $26-billion shortfall, which we must now plug if California is to pay its bills. But before we can fix things, we have to understand how we got to this point.

A good place to start is with the slew of revenue reductions that have hit the state since 1978, when Californians passed Proposition 13. The initiative dramatically reduced most property taxes and resulted in a 57% reduction in property tax revenue during its first year, and its effects continue.

Another revenue drop came in 1982, when voters passed an initiative abolishing the state inheritance tax. Before that, California had taken in nearly $1 billion a year in estate taxes.

And there are vehicle license fees. Starting in 1998, the fees were reduced incrementally until Gov. Gray Davis raised them to close a budget gap in 2003. When Arnold Schwarzenegger came into office later that year, he immediately reversed the hike -- at a cost to state coffers of about $4 billion each year since then.

Add to that the collapse of the dot.com bubble in 2004 -- which resulted in a drop of several billion dollars in state revenues from capital gains taxes -- and the current global economic downturn and you start to see how state revenues have suffered.

Next, consider a series of structural complications that hamper the Legislature's ability to come up with solutions. First among them -- again -- is Proposition 13, which requires a two-thirds vote of both legislative houses to raise taxes. This has meant that a small minority can keep the majority from enacting tax hikes that would help balance the budget.

Term limits, enacted by voters in 1990, were designed with good intentions. They would, their backers said, allow for more turnover in state government and more opportunity for worthy candidates who wouldn't have a chance against incumbents. But term limits have also meant that many legislators don't have deep experience in the state issues facing them. They also don't have enough time in office to develop collaborative relationships with their fellow legislators.

The 2002 reapportionment deal further exacerbated matters by creating "safe" districts for Democrats and Republicans, which have largely ensured that people at the liberal or conservative extremes of their party are seated.

So, if those are the basic problems, whom should we hold accountable? Each and all of the following bear responsibility.

* Schwarzenegger: Despite his good heart and mind, our governor seems to be lacking proficiency in basic mathematics. While he has said the budget can't be balanced by cuts alone, he hasn't proposed solutions that would close the gap. And many of the cuts he has proposed would cost the state more in the long run.

* The Democratic majority in the Legislature: There is no denying that Democratic lawmakers failed to create a sufficient rainy-day fund, preferring to spend money when times were flush -- often using one-time revenue sources to fund ongoing projects. They did this both to protect services for needy Californians and because they are overly responsive to public employee unions, especially those in public safety.

* The Republican minority in the Legislature: Unlike their predecessors, who joined Govs. Ronald Reagan and Pete Wilson in meeting Democrats halfway, the current crop of Republicans in Sacramento seems unwilling to compromise. All but one has signed the "no new tax" pledge of Washington crusader Grover Norquist, whose stated ambition is to shrink government to "a size where we can drown it in the bathtub." This may make for good rhetoric, but it produces little in the way of sound public policy.

* We, the people of California: Voters in our state have repeatedly passed initiatives lowering taxes and earmarking funds for pet programs, thereby inhibiting the ability of legislators to make rational decisions about state spending. Voters seem to want an unsustainable combination of increased services and lower taxes.

That, in a nutshell, is how we got into this mess. It is the job of our current Legislature and governor to lead us out of the disaster, but it's the responsibility of all of us to understand the issues they face and demand a sound, long-term solution.

California is an economic powerhouse -- the eighth-largest economy in the world. And it is home to a wonderfully diverse, talented and creative population. But we now have some tough decisions to make. In the end, we will get the kind of government services we are willing to pay for. And we all need to participate in the discussion of what kind of state we want to have.

John Vasconcellos is a former state senator and assemblyman. His longer analysis of the budget crisis can be found at www.politicsoftrust.net .

Clark Mixon Emery’s Century

By Suzy Paluzzi

Always a scholar, Clark Emery was busy reading Virginia Woolf when we met. This is even more impressive since July 8, 2009 was a milestone mark for Clark Emery. He turned 100 years old.

When asked what the secret of his longevity is, Emery replies, “Good genes,” in a very tongue-in-cheek fashion. His wife, Jane Emery, adds, Clark’s motto is, ‘Take it easy, but take it.’

