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Home My WebLink AboutScene July 2004 - 07.01.2004CUPERTINO SCENE July 2004 vol. xxvii no. 11 A monthly publication of the city of Cupertino 4th of July Fireworks at Cupertino High School The city of Cupertino is pleased to an nounce that the annual fireworks display will again be held on July 4, 2004 at 9:30 p.m. Due to ongoing construction at DeAnza Col lege, this year’s show will be launched from Cupertino High School and will be visible from parks and open public spaces on the east side of town. Residents close to Cuper tino High School are encouraged to view the fireworks from their neighborhoods. Old and new activities are scheduled throughout the day. Be ginning at 7 a.m., the De Anza Opti mists will start the day at Memorial Park with their tradi tional pan cake breakfast. Following a 9:30 lineup, the children’s parade begins at 10 a.m. followed by the community sing-along. Things will be quiet until 6:45 p.m. when roving entertainers, games and face painting begin at Creekside Park, Hyde and Sedgwick schools. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. For safety reasons, there will be no public access to the Cupertino High School cam pus. Finch and Tilson Streets will be closed to traffic from 6 to 10:30 p.m. For handicap accessible parking locations, please contact the Parks and Recreation Administration office by July 2, 2004, at 408.777.3110. For all other questions, please call the Quinlan Commu nity Center at 408.777.3120. Map and program on page 9 Cali Mill Plaza: It is about people On Saturday, July 24, at 10 a.m., dedica tion ceremonies will be held for Cali Mill Plaza. The public is invited to celebrate this city landmark with music, give-a-ways, face painting and refreshments compliments of Park Place Restaurant and Le Boulanger. The corner of De Anza and Stevens Creek Boulevards has historically been the center of Cupertino. As home to the Cali Brothers trucking company and mill, "the Crossroads" was the economic hub of the area’s agricul tural economy. More than a mere reminder of Cupertino’s past, Cali Mill Plaza will also celebrate the new collaborative spirit of the community. Most of the money to pay for the sculpture "Perspectives" was provided by Apple Com puter. Le Boulanger will soon be moving into retail space on the plaza, Helios is changing its name to Park Place, and coffee carts are already being planned. The plaza already en joys free wireless Internet access provided by the Cypress Hotel. For more information call 408.777-CITY, or visit www. cupertino.org and check the schedule of events. InIn This IssueThis Issue 4th of July Fireworks .............1 4th of July Map & program....9 Cali Mill Plaza Dedication .......1 Cupertino Library ...................2 Search for Talent Is On ..........3 The Better Part ........................3 Simply Safe: West Nile Virus . 4 CCS 20th Annual Barbecue ...6 Distinguished Artist ...............6 Small Business Forum ..........6 Cupertino Cuisine ..................7 City-Wide Garage Sale ...........7 Household Waste Disposal ...7 BBQ Air Pollution ....................7 Library Campaign ...................8 Writers Workshop ..................8 Thunder Down Under ............8 Roots: The Blue House ...... 10 The Cost of HDTV ................. 11 Community Calendar .......... 12 Council Actions ................... 14 Agenda Preview ................... 14 Access Cupertino ................ 15 City Meetings ....................... 16 The Cupertino Sceneis published monthly, except in August, and distributed to all resi dents and businesses in the city. Information may be submitted via e-mail to rickk@cupertino.org. Questions may be di rected to the Public Information Office at City Hall, 777.3262. Deadline is the first Wednes day of the month for the next month’s issue. Cupertino Temporary Library is Open New Library Hours Monday 12 to 9 Tuesday 12 to 9 Wednesday 10 to 9 Thursday 10 to 9 Friday 10 to 6 Saturday 10 to 6 Sunday Closed The Cupertino Temporary Library is lo cated at 10441 Bandley Drive, one block west of De Anza Boulevard between Lazaneo and Mariani. Parking / Entrance at the back of the building. Library telephone numbers are: General Library Number 408.446.1677 Accounts, Billing 800.286.1991 Dial-in Catalog 877.471.3349 TeleCirc 800.471.0991 The library has a Web Catalog at http:// webpac.santaclaracountylib.org/, as well as a Telnet Catalog at telnet://librar y. santaclaracountylib.org. Bookmark these library web addresses: Santa Clara County Library Web Site: http:/ /www.santaclaracountylib.org: Teen Page Web Site: ht tp://www.santaclara countylib.org/teen: Kids Page Web Site: http://www. santaclaracountylib. org/kids. Summer Storytimes July 6 – August 31 Bedtime Storytime (age 3 years and up) Tuesdays, 7 p.m. -2 Toddler Storytime (ages 1-1/2 to 3 Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. Track It @ Your Library Kids are invited to sign up for the 2004 Summer Reading Club anytime between June 14 and July 31. If they read ten or more books during the summer, they will receive a certificate and be able to choose a free book provided by the Friends of the Cupertino Library. Drop-In Crafts for School-age Kids Tuesday, July 13th anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. Celebrate your reading success with singer/musician Bonnie Lockhart Tuesday, August 1, 2 p.m. Cupertino Room, Quinlan Center. Parent-Child Catalog/Internet Classes Parents of schoolchildren may schedule ap pointments with a children’s librarian for ei ther introductory Internet (exploring web sites for children) or library catalog instruc tion. The classes are open to parents alone or with their children. To schedule an ap pointment, call 408.446.1677, ext. 3310. Teen Database Classes Database instruction for teens, thirteen to nineteen, is available at the library by appoint ment. If you would like to schedule an ap pointment to learn about the library’s sub scription databases please call the Reference Desk at 408.446.1677. Internet Basics for Adults Basic Internet classes for adults are held at the library every Saturday, 10 to 10:30 a.m. These drop-in classes are limited to five par ticipants and are filled on a first-come, first- served basis. Participants must be able to use a computer keyboard and mouse. If inter ested, come to the Adult Reference desk at 10 a.m. on Saturday mornings. The new Cupertino li brary is scheduled to open in October 2004. Help the Library For in formation on how you can help visit www.cupertinolibrary.org Search for Talent Is On Community performers from age 13 to adult are encouraged to audition for a talent show to be held in the fall. Auditions will take place Sunday, Aug. 29, at St. Joseph Par ish Hall, 10120 N. De Anza Blvd. The top 15 acts will go on to compete for cash prizes at the Talent Show on Saturday, Oct. 16, during a three-day carnival extravaganza at St. Jo seph of Cupertino School. Deadline to reg ister for the talent show auditions is Aug. 18. All entrants must fill out an application form, available online at www.sjcschool.org (follow carnival link to talent show), or by calling 408.252.9775. Applications also may be picked up at the school office. Questions about the audition process may be e-mailed to talentshow@sjcschool.org. First place tal ent show winner will receive $500; second place prize is $300 and third place prize is $200. The talent show is only one event planned for the carnival, which will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15, 16 and 17. Billed as a Family Fun Festival, the event will feature a free concert Friday evening by the Joe Sharino Band, non-stop musical en tertainment and demonstrations throughout the weekend, a mini flea market, gourmet coffee shop and pantry, plenty of food, children’s activities and carnival rides and games. The Better Part The Better Part, produced by and for se niors, airs Tuesday, Friday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. on Comcast cable channel 15 in Cupertino, Los Altos and Mountain View. Programs for July 2004 include: July 5, 6, & 9 #763, Take Control of Your Arthritis. If you have problems with arthri tis, you will not want to miss this program. July 12, 13, & 16 # 764, VCR to DVD— The Transition History. From 1956 to 2004, enormous changes have occurred in the video-recording world. This program pro vides an overview of this transition. July 19, 20, & 23,# 663, Bees. A local beekeeper dem onstrates the value of bees in our environ ment. July 26, 27, & 30 # 759, Andrew Norblin, Journey of a Guitarist. A young boy’s dream comes true. -3 _________ Simply Safe: Reduce Risk of West Nile Virus From the Cupertino Office of Emergency Services (OES) Three simple precautions can help reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile Virus. 1) Take steps to prevent mosquito bites, 2) Mos- quito-proof your home, and 3) Report dead bird sightings. The virus was first identified in the West Nile District of Uganda, Africa in 1937. In 2003, the Center for Disease Control reported 9,862 cases in 46 states, which resulted in 264 deaths. Three of those reported cases were in California and were not fatal. The virus is expected to continue to spread throughout the west coast this season. West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, other mammals, and over 110 spe cies of birds. Though the risk of infection is already low, precautionary steps can help re duce the risk even more. Most people who become infected with the virus exhibit either no, or mild, symptoms. On rare occasions, an infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness. The risk of severe disease is higher for persons 50 years of age and older. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person. The incubation period is usually 3 to 14 days. Symptoms of mild disease will gen erally last a few days. Symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks, although neu rological effects may be permanent. Most infections are mild, and symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, oc casionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. More se vere infection may be marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorienta tion, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and, rarely, death. Prevent Mosquito Bites The hours between dusk and dawn are peak mosquito hours. If you are outside dur ing this period, apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET to your skin and clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants treated with repellent. Mosquito-Proof Your Home Install or repair window and door screens so mosquitoes don’t have easy access to your home. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing wa ter, so drain anything in your home that holds pools of water. Report Dead Bird Sightings Dead birds might indicate that West Nile Virus is circulating between mosquitoes and birds in your area. Though not all infected birds will die, reporting dead birds can help local health authorities monitor and prepare for a virus outbreak. If you find a recently dead bird (particu larly a crow, jay or magpie, finch, or spar row), do not touch the bird. Call the Santa Clara County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SCCMVCD) at 408.792.5010 or 800.675.1155, or the California Department of Health Services (DHS) at 877.968.2473. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Learn skills that will benefit you for a life time. This 18-hour course offers free train ing to Cupertino residents to help you and your family better prepare for, and cope with, earthquakes and other emergencies. Sessions include first aid, earthquake preparedness, damage assessment, light search and rescue, fire suppression, terrorism awareness, neigh borhood preparedness and more. It is a fun, interactive learning experience for adults of all ages. The final session includes an earth quake drill and fire extinguisher training. CERT is part of a nationwide program for disaster preparedness. CERT #3, Wednesday Evenings July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. August 7, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CERT #4, Thursday Mornings July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. August 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CERT #5, Thursday Evenings Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For information on Kaliedescope classes visit www.cupertino.org. Leslie Martin (Lmartin@aol.com), is a Cupertino writer and CERT graduate. -4 SUMMER CONCERT S 2004 Thursdays 6 pm to 8pm In the Amphitheater at Memorial Park! July 8 Kapalikiko Traditional Hawaiian melodies & hula Jazz and funk July 22 Cupertino Symphonic Band Classical, symphony, waltz, big band, and patriotic music *July 24 Mark Russo & The Classy Cats 12 piece big band and swing At the Cali Mill Plaza Relax and enjoy free music! *Last concert takes place at the corner of Stevens Creek Blvd. and De Anza Blvd. introducing the new Cali Mill Plaza, Come join the grand opening from 10am to 1:30pm! *Saturday 10 am to 1:30 pm At the corner of Stevens Creek & Mary. July 15 Inoahband Please call the Parks and Recreation Department for more information 408-777-3120. -5 CCS 20th Annual Auction and Barbecue Cupertino Community Services (CCS) will hold its 20th annual auction and barbecue event at Blackberry Farm on September 11, 2004, from 4 to 9 pm. CCS is dedicating this event to our firefighters. To show its ap preciation, they have switched the traditional cowboy hat for a firefighter’s helmet. As usual, the barbecue dinner will be prepared by lo cal firefighters. The event will feature live and silent auctions, children’s g ames, food and entertain ment. Event proceeds will benefit and sup port CCS, a private, nonprofit community-based agency that pro vides basic social and housing services to thousands of low income families and indi viduals in the West Valley each year. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children un der 12. For ticket sales, information, or to make an auction donation, please call CCS at 408.255.8033 or visit their website at www.cupertinocommunityservices.org. Cupertino Names ‘Distinguished Artist’ Kate Curry, has been selected by city’s Fine Arts Commission as the 2004 “Distinguished Artist of the Year.” “The natural world is always my starting point,” says Curry who is known for her vivid expressionistic landscapes. Her work can be seen at SFMOMA Artist’s Gallery in San Fran cisco, the Foxhall Gallery in Washington, D.C., as well as her studio in downtown San Jose. The Cupertino Fine Arts Commission plans to present the “Distinguished Artist” award to Curry before a performance of Free Shakespeare in the Park in August at Cupertino’s Memorial Park. Further information about either the an nual Distinguished Artist award or the Shakespeare Festival performances is avail able from the Cupertino City Clerk’s Office at 408.777.3223. Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners On Wednesday, July 21, W. Scott Staufferlearn will discuss how to maximize deductions, minimize fees and lower costs for retirement plans structured for small busi nesses. He will discuss the benefits and dis advantages of: SEP, Simple IRA, Profit Shar ing, 401(k) Safe Harbor. W. Scott Stauffer is an Investment Repre sentative with Edward Jones Investments. Mr. Stauffer is a frequent speaker on such topics as Retirement and Estate Planning, College Savings, and Portfolio Management. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of California at Davis and a B.A. in Gen eral Science from Grinnell College in Iowa. Prior to working for Ed ward Jones, Mr. Stauffer had a twelve year career in training leaders and senior managers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The Cupertino Small Business Forum is a group of small business owners who meet monthly to share information about estab lishing and running their businesses. Each month our speaker is an experienced profes sional offering advice and insights into an important aspect of starting and maintaining a small business. Karen Purtich, Purtich & Associates, HR Services and Nancy Bigham, Fields of Endeavor Business Planning, host the Cupertino Small Business Forum in part nership with the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce. The Small Business Forum meets the third Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cupertino Chamber of Com- merce offices located at 20455 Silverado Avenue, Cupertino, CA (off of South De Anza Blvd). Cost is $15. Light refreshments are ser ved. For reser vations, call: sherri@cupertino-chamber.org or 408.252.7054 x15. -6 City-Wide Garage Sale in October Cupertino’s annual Citywide Garage Sale will be held October 2 and 3 at individual homes and other private locations within the city, and in neighboring unincorporated ar eas. The city is inviting residents and commu nity organizations to register, and will be pro vided free advertising, and a garage sale “how-to” kit. Garage sale participants man age their own garage sales and keep the profits. There is no fee to participate. A few changes are planned for this year’s garage sale to streamline the operation and accommodate reduced city staffing. We are asking all participants to register on-line at the city’s website, www.cupertino.org (click on “Garage Sale”). The “how-to” kit and accompanying information will also be avail able on the web. The completed list and map of all registered sales will be published on the city’s website exclusively. The garage sale is later than usual this year. You may start registering on-line on August 23. The last day to register to get on the city’s official list, is September 20th. The city’s goal in sponsoring the Cupertino City-Wide Garage Sale is to prevent usable items from being thrown away or recycled, when they can be re-used by someone else, and to have some fun. Household Hazardous Waste Disposal The County-wide Household Hazardous Waste Program will be holding a disposal event in Cupertino on August 28th. The pro gram is available free to residents and, at a nominal fee, to small businesses. The event is conveniently timed to help residents dispose of unwanted, potentially hazardous materi als that they discover while getting ready for our October City-wide Garage Sale. Typical materials that are brought in in clude: latex and oil-based paint, solvents, toxic cleaners, pesticides, batteries (car and house hold), mercury thermometers, old pool care products, motor oil, antifreeze and other car fluids, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, hobby chemicals, and photo developing chemicals. Cupertino Cuisine: Vegetable Rice Biryani By Anu Sharma “Health is wealth” Therefore we should eat healthy. Here is a very quick and easy recipe. Ingredients: ½ cup curd 1 cup rice 1 or 2 bay leaves 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, bell pepper, peas, cauliflower, cabbage). ¼ cup chopped onion Salt to taste 3 tsp oil 1 tsp pepper 2 cups water Boil rice with salt and 1 tsp oil and 2 cups of water. Add bay leaves and cook well. Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan and fry the onion for 2-3 minutes. Now add mixed vegetables and cook on low flame until tender. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Grease a baking dish, arrange a layer of boiled rice at the bottom, spread a little curd paste on it, put vegetables on top. Repeat the layers of rice, curd, and veg etables. Garnish with grated cheese and onion rings. (Enjoy) Call 299-7300 for an appointment and more information. Air Pollution and Barbecue Starter As summer heats up, smog begins to de velop in the South Bay. One simple way in dividuals can help to reduce the amount of pollution in the air is to avoid using charcoal lighter fluid when starting barbecues. Other less-polluting methods to get your barbecue started include: electric barbecue starters or cylinder-shaped “chimney” briquette starters (burns crumpled-up newspaper to start the coals). Or consider buying a gas-powered barbeque. Your neighbors will know you’re having a barbecue because they smell your food, not your lighter fluid. -7 Support Builds as Library Completion Nears By Barbara Rogers The Cupertino Library Campaign has been busy raising funds throughout the commu nity to support the new Cupertino Library. Donations have been as heartfelt and diverse as the community. Recent donors include Michelle and Jackson Hu. The Hus moved to Cupertino in 1987. Michelle is a financial consultant at First Allied Securities, and Jack son is the CEO of United Microelectronic Corp. Their son, Ben, is a sophomore at Cornell University. Michelle’s volunteerism includes the co-presidency of Asian Ameri can Parent Association (AAPA), two years as co-chair of the Lunar New Year Unity Pa rade, and membership on this year’s General Plan Task Force. Michelle and Jackson have contributed $15,000 to the Library Campaign and have a sponsorship for the new