The San Jose City Council pledged to promote environmentally sound practices at its Nov. 1 meeting by approving 21 environmental-related action steps, as part of a United Nations program.

In agreeing with the action steps, cities have until 2012 to implement as many of the action steps as possible. These objectives fall in the category of energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation and environmental health. The goal is to adopt three actions each year. At the end of the seven-year challenge, cities will be graded on how many objectives were implemented.

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales did not sign on to the environmental accords in June, when first introduced in San Francisco. But since then, he has had time to review the goals and supports them, he said.

Developer wants to
construct 56 homes

A 2.3-acre lot near Almaden and Malone roads is slated to become a 56-home planned development.

There are four single-family residences on the site that was zoned as a single and multiple-family neighborhood. The San Jose Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Oct. 26 to rezone the property to planned development. Commissioner Bob Levy opposed the rezoning and commissioners Xavier Campos and Jim Zito were absent.

The site is surrounded by single-family homes, condominiums, apartment projects and the Guadalupe River. Developer Olson Co. plans to construct seven three-story buildings that will reach 40 feet in height. The two- to three-bedroom units range from 1,132 square feet to 1,650 square feet. Each unit will have a two-car attached garage.

The developer will also have to remove some trees. The lot has 92 trees, 38 of which are large enough to require tree removal permits.

The rezoning application will require approval by San Jose City Council. The council will review the rezoning request on Nov. 15.

AAUW collects gifts
for needy teenagers

Willow Glen based American Association of University Women will provide gift baskets and sports bags to underprivileged teenagers this holiday season.

The organization hopes to give 900 baskets to teens serviced by Sacred Heart Community Services, a nonprofit that helps families free themselves from poverty, and the Bill Wilson Center, which provides counseling, housing, education and advocacy to young people and their families.

AAUW is accepting monetary donations and cosmetics, toiletries, small games, gift certificates and candy bars. The organization is also seeking volunteers to assemble and distribute gifts on Dec. 13, 15, 16 and 17.

To donate items or volunteer, contact project chairwoman Elaine Benoit, at 408.269.9654 or via email at ebenoit@pacbell.net.

Candidates sought
to serve on board

The board of directors of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is now accepting applications for the district's advisory council.

The 20-member council advises and consults with the board of directors and the air pollution control officer on issues pertaining to air pollution.

The council is comprised of members representing specific interest groups and occupations, such as public health agencies, industry, community planning and general contractors. The board is specifically seeking someone to represent the transportation category to complete a term that ends Dec. 31, 2006. The board is also accepting applications for all other areas.

Council members receive no salary, though council-related expenses are reimbursed. The term of office is two years, and members may be appointed for up to six consecutive terms.

The council meets six times a year, and members also meet with their designated committees.

Applicants must reside within the area of the district's regulatory jurisdiction and should have experience in the field of air pollution control.

For an information packet and an application form, contact James N. Corazza, Deputy Clerk of the Boards, 939 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 94109. Or call 415.749.4962, or jcorazza@ baaqmd.gov. The deadline for the applications is Dec. 9. For more information on the air district, visit www.baaqmd.gov.