Campbell was one of four cities chosen by the National League of Cities to be recognized for its all-encompassing emergency-preparedness program. Mayor Dan Furtado, Campbell Police Capt. Russ Patterson and Campbell Police Reserve Capt. and CERT coordinator Jon Hackley will be attending the recognition event in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10.

Cities were asked to submit an application detailing their emergency-preparedness program. Furtado said Campbell has a radio and data interoperability system, first-response communication, and a disaster-terrorism training program, which graduate volunteers as part of the city's Community Emergency Response Team. The Campbell Police Department has also spent extra time training its officers in handling hazardous materials.

Patterson said the city is also very proactive is seeking cooperation with other public agencies, schools and the community.

"Other cities could be equally as prepared," Patterson said. "We're just preparing for 'the big one.'"

Furtado said Campbell took an "assertive approach" early on and began developing emergency preparedness before many other communities.

A total of four cities were chosen--San Antonio, Texas, Orlando, Fla., and Boulder City, Nev. During a luncheon at the National Press Club, each city will talk about the different emergency-response approaches it has established.

"We were very pleased and honored," Furtado said. "We don't often have the larger dollars that other larger cities have."

Instead, Campbell must allocate money for emergency response through its regular budget.


Firefighter exhibit opens at Museum

The Campbell Historical Museum, 51 N. Central Ave., is opening a new exhibit, "Firefighters of the Past ... Building Community" on Sept. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. Special activities, such as an old-fashioned bucket brigade and exploring a fire engine, are planned.

The city depended on volunteer firefighters for many years and, until 1993, had its own fire department. The new exhibit will focus on some of the department's unique history and its contributions--award-winning fire-prevention program, the first paramedic program in Northern California, the community Toy Program and educational programs.

Curator Karen Brey worked with retired and active firefighters to capture the flavor and fun of the department's early history. The exhibit will include information about the "Bike Brigade"--a made-for-Hollywood movie to raise money for the then all-volunteer department in the 1930s.

Exhibit admission is $2. For more information call 408.866.2119 or visit the website at http://www.cityofcampbell.com.


Adult Center adds digital-photo class

The Campbell Adult Center has a new class called "Simplifying Digital Photography" to begin Sept. 19 and last through Oct. 3. There is still time to register, though space is limited to 10 students per class.

The class was added after the Adult Center had requests for a digital-photography class. The computer club in the Adult Center has grown and there are more seniors becoming computer literate, Campbell Adult Center's Senior Services Coordinator Donna Rice said.

Students will be taught how to take pictures off the camera and how to put the pictures onto the computers. Students do not need to have a camera at the start of class because instructor Rene Klaus will explain what features are necessary when buying a camera.

Individuals must be Adult Center members to sign up for the class. It costs $8 to be a member for the remainder of the year, and the class costs $24. The registration deadline is Sept. 15. Classes are held at the Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave. For more information, call the Campbell Adult Center at 408.866.2146.


PG&E gives rebates for energy efficiency

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company will be offering customers instant discounts on a variety of energy efficient lighting products with the Energy Star label through Nov. 30 during its second annual "Fall Lighting Sale." Products are available at nearly 1,000 retail outlets, including the Campbell Home Depot and Walgreen stores.

There will be PG&E specials on compact fluorescent lamps, torchiere lamps and indoor and outdoor fixtures.

Energy Star-qualified fixtures and bulbs last six to 10 times longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than regular models. Replacing five of the most frequently used fixtures in the home with energy-efficient bulbs can save a customer more than $60 each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To find participating retailers or locations that are receiving discounted products, call Smarter Energy Line at 1.800.933.9555. For information on resident conservation measures or energy-efficiency rebate programs, visit the website at www.pge.com/foryourhome. Business customers can visit the website at www.pge.com/foryourbusiness or call 1.800.468.4743.

For complete rebate information, visit PG&E's website at http://www.pge.com.