Enjoying Santa Clara County parks this summer will cost a little more. County parks are increasing fees for the first time in seven years. Under a new fee structure effective July 1, vehicle entry charges will rise from $4 to $5. New lifetime senior and disabled passes will no longer be free but will cost $65. Car and tent camping fees will also change, from $15 plus $4 for additional vehicles, to a flat fee of $18 for two cars and pets.

New charges will also be imposed, including off-season camp and tent fees of $9 for the period of Nov. 1 through Feb. 28. And fees for powered and nonpowered vessels will increase from $3 to $5.

The change is meant to bring the park fees in line with state and other county park system fees in California under the board of supervisors policy adopted in June 1999.

Santa Clara County Parks encourages guests to purchase passes and visit the county parks to take advantage of the current fees before increases go into effect on July 1. For information about that program, call 408.355.2200.

Denny's gets the OK
to operate 24 hours

Campbell residents can go to Denny's any time of day to get a meal. On June 8, the planning commission unanimously approved Denny's request to continue operating 24 hours a day.

The restaurant located on the corner of Arroyo Seco Drive and S. Bascom Avenue was required to come before the planning commission because of a change in the city ordinance that eliminated non-permitted late-night uses.

Although the restaurant's request was approved, the commissioners are requiring the restaurant, as a condition of approval, to improve the landscaping by refurbishing the property with new trees, shrubs and ground cover, which were in the original conditions of approval. The planning commission stipulated that the landscaping is to be completed withing 45 days of city council approval.

The planning commission also approved Kirkorian Enterprises' request to construct a new freestanding sign at its retail center,

Kirkwood Shopping Center on W. Campbell Avenue. The new sign will replace the sign already there.