City of San Jose."

RULES COMMITTEE: 01-07-09 Item: E

CITY OF ~ SAN JOSE CAPI’IAL OF SILICON VALLEY

TO: Honorable Mayor & FROM: Lee Price, MMC City Council Members City Clerk

SUBJECT: The Public Record DATE: December 23, 2008 December 5-22, 2008

ITEMS TRANSMITTED TO THE ADMINISTRATION

ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD (a) Email from Santa Clara County Cities Association to City Clerk Lee Price received December 8, 2008 regarding the Cities Association: 2009 Meeting Calendar.

(b) Letter from David S. Wall to Mayor Reed and City Council dated December 11, 2008 regarding "Thank-You! Sandra A. Llanos-Grounds Worker City of San Jose."

(c) Letter from David S. Wall to Mayor Reed and City Council dated December 11, 2008 regarding "The Ghetto Life: Update on the SCEP - A double take this week."

(d) Letter from David S. Wall to Mayor Reed and City Council dated December 16, 2008 regarding "The Ghetto Life: Update on the SCEP." (e) Memorandum from Deputy Director of Finance Julia H. Cooper to City Clerk Lee Price dated December 11, 2008 regarding Director’s TEFRA Public Hearing (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) (0 Letter from Somaie Faser, Moreland School District, to City Clerk Lee Price dated December 16, 2008 with an attached resolution supporting the City of San Jose’s Crossing Guard Program.

(g) Letter from David S. Wall to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dated December 19, 2008 regarding "Are Redevelopment Agencies a variant of a Ponzi scheme?"

Letter from David S. Wall to Mayor Reed and City. Council dated December 19, 2008 regarding "Budget Deficit Reduction Strategy: Eliminate position of Housing Director." Honorable Mayor and City Council Members December 23, 2008 Subject: The Public Record December 5-December 22, 2008

(i) Letter from David S. Wall to Mayor Reed and City Council dated December 22, 2008 regarding "The Ghetto Life: Update on the SCEP."

Letter from David S. Wall to Mayor Reedand City Council dated December 22, 2008 regarding "Revenue Enhancement: Enterprise Fund Creatkg~,: Fire Department: Learn Not to Burn." l~_~ ~.~

~- Lee Price, MMC City Clerk LP/np

Distribution: Mayor/Council City Manager Assistant City Manager Assistant to City Manager Council Liaison Director of Planning City Attorney City Auditor Director of Public Works Director of Finance Public Information Officer San Josd Mercury News Library Cities Association: 2009 Meeting Calendar January February March Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa ] 2 3 ]. 2 3 4 5 6 I 2 3 4 5 6 ’" J 5 6 7 ~{ 9 i0 8 9 i0 ii ~] 13 i4 8 9 i0 ii ~i~ 13 14 i1 12 13 14 15 16 ]7 ~ 1.6 17 18 19 20 ’,~i i. 8 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2.2.. 23 24 25 26 27 28 ")~" 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31

June Su Mo Ti We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa ~ 2 3 i 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 ~ 8 I0 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "~ 8 9 ~0 ~\l ~2 ]3 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 I0 ii 12 13 ~ 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 2’7 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31

Septem ber Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 i 2 3 4 5 5 6 8 9 i0 !i 2 3 4 5 6 n 8 6 7. 8 9 ~@ ii 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 i0 ii 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 2~ !6 17 18 i@ 20 21 22 2~ 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26"27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31

October November December Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa i 2 ~ i 2 3 4 5 6 "~ 1 ~] 5 6 7 ~ 9 i0 8 9 i0 ii ~ 13 14 6 7 8 9 i0 ii 12 11 1.2 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 2]_ 13 14 15 16 17 18 1.9 18 1.9 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 2- 28 29 30 3]. 29 30 27 28 29 30 31

