March 12, 2009

AVCA takes stock

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

The Almaden Valley Commu-nity Association (AVCA) has an enviable dilemma: how to spend the $8,099.34 balance in its treasury. Brainstorming for solutions brought focus to the organization’s initial goals and future direction.

With an eye toward aiding the Valley, expenditure considerations include a donation to the Almaden Library and Community Center, fire stations, high school extracurricular programs, the Almaden Art and Wine Festival and individual grants.

Other suggestions comprise signage welcoming residents and visitors to Almaden Valley, historical GPS geo-caching plaques, teacher recognition awards, road beautification and sponsoring the Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Conference.

Previous AVCA monetary contributions include donating art to the Almaden Library, purchasing a brick at Parma Park and assisting an Eagle Scout with a community service landscaping project at the Almaden Post Office.

Aiming to edify the community on pertinent issues, AVCA has hosted candidate forums and guest speakers like state Assemblymember Ira Ruskin, Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage and San Jose Council-member Nancy Pyle. It has also provided an outlet for discussion regarding local debates, such as the potential soccer field site along McKean Road and Calpine’s Metcalf Power Plant.

With its large balance and recent lack of candidate debates, the question was raised as to whether the AVCA has faltered in its mission. Although 102 members strong, some members believe that in recent years, the AVCA has taken a backseat regarding local concerns, and urge its leaders to be proactive, weighing in on city and state propositions and regularly providing community forums. In the past, the AVCA has served as a vital link between Almaden’s numerous neighborhood associations; its members hope to see it return to this role.

Beyond planning guest speakers for future meetings, members hope that the AVCA will tie expenditures to its objectives, living up to its motto: Informed Citizens Organized for Constructive Action.

The next AVCA meeting is at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 13 at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave.