January 4, 2007

2006 Year in Review: Wild weather ominous predictor of city’s roller coaster year

By Ali Abdollahi
Staff Writer

The year 2006 began amidst pounding rainfall and howling winds throughout San Jose. That storm proved an ominous predictor for what proved to be a tumultuous year, a year in which the winds of change swept through our fair city.

The continued fallout from a mayoral scandal extended through Election Day and beyond, bringing with it the end of an era at city hall.

Chuck Reed earned a decisive victory in the November Mayoral race, with many pundits claiming Chaves’ ties to Gonzales were too close. Photo by Jeff Frazee

For the people of Almaden, 2006 included a farewell to the Feed & Fuel, the abandonment of the McKean Sports Field project, and on a positive note, soaring API scores and the grand opening of a beautiful new library and community center.

City Hall’s bumpy ride
San Jose city politics captured much of the attention, as the real-life soap opera surrounding termed-out Mayor Ron Gonzales played out, plot by plot, over the course of the year. After his December 2005 censure for his role in the Norcal garbage scandal, Gonzales was stripped of several of his committee responsibilities by the City Council, before resigning from four other powerful municipal committees before he could be removed.

Gonzales was indicted by the district attorney in June on multiple counts of bribery and conspiracy, but refused to step down despite efforts from the City Council to force him out. (The Council would later approve a new ordinance allowing it to remove the mayor or council members who have a committed egregious misconduct, though it could not be enacted in time to apply to Gonzales.)

In the middle of the Gonzales turmoil, San Jose held a closely contested mayoral race. The June primary, Councilman Chuck Reed surprised many with a strong first-place showing, followed by Councilwoman Cindy Chavez, who many considered the front-runner.

At the polls for the November elections, Americans across the nation demonstrated that they were ready for change, and the citizens of San Jose followed suit. Reed earned a decisive victory, with many pundits claiming Chaves’ ties to Gonzales were too close, despite her being cleared of any wrongdoing and asking the mayor to resign. Reed later named Councilman Dave Cortese his vice-mayor (which is subject to the Council’s vote).

Gonzales said goodbye at the final council meeting in December, receiving a standing ovation and warm farewells despite the tribulations he and council faced after his censure a year earlier.

Stories that helped define 2006

January

Mother Nature rings in new year with a roar
Record rainfall and wind of 60-70 mph uprooted trees, knocked down fences and downed power lines in Almaden and throughout San Jose. The storm also breached the Solano County Levee, and caused floods and mudslides from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz.

Snow blanketed San Jose in March. Photo by Jeff Frazee

Leland High graduate lands recurring role on NBC’s ‘E-Ring’
Former Almaden resident and Leland High School graduate Ankur Bhatt landed a three-episode part on NBC series “E-Ring.” Bhatt played a Pakistani-American civilian who worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency, playing along side actors Benjamin Bratt and Dennis Hopper.

Gonzales beats Council to the punch by resigning from major committees
Embattled Mayor Ron Gonzales resigned from four powerful municipal committees as self-punishment for his censure in December 2005 in relation to the Norcal garbage scandal. Gonzales appointed council members of his choice to replace him on the committees.

Shocked commuter discovers swastikas along Camden Avenue
Almaden resident Michelle Takeuchi encountered six hastily spray-painted swastikas on painted along Camden Avenue. Takeuchi immediately notified authorities and the Almaden Times Weekly. “I wanted to make sure that this never happens again in our community, or anywhere else,” said Takeuchi. Another swastika was later found sprayed-painted on a wall at Castillero Middle School.

Travis Varni, a six-year-old kindergarten student at Los Alamitos Elementary School, stretches a long bubble while classmate Daisy Bradanini looks on at Los Alamitos Elementary’s Bubble Fest in April. Watching in the background are Gwen Parker and Shyril McGuiness, Principal. Photo by Jeff Frazee

Almaden Expressway motorist plummets to bottom of Guadalupe Creek
A frightening story received a happy ending after an unidentified elderly man driving northbound on Almaden Expressway drove his car off the road and straight down to the bottom of Guadalupe Creek. The man was initially saved by his the seatbelt and airbags in his car. The car fortunately landed in a relatively shallow body of water, given the heavy rainfall in prior weeks. The driver was rescued by San Jose firefighters and police officers, and taken to the hospital with only minor injuries.

