San Jose City Council – Live!

The wheels of government turn slowly, especially when they move forward. It’s 8:23 pm — welcome to the San Jose City Council chambers, where the room is packed with people in blue and black, awaiting item 11.3 on the agenda: the acceptance of the final Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Earthquakes stadium and the re-zoning of the 94.8 acre Airport West site to allow for the construction of the 18,000-seat stadium. As long as the battery in my laptop continues to allow electrons to flow into ye olde circuitry, I’ll bring you both the play-by-play and the color commentary on the evening’s activity. Hit refresh for updates, which will be provided as often as events warrant.

8:27 — What timing! We have arrived at 11.3. The staff report is underway. Potential issues with noise are being addressed now; apparently, some neighbors, apparently unaware that they already live adjacent to both a major international airport and a rail line, complained about the potential sound pollution issues from a facility that would be used maybe 20 times per year. Er, wait — maybe more. AEG — yes, that AEG — has submitted a letter suggesting that a limit on the number of events to be held in the stadium is not feasible. On the bright side — that phrase will be humorous in just a second — the roof over the stands has been designed to hold in both sound and, yes, light in the stadium.

8:35 — Lew Wolff speaks briefly about the stadium. He gets a big laugh when he mentions that the only other facility like this in San Jose is Spartan Stadium, which he notes is older than he is.

8:38 — Keith Wolff has taken over the presentation and provides a brief overview of the facility. You’ve probably already seen images of the stadium, but if not, check out Center Line Soccer’s YouTube channel.  He mentions some of the key design elements: the stadium is just 20 rows from top to bottom and, rather than having luxury boxes, the stadium’s high-end seating will be in the first three rows.

8:45 — We’re into the public testimony now. Don Gagliardi, president of Soccer Silicon Valley, led off and sent a simple message: “Build it now!” The phrase was printed on handouts given to all the stadium supporters in the crowd, and the chamber was filled with people holding these signs aloft as he spoke. Gagliardi was followed by Larry Stone of the San Jose Sharks, Pat Dando of the San Jose/Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Patricia Ernstrom of the San Jose Sports Authority. So far, so good.

8:50 — More speakers in support, including a representative from the baseball advocacy group. A chorus of “Kumbaya” was heard softly in the background. Yes, we really can all get along.

8:53 — John Shrader recommends the stadium — eloquently, as you would expect — but he is upstaged by Steve Beitashour, a San Jose native who just signed a developmental contract with the Quakes. Beitashour talks about watching the Quakes all his life as well as the heartbreak of watching the old team leave in 2005. I’m guessing here, but in these few moments I think he just became a fan favorite.

8:57 — The construction union guys are going now, one after the other. They are, not surprisingly, pro-stadium. The phrase “soccer stimulus package” is uttered and repeated.

8:58 — A woman from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group speaks in favor of the project and confesses a youthful crush on “number 7, Chris Dangerfield,” of the NASL Quakes. SSV board member John Jussen also mentions an NASL player as he relates the recent passing of Gabbo Gavric. “He was a hero to me growing up and I hope my kids can have heroes like him, too.”

9:00 — Mayor Chuck Reed announces that it’s bedtime for the kids and invites the children in the crowd to come up and make their statements so they can all go home. Only one young lad takes him up on the offer, but he wins a round of applause when he approaches the podium, holds up his “Build it now!” sign, and says, “Go Earthquakes!”

9:07 — The first anti-stadium speaker arrives, voicing concern that construction of the stadium will fundamentally change the character of his “quiet” neighborhood.  I believe he was serious. There are others here as well, as indicated by the smattering of applause his comments receive.

9:12 — More pro-soccer speakers, followed by another anti- who notes that the noise created by the facility could potentially keep children awake at night. He is followed by another Newhall neighborhood member who notes that he is already in proximity to the airport, Santa Clara’s baseball stadium, the university’s basketball arena, and Buck Shaw Stadium. I’m not sure that helps make his case.

9:17 — Another neighbor talks about noise and reminds the crowd that she doesn’t just live next to an airport, a rail yard, and collegiate sports facilities — she also lives near I-880.

