May 25, 2006

A look back at 20 years of Almaden Times ’ headlines

—Compiled by Staff Writer
Lorraine Gabbert

1986

High school principals at Leland, Pioneer and Branham set goals for year ahead. Note: Leland Principal Dr. James Baughman later became superintendent of schools; only to have it discovered that he had falsified his resume, never finishing college.

Almaden Country School founder Nan Hunter, November 1995

Leland High School parents plan first graduation night

Vaudeville at the Opry House Theatre entertains residents

Court-ordered SJUSD desegregation ruling requires transfer of about 90 teachers.

IBM’s new Almaden research center opens at Harry Road at site of California’s first mine

Groundbreaking on Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Water Treatment Plant

Construction underway at Almaden Meadows Park

Almaden Feed and Fuel revealed by Almaden Times to be a historical site built in 1885, previously called Gilleran’s Saloon, it was one of 10 along Almaden Road. During prohibition in the 1920s, it became a general store, and a saloon again in 1932.

Almaden Lake Regional Park opens

Bret Harte Middle School celebrates 20th anniversary

Almaden Valley and Shadowbrook II Homeowner’s Associations launch tree fund drive for Almaden Expressway. The County Transportation Agency agrees to plant and maintain the trees if residents can raise $5,000. The project was so successful, that residents changed the goal to raising $10,000 and extended the planting all the way to Coleman Avenue.

1987

Almaden Times names John Redding Citizen of the Year. In addition to serving as San Jose’s representative to Santa Clara County Justice System’s Advisory Board, was president of Shadowbrook II Homeowner’s Association and was involved in youth-related community service, education and sports.

A “Safe Rides” program is launched by parents at Leland High School to provide weekend rides for intoxicated teenagers or those who don’t want to ride with an intoxicated driver

New Almaden’s Community Club restaurant reopens with dancing after devastating fire

Pioneer High School plans first grad night

Leland High School student and Eagle Scout David Hunter uses CPR to save the life of English teacher Jane Owazarzak during class.

New Almaden history profiled by resident Constance Perham who ran a historical museum shop at her Bulmore House

County budget threatens to cut funds for rural roads like McKean

Community turns out for Almaden Meadows Park opening celebration

Old Almaden Center slated to open soon

Shapell Industries, developer of the Country View Housing project on 208 acres of grazing pasture along Rajkovich, agrees to preserve knoll

City Councilmember Bob Putnam calls for more cultural and historic amenities, including sculptures in front of libraries, historical photography, fine art exhibits, and statues in parks

Leland Park land (8,083 acres) to be developed in Castillero Middle School-Pierce Ranch area

1988

Residents seeking city help in blocking illegal drug trafficking request sound barrier wall along Almaden Expressway.

Puerta de Almaden Housing project by North Valley Homes at Almaden Expressway and McAbee Avenue is found in violation of their permit due to cutting down three large trees. As a penalty, they are ordered to plant 30-36 box trees along McAbee.

Putnam decides not to seek return to City Council seat. Six candidates respond. Almaden Times co-sponsors candidate’s forum night at Castillero Middle School.

Residents of California Ridge, a 154-unit condo community, tag and release visiting wild pigs further into Quicksilver Park. “I feel badly, because the pigs were here first,” says one resident. Deer are also becoming a nuisance.

Former councilmember Bob Putnam, February 1988

Speaker of the House Willie Brown tries to scuttle Times-sponsored business conference including Assemblyman Rusty Areias due to personality conflict

Kitty Monohan becomes Times Citizen of the Year

Developer pays $4.2 to $4.4 million for land previously owned by Los Gatos Christian Church at corner of Leland Park Drive and Camden Avenue

Residents battle Shapell developers’ hillside development west of Ross Creek and east of Quicksilver Mines County Park

Almaden and Santa Teresa foothills chosen for open space preservation. “How much progress should replace beauty?” asks a resident.

Council members pass tax revisions, taking 10 percent from each district’s conveyance and construction taxes and placing them into a central fund.

Holy Spirit Parish celebrates 25 years in Almaden.

Dividend Development takes option on Almaden Winery site

Scoring 1550 on SAT (50 points shy of perfect), Pioneer’s Patrick Lin is named a Presidential Scholar, winning a trip to see the president in Washington, D.C.

Los Gatos Christian Church makes a bid on Almaden Winery site

City starts construction of Golden Oaks Park (now Jeffrey Fontana Park)

Santa Clara Valley Water District completes Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plant

Re-zoning debate arises over the corner of Rajkovich (stables eventually became large condo complex)

Joe Head is elected District 10 City Council representative

1989

Guadalupe Dump expansion goes to Planning Commission. Residents protest

San Jose City Council unanimously votes not to alter General Plan to develop Almaden Valley Urban Reserve until certain triggers are met

Williams Elementary School to reopen in fall of 1990 due to increasing enrollment

City plans curbside collection of yard waste

Governor vetoes proposed Los Alamitos/Calero Creek Park

New bus route added to serve New Almaden

Realtors predict rise in Almaden home real estate with completion of 85/87 freeways

Produce stands disappearing, but five still thrive

City Councilmember Joe Head and Mayor Tom McEnery present commendations to Almaden Valley Homeowner’s Association and Friends of Almaden Library for fund-raising to enhance the library

South Valley Park and Ride lots under construction

City Councilmember Joe Head spearheads “We the People” conference, providing residents with a glimpse of government in action

State Legislature approves $48,332,000 bill for developing parks, recreation and wildlife habitats throughout state, including $370,000 grant for Phase I development of Los Alamitos/Calero Creek Park

The Loma Prieta 7.1 earthquake, the second worst to hit the Bay Area, and the most expensive, causes great damage in Oakland, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Almaden is thankful to be mostly spared. Area churches unite to aid October’s earthquake victims.

