The Campbell Reporter

Cover Story

2007 Year in Review

The buzzword in Campbell this year was mixed use

As we bid adieu to 2007, we can look back and say it was the year of planned development, redevelopment, proposed developments and master plans throughout the Orchard City.

We had a number of major projects that were completed in our city. The Park Town Place condominiums adjacent to our city's symbolic Campbell Water Tower sold out quickly. The mixed-use project across from Sonoma Chicken became home to Aqui's, Quinzos and Classico Gelato, turning the quiet east side of historic downtown into a bustling hub.

We have projects going up everywhere in Campbell. Salmar Avenue has townhomes being constructed where the street curves. The former Fung Lum restaurant, now known as the Onyx project, is nearing completion. Soon a Chipotle, coffeehouse and condominiums will be ready for occupancy. We have another large 123-unit residential project in the works just south on Bascom and a Pet Express going in where Tower Records stood for decades.

We have an East Campbell Avenue Master Plan in play that will connect the downtown to the PruneYard and city officials are working on a South Winchester Boulevard Master Plan to tie in another Campbell gateway.

And speaking of Winchester Boulevard, Merrill Gardens at Campbell--a senior living facility that includes dementia care--will be built on the old Winchester Hardware site. Immediately to the south the former A & W hangout is also being redeveloped. Everything that was old is becoming new in Campbell.

We did manage to save one section of our community, thanks to the generosity of Stojanovich family. Anna Stojanovich agreed to sell her remaining 1.32 acres of land on Union Avenue to the city for a new public park.

The property, now bordered by apartments and condominiums, has never been developed. Her father-in-law, Bozo Stojanovich, bought the lot in 1934 for drying and dehydrating apricots and prunes from his orchards and the orchards of other farmers in the area. Following along that theme of historical preservation the city is also exploring the possibility of creating a heritage orchard, in honor of it being known as the Orchard City.

With 2008 shaping up to be another year of changes, it will be interesting to see what's in store. The city is definitely at a crossroads as it continues to push forward with its master plans and projects while trying to preserve its small-town character.

--Moryt Milo, editor

January

Asiatic Treasures, an antique shop, moved into the former location of the Kensington Art Center on E. Campbell Avenue into historic downtown. The store sells Tibetan and Mongolian antique furniture, art, crystals and knick-knacks from China. Owner Ernest Pino leased the 4,800-square-foot space because he saw a city that is revitalizing its downtown.

The Campbell City Council voted unanimously to ban Segways from the busy Los Gatos Creek Trail that runs through Campbell, but made an exception for individuals with disabilities.

The Campbell City Council approved the reappointment of Bruce Baker to the Parks and Recreation Commission for an additional four-year term. Baker was appointed to the commission in January 2003. He works as a park service officer for the town of Los Gatos.

R V Cloud business owner Steve Cloud was permitted to use four colors on his 14-foot tall electronic message board and have messages that change more frequently after wrestling with the city for almost two years. City council members voted 3-2 to uphold his appeal and overturn the planning commission's October decision that limited the message to changing every 12 seconds, required a black background with only one color at a time, and prevented the information from scrolling or rotating.

Campbell City Council voted unanimously to rezone a vacant lot near the downtown area for the construction of 15 units.

Developers DBI Construction will construct single-family two-story homes that range in size from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet on S. First Street. The 1.36-acre project will be built as three- or four-bedroom single detached homes, with attached two-car garages.

The vacant parcel was previously occupied by San Jose Water Company as a utility storage and service yard.

Pan Cal got the OK to construct a 20-unit townhome development on Salmar Avenue. The three-bedroom Craftsmen-style townhouses will range in size from 2,300 to 2,600 square feet and include attached two-car garages. The project on 1.27-acres was the third high-density project in the downtown Campbell area.

Castlemont and Lynhaven elementary schools became charter schools after the Campbell Union School District board unanimously approved both schools' request to become independent charter conversions in January.

