At the Board and Membership Meeting of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association (WGNA) on October 11, 2018, the board members issued a position paper to Mayor Sam Liccardo, and the City of San José's Planning Department, supporting the Google Campus proposal & Diridon Station Area Plan.  The paper relates to the project on the Diridon Station Area Plan and Google, the Silicon Valley technology company that intends to develop a major transit-oriented campus in the core of the city, expanding the present-day downtown San José.   This potential mixed-use master plan development includes offices, residences, retail shops, restaurants, and open spaces, and it's estimated that Google will employ 15,000 to 20,000 people.  On September 13, 2018, the representatives from Google visited with the City of San José in the Willow Glen neighborhood to tell us more about its plans, and how that fits in with the City of San José's Diridon Station Area projects.  See that news story here, as well as in the below page flip in this article.The WGNA position paper was endorsed by the WGNA Board and reads in part: The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association (WGNA) would like to offer our support and endorsement for the Google Village project in the Diridon Station area in San Jose. As you may know, WGNA – the oldest neighborhood association in San Jose celebrated 45th anniversary in 2018 -- was established for the sole purpose of creating a stronger and more tightly-knit neighborhood. Our Board of Directors is comprised of established professionals with expertise in various fields, including, but not limited to, public safety, education, land development, small business and many more, with the ultimate goal to keep residents informed on a range of topics pertinent to the life in Willow Glen and to act as an agent of positive change by getting involved in advocacy activities on behalf of our members.   Continue reading

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association presented a certificate of recognition to Dave Mitchell, a senior Park Planner and Project Manager that has served the City of San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) for almost two decades.  The certificate was presented on the event of National Night Out in Willow Glen on Tuesday 07 August 2018, in honor of Mitchell's "commitment to serving the community and encouraging neighborhood camaraderie".  With thanks and appreciation from the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association (WGNA), it was issued by Elizabeth Estenson, WGNA Board President.The Certificate was introduced and handed to Dave Mitchell by David Zappelli, a member of WGNA's committee on Willow Street-Frank Bramhall Park.National Night Out's venue was the Willow Glen Creamery, at the Willow Glen Town Square on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street.   National Night Out is a national program (trademarked) by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).  It occurs annually on the first Tuesday of August.  NATW describes the event as "an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live."  That same night, Willow Glen Neighborhood Association was given a Certificate of Recognition from California State Senator Jim Beall.  The certificate from the Senator in the 15 District recognized the association "For efforts in unifying the community and standing up to crime, it is your dedication and commitment to the public that is making our community a safe place."  

NEXT WGNA TOWN HALL MEETING — CRIME PREVENTION  Thursday 08 November 2018 On Thursday 08 November 2018 at 7:00 PM, join us for a community discussion and workshop on crime prevention in which we will address questions and concerns relating to... — How to improve your safety at home and in the community; — Learning about recognizing and reporting suspicious activity, personal safety, burglary, and theft prevention; We have organized this meeting because many people have been expressing their worries about a number of law enforcement issues including the following: robbery prevention; suspicious loitering; trespassing; neighborhood watch; home invasions; carjackings; bicycle theft; illegal waste dumping; narcotics; prostitution; controlled substances; judicial process; area surveillance; patrolling; and more. The presentation will be made by the San Jose Police Department' Crime Prevention Unit. LOCATION: Gardner Academy (elementary school) at 502 Illinois Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. (Alternate site, not our usual venue). Note that WGNA meetings typically occur on the second Thursday of the month. SEE our website at WGNA.net     Continue reading

 — re. National Night Out 2018 During the last National Night Out hosted in Willow Glen on Tuesday 07 August 2018, California State Senator Jim Beall issued a Certificate of Recognition to Willow Glen Neighborhood Association.  The certificate from the Senator in the 15 District recognized the association "For efforts in unifying the community and standing up to crime, it is your dedication and commitment to the public that is making our community a safe place."                                     National Night Out was organized by The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association with the year's host, the Willow Glen Creamery, at the Willow Glen Town Square on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street.National Night Out is a national program (trademarked) by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).  It occurs annually on the first Tuesday of August.  NATW describes the event as "an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live."   In agreement with National Night out themes, WGNA regularly addresses issues related to public health and safety (police, fire, emergency response, coverage areas, public welfare, etc.). We frequently invite guest speakers from the San Jose Police Department (SPJPD) on the topic of a neighborhood watch and other anti-crime efforts.  This coming November 8th, we will be joined by the County Santa Clara District Attorney's Community Prosecution Unit and the SJPD. (See the separate post).   Continue reading