Library’s Business Resources Area. Their contribution represents their commitment both to the Cupertino community and to the importance that they place on having a good library. As a commitment to the community in which they do business, Menlo Equities has donated $25,000 to the Library Campaign Fund and has reserved a sponsorship for the new library’s Grand Staircase. Menlo Equi ties is a local real estate development and in vestment company based in Palo Alto and own over 4,000,000 square feet of commer cial real estate in Silicon Valley. Metropolitan is located just east of Vallco Financial’s three office buildings at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Wolfe Road in Cupertino. Most recently, students from Garden Gate’s GATE program presented a check to the campaign of $2004. Students had elected to benefit the library with the proceeds of the annual carnival. -8 The Cupertino Li brary is quickly ap proaching completion, yet funds are still to show your support for a world-class li needed. Every contribution counts. Please use the attached envelope in this month’s Scene brary in Cupertino. Thunder Down Under Come to the coolest place in Cupertino for teens this summer! The Down Under located at the corner of Stevens Creek and or will be in 8th to 12th grade the Down 408.777.1335 or 408.777.3120 for more in Stelling below the Sports Center. If you are Under is the place for you. We are open Mon day through Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m. Check out www.cupertinoteens.com or call formation. CALLING ALL WRITERS On July 28 at 7:30 p.m., the Powerful Pens, an internet-based writers group based in Cu pertino, is proud to present: “How to Get the Most Out of a Writers Conference: The Do’s and Don’ts of Winning the Contest, Schmoozing with the Right People, and Wow ing an Agent.” Beth Proudfoot is speaker at this event. Ms. Proudfoot is a novelist and director of the East of Eden Writers Conference, cel ebrating it’s second year in Salinas. The next conference will be held August 27 through 29, 2004. To register on line: www.southbaywriters.com. Beth has won a wide va riety of writing contests and will be sharing a wealth of knowledge to help new and experienced writers. This is a Powerful Pens Writers Club presentation to residents of Cu pertino. To attend, call 408.861.1247 or email Patricia J. Johnson, President, Powerful Pens, at pjohnson@rcare.com. Powerful Pens meets 7:30 p.m. at two locations in Cuper tino, twice a month at no charge to Cuper tino residents. Non-residents pay $12 at the door, to participate in meetings and events. Closed to access public Free Viewing sites with Parking entertainment— at Vallco limited handicapped parking ONLY DAYTIME PROGRAM AT QUINLAN COMMUNITY CENTER AND MEMORIAL PARK 7 to 11 a.m.: De Anza Optimist Pancake Breakfast (Quinlan Community Center’s Cupertino Room) 9:30 a.m.: Line-up for Children’s Parade 10 to 10:30 a.m.: Children’s Parade starting at the Memorial Park ball field and proceed ing to the Quinlan Community Center 10:30 to 11 a.m.: Children’s Community Sing-along at Quinlan Center (backside of Center at the fountain). EVENING PROGRAM Come early and bring your picnic to Creekside Park, Hyde or Sedgwick Schools. · Free parking at Vallco Fashion Park · Handicapped parking available at Creekside Park 6:45 to 9:15 p.m.: Roving entertainers, games and face painting at Creekside Park, Hyde and Sedgwick Schools · No alcohol, no pets, no portable barbe cues, no bicycles Street closures to vehicles and pedestri ans 6 to 10:30 p.m.: · Finch Ave. between Stevens Creek and Phil Lane · Calle De Barcelona · Phil Lane · Tilson Ave. @ Tantau Ave. 9:30 p.m.:Fireworks set off @ Cupertino High School. Special thanks to the many generous people who donated to the fireworks. Min Wang & Ishan Wu Mark & Sue Perkins Ellen & Jay Israel Steve & Katherine Williams M. Carlson Michael & Mary Anne Larimore Robert & Virginia Hendrickson Georgia Sutherland Frank & Carol Bonzell Christine & Andrew Stack Paula Jean Quinterno Norman Donovan Alice Ramsauer -9 Roots By Gail Fretwell Hugger The Blue House The massive oak trees at The Oaks shop ping center on Stevens Creek Boulevard have seen a lot of history. No doubt the Native Americans who lived in our area gathered acorns and enjoyed these trees long before the first settlers came. In the mid-1900’s the trees were more numerous and in a grove set back from what was then a two lane road, a large blue trimmed house sat shaded on the acres of property than sur rounded it. I always thought it looked very mysterious way back among the huge trees that were so old even then. I remember ask ing mother who owned the house. “A movie star,” she said. My goodness, that made the house even more exciting and mys terious. In 1965, the late artist, A. “Pete” Emig, did a feature in the Cupertino Courier on Cupertino’s movie star. His name was Edmund Lowe and he was reared in the Cupertino area and graduated from the Uni versity of Santa Clara in 1910, with a B.A. in dramatics. His roommate at school was the Cupertino historian, Louis Stocklmeir, whose home on Stevens Creek still stands near the Blue Pheasant restaurant. Mr. Stocklmeir re called the words of the University of Santa Clara drama coach, Martin