Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety detectives need the public's help in catching suspects in a series of residential burglaries that have occurred since November 2003.

According to witness accounts, two or three Asian men, between the ages of 16 and 32, are suspected of entering the backyards of residences to break in, with one man usually standing guard outside.

In most cases, the burglaries have happened during the day, and they have always involved houses in which the occupants are away. One witness described seeing a light blue "hatchback" vehicle at the scene of one of the burglaries. All valuables taken have been relatively small.

There have been more than 30 burglaries of this type since November, many taking place south of Fremont Avenue. One suspect was arrested in January, but there are still others, and the burglaries have continued.

Anyone with information can call Detective Jose Ramirez at 408.730.7297. If suspicious people are seen, residents should call 911 immediately. For more information, contact the Crime Prevention hotline at 408.730.7140.

Board OKs transfers to two of its high schools

Fremont Union high schools may be tough to get into, but on several campuses, it just became a little easier.

The school board approved the re-opening of intradistrict transfers at its meeting on Feb. 3, but the only schools open to accept such transfers are Homestead and Lynbrook.

Applications will be available starting March 1 in any school's principal's office or the district office at 589 W. Fremont Avenue in Sunnyvale.

All applications must be turned into the district office before 4:30 p.m. on March 31.

Commuter-friendly
businesses honored

Even in a time of economic turmoil, several Sunnyvale businesses have something to brag about.

The city of Sunnyvale and five local businesses have been added to the second annual "Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters" list, which is compiled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Contenders must offer a number of services to their employees to qualify for the list, including benefits for primary and secondary commuters and access to a program providing rides home.

In addition to the city, Yahoo! Inc., Juniper Networks, Lockheed Martin, Ariba Inc. and Triangle Software were named to the list, which is intended to honor employers dedicated to improving quality of life for commuters and reducing traffic and pollution.

The companies will be recognized with a ceremony at the Sunnyvale City Council meeting on Feb. 10.

Program honors effort of teens

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Path to Excellence scholarship program benefits graduating Silicon Valley high school students and assists them in their continuing education.

Through the program, 10 Silicon Valley scholars will be selected from public high schools in Santa Clara County. Each winning scholar will earn a $2,000 scholarship.

For more information regarding the Coldwell Banker Silicon Valley Path to Excellence Scholarship Program, please contact Scholarship Program Chairwoman Nina Yamaguchi at 408.252.1133 or via email at nymaguchi@cbnorcal.com.