The long-anticipated, longer-needed BART connection to Silicon Valley is on-track. Better than that, it is barreling down the tracks with the first 10-mile segment of the planned 16-mile extension now estimated for completion before the end of 2016.
Yes, that is 18 months ahead of schedule and it’s also $75 million under budget.
Ridership projections just for the first 10-mile extension is estimated at 46,000 daily trips. To put that into context, our popular Caltrain commuter rail system that runs 79-miles from Gilroy to San Francisco carries 41,000 daily trips.
The full 16-mile BART extension from Fremont - with stations in Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara - is estimated to carry 90,000 daily passenger trips.
BART will not only help us get to our jobs, but the extension also creates jobs. In a down economy, with regional unemployment still hovering around 9 percent, the BART extension provides 13,000 construction-related jobs over the next four years alone.
In addition to its positive economic impacts, when the line is completed, the positive environmental impacts are equally significant - as the BART extension means 13,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions will not be emitted into our atmosphere.
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group praises the 12-member VTA board for its unanimous vote on Dec. 8 in awarding the construction contract to move BART down the tracks. Yet even more important, our hat is off to the visionary voters of Santa Clara County who voted not once, but twice, to tax themselves to make the BART extension a reality.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
The "100 Percent"
At City Halls across our country, we read about the "99 percent" angry with the federal government, business and the "1 percent" of Americans with the highest incomes.
I am not part of the "1 percent," and while I appreciate the frustration of those calling themselves the “99 percent,” I have but one simple request. Why don't we all work together to strengthen our nation as the "100 percent." United, perhaps we can stop pointing fingers and join arms.
* From the left, I often hear that the "one percent" hold 20 percent of the nation's wealth. Yet they also pay 37 percent of all federal income tax, and closer to 50 percent of California's state income tax.
* From the right, I hear that 47 percent of American adults pay zero federal income tax and zero state income tax.
Here's my view - 100 percent of us benefit when we have good schools; decent roads; and a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens. If you agree, then 100 percent of us should be willing to contribute to funding these priorities.
It's tempting, yet all too easy, to say what we want, but then insist only others pay for it. Let's unite, invest, and strengthen our nation. That's a movement I could get behind - 100 percent.
I am not part of the "1 percent," and while I appreciate the frustration of those calling themselves the “99 percent,” I have but one simple request. Why don't we all work together to strengthen our nation as the "100 percent." United, perhaps we can stop pointing fingers and join arms.
* From the left, I often hear that the "one percent" hold 20 percent of the nation's wealth. Yet they also pay 37 percent of all federal income tax, and closer to 50 percent of California's state income tax.
* From the right, I hear that 47 percent of American adults pay zero federal income tax and zero state income tax.
Here's my view - 100 percent of us benefit when we have good schools; decent roads; and a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens. If you agree, then 100 percent of us should be willing to contribute to funding these priorities.
It's tempting, yet all too easy, to say what we want, but then insist only others pay for it. Let's unite, invest, and strengthen our nation. That's a movement I could get behind - 100 percent.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
If You Mess Up - Fess Up!
Why is it so hard for some people to apologize? This seems especially true for public officials and CEOs.
At our recent Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot”, which I founded seven years ago and still direct through our Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, we had some challenges with traffic and with congestion at our race finish line.
While we have been putting on the Turkey Trot for seven years, the race has grown exponentially every year. This year, the race included 21,000 adult participants and another 1,100 kids. With the larger numbers, we had congestion - both in traffic before the race and for our runners at the finish line at the race.
On Monday, I sent out both a thank you - but also an apology - to all 22,000-plus participants. People don't want to hear excuses, but they do appreciate being heard, and knowing someone is working on solutions to any problems they experienced.
More than 200 participants responded to my letter of apology. As you might expect, the responses were gracious, solutions-oriented and thoughtful.
When you make a mistake; when you mess up; - fess up.
Overwhelmingly, people understand that we are all human and that mistakes happen. Just try not to make the same mistakes twice, and own the ones you do make.
At our recent Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot”, which I founded seven years ago and still direct through our Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, we had some challenges with traffic and with congestion at our race finish line.
While we have been putting on the Turkey Trot for seven years, the race has grown exponentially every year. This year, the race included 21,000 adult participants and another 1,100 kids. With the larger numbers, we had congestion - both in traffic before the race and for our runners at the finish line at the race.
On Monday, I sent out both a thank you - but also an apology - to all 22,000-plus participants. People don't want to hear excuses, but they do appreciate being heard, and knowing someone is working on solutions to any problems they experienced.
More than 200 participants responded to my letter of apology. As you might expect, the responses were gracious, solutions-oriented and thoughtful.
When you make a mistake; when you mess up; - fess up.
Overwhelmingly, people understand that we are all human and that mistakes happen. Just try not to make the same mistakes twice, and own the ones you do make.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Spirit Intact
* Right pelvis - broken
* Right elbow - broken
* Positive spirit - intact!
Last Saturday, while riding my bike home from an errand, I crashed with a young boy on his skateboard who dashed across the road. Thankfully, I hit his skateboard rather than him.
The x-rays revealed what my body felt when it hit the concrete. A fractured pelvis and a fractured elbow to accompany the road rash up and down the left side of my body.
But attitude is everything, and angels are everywhere:
* The boy on the skateboard could have instantly darted away. Instead, "Jake" stayed and helped, and his friends went for help.
* On-going motorists and neighbors could have passed by. Instead, they stopped, carried me out of the street where I had laid for many minutes, and brought me to a nearby yard. One brought pillows, another blankets.
* Police and fire fighters arrived, and could not have been more professional and positive.
