The better discussion here would be sticking to realistic goals, for example, building Covell Village in the next year is not really practical, however, approving a given housing development might be.
Since it is my blog, I will go first and name five goals I have.
I have numbered these goals for the sake of expediency. As I typed out five, I realized I could easily have written ten. But let us start with five basic goals.
1. Grocery store in West Lake Shopping Center
I will be West Davis Centric for right now. This is really my top goal for the upcoming year. I have lived next to West Lake Shopping Center now for over eight years, unbelievably. Since May of 2006 there has not been a grocery store. Amazingly places like Lamp Post Pizza, the little Mexican place, the Chinese place, and others have not gone out of business, even as West Yost Associates has also moved.
Criticism has to be lobbed at the owner, at least in the past, who first allowed the condition of the location to deteriorate, filled in the cargo bay at the rear of the grocery store, and it is unclear how hard he searched for a grocery store of the approximate size of 15,000 to 26,000 square feet.
A good specialty grocery store could work very well in this location. It turns out there are good amount of smaller chains that specifically design small and middle size grocery stores. We just have to find one to make it work.
There are people right now hard at work trying to find the right store to come into this location. This needs to be a top priority.
2. Road safety at 2nd D / and Pole Line
I put these together. One of the most dangerous locations in Davis is the left turn onto Pole Line in South Davis as you pull out of the Shopping Center. It is like navigating a mine field. First you have a steady stream of downhill traffic from the overpass who are generally driving like it is a thorough fare. Then you need to move quickly onto a suicide lane in the center and merge into heavy traffic. It is easy to miss some in either direction. It is an intersection that either needs a traffic light or needs to be a right turn only. The left turn set up as it is, is a recipe for deadly accidents, and deadly accidents have occurred there.
The intersection at fourth and D is a disaster waiting to happen. The good news is that D street just doesn’t have the high volume of traffic. However, there are a few problems with the intersection if you are driving south on D away from Fifth Street. First, it is a two-way stop, meaning you have to stop at Fourth Street, but the traffic on Fourth Street doesn’t stop. Some cars do not realize that. Second, because it is a two-way stop, the fact that the view of oncoming westbound traffic is obstructed by parked cars makes it perilous.
Accidents have almost occurred there for two reasons. Either the cars on D do not realize that it is a two-way stop. Or if they do, they can’t see the cars coming and almost get hit as they drift out into traffic.
The sad thing is that the solution is simple. Put in a four-way stop. Or more being innovative, put in a round-about. Either way, a simple solution would save a giant pain if you find yourself on D Street heading towards downtown. And during Farmer’s Market times, it is not an area that cars do not drive on.
3. Road diet on Fifth street
There are all sorts of problems with Fifth Street between B and L. First, traffic moves way too fast between those areas. Second, you have bikes that do not have a bike lane. Third, you have no turn lanes for people moving off Fifth. Fourth, you have no suicide lanes for cars moving on fifth. The result is that Fifth Street is an accident waiting to happen, and it often happens.
I drive on this stretch all the time, the biggest danger is the car turning onto Fifth Street because they have to wait for the traffic to die down and then they often try to squeeze into a very narrow space. Sometimes they misjudge that space, sometimes they don’t see an oncoming car.
Contributing to that problem is of course the speed of traffic moving through there, which is why one proposal is a road diet, that would slow down traffic by narrowing the street to two lanes rather than four. This would cause congestion, which would lead people to avoid the area somewhat, but it would slow down traffic. They could then make turn lanes and suicide lanes to avoid the other problems of turns. It would also free up space for dedicated bike lanes.
This has been a subject of ongoing discussion. The DDBA and the Chamber of Commerce are concerned about the impact of changes to Fifth Street on business going to downtown. Nevertheless, this is an issue that needs to be resolved in a way that addresses safety concerns, bicycle transportation needs, pedestrian cross-concerns while at the same time not harming the downtown. A tough issue, but one that needs to be addressed.
4. Transparency in City Government
Those regulars to the Vanguard understand how heavily our focus looks at open government and transparency. This was an issue that Councilmember Lamar Heystek raised as well and of course we have some ideas.
Last year we raised the issue of the storage of public records. The concern was that the city only stores for instance the recordings of meetings for a few months, passes it on to the library who stores them for two years, but after two years those records are destroyed. So the only record we have of council meetings past two years are the minutes which are by design slim on detail. Thus past conversations and debates are largely lost. The issue was brought up at a joint HMRC-Council meeting this year and the council agreed this was an important issue and they wanted to look into way to store records of this nature.
That is really the beginning of the issue of open government. I would like to see the city pass some sort of sunshine ordinance which recognizes, as other cities do, that governing acts like the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act are minimum standards for open government, rather than the limit for open government.
In my dealings with the city, they have been pretty open to public records requests and willing to work with me for the most part. Unfortunately, the California Public Records Act is one of the weakest open government record acts in the country. That is also a legislative goal as well to strengthen it, but much can be done on this even at a local level.
5. City Council to find working system for council comments
When Mayor Asmundson took over, there was a big concern about her limiting the public comments portion of the agenda. I still think this is somewhat problematic on tough issues, but she does appear somewhat flexible when large crowds come up. To me, you have to stay late to allow members of the public to speak. It does not happen all the time, but when it does, it should be accommodated.
In the meantime, the problem has arisen at the last two meetings when the Mayor has cut off Councilmember Sue Greenwald. Again, I do not agree with limiting time for a councilmember to speak. However, if that is going to occur it needs to occur in a systematic manner. To me, it appears that the Mayor cuts off Councilmember Greenwald quicker than she does other people.
If that is how she wants to run meetings, my recommendation is to announce in advance of an item that each councilmember has a certain amount of time to ask questions and then enforce it across the board. That probably is not the best system to use, but it would avoid some of the current flare ups.
Alright those are five of my council goals for 2009. There are clearly some key ones I missed like vacancies in downtown business, parking in the downtown, transportation, energy efficiency, re-examining the water issue, and much more. I could easily have done ten. I am curious as to what other people want to see.
—David M. Greenwald reporting
I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !
I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !
I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !
