San Jose Inside

When Clint Eastwood as the Man With No Name would ride into town, he had no history.  He would be right at home in San Jose.  San Jose has become a city that may as well have no history because we continually forget what we have and, as they say, those who forget history are bound to repeat it. 

Sometimes you get a moment of clarifying light in a public meeting. It is rare but not impossible. Such was the case in last week’s meeting between Police Chief Rob Davis and many residents and business owners.  There were three council members present: Cindy Chavez, Dave Cortese, and Chuck Reed.

I have to admit that I didn’t go to one Earthquakes game this year.  I like soccer, I support San Jose teams, but I didn’t make it to a single game. We support the Sharks even after a year-long lockout, but the majority of San Joseans bypass what is the most popular sport in the world.

If you want to make an old time San Josean’s eyes glisten, just ask them about the wonderful creameries that existed during the 1920s, 30s and 40s.  Perhaps it was the competition of so many excellent soda fountains, but San Jose was blessed with the best.

Constant Disagreement Attracts Attention of TV Therapist

Just several hours after a decision by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to cancel a scheduled meeting on long-range spending plans for the oft-threatened BART extension to Silicon Valley, VTA General Manager Michael Burns received a call from Dr Phil McGraw, inviting the entire VTA Board to a session on the therapist’s hit show.

One of the great perks of my job is that I’m invited to many wonderful charitable events. But if you put me on the spot and asked me which one is my favorite, I’d have to say it’s the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony and dinner. It’ll take place this week on the floor at the lavishly transformed HP Pavilion and, if you’ve never attended, I highly recommend it.

The presence of police downtown is becoming more and more of an issue after the recent shootings.  Most people who live or work in central San Jose consider the presence of police officers in their neighborhoods to be an unmitigated positive. They are disciplined, courteous, respectful, and a deterrent to unpleasant occurrences—all in all, something that law-abiding citizens desire.

Whatever you’d like to discuss.

I have found the perfect place in San Jose for well-dressed, professional, hip people to congregate - a Sharks game!  Ladies, take that money you are paying to Match.com and buy some club-level Sharks tickets instead. For your benefit, here is a breakdown of the gene pool at the Tank:

Limited Time Offer Comes with Two Hours Free Parking

With cruising at an all time high downtown, Conditional Use Permits handed out like penicillin in a whorehouse, and gun battles taking place in front of nightclubs, the downtown business community has responded by implementing an aggressive program that will distribute free Taser stun guns for the defense and safety of those visiting downtown.

For the moment at least, the Norcal documents are being kept under wraps.  Barry Witt reports on the story for the Mercury News, describing how each mayoral candidate voted.  Hint: they weren’t all on the same side.

Last weekend there was a series of shootings downtown. Much of the problem is summed up by the comments of one of the men shot: “It’s part of the bargain,” said bouncer Noel “Jaws” Chavez.  Well, the bargain is now costing far too much.

By Guest Blogger Jerry Estruth

Ross Perot would be surprised to know that the great sucking sound he’s hearing is not being caused by NAFTA but by the Great Power Vacuum that has created what I call the Black Hole of City Hall.

Los Gatos, known for its Range Rovers and boutiques, has become a staple for the Single Gal and her friends. Recently, I went to the 180 Lounge, and when I walked in, I was stunned. Was this actually the old Los Gatos Bar and Grill?  Where were those drunk guys from high school that I used to hide from? Instead, there was smoky glass, bamboo, lounge chairs, dim lighting, and a woman in a box.

Outsourcing to India Will Privatize and Streamline Process

In a surprise email that arrived two days late because of a website blackout during the City Hall grand opening, department heads were informed that the issuing of all city building permits was to be outsourced and moved overseas to India.