1990

An 8-year-old Almaden boy came to his family’s rescue in tragic car crash. While on vacation, the Ahl family’s car slid on black ice and rolled over. As his father had a broken collarbone and his mother had a broken neck, he climbed out a side window to get help.

IBM trail construction begins.

Bret Harte teacher Frank Lehmann dies of a heart attack. New gym floor dedicated in his name.

Alpha Beta supermarkets become Lucky’s

Light rail electrification is installed

$126-million Terminal A is completed at San Jose International Airport

Six residents start Almaden Valley Emergency Response Team (AVERT) to help residents prepare for emergencies

Leland High School and Bret Harte Middle School selected as California Distinguished Schools

Displaced burrowing owls get new homes in Almaden Valley via efforts of IBM Research Center and the Humane Society

Light rail is extended to South San Jose

Los Alamitos/Calero Creek Park to break ground

Times endorses Susan Hammer for mayor

Almaden Vineyards will become a park

Trail building is planned for Almaden’s vital 1.3-mile link from Fortini Road to Santa Teresa Park

1991

Almaden Fire Station 28 to be relocated to improve response time

AVERT announces first fund-raiser

Resident Bonnie Duncan creates 1,000 yellow bows for residents to tie up in support of troops in Persian Gulf

Almaden churches target of vandal attacks

Santa Clara Traffic Authority to open four-mile section of Route 85 between Cottle Road and Santa Teresa Boulevard.

Almaden community welcomes home Gulf War veterans

Mayor Susan Hammer’s campaign promise to city government to the people is realized with “City Hall in the Neighborhood” event at Branham High School. About 400 residents turn out to learn about city services and speak with elected officials

Valley Christian Schools leases Branham High School property

Redwood Center fire blamed on arson. $275,000 in damages

Almaden physician claims he was brutally beaten by police.

Pioneer grad’s essay tackling racial prejudice wins national grand prize in Hispanic magazine.

Homeowners defeat plan for 50-foot cellular monopole at Via Valiente.

Pioneer, which includes more than 50 percent minority students, holds old-fashioned homecoming

Project Crackdown helps drive gangs and drug dealers out of Via Monte-Hoffman Court neighborhoods

Almaden Valley Youth Counseling Service reaches out to young people through counselors on campus in response to Leland student’s teenage suicide

1992

“Trandominiums” (condominiums located by mass transit) considered by Almaden’s light rail station

Tennis courts under construction at Castillero Middle School

Glenrock Group applies to County for 18-hole golf course permit and clubhouse on ridge by Almaden Lake Park
Greenbelt Alliance, a Bay Area Land Conservation organization, kicks off 470-mile bike tour and issues a call to action against developing South Almaden Urban Reserve

Dedication ceremony opens Los Alamitos Creek Trail

Proposed Boulder Ridge Golf Course raises concern in community. Almaden Valley Community Association members fight to preserve the natural environment

Calero Master Plan Environmental Impact Report leads to heated debate when Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department plans to eliminate stables in lieu of a $3 million swimming lagoon

1993

Almaden residents protest fence along Quicksilver Park boundaries at Wooded Lake

Graystone Elementary School honored as National Blue Ribbon School

AVERT stocks additional supplies during earthquake preparedness month

Crime in Almaden decreases by 7 percent in 1992 from 1991.

Guadalupe School celebrates 25th anniversary with limo rides and time capsules

Compost site near Camden and Coleman may have led to health problems

Construction begins on affordable homes project at Almaden Lake

EMQ opens Unicorn Thrift Shop

Almaden Valley Youth Counseling Service Auxiliary adds Children’s Breakfast to Snow Ball fundraiser

City rejects plan to develop South Almaden Urban Reserve

Williams Principal Linda Kakes lands in school field in a police department helicopter as children watch in amazement

1994

Homeowners win in Superior Court over Boulder Ridge Golf Course, overturning County Board of Supervisors approval. Judge raises questions regarding 11th hour compromise between Board and property owner, which foreclosed public review of agreement

Consequences and risks of teen parties focus of Leland High School forum

Castillero Middle School students to wear uniforms in the fall

Bike helmet law goes into effect in January 1995

After four out of five Union School District trustees refuse to reinstate programs cut during past budget shortfall, citizens call for their resignation. Board is charged with fiscal irresponsibility and inaccessibility to public. Following a $50,000 special election, three are replaced

Former councilmember Joe Head poses with a scout at Guadalupe School in 1994

Bret Harte is nominated for California Distinguished School

Almaden resident participates in Civil War Memorial at Kelly Park sponsored by San Jose Historic Museum and Times Newspaper Group

Candidates for Santa Clara County Supervisor, mayor of San Jose and Santa Clara County Sheriff interviewed by Times Newspaper Group

Ground-breaking for Trandominiums at Almaden light rail station

San Jose City Council Curfew Ordinance enacted by City Council to stem juvenile crime. Minors under age 16 have a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew and minors age 16 to 17 have an 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. Becomes permanent law on April 1995