Clark Emery has indeed lived a full life. His second wife, Jane, whom he married when he was 77 and she was 69, created a book of photos, poetry, and biographical facts in honor of his birthday. The book testifies to their commitment to one another, as it was painstakingly composed, although Jane has very poor vision. The facts below are from that book, which is entitled “Clark’s Century.”

Clark was born in Marysville, California and his father was born in Maine, descended from a family that had come from England to America before the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock. His mother was from Kansas.

From an early age, Clark learned to work hard for his goals. He went to Whitman College in Washington with $500 to his name, and earned his meals by washing dishes.
He received a Master’s degree in only one year at Washington University in St. Louis and a PH.D at the University of Seattle.

Clark’s first teaching job was at Oregon State, where he met and married the librarian, Adele Kohn. Following that, the professor taught English at the University of Indiana in Bloomington. He and Adele had a son, John.

During World War II, Clark volunteered and became a naval officer. The family moved to New York and then to Washington, D.C., where he was involved in a secret military project.

Clark was then offered a position at the University of Miami when the war was over. He got his tenure there and played a vital part in the growth of the English department.

When asked what his greatest accomplishment is, Clark responds that it is “his book about Ezra Pound.” Clark Emery authored ten books and won a New York Critics’ Prize for one.

When Clark and his wife Adele made plans to retire and move to London, Adele contracted cancer. She died of the disease. Their son, John, died two years later from cancer. He left behind two sons and a wife.

Jane Daily Novak met Clark Mixon Emery as one of his students. “He made you hungry to find out more,” she states. The two of them were married in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, CA. Jane also says she adopted some of Clark’s teaching techniques in her own career as an English professor.

The two of them live happily retired at Pacific Gardens in Santa Clara. Clark still writes poetry, as he did in his younger days, and reads poems to Jane nightly.

I asked Clark what he thinks of the world today. “I like it. It is interesting and has variety.”

This positive learned person was surprised by a celebration on July 11, attended by his friends and relatives from all over the country. And he deserves it.

Pyramids Awards Dinner Celebrates and Honors Chamber Members and Ambassadors

By Robert Haugh

Honoring Dick Johnston as Individual Member of the Year, Owens Corning as Business Member of the Year and Dan MacNaughton as Ambassador of the Year, the 5th Annual Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention-Visitors Bureau Pyramid Awards Dinner & Casino Night was held in the brand-new Mission City Ballroom at the Santa Clara Convention Center on June 25.

Chamber President and CEO Steve Van Dorn also presented a recap of the past year, while Mayor Patricia Mahan installed the 2009/2010 Officers and Directors for the Board.

2008-2009 Officers and Directors include Outgoing Chair of the Board Barbara Ratcliffe (Biltmore Hotel & Suites), Vice Chair of the Board Richard M. Johnson (Graphic Packaging International), Vice Chair of the Board Ernie Solis (Mission City Community Fund), Vice Chair of the Board Jim Stellmack (California’s Great America), Vice Chair of the Board David D. Tobkin (David D. Tobkin, CPA), Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors J.P. Rollet (Plaza Suites), Immediate Past Chair of the Board Maria Edmonds-Zediker (Foothill Securities), Treasurer Angie Christensen (Owens Corning), Miles Barber (Santa Clara Weekly), Chris Citti (Citti’s Florist), David Delozier (Peterson’s Insurance), Andy Dolich (SF 49ers), Pankaj Gupta (Amtel, Inc.), Lou Mariani, Jr. (Mariani’s Inn & Restaurant), Valerie McCarthy (Kaiser Permanente), Harlan McHugh (Frontier Infiniti), Mary Primm-Scott (Intel Corp.) and Harriett Robles (Mission College).

Presenting sponsors of the event include Aramark (catering), J. Lohr (wine), PSAV (audio-Visual), Santa Clara Convention Center (venue). Pyramid of Leaders include American Airlines, Applied Materials, Hilton Santa Clara, Intel Corporation, Kaiser Permanente, Marvell, Nvidia, Santa Clara Valley Water District and Yahoo! Pyramid Awards Triple Pyramid sponsors were Kaiser Pemanente and Intel.

