July 1, 2004

NEWS BRIEFS

Almaden Expressway Cleanup Update

I would like to update residents on the schedule for weed abatement on Almaden Expressway. I have requested a schedule from the Roads and Airports Department to perform weed clearing. There will be two separate crews performing the work during the week of July 4th.

If you have any questions regarding the weed abatement, please feel free to contact my office at (408) 299-5010.

Donald F. Gage
Supervisor, District 1

Almaden Business Association Networking Mixer, Thurs. July 1

The Almaden Business Association will be holding another one of their popular ‘Mixers’ on Thursday, July 1 at Baja Fresh, 1008 Blossom Hill Road (in the Wells Fargo mall across from Oakridge) from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The mixer will feature a “Meet & Greet” with special guest Don Gage, Santa Clara County Supervisor.

Members are free and the guest fee is $10 at the door. For more information on the mixer or on the Almaden Business Association call Doug Keller at (408) 268-4359, or Linda Edvenson at (408) 291-5296 or Rich De La Rosa at (408) 448-6811.

Governor Schwarzenegger Appoints Vice Mayor Dando to California Performance Review Commission

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed San Jose Vice Mayor Pat Dando to the California Performance Review Commission.

The Governor created the California Performance Review (CPR) in February 2004. For the last several months, the CPR has been conducting a comprehensive examination of the practices of government with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Upon conclusion of the review, the CPR will submit recommendations to the Governor.

The Commission’s goal is to reach-out and listen to the people throughout the state about how their government can better serve them. Dando’s colleagues on the commission include leaders from the business and labor communities, local government and public policy experts.

“It is an honor to serve the people of California and I appreciate the confidence the Governor has in me,” said Vice Mayor Dando. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this Commission as we implement the Governor’s vision to restructure, reorganize and reform state government to make it more responsive to the needs of its citizens and the business community.”

Vice Mayor Dando was elected to the San Jose City Council in 1995 and represents San Jose’s 10th Council District which includes the Blossom Valley, Santa Teresa, & Almaden neighborhoods.

CHP targets safe July 4th holiday on highways

As California motorists head toward traditionally crowded highways on the 4th of July holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging drivers and passengers to protect themselves by avoiding alcohol, observing speed limits and wearing safety belts.

“Since the 4th comes on a Sunday this year, the holiday will extend through Monday, which means there’s even more time for a crash to happen,” said Chief Tom Noble, commander of the Golden Gate Division Headquarters Command. “The summer is in full swing, and everyone wants to squeeze in as much fun as possible. Traffic volumes will be high, and unfortunately so is the potential for collisions.”

Last year 45 people died in crashes during the 78-hour July 4th holiday. In addition, CHP Officers made 1,497 DUI arrests during that same period.

If you plan to be on the road this weekend, the CHP has several suggestions that can reduce the risk to you and your passengers:

Make sure that only sober drivers get behind the wheel. Alcohol and driving do not mix.

Always buckle up on every trip, no matter how short.

Safety belts and safety seats protect you and your passengers from other drivers who may not be as careful.

Leave plenty of time for your trip. If you cannot leave early, don’t become impatient with traffic.

Take a break from driving at least once an hour. Share the driving among all those with valid driver licenses.

Maintain safe speeds for conditions. Even if the posted speed limit is 65 or 70 mph, when traffic is heavy or visibility is limited, a lower speed is safer.

Remember the “rules of the road” and drive accordingly. Obeying stop signs and signals, keeping two seconds or more between you and the car ahead, and practicing common courtesy with other drivers helps keep everyone one the road safer.

This year every available CHP Officer will be on the road during the “Maximum Enforcement Period” which begins at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 2, and ends at midnight, Monday, July 5.

“We want people to think safety whenever they get behind the wheel this summer. Common sense and courtesy will go a long way toward achieving that goal, but if a driver chooses to ignore our suggestions, we’ll be there to remind him or her,” Chief Noble said.