County Board of Supervisors approve revised Boulder Ridge Golf Course plan with an open space easement of 97 acres of 203-acre site

Third annual music festival entertains residents at Almaden Lake Park

Water main erupts flooding Almaden Expressway and sending a 50-foot geyser into the air, ironically in front of the Santa Clara Valley Water District building

Almaden residents come to the aid of suffering Rwandans

Pioneer
Affordable senior housing, San Jose Rotary Plaza’s Marrone Gardens, opens on west side of Almaden Expressway near Branham Lane. Almaden Valley Rotary Club donates $100,000 for interior decorating

Joe Head gives up City Council seat ahead of 1996 for personal financial reasons

Residents stroll on new portion of 85 freeway during San Jose Traffic Jam celebration

Almaden crime rate down 10.5 percent in 1993

Five candidates vie for District 10 City Council seat

Almaden Country School students unearth windmill along Los Alamitos Creek

1995

Private lawsuits filed against Guadalupe Dump by Almaden residents citing health problems

Four Almaden homes victim of holiday burglaries

Almaden’s Steve Smith, who traveled to space on Endeavor, returns to visit his alma maters Simonds Elementary School, Bret Harte Middle School and Leland High School. While in space, Smith spoke via radio to Bret Harte student Leslie Adcock

Almaden Times article mentioning a suspicious red car helps nab burglars

Winfield Boulevard extension over Los Alamitos Creek poised for city approval

Former council member Pat Dando takes the District 10 seat in June 1995

Almaden Valley Youth Counseling Service holds forum on difficulty of parenting teens

District 10 candidates debate, including Pat Dando, Steve Ferry, Carl Loeber, Meri Maben, Jerry Norve and Nancy Pyle. A special run-off election between Dando and Maben ensues, with Dando winning City Council seat

Castillero's music groups win national awards

Almaden Valley’s Parma Park will be graced with the “Spirit of Almaden,” a 20-foot cinnabar-shaded steel sculpture depicting Almaden’s history.

Almaden Valley’s Emily Neu returns to her hometown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. At 19, she is the youngest dancer with the circus.

Angry crowd protests sale of Almaden Country School by school board to developers

1996

Almaden Valley Rotary helps Guatemalan orphans

Friends of Human Relations Commission of Santa Clara County honors Almaden resident John Fukasawa for raising $18,000 and donating countless hours for community center and local projects

National Charity League forms Almaden Blossom Valley Chapter

Four Almaden Valley residents, including 12-year-old Chris Reed, have been chosen as torch bearers for 1996 Olympic Games

Pioneer High School’s exotic animal program provides unique education

Leland High School students win County’s Academic Decathalon

Jenni Jones and Julie Perrucci are awarded Junior Leagues Silver Bowl award for charitable volunteer efforts

Family tragedy inspires helping others. After her daughter, Sierra, died at 5 months from a rare bacterial infection, her mother, Elena Joroski raised money to start a bone marrow registry and aid Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital through a Hair-Cut-A-Thon at Special FX Salon and Day Spa

Almaden Country School waits for word on new site.

Astronaut Steve Smith prepares for space walk during second trip to space in 1997

Tech Museum ground-breaking promises world-class science and technology museum. William and Rosemary Hewlett donate $2.5 million for museum. Almaden residents Rose Tseng and Ray Abuzayuad will serve on its board of directors.

Almaden Golf and Country Club members vote on whether to renovate or rebuild clubhouse. They choose $1 million fix rather than $3 million remodel or $6 million rebuild

Leland High School’s waiting list includes 400 potential students.

In his granddaughter Lindsey’s name, Ed Jensen tackles 500-mile bike ride for Cystic Fibrosis Research

Triplets Shelley, Honor and Sharon Summer run Boston Marathon together. Shelley won Open Women and Masters Women divisions of 10-k Almaden Classic.

Nancy Pyle and Gary Rummelhoff run for San Jose Unified School District spot

1997

Leland grads excel: Pat Tillman focuses on Rose Bowl for Arizona State, while Mike McLaughlin heads for Sun Bowl for Stanford and Dallas Dolen studies sharks in the Caribbean after winning a grant.

Leland Senior Cassandra Hearn attends President Bill Clinton’s inauguration

William Beeman leads County Scouts as president and chairman

Lengthy 25-year flood control project planned for Guadalupe River

Presentation student Caille Millner collects $35,000 scholarship to attend Harvard

Trail watch volunteers patrol trails

Boulder Ridge Golf Course to proceed with 50 acres set aside for open space

Leland student Carl Jiang wins state speech title

Quantum Sports Parks President Jeff Wesolowski proposes Sports Park at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Eastfield-Ming Quong receives $5,000 grant from PG&E and Unicorn Thrift Shop expands

Almaden Country School to remain at Henderson site

In a joint effort with the SJUSD, Pioneer and Leland high schools launch community service programs

Assemblyman Jim Cunneen has deep roots in Almaden: ancestor John Trevorrow, a Cornish miner, joined the New

Almaden mining camp in 1860

1998

Pat Dando runs for mayor

Pat Tillman wins All-American laurels at Arizona State

Descendants of California Cornish Cousins hold gathering at New Almaden. In 1888, 300 children, mostly Cornish immigrants, lived in English Camp.

