News of interest to the Burbank Community
CalTrans Holds Second Hearing on I280/I880 Project
Winchester exit dropped from I280/I880 Project
Caltrans and VTA held the second Public Hearing on the I280/I880/Stevens Creek project on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at the Castlemeont Elementary School. At this meeting, Caltrans announced its decision to eliminate the proposed new off-ramp from northbound I-280 to Winchester Boulevard (and related improvements) from the project. The decision was based on the following:
There was significant opposition from the public and nearby property owners to the 5-Legged Intersection Design Option, one of the two design options being considered, because it would change local traffic circulation patterns and access in the vicinity of Tisch Way and Winchester Boulevard.
For the second design option, known as the "Hook Ramp Design Option,” Caltrans concluded that the required exceptions to the standard highway design criteria could not be approved at this location.
Caltrans also announced that the height of the Direct Connector (fly-over ramp) from NB 280 to NB 880 will be reduced in height from 33 feet to 20 feet, thus reducing the visual impact on Bradley Manor residents.
A Revised and Recirculated Draft EIR/EA was presented at the meeting by Caltrans. A slide presentation showed the features of the newly revised project. The public has until May 18, 2011, to submit comments to the new EIR/EA. Comments to the previous draft (due in January) are no longer valid: you must submit a new comment for your opinion to be considered. Note: the official comment period for the revised Draft ended on May 18, 2011.
You can view the Revised Draft EIR/EA at the Rose Garden Branch Library, 1580 Naglee Avenue, or at the VTA offices at 3331 N. First Street, Bldg. B Lobby.
The Draft EIR/EA is also available online at:
www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/envdocs.htm#santaclara
Or request a copy by calling (408) 321-5789.
For project documents, go to the CalTrans District 4 website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/280880stevenscreek/
Or go to the VTA's Project website:
I280/I880/Stevens Creek Boulevard Improvement Project
There was a May 18, 2011 deadline for written comments on the EIR/EA:
Sheryl M. Garcia
California Department of Transportation
111 Grand Avenue
Oakland, California 94612
Fax: (510) 286-5600
Email: 880_280_StevensCreek_EIR_EA_Comments@dot.ca.gov
For additional information, call (510) 286-5705 or (408) 321-5789
The BCA responded to the original CalTrans/VTA proposal.
Read a summary of our Comments and Response here.
Read a summary of the December 8, 2010 public hearing
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Get Notified of County Emergencies by Phone, Email, or SMS Text
AlertSCC is a free, easy, and confidential way for anyone who lives or works in Santa Clara County to get emergency warnings sent directly to their cell phone, mobile device, email, or landline. AlertSCC can reach you wherever you are to provide information and instructions in a variety of emergency situations, which may include:
- Flooding, wildfires and subsequent evacuations
- Public safety incidents, including crimes, that immediately affect your neighborhood
- Post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies
Sign up at http://www.alertscc.com/index.html
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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The Commission researches, assesses, and evaluates issues, legislation, services, and programs that promote independence, good health, and quality of life for persons 60 and over. Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and act in an advisory capacity. Supervisor Ken Yeager has announced that the County is currently seeking volunteers to serve on its Senior Care Commission.
Currently, the County is seeking a senior citizen age 60 or older. The appointee will fill the remainder of a three year term that expires on June 30, 2013. Senior Care Commission meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the County Government Center, 70 West Hedding St.
If you are interested in being appointed to the Commission, please contact Supervisor Ken Yeager's Board Aide, Hong Cao. She can be reached at 299-5040, or email hong.cao@bos.sccgov.org.
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Water Main to Be Replaced on Bradley Ave, Los Coches, and Elliott
San Jose Water Company announces water main replacement in Burbank:
Some areas to be affected.
 The contractor for San Jose Water Company, Lewis & Tibbitts, will be installing 1,820 feet of new ductile iron cement coated pipe on Bradley Ave. from Scott St. to Stevens Creek Blvd., Los Coches Ave. from Bradley Ave. to Patton Ave, and Elliott St. from Bradley Ave. to Flagg Ave.
All trenches will be backfilled every day and a final asphalt layer will be installed at the completion of the project. The project is scheduled to start on February 4th and be completed by March 7th, 2011.
Parking restriction hour will be from 7:45am to 5:00pm Mon-Fri. The contractor will allow parking in areas that they will not be working . There are four stages of work. Sawcutting will start Feb 2nd, trench excavation on Feb 4th.
The contractor will notify the homeowners of all service interruptions which will happen when the metered service is transferred from the existing main to the new main and when the final tie ins to the mains on Stevens Creek Blvd., Scott St., Los Coches Ave., and Flagg Ave. occur. The notifications will be in the form of door hangers and will be distributed forty eight hours in advance of the shutdown.