* 11 hours in Emergency Room are never easy, but the folks at Good Samaritan lived up to their hospital's name.
Healing does not begin now. The healing began the moment my body slammed to the pavement, surrounded by such caring and compassionate strangers.
Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for.
* Right elbow - broken
* Positive spirit - intact!
Last Saturday, while riding my bike home from an errand, I crashed with a young boy on his skateboard who dashed across the road. Thankfully, I hit his skateboard rather than him.
The x-rays revealed what my body felt when it hit the concrete. A fractured pelvis and a fractured elbow to accompany the road rash up and down the left side of my body.
But attitude is everything, and angels are everywhere:
* The boy on the skateboard could have instantly darted away. Instead, "Jake" stayed and helped, and his friends went for help.
* On-going motorists and neighbors could have passed by. Instead, they stopped, carried me out of the street where I had laid for many minutes, and brought me to a nearby yard. One brought pillows, another blankets.
* Police and fire fighters arrived, and could not have been more professional and positive.
* 11 hours in Emergency Room are never easy, but the folks at Good Samaritan lived up to their hospital's name.
Healing does not begin now. The healing began the moment my body slammed to the pavement, surrounded by such caring and compassionate strangers.
Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Quality Family Time
Former Minnesota Twins baseball legend Harmon Killebrew tells a story about his father. He and his brother and dad were rough-housing on the front-lawn when his mom came out and said to his dad, "All that wrestling around is pulling up the lawn." He never forgot his dad's gentle reply - "We’re not raising a lawn. We're raising two sons."
I've been traveling a lot lately - more than I would like. My two girls, Jessica - almost seven - and Siena, two-and-a-half, deserve to see more of their dad. Slowly, I am becoming much more selective as I make decisions for my life which impact the lives of my children. Let's ask ourselves the tough questions: Is this business trip really needed? Is that dinner or speech or event a high priority?
When it comes to our kids, it's not just quality time - its also quantity time.
Here's a secret to moms and dads in our always-too-busy silicon valley. If you want to see a lot of your kids when they are older, invest a lot of time with your kids while they are younger. The relationships we build today will be the only foundation standing tomorrow.
And for goodness sakes, don't worry about messing up the lawn. The lawn has a chance to grow back. Our kids only grow-up once.
I've been traveling a lot lately - more than I would like. My two girls, Jessica - almost seven - and Siena, two-and-a-half, deserve to see more of their dad. Slowly, I am becoming much more selective as I make decisions for my life which impact the lives of my children. Let's ask ourselves the tough questions: Is this business trip really needed? Is that dinner or speech or event a high priority?
When it comes to our kids, it's not just quality time - its also quantity time.
Here's a secret to moms and dads in our always-too-busy silicon valley. If you want to see a lot of your kids when they are older, invest a lot of time with your kids while they are younger. The relationships we build today will be the only foundation standing tomorrow.
And for goodness sakes, don't worry about messing up the lawn. The lawn has a chance to grow back. Our kids only grow-up once.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
BART to Silicon Valley
The recent Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s assessment of the BART to Silicon Valley extension confirms what we at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group have long known to be true: The benefits of the project far outweigh the cost. The assessment compared the benefits of the extension from San Jose’s Berryessa Station, through Downtown San Jose and on to Santa Clara - and the results are in - MTC found that the project’s benefits are five times its cost.
We, at the Leadership Group, have championed the BART extension, recognizing its ability to create jobs and stimulate our economy. The project will increase our productivity, economic competitiveness and livability – through time saved in traffic, greater regional mobility, less dependence on the automobile and oil, and reduced Green House Gas emissions. We are pleased that the MTC’s independent assessment arrives at the same conclusion as Santa Clara County voters, who have twice voted to tax themselves to support this critical project.
We, at the Leadership Group, have championed the BART extension, recognizing its ability to create jobs and stimulate our economy. The project will increase our productivity, economic competitiveness and livability – through time saved in traffic, greater regional mobility, less dependence on the automobile and oil, and reduced Green House Gas emissions. We are pleased that the MTC’s independent assessment arrives at the same conclusion as Santa Clara County voters, who have twice voted to tax themselves to support this critical project.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Governor Jerry Brown Announces Public Pension Reform Plan
Jerry Brown proved again that he has the grit and good judgment to be governor of the Golden State.
On Thursday, he unveiled a measured, yet necessary pension reform proposal for California public employees.
This plan constitutes an essential and politically courageous step forward in our collective effort to put our state on firm financial footing, provide needed services, aggressively support job growth, and honor our commitments to our public sector workers. The 12 step proposal includes a provision to raise the retirement age to collect benefits from 50 to 67, with the exception of public safety officers. It would also put new state employees on a hybrid benefit track which would include defined benefits, social security and a 401k program. In addition the plan would require 3 year final compensation to stop spiking for new employees.
Shortly after releasing his 12 point pension reform plan Governor Brown was immediately assailed from the polarizing forces on both the left and right which reinforces that his plan falls right into the sensible center.
On Thursday, he unveiled a measured, yet necessary pension reform proposal for California public employees.
This plan constitutes an essential and politically courageous step forward in our collective effort to put our state on firm financial footing, provide needed services, aggressively support job growth, and honor our commitments to our public sector workers. The 12 step proposal includes a provision to raise the retirement age to collect benefits from 50 to 67, with the exception of public safety officers. It would also put new state employees on a hybrid benefit track which would include defined benefits, social security and a 401k program. In addition the plan would require 3 year final compensation to stop spiking for new employees.
Shortly after releasing his 12 point pension reform plan Governor Brown was immediately assailed from the polarizing forces on both the left and right which reinforces that his plan falls right into the sensible center.
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