Williams Elementary School wins California Distinguished School award.

Coleman Senior Housing project brings 141 apartments to Almaden

Superman star Christopher Reeves speaks at awards dinner benefiting Tech Museum and San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum opens at La Casa Grande in New Almaden

Deputy DA Penny Blake receives Women’s Fund Honor as a team leader for children

1999

Toxin cleanup at Quicksilver Park almost complete

East Gate American-Chinese School at Almaden Oaks Plaza serves Asian community

Pat Dando a close second-place finisher to Ron Gonzales in mayoral race. Dando remains District 10 representative

Jean McNeill Rummelhoff named 24th Assembly District Woman of the Year

Doris Dillon comes to terms with diagnosis of ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

Almaden residents display their art during Open Studios Tours

Bret Harte Middle School’s spirit squad wins national championship

Eduardo Bull of Simonds Elementary School wins Junior League’s Silver Bowl

54 homes are proposed at IBM Harry Road site

Williams Elementary School earns coveted Blue Ribbon

Former Leland student Bobby Hill becomes national champion for Miami Hurricanes

Lisa Scalla of Almaden named Mrs. California.

Series of cat mutilations in Almaden Valley concern residents

As county parks commissioner, John Redding serves as conduit for compromise between pro and con forces of bicycle access to Almaden Quicksilver Park

Leland High School’s new principal Mitchell Carter plans new medical center

Almaden preservation committee battles IBM housing development

Nancy Pyle runs for City Council seat

Pioneer High School junior varsity football player dies after suffering head injury on Oct. 16 during football game. Joseph Barajas was just 15 years old.

City Planning Commission votes on proposal to rezone 36 acres of IBM property on Harry Road

Senior center introduced to Almaden Community Center

2000

Almaden Community Center tries to meet residents needs with little space

City Council Ethics Committee guides Fair Practices Campaign of District 10 City Council candidates Pat Dando, Nancy Pyle and William Garbett

Teacher Doris Dillon speaks to Graystone Elementary school kindergarteners in October 2000.

Group home of juvenile sex offenders (located on Almaden Expressway near Redmond Avenue) is closed following an alleged attack on an elderly neighbor who is robbed and stabbed at his home.

Leland High School hosts Congressional House Minority Leader Dick Gephart, who called education, “not only the first, but the second, third, fourth and fifth priority.”

Leland Principal Mitchell Carter under fire by faculty who voted “no-confidence” in his ability to lead. This was the first no-confidence vote in the history of the SJUSD

Pat Dando retains city council seat over contender Nancy Pyle.

Leland High School’s mock trial group heads to state championship

Almaden’s Manny Alarcon becomes the city of San Jose’s new fire chief

Almaden Valley Women’s Club (started in 1977) donates $42,000 to community

Castillero Middle School selected as a Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Department of Education

Los Alamitos, Simonds and Graystone elementary schools are selected as California Distinguished Schools

General contractor Philip Beitpullice, develops luxury homes on Glenview Drives “$3 million hill”

Dando presents new city budget for local roads and parks. Mayor and City Council approve budget, including $656,000 for neighborhood parks and $300,000 for youth facility in Hoffman/Via Monte neighborhood

Almaden realtor arrested on child pornography charges. Mike Tenore pleads not guilty

Star Testing reveals upward trend of Almaden schools. Students scores increase in 81 percent of categories with
Bret Harte, Los Alamitos, Simonds ranking above 80th percentile

New Principal Susan Votaw takes reigns at Leland High School

Almaden Valley Athletic Club boasts new indoor/outdoor swim facility

Jim Cunneen versus Mike Honda for congressional seat

Doris Dillon, library resource specialist at Graystone and Williams elementary schools, educates and inspires while fighting ALS

President Clinton supports Congressional candidate Mike Honda at fund-raiser

Cisco’s proposed use of 688-acre industrial complex in Coyote Valley marks largest land-use decision in 20 years approved by San Jose City Council

Almaden schools meet API targets, but Leland and Castillero don’t make the grade

Holy Spirit Catholic Church in conjunction with St. Anthony’s opens Holy Spirit Catholic School on Redmond Avenue

Leland High School wins New American High School title from Washington, D.C. and Digital High School grant of $547,700 from the Governor’s Digital High School program.

Unicorn Thrift Shop, which benefits Eastfield Ming Quon Children and Family Services, received Distinguished Volunteer Fund-raiser Award form the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.

2001

Almaden School of Music, Art and Dance at Almaden Plaza adds 10,000 square feet to meet the needs of Almaden students

The City of San Jose’s Strong Neighborhood Initiative program paves the way for improving communities
Almaden schools shine at Lego Robotics tournaments

KICU-TV vets reunite for Pioneer’s “Odd Couple” production. Former disc jockey and KICU-TV personality Steve Dini and his wife, Sue, perform with a troupe known as the Glue Factory

API scores at Almaden schools compare favorably with similar schools in the state. Williams in top 10th percentile statewide for second year in a row

Parents help music thrive at Simonds Elementary School

Former San Jose mayors forum at Barnes & Noble features Ron James, Janet Gray Hayes, Al Ruffo, Tom McEnery

Doris Dillon honored: Columbia University names teaching center after her.