The Kohl's shopping complex rented out all its retail space. Four business joined Bed, Bath & Beyond in the building that fronts Hamilton Avenue. The shops are Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Scott Trade financial services firm and Goodfeet.

Taco Bravo on at the corner of S. Bascom and Fewtrell avenues was robbed, the first such crime since it opened in 1970.

Two men wearing black hooded sweatshirts and facemasks entered the back door of the tacqueria. Both men brandished guns as they ordered the three employees to get down on the floor.

February

The Rug and Yarn Hut, across from Orchard Valley Coffee, closed after 10 years in historic downtown Campbell. The shop, which supplied yarn, special fibers and a varied array of sewing and knitting materials, moved to a new Campbell location, 2470 S. Winchester Blvd. Rico's, a Mexican eatery at the corner of E. Campbell and Central avenues, also shut down. Owner Arturo Hernandez opened the restaurant in the former location of Alie's Cafe in 2006, but business wasn't strong enough.

A rash of bicyclist thefts plagued the city this year. Campbell police received multiple reports of expensive bicycles being stolen. The bikes range in value from $650 to $5,000. Many of these bikes have been stolen from the second- and third-floor balconies in apartment complexes. Most of the thefts occurred overnight.

Pat Hagmann was named Campbell's Citizen of the Year.

The Campbell Chamber of Commerce announces the honoree annually to show its appreciation for those who work to make the city a great place to live and work.

Hagmann served on the Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation board of directors for more than eight years and is its current board president.

Campbell Union School District launched a new online publishing program, available for anyone to create professional-quality books.

The new program, called edPrint, routes 10 percent of book sales back to the district. The service is open to teachers, parents and all community members. Users of the service can create calendars and posters.

Campbell Union High School District installed a scientific-grade telescope in Prospect High School's new science building. The telescope is a real innovative gem for the district. Only a handful of high schools across the country have a telescope of this caliber.

The 10-inch Meade LX 200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, mounted on a steel pier, is located in a 7-foot-wide dome that opens and rotates with the Earth's orbit.

Prospect basketball player Jennifer Jasper tossed in 40 points and ripped down 25 rebounds during two games. Jasper's big week helped the Panthers whip Independence 45-36 and Oak Grove 42-33 as it pushed its record to 9-1 in division play and to 15-7 overall.

Caroline Hastings retired from her post as administrative assistant to the superintendent, after spending more than 50 years in education and private industry, 25 of them at Moreland School District.

Westmont High School drama group volunteer and parent Pat Thomas was honored at the 2007 Silicon Valley Arts and Business Awards (ABBYs) luncheon for volunteer work with the school. She was nominated by Jeff Bengford, Westmont drama teacher and director.

Cameron Gustafson of Westmont High School took home the gold during the Blossom Valley Athletic League wrestling finals. He took home the individual crown at 142 pounds.

Westmont High School senior Michael Weimer scored a record breaking 52 points and ripped down 17 rebounds in a Warriors 87-67 win over Evergreen Valley in a Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division game.

Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to upgrade the rail line that runs through Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Saratoga, and cover the majority of the costs. The rail line has declined through the years. The estimated cost for the upgrades was between $80,000 and $100,000.

Campbell city employee Marlene Pomeroy retired after 18 1/2 years of service as executive assistant for the Campbell Public Works Department. Pomeroy started her career with Campbell in 1988 when she was hired as a principal clerk for the newly created Campbell Redevelopment Department.

Cheryl Blankenship Kupras was appointed to the Civic Improvement Commission, and Paul Resnikoff was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Blankenship Kupras replaced Burch Harper, who resigned after serving for a year.

The Del Mar High School Dons won the championship in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League with a 12-1-1 record, then opened the playoffs with a convincing 6-0 victory over San Lorenzo Valley. But the Lancers proved too much for the Dons in the CCS quarterfinals and the Dons went home with a solid 16-2-2 record. Sophomore striker Maricela Padilla knocked in four goals to lead the way offensively, just as she has all season for the Dons. Padilla scored 41 goals and dished off 13 assists to lead Del Mar in both offensive categories this year.