I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !
I’d recommend you stop reading it.
But I should specify again–CITY COUNCIL GOALs, not your Christmas list.
I’d recommend you stop reading it.
But I should specify again–CITY COUNCIL GOALs, not your Christmas list.
I’d recommend you stop reading it.
But I should specify again–CITY COUNCIL GOALs, not your Christmas list.
I’d recommend you stop reading it.
But I should specify again–CITY COUNCIL GOALs, not your Christmas list.
“I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !”
Greenwald’s advice is good. Alternatives are to start your own blog or add your views to this one.
This is a free market of ideas.
“I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !”
Greenwald’s advice is good. Alternatives are to start your own blog or add your views to this one.
This is a free market of ideas.
“I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !”
Greenwald’s advice is good. Alternatives are to start your own blog or add your views to this one.
This is a free market of ideas.
“I want to see your blog go away !!!
Your limited views and assumptions do more harm than good.
Thats what I would like for Christmas !”
Greenwald’s advice is good. Alternatives are to start your own blog or add your views to this one.
This is a free market of ideas.
It would be more interesting if Anonymous 8:38 offered his own alternatives or told us why he doesn’t agree with DPD’s. Of course that would make things interesting and is too much to expect from a troll.
It would be more interesting if Anonymous 8:38 offered his own alternatives or told us why he doesn’t agree with DPD’s. Of course that would make things interesting and is too much to expect from a troll.
It would be more interesting if Anonymous 8:38 offered his own alternatives or told us why he doesn’t agree with DPD’s. Of course that would make things interesting and is too much to expect from a troll.
It would be more interesting if Anonymous 8:38 offered his own alternatives or told us why he doesn’t agree with DPD’s. Of course that would make things interesting and is too much to expect from a troll.
To support the comments/thoughts about a “road diet” for 5th street-WE ALL should be shown the actual numbers of how many bikes travel it, how many peds. use it and how many collisions take place on it..I never see real numbers that are recent-always 2 or 3 years out of date–if you reduce 5th to 2 lanes, you WILL push all that traffic onto 3rd and 4th streets and THEN you’ll end up with stop signs at every corner between the tracks and L street.
How many citations were issued by the PD for speed actually observed on 5th between B and L streets? That I have NEVER seen. Have any of you seen this number?
To support the comments/thoughts about a “road diet” for 5th street-WE ALL should be shown the actual numbers of how many bikes travel it, how many peds. use it and how many collisions take place on it..I never see real numbers that are recent-always 2 or 3 years out of date–if you reduce 5th to 2 lanes, you WILL push all that traffic onto 3rd and 4th streets and THEN you’ll end up with stop signs at every corner between the tracks and L street.
How many citations were issued by the PD for speed actually observed on 5th between B and L streets? That I have NEVER seen. Have any of you seen this number?
To support the comments/thoughts about a “road diet” for 5th street-WE ALL should be shown the actual numbers of how many bikes travel it, how many peds. use it and how many collisions take place on it..I never see real numbers that are recent-always 2 or 3 years out of date–if you reduce 5th to 2 lanes, you WILL push all that traffic onto 3rd and 4th streets and THEN you’ll end up with stop signs at every corner between the tracks and L street.
How many citations were issued by the PD for speed actually observed on 5th between B and L streets? That I have NEVER seen. Have any of you seen this number?
To support the comments/thoughts about a “road diet” for 5th street-WE ALL should be shown the actual numbers of how many bikes travel it, how many peds. use it and how many collisions take place on it..I never see real numbers that are recent-always 2 or 3 years out of date–if you reduce 5th to 2 lanes, you WILL push all that traffic onto 3rd and 4th streets and THEN you’ll end up with stop signs at every corner between the tracks and L street.
How many citations were issued by the PD for speed actually observed on 5th between B and L streets? That I have NEVER seen. Have any of you seen this number?
I think this blog is wonderful and a welcome addition to the Davis marketplace of ideas. If I want a broad-minded view or different assumptions, I have lots of other options.
As to ideas for the City Council-
1) Absolute limit on discussion on anything that goes on outside the city limits of Davis. There are lots of other legislative bodies, and while the world nervously awaits the word from Davis, perhaps we could focus at home a bit.
2) 2nd and B Street intersection needs stop signs- what a nightmare!
3) No further growth for Davis unless there is a massive increase in parking for downtown. Too many developments failed to pay their fair share of traffic mitigation.
4) Dramatic improvement of the attitude of the city toward the University. They are a great friend to the city and the students represent our guests and, for many, our livelihood. Stop treating them so poorly.
5) New innovative transit system between the new West Village and downtown. Yeah, I have a plan.
I think this blog is wonderful and a welcome addition to the Davis marketplace of ideas. If I want a broad-minded view or different assumptions, I have lots of other options.
As to ideas for the City Council-
1) Absolute limit on discussion on anything that goes on outside the city limits of Davis. There are lots of other legislative bodies, and while the world nervously awaits the word from Davis, perhaps we could focus at home a bit.
2) 2nd and B Street intersection needs stop signs- what a nightmare!
3) No further growth for Davis unless there is a massive increase in parking for downtown. Too many developments failed to pay their fair share of traffic mitigation.
4) Dramatic improvement of the attitude of the city toward the University. They are a great friend to the city and the students represent our guests and, for many, our livelihood. Stop treating them so poorly.
5) New innovative transit system between the new West Village and downtown. Yeah, I have a plan.
I think this blog is wonderful and a welcome addition to the Davis marketplace of ideas. If I want a broad-minded view or different assumptions, I have lots of other options.
As to ideas for the City Council-
1) Absolute limit on discussion on anything that goes on outside the city limits of Davis. There are lots of other legislative bodies, and while the world nervously awaits the word from Davis, perhaps we could focus at home a bit.
2) 2nd and B Street intersection needs stop signs- what a nightmare!
3) No further growth for Davis unless there is a massive increase in parking for downtown. Too many developments failed to pay their fair share of traffic mitigation.
4) Dramatic improvement of the attitude of the city toward the University. They are a great friend to the city and the students represent our guests and, for many, our livelihood. Stop treating them so poorly.