2009 Dates for Consideration: National League of Cities: Congressional City Conference: March 14-18 0Nashington D.C.) National League of Cities: Congress of Cities: November 10-14 (San Antonio, Texas) California League of Cities-: New Mayors and Council: January 21-23 (Sacramento) California League of Cities: City Managers: February 4-6 (Monterey) California League of Cities Legislative Action Days: April 15-16 (Sacramento) California League of Cities Executive Forum & Advanced Leadership Academy: May 27-30 (San Diego) California League of Cities Annual Conference: September 16-19 (San Jose) LCC Peninsula Division: Thursday, January 29: Annual Reception for Newly Elected & Elected Officials Thursday, February 26: Peninsula Division Dinner Thursday, April 30; Annual Bocce Ball Tournament Thursday, May 29: Peninsula Division’Dinner Thursday, July 30: Peninsula Division Dinner

Silicon Valley Leadership Group: Elected Officials Reception, Thursday, Dec. 10; 6-8:30 pm; Location TBD Valley Transportation Authority: Board Meetings: First Thursday of the month Policy Advisory Committee Meetings (PAC): 2n° Thursday of the month LEGEND Green Regular Board Meeting: 2na Thursday of month; 7-9 pm Yellow Executive Board Meeting: 1S’ WedneSdayof month; 4-5:30 pm Purple General Membership Meeting with City Managers General Membership Holiday Party, Thursday, December 3; 6-9 pm

Jan 1 New Year’s Day Sept. 7 Labor Day Jan 19 Martin Luther King Day Sept. 18-20 Rosh Hashana Feb 14 Valentine’s Day Sept. 27-28 Yom Kippur Feb 16 President’s Day Oct. 12 Columbus Day " April 12 Easter Oct 31 Halloween April 8 First day of Passover Nov 11 Veterans Day April 16 Last day of Passover Nov 26 Thanksgiving Day May 25 Memorial Day Dec. 11-19 Chanukah July 3 Independence Day Observed Dec 25 Christmas July 4 4th of July Holiday David S. Wall PUBLIC RECORD~

December 11, 2008

Mayor Reed and Members San Jos~ City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San Jos~, California 95113-1905

Re: Thank- You! Sandra A. Llanos- Grounds Worker City of San Jos6

I would like to bring to YOUR attention, the excellent work of Ms. Sandra A. Llanos, Grounds Worker assigned to Parks Recreation & Neighborhood Services.

Ms. Llanos’s service to the community includes to other parks as well to Ryland Park, which is near my home.

Ms. Llanos has routinely assisted Ryland Park staff in the area of irrigation maintenance and control.

Irrigation maintenance and the control of automated clocks which determine irrigation schedules are integral to a well managed Park system.

A significant ongoing contribution is made by Ms. Llanos in this regard, for failure of the irrigation system and the automated clock could cost Ryland and other parks; significant revenue to replace turf, add to water usage and dissuade the public that the PRNS does not participate in the "Green Vision" policy.

Although the extent of the contribution of Ms. Llanos to service within PRNS is unknown to me; her contribution to the maintenance of irrigation system components add to the well-being and prudent environmental service to our community, via Ryland Park, is well demonstrated and worthy of transmittal.

Please take the necessary administrative actions to convey to Ms. Llanos, my thanks for a job continuously well-done.

Respectfully submitted,

Cc: City Attorney / Parks and Recreation Commissioners / City Manager Director of PRNS / Director Human Resources / Director Employee Relations David S. Wall PUBLIC RECORD

December 11, 2008

Mayor Reed and Members San Jos6 City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San Jos6, California 95113-1905

Re: THE GHETTO LIFE: UPDATE ON THE SCEP - A double take this week.

On Monday, (12.08.2008) approximately 11043 hours, I ventured over to North Tenth Street @ Horning Street to "take the pulse" of the SCEP (Shopping Cart Entitlement Program). I arrived on station and found eight (8) stolen and abandoned shopping carts. A 60% increase of theft of shopping carts from last week is hereby recorded. How can this be? So, I repeated the aforementioned procedure on Wednesday (12.10.2008) at approximately 1239 hours and found eighteen (18) stolen and abandoned shopping carts. This translates into an 80% increase of theft of shopping carts from Monday. Cumulative, a 140% increase of theft of shopping carts from last week is hereby recorded. For those that argue that I may be counting carts that were there on Monday, well, it could be, I only make the accurate and truthful count at the time I am on station. Stolen and abandoned shopping carts are a commodity within the general community of thieves. Obviously, the total of number of stolen and abandoned shopping carts changes, especially with the cart retrieval operators influence to the count. What is al! too common is that this theft crime of property of another, at great cost to society, is not brought into submission by the recalcitrant San Jos6 City Council, past and present, who apparently believe that everyone is entitled to as many shopping carts the individual(s) wants to steal.