Don Von Raesfeld sponsored the Roulette table, Owens Corning sponsored the Blackjack table, Nvidia sponsored the award recipient’s reception and Citti’s Florist provided the centerpieces.

The evening began with no-host cocktails and casino games, including blackjack, roulette and craps.

Dinner was a delicious Surf & Turf (gulf shrimp and beef filet) or a vegetarian ratatouille stuffed hothouse tomato.

The Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention-Visitors Bureau is a non-profit California corporation. The Chamber is a membership-based organization with more than 580 members. Membership revenues and other Chamber projects fund Chamber activities. The Chamber is contracted by the City to manage and operate the Santa Clara Convention Center. For more information on the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce & Convention Visitors Bureau, visit www.santaclarachamber.org or call 408-244-8244. The Convention Center’s Web site is at www.santaclara.org.

Jazzy Devils Sizzle at Concert in the Park

By Tricia Chambers

You may have missed Peter Cor and The Jazzy Devil’s 90-minute performance at Central Park last Sunday, but chances are if you watch television, you are familiar with their body of work.

The music composer for at least six current MTV programs, The Bernie Mac Show and Quantum Leap, Cor brought his five-member band out of a hiatus from live performances to heat up the Pavilion.

Not just any composer can say that they created the music that sent the Muppets into a wild outer space adventure. But for keyboard player Cor, this is just one of his many claims to fame.

Back at the Pavilion located on planet Earth, The Devils aroused quite a heat wave with their mix of hot and cool tunes that included “Getaway,” a tune written by Cor himself that he finally got around to recording.

“It (Getaway) was first performed as a multi-platinum hit by Earth Wind and Fire and later by jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour,” he said.

The Jazzy Devils played such Latin beats as “Aurora” and followed that with John Coltrane’s “Impression.” Whether you were in the mood for a relaxing melody or a toe-tapping riff, Sunday’s concert offered something for everybody.

Cor stirred it all up with the help of sax player Gary Regina, TuneDe Miller on bass and drummer Chris Miller. Last but not least is percussionist Renato Annicchiarico, known to play the tambourine and conga simultaneously.

Ask Cor to reveal the number of compositions he has to his credit and he will tell you, “that’s impossible, but probably somewhere around several hundred.”

Coming from an artist who’s traveled to three continents and been inspired by classical, funk and hip hop to name just a few musical styles, this is an easy statement to believe.

What is also impossible is trying to guess what the native New Yorker will get involved in next, especially since he can work from his home studio in Santa Cruz.

“I’m working on two projects now,” he said. “One is a CD with singer/songwriter Ralph Peduto and the other is music for a mutlimedia dance/concert to be performed in Santa Cruz in late August.”

The Jazzy Devils keeps a busy profile with previous gigs that include shows at Jazz on the Wharf Festival and Kuumba Jazz Club (both in Santa Cruz), Capitola Arts and Wine Festivals, as well as opening for Wayne Henderson, an original member of the Jazz Crusaders.

Although the performance marked the introduction of San Jose resident Barry Steiner with The Jazzy Devils, just a few tunes were enough to send him over to purchase the “HOTT 2!” CD.

“It’s interesting for me to discover talent that I’m unfamiliar with,” said Steiner. “I take long trips and I like to listen to music in my car.”

You can learn more about Peter Cor and The Jazzy Devils, as well download, listen to or buy their music at http://www.petercor.com .

Sponsored by the city’s Cultural Advisory Commission, Concerts in the Park will feature The Lyratones (Big Band and Swing) next Sunday from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. For information, visit http://santaclaraca.gov or call 408.615.2210.

Re: Stadium

I strongly oppose the state making changes to the City of Santa Clara's City Charter. This is a local matter that must be addressed locally. The City of Santa Clara is a separate Governmental entity formed by the Citizens of this city some years ago. If we are of appropriate intelligence to form a charter city then we are able to decide for ourselves whether we want to make changes.

The stadium issue is a very volatile issue and WE need to make the decisions that affect the City as a whole. Outside influence or "help" is unneeded and unwanted.

