News Stand

Forum will address initiatives on ballot

Election time is drawing near, and ballot issues aren't always clear. But seniors have no need to fear, for the League of Women's Voters will soon be here.

On Oct. 24, a speaker from the San Jose/Santa Clara League of Women's Voters will be at the Campbell Adult Center to discuss the propositions on the November ballot. The nonpartisan group will explain the issues from both sides to help voters make the best decision.

"It's a chance for people to gain a better understanding of the complicated issues and become a more informed voter," Senior Services Supervisor Kathy Whitcomb said.

The event will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 24, in Adult Center room C-33. For information, call 408.866.2146.

Temporary parking opens downtown

Parking downtown is about to get a lot easier. The downtown temporary parking lot should open by Oct. 24, according to Redevelopment Director Kirk Heinrichs. The final step was taken Oct. 12, when workers poured cement for the entrance to the lot.

Heinrichs said the concrete has to cure for approximately 10 days before it can be driven on and, once it is completely dried, the lot will be opened.

The lot, located on Campbell Avenue between First and Central, was approved for temporary parking by the city council on Sept. 5. It is being leased from the owner, Xavier Sanchez, for $250 per month.

Since the lot was approved, fencing and signs have been installed and the lot has been repaved.

The lot contains 26 parking spaces, including two handicapped spaces. The spaces are a mixture of two-hour and eight-hour parking.

Due to several construction projects underway downtown, parking has been especially limited in recent months. The lot is intended to help ease the crunch for approximately a year and a half, until the city's new parking garage is completed.

Street Furniture on Campbell Ave.

Downtown will also be a little nicer for pedestrians once their cars are parked. On Oct. 12 and 13, the city installed new street furniture--benches, bike racks and trash cans.

The addition of the furniture, Senior Planner Geoff Bradley said, was first proposed nearly a year ago in response to community input.

"We've had comments from people that downtown is pretty nice, but there aren't enough places to sit," he said. "And right now people are locking their bikes to trees and lamp posts, and need more places to discard of trash."

The furniture cost the city $50,000, Bradley said.

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