The enormous pile of fly strewn garbage reported last week has mysteriously disappeared. Perhaps Nuns from the local convent spirited the garbage away. A new, small but growing pile of fly strewn garbage is now observed spilling onto the public walk way and street.

The breakdown of ownership of the stolen and abandoned shopping carts is as follows; Costco (3), Target (3), DaI Thanh Supermarket (3), Mi Pueblo (3), Safeway (2), Un-marked (2), Ralph’s (2)*, Walgreen’s (2)*, Home Depot (1), Grocery Outlet (1), Trader Joe’s (1), PetsMart (1), FoodMaxx (t), and Wal-Mart (t). (* could be double counted from Monday, but who knows for sure?) ***special note*** the overall cleanliness of Shopping carts in stores should be addressed by some government agency. Unsuspecting customers may use excrement coated shopping carts without knowledge.

For a variation of a "well-ness program", walk the railroad tracks along side of 435 West Hedding Street @ North 10th Street, past Horning Street by an additional 50-80 yards and view the "shanty towns" that are commonly called "homeless encampments". The concentration of filth is exceeded only by the chronic despair of the people who are reduced to this level of existence. The level of suffering and filth violates the standards set forth by an advanced society, but let us not forget, San Jos6 is the Regional Ghetto for Santa Clara County. So, this is expected as the norm. One such residence is characterized by at least fifty (50) or more, plastic grocery bags tied to a chain link fence. The plastic grocery bags contain all sorts of matter; rotting food, socks, trash and much more. Maybe this is "Public Art"? I did discover an apparent hive of wild honey bees along the railroad tracks. They were peaceful, little bees going about their business. The hive location is at the base of a telephone pole near Steve’s hooch. Respectfully submitted

Co: City Attorney / Auditor / City Manager / Chief of Police PUBLIC RECORD David S. Wall

December 16, 2008 ~SDECIb P I: IS

Mayor Reed and Members San Jos~ City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San Jos~, California 95113-1905

Re: THE GHETTO LIFE: UPDATE ON THE SCEP

On Monday, (12.15.2008) approximately 1122 hours, I ventured over to North Tenth Street @Horning Street to "take the pulse" of the SCEP (Shopping Cart Entitlement Program). I arrived on station and found twelve (12) stolen and abandoned shopping carts. A 50% increase of theft of shopping carts from last Monday is hereby recorded.

A small but steadily growingpile offly strewn garbage is observed spilling onto the public walk way and street.

The breakdown of ownership of the stolen and abandoned shopping carts is asJbllows;

DaI Yhanh Supermarket (2), Costco (1), Mi Pueblo (1), Un-marked (1), Ralph’s (1)*, Home Depot (1), OSH (1), Zanotto’s (1), Toys "R" Us (1), FoodMaxx (1), and Longs Drugs (1),

(* could be have been counted and left from last Monday, but who knows for sure?)

***special note*** the overall cleanliness of Shopping carts in stores should be addressed by some government agency. Unsuspecting customers may use excrement coated shopping carts without knowledge.

Welfare Check of Shanty Town Residents undertaken.

A "welfare cheek" to establish the status of the occupants of the Shanty town along the railroad tracks proceeding northbound (for approximately 60-80 yards) from North Tenth Street @ Horning Street was initiated and carried out.

A total of four "hooch’s" were examined to establish the welfare of the inhabitants. A distinct, "Hello, is any body home?" combined with, "Is everyone O.K.?" Was announced with the appropriate degree of tonal modulation. There was "No response" at each locale.

To my surprise, there was no one present at any location. The shanty town was at this time a ghost town.

I had to curtail further investigative activity into the welfare of the sprawling shanty town complex for a train, blowing its mournful horn ofwm~ing was upon me. I skedaddled to safety without incident.

There were no interviews this week.

