Letter from a past President.........George
Bettisworth
Is the Quality of Life in Almaden Valley
worth $15 a year?
Many in the community have asked me the question, "What
exactly does Almaden Valley Community Association (AVCA) do, and why should
I join?" I think the best way to answer the question would be to outline
a few of our accomplishments. Our organization was formed nearly 40 years
ago (1961) to represent the Almaden Valley in whatever issue clouded our
quality of life. You can well image that in the 60's and 70's our community
had a different look to it. Farm land was being turned into new suburbs,
and change was happening rapidly. AVCA continues to focus on those quality
of life issues which help make Almaden Valley an attractive place to live,
raise a family, and see our real estate investments grow substantially.
Take a look at some of our accomplishments, and you may agree, a $15 annual
membership goes a long way.
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"Trees for Almaden". In 1987, on our own initiative,
beautified the median of Almaden Expressway. Because the County did not
have the money to do this, the community raised $25,000 to buy the landscaping.
Over 300 volunteers came out on Saturdays to plant what they had bought.
As you drive down the Expressway, remember this remarkable act of neighborhood
self help that remains today as a source of considerable community pride
in Almaden Valley.
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"Books for Almaden". In 1988 we raised about $25,000
for the Almaden Branch Library.
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Influenced land use decisions since 1961. During the
past 40 years we have monitored, modified, and influenced land use policies
and decisions in Almaden Valley.
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Storage container gift. In 1990 we paid for a large
storage container for the Almaden Community Center.
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Three Emergency ARKS. After the Loma Prieta Earthquake
of 1989, we raised thousand of dollars to establish three emergency "ARKS"
stationed at Leland High School, Castillero Middle School, and Almaden
Community Center. These large shipping containers are stocked with hundreds
of blankets, sleeping cots, first aid kits, and supplies for any tragic
event that might affect Almaden Valley. We are working with the American
Red Cross in training community volunteers with CPR and First Aid.
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Music Festivals. During the early 90's we sponsored
three Music Festivals at Almaden Lake Park to raise money for the Emergency
supplies for the ARKS.
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Underpass project. After the tragic death of one of
Leland High School's students, in 1997 we proposed to the city that an
underpass be considered under Almaden Expressway at Coleman. The City granted
$10,000 for the project through a use permit from the Senior Housing Project
being built. (Underpass project still pending.)
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Candidate Forums For a number of years we have hosted
Candidate Forums at Castillero Middle School before each election. Hundreds
have benefited by seeing the candidates face to face.
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Web Site. Our Web Site has hundreds of hits monthly.
Many people use our site to link to other community resources.
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Los Alamitos/Calero Creek Park/Trail. It was AVCA that
lobbied hard and long to secure the funding sources for the Los Alamitos/Calero
Creek Park Trail.
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Stile Ranch Trail We provided funds and hard work
to get the Stile Ranch Trail (off Fortini Road) built.
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Roadside blight removed. Lobbied the City in 1996 to
have all illegal signs removed from Almaden Expressway, Coleman, Harry
Road, and Camden. (Most were removed within three months of our letters.)
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Helped author measure C. In 1996 we helped author measure
C. Measure C required that vacancies on the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors would be filled by an election, not an appointment. Voters
approved the measure!
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Supporting Youth Sports Complex. We are supporting
the Almaden Youth Association in it's attempt to build a Sports Complex
for our youth.
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Hold special meetings We hold public meetings monthly
to review building projects, traffic and safety issues, and other issues
that may impact us. Our recent meetings discussed the McDonald's Drive-through
project, Senior Housing at Coleman, Potential Safeway expansion, Luxury
homes near Harry Road, Lucky Stores expansion, and many other topics of
local interest.
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Constant contact with your elected officials. AVCA
is known by your local civic leaders, and we frequently speak at City and
County public hearings.
Quality of life issues will continue to impact us in one
form or another. AVCA stands ready and organized for constructive action
on any issue that affects Almaden Valley. Please continue to support us
with your $15 annual membership, $30 for three years (tax deductible), so we can continue to
make Almaden Valley a better place to live. Please help us meet our plans
next year and tell a friend to join; we all benefit!
Send Membership checks to:
| | AVCA |
| | 1310 Lindahl Court |
| | San Jose, CA 95120 |