5) New innovative transit system between the new West Village and downtown. Yeah, I have a plan.
I think this blog is wonderful and a welcome addition to the Davis marketplace of ideas. If I want a broad-minded view or different assumptions, I have lots of other options.
As to ideas for the City Council-
1) Absolute limit on discussion on anything that goes on outside the city limits of Davis. There are lots of other legislative bodies, and while the world nervously awaits the word from Davis, perhaps we could focus at home a bit.
2) 2nd and B Street intersection needs stop signs- what a nightmare!
3) No further growth for Davis unless there is a massive increase in parking for downtown. Too many developments failed to pay their fair share of traffic mitigation.
4) Dramatic improvement of the attitude of the city toward the University. They are a great friend to the city and the students represent our guests and, for many, our livelihood. Stop treating them so poorly.
5) New innovative transit system between the new West Village and downtown. Yeah, I have a plan.
Good ideas Mike.
FastForward:
I think that would be helpful as well. My mind was made up on the issue in May when I counted six accidents one week that I personally witnessed or read about in the paper. The last involved my car being hit by a car speeding on a left turn around the corner and careening into five parked cars, the last one and the only one not totaled was mine.
Good ideas Mike.
FastForward:
I think that would be helpful as well. My mind was made up on the issue in May when I counted six accidents one week that I personally witnessed or read about in the paper. The last involved my car being hit by a car speeding on a left turn around the corner and careening into five parked cars, the last one and the only one not totaled was mine.
Good ideas Mike.
FastForward:
I think that would be helpful as well. My mind was made up on the issue in May when I counted six accidents one week that I personally witnessed or read about in the paper. The last involved my car being hit by a car speeding on a left turn around the corner and careening into five parked cars, the last one and the only one not totaled was mine.
Good ideas Mike.
FastForward:
I think that would be helpful as well. My mind was made up on the issue in May when I counted six accidents one week that I personally witnessed or read about in the paper. The last involved my car being hit by a car speeding on a left turn around the corner and careening into five parked cars, the last one and the only one not totaled was mine.
But, but, you didn’t write 1. Solve global warming? I thought the city council was going to fix that this year. 🙂
1. Grocery store in West Lake Shopping Center
Yes! I live in this area too and that vacant area is atrocious. There needs to be more action taken. If the other smaller businesses that are there are doing ok, I don’t see why they can’t find that one tenant. I think a smaller or specialty grocery store is a great idea.
2. Road safety at 2nd D / and Pole Line
3. Road diet on Fifth street
There are a lot of traffic problems in Davis and this definitely needs to be a priority too.
4. Transparency in City Government
I never thought of this, but that is a good idea.
5. City Council to find working system for council comments
I think change for this one will come when the council changes out some of its members. Is it too early to speculate for 2010?
But, but, you didn’t write 1. Solve global warming? I thought the city council was going to fix that this year. 🙂
1. Grocery store in West Lake Shopping Center
Yes! I live in this area too and that vacant area is atrocious. There needs to be more action taken. If the other smaller businesses that are there are doing ok, I don’t see why they can’t find that one tenant. I think a smaller or specialty grocery store is a great idea.
2. Road safety at 2nd D / and Pole Line
3. Road diet on Fifth street
There are a lot of traffic problems in Davis and this definitely needs to be a priority too.
4. Transparency in City Government
I never thought of this, but that is a good idea.
5. City Council to find working system for council comments
I think change for this one will come when the council changes out some of its members. Is it too early to speculate for 2010?
But, but, you didn’t write 1. Solve global warming? I thought the city council was going to fix that this year. 🙂
1. Grocery store in West Lake Shopping Center
Yes! I live in this area too and that vacant area is atrocious. There needs to be more action taken. If the other smaller businesses that are there are doing ok, I don’t see why they can’t find that one tenant. I think a smaller or specialty grocery store is a great idea.
2. Road safety at 2nd D / and Pole Line
3. Road diet on Fifth street
There are a lot of traffic problems in Davis and this definitely needs to be a priority too.
4. Transparency in City Government
I never thought of this, but that is a good idea.
5. City Council to find working system for council comments
I think change for this one will come when the council changes out some of its members. Is it too early to speculate for 2010?
But, but, you didn’t write 1. Solve global warming? I thought the city council was going to fix that this year. 🙂
1. Grocery store in West Lake Shopping Center
Yes! I live in this area too and that vacant area is atrocious. There needs to be more action taken. If the other smaller businesses that are there are doing ok, I don’t see why they can’t find that one tenant. I think a smaller or specialty grocery store is a great idea.
2. Road safety at 2nd D / and Pole Line
3. Road diet on Fifth street
There are a lot of traffic problems in Davis and this definitely needs to be a priority too.
4. Transparency in City Government
I never thought of this, but that is a good idea.
5. City Council to find working system for council comments
I think change for this one will come when the council changes out some of its members. Is it too early to speculate for 2010?
“It is unclear how hard he searched for a grocery store of the approximate size of 15,000 to 26,000 square feet.”
Are you kidding, David? Unclear? I suspect you’ve never been in the commercial real estate business. You should have a discussion with someone like Massoud about this. You just are not living in the real world.
The owner of Westlake, Jim Barcewski, has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent by not finding a tenant for that space. He CLEARLY would prefer to have that space rented to a grocer, as grocers support his other tenants. I spoke with him about his efforts, and I believe he tried extremely hard. He travelled up and down the west coast looking for a tenant. He also hired a full-time agent just to work on finding a grocer for that space. No one wanted it.
“A good specialty grocery store could work very well in this location. It turns out there are good amount of smaller chains that specifically design small and middle size grocery stores.”
Everyone of them — the Fresh Choice type stores — has looked at that site and said, “No thanks.” Even the Davis Food Co-op didn’t want to go there.
Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.
“We just have to find one to make it work. There are people right now hard at work trying to find the right store to come into this location.”
This is the line that the neighbors claimed a year and a half ago, and then again a year ago, and then again six months ago. They said they could find a market operator to go in that space. Now it’s been shuttered for almost 2.5 years and still these all-talk neighbors have found no one to take it.