Respectfully submitted

Co: City Attorney / Auditor / Ci~ Manager / Chief of Police PUBLIC RECORD

CITY OF ~ SANJOSE Memorandum CAPITAL OF SILICON VALLEY

TO: Lee Price FROM: Julia H. Cooper City Clerk

SUBJECT: Public Record DATE: December 11, 2008 Director’s TEFRA Public Hearing

Attached are Certificates No. 2008-5, No. 2008-6, and No. 2008-7, Meeting Report, sign-in sheet, agenda packet, City Council memo from ItousingDepartment and Notice of Public Hearing for the Director’s TEFRA Public Hearing of December 9, 2008, as requested by City of San Josd as Issuer. The hearing was published and the agenda was posted as required by law.

Please file as part of the public record. If you have any questions, please call Peter Detlefs at extension 57015.

Attachments cc: Patricia Deignan, City Attorney’s Office Certificate No. 2008-5 of the. MAYOR

The undersigned, Chuck Reed, Mayor of the City of San Jos6 (the "City"),.hereby certifies as follows:

1 .. I am the Mayor of the City, duly etected by the people of the City.

2: Pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), I am the chief elected executive officer of the City, and, as such, I am the "applicable elected representative’" of the City authorized to approve the issuance of bonds by or on behalf of the City.

3. The City proposes to issuean aggregate principa! anaount not to exceed $33,000,000 of its revenue bonds, designated as the City of San Jos6 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (First and Rosemary Family Apartments Project) (the "’Bonds"), to finance the costs of the acquisition and construction by First and Rosemary Famlily Housing L.P., a California Limited Partnership ofa 184-unit housing project to be located at 1290 North First Street in the City of San Jos6 (the "Project"). 4. The City caused tobe published on November 21, 2008 in the San Jose Mercury News, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, a notice of a public hearing to be held at San Jos6 City Hall on December 9, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. concerning the issuance of the Bonds, all in accordance With the requirements of Section i47(f) of the C6de.

5. On December 9, 2008, the Deputy Director of Finance, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 5.06.430, held a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code at which hearing interested persons were given an opportunity to express their views for or against the issuance of the Bonds and on the nature and location of the Project. 6. I have been provided withsummaries of the hearings and information concerning the Project and the Bonds. 7. Pursuant tooecL~ul~ ~-,,~,) of the Code, I hereby approve the issuance of an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $33,000,000 of the Bonds by the City. ¯ 8. This action is taken expressly for purposes of Section 147(f) of the Code and nothing contained herein shall be construed to signify that the Project complies with the planning, zoning, subdivision and building laws and ordinances applicable thereto or to suggest that the City or any officer or agent of theCity will grant any such approval, consent or permit that may be required in connection with the Project~ or that the.City will make any expenditures, incur any indebtedness or proceed with the financing of the Project. Executed this t~_~_"day of D-ecember, 2008. , CHUCK REED Mayor of the City of San Josd 179711 Certificate No. 2008-6 of the MAYOR

The undersigned, Chuck Reed, Mayor of the City of San Joss (the "City"), hereby certifies as follows:

1. I am the M’ayor of the C{ty, duly elected by the people of the City.

.2. Pursuant to Section 147(f) of the.Internal Revenue Code of I986 (the "Code"), I am the chief elected executive officer of the City, and, as such, I.am the "applicable elected representative" of the City authorized to approve the issuance of bonds by or on behalf of the City.

3. The City proposes to issue an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,500,000 of its revenue bonds, designated as the City of San Joss Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (First and Rosemary Senior Apartments Project) (the "Bonds"), to finance the costs of the acquisition and construction by First and Rosemary Senior Housing L.P., a California Limited Partnership .of a 106-unit housing project to be located at 1290 North First Street in the City of San Joss (the "Project").

4. The City caused to be published on November 21, 2008 in the San Jose Mercury News, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, a notice of a public hearing to be held at San Joss City Hall on-December 9, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. concerning the issuance of the Bonds, all in accordance with the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code.

5. On December 9, 2008, theDeputy Director of Finance, pursuant to MUnicipal Code Section 5.06.430, held a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code at whi.ch hearing interested persons were given an opportunity to express their views for or against the issuance of the Bonds and on the nature and location of the Project. 6. I have been provided with summaries of the hearings and information concerning the Project and the Bonds. ~ ~t~/of the Code, I hereby approve hhe issuance of an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,500,000 of the Bonds by the City.

