After more than four decades, the Roosevelt Tree may finally get the historical recognition its deserves. On Aug. 1, the Campbell Parks and Recreation Commission voted to send a request to the Campbell Historic Preservation Board to classify it and another Campbell tree as candidates for historical preservation.

If the board approves the request on Sept. 22, the city will designate both trees—the so-called "son of the Roosevelt Tree" at Campbell Avenue and Winchester Boulevard and the oak at Jack Fischer Park—as heritage trees. Much like historic landmarks, heritage trees enjoy a measure of protection from development and new construction. To be considered for heritage designation, the tree must be a certain age, have a certain girth, or have historical significance in the community.

Anyone who thinks a particular tree might be considered a heritage tree should contact Campbell City Planner Melinda Dennis at 406.866.2140.

Approval problems
delayed new gyms

All the construction dust won't be settled by the time school starts in the Campbell Union School District. Work on new gymnasiums at Monroe and Rolling Hills middle schools will continue through the beginning of the school year. The work was expected to be completed early in the 2003-04 school year, but because of bids coming in too high and problems with a contractor, construction was delayed.

Bid winner and contractor ModTech didn't get the necessary approval from the California Department of the State Architect for its designs on a timely basis and this caused a construction delay for several months. After working out the details, however, the state granted approval in August.

Groundbreaking at Rolling Hills is now slated to occur the first week of school, and the construction at Monroe Middle School—already begun—will resume.

PG&E restores its
rebate program

Thousands of customers who purchased appliance products recently may be eligible for rebates. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. officially re-opened its residential rebate program, which offers rebates for 30 different types of energy-efficient products for the home—including air conditioners, dishwasher, clothes washers, pool pumps and high performance dual-paned windows.

The utility was forced to close its program because of an overwhelming response that depleted the funds. Beginning Sept. 1, another $6.5 million in rebates was made available.

For information on energy efficiency programs and conservation tips, please visit www.pge.com/foryourhome or contact PG&E's Smarter Energy Line at 800.933.9555.

Program is offered
to help parent teens

A school district isn't just about educating the children anymore. The Campbell Union High School District and goodparents inc. on Sept. 3 announced that they will introduce the "3 Steps to Parenting Teens" program to the district as a way to help parents strengthen their relationships with teens.

Research shows that a stronger relationship with parents is a key factor in children succeeding in life. The program, runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Campbell Union High School District Office. It's designed to help parents understand the changes that teens are going through and how to adjust. All parents are welcome.

The Campbell Union High School District Office is located at 3235 Union Ave. in San Jose. For more information about 3 Steps to Parenting teens, contact goodparents inc. at 650.322.KIDS or visit the website at www.goodparentsinc.com.

High-school student
is a national winner

Westmont High School student Chantelle Ballard received two awards from the United States Achievement Academy. She was recognized as an national award winner and an All-American Scholar for her academic achievements.

Ballard was nominated for the national award in the cheerleading category by her high school cheerleading coach Erin Florendo. Attaining this honor put her in the running for the All-American Scholar award, which she received four months later.