At what point do you concede the economic reality that your dream is impractical?
“It is unclear how hard he searched for a grocery store of the approximate size of 15,000 to 26,000 square feet.”
Are you kidding, David? Unclear? I suspect you’ve never been in the commercial real estate business. You should have a discussion with someone like Massoud about this. You just are not living in the real world.
The owner of Westlake, Jim Barcewski, has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent by not finding a tenant for that space. He CLEARLY would prefer to have that space rented to a grocer, as grocers support his other tenants. I spoke with him about his efforts, and I believe he tried extremely hard. He travelled up and down the west coast looking for a tenant. He also hired a full-time agent just to work on finding a grocer for that space. No one wanted it.
“A good specialty grocery store could work very well in this location. It turns out there are good amount of smaller chains that specifically design small and middle size grocery stores.”
Everyone of them — the Fresh Choice type stores — has looked at that site and said, “No thanks.” Even the Davis Food Co-op didn’t want to go there.
Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.
“We just have to find one to make it work. There are people right now hard at work trying to find the right store to come into this location.”
This is the line that the neighbors claimed a year and a half ago, and then again a year ago, and then again six months ago. They said they could find a market operator to go in that space. Now it’s been shuttered for almost 2.5 years and still these all-talk neighbors have found no one to take it.
At what point do you concede the economic reality that your dream is impractical?
“It is unclear how hard he searched for a grocery store of the approximate size of 15,000 to 26,000 square feet.”
Are you kidding, David? Unclear? I suspect you’ve never been in the commercial real estate business. You should have a discussion with someone like Massoud about this. You just are not living in the real world.
The owner of Westlake, Jim Barcewski, has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent by not finding a tenant for that space. He CLEARLY would prefer to have that space rented to a grocer, as grocers support his other tenants. I spoke with him about his efforts, and I believe he tried extremely hard. He travelled up and down the west coast looking for a tenant. He also hired a full-time agent just to work on finding a grocer for that space. No one wanted it.
“A good specialty grocery store could work very well in this location. It turns out there are good amount of smaller chains that specifically design small and middle size grocery stores.”
Everyone of them — the Fresh Choice type stores — has looked at that site and said, “No thanks.” Even the Davis Food Co-op didn’t want to go there.
Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.
“We just have to find one to make it work. There are people right now hard at work trying to find the right store to come into this location.”
This is the line that the neighbors claimed a year and a half ago, and then again a year ago, and then again six months ago. They said they could find a market operator to go in that space. Now it’s been shuttered for almost 2.5 years and still these all-talk neighbors have found no one to take it.
At what point do you concede the economic reality that your dream is impractical?
“It is unclear how hard he searched for a grocery store of the approximate size of 15,000 to 26,000 square feet.”
Are you kidding, David? Unclear? I suspect you’ve never been in the commercial real estate business. You should have a discussion with someone like Massoud about this. You just are not living in the real world.
The owner of Westlake, Jim Barcewski, has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent by not finding a tenant for that space. He CLEARLY would prefer to have that space rented to a grocer, as grocers support his other tenants. I spoke with him about his efforts, and I believe he tried extremely hard. He travelled up and down the west coast looking for a tenant. He also hired a full-time agent just to work on finding a grocer for that space. No one wanted it.
“A good specialty grocery store could work very well in this location. It turns out there are good amount of smaller chains that specifically design small and middle size grocery stores.”
Everyone of them — the Fresh Choice type stores — has looked at that site and said, “No thanks.” Even the Davis Food Co-op didn’t want to go there.
Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.
“We just have to find one to make it work. There are people right now hard at work trying to find the right store to come into this location.”
This is the line that the neighbors claimed a year and a half ago, and then again a year ago, and then again six months ago. They said they could find a market operator to go in that space. Now it’s been shuttered for almost 2.5 years and still these all-talk neighbors have found no one to take it.
At what point do you concede the economic reality that your dream is impractical?
It seems to me there are two possibilities for a supermarket in far west Davis.
One is to tear down the existing Westlake Center and build up a new 80,000-100,000 square foot store on that site. Maybe Nugget or Raley’s would be interested in that. At least with economies of scale, they might be successful.
However, given the state of our economy, financing this kind of thing now is highly unlikely.
The second possibility would be to rezone the land at the northeast corner of Lake Blvd and West Covell to permit the construction of a new shopping mall, there. At that site, one of the small, specialty retailers might be interested.
Of course, doing this would require a Measure J vote and would likely induce commercial development of all of the farm land between the hospital and Road 99 along Covell.
It seems to me there are two possibilities for a supermarket in far west Davis.
One is to tear down the existing Westlake Center and build up a new 80,000-100,000 square foot store on that site. Maybe Nugget or Raley’s would be interested in that. At least with economies of scale, they might be successful.
However, given the state of our economy, financing this kind of thing now is highly unlikely.
The second possibility would be to rezone the land at the northeast corner of Lake Blvd and West Covell to permit the construction of a new shopping mall, there. At that site, one of the small, specialty retailers might be interested.
Of course, doing this would require a Measure J vote and would likely induce commercial development of all of the farm land between the hospital and Road 99 along Covell.
It seems to me there are two possibilities for a supermarket in far west Davis.
One is to tear down the existing Westlake Center and build up a new 80,000-100,000 square foot store on that site. Maybe Nugget or Raley’s would be interested in that. At least with economies of scale, they might be successful.
However, given the state of our economy, financing this kind of thing now is highly unlikely.
The second possibility would be to rezone the land at the northeast corner of Lake Blvd and West Covell to permit the construction of a new shopping mall, there. At that site, one of the small, specialty retailers might be interested.
Of course, doing this would require a Measure J vote and would likely induce commercial development of all of the farm land between the hospital and Road 99 along Covell.
It seems to me there are two possibilities for a supermarket in far west Davis.
One is to tear down the existing Westlake Center and build up a new 80,000-100,000 square foot store on that site. Maybe Nugget or Raley’s would be interested in that. At least with economies of scale, they might be successful.
However, given the state of our economy, financing this kind of thing now is highly unlikely.