Merle, that Eddie had to be the star in each school play, espe cially in the yearly Passion Play produced by the Jesuit fathers. Upon graduation from Santa Clara, Edmund went straight to act in the famous San Francisco Alcazar legitimate theatre and from there to Hollywood. Per haps his most well known film was, “What Price Glory”, that was a big hit from 1927 to 1929 and also starred Victor McLaglen. Edmund Lowe’s aunt, Mrs. Mary Lowe O’Keefe, originally owned the big blue house and 50 acres on Stevens Creek Road. She left it to Edmund. He would come home to Cupertino in his biplane and land near where Homestead High School stands today. The first Cupertino Fine Arts exhibit reception was held in the home and gardens in 1962. The article in the Cou rier was prompted by a brief story in a Bay Area newspaper, stating that Edmund Lowe, now 72, was ill and residing in the Motion Picture Home & Hospital in Southern California. Landmark Commission co-chairman, Juanita McLaren, traveled from Cupertino to visit Mr. Lowe at the hospital to tell him that Cupertino still remembered him. He gave her his famous smile and said he was so glad to be remembered in Cupertino. Mr. Emig included the full address in his article so that other old-timers could send cards and well-wishes. I don’t have a date of death for Mr. Lowe, nor further information on his life or pass ing, but if anyone does, please send it along. As we celebrate our country’s Indepen dence Day, a rousing Happy July 4th to one and all in Cupertino. We celebrate and re member those who helped preserve our many freedoms. In addition, after 36 years at the library, I am retiring. This is a fond goodbye to all the wonderful people who have frequented our library over the years. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and will miss your faces over the checkout counter. God bless you all. -10 How Much Will HDTV Cost? By Steven Ting, Telecommunications Commissioner This is the fourth of a five-part series regarding high definition television (HDTV). For HDTV sets, the good news is that prices are likely to continue to decline in coming months. The bad news is that the TV shop ping will remain complicated due to the wide variety of sets and services. Selecting an HDTV Set There are three basic displays available, cath ode ray tubes (CRT), flat panels (plasma and liquid-crystal display LCD), and rear projec tion, and they all come in a range of types, sizes, and prices. The most important devel opment for HDTV sets has been the plunge in the price of both flat-panel and projection displays. There are lots of choices below $3,000. But, if you’re looking for a relatively small display, sets based on picture tubes of fer excellent value. The brightness and clarity of flat, widescreen CRTs are the best of any technology. The drawbacks are size and weight. The $2,499, 40" Sony WEGA XBR, the biggest CRT made, weighs 304 lb. and is 26" deep. Plasma displays most closely rival the image quality of a first-rate CRT and go from 32" to 61", though units up to 80 in. are on the way. Prices range from less than $3,000 for a 32" to more than $15,000 for the biggest screens. LCD picture quality is rapidly approaching that of plasma, though the top size is much smaller. High-definition LCD sets range from 17 to 40", with 50" and bigger sets in development. Prices are around $3,000 for a 30" and $5,000 or so for a 40" screen. The rear-projection sets, which use an internal system of lenses and mirrors to project an image on a screen, have improved radically. New units create images with either tiny LCD panels or a Digital Light Processing (DLP) chip. Quality still isn’t as good as the flat panels, but it’s noticeably bet ter than older projection sets. These TVs are also slimmer: A 42" Sony LCD projection unit is 14 1/2 " deep, and RCA has an nounced a 61" DLP model less than 7" deep. Prices range from $2,000 for 42" models to $7,000 for Sony’s 70" unit. HD Programming Another consideration is the availability of HD content. Satellite and cable systems are carrying high-definition channels, including both the HD versions of standard channels as well as such specialty programming such as the HDNet sports channel. If you have an “HD-capable” or an “HD ready” TV set, a Comcast HD box is the only additional equipment you need (available for a monthly $5 fee). So there’s no need to buy a separate HD receiver or antenna. DIRECTV recently announced an HD Pro gramming Package that will begin on July 1st that will give you all of their HD program ming for $10.99 per month. For $999, DISH will deliver a set-top box that receives and decodes HDTV signals and either a 34-inch tube-type widescreen TV or a 40-inch projection TV. You have to agree to subscribe to a year’s worth of program ming that starts at a minimum of about $40 per month. DISH offers eight channels of high-def programming, including ESPN, Discovery, HBO, and Showtime. If your lo cal stations are broadcasting in HD, you can plug a regular TV antenna into the dish box to get local programs over the air. DISH ba sic HD programming service costs $9.99 monthly. Starting at $39.90 per month, VOOM (a satellite television service, provided by Rain bow DBS, a subsidiary of Cablevision Sys tems Corporation) offers