By Fire dept. offers free smoke detector inspections
To increase fire prevention awareness in the Los Altos area, the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be providing free smoke detector inspections and installation aid to local residents Aug. 8, 14 and 16.
The fire department said equipping a house with working detectors reduces residents’ likelihood of dying in a fire by 50 percent.
The department recommends installing detectors near ducts or bathrooms and on every level of the home, as well as testing detectors once a month, replacing batteries once a year and replacing old detectors every 10 years.
Most importantly, residents should make sure that everyone living in the home can hear the alarm and knows how to react.
Open space district holds summer events
Families eager to explore the outdoors together can participate in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s “Family Fun” events. Participants can engage in nature hikes, hands-on outdoor activities and trips to the Nature Center, free of charge.
August events include “Habitat Hike,” a two-mile expedition, 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 3, and “Pond Discovery,” a leisure walk around Alpine Pond that allows children an up-close view of pond wildlife.
The two final events are “Insect Prowl” 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 14, and “Nature Arts and Crafts” 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 28.
It is recommended that participants dress in layers and carry water bottles.
The Nature Center is near the intersection of Page Mill Road and Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35).
High-speed train status
The Technology and Society Committee’s next biweekly luncheon will be held at 11 :45 a.m., Tuesday, at the Golden Wok Restaurant, 895 Villa St., Mountain View.
Dan Leavitt, deputy director with the California High-Speed Rail Authority, will discuss plans and the current status of the 700 mile-long high-speed train system, capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph, to serve major metropolitan centers of California in 2020.
Luncheon cost is $8.50, $9.50 nonmembers. Call Bob Kirby at 969-7215 for reservations.
Ice cream social at Shoup
The Los Altos Senior Center’s third annual ice cream social, sponsored by the center’s Board of Directors, will be held 1-3:30 p.m., Sunday, at the Garden House in Shoup Park, 400 University Ave.
Bring your friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren. “Ye Olde Town Band” will play favorite tunes.
Tickets are $1.50 in advance until tomorrow, $2 at the door.
PDC picnic scheduled for Aug. 24
The Peninsula Democratic Coalition picnic is scheduled 5-8 p.m., Aug. 24, at the home of Mary and Jack Davey, 12645 La Cresta Drive, Los Altos Hills.
In addition to food and brief speeches, there will be an auction of valuable and sentimental political goods, with Joe Simitian doing the honors as auctioneer.
Consumers urged to read water report
The California Water Service Company joins the Environmental Protection Agency in encouraging customers to review the annual water quality report enclosed with their June water bill.
The report provides detailed water quality information, results of water quality testing, a description of where the water comes from and answers to customers’ most frequently asked questions.
Those who drink tap water but whose bill goes to their landlord or homeowners association, can call 917-0920 to request a copy of the report.
For more information, logon to www.calwater.com.
Estate planning at Hidden Villa
Hidden Villa Farm and Wilderness Preserve will host a seminar, presented by estate planning specialists Jacob Glickman and Diane Greenberg.
The seminar will focus on estate planning, changes in estate tax laws, the probate process and how to minimize costs or avoid probate altogether, and information on providing for people and organizations of your choice.
The presentation will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Duveneck House, Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. For reservations or information, call 949-8659 by Friday.
Museum joins Los Altos celebration
The Los Altos History Museum will present an exhibit, “Los Altos: Celebrating 50 Years of Community,” Aug. 22 through January 2003.
As part of the city’s yearlong celebration, the Los Altos History Museum’s next changing exhibit will present the debate and controversy surrounding the incorporation as well as significant community accomplishments in each decade since incorporation.
Permanent exhibits at the Los Altos History Museum include “Crown of the Peninsula: Los Altos Land Use Over Time,” the J. Gilbert Smith History House (house museum) and outdoor agricultural exhibits.
The museum is located in an apricot orchard, which is part of the City of Los Altos Civic Center, at 51 San Antonio Road.
For information, logon to www.losaltoshistory.org.
Hidden Villa seeking farm guides
Hidden Villa Farm in Los Altos Hills needs volunteers one morning a week to guide the nearly 20,000 schoolchildren who are expected to visit the farm this school year.
Volunteer times are Tuesday to Friday mornings, for a minimum of two hours.
For more information, call 949-8643.
U.N. store seeks volunteers
The United Nations Association Store, 552 Emerson Ave., Palo Alto, is seeking volunteers for three-hour shifts, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
This non-profit store has the full range of UNICEF gifts and cards.
For more information, call 326-3170.
