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San Jose chosen
as route for new
high-speed train

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed made a successful trip to Sacramento on Dec. 19 to lobby the California High-Speed Rail Authority for a direct route from Southern California to San Jose. The rail authority decided that its 220 mph rail line, which still needs voter approval and billions in funding, will run through Pacheco Pass and stop at San Jose's Diridon Station on its way to San Francisco. Reed has said a high-speed rail line that bridges Silicon Valley to Los Angeles in less than 21Ž2 hours would be good for San Jose's economy.

"The Pacheco Pass route offers the most direct route between California's population centers and the least impact on the environment," Reed said in a statement.

Pre-firefighter
courses offered
at county center

High school students with dreams of becoming firefighters can get a leg up in a new program through MetroEd's Central County Occupational Center. This fall the center launched courses in fire science and training for emergency medical technicians. Fire science students, who must be 18 or older, are certified in first aid and CPR and trained to use equipment such as stretchers, medical bags, fire hoses and ladders.

Students also complete a 62-hour course approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection that certifies them as first responders and in wildland firefighting. The classes are open to high school juniors and seniors from San Jose Unified School District and three other school districts.

For more information on the center, visit www.metroed.com or call 408. 723.6407.