Willow Glen Resident
News
Advertising banners on school fence draw criticism as unsightly
By Laura Rheinheimer
The summertime Music in the Glen concert series may be a hit, but the banners on the corner of Lincoln and Minnesota avenues with sponsor ads are not.
Several banners hanging on the Willow Glen Elementary School fence clearly broadcast who's funding the Thursday night music series, and residents don't find it an attractive addition to the downtown.
Kiwanis Club president Mike Rubino says without allowing advertising, he doubts many of the businesses would step up as sponsors.
"We can't do the event without sponsors and advertisers," he said.
The five-week concert series put on by the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen. Thanks to its sponsors, it is able to allocate a portion of the proceeds earned from the sale of food and beverages toward funding various projects at the elementary school.
Banners hanging from the stage inside the event are OK, Willow Glen resident Tara Miller said, but she doesn't like the signage on the street.
"The fact that there's signs up in a public location seems obnoxious," she said.
Michel Amaral, another Willow Glen resident, said he understands that businesses are trying to get their names out, but says the result looks chaotic.
Amaral said a better way to promote the summer series would be to hang a large banner across Lincoln Avenue announcing the event and its sponsors.
Willow Glen resident Joe Wilson said he doesn't want to be bombarded with advertisements when he visits Lincoln Avenue for coffee or music. But others, such as Connie Oeland, don't see it as a distraction.
"I was surprised when I saw it up," she said, "but I'm sure it helps the school."
Rubino said when space is offered for advertising, it entices more sponsors. They can set up booths inside the venue, hand out materials, receive acknowledgements from the bands and hang their signs on the fence. Only sponsors of the music series are allowed to advertise on the school fence, Rubino said, and he is keeping a close watch to make sure no unauthorized signs go up.
Rubino considered coordinating the signage but found it difficult. Businesses have their own ideas about advertising and already have banners.
Nicole Giannone, marketing director for Peak Travel, said hanging a banner is a key part of advertising at Music in the Glen.
San Jose Unified School District chief business officer Ann Jones said banners displayed at the school require approval from the school's principal.
The district allows the signs because the event supports the community, Jones said, but it will work out some advertising guidelines for the future.
"We'll work toward probably doing it a little differently next year," she said.
