January 12, 2009

2008—Year in Review

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

The New Year arrived with a hurricane strength storm mirroring the days ahead—challenging budget deficits and compelling community events. But as the country whirled around economic earthquakes, the city moved forward, voting in Measure O while new businesses opened in the continued renaissance of downtown.

Timi Butterick celebrated her eighth birthday at Boogie on the Bayou and said, “The spinning wheel is my favorite” as Frankie, Johnnie as Luigi Too District Manager Marian Welch watches. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

January
Donald Burr starts another term as mayor. Campbell Union Elementary School District Superintendent Johanna VanderMolen named an exemplary female executive by the Silicon Valley YMCA. Rusty Hammer, youngest mayor and councilmember in U.S. history dies from leukemia. He was elected Campbell’s mayor at age 21.

February
Campbell Union School District receives 2,000 English and 400 Spanish dictionaries from the Los Gatos-Saratoga Assistance League to celebrate the “love of literacy. Bombshell Boutique presents a Ladies’ Night Out Fundraiser at the Cardiff Lounge.

March
Thousands enjoy Easter with the Bunnies and Bonnets Parade and the Eggstravaganza egg hunting party held at the Campbell Community Center. Master Ernie Reyes celebrated the grand opening of his 12,000 square foot West Coast Martial Arts National Headquarters. The Chamber of Commerce selects Blendz Fun Fresh Food as the Business of the Year and Carl San Miguel as Citizen of the Year. Project Cornerstone awards Forest Hill School with the “Caring Elementary School Climate” Award. Thomas Riddle, 87, dies from prostate cancer.

Everyone showed off all the right moves at the Downtown Campbell Business Association First annual Big Band and Barbecue.

April
Senator Joe Simitian names Jeanette Watson as the 11th District’s Woman of the Year. Volunteers clean up 1,740 pounds of debris and recyclables for Earth Day. The downtown offers various locations for free Wi-Fi service.

May
Over 40,000 people attend downtown’s 30th annual Boogie on the Bayou. San Jose Christian School hosts the Northern California CSI Schools Fine Arts Festival. Bella James women’s boutique opens in downtown. Blendz and Founder/CEO Matt Phipps are recognized by Rep. Mike Honda as an outstanding California business.

June
The 2008 Summer Concert Series starts a rocking summer with The Houserockers. Photographer Stephen Sanford, 65, dies from brain cancer. Forty four year Campbell resident Robert Stephens dies at 87.

July
The Downtown Campbell Business Association presented a successful first annual Big Band and Barbecue. Free movies under the stars begin at Sundown Cinema. The Relay for Life held at the Campbell Community Center raises $250,000 for the American Cancer Society. State Farm Agent Aaron Sessions and Firestone Auto Care celebrate Grand Openings.

August
Residents launch the Committee for Measure O—a one quarter cent tax increase that would address the city’s looming budget deficit. Mike Kotowski announces his candidacy for City Council. Mojo Burgers and Satura Cakes celebrate Grand Openings.

September
Union Bank of California at Camden and Union Avenues celebrates a grand opening. City Council candidates Jason Baker, David Barclay and Matt Walker present their platforms.

The food court featured a plethora of good eats to fit everyone’s taste.

October
Thousands enjoyed the Annual Oktoberfest. Campbell Recreation and Community Services present the 1st Annual Oktoberfest 5k Fun Run/Walk. The Teen and Family Counseling Center celebrate 25 years of service.

November
Mike Kotowski and Jason Baker win City Council seats. Measure O is passed. Fashionistas enjoyed the 2nd annual Fashion Frenzy held at Villa Ragusa.

December
Campbell Christian School collects donations for Second Harvest not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Larry Pedersen, 67, dies from a pulmonary embolism.