June 6, 2008

News Briefs

Rock Out

The City of Campbell's 2008 Summer Concert Series gets off to a rocking good start with The Houserockers on Thursday June 19!

The Silicon Valley Houserockers is a rock and roll band out of Los Gatos that plays the greatest rock and roll songs ever recorded. With a wailing five piece horn section and rock solid rhythm section of two guitars, bass, drums, and keyboard, they bring the timeless rock and roll and rhythm and blues classics to life. It's a recipe for a great time and the Houserockers deliver the goods.

The first Campbell Summer Concert will be held on Thursday, June 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Orchard City Green at Civic Center Drive at Central Avenue. For more information on The Houserockers, please visit: http://www.svhouserockers.com. On June 26, 2008 the Campbell Summer Concert will present Phil ‘n the Blanks. Visit www.downtowncampbell.com for more information.

Seeking volunteers for Big Bands & BBQ Festival

The Downtown Campbell Business Association [DCBA] is seeking volunteers for its 1st Annual Big Bands & BBQ Festival to be held Saturday, July 12, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Campbell.

DCBA is looking for volunteer stage hands, children's activity helpers, and people to sell beverages. If you're interested in signing up, or would like more information, please e-mail your name, address, and phone number to info@downtowncampbell.com. All volunteers will receive special discounts from participating downtown Campbell merchants!

Volunteer orientation will take place on Thursday, July 10, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

Go green! Recycle your old car!

Now is a good time to “Go Green” and recycle your old car by donating it to Cars4Charities.  You can complete the entire donation process online 24/7 at www.cars4charities.org.   In addition to being convenient, the online option is better for the environment since it reduces the use of paper and other consumables.  Donated cars that need significant repair are completely recycled. Others are sold for repair and reuse.

Cars4Charities handles the entire donation process and can have your car picked up in a matter of days, free of charge.  The proceeds from your car will be used to help one of over 1,000 charities, including Prevent Cancer, Autism Speaks, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and area food banks, homeless shelters, etc.

In addition to helping a very needy charity, you will be eligible for a tax deduction of up to $500 or what your car is sold for, whichever is greater.

Complete details are available at www.cars4charities.org or 866-448-3487 (GIVE-4-US).

PAWSabilities Luncheon raises $80,000 for shelter animals

More than $80,000 was raised for shelter animals at the Humane Society Silicon Valley’s [HSSV] Imagine the PAWSabilities fundraising luncheon on May 8. 

Linda Grahm, HSSV President Christine Benninger, Kate Mulligan, Garrett Mack and his adopted dog Bear were a happy fivesome at HSSV Imagine the PAWSability fundraising luncheon luncheon held on May 8. Photo courtesy of HSSV

Approximately 150 attendees mingled with HSSV senior staff and met several shelter dog, cat and rabbit “guests” before enjoying a vegetarian lunch and listening to several speakers talk about their involvement with the nonprofit shelter. HSSV President Christine Benninger told captivating stories about the organization’s life-saving work and their influence on the community. 

“People tell us all the time what an incredible impact their new adopted pet has had on their family,” said Benninger. “They all come to our shelter thinking they’re going to save an animal’s life, but just as often, the animal they adopt ends up saving their life.” 

Board member Melissa Dyrdahl discussed HSSV’s Regional Rescue Program, which saves animals at other shelters that are in danger of being euthanized—due to lack of resources or space—and brings them to HSSV for rehabilitation and adoption. She introduced a video that showed Bailey, an 8-month-old mini pincher that HSSV rescued, undergoing swim therapy to help heal an elbow fracture. Dyrdahl pointed out that in the last 18 months, more than 1,000 dogs, cats and rabbits were saved through the Regional Rescue Program. 

“Bear is not only my best friend, he’s a family member,” said Garrett Mack, 10, who adopted a dog named Bear from HSSV, told the PAWSabilities audience.

Deb Walt, an HSSV donor and volunteer since 1992, said she chooses to lend her time and support to HSSV because "I truly believe that the work of HSSV is extraordinary. It's an exhilarating place to be. So many people are so committed and so passionate about what they do," said Walt. 

Nancy Lucas, who attended the luncheon, said she felt “inspired to help” after hearing how the shelter helped so many animals in the community. 

Benninger told the audience that with their continued support, HSSV will continue to work with other shelters and rescue animals in the community who might otherwise euthanized simply because there isn’t enough space or they have a treatable medical or behavioral issue that keeps them from being adopted.

“Today, I ask you to act now to make a difference in an animal’s life,” Benninger said. “Each one of you in this room can be an agent for change.” For more information on HSSV visit www.hssv.org or call (408) 727-3383.

TV Legend Betty White endorses National Health Campaign

Seniors reminded: “Don't Lose Sight of Your Independence” 

EyeCare America offers no cost medical eye care to qualified seniors.