Students and community celebrate Pioneer High PAC grand opening
Several hundred students, parents and residents turned out for the gala opening of Pioneer High School’s new performing arts center. The old PAC was damaged by a fire in November, 2003, later ruled an act of arson.

February

Almaden police receive Pride of San Jose Award
San Jose Police homicide detectives were honored by Mayor Ron Gonzales for their impressive homicide arrest rate. Among the recipients of the Pride of San Jose Award was Almaden Police Sergeant Tim Porter.

Gonzales gives final State of City speech
Amidst a glittering rotunda in the new $382 million city hall, Mayor Ron Gonzales gave his final State of the City address in the wake of his Norcal scandal censure two months earlier. Gonzales made several suggestions for city improvements, but received mixed reviews, particularly with council members still angry at his alleged misconduct.

In February, the Times reported that ‘true American postman’ Manny Martinez retired, leaving a legacy of service and friendship to the people of New Almaden. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Gov. Schwarzenegger outlines ‘Strategic Growth Plan’ in San Jose
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger enthusiastically outlined his $222 billion “Strategic Growth Plan” for the economy of California to Silicon Valley business leaders at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.

Almaden Times celebrates 20 years of news coverage of the Almaden Valley
The Feb. 23 issue of the Almaden Times Weekly marked the 20th anniversary of the publication. In February 1986, Bill Bellou published the first issue as a monthly publication. The publication grew along with Almaden, and eventually became a weekly publication.

March

Eventual Tour de France winner Floyd Landis wins Amgen Tour of California
Floyd Landis won the Amgen Tour of California, which included routes from Martinez to downtown San Jose, and an individual time trial in San Jose’s Coyote Valley. The event drew 1.3 million spectators. Later in 2006, Landis would win the prestigious Tour de France, only to have his title stripped amidst doping allegations.

OSH flagship store marks 75th anniversary
Orchard Supply Hardware celebrated the 75th anniversary of its flagship store on San Carlos Street. To celebrate the occasion, OSH CEO Rob Lynch announced a partnership to build gardens at a school near each location.

Almaden Valley schools take top marks with API scores
The quality and success of Almaden schools was reflected through impressive Academic Performance Index (API) scores, reported by the California Department of Education. All of Almaden Valley’s elementary, middle and high schools showed growth from the previous year.

April

Local heroes battle blaze, save family’s home
Flames raged from a two-alarm fire on the 6700 block of Mount Pakron Drive in Almaden Valley, destroying portions of two homes. Seeing the blaze from down the street, concerned neighbors raced to the rescue, saving an adjoining home.

Thousands march for immigrants in San Jose
As millions marched across the United States in support of immigrant rights, San Jose played host to the largest demonstration, when an estimated 25,000 people marched from King Road to Story Road.

San Jose City Council votes to study Sunshine Law and publicly funded campaigns
The City Council voted unanimously to pursue the study of a bold new proposal to publicly fund election campaigns in San Jose, and approved the process for selecting a task force to study a Sunshine Law allowing increased scrutiny of city politics.

Brittany Gann's face shows her full emotion as she walks across the stage at the Rose Garden for Pioneer's graduation in June. Photo by Jeff Frazee

Suspicious bag blown up in front of federal building
A suspicious package with a note was found in front of the federal building at First Street and San Carlos Street by a security guard. The SJPD and ATF X-rayed the bag, but could not determine what was in it, so they “rendered it safe” (i.e., blew it up).

May

Almaden Branch Library and Community Center celebrates grand opening
After four-years of planning, fund-raising and construction, the Almaden Branch Library and Community Center opened its doors. The new facility welcomed almost 10,000 visitors in its first three days of operation.

San Jose celebrates inaugural Pat’s Run
Nearly 3,000 runners gathered at Leland High School to celebrate the life of Almaden native Pat Tillman with the inaugural staging of Pat’s Run. Tillman was an NFL star before joining the U.S. Army Rangers shortly after 9/11. He died in 2004 in Afghanistan, a victim of friendly fire. The Army has admitted to covering up facts about Tillman’s death. In March 2006, the Chicago Tribune reported that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff promised the Tillman family that investigators will examine all the facts surrounding his death in Afghanistan.