March

Westmont High School opened its new 4,000-square-foot agricultural sciences building, which cost $1.8 million to construct. The new facility was funded with voter-approved Measure C bond monies.

City officials received grant funding from the Valley Transportation Authority that will be applied toward the East Campbell Avenue Master Plan Project. In June 2006, the Campbell City Council authorized the public works department to apply for a grant through the Community Design and Transportation program. The VTA approved a $1.2 million award. The city will be required to provide $400,000 in matching funds. The funds would be provided through the Campbell Redevelopment Agency.

Pam Zielazowski, who coaches girls tennis and track and field and serves as Leigh's athletic director, was named a model coach by the California Interscholastic Federation, a group of high school coaches and principals dedicated to the idea of pursuing victory with honor.

The Campbell City Council approved a preliminary concept for a new trail system along the San Tomas Aquino Creek, but decided a second trail along Smith Creek would be too costly. The city explored the development of trail systems along the San Tomas Aquino and Smith creeks after it was awarded a $470,000 grant from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The project's goal is to allow public access to the creeks and develop a passive-use trail along the creek banks. Currently, access is prohibited along both creeks.

Branham High School senior Ali Mozayan captured a $5,000 scholarship from a Silicon Valley company with his math skills. The DemandTec Retail Challenge brought together teenage competitors from South San Francisco, Mountain View and Redwood City high schools. The Branham entry was the first for a Campbell-area school in the 2-year-old event.

Garbage collection service changed hands from Green Valley Disposal to West Valley Collection & Recycling, and with the switch, there are some new adjustments for Campbell residents. West Valley has a single-stream recycling process; everything recyclable goes into one container.

The city approved an ordinance that would cite skateboarders who do not wear protective gear at the Campbell Skate Park. The new law requires any person riding a skateboard at the Campbell Skate Park to wear a helmet and elbow and knee pads.

April

Artist Sonya Paz opened an art shop in The Courtyard in downtown Campbell. Her work is usually described as vibrant, dynamic and whimsical. There's also a dimensional aspect to her paintings that becomes more apparent when they are viewed in person.

The Moreland School District's board of trustees unanimously agreed to allow Discovery Charter School to remain at the Anderson Village Elementary School site, where it is currently housed, for another year with the intent of working toward a long-term solution.

Sal's Pizza located just east of the east entrance to historic downtown Campbell in Lloyd's Square opens. The restaurant solidifies the westward expansion of the popular New England pizza chain.

Professional Culinary Institute in Campbell launches the first school to be approved by the Court of Master Sommeliers worldwide. The course was designed as the fastest sommelier program in the country.

Campbell officials and Home Depot representatives met to work through the day-laborer issue at the home improvement store's Hamilton Avenue location. During February and March, the Campbell Police Department responded to 16 incidents concerning day-laborer behavior at the site. In response, the city sent a notice of compliance letter to Home Depot's corporate office.

The Campbell Historical Museum unveiled its 1919 Rauch & Lang electric vehicle. The unique vehicle was restored courtesy of the "trolley guys" at History San Jose who put 2,000 hours of work into restoring the coach to its original condition.

May

Two men walked into Park Vasona Liquors store on Winchester Boulevard and demanded cash from the register. One of the men was armed and the other had a fake weapon. The son of the shop owner handed the men the money but was shot in the abdomen when he chased after them as they fled. His injury was not life-threatening.

Barbara J. Campbell died at age 78. She was among the first women to shatter the glass ceiling in Santa Clara County government when she was appointed county librarian in 1973. In Campbell, she was past president of the Country Woman's Club and the Paseo de Palomas Mobile Home Park board. Her reach touched many locally and throughout the state. Campbell died of congestive heart failure, with complications due to diabetes.

The initial feasibility study to move the Campbell Historical Museum was scrapped at a city council meeting. Instead, the city went forward with a proposal presented by Mayor Dan Furtado. The mayor suggested combining the needs of two facilities--the library and the museum--that have outgrown their space.

