July 24, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

Lofgren to speak at AVCA meeting

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren representing Congressional District 16, which includes Almaden Valley, will be the guest speaker at the August Almaden Valley Community Association’s (AVCA) monthly meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. at Almaden Valley Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave.

Rep. Lofgren (Dem) will give an hour overview of what is happening in Congress and what legislative issues District 16 constituents should be paying attention to. There will be time for questions from the audience.

A lifelong Bay Area resident, Lofgren was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1995. In addition to her service as congresswoman, Lofgren served eight years as a staff assistant to former Congressman Don Edwards and 14 years as a supervisor on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

As a former practicing attorney, Lofgren specialized in immigration law. In Congress she is a member of the Judiciary Committee. She chairs the committee’s Subcommittee on Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law. In addition, she is a member of both the Subcommittee on Administrative Law and the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property. Her responsibilities include membership on the Homeland Security Committee and the Committee on House Administration where she chairs the Subcommittee on Elections.

The Almaden Valley Community Association is a non-profit community organization founded as the Almaden Valley Homeowners Association in 1961. Its intent was to provide the developing Almaden community with an organization that informed and reflected the views of that community in its developing years.

To stay informed on Almaden Valley community issues, send your e-mail address to AVCA Communications Manager Lee Dimmitt (ldimmitt@aol.com).

Valley Christian grad passes basic military training

Air Force Airman Carlos F. Jimenez Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Barbara Jimenez of War Wagon Drive, San Jose, Calif., and is a 2003 graduate of Valley Christian High School, San Jose.

New law eliminates trees vs. solar problems

The contentious issue of “trees versus solar power” –– that produced a criminal conviction and drew international attention –– has been put to rest. State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced recently that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed Senate Bill 1399.

The new law will protect trees and shrubs planted prior to the installation of a solar collector; eliminate criminal prosecution as a penalty for violation of the law; provide a mechanism for written notice between neighbors; make it easier for local communities to adopt and enforce their own local ordinances on the subject; and clarify various provisions of the law which were vague or confusing.

The bill strikes a balance between trees and solar, and provides a clear exemption from the California Solar Shade Control Act for pre-existing trees. “Right now,” said Simitian, “a new neighbor can move in next to your home, install a solar energy system, and then –– under threat of criminal prosecution –– force you to take an ax to your trees if and when they grow.” Simitian called the existing law, “well intended, but overreaching. Trees grow. That’s what they do.”

SB 1399 will also “decriminalize” violations of the California Solar Shade Control Act (a violation will no longer be considered a crime, and enforcement will be a matter for the civil court system).