The current owner of the blighted two-story building at Bird and Auzerais avenues obtained a permit three weeks ago to demolish the building after working with city of San Jose Code Enforcement Division.

Damian Speno, who purchased the lot a year ago, said he intended to create a mixed-use development but "we weren't sure at the time" if that would incorporate the existing building.

Speno said the building was built in the 1920s. He said he's "been in discussion with the planning department and the Delmas Park Neighborhood Association" about a commercial and residential development at the site.

NAC/Delmas Park Neighborhood Association President Kathy Sutherland said "nothing concrete" has been announced, but Speno has attended several meetings.

"We would love to have housing," Sutherland said. "We're looking forward to it being redeveloped and working with the owner to make sure it works within the neighborhood."

Speno said the building would be demolished within the demolition permit's six months' issuance. He added that the city offered to help with the dump fees.

—Beth Walker

Studio trades lessons for donations of food

West Coast World Martial Arts of Willow Glen is donating $25,000 worth of martial arts lessons to the community in exchange for food donations to its first annual holiday food drive. All food donations will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank.

The group's goal is to provide 1,000 cans or other nonperishable food items for needy families during the holiday season. The studio hopes to reach its goal by having 250 people in the community bring in four cans each to the martial arts studio.

For every person who brings in four cans of food, a certificate will be given for four free weeks of martial arts lessons in 2004. Office manager Karen Davis says that the promotion will continue through January.

"We have received so much from the community and it is time to give back," Davis said.

For more information, contact West Coast World Martial Arts of Willow Glen at 408.993.8122 or visit the studio at 668 Lincoln Ave.

—Amy Wicks

District asks Tavella to step in for Briggs

The district appointed John Tavella to be the interim principal at Willow Glen Middle School to replace Darla Briggs, who is leaving in January.

Briggs resigned Nov. 20 and will begin a new job as a principal of a middle school in Lodi starting the first of the year.

Tavella has been the assistant principal of discipline at Leland High School for the last four years. He taught for 25 years in the San Jose Unified School District and has served as an administrator in the district for six years.

He said Superintendent Linda Murray asked him if he would like the assignment to Willow Glen Middle School and he accepted.

Tavella is already familiar with the school and the community. He is a Willow Glen resident and his first teaching assignment was at Willow Glen High School.

"The school has been moving forward and I want those positive things to continue," he said. "People always worry if there's a change that it will stop, but I'm going to go in and continue to move forward as Mrs. Briggs has done."

—Beth Walker