TV legend Betty White urges seniors to have their eyes checked through EyeCare America. Photo courtesy of Eye Care America

This summer TV legend Betty White and EyeCare America are teaming up to remind seniors, "Don't Lose Sight of Your Independence." The national health campaign is intended to remind the senior community about the value of eyesight. The promotion will highlight all of the wonderful things that we all see—and often take for granted—during the summer months such as vacation destinations, beautiful beaches, national monuments, friends and family and of course a sky filled with spectacular fireworks.

“I truly understand the importance and value of eye sight,” said White. “It is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted. I’m happy that I can do my part in helping older Americans get the eye care they need. I only hope that seniors across the country will pick up the phone and take advantage of EyeCare America’s free eye exams. It’s a call that can save their sight.”

EyeCare America’s 3-month promotional campaign runs May 31 through September 1 and encourages people to call the EyeCare America Seniors Program. This program offers eye exams and up to one year of medical care at no out-of-pocket cost for seniors who are without an ophthalmologist [a medical eye doctor].

For a Seniors EyeCare Program referral, those interested may call the toll-free help line 1.800.222.EYES (3937).

Blendz helps crush cancer

From May 1 through July 13, 50 percent of proceeds from all sales of purple crush smoothies at Blendz Fun Fresh Food will be donated to the American Cancer Society [ACS]. Over-the-counter donations of $20 or more will receive a free Blendz t-shirt while the supply lasts.

For the third year in a row, Team Blendz is participating in the annual ACS Relay For Life benefiting the ACS. This year the goal is to raise $10,000.00 for the organization. This year's 24-hour relay takes place the weekend of July 14 -15 in Campbell. In addition, Blendz has pledged 15 percent of total sales, caterings included, during the week of July 9 – 14.

Blendz is located in downtown at 267 E. Campbell Ave.  

D-Day remembered

On June 6, 1944, a date known ever since as D-Day, 160,000 Allied Troops landed on a 50-mile narrow stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.”

More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end on June 6, the allies gained a foothold in Normandy. The D-Day cost was high—more than 9,000 allied soldiers were killed or wounded—but more than 100,000 soldiers began the march across Europe to defeat Hitler and end the Nazi grip on western Europe.

Professional Culinary Institute’s Randy Torres named to AAC Culinary Regional Team USA

Randy Torres, director of culinary education at the Professional Culinary Institute, Campbell, Calif., has been named to the American Academy of Chefs [AAC] Culinary Regional Team USA, one of the four teams that make up the American Culinary Federation [ACF] Culinary Team USA, the official representative culinary team for the United States in major national and international culinary competitions.

Randy Professional Culinary Institute’s Randy Torres will compete in the food Olympics in Erfurt, Germany, in October.

Torres will support AAC Culinary Regional Team USA as it competes on the world culinary stage against more than 40 international teams at the Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung [IKA] International Culinary Art Competition, more commonly known as the “culinary Olympics,” in Erfurt, Germany, in October.

"We are so pleased to have Chef Torres join our team,” said ACC Culinary Regional Team USA Manger Jill Bosich. “Randy is a seasoned and proven competitor with many awards and achievements. Not only is he an experienced competitor, but he's just a great person. To have his talent, great attitude and excitement as a part of our group will only help us as a team achieve our goal of a gold medal at the upcoming ‘culinary Olympics’."

A member of Santa Clara Valley Chapter, Torres brings more than 15 years of culinary experience to the team. He received his formal training from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Calif., where he earned an advanced culinary certificate in 1999. Torres has worked in private clubs and hotels around the country, such as Victoria Country Club and Nordstrom Café in Riverside, Calif. He has also won more than 10 culinary medals in various competitions, including silver medals at the Orange County Culinary Salon in 2003 and the ACF Western Regional Conference in 1998, and a gold medal at the Las Vegas Culinary Challenge in 1996. He competed nationally and internationally as a member of the California Culinary Team from 1996 to 2004.

Torres began working as a culinary educator in 1999 at Orange Coast College, while remaining executive chef at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta, Calif. and the premier private, equity-membership club in Temecula/Murrieta Valley. As an educator, Torres is passionate about inspiring young professionals through culinary competitions. He has coached numerous student teams and has an impressive record of six state championships, three ACF Western Regional Conference championships and two ACF national championships. Torres continues to inspire young culinarians as team manager at the Professional Culinary Institute in Campbell.

Operation Golden Arches combats drug dealers

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Cal-MMET Task Force, in connection with other Sheriff’s personnel, conducted an undercover operation near the McDonald’s Restaurant located on Bascom Avenue near Fruitvale Avenue in San Jose. The week-long operation was known as “Operation Golden Arches” and the purpose was to combat drug dealing that has been occurring in that area..