The second possibility would be to rezone the land at the northeast corner of Lake Blvd and West Covell to permit the construction of a new shopping mall, there. At that site, one of the small, specialty retailers might be interested.
Of course, doing this would require a Measure J vote and would likely induce commercial development of all of the farm land between the hospital and Road 99 along Covell.
“the Fresh Choice type stores”
That should be "Fresh & Easy," I am told.
“the Fresh Choice type stores”
That should be "Fresh & Easy," I am told.
“the Fresh Choice type stores”
That should be "Fresh & Easy," I am told.
“the Fresh Choice type stores”
That should be "Fresh & Easy," I am told.
“Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.”
While a grocery store in that location is a great idea, it may be time to give up on such a plan. Especially when there is a Safeway a short drive away.
Perhaps it’s time to step back and look at some innovative ideas of how that commercial space could be used.
“Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.”
While a grocery store in that location is a great idea, it may be time to give up on such a plan. Especially when there is a Safeway a short drive away.
Perhaps it’s time to step back and look at some innovative ideas of how that commercial space could be used.
“Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.”
While a grocery store in that location is a great idea, it may be time to give up on such a plan. Especially when there is a Safeway a short drive away.
Perhaps it’s time to step back and look at some innovative ideas of how that commercial space could be used.
“Because Westlake is in the middle of nowhere, not on a major street and can’t draw traffic, market operators don’t want to consider it.”
While a grocery store in that location is a great idea, it may be time to give up on such a plan. Especially when there is a Safeway a short drive away.
Perhaps it’s time to step back and look at some innovative ideas of how that commercial space could be used.
My list of City Council goals:
1) Really take a hard look at the water/sewer proposal, before we get too far down the road to put on the brakes. The costs of combined water/sewer rate increases are going to be staggering.
2) More support for commercial development, to provide greater tax revenue to the city, to pay for its costs.
3) Forge a better relationship with the University, rather than looking the other way at antagonism that seems to develop.
4) Promote greater civility in community discourse, so that we work together to solve problems rather than against each other. Town hall meetings might be a good start. City Council meetings do not seem to invite public comment, or severely limit it.
5) The City Council needs to work harder about being more honest about its budgeting process. This “unmet needs” business is nothing more than creative bookkeeping to make things look rosy when they are not. This is deceptive accounting and misleading to the public in my book.
6) City Staff needs to get over itself, and listen more to citizen/commission input. City Staff should not be used as a tool for certain City Council members to use to further their own political agenda. City Staff needs to work harder at remaining independent of anyone constituency, and come up with independent judgments based on what is best for the city. Instead I have seen them reverse opinions as fast as you please to accommodate whichever way the political wind is blowing at the time.
7) The symbiotic relationship between our schools and housing growth needs to be kept in mind. Instead the two seem to be treated as mutually exclusive, which is how we ended up with too many schools in the wrong locations.
My list of City Council goals:
1) Really take a hard look at the water/sewer proposal, before we get too far down the road to put on the brakes. The costs of combined water/sewer rate increases are going to be staggering.
2) More support for commercial development, to provide greater tax revenue to the city, to pay for its costs.
3) Forge a better relationship with the University, rather than looking the other way at antagonism that seems to develop.
4) Promote greater civility in community discourse, so that we work together to solve problems rather than against each other. Town hall meetings might be a good start. City Council meetings do not seem to invite public comment, or severely limit it.
5) The City Council needs to work harder about being more honest about its budgeting process. This “unmet needs” business is nothing more than creative bookkeeping to make things look rosy when they are not. This is deceptive accounting and misleading to the public in my book.
6) City Staff needs to get over itself, and listen more to citizen/commission input. City Staff should not be used as a tool for certain City Council members to use to further their own political agenda. City Staff needs to work harder at remaining independent of anyone constituency, and come up with independent judgments based on what is best for the city. Instead I have seen them reverse opinions as fast as you please to accommodate whichever way the political wind is blowing at the time.
7) The symbiotic relationship between our schools and housing growth needs to be kept in mind. Instead the two seem to be treated as mutually exclusive, which is how we ended up with too many schools in the wrong locations.
My list of City Council goals:
1) Really take a hard look at the water/sewer proposal, before we get too far down the road to put on the brakes. The costs of combined water/sewer rate increases are going to be staggering.
2) More support for commercial development, to provide greater tax revenue to the city, to pay for its costs.
3) Forge a better relationship with the University, rather than looking the other way at antagonism that seems to develop.
4) Promote greater civility in community discourse, so that we work together to solve problems rather than against each other. Town hall meetings might be a good start. City Council meetings do not seem to invite public comment, or severely limit it.
5) The City Council needs to work harder about being more honest about its budgeting process. This “unmet needs” business is nothing more than creative bookkeeping to make things look rosy when they are not. This is deceptive accounting and misleading to the public in my book.
6) City Staff needs to get over itself, and listen more to citizen/commission input. City Staff should not be used as a tool for certain City Council members to use to further their own political agenda. City Staff needs to work harder at remaining independent of anyone constituency, and come up with independent judgments based on what is best for the city. Instead I have seen them reverse opinions as fast as you please to accommodate whichever way the political wind is blowing at the time.
7) The symbiotic relationship between our schools and housing growth needs to be kept in mind. Instead the two seem to be treated as mutually exclusive, which is how we ended up with too many schools in the wrong locations.
My list of City Council goals:
1) Really take a hard look at the water/sewer proposal, before we get too far down the road to put on the brakes. The costs of combined water/sewer rate increases are going to be staggering.
2) More support for commercial development, to provide greater tax revenue to the city, to pay for its costs.
3) Forge a better relationship with the University, rather than looking the other way at antagonism that seems to develop.
4) Promote greater civility in community discourse, so that we work together to solve problems rather than against each other. Town hall meetings might be a good start. City Council meetings do not seem to invite public comment, or severely limit it.
5) The City Council needs to work harder about being more honest about its budgeting process. This “unmet needs” business is nothing more than creative bookkeeping to make things look rosy when they are not. This is deceptive accounting and misleading to the public in my book.