Chrissy Stahler, 5, wows Denise Rocha with her computer skills on their second trip to the Almaden Library and Community Center which opened in May. Rocha says, "You couldn't get near these [computers] on opening day." Photo by Jeff Frazee

Almaden playgroup holds ‘Jump-for-a-Cure’ event for ailing friend
An Almaden playgroup sponsored a special event in honor of 6-year-old playgroup member Lindsey Frederiks, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at age three. The effort raised over $5,000 to help fight the disease.

Esteemed Simonds principal retires
Linda Kakes, principal of Simonds Elementary School, retired after 37 years with the San Jose Unified School District, all spent in Almaden. Kakes, a resident of Almaden for 19 years, left to enjoy travel and enjoy retirement after three years as principal.

Hit and run kills Pioneer freshman
Marcus Keppert, 15, was struck and killed by a hit and run driver crossing Almaden Expressway at Camden Avenue. The 6-foot-7-inch Keppert was known as “the gentle giant.” Classmates, friends and family remembered Keppert with candle light vigils. Police arrested George Xinos, 42, of San Jose and charged him with felony hit and run and driving under the influence.

June

Farewell celebration for Almaden Feed & Fuel
What began as a farewell ended as a call to action at the Almaden Feed & Fuel, with patrons seeking to have the sight designated a historical landmark to prevent housing development by the new owner. In October 2006, the patrons earned a victory when the City of San Jose Historic Landmarks Commission voted in favor of the structures preservation. The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement called for another report on the matter.

Candidates clash with police accountability advocates
Five mayoral candidates and two district attorney candidates felt pressure from an emotional group of police accountability advocates at a community forum on community safety and police accountability. Many advocates called for the creation of an all-civilian police review board.

IBM invites ‘MythBusters’ to 20th anniversary celebration
The IBM research facility in Almaden hosted a taping of the popular Discovery Channel show “MythBusters” as part of IBM’s 20th anniversary. The program launched a care off of a dirt ramp on an Alameda runway and tested the fastest way to cool beer.

Reed and Chavez take top spots, face off in run-off election
Councilman Chuck Reed and Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez collect the most votes in a tight and contentious mayoral election, leading to a run-off election between the two. The result was considered somewhat of a surprise, as Chavez lost a lead in late May, after the distribution of campaign mailers critical of Chavez were sent out by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Upper Puerto Vallarta float mimics the Dear Santa reality show on Fox. The theme of this year's Montevideo Fourth of July Parade was reality shows. Photo by Jeff Frazee

Leland speech and debate teacher receives city commendation
Leland High School speech and debate teacher received a city commendation, coinciding with her induction into the National Forensic League Hall of Fame.

Two Almaden Valley families devastated by drowning deaths
A 5-year-old boy and a new father both drowned in separate accidents on the same day. The boy and his mother were visiting family friends on Pippen Creek Court. The child’s playmates noticed him floating face down in the pool. The boy’s mother and another woman pulled him out and attempted CPR. He died at Kaiser Santa Teresa Hospital at midnight.

In a separate accident, Almaden Valley resident Mark Andrew Harrup, 29, was lost after his boat capsized at San Luis Reservoir.

City Council passes $2.6 billion operating and capital budgets
The City Council approved the 2006-07 operating and capital budgets, raising rates and fees in a number of areas including garbage collection, water rates and higher office rent for city departments. Areas gaining increased funding were police and public safety.

Fourteenth annual San Jose International Triathlon
The San Jose International Triathlon was held at Almaden Lake Park. The two-day event attracted over 1,500 racers. Los Gatos’ Brian Lavelle and Pleasanton’s Eilee Swanson earned victories in the elite division.

Mayor Gonzales indicted, refuses to resign
Members of the City Council called on Mayor Ron Gonzales to step down within hours of his arrest on charges of bribery, conspiracy and misappropriation of funds pertaining to the Norcal Garbage agreement. Gonzales refused, holding his seat as mayor until the end of 2006.