Leland High School students presented with New American High School trophy at White House

Hospice of the Valley feature explores offering death with dignity for the terminally ill

Jim Cunneen named president of San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

Greenbelt Alliance holds press conference to stop sprawl in south Almaden

Valley Christian raises $20,000 for special needs students with benefit concert

Bret Harte Middle School and Pioneer High School named California Distinguished Schools

Graystone, Los Alamitos and Simonds elementary schools named Blue Ribbon schools

Dando sets $500,000 aside for McKean road Sports Complex. Almaden Youth Association aims to have soccer fields in place for play in fall 2002 and softball and baseball fields ready by spring 2003.

McDonald’s proposes adding drive-through to Almaden location. About 3,000 residents sign petition requesting addition. Others fear traffic congestion and noise. Eventually, the failure of approval for a drive-through named as one of the reasons for closure of the restaurant.

Pat Dando and Ron Gonzales christen “The Spot,” a teen hangout at Bret Harte

Two children drown in Almaden—a 2-year-old in a family hot tub, and a 1-year-old in a backyard swimming pool—highlighting the need for pool safety

Doris Dillon dies in September. Students write of their memories of her.

Almaden father-daughter team Emphraim and Laura Romesberg train to run Honolulu Marathon to benefit national Neurofibromatosis Foundation

Almaden Valley Women’s Group gears up for 25th anniversary of Almaden Art and Wine Festival

Guadalupe Creek restoration project is underway

Pioneer High School grad Nicole Miller, 21, dies in Pennsylvania plane crash on 9/11. A bench at Almaden Lake Park was dedicated in her name. Almaden Valley residents responded to the terrorist attacks with compassion and fundraisers for the victims. Proceeds from the Almaden Art and Wine festival are earmarked for New York victims, and local schools and churches offer aid. Children express their feelings in poems, essays and drawings.

Homeowners raise coyote concerns

City mourns police officer Jeffrey Fontana, killed in the line of duty in Almaden and later names a park, complete with a bronze sculpture of an officer with children, in his honor

City Councilmember Pat Dando suffers minor stroke

2002

City officials break ground on Parma Park renovations and Jake Eby Tot Lot

City gives okay to increase controversial Meridian Avenue sober living home to 18 residents

Almaden Las Madres group given Good Neighbor Recognition Award by mayor

Almaden Valley Women’s Club donates $62,000 for 9-11 victims

Expo Design Center and Best Buy stores open, bringing business and traffic

Pioneer High School students aim to serve at Service Learning Conference

Jeffrey Fontana Park dedicated to slain police officer

Large number of teachers and administrators accept retirement buyout

Jake’s Play Lot opens in bittersweet Father’s Day dedication

Historic “Indian Maiden” cave protected at Boulder Ridge Golf Course

9/11 victim and former Pioneer High School student) Nicole Miller is remembered by her family in a bittersweet ceremony in September ‘03 at Almaden Lake Park.

Almaden mother/son duo the Sumner’s excel in running marathons and fencing. Son dies in 2006 skiing accident

Almaden teacher Jane Elway Sever dies, becoming inspiration for son’s Little League team

Officials announce that funding for Mt. Umunhum cleanup is near

Almaden man saves neighbor who drove into swimming pool

New Almaden’s letter carrier hailed as hero for helping elderly man who fell and broke his hip

Murder/suicide grips the Almaden community as focus turns to preventing domestic violence

2003

San Jose Unified prepares for what would eventually be the most severe cutbacks in public education funding since Proposition 13

An impassioned community rallies to save historically significant Opry House, part of Casa Grande structure located in New Almaden.

Greystone Elementary recognizes nationally acclaimed teacher Doris Dillon with a reflection garden named in her honor

Highly decorated Navy Vietnam veteran Don Stedman of Almaden is inducted into the prestigious Combat Air Crewman “Roll of Honor.”

San Jose Police and Vice Mayor Pat Dando host community information meetings in response to series of home invasion robberies in the Almaden area.

Steeped in controversy, the debates continue over the proposed McKean Road Sports Complex. Environmental concerns and improper use of public lands cloud issue.

On Sept. 26, The Almaden Times officially becomes The Almaden Times Weekly, launching the publisher’s first weekly publication

9/11 victim Nicole Miller is remembered in bittersweet ceremony at park bench dedication in Almaden Lake Park

Proposed 6.81-acre development in New Almaden threatens small town flavor of community.

Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge opens its doors after $140 million expansion.

Four candidates including Nancy Pyle, Rich De La Rosa and Claude Fletcher, announce bids for District 10 City Council seat, as Pat Dando terms out in 2004.

South Hills Community Church sponsors relief effort to aid victims of Southern California fires.

Pioneer High School’s Performing Arts Center sustains nearly $2 million in damages after the Dec. 3 arsonist blaze. Faculty member Steve Dini rallies community to help “Bring back the PAC.”

Loyal patrons say “goodbye” to the Almaden Library as it, along with the Community Center, closes for a projected two-year rebuild.

2004

Almaden’s Rob Davis takes the helm as San Jose’s new police chief.

The Vineland Branch Library opened for business Jan. 17 with hundreds of eager patrons anxiously waiting its long-anticipated opening.

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales is hospitalized after suffering a ‘mild’ stroke Jan. 28 while giving his sixth State of the City Address at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts.

The District 10 primary election results in a runoff between Almaden insurance agent Rich De La Rosa and longtime educator Nancy Pyle to replace termed-out Pat Dando.