Thank you,

Ed Richards

School Board Takes Pruning Shears Instead of Axe to Adult Ed Budget

By Carolyn Schuk

Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) Board of Trustees voted "reluctantly" on July 7, 2009 to approve $1.5 million in cuts to the district's Adult Ed program. The Board took the action with the understanding that they will continue to evaluate budget alternatives at a special board meeting, tentatively planned for the end of July.

"No matter what we do it's devastating," said SCUSD Superintendent Steve Stavis. "These are all valued programs. There's nobody in this room that wants to cut any of the programs in this district. "

But, Stavis continued, the district is in "unprecedented circumstances," as a result of Sacramento's continuing budget debacle and another – estimated – $9 million in state education funding cuts that were announced less than a month ago.

"We've already made $4.3 million in cuts, all of which directly affect K-12 programs," explained Stavis. "In this crisis, the state has come up with three tiers of potential cuts. They've listed programs – and we don't have all of them – and we can take the amount we've received for those programs and use that money for any educational purpose for the current school year and the next three years.

"All of the Adult Ed programs in the state were cut by 20 percent," he continued. "We could have chosen to take all $4.5 million of the Adult Ed budget but we chose to reduce programs rather than eliminate them all together." Stavis also noted that the proposed cuts were solely his decision, and any animus about them should be directed to him and not district staff. (A salutary demonstration of non-buck passing that California's elected representatives would do well to emulate.)

The cuts laid out Tuesday night, in many cases, reduced the district's contribution to a program, but not necessarily the program offering itself. That's because these programs have other funding sources – two of the most significant are increased fees and state ADA (average daily attendance).

For example, while 50 percent of the district's direct funding for the high tech industry certification program is being cut, that $84,0000 will be replaced with higher fees. Thus, not only won't program offerings be reduced, they might even be expanded based on demand and increased revenue.

The cuts will eliminate about 18 full-time certified positions as well as two supervisory positions, one clerical assistant, and at least one custodial position. Free fitness and safety education at the senior center was among only three programs that were completely eliminated.

"We went to the City [Council] and asked if the senior center could pay some of the fees," explained SCUSD Trustee Andy Ratermann. "The City said, 'No' and that they could do it [fitness and safety classes] with volunteers. We can't fix that, but the City Council can."

With few alternatives for making up the shortfall this late in the year, the only other way to close the budget gap is by dipping into the district's reserve funds (Fund 400). Many who spoke at Tuesday night's meeting endorsed that alternative, while several Board members contended that it would be reckless to exhaust district emergency reserves, given the depressed economy, declining tax revenues, and a $24 billion state budget deficit.

"If this [cuts] comes in from the state at $15 million, we'll wipe out Fund 400," said Trustee Pat Flot, "and next year we'll be cutting this program 100 percent, and we'll be laying off teachers and cutting programs across the board." Two other programs at serious risk include K-12 summer school and class-size reduction, according to Superintendent Stavis.

"We have to give [layoff] notice by August 10, but we can rescind that any time," observed Trustee Don Bordenave. "If you don't take action tonight, the only option is to take the money from Fund 400. We can approve this tonight, but we don't have to implement anything tonight."

And Trustee Elise DeYoung summed up the present direness by saying that using the reserves rather than cutting Adult Ed was "to cut off our options for the future."

The Board ultimately voted 6 to 1 to approve the Adult Ed cuts, with the caveat that they would meet again in July and continue to explore alternatives for restoring the Adult Ed cuts. Trustee Albert Gonzalez, the newest member of the Board, cast the sole opposing vote.

For more information about the Santa Clara Unified School District, visit www.santaclarausd.org. You can find the details of the proposed program cuts in the July 7, 2009 meeting agenda at www.santaclarausd.org/overview.cfm?subpage=145153.


School District Boundaries Complicate All They Touch

No educational finance question in California is ever uncomplicated, and Adult Ed is no exception. Adult Ed funding doesn't come exclusively from district revenues – property taxes. Significant additional funding comes from state and county grants and comes with requirements to provide services countywide and regionally.

So one way of looking at these programs is as unfunded mandates from the county or state, as Trustee Ina Bendis observed. And if the district is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to funding these programs, it's reasonable to limit participation to residents of the school district.