6) City Staff needs to get over itself, and listen more to citizen/commission input. City Staff should not be used as a tool for certain City Council members to use to further their own political agenda. City Staff needs to work harder at remaining independent of anyone constituency, and come up with independent judgments based on what is best for the city. Instead I have seen them reverse opinions as fast as you please to accommodate whichever way the political wind is blowing at the time.
7) The symbiotic relationship between our schools and housing growth needs to be kept in mind. Instead the two seem to be treated as mutually exclusive, which is how we ended up with too many schools in the wrong locations.
The WestLake shopping center needs a,” Trader Joe’s”. Yes, David, in spite of what you think. The positive aspects of TJ’s is that it is non- union and offers lots of good products at a reasonable price.
The WestLake shopping center needs a,” Trader Joe’s”. Yes, David, in spite of what you think. The positive aspects of TJ’s is that it is non- union and offers lots of good products at a reasonable price.
The WestLake shopping center needs a,” Trader Joe’s”. Yes, David, in spite of what you think. The positive aspects of TJ’s is that it is non- union and offers lots of good products at a reasonable price.
The WestLake shopping center needs a,” Trader Joe’s”. Yes, David, in spite of what you think. The positive aspects of TJ’s is that it is non- union and offers lots of good products at a reasonable price.
I never had a problem with Trader Joe’s until they refused to take responsibility for their vendors.
We even tried to get them into West Lake prior to last summer, they weren’t interested. That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.
I never had a problem with Trader Joe’s until they refused to take responsibility for their vendors.
We even tried to get them into West Lake prior to last summer, they weren’t interested. That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.
I never had a problem with Trader Joe’s until they refused to take responsibility for their vendors.
We even tried to get them into West Lake prior to last summer, they weren’t interested. That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.
I never had a problem with Trader Joe’s until they refused to take responsibility for their vendors.
We even tried to get them into West Lake prior to last summer, they weren’t interested. That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.
“That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.”
Maybe TJ’s know better than you where they can profitably locate their stores? Maybe TJ’s sees the west lake spot as a money loser? Maybe TJ’s is in business to make money?
“That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.”
Maybe TJ’s know better than you where they can profitably locate their stores? Maybe TJ’s sees the west lake spot as a money loser? Maybe TJ’s is in business to make money?
“That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.”
Maybe TJ’s know better than you where they can profitably locate their stores? Maybe TJ’s sees the west lake spot as a money loser? Maybe TJ’s is in business to make money?
“That’s part of what turned me off to them was their demand to only go to University Mall.”
Maybe TJ’s know better than you where they can profitably locate their stores? Maybe TJ’s sees the west lake spot as a money loser? Maybe TJ’s is in business to make money?
I agree. The Westlake Center is a major concern. I get a haircut over there every time I need one. I feel sorry for the remaining tenants there, particularly the man with the combined pastry and video store. I don’t know how those people over there are hanging on. Especially after the Yost people went to So. Davis.
I know people over there claim they would support a store with fresh goods. But it has’nt panned out.
In these impending economic times the only solution I see to reignite that area is to re-zone that grocery space to a “Mega Dollar Tree”! It would be a great fit to the once toney “Stonegate” culture.
A “Mega Dollar Tree” would help to usher in a new world of cultural diversity to that area.
I agree. The Westlake Center is a major concern. I get a haircut over there every time I need one. I feel sorry for the remaining tenants there, particularly the man with the combined pastry and video store. I don’t know how those people over there are hanging on. Especially after the Yost people went to So. Davis.
I know people over there claim they would support a store with fresh goods. But it has’nt panned out.
In these impending economic times the only solution I see to reignite that area is to re-zone that grocery space to a “Mega Dollar Tree”! It would be a great fit to the once toney “Stonegate” culture.
A “Mega Dollar Tree” would help to usher in a new world of cultural diversity to that area.
I agree. The Westlake Center is a major concern. I get a haircut over there every time I need one. I feel sorry for the remaining tenants there, particularly the man with the combined pastry and video store. I don’t know how those people over there are hanging on. Especially after the Yost people went to So. Davis.
I know people over there claim they would support a store with fresh goods. But it has’nt panned out.
In these impending economic times the only solution I see to reignite that area is to re-zone that grocery space to a “Mega Dollar Tree”! It would be a great fit to the once toney “Stonegate” culture.
A “Mega Dollar Tree” would help to usher in a new world of cultural diversity to that area.
I agree. The Westlake Center is a major concern. I get a haircut over there every time I need one. I feel sorry for the remaining tenants there, particularly the man with the combined pastry and video store. I don’t know how those people over there are hanging on. Especially after the Yost people went to So. Davis.
I know people over there claim they would support a store with fresh goods. But it has’nt panned out.
In these impending economic times the only solution I see to reignite that area is to re-zone that grocery space to a “Mega Dollar Tree”! It would be a great fit to the once toney “Stonegate” culture.
A “Mega Dollar Tree” would help to usher in a new world of cultural diversity to that area.
Incredible!
Our water/sewer and other city "service" fees are increasing dramatically, even though we have been been conserving diligently.
Now the Vanguard deflects the real issue (that could price many of us out of our ability to continue living here)to a grocery store for a select few in far West Davis?
Wake up folks; we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
Incredible!
Our water/sewer and other city "service" fees are increasing dramatically, even though we have been been conserving diligently.
Now the Vanguard deflects the real issue (that could price many of us out of our ability to continue living here)to a grocery store for a select few in far West Davis?
Wake up folks; we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
Incredible!
Our water/sewer and other city "service" fees are increasing dramatically, even though we have been been conserving diligently.
Now the Vanguard deflects the real issue (that could price many of us out of our ability to continue living here)to a grocery store for a select few in far West Davis?
Wake up folks; we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
Incredible!
Our water/sewer and other city "service" fees are increasing dramatically, even though we have been been conserving diligently.
Now the Vanguard deflects the real issue (that could price many of us out of our ability to continue living here)to a grocery store for a select few in far West Davis?
Wake up folks; we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
Anonymous:
I was trying to pick some stuff to write on that we haven’t written on in awhile.
