March 20, 2008

ValleyViewpoints

Alves cares for the land; neighbors should be more considerate

Editor,
It’s sad that a 10-acre plot of land causes such a stir in this beautiful valley once known as the Valley of the Hearts Delight.

I am a third-generation San Jose native and of Italian decent who has stood back and seen what happens when the beautiful cherry orchards are gone and now only to see where old boarded-up taco stands exist. Or, better yet, an incredible historic building that once was the hub of the neighborhood where neighbors would stop for a drink, stay awhile after a Sunday drive for a barbecue sandwich or even sit and dance a few steps to a local band. Stories were exchanged there with one another, there was a sense of community.

It is all gone as now, every day, as I pass the now boarded-up Feed and Fuel, and why I am not sure of the real reason behind the closure and complaints of keeping this wonderful community hub open, however what I do know is that instead of life and laughter there is yet another boarded-up old building sitting still and empty.

I used to pass the corner that Mr. Alves now owns and think wouldn’t it be nice if someone could fix up the grounds, I think it used to flood there quite often during the rainy season. Mr. Alves is doing just that. He has purchased the property to someday live and raise his family, how fortunate for Almaden Valley residence to have a neighbor that cares about the land and will preserve the valley land as it should be.

It appears to me as I look forward to my drive home every evening past his property to see life happening behind the fence, where native trees and plants are being cared for and a where home one day will be for his children and family to enjoy.

Is there a sense of neighborhood jealously that they missed out on the opportunity to buy the land? OR possibly they aren’t invited to party? And why not, maybe if they showed they cared and put away their differences we could all appreciate the delightful valley and get along. Could not the neighborhood come together and embrace the new property owner with a welcome and appreciate Mr. Alves and his pride of ownership in what little is left of this Valley of the Hearts Delight.

Name withheld at writer’s request
Almaden Valley

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