But you can (and undoubtedly someone will) look at it another way: People who can't attend SCUSD schools – City residents who aren't in the SCUSD – are being taxed to fund its operating budget. That's because the $1.5 million that's being repurposed comes from state funds. And state revenue comes largely from income tax.

Limiting Adult Ed to SCUSD residents, or to give district residents preferential treatment over their Santa Clara neighbors, is likely to further inflame the already-contentious discussion about school district budgets and program cuts.

City Council Roundup

Santa Clara City Council Meeting, July 7, 2009
by Larry Sacks

Roll Call
Council Members Dominic Caserta and Will Kennedy were absent and excused.

Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the June 2, special meeting and the June 9 meetings were approved.

Special Orders of Business
• Don Arnoldy was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Historical and Landmarks Commission for the full term ending June 30, 2013.
• The April through June 2009 Quarterly Report and the Two-Year Summary for the 2007-09 Council Principles and Priorities report was accepted.

Unfinished Business
Public Hearing: Fairfield Residential’s “Gallery at Central Park” at 900 Kiely Boulevard (the former Kaiser Hospital site) request to allow the construction of up to 806 housing units, including 45 single family homes, 152 townhouses, 73 row houses and 536 multifamily (apartments) units was continued to August 18 to review the revised project proposal and associated project entitlements.

Consent Calendar
The Consent Calendar was passed unanimously.

Reports for Council Action
The resignation of Janean Snyder from the Cultural Advisory Commission effective immediately was accepted. A vacancy on the Commission for the partial term ending June 30, 2012 was declared. A commissioner will be appointed from the pool of remaining applicants that were recently considered by the Council to fill the vacancy on July 14.

Reports of Councilors and Special Council Committees
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Reach 3 was held on Friday, June 10. The Santa Clara Convention Center Mission City Ballroom ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, July 16 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Sprots Briefs

Compiled by Robert Haugh

Santa Clara Westside Little League Claims Several Championship Crowns
SC Westside little league’s 9-10 All-Stars repeated as District 44 champions by defeating Campbell 3-2 on July 11. Westside will advance to the Section 5 championships with their first game July 18 at Noon against the District 59 winner. Westside won the championship in the District 44 TOC by defeating Serra 15-3 on June 22.

Westside 11-12 All-Stars came just short of claiming the District 44 title, beating Los Altos 13-3 on July 11, but falling to the same Los Altos squad 5-1 in the District 44 championship game on July 12. Westside claimed the title in the 11-12 TOC by defeating Los Altos 6-3 on June 23. Briarwood’s 11-12 All-Stars, the 2005 and 2008 District 44 and Section 5 champions were eliminated from the championships 13-0 by Westside on July 11.

Briarwood 10-11 All-Stars reach District 44 championships, but fall to Los Altos 8-6 on July 13.


Westside U8 All-Stars Finish Second at Cambrian “Friendship” Tournament
SC Westside’s U8 All-Stars came within two outs of winning the Cambrian Tournament thanks to a strong defensive showing by the entire team. Westside beat the Cambrian Pumas 9-2 in the opening round then defeating the top seeded Cambrian Reds 10-7 in the semi-finals. Finally in the Championship, Westside fell to the South City Reds from South San Francisco 5-4.

For more information on District 44 little leagues, visit www.district44.org.

Year One

Rated PG-13 for lots of sexual jokes and bad language
Reviewed by Karl Scott


Harold Ramis, writer and director of Year One, has a few really funny movies
in his credits column. They include Animal House, Caddyshack, Stripes,
Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters. Year One is not going into that column. It should
be buried under one comprised of large cement blocks.

Watching Year One is like having one of the cement blocks land on your head. It would be a lot more entertaining to visit a pet store and watch the hamster run around on his wheelie thing for a couple of hours. I've had more laughs at the DMV than during this fiasco.

More recently HR brought us Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story which grossed close to 23 dollars at the box office before no more of his relatives would pay to get into the theater.

Year One is a Jack Black and 'others' vehicle that is supposed to show off their comedic skills. Since the script isn't funny somebody needs to step up to the plate and get a laugh out of the audience. Actually the laugh is on the audience especially those few of us who handed over cash at the box office to gain entry.

The film starts out as a caveman spoof then moves to a Biblical satire. The outtake reel of the "King of Kings" would probably have more humor. The movie creeps ahead slowly, piling up unfunny scene after unfunny scene until the unfunny outtakes over the credits make their mandatory appearance. By that time those in the audience who didn't get up and leave are making nooses out of their clothing articles in hopes they might run into Harold Ramis on the way out of the theater.

This movie runs 97 minutes but seems to go on for a good fourscore and seven years. Come to think of it that speech had more laughs in it than this movie. If you decide to go see Year One in spite of what I said let me suggest one last alternative. Leprosy would be a lot more fun. Trust me.
Rated Year Zero

MCCF Raises Over $50K From Fun Run at Great America

By Robert Haugh

With nearly 1,000 participants, a calm, cool April morning, combined with the dazzling ambiance of Great America, the inaugural Mission City Community Fund 5K Fun Run presented by Keypoint Credit Union at California’s Great America raised $53,314.13 raised in total benefiting several important Santa Clara community organizations and services.

"While this is our first year, we look forward to making this an annual event which is planned to expand to the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail area and include a 10K event," says event director Kevin Armstrong, Vice President, Credit Services for KeyPoint Credit Union.

The check was presented to MCCF at the MCCF Board’s annual recognition barbeque, held recently at California’s Great America.

Kaiser Permanente, KeyPoint Credit Union, California’s Great America, the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Fairfield Residential LLC, Sports Basement and the Decathlon Club sponsored the Mission City 5K Fun Run.

MCCF’s objective is “enriching the quality of life in the City of Santa Clara,” focusing on five areas of giving: social services, education, health care, theater and arts, and the environment. Over the years, the MCCF has supported hundreds of nonprofit organizations and enabled them to expand and enhance their services to the residents of Santa Clara.

The MCCF is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit. Because they have no paid staff, all the money MCCF raises goes directly to the organizations they support. When you donate to the MCCF you can be confident that local organizations get maximum benefit -- 100 percent -- from your donation.

Donations can be made to MCCF by mailing a check to Mission City Community Fund, P.O. Box 587, Santa Clara, CA 95052-0587, or can be made Online via PayPal at www.misisoncityfund.org

People Who Love People Who Hate People

By Bob Goldman

Are you a people person? Do you love people? Or do you hate people who love people? If so, slide right on over. You're my kind of people.

We have to thank Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon for helping us see that people who hate people are, indeed, the luckiest people in the world. These two gentlemen, who I've never met, but who I am totally willing to hate on general principles, are the authors of a new business book called "I Hate People!" Their thesis: Being a hater can give you a significant business advantage.

It's true! According to their book's subtitle, it is only by cultivating your natural ability to hate that you will be able to "Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job."

Of course, there's nothing new about hating your job. What Littman and Hershon have accomplished is to provide us with guidelines for focusing our hate. If you hate to waste your hate, you will love their list of the 10 most hateful individuals one finds at work.

Like "The Stop Sign," a shortsighted person who only knows how to say, "No," even when presented with an excellent idea, like the Kodak executive who nixed the idea of producing a digital camera, or the Decca Records honcho who refused to sign the Beatles, or your own management, who rejected your inspired idea of boosting profits by raising earthworms in your desk drawers.

The authors also hate "Sheeple," workplace zombies who "think alike, resist alike," and are "comfortable with the herd mentality." Personally, I think you should love the vast herds of Sheeple grazing on the workplace landscape. Compared to them, even a creampuff like you looks like a predator.

Unfortunately, it is not enough to simply hate everyone. Once you've categorized and pulverized all your co-workers, you must then emerge from your chrysalis of hate as the workplace butterfly Littman & Hershon call a "Soloist." No more group think for you. "The Soloist excels when he or she gets to perform alone, taking the Ensemble to new heights while demonstrating skills and talents that inspire."

