Katy Dickinson

Headache Update

My 16-year-old son Paul still has constant bad headaches and dizziness. We are using relaxation techniques and Tylenol (acetaminophen) to control the pain somewhat. We started Paul this week on Pediatric Occupational Therapy and we have an appointment next month to start work with the Pain Management Clinic at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Paul will attend the Packard Hospital School starting next week - approval just came through for that. So, he does not have to miss out on the second half of his Junior Year in High School entirely. Your prayers are always welcome.

Posted at 10:23PM Mar 12, 2009 by katysblog in Home & Family  |  Comments[2]

Win Some, Lose Some - ARCO vs. trees

On 9 March, I wrote about yesterday's San Jose Planning Director hearing on File # HA89-104-01 - about the three large old stone pines that our neighborhood ARCO gas station petitioned to remove. Here is my husband's writeup of the 11 March hearing:

Three of the six of us there spoke about noise, light and keeping the trees if possible. It seemed clear that they were going to approve the request simply because of the "federal rules require us to let the gas station install a vapor recovery system by April 1" excuse, and they did. The trees lost out to a masonry wall, a reference to a federal requirement and a promise to plant replacements - there wasn't even anyone from the gas station there to answer questions.
It turns out that the bright canopy lights are illegal and must be removed, and that there is a chance that the graffiti and tagging will be cleaned up. The planning dept was surprised that the station was open all night (is it? The lights seem to be left on all night...).

We also got an immediate and helpful email update from the city planner to whom we had directed our communications:

Thank you all for your comments on the tree removal permit for the above mentioned site. I have opened a Code Case in regards to the illegal spot lights located on top of the canopy, as well as, the graffiti that has not been cleaned up. Both of these items are in violation of the gas stations site development permit, as well as, the zoning ordinance. This action should abate the graffiti and light nuisance. I will keep you updated on the Code Enforcement action. If you have any additional questions please let me know.

The summary is that the three old trees will be cut down and replaced with much smaller trees; however, some of the problems of the gas station may diminish because we called attention to them during the hearing process.

Posted at 09:55PM Mar 12, 2009 by katysblog in News & Reviews  |