The Gregory Plaza Neighborhood Association hopes residents can step up to make their neighborhood a safer place.

Cliff Banker, a homeowner and spokesman for the association, told the Greater Gardner Coalition at an April 25 meeting that he is concerned that a secluded spot near the Gregory Street Bridge has become a hotbed for crime. The bridge serves as a pedestrian link across Los Gatos Creek and connects the corner of Gregory Street and Fuller Avenue with Lonus Court.

The average person wouldn't walk there, said Banker, who has noticed an increase in the number of unsavory characters traversing that area. Banker is concerned about possible drug and prostitution activities.

Working with the association, the police have stepped up patrols in the area and have made a couple of arrests. But Banker, father of two young boys, thinks more can be done. He hopes to revive a neighborhood watch where residents can join arms to fight the problem.

"Most of the people in the neighborhood have young children," he said. "We want everyone to be aware of what's happening and who lives in the neighborhood. We should curb the problem before it gets worse."

The association will discuss action plans at its monthly meeting on May 5 at the Gardner Community Center at 7 p.m.

Youth council plans
Barbecue Bonanza

The San Jose District 6 Youth Advisory Council celebrates its debut with a Barbecue Bonanza at River Glen Park at 855 Pine Ave.

The event, created to bring District 6 families together, includes a barbecue lunch and entertainment.

"There hasn't been something like this in the district for a very long time," said Betty Montoya, the city's youth outreach specialist. "It's a time for the youth to organize and give back to the community."

Creating the council has been a goal of District 6 Youth Commissioner Emily Hopper. She took office last year. The city has a youth commissioner for each district. The commission reports to the San Jose City Council on all youth-related issues. Each commissioner is encouraged to form a youth advisory council composed of youth between the ages of 12 and 21. The advisory council's purpose is to provide input on youth issues to Hopper, which she can bring to the citywide youth commission or the San Jose City Council. The youth advisory council also plans community events.

Hopper, a Willow Glen resident and Lincoln High School student, has four youth advisory council members from across the district.

The barbecue is planned for May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 for traditional and vegetarian barbecue. Entertainment includes a clown, a jump house and balloon animals for the children.

Ed Lambert becomes
new Bridge Bank VP

Willow Glen resident Ed Lambert has joined Bridge Bank as its new senior vice president.

Lambert has an MBA from Santa Clara University and started his career at the Bank of America. He has 25 years of experience in technology banking.

Prior to joining Bridge Bank, he was the senior vice president of business development for the Technology/Life Sciences Division at Comerica Bank.

"This is a great opportunity with an institution that has quickly established a reputation in a very competitive market for both traditional commercial and technology lending," Lambert said.

In addition to his new position at Bridge Bank, Lambert sits on the executive committee of the American Electronics Association and is a former board member of San Jose's Downtown Business Association, which he helped establish. He also served on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley for seven years.

Home inspection biz
comes to Willow Glen

Willow Glen is home to A-Pro Home Inspection Services' new South Bay office.

San Jose resident Jeff Weinberg owns and runs the new office, which offers residential and light commercial property inspections to home buyers, sellers and real estate professionals. Weinberg has completed A-Pro's training and certification process, earning his Professional and Certified Home Inspector designations from the Inspection Training Institute of New Orleans.

Weinberg plans to combine his managerial and service-related background with his real estate knowledge. "Empowering people with knowledge during the complex process of buying and selling a home is especially fulfilling to me," he said.

Visit www.a-pro.net/jeffweinberg or call 408.259.3551 for more information.

Allstate recognizes
Willow Glen agency

Allstate Insurance Company has recognized the Lozon Agency, located at 1341 Lincoln Ave., for its sales and dedication to customer service.

The agency attained the designation of "Chairman's Conference" qualifier. Only 79 agencies and financial specialists in California and 5 percent of the nationwide Allstate offices have obtained this same level of achievement. There are more than 1,300 Allstate agents and financial specialists in California.

"This is a tremendous honor," said Allstate agency owner John Lozon. "We're pleased Allstate has acknowledged our agency's commitment."