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Arson burglar strikes again

The serial arsonist-burglar who officials believe is responsible for destroying at least four apartments in Sunnyvale and at least 15 in Santa Clara County struck again last Tuesday, this time in Santa Clara.

Damage estimates totaled $30,000 to the ground-floor apartment, and police are now searching for a stolen bicycle from the residence that could lead to the suspect.

The bicycle is a yellow Gary Fisher Y-shaped mountain bike with the serial number WTU2142715P, according to Sunnyvale Fire Marshall Byron Pipkin.

"It's a very distinct-looking bike," Pipkin said.

The number of incidents attributed to the arson-burglarist changed when investigators pulled a fire in San Carlos from the list after reviewing the evidence, Pipkin said.

Pipkin estimated the investigation to date has cost the fire department $80,000 in staff time and called it "the most significant [arson] case in this county" he has witnessed in 25 years.

Pipkin said investigators have interviewed several potential suspects in the past 10 months but have yet to charge an individual.

"Each new fire yields new clues," Pipkin said.

City explains green water

In Sunnyvale the sky is blue, the grass is green and the water is ... also green. As summertime reaches its peak this weekend, heat-stroked kids will be quick to cool off in any of the streams or ponds that beautify some of the city's parks.

But some parents who live near Serra Park were concerned when they saw kids playing in the slow-moving S-shaped stream.

The water trickling down the path was, and still is, fluorescent green.

Like other concerned parents, mother Joanne Brown kept her 3-year-old son from wading in the water before she knew why the water took on such a unique shade.

"It looked yucky," Brown said. "Like anti-freeze."

But parents can rest easy.

Scott Morton, the city's parks supervisor for Ornamental Water Features, said the color comes from a dye used to prevent algae growth.

The dye, Aquashadow, does not have a hazardous effect on humans or animals, according to a city bulletin published in 1995 announcing the use of the colorant.

In other ponds, including those at Las Palmas Park and Braly Park, dyes are also used to control biological activity.

Regardless, Brown said she hasn't changed her mind. "It just doesn't sit right," she said.

University Choir is looking for a few good singers

The San Jose State University Chorale is seeking vocalists to participate in its music program.

The Chorale has been part of the San Jose State Music Conservatory for the past 12 years. Although the Chorale's membership consists of some alumni and current university students, anyone is encouraged to audition. Phone 408/924-4647 for information.

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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, August 5, 1998.
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