July

Local authors pen new history book of New Almaden area
In their book, “Images of America: New Almaden,” local authors Arthur Boudreault and Michael Boulland wrote essays accompanied by archival photographs of the area from the days of the Ohlone Indians, to California’s first and richest mine, to the present day.

Interned Japanese-Americans receive high school diplomas 64 years later
Seven Japanese-Americans who were held in internment camps between 1942 and 1945 were finally awarded (some posthumously) their diplomas in a ceremony at San Jose High Academy’s 2006 graduation ceremony. The group missed their graduations due to their internment, but thanks to a new law, and the thoughtful work of tenth grader Trisha Yamaichi, they received their diplomas 64 years later in a moving ceremony.

McKean Road sports complex project dead in the water
San Jose Unified School District stated in a letter to Councilmember Nancy Pyle that the district is no longer interested in working together to pursue the development of a sports complex on the district’s McKean Road property. The school board president later detailed in a letter to the Almaden Times (Oct. 5) the legal reasons why the Caglia property cannot be used for sports fields, citing the Naylor Act and the need to maintain one of the district’s “best assets” for possible future use by the district.

August

Defending champ takes flag again at 2006 San Jose Grand Prix
Sebastien Bourdais took the checkered flag for the second consecutive year at the 2006 San Jose Grand Prix. For Bourdais, it was his 21st win in 54 career starts. There was also action off the track, where drivers Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani got into a fistfight midway through the race, after a dangerous move by Tracy knocked both drivers out of the race.

Champ Car Atlantic Series driver James Hinchcliffe goes airborne with his car on the first lap of the Atlantic Series race on July 30 at the San Jose Grand Prix. The high-flying fender-bender ended Hinchcliffe’s day on lap 1. Photo by Jeff Frazee

New staff and upgraded sites greet students at local schools
Reaping the rewards of local bond measures, Almaden schools made noteworthy improvements in preparation for the new school year, upgrading classrooms and landscaping, and adding new faculty and staff positions.

New Almaden intruder no match for 14-year-old black belt
New Almaden resident Anthony Dippel, 14, protected his family from a burglar using his martial arts training. After hearing an intruder downstairs in his home, Anthony told his 7-year-old brother Austin to stay upstairs, grabbed a 5-foot bo staff, then confronted the burglar, chasing him out of the house.

September

Leland freshman among youngest in nation to solo in a glider plane
Fourteen-year-old Leland High School freshman Matthew Herbert flew two solo flights in a Schweizer 2-32 glider plane at Hollister Airport. Herbert’s instructor said he is among a select group of 14-year-olds in the nation that have flown solo.

New Almaden Day ‘Jump In’ Parade offers venue for everyone
The annual New Almaden Day “Jump In” Parade invited all local residents to participate in a celebration of community. The 2006 parade featured original floats, horses, goats, vintage cars, the fire department and costumed participants, all let by grand marshal and New Almaden resident Bill Jones.

In September, the Almaden Lake Park was the place to be for the 30th annual Almaden Valley Art and Wine Festival. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

City Council asks president, governor to secure Almaden Valley man’s freedom from Vietnamese prison
The San Jose City Council unanimously voted to ask President George Bush and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger “to pursue the prompt and safe return” of Cong Than Do to the United States. Do is a U.S. citizen who lives in the Almaden Valley. In August 2006, during a visit to his native Vietnam, Do was imprisoned without formal charges, adequate legal representation or access to medical care.

San Jose Police Mounted Unit celebrates 20th anniversary
Two events were held to mark the 20th anniversary of the San Jose Police Mounted Unit, the “Hoofing It For Kids’ Safety” event at the Arena Green in downtown San Jose, and the “Swing for the San Jose Mounted Unit” golf tournament at the San Jose Country Club.

Almaden Art & Wine Festival hits a home run at Almaden Lake Park
Thousands of visitors flooded Almaden Lake Park for the annual Almaden Art & Wine Festival. Nearly 80 artist and craft boots were set up, with the ladies of the Almaden Valley Women’s Club running the show. Proceeds from the event benefit local non-profits and scholarship funds.

