The Santa Clara County Fire Department will be giving Saratoga residents lessons on preparing for and dealing with emergencies and natural disasters in a month-long, 18-hour Community Emergency Response Team training course that runs July 15 through Aug. 12.

Adults are encouraged to enroll to learn about First Aid, earthquake preparedness, damage assessment, search and rescue, fire suppression and terrorism preparedness.

The class will meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sunnyoaks Fire Station, 485 W. Sunnyoaks Ave. near Winchester Boulevard in Campbell. The fee is $15 per person. For more information, call Kim Saxton-Heinrichs at 408.868.1248 or 408.868.1249 to register for the course.


Free admission to parks June 8

The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department is kicking off the park season with "Go Outside and Play Day" on June 8. Residents are encouraged to visit any of the 23 county parks and enjoy an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and horseback riding. All vehicle entry fees will be waived.

Several events and activities are scheduled at the different parks: Hellyer Park in San Jose will be holding a swap meet where people can donate their used sporting equipment to Goodwill Industries and the Boys and Girls Club and receive coupons for new merchandise at a local sporting goods store; crew members from country radio station KRTY will be broadcasting live at Los Gatos Creek Park; and Vasona Park will be holding a canoe race. Patrons at every park will be able to enter a contest to win a free camping trip.


Library's summer club for children

The Saratoga Library is encouraging young readers to join the summer reading club from June 16 to Aug. 13. Children entering grades one and up may sign up to read at least 10 books and receive a coupon for a free book at the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries. For more information, visit www.santaclaracountylib.org.