I just wrote about water last week:
Chill out here’s the water article
Anonymous:
I was trying to pick some stuff to write on that we haven’t written on in awhile.
I just wrote about water last week:
Chill out here’s the water article
Anonymous:
I was trying to pick some stuff to write on that we haven’t written on in awhile.
I just wrote about water last week:
Chill out here’s the water article
Anonymous:
I was trying to pick some stuff to write on that we haven’t written on in awhile.
I just wrote about water last week:
Chill out here’s the water article
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
“Boutique buddies”? What does that mean? Anyone who posts comments here?
This article, “Davis City Council’s Annual Goals”, would seem broad enough to add concerns and comments on water and sewer rates in that context, in case you missed your chance last week.
Why don’t you go for it?
And I’m sure, as challenging as it must be to come up with daily ideas, even as readers are more immediately focused on Thanksgiving, that David is open to any other ideas for topics.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
“Boutique buddies”? What does that mean? Anyone who posts comments here?
This article, “Davis City Council’s Annual Goals”, would seem broad enough to add concerns and comments on water and sewer rates in that context, in case you missed your chance last week.
Why don’t you go for it?
And I’m sure, as challenging as it must be to come up with daily ideas, even as readers are more immediately focused on Thanksgiving, that David is open to any other ideas for topics.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
“Boutique buddies”? What does that mean? Anyone who posts comments here?
This article, “Davis City Council’s Annual Goals”, would seem broad enough to add concerns and comments on water and sewer rates in that context, in case you missed your chance last week.
Why don’t you go for it?
And I’m sure, as challenging as it must be to come up with daily ideas, even as readers are more immediately focused on Thanksgiving, that David is open to any other ideas for topics.
Maybe it might be more productive for David & his boutique buddies to actually address the serious issues facing our community as a whole. And Lamar studying grocery stores? Give me a break!
City utility fees are the biggest threat to both long-term and newer residents. Where are the discussions about this issue?
“Boutique buddies”? What does that mean? Anyone who posts comments here?
This article, “Davis City Council’s Annual Goals”, would seem broad enough to add concerns and comments on water and sewer rates in that context, in case you missed your chance last week.
Why don’t you go for it?
And I’m sure, as challenging as it must be to come up with daily ideas, even as readers are more immediately focused on Thanksgiving, that David is open to any other ideas for topics.
David has written a ton on his doubts about the city service costs. That’s a misplaced criticism.
“we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.”
Developer-driven? I don’t get this. How is it the fault of Bill Streng, John Whitcombe, Stanley-Davis, et al., that our costs for water and sewer in Davis are going through the roof?
My understanding is that the source of our current problem is that the design of our sewage treatment plant back in the 1980s was flawed. Then, following an update of the federal Clean Water Act, we had to upgrade our flawed sewage treatment plant to meet the higher state discharge standards, set by that federal act. We are now doing that, and the upgrade is costing us a huge amount of money.
By contrast, cities like Woodland and Vacaville were able to meet the standards of the CWA with much less expensive upgrades, because the designs in their current treatment plants were better.
That brings back this idea that our problem, here, is due to developers. Just as a matter of course, I would think that in these neighboring cities, which have been far friendlier to developers and housing and commercial development, if the fault was with developers, their city service bill problems would be far worse than ours. But they are not. As such, your derision appears to be one of misguided populist prejudice, not fair blame.
Please correct me if you think or know I have my facts wrong.
David has written a ton on his doubts about the city service costs. That’s a misplaced criticism.
“we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.”
Developer-driven? I don’t get this. How is it the fault of Bill Streng, John Whitcombe, Stanley-Davis, et al., that our costs for water and sewer in Davis are going through the roof?
My understanding is that the source of our current problem is that the design of our sewage treatment plant back in the 1980s was flawed. Then, following an update of the federal Clean Water Act, we had to upgrade our flawed sewage treatment plant to meet the higher state discharge standards, set by that federal act. We are now doing that, and the upgrade is costing us a huge amount of money.
By contrast, cities like Woodland and Vacaville were able to meet the standards of the CWA with much less expensive upgrades, because the designs in their current treatment plants were better.
That brings back this idea that our problem, here, is due to developers. Just as a matter of course, I would think that in these neighboring cities, which have been far friendlier to developers and housing and commercial development, if the fault was with developers, their city service bill problems would be far worse than ours. But they are not. As such, your derision appears to be one of misguided populist prejudice, not fair blame.
Please correct me if you think or know I have my facts wrong.
David has written a ton on his doubts about the city service costs. That’s a misplaced criticism.
“we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.”
Developer-driven? I don’t get this. How is it the fault of Bill Streng, John Whitcombe, Stanley-Davis, et al., that our costs for water and sewer in Davis are going through the roof?
My understanding is that the source of our current problem is that the design of our sewage treatment plant back in the 1980s was flawed. Then, following an update of the federal Clean Water Act, we had to upgrade our flawed sewage treatment plant to meet the higher state discharge standards, set by that federal act. We are now doing that, and the upgrade is costing us a huge amount of money.
By contrast, cities like Woodland and Vacaville were able to meet the standards of the CWA with much less expensive upgrades, because the designs in their current treatment plants were better.
That brings back this idea that our problem, here, is due to developers. Just as a matter of course, I would think that in these neighboring cities, which have been far friendlier to developers and housing and commercial development, if the fault was with developers, their city service bill problems would be far worse than ours. But they are not. As such, your derision appears to be one of misguided populist prejudice, not fair blame.
Please correct me if you think or know I have my facts wrong.
David has written a ton on his doubts about the city service costs. That’s a misplaced criticism.
“we are now seeing only the tip of the iceberg of how past, developer-driven greed is raising the costs for all of us to continue living here.”
Developer-driven? I don’t get this. How is it the fault of Bill Streng, John Whitcombe, Stanley-Davis, et al., that our costs for water and sewer in Davis are going through the roof?
My understanding is that the source of our current problem is that the design of our sewage treatment plant back in the 1980s was flawed. Then, following an update of the federal Clean Water Act, we had to upgrade our flawed sewage treatment plant to meet the higher state discharge standards, set by that federal act. We are now doing that, and the upgrade is costing us a huge amount of money.