up to 39 premium high definition channels (as of 6/1/04) to consumers across the continental United States, including 21 brand-new, exclusive, commercial-free HD channels. Free installa tion with dish, HD receiver ($9.50 monthly), and remote control are included. What it all Means All HD television sets and HD program ming are not created equal, and therefore the price varies widely. The downward price trend and increasing number of HD programming available are evident though. Do lots of shop ping around. -11 Community Calendar Submit information about clubs and organizations that meet in Cupertino to Linda Lagergren, City of Cupertino, 10300 Torre Ave., Cupertino, 95014, 777-3202 lindal@cupertino.org Clubs with asterisks meet more than once monthly. Call the contact number for details. JULY Club/Organization Time Location Phone 1 Thurs De Anza Lions Club* Cup. Host Lions Club* Northwest Y Service Club* Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service Women’s Quilting Group* Connect Club I* Connect Club II* Connect Club III* HP Communicators Toastmasters #4606* Overeaters Anonymous* 6:45 a.m. 7:15 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. Noon 8 a.m. Noon 7:00 a.m. 7 p.m. Holders Country Inn Mariani’s Restaurant Northwest YMCA 20803 Alves Drive City Hall West Valley Pres. Church 6191 Bollinger Rd. International House of Pancakes / St. Crk. Blvd. Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce HP Cupt. site, Bldg. 46T 19055 Pruneridge Ave. Union Church 253-3219 252-6262 725-8195 345-8372 253-2984 252-0932 252-7054 252-7054 252-7054 650-691- 8724 253-8394 2 Fri Alcoholics Anonymous* Fast Start Group De Anza Kiwanis* 5:00 p.m. 7:15 a.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church 940 S. Stelling Rd Intl. House of Pancakes 374-8511 973-1456 3 Sat De Anza Flea Market Organization of Special Needs Families* Overeaters Anonymous* 8 to 4 2 to 4 p.m. 9 a.m. De Anza College 20920 McClellan Rd. Union Church 864-8946 996-0858 842-0688 5 Mon American Legion Post 642 Al-ANON Steps for Living* Take off Pounds Sensibly* TOPS Overeaters Anonymous* 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 10201 Imperial Ave., #3 940 S. Stelling Rd. First Baptist Church 10505 Miller Ave. Union Church 374-6392 379-1051 252-2434 650-327- 1649 6 Tues Alcoholics Anonymous* Women’s Group Al-ANON Family Group* ToughLove* Cupertino Kiwanis* Knights of Columbus 4981* Cupertino Men’s Service* Cupertino Sr. TV Prod.* 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Noon 8 p.m. Noon 9:30 a.m. Redeemer Luth. Church, 940 S. Stelling Rd. Bethel Lutheran Church 10131 Finch Avenue Bethel Lutheran Church The Blue Pheasant 10201 Imperial Ave., #3 The Blue Pheasant Senior Center 650-903- 0321 379-1051 946-7970 252-3830 243-8462 252-2667 7 Wed Al-ANON Family Group* Al-ATEEN* Cupertino Sanitary Dist* De Anza Optimist Club* Cupertino Optimist Club* 7:00 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8 p.m. 7:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 940 S. Stelling Road Redeemer Lutheran Church, 940 S. Stelling 20065 Stevens Creek #C Holder’s Restaurant Blue Pheasant 650-734- 5869 650-292- 8897 253-7071 253-4424 255-3212 7 Wed Tandem Toastmasters* Noon HP, 19333 Vallco Parkway 285-4977 Cupertino Rotary Club* Noon Community Center 920-2224 Philotesian Rebekah #145 Cup. Symphonic Band* 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Cupertino Odd Fellows Cupertino High School 252-3954 262-0471 Overeaters Anonymous* 6 p.m. Union Church 247-8488 8 Thurs Quota Service Club* (Aids hearing & speech impaired) Cupertino-West Valley Welcome Club Noon 11:30 a.m. Blue Pheasant 252-8568 257-6136 252-1529 9 Malihini Orchid Society 7:30 p.m. Hewlett-Packard, Oak Rm 267-3397 Fri Cupertino Coin Club 7:45 p.m. West Valley Pres. Church 253-1232 10 Sat Daughters of Norway 9:30 a.m. Sunnyview Retirement Community 255-9828 12 Cupertino Odd Fellows* 8 p.m. 20589 Homestead Rd. 252-3954 Mon Fine Arts League 7 p.m. Community Center 253-2230 Social Room 13 Tues Southbay Toastmasters* Sertoma Club* Poets Society* 6:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Tandem Bldg. 251, 10100 N. Tantau, Rm. 1258 1366 S. Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. Coffee Society 253-7622 252-2584 255-5293 725-8091 14 Krazy Dazys Square 7 p.m. Collins School 245-9156 Wed Dance Club* The Powerful Pens 7:30 p.m. Sunnyview Retirement Community, 314-3410 Cross-Cultural Consortium 7:00 p.m. 22445 Cupertino Rd. City Hall 777-3331 (5Cs) Viewfinders Camcorder Club 7:30 p.m. Community Center Cupertino Room 253-9136 15 Thurs Toyokawa Sister City West Valley Republican Women 7:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. City Hall 257-7424 252-6312 Rolling Hills 4H Club 7 p.m. Monta Vista Recreation Center 257-4745 Embroiders’ Guild of America 7 p.m. Sunnyview Lutheran Home 578-5917 20 Tues African Violet Society 12:30 p.m. Sunnyview Lutheran Home 736-9262 27 Tues Historical Society 6:30 p.m. Community Center 973-1495 28 Wed Rancho Neighborhood Association The Powerful Pens 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Rancho Pool & Recreation Facility 18000 Chelmsford 314-3410 Deadline for submitting September calendar information is Aug. 4. Council Actions City Council