Cambrian/Curtner/Union/Camden Pocket Annexation

Community Notice to Residents of Cambrian, Curtner, Union, and Camden Areas

UPDATE: Two LAFCO meetings of interest - Oct 11 and Dec 13. Working to file an official petition to change "sphere of influence" from San Jose to Campbell and leverage Campbell support for the desires of the people in the unincorporated pocket to become Campbell.
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Dear Neighbors:

Thanks to Tom (Cambrian Dr) and Mike (Sweetbriar), a few others and YOU, a petition, containing over 200 signatures, conveying our interest in being annexed by the City of Campbell, was presented at the City Council meeting October 3rd. The petition and statements from about a half-dozen residents desiring Campbell annexation consideration prompted the City Council to make a motion (thank you Don Burr) and unanimously pass a resolution directing City staff to work with us on this initiative!! Also present was a San Jose city attorney who no doubt has alerted her people of our activities.

Almost, if not unanimously, we prefer annexation by Campbell. This is a very strong, revealing position.

To move forward we all have some homework to do:

First, everyone is encouraged to research and learn as much about the State-mandated LAFCO entities and how they work, and become familiar with any and all precedents and issues that can work in our favor. We will not be fighting San Jose, we will simply be winning our preference with Campbell. The City of Campbell has been VERY forthcoming and open with other pockets and the results are positive.

Second, we need to be unified, yet not overwhelm either Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara County, LAFCO or other representatives or agencies. The process we need to accomplish is pretty basic – we need formal approval and arrangements with the City of Campbell. We need agreement from San Jose to release our pocket from their “sphere of influence” and imminent domain. We need LAFCO to accept these agreements so they can work with Campbell on the processes.

Third, NOT that you do not have a right or cause to act independently, as a whole we should have only a few specific representatives working and communicating with Campbell, San Jose, the County, and the LAFCO. We do not have a formal organization or entity to wrap ourselves around, or around ourselves – perhaps we should consider this now or eventually (there are other strong neighborhood associations that do very good things!) For now – we need to determine, but volunteerism, nomination, etc. who will work on our behalf.

Fourth, communication. Hopefully we can arrange a time and place to accommodate 100 or so people for a communications meeting amongst ourselves. From that and going forward, it seems prudent to communicate equally, openly and uniformly with all agencies and representatives so nothing is left to mystery, chance or mis-interpretation. Our State Assembly and Senate representatives must be included to help ensure the integrity of the LAFCO process and mandated intent of the laws. The County must know of our interests. San Jose must know the resolve they face in us.

Fifth, staying in touch. We must and will keep track of documents and news. A Yahoo! group has been established – you may join us by providing an email and at least your street name (so we know you’re among us) by visiting:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/campbell-cambrian/

Thank you for your support!!!!

- Jim Aspinwall
k9gvf @ yahoo