The Loma Prietan
January/February 2004
Smart Growth Walk with Cindy Chavez
Join Chapter leader Sparky Harlan and City Council member Cindy Chavez for an afternoon walk in downtown San Jose on Saturday, January 10.
Cindy will show how smart growth blends the historic ambiance of this neighborhood in her district with revitalization of the downtown business district.
Meet in the County parking lot at the corner of Hedding and First Streets at 1 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes and plan to walk 3 to 5 miles (no elevation change) over the next 1-1/2 hours. The day will wrap up with an optional 30 minutes of questions and light refreshments at Sparky's home, six blocks from the starting point.
Smart growth has become a hot topic recently as government faces renewal challenges in city centers, environmental groups like the Sierra Club seek to rein in sprawl, and citizens try to find affordable and good quality living situations without becoming trapped in their automobiles.
San Jose is expected to become the 10th largest city in the nation in 2004. Before it becomes another Los Angeles, its leaders are looking for more compact (denser) downtown plans which support transit, bicycle, and pedestrian travel; include both retail and residential elements; and appeal to a range of income levels.
Cindy and Sparky will provide a glimpse of what may be in store for San Jose. Join them, and offer your thoughts to one of the people who will be making decisions. This event is sponsored by Loma Prieta Sierra Singles, but is open to everyone. Rain cancels; if in doubt or you have questions, phone 408/971-6445 Saturday morning or e-mail chispax@yahoo.com (change * to @).
For those interested in becoming more involved, the Chapter's Sustainable Land Use Committee is always looking for new members. Contact Irvin Dawid at 650/853-0558 or irvindawid*hotmail.com (change * to @) for more information.