9:20 — One of the stadium opponents finally spells out their position: They know they purchased homes next to an airport, a rail yard, a freeway, and so forth; they’re concerned about the additional noise, particularly that posed by concerts. A valid point, but one also has to wonder: If a location surrounded by these uses is not appropriate for a stadium, where is? I just don’t see the city council turning down the opportunity for this much private investment, without the use of any public funds — especially in this economy.

9:28 — More pro-stadium speakers. In fact, here comes Anthony Salciccia, a player for the NASL Quakes and now owner of Tony & Alba’s Pizza.

9:30 — Even more pro-stadium speakers, including a representative from the San Jose Unified School District and more construction guys. “Build it now!” has been widely adopted. Thanks to the clever soul who came up with that. (Yes, I’ll admit — I’m patting myself on the back. Gagliardi came up with “build it,” but I suggested adding “now.”)

9:32 — More praise for the stadium, this time from the South Bay Labor Council. If the number of speakers and the communities they represent could be counted, this hearing would have been called in favor of the stadium because of the mercy rule by now.

9:35 — Colin McCarthy, Soccer Silicon Valley’s first president, offers his opinion as an amateur expert on noise, a credential he has earned by living in a home with three children under the age of four. He explains that the stadium has been designed to contain the sound, as a way of enhancing the game atmosphere. “If any sound escapes the stadium,” he adds, “it’s the sound of joy.”

9:38 — Another Newhall neighbor offers testimony. He mentions that, in addition to the airport, trains, freeway, and existing sports facilities, the area is scheduled to be the site of a “24-hour BART maintenance yard” in the future. Hey, you know — with all these industrial uses in the area, this would be a great place for a stadium.

9:40 — We’re done with the public comment period. Councilmember Sam Liccardo is now asking the city’s staff for more information on the potential for increased noise in the area. He is told, essentially, that the additional noise that would be caused by the stadium is not statistically significant.

9:50 — Councilmember Liccardo continues his questioning. He’s making it clear that he’s considering everyone’s points and is now explaining to the assembly that staff has determined that it is not feasible to build an enclosed facility, as some of the stadium opponents have requested. Devcon Construction provided an estimate of an additional $120-$160 million to build an enclosed stadium with a full roof. He does not mention that a stadium with a roof would be an anathema to soccer fans, since it would necessitate the use of artificial turf.

9:55 — It’s still the Sam Liccardo show. The stadium would be in his district and my guess is that he will support it, but he also has to make sure that he doesn’t do anything to alienate his constituents. He has just gotten Keith Wolff to agree that any concerts would end by 11:30, thereby bringing the stadium in line with the existing airport curfew. Liccardo’s questioning ends at 9:56.

9:57 — Councilmember Nguyen earns the biggest roar of the night when she notes that it’s 86 days and 2 hours until kickoff of the 2010 World Cup.

10:05 — Councilmember Ash Kaira is asking questions now. Severe audience fatigue is beginning to set in.

10:07 — He mentions, even as he continues speaking, that he supports the motion as it stands now. Perhaps this signals his last question?

10:09 — Those of you playing the MLS Stadium Development Drinking Game will be pleased to learn that Councilmember Kaira has just uttered the phrase “60 to 90 days.” I believe the appropriate response is a shot and a Red Bull.

10:11 — He said it again. Drink up!

10:12 — One more mention of “60 to 90 days” and he’s done.

10:13 — Councilmember Nora Campos is on the clock and, after a couple quick ones, prefaces her next question by saying it will be her last. A grateful audience sighs inwardly in gratitude.

10:17 — All the council members are done and we’re on to the mayor for the big finish. He begins his comments by thanking Lew Wolff and his development partner Ed Storm, which is a good sign. But wait! City staff has some more information to convey about sound and light! Back to the mayor shortly — I hope…

10:20 — City staff is done and the vote is on. It passes unanimously!

That’s it — time to wrap up. This place is emptying out and fast, motivated no doubt by the promise of beverages at the Britannia Arms Downtown. Thanks for stopping by!