September 1, 2005


Coffee and conversation

Councilwoman Nancy Pyle begins informal visits with District 10 residents

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Nothing goes together like coffee and conversation. And to increase her accessibility with District 10 residents, Councilwoman Nancy Pyle held her first visit at Starbucks on Almaden Expressway this past week.

District 10 Councilwoman Nancy Pyle and Kitty Monahan share a friendly moment. Foreground: Community relations coordinator Daniella Polar and Almaden resident Liesel Wilson. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“Nancy plans to have informal regular visits with District 10,” said community relations coordinator Daniella Polar, who was available for conversation along with chief of staff Leland Wilcox and Pyle’s husband, Tom. “It’s a good way to connect with the residents and this is a great spot.”

Councilwoman Pyle passed out her hot-off-the-press first newsletter and also distributed magnets with important city numbers. The newsletter (Nancy’s News) is a combination of information on current government issues and services available. But it wasn’t all gifts and java.

Residents greeted Pyle and her staff with smiles and hellos. Some expressed their concerns regarding matters in their neighborhoods. New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association President Kitty Monahan stopped by to discuss a guest column that she and long time Almaden resident Margery Calcaterra will be writing for coming issues of Pyle’s newsletter.

“There are so many sites to learn about the history of our area,” said Councilwoman Pyle.

“I’m really excited about the history column that will appear in the newsletter and on the Web site. And who knows the history of the area better than Kitty?”

Important city phone numbers are a fingertip away with District 10 Councilwoman Nancy Pyle’s magnet.

Monahan also expressed her concerns about the new building that is being constructed in New Almaden that is not in keeping with the historical guidelines set by the city. There are also problems with builders trying to widen roads on privately owned property.

“I’ll see if I can have Supervisor Don Gage come with us and we will jointly inspect what is going on in New Almaden with you,” said Councilwoman Pyle to Monahan.

Monahan also mentioned that the new street signs say Old Almaden Road on the way to the historic district. She believes that New Almaden Road would be a better designation. But it wasn’t all business with the two women. Pyle and Monahan shared tales of both being educators and the children they taught through the years. Between them, they collectively have 69 years of experience.

Resident Liesel Wilson also voiced her concern over the problem of discarded yard trimmings before Thursday [trash removal is on Fridays] and also the debris left after the majority of trash is picked up.

Councilwoman Pyle plans to be available at different locations in District 10 in the coming months to increase her accessibility to residents. To find out where and when she will hold an informal meeting next call (408) 535-4910 or go to her Web site www.sanjoseca.gov/district10 for listings. Pyle can also be reached by e-mail at district10@sanjoseca.gov.