After waiting for more than a decade for Spencer Avenue to be repaired, residents didn't let its completion go by without a celebration.

Spencer Avenue, in north Willow Glen, was reconstructed between Willow Street and Atlanta Avenue. The street received new paving, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveways, wheel-chair ramps, fire hydrants and street trees. It was considered one of the worst streets in San Jose.

The Spencer Avenue reconstruction was the third street in the Greater Gardner Coalition community that was repaired. When the first street, Delmas Avenue, was revamped, the city had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and party.

But city coffers can no longer afford a celebration, so neighbors banded together to throw a grassroots, casual soiree on Feb. 25. Neighbors donated food, drink and balloons; a vintage car was on display. The group also invited the redevelopment agency employees and work crews who made the project a reality.

"A lot of people worked very hard for quite a few years," Spencer Avenue resident Annette Boyer said. "We want to make sure we stop and acknowledge all the work that's gone into it."

The street renovation cost more than $750,000 and was funded by several sources, including a community development block grant, a redevelopment capital projects fund and the sanitary sewer connection fee fund.

Chai House puts
out welcome mat

Chai House, a nonprofit senior living facility in Willow Glen, celebrates its 20th anniversary on March 5 with an open house and fundraiser at 814 St. Elizabeth Drive.

Chai House is home to a large Jewish population. As part of its 20th anniversary, the facility's kosher kitchen will serve refreshments, and guests can participate in a silent auction, and raffle drawings while enjoying live entertainment. Santa Clara County Supervisor Jim Beall and San Jose City Councilman Ken Yeager will speak at the event.

Prospective residents and their families will also be able to tour the 140-unit Chai House from 1 to 5 p.m. during the event. For more information, call 408.947.1818.

Safe passage results
in 1,434 citations

The Safe Passage program, designed to enforce driving regulations near schools, resulted in 1,434 citations, 539 warnings, 49 impounded vehicles and 16 driver arrests during the five-day campaign, Feb. 6-10.

To add an educational component to the enforcement side of the program, police rotated two radar display trailers at 25 schools throughout the city, reminding drivers of the 25-mph speed limit near schools. The program involved 372 officers patrolling traffic at 220 schools throughout the city. Police will launch another campaign in April after spring break.

Capital Club hosts
Oscar night event

The Capital Club hosts an Oscar night on March 5 to raise funds for three local charities.

Guests at the black tie event will walk in on a red carpet to champagne and hors d'oeuvres in the lobby of the Knight Ridder Building, 50 W. San Fernando St., starting at 4 p.m.

The party will continue at the Capital Club on the 17th floor with a gourmet meal and viewing of the Academy Awards on television.

Isabel Duron, KRON television anchor and founder of Latinas Contra Cancer, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the event. Her group is one of the evening's beneficiaries, along with Hope Services and Child Quest International.

There will be a live and silent auction with dancing following the show.

Tickets are $160 for the three-course dinner and $250 for the four-course dinner with wine pairing. For additional information or tickets, call 408.971.9300.