New Almaden’s Pat Tillman gave up a pro football career to sign up with the Army after 9/11. He was tragically killed by friendly fire in April, 2004.

The San Jose City Council votes March 9 to recognize same-sex marriages. Hundreds of residents crowd council chambers and overflow areas to oppose move.

Almaden Valley Athletic Club hosts 17th annual Super Sprint Triathlon Classic drawing an estimated 118 triathletes

Celebrated Bay Area columnist Murry Frymer joins the Almaden Times Weekly

On March 20, Leland student Troy Pollett, 18, dies of stab wounds on quiet Kiser Drive. Nearly 1,000 mourners packed the Almaden Valley Mormon Church on Camden Avenue to pay their last respects to Troy Pollett.

Graystone Principal Jerri Kazmierczak announces plans to retire at end of school year.

A proposed ordinance that would allow the construction of so-called “granny units” in 6,000-square-foot single-family lots worries many Almaden Valley residents concerned that the character of their neighborhoods will be destroyed.

Almaden senior citizen Sara Whitlock sues San Jose Shark’s defensive star Mike Rathje, and his wife, Shayna Rathje, for the death of her dog and other personal injuries she allegedly suffered in the fall of 2003 in a violent attack she claims was caused by the Rathjes’ purebred American bulldog, Max.

Almaden’s Pat Tillman is killed in Afghanistan on April 22. He becomes a national hero. Reports originally say he’s killed during an ambush in Afghanistan. It’s later revealed he’s killed by friendly fire. Tillman’s death sends shockwaves throughout the Almaden community. The pro football player traded his uniform for combat fatigues. Hundreds of friends and family members attend his memorial service at San Jose’s Municipal Rose Garden.

Approximately 35 Almaden residents gather at the Santa Clara Valley Water District to discuss an increase in wildlife interactions with people and pets along parks and restored creeks in Almaden.

A Las Madres neighborhood playgroup begins working with Vice Mayor Pat Dando to finish converting the former Almaden Winery office building into a community center and recreation area for children.

The Almaden community breaks ground May 22 for a new combined Almaden Community Center and Branch Library. San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, Vice Mayor Pat Dando and library officials attend the event. Taxpayers vote in 2000 to pass Bond Measure O, a library bond that provides $212 million for the construction of six new and 14 expanded branch libraries, and P, the park and recreation bond measure that provides $228 million for new construction and renovation of neighborhood, regional and sports parks, community centers, and trails.

Leland High School Principal Susan Votaw retires after 35 years of teaching in San Jose schools.

Hundreds witness the dedication of a bronze statue honoring fallen San Jose Police Officer Jeffrey Fontana at Jeffrey Fontana Park. Mayor Ron Gonzales and Vice Mayor Pat Dando remembered the 24-year-old officer whose shooting death after a traffic stop shocked residents of the quiet middle-class neighborhood where he died.

S.J. International Triathlon returns to Almaden. Event draws a total of 1,650 triathletes and about 5,000 spectators to Almaden Lake Park.

Leland High School names previous band director Bob Setterlund as its new principal.

Reports attacking the lucidity of the Almaden Youth Association’s [AYA] books—and thereby questioning its motives—has city officials as well as AYA board members crying “foul” and raising questions whether the fortuitous timing is merely a disingenuous effort by the opposition to dishearten the community and halt the project days before an environmental impact report is scheduled to be released for public review.

The San Jose Unified School District names Don Iglesias as its new superintendent to replace Dr. Linda Murray on Aug. 31. He describes himself as a surfer from Santa Cruz who likes driving his classic Woodie. Iglesias was deputy superintendent and worked closely with Murray.

Gary Dillon, the widower of revered teacher and librarian Doris Dillon, in whose name city officials were considering renaming the Almaden Branch Library, halts divisiveness in the community by withdrawing the name change before the San Jose City Council. It’s agreed that the library’s children’s room would bear Dillon’s name.

An increase in coyote interactions with Almaden residents and their pets prompts action by community members to circulate a petition to amend the city’s no-trapping ordinance, which prohibits the use of leghold traps. Residents and animal activists argue over mounting coyote threats. The San Jose City Council rejects an emergency measure to allow the trapping of coyotes that have invaded the Villas of Almaden.

Tempers flare as battle lines are drawn over traffic, trash and noise at TJ Martin Park. Nearby residents complain about the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League program and threaten legal action to prevent further disturbances in their neighborhoods.

Negative campaigning hits boiling point as District 10 City Council candidate Rich De La Rosa delivers broom to sweep what he calls his opponent’s “dirt.” Nancy Pyle tries to tie De La Rosa to Tropicana lobbyists and lawsuits. De La Rosa accuses Pyle of dispersing a false and inflammatory last-minute hit piece two weeks before the election linking him to two well-known San Jose lobbyists who were under investigation by the San Jose Elections Commission.

New Almaden brothers Andrew and John Mark Teel lose their lives in a freak accident the evening of Oct. 25 while driving south on Almaden Road.

San Jose City Council candidate Nancy Pyle has the surprising lead in the District 10 race after the Nov. 2 runoff election. Pyle comes from behind, winning the election by 414 votes out of nearly 30,000 cast. Political observers called Pyle’s win the biggest election upset in recent Silicon Valley memory.

