The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Santa Clara unit declared at 8 a.m. on June 6 that fire season has officially begun.

In preparation for fire season, the CDF's Santa Clara unit has been hiring and training seasonal firefighters and staffing fire stations since May 23.

Almaden Valley home owners who live near the wildland/urban interface can also help protect against the threat of wildfires by establishing "defensible spaces" around their homes and all out buildings.

Flammable vegetation should be cleared from structures a minimum of 30 feet or to the property line, and the CDF recommends mowing lawns before 10 a.m. when it won't be as dry.

Additional information about fire safety may be obtained at the nearest CDF facility or by visiting the CDF's website at www.fire.ca.gov.

Top SF MUNI exec
to take over VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority announced on June 2 that Michael Burns, the current executive director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, has been appointed general manager.

Burns officially begins heading the 2,300-employee agency with a $340 million annual operating budget on Aug. 22. Before his work in San Francisco, Burns managed transit operations in Philadelphia and Boston.

Burns will be responsible for the management of county bus and light rail operations and the delivery of the Measure A program, a $4 billion transit improvement plan that includes the Bay Area Rapid Transit extension to San Jose, Caltrain improvements, light rail extensions and enhanced bus service.

Group offers tips on
picking summer care

The California School-Age Consortium has compiled a checklist for parents seeking summer care for their children.

The nonprofit organization recommends that a parent begin with research by asking neighbors, friends, family, school staff, or calling a local child care resource and referral agency.

The group also recommends the following:

* Visit the program if possible and observe whether the staff interacts well with the children, if the facility is clean and organized, and if there are a variety of activities for your child to choose from;

* Think about your child's needs in terms of physical or academic activity;

* Check the program's policies to ensure that the staff is trained in CPR and child development;

* Finally, consider budget options and, most importantly, let your child help you decide.

The California School-Age Consortium may be reached at 415.957.9775.

Wilcox is Pyle's new chief of staff

A new chief of staff is heading San Jose District 10 Councilwoman Nancy Pyle's office.

Lee Wilcox, who was formerly Pyle's policy analyst, has replaced Ana Maria Rosato as the councilwoman's senior staff member. He has been with Pyle ever since he worked as her deputy campaign manager in 2004.

"I'm really excited," Wilcox said. "We have a great team to help District 10."

As the former policy analyst, Wilcox took charge of land-use and transportation issues. He expects his duties to grow to include working on budgets and economic development, and overseeing the staff.

"Lee has a strong public policy background, and I know the community will enjoy interacting with him," Pyle said.

Rosato said it was a mutual decision for her to move on.

"I had always been planning on weighing my options once Nancy's office was established and a good staff was in place," Rosato said. "I'm a warrior who likes political campaigns. With another round of elections gearing up, we concluded that this would be a good time for me to pursue those options."

Wilcox is no stranger to San Jose. He played soccer with the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League and graduated from Leigh High School. While a student at Sonoma State University, Wilcox worked in Sacramento for Assemblywoman Patricia Wiggins.