District 6 councilman Ken Yeager is urging Willow Glen residents to repair their sidewalks now while there is still money available.

At the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's general meeting on May 10, he highlighted the city's proposed budget for 2005-06, which calls for a reimbursement cap of $500 on sidewalk repairs and $1,000 on corner lots. This is half of what it used to be.

Although sidewalk repairs are the financial responsibility of property owners, the city provides a maximum $1,000 grant to homeowners to repair their sidewalks and a $2,000 grant for corner lots.

About 4,000 San Jose property owners request sidewalk repairs annually and about half receive the full amount. The proposed budget will cut the full grant reimbursements to approximately 25 percent of the applicants.

To report a sidewalk problem or request an inspection, call 408.277.3158. For more information, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation/s_sidewalks.htm.

Willow Ranch tour
is blast from past

For the first time, four private ranch-style homes in Willow Ranch will be open to the public on June 10-11.

Sponsored by Preservation Action Council San Jose, the spring home tour, Between the Gates, will feature the 1950s homes and costumed docents, music and cars from the same era.

"It was a tremendous time in American culture, fueled by returning GIs and their young families looking to create the good life," said Bob Dodge, the original designer and builder of the Willow Ranch development.

The development's first homes were built in 1950, and it was considered a one-of-a kind community in San Jose. Distinguishing features include family-oriented single-story floor plans on tree-lined streets, circular driveways and walnut trees for shaded lawns.

"Our tour focuses on mid-century modernism and ranch-style homes, highlighting the sea of change in American family life. It was a shift to suburbs and larger homes with large lots," said Alex Marthews, executive director of Preservation Action Council San Jose.

The two-day event features a martini block party and tour on June 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On June 11 the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available at Casa Casa, 1355 Lincoln Ave. For more information, visit http://www.preservation.org/events/ WillowRanch_tickets.html.