Nearly 700 friends, family and colleagues gathered Nov. 14 to say goodbye and honor termed-out Vice Mayor Pat Dando after a 10-year career of public service to the city during a reception at the Marriott Hotel.

City council member Nancy Pyle is elected to represent District 10 in November 2004

The Almaden Times Weekly breaks a story about an 11-year-old girl who is the first victim of an outbreak of mycobacterial furunculosis caused after getting a pedicure with her mother and sister in an allegedly improperly disinfected whirlpool Pedispa. Two weeks later, it uncovers an outbreak among 11 women who received pedicures at three South San Jose nail salons. Soon, the number of cases rises to 57, with 13 salons implicated.

The San Jose City Council gives thumbs-up to McKean Road Sports Complex in 8-1 vote after 12 years fraught with environmental impact reports, public meetings, political hurdles, and accusations. AYA President Dan Smyth, Vice Mayor Pat Dando, and AYA Treasurer Dan Kennedy express relief with the city’s green light to build the fields.

The San Jose City Council nixes Winfield Boulevard Bridge and citizens who live near Almaden Lake Park express relief.

The San Jose City Council censures District 7 Councilman Terry Gregory on Dec. 17 for allegedly accepting gifts and improper campaign contributions that violated the city’s municipal code.

2005

The San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce and Orchard Supply Hardware joined the Santa Clara County Chapter of the American Red Cross for a telephone fund-raising event for tsunami victims that raised $141,000 in cash contributions from local residents and businesses.

Former San Jose City Councilmember Terry Gregory resigned as the Santa Clara County District Attorney filed 11 misdemeanor counts against him for failing to report gifts valued at $1,296, a $4,000 loan and using his position to help a former girlfriend get a rental discount on an apartment.

San Jose Unified School District’s declining enrollment, along with the state educational budget crisis, forced closure of Cory and Randol elementary schools.

The new Almaden Business Association began meeting under the theme of “Six Degrees of Connection” to reflect and guide its goals to strengthen the connection between member businesses to the Almaden community at large.

The Committee for Green Foothills (CGF) and the South Almaden Valley Rural Alliance (SAVRA) filed a lawsuit against the city for approving a general plan amendment that would ultimately allow development of a youth sports complex on rural McKean Road.

Former District 10 Councilwoman and Vice Mayor Pat Dando accepted California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appointment as director of local government outreach.

A house on the 1500 block of Guadalajara Drive in the Almaden Montevideo neighborhood was the scene of a standoff between San Jose police officers and its occupants the morning of Feb. 6.

Serious omplaints against Advantage Driving School are uncovered in a series of articles in the Almaden Times. The school has trained nearly 28,500 kids—3,600 from Almaden.

Former Los Alamitos Elementary School technology coordinator David Joseph Welsh, 57, is arrested for possession of child pornography.

Seven of nine Almaden schools score above the 2004 Academic Performance Index target. Castillero Middle School and Pioneer High School make gains, but are still below mark.

Emergency dispatch system shows flaws after 911 call is rerouted when a man alerted authorities about a 77-year-old man who deliberately drove his car into Lake Almaden taking his three pet cats with him.

After seven years of silence, a former Advantage Driving School student filed a civil lawsuit against the school alleging she wants to prevent future students from experiencing the sexual abuse she claims happened to her. The suit stems from a 1998 criminal case, where a 26-year-old Advantage Driving School instructor was convicted of statutory rape of a 15-year-old student after his license had been revoked following a previous felony assault conviction. In 2002 another instructor was arrested on sexual harassment charges.

A sex scandal strikes Leland High School when former chemistry teacher Earl Thomas Roske, 41, is accused of having sex with two female students. Roske is arrested May 6 on several sex charges involving the students. Roske, is charged with seven felony offenses.

Residents worried about lack of parking and pedestrian safety at McAbee Road entrance of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Pierce Ranch neighborhood residents fear if a parking lot is not built with a single-family home development, park users will continue to park on nearby streets.

Two New Almaden historic homes are dedicated with monuments—the Randol family home and the Hauck house on Almaden Road.

Police begin searching for Bret Harte Middle School secretary Barbara Jo Price, 44, alleging she had embezzled nearly a half million dollars from the student ASB account.

Father George Mancha, 55, leaves St. Anthony’s Catholic Church to join Archbishop Mitty High School’s clergy. He’s replaced by Father Warwick James.

Anthony Sanchez is sentenced to 19 years in prison for Troy Pollett’s death. On the eve of the long-awaited murder trial, Sanchez, 23, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter for Pollett’s death and attempted murder for stabbing Chris Johnson on March 20, 2004, after a traffic-related clash and chase came to a tragic end on a quiet Almaden street.

A jury awards $100,000 to a former Advantage Driving School student for compensatory damages stemming from the 1998 statutory rape by an instructor. He was convicted in September 1998 of criminal charges and sentenced to two years in prison. The DMV changes its policy issuing no more temporary instructor licenses.

A crowd of 100,000 swarms downtown to cheer the Taylor Woodrow Grand Prix. Throughout the inaugural weekend event, several Champ Car drivers, as well as drivers from other series, criticized the 1.44-mile, 11-turn racecourse, complaining the track was too bumpy and narrow for passing.

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales opens the new City Hall complex for business with a ceremony attended by 24 former mayors and council members.

Former District 10 Councilmember Pat Dando announces she will accept a position as president and CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. She became the only woman to lead a large chamber of commerce in California, and one of only four women in such positions throughout the nation’s 10 largest cities.

