In a report given by the city manager regarding the first set of storms that hit the area during the Dec. 14 weekend, the city assessed the damage caused by high winds and rain as follows: 25 trees toppled over; 10 small mudslides disrupted streets; residents used 40 yards of sand and 4,000 sandbags to control flooding; and maintenance staff worked 10 to 30 hours of overtime per person.

City Manager Dave Anderson also reported that the city has held storm coordination meetings with the sheriff's department, fire department and PG&E to formulate a plan for better communication and use of resources between the different entities. A battery backup system will be incorporated at the corner of Quito Road and Allendale Avenue and at Saratoga and Fruitvale avenues so that all 13 of the city's controlled intersections can run during power outages for approximately eight hours.


Bacon promoted to commander

A recent promotion for Dennis Bacon of the sheriff's department from captain to commander means that the law enforcement officer is making plans for a permanent move to the county's headquarters in San Jose.

Bacon, who had worked with the city out of the sheriff's substation on Saratoga Avenue for 18 months, just started his role as commander of the field enforcement bureau this week. As commander, he oversees the West Valley, headquarters and transit patrol divisions, detective and community service divisions and watch commanders. While his promotion has taken him to headquarters, for now he is also spending some time working out of the Westside substation to help smooth the transition.


Buses will run on special schedule

Most VTA buses and the light rail will be running on a regular schedule on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. On Christmas Day and New Year's Day, however, the VTA will be offering either a special holiday schedule or no service.

To obtain the schedule, call 408.321.2300 or log onto www.vta.org.