Contact Information:
The San Jose Water Company contact for this project will be Construction Coordinator, Patti McCloud, at 408-279-7825. The contact for Lewis & Tibbitts is Jimmy Rinauro at 408-210-1430.
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Scores Attend Public Hearing on I280/I880 Interchange Project
More than 100 people braved a rainy Tuesday evening, December 8, 2010, to attend and speak at a public hearing on the I280/I880/Stevens Creek Interchange Project. The hearing was organized by the project sponsors, the California Dept of Transportation ("CalTrans"), the Valley Transportation Authority ("VTA") and the City of San Jose.
The Public Hearing was an opportunity for Burbank residents to raise their concerns about the impact this project will have on quality of life issues – traffic, noise, air pollution, pedestrian access and pedestrian safety.
Following the official presentation by the Project sponsors, many members of the community exercised their right to comment on the Project sponsors' slide presentation and on the draft EIR. Many used their two minutes to call attention to still unfullfilled promises to abate noise and provide better pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Over twenty people came to the podium to address the Project sponsors and fellow attendees. Many speakers were concerned with freeway noise, and noted the lack of sound walls promised for past interchange rebuilds. These speakers greatly favored the installation of the sound walls described in the draft EIR. CalTrans wants to build a sound wall ("Wall 1") West of I880 first. This could have the effect of reflecting the noise into the Bradley Manor portion of the Burbank Community. Wall 2, along the east side of I880 might, if built, reduce the noise for some of Bradley Manor residents.
Several people, including two members of the Board of the Burbank Community Association, expressed their concerns for pedestrian access and safety. They expressed a strong desire for a safe, dedicated, and signalized path for pedestrians along Stevens Creek and across the I880 freeway. Two members of the Silicon Valley Bicycle coalition expressed their concerns for a safe and dedicated bicycle path along this route.
Another category of concern was the prosposal to turn Tisch Way into a one way street. Several residents of the area expressed concern that access to their homes would be much more difficult if this were to happen. Several people expressed fears about the negative effects on the Fire Station near the intersection of Tisch and Monroe.
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Supervisor Yeager Wants County to Consider Tree Removal Process
San Jose, Santa Clara, and other cities in the County require a permit or hearing before removing trees of a certain size. Should the County impose a permit requirement? If so, what should be the scope of such an ordinance?
A casual observation shows that wealthier areas of the County have large, mature trees and a healthy forest canopy. Besides their visual appeal, trees can improve air quality and help to lower temperatures resulting from the urban-island heat effect. Tree planting in the Burbank district has been limited by lack of park strips and the lack of planned development at the end of WWII when much of Burbank was built. Should we do more to preserve our existing trees, and perhaps even increase our forest canopy?
Supervisor Ken Yeager writes:
"The County currently does not require a permit to remove most trees in the unincorporated parts of the Burbank and Cambrian neighborhoods. I would appreciate your thoughts on this situation as I contemplate new protections for these trees. Any new regulations would apply only in the unincorporated areas.
 "Despite the County's current lack of regulations governing tree removal, the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, and Campbell have different ways of dealing with the removal of trees.
"Currently, in the City of San Jose, a Tree Removal Permit is required for the removal of any tree on private property with a trunk circumference (measured two feet above grade) of 56 inches or greater. If the tree is dead, there is no fee for the permit. However, if the tree is living, then a public hearing is required and a fee will be assessed. For multi-family residences and commercial and industrial properties, certain types of permits are required depending on the tree size.
"The City of Campbell may remove any tree that is deemed a public nuisance without any review. If there is a request for a tree to be removed, a notice will be placed by the tree ten days prior and given to owners of any properties touching the tree. If the removal of a tree is determined by the Parks and Recreation Commission, then no expenses will be directed to local property owners. If the tree is in good condition and the request is by the property owners, then they will be charged fully.
"The City of Santa Clara does not allow the removal of any tree, plant, or shrub in the public streets or places without a written permit from the superintendent of streets. On private property, no tree may be removed without a permit if the trunk has a circumference of 37.7 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. (Measurement may also be taken immediately below the lowest branch, whichever is lower.)
"I would like to know what you think regarding potential regulation by the County of tree removals in the unincorporated areas. Should the County keep it the way things are? Should the County establish certain rules to remove trees or save more historic trees? Should a permit be required to remove trees? Any other suggestions to perhaps make the process more or less restrictive are welcome.
"If you have any thoughts on this issue, I would love to hear from you. I encourage you to contact Hong Cao of my staff at hong.cao@bos.sccgov.org or (408) 299-5040. "
Webmaster's note: The County has a Tree Preservation Ordinance that requires a permit for tree removal in certain areas of the County and for certain trees. However, the ordinance doesn't cover most of the County and does not apply to the Burbank and Cambrian neighborhoods. You can read the Planning Department's description of the existing Tree Removal Ordinance by clicking this link. Note also that Supervisor Yeager's proposed ordinance does not discuss tree topping, a procedure that can cause great damage to trees and ultimately result in tree death.