8. This action is taken expressly for purposes of Section 147(f) of the Code and nothing contained herein shall be construed to signify that the Project complies with the planning~ zoning, subdivision and building laws and ordinances applicable thereto or to suggest that the City or any officer or agent of the City wilt grant any such approval, consent or permit that may be required in connection with the Project, or that the City will make any expenditures, incur any indebtedness or proceed with the financing of the Project. Executed this ~_~ day of December,2008.

CHUCK REED Mayor of the City of San Joss 179711 Certificate No. 2008-7 of the MAYOR

The undersigned, Chuck Reed, Mayor of the City of San Jos6 (the "City"), hereby certifies as follows:

1. I am the Mayor of the City, duly elected by the people of the City.

2. Pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), I am the chief elected executive officer of the City, and, as such, I am the "applicable elected representative" of the City authorized to approve the issuance of bonds by or on behalf of the City.

3. The City proposes to issue an aggregate principal mnount not to exceed $16,500,000 of its revenue bonds, designated as the City of San Jos6 Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Orvieto Family Apartments Project) (the "Bonds"), to finance the costs of the acquisition and construction by Montecito Vista Urban Village, LLC, a California Limited Liability Corporation of a 92-unit housing project to be located at the Southwest corner of Mdntecito Vista Dr. and Montecito Vista Way in the City of San Jos6 (the "Project").

4. The City caused to be published on November 21, 2008 in the San Jose Mercury News, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, a notice of a public hearing to be held at San Jos6 City Hall on December 9, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. concerning the issuance of the Bonds, all in accordance with the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Code.

6. I have been provided with summaries of the hearings and information concerning the Project and the Bonds. ¯ 7. Pursuant to Section 1A,,~l~/k~) _~,~.~ ux u,c Code, r¯ ~.___~... t~c~cuy approve the 1ssugunce of gun aggregate principal amount not to exceed $16,500,000 of the Bonds by the City. 8. This action is taken expressly for purposes of Section 147(f) of the Code and nothing contained herein shall be construed to signify that the Project complies with the planning, zoning, subdivision and building laws and ordinances applicable thereto or to suggest that the City or any officer or agent of the City will grant any such approval, consent or permit that may be required in connection with the Project, or that the City will make any expenditures, incur any indebtedness or proceed with the financing of the Project. Executed this/~Cday ofDecember, 2008.

CHUCK REED Mayor of the City of San Jos6 179711 M O RE LAN D SCHOOL DISTRICT GLEN I SHIWATA O~ALITY EDUCATION SINCE 1851 SUPERINTENDENT

PUBLIC RECORDt

December 16, 2008

City of San Jose City Clerk, Lee Price 200 East Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95113

I am attaching a copy of Resolution 34-2008/2009 in Support of the City of San Jose’s Crossing Guard Program and the use of Volunteers to Supplement the Program. This resolution was past by the Moreland School District Board of Trustees at the December 9, 2008 meeting. Please process this resolution for US.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Sonnie Faser Office Manager

BOARD OF TRUSTEES LORI BOOROOJIAN " JIM MACFARLANE ’ HEATHER SUTTON ’ ROBERT VARICH " KAREN WHIPPLE

4711 CAMPBELL AVENUE " SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA ¯ 95130-1790 (408) 874-2901 ’ FAX (408) 374-8863 ’ [email protected] MORELAND SCHOOL DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NUMBER 34-2008/2009

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF T,HE CITY OF SAN JOSE’S CROSSING GUARD PROGRAM AND THE USE OF VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPLEMENT THE PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the Moreland School District Board of Trustees strongly support the City of San Jose Crossing Guard Program and the use of volunteers to supplement the program:

WHEREAS, the Moreland School District Board of Trustees believes strongly in the need to provide safe passage for students on their way to school:

WHEREAS, budget constraints put the Crossing Guard program at risk:

WHEREAS, the use of city trained volunteers can help the Crossing Guard program continue in this time of economic problems:

BE IT RESOLVED that Moreland Schdol District and the Board of Trustees support the continuation of the Crossing Guard program and the use of city trained volunteers to supplement the program.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Governing Board of the Moreland School District this 9th day of December, 2008, by the following vote:

AYES: 3

NOES: 0

ABSENT: 2

ABSTAIN: 0

/ Jim Mac~rla~’ pRr°ebse’~eVn~he Governing Boar~.. Acti~n/g/Olert~df the Governing Board PUBLIC David S. Wall

December 19, 2008 The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger Governor of California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Are Redevelopment Agencies a variant of a Ponzi scheme?

