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At the January 20, 2009 neighborhood meeting, City staff shared that the following steps had been completed for the reconstruction project: project budgeting; site survey; drainage analysis and flow line design; base drawing sheets; sidewalk and driveway design; traffic calming study initial steps.
Phase 1 -- Many steps remain prior to the construction of Phase 1 — Dorcich and Cecil (between N. Henry Ave. and Winchester Blvd) — which is now targeted to begin in August 2009 rather than June 2009 as originally planned. This change from the original schedule is attributable to the City redeploying staff to secure federal stimulus money for City projects.
It is expected the project will go to the City Council for approval in June and the contract will be awarded in late July so construction can begin in August. Please plan to attend the City Council meeting to show your support for the project. Stay tuned for more information.
Phases 2-5 -- These phases, which have not yet been identified, are scheduled to be completed from 2010 to 2013 during the summer assuming funding is allocated for this purpose in each year’s Capital Improvement Project Budget. At this time, the funding sources for Phase 2 are secure but this could change at anytime depending on the actions of the State Legislature.
Study sessions to review significant Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), the 2010 CIP budget, and the 5-year financial plan will occur at the May 5 and May 12 City Council meetings.
Background -- Following two years of SOFNA petitioning and requesting the City to bring the SOFN streets and sidewalks to City standards, on June 10, 2008, the City Council approved $3.2 million in the 2008-2009 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget for the first phase of the SOFNA street improvements. These are the first funds allocated for a 5-year project, which was approved on June 5, 2007: “100% City funding of the South of Forest Neighborhood street improvements in the Five-Year Financial Plan 2008-09 through 2012-13 through pay as you go, bonding or other funding measures not including the general fund.”
The City of Santa Clara provides many services for senior residents. Whether you are active or not so active, there is bound to be something of interest to everyone over the age of 50.
Case Management Program: To help seniors and their families in dealing with changes that occur with aging. The goal is to ensure that elderly residents stay safe and independent in their homes. If you are over 50 and would like this assistance, or if you have a neighbor you are concerned about, call the Senior Center at 615-3170.
Free Tax Service: AARP Tax Aide volunteers are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Senior Center to help prepare your 2008 Federal and State Income Tax Returns. Call the Senior Center at 615-3170 for more information and to make an appointment.
Driver Safety Program: Presented by AARP on Saturday, June 13, and Saturday, June 20, at the Senior Center. You must attend both sessions. Applications are available at the main desk of the Senior Center, 1303 Fremont Street.
This is just a short list of what’s going on at the Senior Center. Pick up a copy of the latest calendar of events at 1303 Fremont Street or call 615-3170 for more information.
On a more informal level, please keep a look out for what you can do to help an elderly neighbor, be it assisting on trash day or engaging in a friendly conversation. And mark your calendars now for the annual Honor Our Seniors event on June 6th.
Neighborhood Watch Helps
Ever thought about attending a Neighborhood Watch meeting, but wondered if it makes any difference? Consider this.
On February 25th, an alert neighbor, leaving for work in the morning, noticed litter around a vehicle parked on Bel Ayre Drive and two people apparently sleeping inside. She called Santa Clara police to report the suspicious vehicle. When police arrived, one of the occupants was questioned and arrested at the scene while the other fled on foot and was arrested after a chase through the neighborhood, causing minor damage to fences and property. Both had outstanding warrants, including one for burglary, and were charged with possessing burglary tools.
Economic conditions have contributed to a recent rise in crime in Santa Clara, Community Service Officer Jamie Caron told a group of SOFNA Neighborhood Watch block captains earlier this month. The biggest increase is in thefts from vehicles. Scams are also proliferating, including a team recently arrested for posing as city inspectors who needed to enter the house to check out water pipes. While the “inspector” distracted the homeowner, the accomplice entered the home through a back door. In the past 30 days, there have been no burglaries reported in the South of Forest Neighborhood, but surrounding commercial areas (Stevens Creek Boulevard, Saratoga Avenue, Pruneridge Avenue) have had several reports. In these conditions, Officer Caron advises, it is more important than ever to practice self defense and neighborhood vigilance to keep the neighborhood and property safe.
Top tips:
Attend the SOFNA Neighborhood Watch Meeting!
Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. on Westridge Drive
Did you know that it’s against the law for dogs (and cats) to use a neighbor’s lawn as a bathroom? The penalty for violation on private property is $100 dollars. Violators may be reported to the police by residents. If a pet relieves itself on public property and it is not immediately cleaned up, the penalty for this violation is also $100 dollars. Many people in the South of Forest Neighborhood are dog lovers, but we also take pride in our homes and our community.
The Santa Clara County Municipal Code – Title B Regulation – Division B31 states:
"No person owning/as the guardian of or having control of any animal or animals shall permit such animal(s) to defecate or urinate on private property other than that of the owner/guardian or the person having control of the animal."
"A violation of this section is hereby declared a public nuisance."
If you walk your dog, please take responsibility and don’t leave anything behind!
We invite all residents and homeowners to join the SOFNA e-mail discussion group.
This is a great way to learn about neighborhood and local events as well as communicate with neighbors on issues which affect us all. Contact John Shores for more information or just send an e-mail with your name and street to southofforest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
On March 11, we lost our dear neighbor Steve Benovitz after a valiant battle with inoperable brain cancer. Steve was the epitome of goodness always greeting people with a twinkle in his eye and a broad smile. He radiated love for his family and friends. At his Celebration of Life, countless remarks were made about his professional skills, and his caring, loving and non- judgmental manner. His love for his wife, Debbie, and son, Eric was evident in all he did!