Willow Glen Neighborhood Association - WGNA invites you to the Election 2018 Candidates Forum, scheduled on Thursday, October 11, 2018, here in Willow Glen at the Starlite Banquet Facility, which is located at 680 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.   Please share this news with friends and neighbors, online at WGNA.net   Our schedule will go as follows   6:30 - 7:00 PM - Meet the candidates and ask them questions (30 minutes )   7:00 - 7:50 PM - San Jose Council District 9 Candidates (50 minutes): Pam Foley v. Kalen Gallagher   7:50 - 8:10 PM - Meet the candidates and ask them questions (30 minutes)   8:10 - 9:00 PM - Santa Clara County District 4 Supervisor Candidates (50 minutes): Susan Ellenberg for Supervisor 2018 and Don Rocha For County Supervisor 2018.   9:00 - 9:30 PM - Meet Candidates and Ask Them Questions (30 minutes)   The moderator for the Forum will be Ken Podgorsek, Executive Director, UNSCC-United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County (UNSCC.org)   We look forward to your participation. If you should have any questions, please contact us on Facebook, or send a message from the website.   Note: there is a large free parking lot, or feel free to come by bicycle or public transportation.   #WillowGlen #SanJoseCA #SantaClaraCounty #District9SJ #Election2018 #WGNAsj #PamFoley #KalenGallagher #DonRocha #SusanEllenberg #UNSCC #SanJoseCityHall #SCCSupervisors #SantaClaraCountySupervisors  

Meet San José Mayor Sam Liccardo — on the next WGNA Board & Membership Meeting, October 11th, 2018 You are invited to come and meet Mayor Sam Liccardo, hear his address, and participate in the public discussion.We are hosting an open house and community address on the next Board & Membership Meeting of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association - WGNA. Join us at 7:00 to 9:00 PM on October 11th, 2018 at Willow Glen United Methodist Church.The church is located at 1420 Minnesota and Newport Avenues, across from the Willow Glen Library. Note that WGNA meetings typically occur on the second Thursday of the month. See Mayor Liccardo's web page at http://www.sanjoseca.gov/mayor#SanJoseCA #SiliconValley #WGNAsj #MayorLiccardo #WillowGlen For a review or download of the meeting agenda, please see the dedicated page at http://www.wgna.net/meeting_agendas

NATIONAL SAFE ROUTES “WALK TO SCHOOL DAY” on OCTOBER 10, 2018 IN WILLOW GLEN Seasonally, every year, Walk to School Dayreturns in the autumn, and Bike to School Day in the spring. This national event is organized locally by Stakeholders for a Safe Green Villagein partnership with the National Center for Safe Routes to School.  Willow Glen Neighborhood Association - WGNA is a regular co-sponsor WHO: PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS for the Willow Glen event include:Willow Glen Elementary; River Glen School K-8; Ernesto Galarza Elementary; Hammer Montessori Elementary; Gardner Academy; and Washington Elementary. (Note: in the below, also see separate events and venues for nearby  Gardner Academy and Washington Elementary School). WHEN & WHERE:On Thursday 10 October 2018, students, parents, and teachers will meet together at the Bank of America Parking Lot on Lincoln Avenue.  In celebrating "Walk to School Day", we all came together for a morning reception and then go to our respective schools. Team mascots will appear,including "Q" of San Jose Earthquakes, and others to be confirmed.  Area students and families are invited to participate, along with other area dignitaries.   We will have snacks and giveaways. Join children & adults around the world to celebrate the benefits of walking: Encouraging a child’s next stage of independence Physical activity Teaching safe pedestrian & bicycling skills to children Awareness of how walkable & bikeable community improvements can be made Concern for the environment Reducing traffic congestion, pollution & speed near schools Sharing time with community leaders, parents & children Creating joy and fun! Promoting psychological well-being and alertness Fostering maturation and responsibility Creating habits of activity, empowerment and thinking differently #WalkToSchool #SafeRoutes #VisionZero #SchoolZone#BackToSchool #StakeholdersSGV #WGNAsj #WGNA #SanJoseCA#SanJose #WillowGlen #LincolnAvenueSJ  