The Soloist, employing "Solocrafting," doesn't slow down for "Stop Signs," and runs roughshod through the "Sheeple" to reach their goal. "A rebel without being a revolutionary," the Soloist is the modern, workplace version of the classic American hero who shoots first and asks questions later.

Needless to say, the Soloist has absolutely no friends, and is hated by everyone in the company. If this sounds like your boss, you can see why Solocrafting works. On the other hand, if this also sounds like the homeless guy living in an empty refrigerator box under a freeway overpass, you can see why there are some risks involved. My advice is, it's perfectly fine to hate everyone, but at the same time, make sure that everyone loves you. That way, if you end up standing before the firing squad, someone might lend you a blindfold.

Perhaps my favorite part of "I Hate People" comes at the end of the book, when the authors suggest that a Soloist's success at work depends on having his own "Personal Cave." This private space is a "creative cocoon that allows you to do all those things best done without interruption," like playing Doom or napping!

The authors do not limit the location of your Personal Cave to your assigned cubical, but suggest that when the negative energy of group space starts to get the best of you, take the time to "dig yourself in" at the nearest Starbucks, or the local library. There is much to be said for getting out of the box if you want to produce out-of-the-box thinking, but the authors do neglect to take into consideration the negative effect of being AWOL for hours of time, despite the beautiful solo symphonies emanating from your personal Fortress of Solitude.

That's why I say, "Don't leave the workplace." Instead, go ahead and turn your Personal Cube into your Personal Cave. Cover your carpet with peat moss. Block out distracting sunlight on your floor by painting all the windows black. Cover your cube with a tree branches and light a fire in the file cabinet. It might get a little cold, dark and smoky in there, but you'll love it, and so will the earthworms.

Bob Goldman has been an advertising executive at a Fortune 500 company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He offers a virtual shoulder to cry on at bob@funnybusiness.com.

Police Report July 5 - 11, 2009

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Officer Involved Shooting Location: Bowe Ave. & El Camino Real
Please see the specific news releases regarding this incident.
Case Number 09-6991

Assault With A Deadly Weapon Location: 1600 Block of Calabazas
A female suspect got into an argument with her bother in law and attempted to hit him with a three-hole punch. The male victim received a cut on his elbow.
Case Number 09-7002

Resisting/Obstructing Location: 3300 Block of Granada
Officers responded to the report of a landlord/tenant dispute where they found one of the participants to be uncooperative. The woman made several threats to the officers and was arrested.
Case Number 09-7003

Monday, July 6th, 2009

Burglary Location: 1200 Block of Jefferson St.
An unknown suspect entered the laundry room of an apartment complex through an open window and used a pry bar in an attempt to break into the machines to steal the money. No suspects have been identified.
Case Number 09-7021

Attempted Robbery/Suspicious Circumstance Location: 3700 Block of El Camino Real
Officer Little responded to the report of an elderly woman who was getting out of her car at a bank when she was approached by a male who said he wanted her car. He then said a profanity several times. The woman got back into her car and drove to a different bank where she reported the incident.
Case Number 09-7026

Outside Jurisdiction Request Location: 900 Block of Pomeroy
The San Jose Police Department requested that we help locate a suspect who had struck someone with a tire iron. The suspect was at the reported location and San Jose PD responded to make the arrest.
Case Number NA



Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Assault With A Deadly Weapon Location: 3100 Block of Agate Dr.
A man’s ex-girlfriend came to his residence and found that he had a new girlfriend. During an argument in front of the residence, the new girlfriend pulled out a knife. The ex-girlfriend got into her vehicle and ran over the other woman. The injured woman was transported to the hospital and the ex-girlfriend fled. The ex-girlfriend was later arrested on an unrelated warrant and an investigation is ongoing.
Case Number 09-7054

Burglary Location: 2000 Block of Klamath Ave.
An unknown suspect forced open the door to an apartment complex laundry room and unsuccessfully attempted to steal coins from the machines.
Case Number 09-7068

Theft Location: 3700 Block of Lafayette St.
A convenience store clerk was restocking the cooler when he saw a male with a handgun enter the store. The clerk continued to watch as the man went behind the store counter and took cigarettes. He then remained in the cooler for about an hour and a half then called the Police Department.
Case Number 09-7049

