There are a few key things to be done if baseball is to become a reality in our City.

If we really want the A’s playing ball in San Jose, we should put the right people at the table – not Bud Selig, the Commissioner who counts votes before acting; not Peter Magowan, the Giants owner who thinks the Giants territory was part of the original Spanish land grants.  Instead, we take the general managers, the A’s Billy Beane and the Giant’s Brian Sabean, and lock them in a room with enough food for 72 hours.  If we’re nice, we give them bathroom breaks. 

It is wonderful to dream—one of the freest and most enjoyable things in life.  Yet, dreams can be destructive and deflating if they substitute obsession, cant, or hype for reality. Dreams must not become your master.

Lack Of “City” Status Won’t Be A Stumbling Block Says CEO

By announcing its intention of bringing the 2012 Summer Games to its regional shopping center, Santana Row has threatened to make downtown San Jose “redundant.”  Federal Realty CEO Donald Wood, the parent company of Santana Row, said that if their bid is successful against major cities such as Milan, Hamburg, St. Petersburg, San Diego and Tel Aviv, then downtown “should just fold up its tent.”

It is always a good question to ponder: where do you find the state of the City?  I think it is fair to say that it sometimes can be found in the rhetoric of the Mayor.  That person can often synthesize and verbalize the hopes and aspirations and dreams of the people of San Jose. It is a wonderful thing to watch, just as it is on the national level – when it connects.

Attention, San Jose:  there’s no time to waste.  Buy extra bottled water, soda and beer. Keep plenty of snacks on hand. Check flashlights and batteries.  Pay your cable bill.  It’s time for Ron Gonzales to deliver the State of the City address.

The way that city officials, the Downtown Association and downtown business interests are blithely ignoring the oncoming crises of BART construction along the length of Santa Clara Street, reminds me of the horrible early scenes of the beach goers and vacationers in Thailand who failed to recognize the tsunami that was about to consume them.  But, is it merely a case of avoidance or is it foolishness?

A Rare Unanimous Vote Sends Tough Message

In a first for the city, San Jose Council members approved an extra $34,000 for the Mayor’s Annual speech to spend on over-the-counter stimulants known as No-Doze.  It will be distributed to audience members attending the Mayor’s State of the City Speech next Wednesday at the California Theater in the hopes of keeping everyone awake.

We must learn the lessons of the past. Mistakes that have destroyed small businesses and ruined lives should provide a cautionary tale for current leaders of our City and the VTA Board.

When I worked for Ron Gonzales I had to defend him frequently from critics who said I could not prove he had “the vision thing.”  I would invariably win the bet with a four-letter word:  BART.  This is why I own Tom McEnery’s hockey stick collection.

Just when I thought that I might never again watch the mental perambulations of the Santa Clara County Supervisors and their allies on the VTA Board, they pull me back in!

BART To County Fairgrounds Ultimate Goal

During a break from his new job sipping margaritas by the pool at a posh Club Med in Saipan, former VTA General Manager Pete Cipolla made the brave announcement that accused his former bosses of a secret agenda.

The deepening crisis at San Jose’s City Hall goes far beyond the plea bargain and resignation of Terry Gregory.  It goes to the heart of ethical conduct by the Mayor,Council and City Manager.  It is now time to do what is right.

Arnold likes Mandela, Gorbachev, and country music - somewhat eclectic, but interesting.  He insists his kids wash their own clothes, make their beds daily, and removes lightbulbs from their rooms if they leave the lights on regularly - a little weird, but interesting.

Well we must be doing something right. Last week the business and Rotary members were angry that I criticized them for their silence on assorted ethics issues at City Hall. I also said then that Big Labors’ stubborn refusal to break with Terry Gregory until the key practically turned in the jailhouse door, was an act of political cowardice.  Pure partisanship had trumped the interests of the people of San Jose.

Kevin Shelley calls Gregory’s ethics problems “bush-league!”

In a surprise announcement late yesterday afternoon from his state office in Sacramento, embattled Secretary of State Kevin Shelley announced his availability to serve out Terry Gregory’s term on San Jose’s City Council.