Willow Glen Resident
News
News Briefs
LeZotte's benefit
proposal is dropped
A proposal by San Jose City Councilwoman Linda LeZotte to extend lifetime health insurance to termed-out city council members and mayors was dropped.
The item was supposed to have been sent to the council for a vote on Dec. 5.
LeZotte intended it to be a low-cost benefit for elected officials, but analysis by city staff reflected higher costs than she anticipated, said Jim Cogan, chief of staff for LeZotte. Consequently, she withdrew the proposal.
LeZotte, a former attorney, is vacating her seat next month due to term limits. She drew criticism from some community members who viewed her proposal as a last-minute perk. Before the bill was withdrawn, several council members expressed hesitation or outright opposition.
City employees are eligible for retirement health benefits after 15 years on the job. San Jose city council members and mayors are limited to two four-year terms.
Former San Jose police officer Pete Constant was elected in June to fill LeZotte's District 1 seat.
Parking ordinance
will aid Willow Glen
The San Jose Planning Commission approved a parking ordinance on Dec. 6 to make it easier to attract new businesses to Lincoln Avenue.
The ordinance would affect nine business districts in San Jose, including downtown Willow Glen.
Those opposing the change were in the minority at the meeting. Eighteen speakers strongly endorsed the changes, saying it would make it easier to attract retailers and restaurants to vacant spaces.
The parking ordinance proposed in April would have eliminated parking requirements for new businesses altogether. At an Oct. 23 community meeting in Willow Glen, this was modified to one parking space for every 400 square feet for new businesses.
This new requirement would be the same for commercial, retail and restaurant use. Businesses benefiting the most from the change would be restaurants.
The ordinance will go before San Jose City Council on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
Meeting to consider
WGHS stadium lights
San Jose Unified School District officials are considering the possible installation of stadium lights at Willow Glen High School.
The meeting will take place in the high school library/media center, 2001 Cottle Road on Dec.14 at 6.30 p.m.
Officials would like community input on the impact the lights may have on the environment. This is just the first stage in the information-gathering process necessary to perform a California Environmental Quality Act analysis.
A second meeting will take place on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in room L-101 for additional community input and to discuss the California Environmental Quality Act draft.
Presentation raises
$60,000 for hunger
Presentation High School collected $60,000 worth of food items this year for Sacred Heart Community Services.
The school has worked with Sacred Heart for more than 24 years, and Willow Glen residents have donated to the school's annual Thanksgiving food drive every year. This year's total surpassed its 2005 goal.
Presentation High School Principal Mary Miller is grateful to all Willow Glen residents who gave generously and helped make the drive a success.
"In a time where people are struggling, our neighbors have gone over and above what we were hoping for, and helped us help others feel the warmth of the season," said high school spokeswoman Diane Gatto in an email.
The school has also helped the nonprofit through an annual toy drive.
Presentation High School collected 15,000 new toys for families in need. Each child will receive three new age-appropriate gifts, a book and stuffed animal. Sacred Heart trucks arrived at the school on Dec. 9 to collect all the donations.
Piggy bank auction
benefits high school
For those looking for unique gift ideas with an artistic twist, the Willow Glen High School's Bankapalooza is just the thing.
Students in the high school's advanced sculpture class are holding a silent auction of original student art depicting piggy banks.
The theme students followed for this advanced class was six degrees of the piggy bank.
The auction and showing of their hog-inspired art is a student-run affair.
Hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks will be available, and auction proceeds will benefit the Willow Glen High School art department.
The show takes place at Willow Glen High School, 2001 Cottle Ave., room X-103, on Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bidding will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.
