When in the course of human events… No that’s been used before. I also dismissed two score and two years ago. I dislike alliteration.
This is the beginning of San Jose Inside. I expect and hope that it will become one of the premier places for those of us who care about San Jose and our Valley to exchange ideas, explore new directions, and ruminate about the future.
There does not seem to be much of that going on now; certainly not at City Hall, which is beginning to resemble that other ossified regime of which it was said, “they learned nothing, they forgot nothing.”
All governments must have a value system and a collective knowledge of the past to prosper— some have it, and it helps them keep track who they are, while the great sweep of history, even though it might be local, keeps them grounded; others do not have it and recall only the slights and petty offenses. As Mark Twain once commented on the seemingly small variance in two items, it is the difference between “the lightning and the lightning bug.” I will explore many such items, bugs and all!
Once, in a seeming slight, I was called an accomplished politician and an amateur historian. I set the record straight now. I was an amateur politician, although I think I was a fair to middling mayor in those long-ago days of the 1980’s, but I was and am a trained historian. I have a Masters degree in History from a fine University down the road, and I intend to use these fading academic skills in my columns.
Knowing where we came from, how we got here, and who preceded us, is important. This is a chance for all of us to work to create a better community on the shoulders of many, many others. I hope that you will join in and help make San Jose Inside a unique way to explore the past, change the present and influence the future of San Jose, Silicon Valley and, perhaps, the world.
Coming this Monday, my focus will be The State Of Our City, Part I.
Tom, I see you found something to do now that there is no hockey.
Congratulations on your new publication and it’s call to “join in … to explore the past, change the present and influence the future.”
From before the founding of our great nation, printers and pamphleteers have been the conscience of our people, our town criers for justice and good government. And often, the gadflies that say what must be said even if it is an unpleasant truth. With this new site, we carry on that tradition in a medium that is distinctive to our times.
Count me in.
Tom…your new blog certainly proves there IS a difference between mayors and ex-mayors—- ex-mayors are forever!
Keep stirring the pot.
Peter S. Carter
Nice photo. It almost looks like a real skyline.
Tom,
You were a very good mayor. Maybe even excellent. (it will take a few more years to earn that) Not fair to middling.
The years since have only increased your stature. How about addressing the lack of response to the Earthquakes situation?
Remember: People will appreciate vision and optimism more than criticism and negativity.
Good luck.
I am thrilled to see this pop up and I am excited for the prospect of strengthening our community and our democracy through discussion in this media We collectively control.
I have spent the last several days over at Dan Gilmor’s site discussing his bold venture into “citizen journalism” after quiting the Merc. I will jump right into the point I am trying to make in his comment threads. The tools we choose to use in this medium with the specific goal in mind to foster discussion(stated above), should be the best that are available at present. I believe that being able to comment and participate is what makes this medium powerful. but as more and more discussion arises here, the simple listed thread will quickly hinder the discussion. By this I mean, more thought will arise one on top of another, than is possible (or practical) for the participants to keep sorted in their minds. It is somewhat akin to an alley where we might choose to hold a meeting. It is fine if only a few people show up, but once the critical mass is reached, you can’t hear anyone’s voice as they echoe off the high walls, people might even feel pressed or frustrated, and then the worst, they leave. Here is a link to a perfect example. It is in my mind a pivitol thread on Dan Gilmor’s site where he asks for discussion on ‘distributed journalism’. For those of you not familiar with the term, take a gander at Dan’s site. The sub-header to his blog says it all;
“A conversation about the future of journalism “by the people, for the people.”
I am concerned already that the software this site is run on is not sufficient for health discussion. There are some great open source software options for putting together a tool for group collaboration and blogging. They offer greater flexibility for moderating and organizing discussion threads. And they offer a greater agility to keep up with growing traffic.
Anywho, I am axcited that I am part of these times in an area that is so filled with good thoughts, good will and good people. May our immediate community foster good things and maybe even influence the greater community with lively discussion of better ways.
Cheers
Tim
Sunnyvale
First there was Grandmaster Flash, now Webmaster Tom!
Now the iPod generation will know you as something more than, “Isn’t that the guy they named the convention center after?”
Congratulations Mr. Mayor on developing this wonderful website. I believe this medium for information and ideas was much needed, and I commend you on bringing this to fruition.
