1. Concerned residents have a chance to comment on issues
There are three controversial issues that deservedly continue to dominate the South County political agenda: Santa Clara County’s regulations regarding the wine industry; the proposal to build an Islamic center in San Martin; and the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s plans to retrofit Anderson Dam via a $548 million, 15-year parcel tax on the November ballot.
On each issue, residents have an opportunity to speak up soon.
The most obscure is the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit. On Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Jackson School library, 2700 Fountain Oaks Dr. in Morgan Hill, the water district will hold an “open house” from 4 to 8 p.m.
2. Cordoba Center battle likely to continue for quite some time
On the Cordoba Islamic Center project, the county Planning Commission will hear the appeal of the project’s approval at 1:30 p.m on Tuesday, Sept. 25 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose. The San Martin Neighborhood Alliance, the People’s Coalition for Government Accountability and the project’s supporters have all filed appeals following the Planning Commission’s decision to grant a conditioned Use Permit for the religious center and two-acre cemetery.
The contentious battle over the project will likely continue regardless of the appeal outcome, but every chance to go on the record is an opportunity to be heard and get a message across that could influence the powers that be behind final decisions.
3. Meeting on winery regulations here in our backyard on Oct. 9
Supervisor Mike Wasserman, the lightning rod for criticism over the county’s proposed winery regulations, meanwhile, is giving everyone a chance to speak up on the rules that will govern winery events and music.
Admirably, he’s coming to our backyard. He’s penned a guest column for the Times today (see below) and is hosting a community meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Gilroy Library Community Room, 350 W. Sixth St.
Mark your calendars, make your notes and be prepared to make your case on all three topics. Passion is welcome in discourse, but keep it civil and stay on point. These are tough issues which require thoughtful dialogue and points based on facts.
And don’t forget Letters to the Editor. Those are opportunities to express a viewpoint to thousands of readers.