The proposed Google Campusand Diridon Station Area Plan,  a Guest Speaker Presentation by the City of San Jose — on the next WGNA Board & Membership Meeting for September 13th                  The guest speaker at our next meeting will be the City of San José presenting on the topic of the Diridon Station Area Plan and Google, the Silicon Valley technology company that intends to develop a major transit-oriented campus in the core of the city, expanding the present-day downtown San José.   This potential mixed-use master plan development includes offices, residences, retail shops, restaurants and open spaces, and it's estimated that Google will employ 15,000 to 20,000 people.  The company will visit with the City of San José in the Willow Glen neighborhood to tell us more about its plans, and how that fits in with the City of San José's Diridon Station Area projects.   The City of San José and the greater Bay Area region have the unique opportunity to build an internationally prominent transportation center and to develop a superb destination within the area around the Diridon Station.Information related to the Station Area Advisory Group ("SAAG"), including meeting agendas, minutes, and videos, are posted to this website. To view these items, please click on the tab to the left, labeled "Station Area Advisory Group".       Lori Severino*, Civic Engagement Program Manager for the Diridon Station Area, will be presenting on behalf of City of San Jose, and will provide: Background information on the Diridon Station Area, including the main plans that are guiding its development, the planned transit improvements, and the partnership with Google; An overview of the City’s community engagement process this year; A brief summary of the main input received to date. On behalf of Google*, a manager of the company's department of Government Affairs & Public Policy will join the city's presentation.  Javier González and shall be available to answer questions.  The Google project proposes to be a multi-million-square-foot urban campus in the heart of San José, one of the biggest development projects in the city's history.  The prime area of development is the Autumn-Montgomery neighborhood, although it also relates to outlying vicinities like Downtown San José, Lakehouse, Sunol-Midtown, and Auzerais-Josefa.  We are also interested in how the flow of development will connect to neighborhoods like our own Willow Glen, as well as to nearby Burbank, College Park, and North San José. Change of Meeting Location: The Next WGNA Board and Membership Meeting will occur on the second Thursday, September 13, 2018, at the Willow Glen United Methodist Church, located at 1420 Newport Avenue, on the corner of Minnesota Avenue.  This is just across the street from our usual location at the Willow Glen Public Library.  Join us at 7:00 PM for this open house meeting.  For updated information, please return to the website at a closer time to the event.            *Update: Kim Walesh, Deputy City Manager, Director of Economic Development presented on behalf of City of San Jose, not Lori Severino.On behalf of Google, managers of the company's department of Government Affairs & Public Policy joined the city's presentation.   Javier González was not present.  

Decision at the Planning Director's Hearing,re. Communications Antenna in Gardner — WGNA issues letter; expected to appeal the decision On the morning of Wednesday, August 15, 2018, members of WGNA's Gardner Committee appeared at the Planning Director's Hearing regarding item b. SP17-044 on the agenda, pertaining to a new 50-foot tall Wireless Communication Antenna Slimline Monopole in the Gardner neighborhood at the northeast corner of Prevost Street and Jerome Street. The staff recommendation was to consider the exemption in accordance with CEQA, and to approve a special use permit as described above.  An action was approved in an agreement with the recommendation, and with added conditions. The synopsis (action minutes) can be seen here.  To listen to the hearing on an audio file, click here, and select the indexed item SP17-044 or fast-forward the recording to 18:08 minutes.At the hearing, WGNA's Gardner Committee chairperson issued a letter, which was also delivered to the San Jose City Clerk for public record.  See here to read WGNA's letter issued August 15, 2018, in PDF format (on three pages).    Members of WGNA's Gardner Committee have since regrouped and are planning to make an appeal of the decision made by the board. On Monday, August 20th, 2018, Alex Harris made a presentation at the Gardner Community center on behalf of the WGNA's Gardner Committee.Please see our website again and soon for more updates.

National Night Out returns to Willow Glen on Tuesday 07 August 2018.   The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association will be organizing the event with this year's host, the Willow Glen Creamery, at the Willow Glen Town Square on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street.   Thanks to the creamery and frozen yogurt shop, free ice cream will be offered to every guest that participates, 6:30 to 8:00 PM.National Night Out is a national program (trademarked) by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).  It occurs annually on the first Tuesday of August.  NATW describes the event as "an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live."   Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwideCoordinated by local police departments and grassroots organizers in every city across the United States, this is a community-based event with the purpose of awareness-raising, partnership, and neighborhood development. In agreement with National Night out themes, WGNA regularly addresses issues related to public health and safety (police, fire, emergency response, coverage areas, public welfare, etc.). We frequently invite guest speakers from the San Jose Police Department on the topic of neighborhood watch, and other anti-crime efforts. "National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances."  #NationalNightOut #WillowGlen #SanJoseCA #SanJose #WGNA #WGNAsj #SJPD #WillowGlenCreamery #PublicSafety#NeighborhoodWatch #WillowGlenCares #EyesOnTheStreet#WillowStreetSJ #LincolnAvenueSJ #NNO