I look forward to the dialogue the citizens and insiders will have in order to guide our city and shape its future.
Hopefully “San Jose Inside” will launch the beginning of a long needed alternative editorial page. This might be the shot of energy needed to revitalize San Jose. Let’s hope it brings back the spirit and integrity of the McEnery Era.
“Hopefully “San Jose Inside” will launch the beginning of a long needed alternative editorial page.”
Have you all seen or heard of the happenings in Greensboro, North Carolina and the community newspaper, the News & Record, that is being taken the route of an open, community forum.
“On Friday, Dec. 17, the News & Record, daily newspaper in Greensboro, NC, owned by Landmark Communications, announced that it was looking to overhaul its website (http://www.news-record.com) and enter a period of invention, including rapid evolution away from the standard newspaper site—into more of an online community, a public square, or something equally “transformative” in nature.”- Jay Rosen, PressThink
This is no doubt the future of our civic bonds and the evolution of newspapers and news media in general. Check out some back ground here and here from Jay Rosen’s PressThink. and check it out for your self at greensboro101.com
Tom, what a great idea and a great site. It will replace what the community lost when you stopped doing the radio show. By the way, I noticed the Peter Carter picture – it appears Peter took the shot while driving on the overpass from 280 to 87 – what I want to know is: How did he manage to take the picture, drive the car and keep from spilling his “road coke”. Christopher Schumb
Dear Mr. Mayor: Someone said (I can’t remember the name, but obviously a very smart person): “In times of change the learners will inherit the Earth while the knowers will find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” We seem to have many “knowers” in San Jose; from some members of the press to some of our politicians. You, sir, as evidenced by your implementation of this “blog” (just found out what that means) are a learner, and I very much appreciate what you are doing. Libby Glass
Just remembered the name of the person who wrote the quote . . . Eric Hofman, just in case anyone was interested. LG
I like the talk show format better.I can talk faster than I can type.Best wishes. I’ll be back
Steve
Tom and Jude –
Thank you for taking this on. We need a site like yours that projects a vision and values to build a better Valley for all of our residents. Knowing how deeply you two care about our Valley, this new venture can only be for the good of our region, and all of our residents.
Sincerely,
Carl Guardino
Tom:
I’ve just started checking out this site. I may have a comment from time to time.
John Michael
Dear Silicon Valley Leaders,
Silicon Valley needs an International Hostel to join other world-class cities in attracting families, groups, and young independent travelers.
The recent San Jose Mercury story by Phil Yost on August 3, 2006 created a buzz. The group 1stActSiliconValley wishes to radically improve San Jose into a “World Class City”. The slide presentation by 1stAct on the web lists several short and long-term proposals hoping to make downtown San Jose into a unique, more livable and commercially successful city
But something important is missing….
No downtown Silicon Valley “International hostel” to attract many young, well-educated, international travelers is proposed. These tourists now bypass Santa Clara County, traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles, usually staying at inexpensive, clean, friendly, hostels along the Pacific Coastline and towards Yosemite National Park. Many more travelers would visit Silicon Valley if a convenient HI Hostel existed in the San Jose area.
Every other major west coast city from Seattle to San Diego has at least one Hostelling International hostel – San Francisco and LA each have three HI-Hostels. Nearby smaller cities also boast HI-Hostels: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Saratoga, Sausalito, Sacramento, Merced, San Luis Obispo, Los Altos Hills, and the two lighthouses along the San Mateo Coast.
See http://www.hiusa.org/usa-hostels/index.shtml for a complete list of HI hostels in the USA.
Hostels feature inexpensive dormitory-style overnight accommodation. Most also offer some private family rooms. Hostels also provide self-serve kitchens, large common rooms, hot showers, Internet kiosks, coin laundry, lockers, and bicycle storage. Prices are kept affordable; cost averages $20/member per night (less for children).
There are 4000 Hostelling International hostels in 60 countries around the world. Nearly 400 hostels in Japan, about 800 in Germany, 250 in United Kingdom, 26 in Israel, many now are opening in China and Taiwan.
In the States we only have 100 Hostelling International hostels, 22 in California, many in parks or on public land. Formerly American Youth Hostels (AYH), the organization’s name changed to better attract people of all ages.
HI-Hostels are located in many other larger US cities frequently visited by tourists: Boston, New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Miami Beach, Austin, Phoenix and Chicago.
