On July 2, 1994 the San Jose Mercury News published an article by Broderick Perkins that discussed the Los Paseos neighborhood. Even though the article is five years old there are some interesting quotes that show how the neighborhood was perceived back then that may offer some insights as to how the proposed Metcalf Energy Center may affect perceptions of the area.

"Perhaps the best thing about the neighborhood is the homes' prices -- $30,000 to $100,000 less than identical homes in similar neighborhoods elsewhere in Santa Clara County. But the lower values are based more on perception than fact."

"'It's one of the most inexpensive neighborhoods because of perceived inaccessibility,' says Cindy Simon, an agent with ERA Network-Camden."

"Douglas Black, a real estate agent from Century 21-Alpha, says that because of the location's downward pressure on prices, there is a perception that buyers are poorer and can't afford to take care of the homes."

"'It's sort of looked down on from a socioeconomic view point. It's where everybody goes who can't afford Blossom Valley. There's a perception that the schools are weak. It's all part of the isolation stigma,' said Black."

"Los Paseos also remains in the shadow of the closed Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. The company leaked industrial solvent in the 1980s. But state health officials concluded in 1988 that the solvent did not cause the neighborhood's high rates of miscarriages and birth defects, as originally suspected."

The article highlights how perceptions can be a powerful force in determining real estate prices. The CEC has made a data request to Calpine for a study on how the proposed Metcalf Energy Center may impact local property values. See http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/metcalf/documents/199 9-07-23_DATA_REQUESTS.PDF for more information.

The article can be found at http://www.mercurycenter.com/archives/reprints/paseos07294.htm