The definition of a Ponzi scheme, from "Webster’s New Explorer Encyclopedic Dictionary" (2006 edition, page 1421) is as follows: "An investment swindle in which some early investors are paid offwith money put up by later ones to encourage more and higher risks."

In my opinion, Redevelopment Agencies within the State of California are so poorly regulated and in need of reform that the tax payers routinely get swindled. Redevelopment projects are based on illusory promises of "profitable returns" to the taxpayers. The time period pertaining to the illusory promise can take decades, if ever, to reach fruition. By then, the politicians, developers, and other highly compensated administrative officials have long since "cashed in", taken theft" money and have disappeared from sight. Whether or not the original illusory promise "benefits" the taxpayers is not certain since the immediate and continued loss of revenue that redevelopment projects siphons offthe budget for Public Schools creates and sustains such a detriment to the taxpayers "the alleged benefits of an illusory promise are also illusory if not a net loss". For example, in San Jos6; Municipal politicians, Redevelopment Agency staff, Municipal staff (i. e. Office of the City Manager, Planning Building and Code Enforcement, Housing Department, Office of Economic Development) are all interlinked with the Redevelopment Agency. Some of the aforementioned entities are even more "interlinked" than usual due to being married. A true "family" relationship or "joint venture" is a matter of record. Others like their big paychecks.

Here is at least one redevelopment project which deserves scrutiny. Published in the San Jos6 Mercury News (Wednesday, 12.10.2008, The Valley section), "Council OKs millionsJbr San Pedro Square- Project Improves Properties HeM by Ex-Mayor’s Family".

"A former Mayor, who owns downtown property, wants the City Council to "blight the prope~y" surrounding his so that Redevelopment money could be used to better his property under the guise "it would be good for the City’"’. This was contained in a letter I wrote dated September 4, 2008.

Do redevelopment projects constitute a variant of a Ponzi scheme?

Now, I am not inferring, implying or suggesting any wrong doing by anyone. What I am suggesting, if the City of San Jos6 has so much money to do this, why not seize ALL Redevelopment Money within San Jos~ to fund Public Schools? Respectfully submitted, Co: Mayor and Council-City of San Jos~ / Don Perata / Karen Bass / David Cogdill Michael Villines / Elaine Alquist / Ellen Corbett / Abel Maldonado / Joe Simitian Jim Beal, Jr. / Anna Caballero / Joe Coto / John Laird / Sally Lieber / Ira Ruskin Alberto Torrico / Michael Genest / Darrell Steinberg PUBLIC David S. Wall

December 19, 2008 Mayor Reed and Members San Joss City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San JosS, California 95113-1905

Re: Budget Deficit Reduction Strategy: Eliminate position of Housing Director

Housing Department Administration is expendable

Housing Department should be consolidated with General Services

General Services Director: An Excellent Administrator & Public Servant

While watching the a local news broadcast (KRON) I was shocked too see the Housing Department Director for San JosS, in what appeared to be an interview recorded within a Housing Depat"~ment office, advocating the need for "construction jobs" to build houses.

This is a conflict of interest statement that underscores the overall unimportance of the Housing Department administration.

Why did not the Housing Department Director utilize this opportunity to advocate resignation and the downsizing of the bloated Housing Department administration?

Building more houses; that require services the City cannot afford to provide, that people cannot afford to buy or pay rent, in a market glutted with uninhabited properties are these concepts beyond the grasp of this substandard administrator?

At what point are YOU going to grapple with fiscal reality? At what point are YOU going to make the necessary consolidations of services?

Reorganize what is mandated by law of the Housing Department and place said remains under the command and control of the Director of General Services. This will insure prudent operational control, fiscal integrity and timely delivery of housing services.

What is not mandated by law of the Housing Department does not merit budgetary or any other measurable consideration.