Thirteenth annual Almaden Times Classic a success
The 13th annual Almaden Times Classic proved fun for the community, and beneficial for the Almaden Valley Counseling Service, which received $20,000 from the event. The winner’s circle was full of those with ties to the Bret Harte Middle School. The men’s winner was Ken Murtha, husband of Bronco cross-country coach Jenny Murtha. The women’s winner, Karin Barnett, is the mother of two top Bret Harte alums, Claudia and Stephanie, who currently star on Leland’s varsity cross country squad.

October

Mayoral candidates face off at community forum
Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez and Councilman Chuck Reed locked horns regarding questionable spending and the ethics of the Gonzales-Chavez administration during a candidate forum at Gunderson High School.

City Council agrees to fund sports field feasibility study
The City Council approved a recommendation by Councilmember Nancy Pyle to fund and conduct a feasibility study for increasing the number of community sports fields in direct response to the dismal lack of fields in Almaden and other parts of the city. The measure was designed to identify new locations for sports fields and determine whether existing fields can be used for youth and adults sports.

City Council doles out $34 million budget surplus, provides arts subsidy
A $34 million budget surplus, which came through the elimination of 88 positions and the fifth year of the city-hiring freeze, was distributed by the City Council in October. City Manager Les White determined that $6.4 million would go into the 2007-08-deficit reserve and $13.1 million would be used for a number of adjustments including $5 million for partial funding to clean up Watson Park and $4 million for an arts stabilization fund. White divided up the remaining $4.13 million to fund additional fuel, provide retail tenant improvements for the new city, a CPA sound system, migration of old city hall IT systems, property sales-economic uncertainty reserve, singleton landfill-flaring system and other adjustments.

November

San Jose still rated safest big city in America
For the sixth consecutive year, San Jose was rated the safest big city in American for the 32 cities with populations over 500,000, according to the annual statistical analysis based on FBI crime statistics released by Morgan Quitno Press.

San Jose chooses Reed as new mayor
Councilman Chuck Reed won the mayoral run-off election in convincing fashion, defeating Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez by nearly 20 percentage points. San Jose apparently followed a national trend of change on Election Day 2006, with Chavez apparently unable to detach herself from the scandal-ridden Gonzales administration.

Almaden community comes to aid of family of breast cancer victim
School, church and community members offer dinners, babysitting, and educational support to the family of breast cancer victim Karen Barbara. The 40-year-old mother died on Sept. 30 leaving a grieving husband and two young sons. “People are circling the wagons,” said neighbor and close friend Darlene Dueck. “People love this family and are not going to stop supporting them.”

‘Cheers’ star Rhea Pearlman comes to town
Famed actress Rhea Pearlman, who played the wisecracking Carla on the legendary sitcom “Cheers,” came to Graystone Elementary School to promote her new children’s book, “Otto Undercover.” Most of the children did not know her from “Cheers,” but rather as the voice of “Mrs. Wormwood” from the animated film “Matilda.”

City Council establishes procedures to remove officials
Partly in response to their legal inability to remove embattled Mayor Ron Gonzales after his arrest on bribery, conspiracy and misappropriation of funds charges, the City Council established grounds and procedure for removing council members or the mayor from office.

Local woman begins annual drive for warm clothes for homeless
For each of the last five holiday seasons, Maria Stitch has collected coats, blankets, scarves, gloves and anything that will give the homeless warmth. Stitch, a realtor, distributed the warm clothing on Christmas Day to Saint James Park in downtown San Jose.

December

Police Capt. Jack Farmer to retire in January
After 30 years with the SJPD, San Jose Police Department Southern Division Commander, Capt. Jack Farmer, is set to retire in January. Farmer, who was division commander for the largest geographic area of San Jose, explained his retirement at the ripe age of 55 by stating simply, “It’s time.”

Final City Council meeting marks end of an era
The final City Council session for censured Mayor Ron Gonzales saw the mayor receive a standing ovation and several tributes from city council members. The session was also the last for Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez and Councilwoman Linda LeZotte. All three took time to say goodbye and thank their staffs and city hall employees.

Beloved Valley Christian teacher loses battle with ALS
Valley Christian Middle School teacher Virgil Lorenz lost a brief two-month struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also know as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in December. A popular teacher at VCS middle school for 38 years, Lorenz’s sudden illness and passing shocked the school community, where he worked in a wheelchair until the day before his death.

Carol Rosen contributed to this article.