Steve worked as a therapist having left a job in Beverly Hills working with the rich and famous to serve needy children in Santa Clara County. When working at a local elementary school, he was observed walking the students to his office and back to class, thus, making them feel reassured and safe. It was not uncommon to see him, playing basketball with a student as he helped them build their self-esteem and confidence. The children loved being with Steve, and their smiles showed it. They skipped next to him as they walked together. He was also a great support to the school’s principal. When a naughty child was sent to the school’s office, the principal often sought Steve’s counsel and wisdom. He always made time to listen and help the child. Steve made a difference in the lives of a number of needy students because it was not just a job to him but a passion and calling to which he devoted his life.
At Steve’s memorial service, one mother shared a story, indicating that her son struggled in school, and it was Steve who made a difference in his life. The student went on to high school and graduated in the top of his class. He later graduated from college, went to law school, passed the bar and is now an attorney. The mother expressed her gratitude to Steve not only for her son’s success but also her own. Steve saved many lives!
In our neighborhood, Steve and Debbie have hosted the annual ice cream social. Even when sick last September, he was out in his garage scooping ice cream! He and Debbie worked hard for the event. The beautiful garden that they created together provided a lovely setting for neighbors to enjoy one another’s company.
Steve leaves his devoted wife Debbie, his son Eric, who made him very proud, his loving parents, Earl and Revva who flew out in the past months from Pennsylvania to be by his side, as did his brother Chuck, sister Paula, his nephew Evan, and niece Heather.
Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He touched many lives and his memory lives on within them.
Steve was the greatest of great! Farewell, Dear Friend!
The Steven Benovitz Intern Award for outstanding interns has been established. Donations honoring Steve can be sent to:
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
2625 Zanker Road, Suite 200
San Jose CA 95134
Please add in the memo field on your check: "Steven Benovitz Award"
Neighborhood businesses are invited to advertise in the SOFNA quarterly newsletters. If residents know others who would like to advertise their services, please pass on the following information.
Advertising costs are as follows:
If interested contact Tracie Johnson or e-mail sofna.info@gmail.com
This summer we will have another SOFNA garage sale fundraiser. Please save items to donate to the cause.
Congratulations and best wishes to new SOFNA Board Member, Marcela Miranda and her husband, Andrew Innes, on the birth of their baby boy, Arthur Christopher Innes who was born on March 2 at Kaiser Hospital. He weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz and measured 21.5 inches.
For Saturday classes, bring a bag lunch (12:00 – 1:00 p.m.). There are eating establishments nearby.
| MONTH | DATES | TIME | LOCATION |
| April - May | Thursday: 4/9 Class 1 Thursday: 4/16* Class 2 Thursday: 4/23* Class 3 Thursday: 4/30* Class 4 *Must Complete Class 1 (Free Disaster Preparedness Course) | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Training Center 1900 Walsh Avenue |
| Saturday: 5/2** Classes 5 & 6 **Must Complete Classes 1-4 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Training Center 1900 Walsh Avenue | |
| August | Tuesday: 8/4 Class 1 Tuesday: 8/25 Class 1 | 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Training Center 1900 Walsh Avenue |
| Saturday: 8/15 Class 1 Saturday: 8/29 Class 1 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Training Center 1900 Walsh Avenue | |
| September | Tuesday: 9/1 Class 2* Tuesday: 9/8 Class 3* Tuesday: 9/15 Class 4* Tuesday: 9/22 Class 5* Tuesday: 9/29 (a.m. only) Class 6*** *Must Complete Class 1 (Free Disaster Preparedness Course) ***Must Complete Classes 1-5 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. – 9:20 p.m. | Training Center 1900 Walsh Avenue |
| Saturday: 9/19** Class 5 & 6 **Must Complete Classes 1-4 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Training Center 1900 Walsh Avenue |
Please call 408-615-4940 to sign up or for more information. Information on the web at: http://www.santaclaraca.gov/community/commu_heat.html
April
25 -- Household Haz. Waste Drop-Off -- Call 299-7300 for appointment
May
13 -- Neighborhood Watch Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Westridge Drive
19 -- State Special Election
28 -- Open SOFNA Board Meeting on Westridge Drive
June
06 -- Senior Social
07 -- Registration Begins for City-Wide Garage Sale at www.cscgaragesale.com
July
21 -- Open SOFNA Board Meeting on Westridge Drive
27 -- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off -- Call 299-7300 for appointment
August
04 -- National Night Out
15 -- City-Wide Garage Sale
September
08 -- Open SOFNA Board Meeting at 112 Westridge Drive
13 -- Free Disposal Day at Mission Trail Waste Transfer Station. Call 727-5365 for appointment
26 -- Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off -- Call 299-7300 for appointment
27 -- Ice Cream Social/SOFNA Elections
Michelle Purviance, president
Joey Goschy, vice presdient
Debra Bowman, secretary
John Shores, treasurer
Joanne Anderson
Royanna Gazlay
Joy Haas
Tracie Johnson
Marcella Miranda
Arline Norsworthy
e-mail for SOFNA: sofna.info@gmail.com