Campbell police investigator Bruce Hushbeck, who works fraud cases, was honored by the Miracle Mile Optimist Club of Campbell as Officer of Year. He has been with the Campbell Police Department for 22 years.

The Campbell City Council unanimously approved the blueprint for the East Campbell Avenue Master Plan. The concept was developed to create a sense of unification from E. Campbell and Union avenues into historic downtown with the redevelopment of properties, streets and streetscape.

June

Barracuda Networks moved into Campbell at its the new corporate headquarters on Winchester Boulevard. The 61,000-square-foot site is almost twice the size of its former 35,000-square-foot home in Mountain View, which the company was subleasing. The company has signed a five-year lease at the new Campbell.

Pet Food Express was approved to move into the former Tower Records location on Bascom Avenue. In addition to selling pet food and pet supplies, the store will have animal grooming facilities, including a self-serve dog wash and on-site vaccination services. No animals will be sold at the store.

Henri Zander who served on the Campbell Union High School board for more than 10 years died at age 65 from colon cancer. He helped the district steer through a major bond measure, which has been used to upgrade aging facilities.

Aqui's Cal-Mex is the first business to open in the new mixed-used retail and residential development on the east side of historic downtown Campbell. The project has commercial businesses on the ground floor and condominiums on the second and third stories.

The Olive Bar opened in downtown Campbell. Shop owners Ed and Chrystie DeSoto carry fresh extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegars, olives, garlic, spices and herbs from all around the world.

Campbell got an Ace Hardware and Paint store in the San Tomas Plaza. The franchise opened at the former location of Dolphin Pet Village, which moved across the street.

July

Llolanda Ulloa was named Campbell Union School District Volunteer of the Year for 2007 and was also awarded the Association of California School Administrators Volunteer of the Year award. For the past five years, Ulloa has been volunteering with Monroe Middle School, serving as a Spanish interpreter for meetings, and has been active in the PTA and in the district's English-language acquisition committee.

Ceramic artist Pirjo Polari-Khan opened Terra Polaris Gallery in downtown Campbell, at the former location of Mind's Eye. Polari-Khan features her own sculptures, inspired by the female form, in addition to guest artists.

The Campbell City Council unanimously approved the construction of a seven-story Hilton Garden Inn. The business-class hotel will be located at the corner of Creekside Way and the Highway 17 off-ramp, adjacent to a PG&E substation. Once it is completed, city planners estimate the hotel will generate $560,000 in annual revenue.

Johnny Rockets closed its doors in the PruneYard Shopping Center. The nearest remaining Johnny Rockets location is in the Westgate Shopping Center in San Jose.

The Campbell Little League reached the championship round of the District 44 tournament with a 5-1 record, but fell to Briarwood on July 16 finishing second.

Barracuda Networks, which moved its headquarters to Campbell in 2007, received the Entrepreneur of the Year award for Northern California from Ernst and Young. The network security appliance provider was recognized for entrepreneurial excellence in the networking and communications category.

Santa Clara County firefighters battled an early morning blaze on July 19 at the Firestone Tire Store on the corner of Rincon Avenue and Winchester Boulevard. The two-alarm fire was extinguished before it spread to neighboring businesses.

Harry Potter mania grabbed hold of Campbell fans as hundreds of wizards, witches and muggles gathered at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in the PruneYard Shopping Center to purchase Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and last book in the Potter series.

August

The Campbell Police Department cracked down on the day-laborer problem affecting businesses around Home Depot. Business owners posted signs in their parking lots clearly stating that picking up day laborers was prohibited. Police stepped up the level of enforcement in "No Stopping" zones along Hamilton and Salmar avenues.

Four Westmont High School students won top honors at the Santa Clara County Fair with steers they raised through the school's agriculture program. Jordan Aloe, Emma Garcia, Albert Hultberg and Nikki Navarro represented the Campbell chapter of the National Future Farmers of America organization.