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Assault With A Deadly Weapon Location: Monroe & Benton
Several citizens called to report that a woman in a green vehicle was attempting to run over a man. Officers located the vehicle, which was unoccupied but had fresh damage. Officers also located the man who said he had been in an argument with his girlfriend and jumped out of the car. The man was uncooperative and was arrested due violating a restraining order. The woman is still outstanding.
Case Number 09-7114

Man With A Gun Location: El Camino Real & Scott Blvd.
Citizens contacted the Police Department to report seeing a man with a gun on a transit bus. Sergeant Oliver located the bus, then found the man walking towards a store. A search of the man revealed a BB gun that looked like a real pistol. The investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office Transit Patrol.
Case Number: Inc. 111


Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Vandalism Location: Kiely & Homestead
While assisting Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Officers with a felony arrest, officers observed an unrelated young male get out of a vehicle at a stop light and walk into oncoming traffic. The man jumped on the front of a passing car, cracking the windshield and injuring his head. The driver of the vehicle was startled, but uninjured. The suspect fled on foot until he was stopped by Officer Buckleman and transported to a medical facility. He will be charged with the vandalism.
Case Number 09-7153

Fatal Traffic Accident ____ Location: Walsh west of Scott
An elderly woman was leaving the American Legion in her car when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck by another vehicle. She was transported to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Case Number: 09-7156

Sex Registrant ____ Location: 3500 Block of Agate
Officer Lynch has been tracking sex registrants. One of the individuals failed to register and was arrested.
Case Number: 09-7161

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Vehicle Theft ____ Location: 3300 Block of Keller St.
A 53’ trailer containing 80 ATV’s was stolen from a shipping company overnight. A second, empty trailer was also stolen. In addition, a tractor located nearby was also stolen and another tractor was broken into. The trailer containing the ATV’s was eventually located in San Jose .There are no suspects at this time.
Case Numbers: 09-7173, 7174, 7178 & 7179

Warrant Arrest Location: 900 Block of Kiely Blvd.
The mother of a wanted Boys Ranch escapee called to report that he was inside their apartment. Officers arrived at the residence and caught the male juvenile after a brief foot pursuit when he attempted to flee out the back door. He was taken into custody.
Case Number: 09-7188

DUI Location: Kiely & Mauricia
A female driver struck two parked cars, causing major damage to her vehicle. She admitted to drinking and after testing, was arrested for DUI.
Case Number: 09-7194


Arson Location: 800 Block of Pomeroy
Unknown suspects set a twenty passenger school bus on fire. An arson investigator responded and additional evidence is being examined.
Case Number: 09-7204

Vandalism Location: Wilson Adult Education Center
Officers responded to the report of a man driving on a school field. The man stopped after he bumped into a baseball backstop. Officer Martinez cited and released the driver.
Case Number: 09-7170

DUI Location: Benton & The Alameda
Officer Ellis stopped a vehicle that was being driven without its headlights during darkness. The driver presented a fake California I.D. Card and was intoxicated. He was arrested.
Case Number: 09-7188

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

Robbery__________ Location: Washington & Poplar Sts.
A 38 year old female was walking home from the grocery store when the suspect ran up from behind and grabbed her purse. The suspect then fled on foot into an apartment complex and jumped over a wall.
Case Number: 09-7221

Stolen Vehicle ___Location: 3400 Block of El Camino Real
Officer DJ Bell was flagged down by a citizen who was concerned about the deal she had received on a 2008 vehicle. She paid a little over $2000 for a vehicle that was valued at close to $10,000. After some investigation, it was found that the vehicle belonged to a woman in South Carolina. The woman’s husband had left her for a girlfriend and had taken the car. The wife had threatened to report the car stolen, so the man altered the VIN. The investigation led to the identity of the suspect and the recovery of most of the victim’s money.
Case Number: 09-7240



Auto Burglary _______Location: 1600 Block of Fremont
A witness observed someone breaking into a neighbor’s vehicle. He followed the suspect and obtained the license plate number of the suspect’s vehicle. Officer Stewart is following up.
Case Number: 09-7244