San Jose Inside

I really wanted to leave this nightclub and crime issue and turn to some other topics this week. Yet, quite easily, they pull me back into the fray.

First there is a thoughtful blog by David Hickey on the bad old days of prostitutes, crime and drugs on every corner in the Sofa area of downtown (before it had that name) in the late seventies. It was a very bad scene.

One of my missions on SanJoseInside is to point out to our readers things that I think are missing in San Jose and provide ideas for ways to fill the gaps.

When Chinese men from Canton arrived during the gold rush as contract laborers, they never intended to stay here.  If a man could manage to save $100, he could return to his village and live out the rest of his days, never having to work again.  But very few accomplished this goal, as gambling and opium took their toll.  In order to enter Chinese heaven their bones had to be buried in China, and shipping the remains of men whom died in California back to their home became big business. 

Repeal of Ban on Alcohol Sales Could Give Rise to Gasclubs

Shortly after a unanimous vote by the San Jose City Council on an urgency ordinance that gives the police chief more discretion in shutting down problem nightclubs in downtown, a committee of nightclub owners met and decided to take their business elsewhere—to the neighborhood gas stations.

Here is your opportunity to lead the discussion. Choose a topic and share your thoughts.

As I walked the streets of New York the past few days, I visited Fr. Duffy Square, the Theatre District, and the many neighborhoods that make up the immediate downtown, a fascinating crossroads of all that this nation is and can be.  I am struck by one simple fact:  the presence of police is one of the most reassuring sights, giving the finest sense of well-being imaginable. In bunches of two, three, and four, on horse, car, motor bike, and practically suspended on high wires across Broadway, they console, advise, direct, and even crack a joke or two.  “Did you hear the one about the ….”  Never mind. They are a presence to enjoy.

I took a trip this weekend to Chicago.  Not only do they have more bars per capita than any other American city, they have key components that make it one of the best cities in the United States.  Though San Jose will never be Chicago, it can try to model itself after the Windy City in a few ways:

Over the years some great artists have lived and painted here. Of particular interest to me are A.D.M. Cooper (1856-1924), Charles Harmon (1859-1936) and Andrew P. Hill (1853-1922).  Cooper was certainly the most prolific and he commanded the highest prices for his paintings. When he was still alive, one of his paintings sold for $60,000, the equivalent of more than $1 million today.  In my opinion Charles Harmon was perhaps the most gifted, but my favorite is Andrew P. Hill and, while not well known today, he painted some wonderful local pieces.  Of course his real fame is that of the “man who saved the redwoods.”  His painting “California Redwood Park” was exhibited during the second year of the San Francisco Panama Pacific Exposition in 1916. 

Chuck and Cami Want “Authentic Experience” in Silicon Valley

After a successful few days in San Francisco trumpeting organic farming and environmental stewardship, Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall and future HRH The Princess Consort, expressed the need to “let down our hair and slum a bit.”

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.