The area, which is bounded by Lilac Lane and Oleander Avenue, is currently under Santa Clara County jurisdiction.

A small but sharply divided group of residents attended the special council session March 18, to either show support or protest holding a special mail election this fall.

Under state regulations, the vote could be held either during the November 2004 general election or through the mailing of absentee-type ballots to voters at an earlier date.

Resident James Hartigan opposed the mail election because of fears of coercion and possible bullying by neighbors to garner votes for the annexation.

"I could see someone saying, hey, I could pick up that postcard and fill it out for you. That's what I'm trying to avoid," he said. Hartigan opposes the annexation.

Carol Gruetzner, who initiated the annexation procedure, said she was surprised by the charges of "bullying," but added that she herself had found trash dumped on her front lawn several times over the past year.

Despite the concern, the town council unanimously voted to set a special election date for Blossom Hill residents on Aug. 31.

Councilman Joe Pirzynski characterized the ongoing public dialogue over the annexation process as "vitriolic."

"I am continuously amazed by the level of animosity that is generated by the annexation process," he said.

Outside council chambers, however, a group of residents sought to dispel that negative image.

"It's a bit racy for us. I don't think we're quite there yet," said resident Robin Wu.