Our next board meeting on Thursday, July 12, 2018, will include Willow Glen Planning Area updates on a number of items, and including Bramhall-Willow Street Park, and the Greater Gardner Area.The Willow Glen Planning Area is one of fifteen large sub-areas in the City of San Jose's "Greenprint".  The Planning Areas are used by the city in a number of ways, including how the Planning Division or the Parks Department monitors the supply and absorption of vacant land and to track and forecast development activity.The Greenprint, in itself, is "a long-term plan that sets goals and strategies for how San José's parks, trails, and community centers will change over the next 20 years.  City staff and policymakers use the Greenprint as a guide as they explore the ways the parks system can help people in San José be healthier and happier.  The City is working on a major update of its existing Greenprint, which was accepted by City Council in 2009. The new Greenprint Update is expected to be complete in Spring 2018."The 2009 version of the Willow Glen Planning Area and "Greenprint" is what defines the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's area of membership and advocacy, as noted in our Bylaws and Policies.  See the "Planning Maps" page of our website, and an annotated 2009 Willow Glen Planning Area here.   Two years ago, in WGNA's July 28, 2016 Board Meeting, issues relating to Bramhall-Wilow Street Park were presented by Stakeholders for a Safe Green Village, then with a follow-up walk-through of the park happening that August.  By November 2016, Dave Mitchell from San Jose's Department of Parks, Recreation, & Neighborhood Services (PRNS) visited WGNA's Board Meeting for a response and presentation.  This July 2018, we will now review the issues from the last two years, give updates on the progress, and engage feedback on current and future needs in the park. WGNA's Greater Gardner Committee will give an update on issues since our last Town Hall Meeting on December 14, 2017, with Jim Beall, Jr., California State Senator (15th District).  Recent items have included a sound wall (concrete fence) behind the Gardner Academy; neighborhood traffic calming and street paving initiatives (especially on W. Virginia St.); California High-Speed Rail right-of-ways into the area; playground and other improvements inside Biebrach park; freeway/Caltrans cleanup issues; homelessness; Gregory Street area needs; impacts from the proposed Google-San Jose development; plus, the most recent proposal (application) for a wireless cell phone tower on Prevost Street near Jerome Ave. Note that WGNA meetings typically occur on the second Thursday of the month.Our regular meeting location is Willow Glen Library, Community Room, 1157 Minnesota Avenue, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. See the meeting Agenda here.In the following August 2018, WGNA will be hosting National Night Out.#WillowGlen #WGNAsj #SanJoseCA #GreaterGardner #WillowStreetPark. #BramhallPark #StakeholdersSGV #StakeholdersWSP SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

NEXT WGNA Meeting & Presentation on Thursday 14 June 2018, 7:00 PM Location: Willow Glen Library, Community Room; 1157 Minnesota Avenue SUMMARY: Board Meeting (re. official WGNA board affairs): 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Action Items (three): approve last month’s minutes; two position papers Recomendation of Two Position Papers: Ref. The Page Street Development: a project development by Charities Housing;(Action) Recommendation to approve the draft of a position paper in support of the Page Street Development project (after tonight’s guest speaker’s presentation).  This draft item was postponed after the last WGNA Board meeting for May. Ref. Mobilitie Wireless Antenna: a San Jose Special Use Permit to allow the installation of a new 60 foot Wireless Communication Antenna Slimline Monopole within a new 6 foot block wall compound along the perimeter landscaping on a 0.45 gross acre site.  Location: Northeast Corner of Prevost Street, and Jerome Street, San Jose.  City of San Jose Planning Reference Number: SP17-044.(Action) Recommendation to approve a draft Position Paper that is due for a separate Greater Gardner meeting on June 21 at the Gardner Community Center. Guest Speakers (two): Presentation, & Community Discussion: 7:20 - 8:15 p.m. Destination:Homes, re. Housing for the homeless; and Charities Housing Development Corp., re. Affordable Housing WGNA Greater Gardner Committee: re. discussion and position: 8:15 - 8:45 p.m. Final discussions, closing remarks, & adjournment: 8:45 - 9:00 p.m. For a review or download of the meeting agenda, please see the dedicated page at http://www.wgna.net/meeting_agendas, or go directly to the PDF document here. SaveSave SaveSave Continue reading