Walking Tour of San Jose's Trees October 30 — Learn about Trees!
Our City Forest will conduct a walking tour of trees in St. James Park (First & St. John St., across from the Post Office) on Saturday October 30, from 2 – 4 PM.
With an OCF arborist as your guide, you'll learn about our city's beautiful trees and view some gorgeous fall color! **Halloween Costumes encouraged!**
RSVP to agrebner@ourcityforest.org or call (408) 99-TREES x105.
For more information, visit www.ourcityforest.org
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County Considers Tobacco Regulations for County Pockets — July 8 - 15
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is considering a set of comprehensive tobacco prevention ordinances for unincorporated areas of the county to decrease smoking prevalence, prevent youth access to tobacco products, and decrease exposure to second-hand smoke. They seek input from residents and businesses that would be affected by the proposals. Please consider attending one of the community meetings to learn more and to present your thoughts. The following topics will be considered:
- Density of tobacco retailers, particularly around schools
- Requirements for annual tobacco retail licenses
- Quantity and placement of outdoor advertising
- Exposure to second-hand smoke in multi-unit residences and places of employment
Feel free to attend any of these community meetings:
(San Jose Meeting)
July 15, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, Cupertino Room B
1400 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
(North County Meeting)
July 8 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Mountain View Community Center Auditorium
201 S. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View, CA 94040
(South County Meeting)
July 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, El Toro Banquet Room
17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
To read the text of the proposed additions to the county's ordinance, download the PDF announcement authored by Supervisor Ken Yeager.
If you cannot make it to any of these meetings and have any questions or comments about these proposals, contact Nicole Coxe at (408) 793-2745 or Nicole.Coxe@phd.sccgov.org. The proposed ordinances will be considered by the Board of Supervisors Health and Hospital Committee on August 11 and will be taken up by the full Board at a later date.
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"Smart Meters" come to Burbank: Check your PG&E bill for increased usage!
Have you checked your PG&E bill recently? You may see an increase in electric usage, which will result in a higher bill.
SmartMeters have come to Burbank. Starting in March, PG&E removed the analog (dial) electric meters for many residents and replaced them with the new digital "SmartMeters." The SmartMeter program has received much criticism in the media, and generated many complaints to the California Public Utilities Commission for inaccurate reporting of gas and electric usage.
Check your recent PG&E electric bill. If you had a SmartMeter installed on that billing period, you will see two lines for your Electric Usage Detail. The line that has a starting value of zero is the measurement of electric consumption for the SmartMeter. The other line will have a starting and ending value of four digits and represents the electric consumption measured by your old analog meter.
Here's how to compare the usage. Divide the usage (Kwh) for each meter by the number of days being measured. The result is your average daily consumption. For example, if you received your SmartMeter on March 29, and the billing period ended on April 7, then you had approximately 6.5 days worth of electricity consumption that was measured by the SmartMeter. In our example the usage on the SmartMeter was 65 Kwh (Kwh = killowat- hours, a unit of energy). Divide 65 Kwh by 6.5 days and you see that your electricity consumption for the period measured by the SmartMeter is 10 Kwh/day. Now do the same for the period measured by your old analog meter: divide the total use by the number of days it measured your power. In our example, the old meter recorded 163 Kwh for 25.5 days. Thus, the average daily consumption was 6.4 Kwh per day as measured by the old meter. The SmartMeter, therefore, recorded a 56% increase in energy consumption for the period that it was in use. This example uses actual billing numbers for a Burbank resident.
What to do if you think you have been overcharged? Contact the following public agencies, government officials, ratepayer organizations and media outlets,
SmartMeters in the News — billing problems, health and safety issues:
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Check your utility bills for new San Jose City Taxes!
Have you checked your utility bills recently?
San Jose recently added two new taxes to City residents' utility bills. These taxes may be erroneously being collected from Burbank county-pocket residents on the basis of our Postal Zip code.
The two taxes that appeared on some residents' phone bills are described on their bills as
San Jose Telephone Line Tax and
City Utility Users Tax
If you are seeing these taxes, you should contact the following individual in the City of San Jose. He will contact the utility and say that you are exempt from these taxes because you are not a city resident. The taxes are possibly being applied on the basis of zip code, and not on political boundaries within the zip code. Contact Mr Dat Vu if you are seeing these taxes on your phone or other utility bills and include a copy of your bill.
- Dat Vu
- City of San Jose
- Finance Department
- 200 East Santa Clara Street
- San Jose, CA 95113
- Phone: 408.535.7006
- Fax: 408.292.6488
- email: dat.vu@sanjoseca.gov
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