Santa Clara County Firefighters were kept busy during rush hour on Aug. 6. One fire broke out in Jasmine Nasiri's kitchen at the White Oaks Village complex. It closed Bascom Avenue. The condominium was completely destroyed by the blaze. Five minutes after the first fire broke out, a second fire started on the Los Gatos Creek Trail near the Campbell Inn tennis courts. The blaze burned a half-acre.

A new business called Green Rides cruised into town this year. Co-owners Todd Madeiros and Mike Curtis described the eco-friendly car dealership as "good clean fun through a variety of electric and low-emission vehicles."

The Central Coast Baseball 15/16-year-old team competed in the Academy Wood Bat Championship Tournament in San Diego and came home with a third-place finish.

The Mary Medrano Gallery opened in downtown Campbell, joining artists Sonya Paz, Lorraine Lawson and Debbie Marie Arambula in The Courtyard. The gallery features Medrano's acrylic paintings on canvas and on paper, as well as guest artists.

Godbe Research conducted a satisfaction survey and found that 98 percent of Campbell residents are satisfied with the quality of life in the Orchard City. Residents are most enamored with Campbell's small-town atmosphere, central location and downtown area.

The Campbell City Council approved Creekside Commons, a four-story retail and residential project on S. Bascom Avenue near Campisi Way in a close 3-2 vote. Council members Joe Hernandez and Jane Kennedy opposed the size of mixed-use development that includes retail on the ground floor and 123-residental units above.

The Campbell Planning Commission unanimously denied Support Systems Homes' request to house 13 people in a "sober living facility" at 889 Scott Court. The 1,798-square-foot house was in violation of the city's code, which limits residential service facilities to six residents.

Longtime Campbell resident Tom Francois resigned from the Campbell Planning Commission and moved to Santa Rosa. Francois was torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Citizen of the Year in 2004, a planning commissioner for 10 years, reserve police officer for 33 years and host of the community cable show, "Who's Cookin'."

Members of the Campbell United Church of Christ on W. Campbell Avenue showed amazing grace as they responded to an act of anti-gay vandalism on church property. Church officials organized a community cleanup day and church members added their own message with a sign that read, "God loves you. We do, too." The Campbell Police Department did not label the vandalism a hate-crime until members of the gay and lesbian community expressed their frustration over the lack of police and city response.

September

The Teresini family received approval from the Campbell Planning Commission to rezone their property located on Grace Avenue to single-family residential. The zone change required an amendment to the city's General Plan and this was the third of four allowed changes for the year.

The Campbell City Council passed an amendment to the city's unreinforced masonry building ordinance that reduced permit fees for retrofitting and established a January 18, 2018 deadline for unreinforced buildings to be retrofitted.

Anna Stojanovich left a bountiful legacy to the Orchard City by selling her 1.32 acres of land on Union Avenue to the city for the creation of a new public park. Stojanovich agreed to sell the land at less than half the market price, or $2.25 million, provided the city developed the lot for use as a park.

Campbell had a dedication ceremony for the Hacienda percolation ponds. The ugly 6-foot chain-link fence that surrounded the frontage of Winchester Boulevard and Hacienda Avenue was replaced with a more attractive post and rail fence. Other improvements included a new irrigation system, landscaping, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and a quarter mile of walking trails.

Marilyn and Frank Dorsa, owners of the Delta Queen car wash in Campbell, donated the $17,700 in duck reward money to animal welfare organizations. The reward fund was split among five animal welfare organizations: the Silicon Valley Humane Society, the Central Animal Hospital Angel Fund, the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, Wildlife Rescue of Palo Alto and the American Bird Conservancy.

October

Persistence paid off for property owner and developer Barry Mirkin when the Campbell Planning Commission unanimously approved his proposed medical/dental building on the empty lot on Bascom Avenue next to the former Tower Records. Mirkin had originally presented plans to the commission in June and was denied because of his proposed 5-foot setback from adjacent neighbors.

Lori Beth Veitch, a teacher in the Campbell Union School District, and Connie Gray, a teacher in the Cambrian School District, were recognized as Santa Clara County 2007 Teachers of the Year.