Meeting Thursday, June 17, 2004 Council Members present: James, Kwok, Lowenthal, Sandoval, Wang Accepted a city project performed under contract for Cupertino Sports Center Re model, Project 2203-9212 (XL Construction) Adopted resolution No. 04-335 approv ing an Improvement Agreement with Rich ard Shwe and Alma M. Shwe, Husband and Wife as Community Property, 21840 Hermosa Avenue. Voted not to implement an Emergency Communication Response Fee (9-1-1). Adopted Resolution No. 04-337 approv ing a semi-rural designation to eliminate the requirement for sidewalks for Hibiscus Drive and Court; Wallace Drive; Caroline Drive; portions of Peninsular Avenue; and Barranca Drive. Voted to accept staff ’s recommendation regarding an additional sign for the new Cu pertino Community Hall to identify it as the City Council Chambers. Authorized the City Manager to execute documents regarding the potential partial pre payment of the City Attorney’s housing loan. Voted to implement a Weekly Single-Stream Recycling program and directed staff to ne gotiate an agreement the Los Altos Garbage Company (LAGCO) for weekly composting. Conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 1939 prohibiting skateboarding and rollerblading at Cali Mill Plaza and Civic Cen ter Plaza. Selected application deadline (August 27) and interview date (September 7) for Hyde and Homestead Teen Commission applicant interviews. City Council Meeting Monday, June 21, 2004 Council Members present: James, Kwok, Lowenthal, Sandoval, Wang Closed sessions held regarding initiating liti gation regarding possible action against Ed ward Britt, Norman Hackford, and Gerald Cooley related to initiative measures (build ing height, density, and setbacks). Council tion lawsuit. Council also met in two closed sessions regarding negotiations for lease of real prop erty (Blue Pheasant Restaurant) and labor ne gotiations, but no action was taken in the closed session. A representative of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) gave a presention regarding regional housing requirements im posed by the State of California. Adopted resolution 04-340 approving fi nal tract map and improvement plans, for Murano Homeowners Association, 7308 and 7310 Rainbow Drive at Poppy Way. Adopted resolution approving an applica tion for Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Transportation Funds for a Clean Air Grant for the Mary Avenue Gateway Pedestrian Crossing Project. Adopted the 2004-05 budget. Adopted resolution for the annual renewal of fees for the Storm Drainage Nonpoint Source Program for 2004-05; the fees remain unchanged from the previous year. Received information from the Public Works Director regarding the steps that had been undertaken to address the flooding in the area of Elm Court and Bubb Road. Approved an offer of settlement for re lease and indemnity of liability at a cost to the City of $9,596.00 for cleanup at the Gibson Environmental Site (Bakersfield, CA). Denied the assignment of the Blue Pheas ant Lease to Giti Majdy and Kianoush Kakavand, dba San Jose Teamsters. Agenda Preview Planning Commission City Council Chambers July 12, 2004, 6:45 p.m. Applicant: Sandra Steele/ The Alaris Group, 940 S. Stelling Road. Use permit to locate Sprint Wireless Com munication antennas and equipment within an existing cross tower at Redeemer Lutheran Church and to extend the height of the cross- tower to 55 feet. Please Note: Agenda items are subject to change. Prior to the meeting, confirm agenda with city clerk, 777-3223. Copies of agendas are available at City Hall on the Thursday preceding council and planning commission meetings.decided not to proceed with any pre-elec- -14 -15- Cupertino Scene Cupertino City Hall 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 PRSRT-STD U.S. Postage PAID Cupertino, CA Permit No. 239 ECRWSS June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June Postal Customer Monthly City Meetings 2 Telecommunications Commission (Conf. Rm.) 2 Design Review Committee (Council Chambers) 3 Parks and Recreation Commission*** 7 City Council*** 7 Teen Commission (Community Center) 9 Environmental Review Committee (Conf. Rm.) 10 Housing Commission (Conf. Rm.) 10 Public Safety Commission (Conf. Rm.) 14 Planning Commission *** 15 Library Commission (Conf. Rm.) 16 Economic Development Committee (Conf. Rm.) 16 Design Review Committee (Council Chambers) 16 Teen Commission (Community Center) 16 Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission (Conf. Rm.) 21 City Council*** 22 Fine Arts Commission (Conf. Rm.) 23 Environmental Review Committee (Conf. Rm.) 24 Senior Commission (Senior Center) 28 Planning Commission *** 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, all City Council and commission meetings are held at 10300 Torre Ave. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For recorded meeting schedule/information after hours, call 777-3200. The City Channel (Comcast Cable Channel 26) offers agenda information, broadcasts of council/planning commission meetings and other programs. All meeting agendas are posted outside of City Hall 72 hours prior to the meeting. ***These meetings will be seen live via webcast at www.cupertino.org, or on The City Channel, Cable 26. www.cupertino.org