Former Leland teacher Earl Thomas Roske pleads guilty to having sex with two minor female students and receives a two-year, eight-month prison sentence.

Rocki Kramer, executive director of the Almaden Valley Counseling Service, announced she would retire in October after serving 25 years. The nonprofit Almaden Valley Counseling Service celebrated 25 years of compassionate care that touches nearly 1,000 lives a year. Created in 1980 as a counseling service for Almaden Valley students, the agency has added programs and expanded its services to reach seniors.

Results of the 2005 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program reveal Almaden’s public school students are making widespread gains in every subject and grade level tested.

The Jeffrey Fontana Dog Park opens.

Leland yearbook teacher Brian K. Jessee, 44, is arrested for possession of child pornography. Further investigation determined that none of the images portrayed any student and/or Leland High School activities.

More than 400 runners participate in the 12th annual Almaden Times Classic Oct. 9 at Leland High School. The event, including a 10-kilometer run and 2-mile run, raises funds for the Almaden Valley Counseling Service

Esther Ouellette, 51, was killed crossing Blossom Hill Road at Vassar Drive during a traffic collision on Oct. 19. San Jose police reported that an unidentified teen driver allegedly didn’t notice the victim attempting to cross the intersection as the cars in the next lane stopped to allow the pedestrian to pass.

Matt Osment becomes the new executive director at the Almaden Valley Counseling Service

Water polo officials worry about increasingly aggressive behavior and serious injuries in the high school sport.

The San Jose City Council approves a secondary-unit pilot program that will allow construction of 100 secondary units throughout the city for one year.

The Jeffrey Fontana murder trial is dealt its sixth delay with officials questioning the efficacy of the judicial system. The delay came two weeks after Sandy and Tony Fontana joined police officers, family, friends and community members for a candlelight vigil on the third anniversary of Jeffrey Fontana’s death at the park that now bears his name. Fontana, 24, was shot and killed in Almaden during a routine traffic stop on Oct. 28, 2001.

The San Jose City Council unanimously censures Mayor Ron Gonzales for not sharing “material facts” related to a secret promise of $11.25 million in payments to Norcal Waste Systems and its subcontractor California Waste Solutions that resulted in a $1.40-a-month garbage rate increase in 2003 for 155,000 households. The District Attorney announces it will work with a civil grand jury to determine if there was any wrongdoing by San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales in the Norcal Waste Systems deal.

Almaden’s Brittany Welby, right, and American Idol’s Paula Abdul meet with lawmakers in Sacramento regarding pedicure infections in 2005

San Jose City Manager Del Borgsdorf announces he’s “retiring” from his position effective Feb. 3, after being in public service for nearly four decades. Hired by the city in September of 1999, Borgsdorf came under fire this year after ethical issues surfaced at City Hall and shed a cloud of public mistrust over San Jose government.

2006

Fierce New Year’s storm topples trees throughout Almaden Valley

Commuter finds swastikas on Camden Avenue

San Jose Chinese School operates at Leland

Gonzales resigns from major committees and is later censured by city council

CNN features pedicure infection

The Performing Arts Center reopens after fire at Pioneer High School

Almaden Valley Women’s Club donates $10,000 to new library

Home-schooled Julie Boiko selected as semi-finalist in Intel Science competition

New Almaden Postman Manny Martinez retires after delivering mail for 18 years

Santa Clara Valley Water District officials okay purchase of aerator to reduce mercury contamination at Almaden Lake Park

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pitches “Strategic Growth Plan” to Silicon Valley’s movers and shakers

City Councilmember Nancy Pyle presents “Good Neighbor” award to Almaden Valley Women’s Club

Neighbors on Guadalupe Mines Road oppose proposed land-use change to the city’s General Plan for medium density housing project

City develops plan to save community centers

San Jose gets snowy start to Presidents’ Day weekend

City officials pass stiffer penalties for illegal removal of trees

As AVAC celebrates 30th anniversary, four married couples share their memories of meeting at the athletic club

National Charity League celebrates annual Senior Presents at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club

City council examines Sunshine Reforms suggested to make city council business more transparent and open

Residents and local organizations prepare for possible bird flu pandemic.

Parade and four-mile run earn Montevideo neighborhood a fun reputation

Two New Almaden men struggle to save Feed and Fuel Restaurant and Bar by attaining historical status

Persian New Year Festival celebrated at Vasona State Park

Local heroes battle blaze, saving a neighbor’s home

Almaden college student Brittany Welby receives commendation from the city of San Jose for pedicure infection victim advocacy

Times begins six-part series of interviews with 5 major mayoral candidates which will culminate in endorsement

Thousands march for immigrants rights in San Jose

Former student molested by Leland teacher Earl Roske sues school district

San Jose celebrates the life of Pat Tillman with inaugural Pat’s Run at Leland

AVCS Snow Ball 2006 a blockbuster hit

AVCA holds mayoral candidate forum

Coyote Valley task force reviews affordable housing strategy

Principal Linda Kakes to retire from Simonds Elementary School

Community grieves Pioneer freshman killed by hit and run driver and shares in candle-lighting vigil. Marcus
Keppert was known as a gentle giant.

City council rejects proposed demolition of 10 community centers

Hundreds attend grand opening of Almaden Library and Community Center