The below canvassing flier will be handed out to residents in the greater Gardner neighborhood.  This is for a special meeting on June 21, 2018 at the Gardner Community Center, which will occur prior to our regular WGNA Board meeting on June 14th at the Willow Glen Library (Minnesota Avenue).  Both meetings are open house to everyone.  A position paper will be discussed on the June 14th meeting, as well as presentations.For questions, please contact WGNA Board Members Jeremy Taylor and Rowan Pike, who live in Gardner, or contact WGNA's Greater Gardner Committee by email at [email protected] Also see a PDF formatted document of the above flier here. Continue reading

Several students at our Willow Glen Neighborhood Schools will receive prize tickets to the soccer game — The San Jose Earthquakes versus Los Angeles FC at the San Jose Avaya Stadium — scheduled for June 9th, 2018 at 7:15 PM. Participating schools include: Willow Glen Elementary River Glen School K-8Ernesto Galarza & Hammer MontessoriGardner Academy  The game tickets are courtesy of Stakeholders for Safe Green Village (SGV), purchased by the co-sponsorship of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association (WGNA); Willow Glen Business Association (WGBA); and the Table Restaurant.We also thank the Earthquakes for their free giveaways, school assembly demonstrations, mascot appearances, etc.  Together, we have promoted Safe Routes to School, and community pride.  We invite you to enjoy “Willow Glen Neighborhood Night” with the Earthquakes!  And enjoy your end-of-year summer vacation! SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave Continue reading

Results from the WGNA Board Election for the 2018-2019 Term On Wednesday 16 May 2018, the Annual Board Meeting & Election for the 2018-2019 term was completed.  The new WGNA Board President is Elizabeth Estensen.  Richard Zappelli will step down as President and continue as a simple board member/director.  To see the rest of the new board officers, directors, and the Nominating Committee, click here (on the attached PDF document).  The new term begins June 1, 2018 and continues to May 31, 2019.  

WGNA Board Election Ballot — Download & Print Document The Election Ballot for Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's "Membership Elected – Nominating Committee Recommendations" is available for download and printing here, in PDF format.  For the eligibility to vote, see the WGNA Bylaws and Policies on our website, and particularly "ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP; Section 4. VOTING RIGHTS". NOTE: We would need members to print the ballot and return it in person at the Election on WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2018, 7:00 PM at the Willow Glen Public Library inside the Community Room, at 1157 Minnesota Avenue. SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave

NEXT on WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2018, 7:00 PM Note: This is not on our usual day, due to our political forum that was just held May 10th. AFFORDABLE HOUSING & URBAN LIVING SERIES: This coming meeting at the Willow Glen Public Library includes a presentation by Sandra Heredia of Charities Housing Development Corporation. She will share the insights on the Page Street Development in the W. San Carlos Urban Village Planning Area nearby Willow Glen.  (See our prior speakers in this series, noted below or in the News section of our website) TRAILS UPDATE: Additionally, we will get another Trails Update from Yves Zsutty, Trails Manager of the San Jose Parks, Recreation, & Neighborhood Services (PRNS) department. He will talk about the improvements around the Coe Avenue area, as well as points in the greater trails network. EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Finally, we will engage a discussion on the underserved areas, and with particular regards to the long proposed Fire Station #37. Neighborhood Commissioners from District 6 are invited to speak and answer questions. SaveSave

NATIONAL SAFE ROUTES “BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY” IN MAY 2018 IN WILLOW GLEN Seasonally, every year, Bike to School returns in the spring, and Walk to School returns in autumn.  This national event is organized locally by Stakeholders for a Safe Green Village (Facebook) in partnership with the National Center for Safe Routes to School (Facebook), and Willow Glen Neighborhood Association – WGNA (Facebook) is a regular co-sponsor. BIKE TO SCHOOL occurs this May 2018. Join children & adults around the world to celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling: — Bringing a sense of joy and fun!— Encouraging children’s next stage of independence— Promoting psychological well-being and alertness— Fostering maturity and responsibility— Creating habits of activity, empowerment and thinking differently— Teaching children an awareness of what’s ahead “down the road.” #BikeToSchool #SafeRoutes #StakeholdersSGV #WillowGlen #SanJose#WGNA