Tom McEnery has decided to UNboycott Santana Row.

That's news to me.  I didn't know that our former mayor had engaged in a private boycott of the shopping center.  So now I know why I've never seen him there.

McEnery had a reason for staying away from Santana Row.  He was dead set against the creation of that center, feeling that it dealt a blow to downtown San Jose.  And he also believed that it would create enormous traffic problems.

Drive on 880 before the Stevens Creek/San Carlos exit and see if you don't agree with him.    The backup is often colossal.  Of  course,  the question arises:  would it be equally colossal if  what we've always called Valley Fair were there, all by itself,  without Santana Row?

Now that Tom has released himself to enjoy the shopping center,  it's still unlikely that I'll run into him there.  No boycott from me.  Just very little interest in most of those stores or restaurants -- or the prices that they charge.

A pleasant place to walk -- but only occasionally.

So,   Tom,  although I'm happy to learn you've released yourself from the boycott,  I don't think I'll be seeing you there very often.  We might meet,  instead,  at a sushi bar ... at Valley Fair?