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Speak Out
Annual block party was a great event for our neighborhood
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who made the second annual Sandra Drive Block Party a success again this year.
The event was held on Saturday, Oct. 7, and was a huge success. We once again had great weather and a large turnout due in large part to the cooperation of all the neighbors. There was a return engagement or the band Last Man Standing, who had the whole neighborhood rocking to their classic rock sounds thanks to band member and neighbor Keith Conover. Thanks to Milea Schneider we once again had the AstroJump for the little ones, and also the big ones who sneaked in after dark. Also, a big thank you to Jeff Prosser who supplied the keg of Tied House beer.
We would also like to thank Officer Scott McCollough of the San Jose police, who lives on the block and who brought his patrol car by and showed the kids the inside and outside workings of the car. They were absolutely thrilled.
We also had a great collage of photos from when the block was originally developed back in 1946 thanks to many of the original owners who still live here.
There was a great time had by all, and it was only because of the effort and cooperation extended by all who live here. This is one reason we moved to Willow Glen and particularly to this neighborhood, because of the great spirit of family and togetherness that is unique to this area and people who still live here.
Gordon and Cindy Castro
Sandra Drive
Liquidambar trees have been causing plumbing problems
As a longtime resident of Willow Glen, now living in Portland, I am interested in the debate over cutting down the liquidambar trees in the neighborhood.
In the seven and a half years since we bought our home on Coastland Avenue (which is still ours and occupied by wonderful tenants), we have had at least one plumbing incident a year related to the tree roots of the 50-year-old tree on our parking strip.
We've had to replace the original pipes leading from the house to the property line (which ends at the sidewalk), but were told the city would have to fix the lines running under the sidewalk and into the street, IF we could convince them there was a need.
If we want to remove the tree, we need to get permits, post our intentions and let our neighbors contest it. I love that tree, but it is an inconvenience to residents to have broken pipes, which leak raw sewage into the yard. Not to mention a health hazard.
Let the people who protest pay for the plumbing repairs and sewer upgrades. I'm ready to cut down the tree.
Connie Brown
Portland, Oregon
Don't miss chance to vote for Measure A
I have lived in this valley for 16 years. During that time, I have seen congestion go from bad to worse. Thank goodness that voters in this county had the foresight to approve two previous transportation measures which have added miles of new freeway lanes and rail lines. I can't imagine what traffic would be like without these improvements. But we can't stop there. Traffic continues to grow and we must make more improvements to avoid total gridlock. With Measure A we will finally bring BART to San Jose, add more light rail, connect them to the airport and improve our roads. The best part is, it won't increase our existing tax rate. We can't miss this chance. Don't let traffic destroy our quality of life. Let's approve Measure A in November.
Mohamed Basma
Hallcrest Drive
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
