July 13, 2007

NEWS BRIEFS

July 4 disturbance brings police to Raging Waters

Off duty police hired as Raging Waters security called for backup on July 4 when two groups, totaling 50 to 100 people, started fighting in the park. The rival groups were not from the San Jose area, but had traveled to the water park from San Francisco and the North Bay.

Police arrested four suspects from San Francisco inside the park and another at the Lake Cunningham Park entrance where a second altercation happened. All were arrested for battery. Management voluntarily shut down the park after the fights. It took a total of 19 police units to establish order.
The problems began in the late afternoon, around 4:40 p.m., according to Officer Jermaine Thomas of the San Jose Police press information office.

“No one knows what set the fighting off, and we don’t know if they meant to meet there or if the fighting just broke out,” Thomas said.

While gunshots were fired in the parking lot, no one was injured. One officer was caught in the middle of the fighting and used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

–By Carol Rosen

Barnes & Noble Eastridge to stay open past midnight to sell
copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows On July 20

With excitement building up to the July 21 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter Vl), Barnes & Noble bookstores are pleased to announce that on Friday, July 20, the following San Jose area stores will remain open past midnight to ensure that Potter fans get their copies of the book as soon as it’s released:

- Barnes & Noble Eastridge Mall
2200 Eastridge Loop Space #1420
San Jose CA 95122
(408) 270-9470

- Barnes & Noble Stevens Creek
3600 Stevens Creek Blvd
San Jose, CA 95117
(408) 984-3495

- Barnes & Noble Westgate Mall
1600 Saratoga Ave
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 370-0444

- Barnes & Noble Pruneyard
1875 Bascom Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 559-8101

- Barnes & Noble Almaden
5353 Almaden Expressway
San Jose, CA 95118
(408) 979-0611

During this witching hour, fans of all ages wanting to be the first on their block to own the final book in this popular series are invited to join Barnes & Noble for the biggest literary event of the year at the Midnight Magic Costume Party. Readers of all ages will enjoy Harry Potter-related contests, games, giveaways and much more. The new book will go on sale at midnight.

“The anticipation surrounding the release of the Harry Potter books has been unprecedented,” said Greg Chavez, District Manager of Barnes & Noble, Inc. “In response to customer demand, we will stay open past midnight in order to provide an opportunity for those who wish to be among the first to purchase a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and have loads of fun at the same time.”

Each Barnes & Noble store will have its own series of special events, contests, activities and programs fit for a magical evening. Interested parties should contact the individual store to find out what outstanding adventures will be afoot.

Remodeled Silver Creek OSH store open

Orchard Supply Hardware in Silver Creek unveiled its newly remodeled story on July 7 to customers with a weekend-long “No Sales Tax” event, as well as fun family activities.

OSH has been a part of San Jose since the company began as a farmers’ purchasing cooperative in 1931.  Since that time, OSH has grown to 85 stores throughout California, offering do-it-yourselfers and professionals everything needed to improve homes and gardens. 

The Silver Creek store remodel includes wide, easy-to-shop aisles, an improved nursery, an expanded lighting and ceiling fan selection and an updated paint department, cash registers and service desks.

OSH offers more than 45,000 home-repair items, including power tools and paint, plumbing and electrical products and nursery and garden items.  The company offers exclusive brands such as Craftsman, Kenmore, and DieHard, as well as national brands, including Skil, Makita, Ryobi, DeWalt, Toro, Stanley, Black & Decker and Rubbermaid.

The remodeled Silver Creek store will be open Monday through Saturday 7a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. For more information on this location, or for a complete list of store locations, visit the company web site at www.osh.com.

Evergreen Estates Realty invites public to celebrate company’s 20th anniversary

The public is invited to come and join the fun, as Evergreen Estates Realty is celebrating its 20th anniversary on July 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at its offices, located on 2901 The Villages Parkway, San Jose, 95135. Come meet the staff and enjoy refreshments, prizes and more. For more information, go to www.evergreenestatesrealty.com.

Evergreen Valley Recreation Club accepting summer registration

The Evergreen Valley Recreation Club will be open for another fun summer of swimming and basking in the sun! The club will be opened to members until September 30. The pool is located at 3380 Woodside Lane in San Jose. 

The club has one large heated swimming pool, a wading pool, new public showers and restrooms. A picnic area and BBQ’s are available and you can reserve the area and host a swim party. A volleyball/large play area and patio deck area are also available for your enjoyment. Membership dues for the new season are $375 per family. To reserve your membership, mail or drop off your application and dues in the mailbox at the pool entrance. 

Applications and information are available online http://evrcpool.tk or at the at pool entrance.  Any questions please visit http://evrcpool.tk or email evrcpool@yahoo.com or call (408) 327-9201.

Outgoing president passes the Rotary ‘torch’ to incoming president
at San Jose East/Evergreen Rotary meeting June 26

(Left to right) Ruth Ashford, outgoing San Jose East/Evergreen Rotary president, receives a plaque commending her for her outstanding service to the San Jose East/Evergreen Rotary Club for the past year from Sara Calkins, the new incoming president. The presentation was made at the regular luncheon meeting of the San Jose East/Evergreen Rotary Club meeting at the San Jose Country Club on June 26.

Photo by Thom Harney

Gawad Kalinga volunteers prepare for two-week
care-giving mission in the Philippines

(Left to right) Bryant Pena, Rodel Sajor, Cynthia Guevara, Marco Bercasio, Eliezer Bercasio, and Julius Bercasio gave themselves a cheer at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Sunday, July 1, as they prepared to depart on a two-week volunteer care-giving mission in the Republic of the Philippines the next day. The group, composed of Evergreen area youth, is sponsored by Gawad Kalinga, a non-denominational, non-profit organization that is devoted to helping others who need a helping hand. The name Gawad Kalinga means, "to give care." The group plans to spend its two weeks in the community of San Jose Batangas, helping to build homes for those in need.

Photo by Thom Harney