But why isn’t there an international hostel in downtown San Jose?
San Jose and Silicon Valley are missing out! Many university-educated young travelers want to see Silicon Valley, our country’s primary technology center, to explore the Tech, the Intel, Computer History, Children’s Discovery, Winchester, Rosicrucian, Great America, the universities, and to shop at Fry’s.
But there is no urban hostel to attract them.
Besides young internationals, other hostel guests staying at the San Jose-SV hostel would include:
·More domestic travelers having discovered the inexpensive, clean, safe, friendly hostels here in the States,
·Families and affinity groups,
·Small and large school groups,
·Girl scouts,
·Athletic teams and individual athletes competing in local tournaments,
·Conference and seminar attendees,
·Bicyclists and hikers,
·Returning college and university students seeking housing,
·Elderhostel groups and school alumni for reunions,
·Families of military here being trained,
·Out-of-town people looking for employment,
·Overseas apprentice or trainees of international companies located in Silicon Valley,
·Visiting friends or relatives of local residents whose housing is too cramped.
There is little competition between non-profit HI hostels and hotels/motels/b&bs;. Hostellers prefer to stay at hostels that encourage interaction between guests of different countries, languages, customs and traditions. We want hostel guests to mingle, make friends, and to learn from each other.
Dear Silicon Valley Leaders,
This Silicon Valley Hostel should have a capacity of at least 200 beds. It should be well located near good public transport, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. With several million square feet of vacant industrial, commercial and office space in Silicon Valley it should be easy to find a suitable building, properly zoned, that can easily be converted into a hostel facility.
Once hostels are established, the overnight fees cover expenses of management, staff, supplies, utilities, repairs/maintenance and programming.
Unlike other non-profits that constantly seek funds, established hostels become financially self-sufficient.
Overnight fees are kept affordable to attract young visitors.
Most major “World Class” European cities feature many hostels, London and Vienna have at least 5, Budapest has as many as 18 (most open only during the busy summer season), Xi’an, China now has 3.
San Jose and Silicon Valley deserve at least one large downtown HI hostel.
Please help correct this oversight.
I’d like to answer your questions,
Call or e-mail me.
We’d love to make a presentation to your group that explains the hostelling concept.
Best wishes,
Peter Pethoe, HI-Central California Council volunteer,
Home phone: (831)427-3609
[email protected]
http://www.1stact.org/index.jsp
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/15192296.htmwww.hi-santacruz.org
http://www.hiusa.org
#19…Not a bad idea. Too bad they demolished the Del Monte Plant #3, it would have made a great hostel. Perhaps they should look at converting the Sunlight Bakery. It’s close to the train station, HP Pavilion, River Street, Guadalupe Park and San Pedro Square. All are the type of places tourists like to visit, all uniquely San Jose. The city is planning to demolish the historic bakery, for a pro baseball team that is never coming to San Jose. The council should play ball with these hostel folks, we may have a winner.
#19. Thanks, Just the Facts.
The former Sunlite bakery would make a great Silicon Valley-San Jose Hostel. Supporters of the baseball (or soccer) stadium would be against having a hostel there. The hostel could be part of the stadium as (I believe) in Helsinki, Finland.
Hostels are often in unique, unusual locations, such as Victorian Mansions (Sacramento), sailing vessels (Stockholm), farms (Los Altos), County Parks (Sanborn Park), historic Cottages (Santa Cruz), military (SF Ft. Mason, Sausalito), union hall (Monterey), medieval castles (several in Germany), not so medieval castles (Carbisdale and Loch Lomond in Scotland) and National Parks (Pt. Reyes) and at two lighthouses at San Mateo Coast and in upstate New York. http://www.hiusa.org
An obslolete, unused semiconductor fab facility in Silicon Valley (with much equipment intact)would convert into a great hostel. It doesn’t have to be fancy! A logo atop the building “Intel Inside” (or AMD, Sun, HP, 3M) would be dirt-cheap advetising for any company that has some vision, considering the young inquisitive travelers staying there will become future leaders in their communities.
But an ordinary tilt-up (located close to public transport, restaurants, shopping and entertainment) would also be an OK hostel site.
PGP
#17, John Michael O’Connor said, “I may have a comment from time to time”. That’s an understatement!