During the week-long surveillance, numerous drug deals were observed in the general view of the public. People were observed purchasing narcotics, including a group of older teenagers who were seen using the drugs on the premises just after illegally purchasing them.

On May 8, three subjects were taken into custody for felony narcotic violations. The Sheriff’s Office will be seeking arrest warrants for six other individuals who were involved in the operation. During the suspect’s interviews, most verified that the surveillance location is a well known site for the purchase of illegal prescription medications.

The individuals arrested were in possession of a variety of prescription medications. All of the medications have a valid medical use when prescribed under the care of a doctor and taken following the instructions for use. When abused they may cause severe side effects, medical complications, and a risk of addiction.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Josh Singleton at the Sheriff’s Office Cal-MMET Task Force at (408) 808-4311 or email at josh.singleton@sho.co.scl.ca.us.

City of Campbell seeks applications for Historic Preservation
Board and Building Board of Appeals

The City Council is accepting applications for the Historic Preservation Board [HPB] for a short term that expires in October 2010 as well as filling one vacancy on the Building Board of Appeals.

The HPB consists of five members who advise the City Council regarding measures to implement historic preservation programs within the City of Campbell and applications for historical designations of historically/architecturally significant buildings. The board periodically reviews the 1977-78 Historic Resources Inventory to develop a survey list of eligible landmark properties, and maintains a listing of local, state, and national landmark designations. The HPB meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.

Appointment of members to the HPB shall be made from among professionals in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archeology, or other historic preservation-related disciplines, such as urban planning, American studies and civilization, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology. HPB membership shall also include lay members who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in historic preservation.

The Building Board of Appeals [BBA] is composed of five members who advise the City Council in providing reasonable interpretation of the Uniform Building Code, determine the suitability of alternate construction materials and kinds of construction, and recommend legislation to the City Council.

The BBA shall hear any appeals for relief from the Building Official or Fire Chief’s decision as requested by property owners of the City of Campbell. Meetings are held as needed.

To be eligible for appointment on the volunteer advisory board, applicants must be at least 18-years-old, reside within Santa Clara County, be familiar with the Uniform Building Code and/or Uniform Fire Code, and preferably, possess background and experience in the building/construction trades.

The selection process will take place during June 2008 for both positions. Applications may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, and must be returned no later than Friday, June 6, 2008 at 5 p.m. For further information, call the City Clerk’s Office at 866-2117.

“Get Ready for Kindergarten” parent orientation

Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for you and your child. The parent orientation can help you give your child a great start in Campbell Union School District!

Teachers, principals and district staff will present an overview of the fun and learning in full-day Kindergarten, basic school operations, such as transportation, bell times, lunch lines and more and fun and easy ways to help your child prepare for “The Big Day.”

Get Ready for Kindergartner will be held Tuesday, June 10, at Campbell Union School District Administration Office, Hamilton Room, 155 N. Third Street, Campbell. Session 1 for Blackford, Capri, Castlemont and Forest Hill Elementary Schools will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Session 2 for Lynnhaven, Marshall Lane, Rosemary, Sherman Oaks and Village Elementary Schools will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Spanish-speaking interpreters will be available. For more details call (408) 364-4200 ext. 6250.

There’s still time to join the Campbell Relay For Life 2008

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the largest annual not-for-profit fundraising event in the world. It is an overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer in the community and raises funds to fight cancer. Throughout Relay For Life, teams of friends, family and co-workers commit to keeping at least one member walking on the track...because cancer never sleeps. It will take place right here in Campbell on July 12-13 at the Campbell Community Center.

To participate, recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to join you in a Relay team. If you’re interested in learning more about the ACS Campbell Relay For Life or if you would like to become a Relay Sponsor and have your company's logo placed on the participants t-shirts please email Kim Carney at kim.carney@woz.org or come to a Team Captain's meeting for more information.

Upcoming Team Meetings are scheduled Thursdays, May 15 and June 19 at 7 p.m. at the American Cancer Society, Santa Clara County Unit (ring doorbell for evening meeting), 747 Camden Ave., Ste. B, Campbell. (408) 871-1062.

Disco anyone?

Throw away your weekday cares away and join Downtown Campbell for their second annual free Family-Friendly First Friday Outdoor Disco Dance on June 6.

Bring your family and friends, young and old, to the Courtyard Galleria for a Family-Friendly Outdoor Disco Dance featuring DJ Ron Grandia, 6 p.m. to 9 pm. A professional DJ with years of experience, DJ Ron will spin everyone's favorite 70s dance tunes. Dress up in your retro disco best or come as you are.

The Courtyard Galleria is located on the north side of East Campbell Avenue between 1st Street and Central Avenue.