Respectfully submitted,

Cc: City Attorney / Auditor / City Manager / Director General Services David S. Wall PUBLIC RECOR1)____~_

December 22, 2008

Mayor Reed and Members San Jos6 City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San Jos~, California 95113-1905

Re: THE GHETTO LIFE: UPDATE ON THE SCEP

On Monday, (12.22.2008) approximately 0956 hours, I ventured over to N~h @ Homing Street to take the pulse of the SCEP (Shopping Ca~ Entitlement Program). station and found thi~een (13) stolen and abandoned shopping ca~s. dn 8% increase of the~of shopping carts ~om last Monday is ~ereby recorde~

A growingpile of garbage (a little over one cubic yard) is observed some of which has spilled onto the public walk way and street. Most is" shoved unto railroad property.

Some of the stolen and abandoned shopping carts have the following statement written on a plastic placard that is traditionally used as a "seat" for small children: "Unauthorized removal from premises or unauthorized possession of this shopping cart is a violation of state law (B&P Code 22435) and removal must be by written permission of store management. If this cart is found off store premises Call Toll free 800-252-4613 for Cart Pick-up." I called the number listed. A recorded message is given. I left my; name, date, time and phone number with a request to call me for further information.

The breakdown of ownership of the stolen and abandoned shopping carts is as fbllows;

Un-marked (5), Costco (1), Mi Pueblo (1), Ralph’s (1)*, World Market (1), OSH (1), Zanotto’s (1), Payless (1), and Target (1).

(* could be have been counted and left from last Monday, but who knows for sure?) ***special note*** the overall cleanliness of Shopping carts in stores should be addressed by some government agency. Unsuspecting customers may use excrement coated shopping carts without knowledge.

Welfare Check of Shanty Town Residents undertaken.

A "welfare check" to establish the status of the occupants of the Shanty town along the railroad tracks proceeding northbound (for approximately 60-80 yards) from North Tenth Street @Horning Street was initiated and carried out. There were interviews this week. Ruben, Hector and Ramirez were sitting on 5-gallon plastic buckets, in a circle, sharing a quart bottle of malt liquor. In this "drunk in public sanctuary of District 3" these fine gentlemen were all in good "spirits". I asked them if they had eaten today and Hector, spokesman of the group, said they would eat later at the "Mission". Hector asked for "a few of bucks" for the group. I accommodated Hector’s request.

I flagged down a railroad crew in a truck configured so the truck could travel on the rails to make inquires of whether there were additional "shanty towns". There are several. I will investigate. I went over to "Steve’s hooch". Steve is sick today with a severe cold. He thanked me for checking in on him. Respectfully submitted,

Cc: City Attorney / Auditor / City Manager / Chief of Police David S. Wall

December 22, 2008

Mayor Reed and Members San Jos~ City Council 200 East Santa Clara Street San Jos~, California 95113-1905

Re: Revenue Enhancement: Enterprise Fund Creation: Fire Department: Learn Not to Burn

The following idea is to create an "enterprise fund" for Fire Prevention, Building Inspectors and other City Departments yet to be ascertained as justified.

All electrical panels; residential and commercial applications have a specific "operational life". I purpose that a "definition of operational life of electrical panels" be defmed by Municipal statute.

This will insure standardization of electrical panels throughout the City that will result in; Fire Prevention, energy savings, an avenue for funding certain City operations as well as providing a steady source of jobs for the electrical and related building trades.

Obviously, such a program will require property owners to replace the electrical panels on their homes, businesses and other structures as defined by statute. This will program will require a "fee" to be assessed, collected and deposited into an "enterprise fund" administrated by the City.

Enterprise fund construct should include contributions from; Director of General Services, Building Inspectors, Fire Prevention, Finance, and others recommended as justified.

A database will be required to be linked to the County Assessors Office.

Prior to Mayor and Council, the enterprise fund construct should have final administrative approval from the Office of the City Auditor.

The construct of this enterprise fund, if done correctly, will ensure financial stability In perpetuity for defined aspects of Fire Prevention, Building Inspectors and related City operations as justified.

Respectfidly submitted,

Cc: City Attorney / Auditor / City Manager / Director General Services Fire Chief / Assistant Fire Marshal Tortes / Mr. Jeff Welch / Director Horwedel