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.

• "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.
• "Books for Almaden".  In 1988 we raised about $25,000 for the Almaden Branch Library.
• 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.
• Storage container gift.  In 1990 we paid for a large storage container for the Almaden Community Center.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.)
• 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.
• Web Site.  Our Web Site has hundreds of hits monthly.  Many people use our site to link to other community resources.
• 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.
• Stile Ranch Trail   We provided funds and hard work to get the Stile Ranch Trail (off Fortini Road) built.
• 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.)
• 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!
• Supporting Youth Sports Complex.  We are supporting the Almaden Youth Association in it's attempt to build a Sports Complex for our youth.
• 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.
• Constant contact with your elected officials.  AVCA is known by your local civic leaders, and we frequently speak at City and County public hearings.

Send Membership checks to:

	AVCA
	1310 Lindahl Court
	San Jose, CA  95120