Ten young writers from schools within the Campbell Union School District were honored at "Rising Young Authors," an event celebrating student authors, on Oct. 3 at the PruneYard's Barnes & Noble in Campbell. The young authors presented their published works, followed by a book signing.

Christopher Melvin Holland, 53, was arrested on suspicion of killing 17-year-old Cynthia Munoz of Campbell in 1983. The cold-case arrest was a result of recent technology that linked a DNA sample to the suspect.

Audiophiles were pleased to hear that Audible Arts opened in downtown Campbell. Owner Jeff Wells offers high-end stereo components and custom home theaters to those with discriminating tastes.

November

The first homicide in three years in Campbell occurred on Nov. 1. Efrain Aleman, 24, was shot dead around 11 p.m. on W. Sunnyoaks Avenue near Winchester Boulevard. Residents heard gunshots and called the police. The motive is unknown, and there have been no arrests.

Gary Gairaud was appointed to the planning commission. He filled the seat vacated by Tom Francois Gairaud's appointment comes mid-term. He will finish out Francois' term, which expires in August 2009 and could then apply for a four-year term.

The Campbell Historic Preservation board received the Governor's Historic Preservation Award for the creation of the Design Guidelines for Historic Residential Buildings. Board members JoElle Hernandez, Susan Blake and former board member Mark Sandoval worked with acting community development director Jackie Young-Lind to develop the guidelines for Campbell homeowners.

Rita Reid, a longtime Campbell resident and active volunteer at the Campbell Adult Center, died Nov. 9. She was 90. Reid volunteered for years at the Campbell Adult Center, St Lucy's Church and the Orchard City and Pomona Granges. In 2006, Santa Clara County recognized Reid for more than 25 years of community service and volunteering.

Linda Andrianos, a former two-term Campbell Parks and Recreation commissioner and Capri School computer lab teacher, died on Nov. 10. She was 52 years old. Andrianos was an active parks advocate for the city of Campbell.

Gelato Classico opened in historic downtown Campbell after months of anticipation. The Italian ice cream shop has 40 flavors of traditional and unique gelato and sorbetto, with no powder or artificial coloring.

Campbell City Council banned parking on front yards in an effort to reduce blight. The ordinance, which prohibits parking on unpaved surfaces, was unanimously approved.

The Orchard City celebrated the groundbreaking of the Campbell Veterans Memorial. The Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 attracted officials, residents and veterans from throughout the South Bay. Mayors from the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino and San Jose and the town of Los Gatos were present to lend their support for the event.

The Del Mar Dons celebrated a perfect regular football season. The season-ending game was a classic battle between two bitter rivals, Del Mar and Westmont, the two top teams in the league, who slugged it out until the final moments. In the end, Del Mar outlasted the Warriors, defeating Westmont 41-34.

The first combined assisted-living facility with affordable housing and retail in Campbell was approved in a 3-1 vote by the Campbell City Council. Merrill Gardens of Campbell will be designed as a two- and three-story senior living facility, with retail on ground level. The project will be constructed at the intersection of Winchester Boulevard and Rincon Avenue and includes a 21-unit dementia-care facility.

December

The Campbell City Council approved a $45,000 downtown parking study to analyze downtown Campbell's parking needs. Council members also approved parking in-lieu fees that will cost new businesses $6,000 per required parking space.

Chipotle Mexican Grille signed a lease with the Onyx Project at the corner of S. Bascom Avenue and Campisi Way. The four-story retail/residential mixed-use development is the former site of Fung Lum restaurant. Chipotle plans to open in the spring.

Don Burr rotated in as the city's new mayor and Joe Hernandez was chosen as vice mayor. Burr is finishing out his fourth term and will be termed out and cannot run again. He was an officer with the Campbell Police Department for 31 years and police chief for the last 16 years and was Citizen of the Year in 1998.

Volleyball player Kristin Obermeyer of Westmont High School was named the Mt. Hamilton Division Senior of the Year after leading the Warriors to a share of first place in the regular season.