By contrast, cities like Woodland and Vacaville were able to meet the standards of the CWA with much less expensive upgrades, because the designs in their current treatment plants were better.
That brings back this idea that our problem, here, is due to developers. Just as a matter of course, I would think that in these neighboring cities, which have been far friendlier to developers and housing and commercial development, if the fault was with developers, their city service bill problems would be far worse than ours. But they are not. As such, your derision appears to be one of misguided populist prejudice, not fair blame.
Please correct me if you think or know I have my facts wrong.
What happened to Davis construction in the 80’s? The sewage treatment design was flawed, Emerson’s construction was flawed, big time…
What happened to Davis construction in the 80’s? The sewage treatment design was flawed, Emerson’s construction was flawed, big time…
What happened to Davis construction in the 80’s? The sewage treatment design was flawed, Emerson’s construction was flawed, big time…
What happened to Davis construction in the 80’s? The sewage treatment design was flawed, Emerson’s construction was flawed, big time…
I don’t know, one decision was made by the city and the other by the school district, tough to find a common thread there.
I don’t know, one decision was made by the city and the other by the school district, tough to find a common thread there.
I don’t know, one decision was made by the city and the other by the school district, tough to find a common thread there.
I don’t know, one decision was made by the city and the other by the school district, tough to find a common thread there.
Confused:
I think the current Emerson Jr. High opened in 1979, not in the ’80s.
In June 1976, the old Emerson (now the school district headquarters) was closed. Holmes* became the only junior high in town, and it was for grades 7-8 in the 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1978-79. In those years, Davis Sr. High served 9th to 12th graders. Then in the 1979-80 school year, Emerson opened in west Davis for grades 7-9, Holmes returned to being for 7th-9th graders, and Davis High again was for grades 10-12.
* After Prop 13 passed in 1978, almost all school bus service in Davis was ended. (I think there was some for handicapped students only.) Thus, kids living way out on Patwin Road, or Stonegate, or in Willowbank, had fairly long bike rides to Holmes. Yet my recollection (I rode to Holmes from west Davis) is that no one bitched about it; and you didn’t see hundreds of parents driving their kids to school, as you do these days. Kids just got on their bikes and rode to school, rain or shine.
Confused:
I think the current Emerson Jr. High opened in 1979, not in the ’80s.
In June 1976, the old Emerson (now the school district headquarters) was closed. Holmes* became the only junior high in town, and it was for grades 7-8 in the 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1978-79. In those years, Davis Sr. High served 9th to 12th graders. Then in the 1979-80 school year, Emerson opened in west Davis for grades 7-9, Holmes returned to being for 7th-9th graders, and Davis High again was for grades 10-12.
* After Prop 13 passed in 1978, almost all school bus service in Davis was ended. (I think there was some for handicapped students only.) Thus, kids living way out on Patwin Road, or Stonegate, or in Willowbank, had fairly long bike rides to Holmes. Yet my recollection (I rode to Holmes from west Davis) is that no one bitched about it; and you didn’t see hundreds of parents driving their kids to school, as you do these days. Kids just got on their bikes and rode to school, rain or shine.
Confused:
I think the current Emerson Jr. High opened in 1979, not in the ’80s.
In June 1976, the old Emerson (now the school district headquarters) was closed. Holmes* became the only junior high in town, and it was for grades 7-8 in the 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1978-79. In those years, Davis Sr. High served 9th to 12th graders. Then in the 1979-80 school year, Emerson opened in west Davis for grades 7-9, Holmes returned to being for 7th-9th graders, and Davis High again was for grades 10-12.
* After Prop 13 passed in 1978, almost all school bus service in Davis was ended. (I think there was some for handicapped students only.) Thus, kids living way out on Patwin Road, or Stonegate, or in Willowbank, had fairly long bike rides to Holmes. Yet my recollection (I rode to Holmes from west Davis) is that no one bitched about it; and you didn’t see hundreds of parents driving their kids to school, as you do these days. Kids just got on their bikes and rode to school, rain or shine.
Confused:
I think the current Emerson Jr. High opened in 1979, not in the ’80s.
In June 1976, the old Emerson (now the school district headquarters) was closed. Holmes* became the only junior high in town, and it was for grades 7-8 in the 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1978-79. In those years, Davis Sr. High served 9th to 12th graders. Then in the 1979-80 school year, Emerson opened in west Davis for grades 7-9, Holmes returned to being for 7th-9th graders, and Davis High again was for grades 10-12.
* After Prop 13 passed in 1978, almost all school bus service in Davis was ended. (I think there was some for handicapped students only.) Thus, kids living way out on Patwin Road, or Stonegate, or in Willowbank, had fairly long bike rides to Holmes. Yet my recollection (I rode to Holmes from west Davis) is that no one bitched about it; and you didn’t see hundreds of parents driving their kids to school, as you do these days. Kids just got on their bikes and rode to school, rain or shine.
Also at the time (1978-79), the district was saw a decline in enrollment and entertained the idea of closing an elementary school and delaying the opening of Emerson.
This was during and after substantial cuts (ending school bus service, giving pink slips to dozens of teachers) to bring the district budget in line with Prop. 13 limitations.
Sound familiar?
Also at the time (1978-79), the district was saw a decline in enrollment and entertained the idea of closing an elementary school and delaying the opening of Emerson.
This was during and after substantial cuts (ending school bus service, giving pink slips to dozens of teachers) to bring the district budget in line with Prop. 13 limitations.
Sound familiar?
Also at the time (1978-79), the district was saw a decline in enrollment and entertained the idea of closing an elementary school and delaying the opening of Emerson.
This was during and after substantial cuts (ending school bus service, giving pink slips to dozens of teachers) to bring the district budget in line with Prop. 13 limitations.
Sound familiar?
Also at the time (1978-79), the district was saw a decline in enrollment and entertained the idea of closing an elementary school and delaying the opening of Emerson.
This was during and after substantial cuts (ending school bus service, giving pink slips to dozens of teachers) to bring the district budget in line with Prop. 13 limitations.
Sound familiar?