Around the Glen

'Uppity' author visits Willow Glen Books

Anyone who still believes history is boring obviously hasn't heard author Vicki Leon's tales of the past. From stories of Catalina Erauso, a women who dueled, drank and cross-dressed her unique path from Spain to the New World to French poisoner La "Dead Rivals in About an Hour" Voisin, Leon knows how to share stories that bring history to life. As she does, Leon also injects them with healthy doses of detective-work to discover the oft-forgotten women from the past.

A natural Renaissance woman, author, photographer and publisher, Leon will appropriately focus her energy on women of the 14th to 17th centuries. Her presentation, "Renaissance Women Who Righteously Rocked," is based on her recent book, Uppity Women of the Renaissance. It is the latest in her women-centered series, which has featured women from the Middle Ages and ancient times. Leon, a celebrated children's book author, has also written books for young readers about women's history.

Besides being a talented author, Leon is equally known for her vivid storytelling.

Author Vicki Leon visits Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Ave, at 7:30pm on Monday, April 12. For information, call 298-8141.

--Mary Spicuzza

Gov. Davis bans MTBE on council's urging

To protect the state's drinking water, Governor Gray Davis has ordered a ban on methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) from California's gasoline supply, phasing out the chemical by Dec. 31, 2002. The governor's order does not call for an immediate ban because studies by the University of California and the state energy commission show that a sudden removal could result in severe gas shortages.

Listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a possible human carcinogen, MTBE has been detected at the Anderson, Coyote and Calero reservoirs--all three supplying drinking water to the San Jose area--as well as nearly 300 leaking underground storage tanks in Santa Clara County.

On March 16, the City Council unanimously voted to support a resolution urging Davis to ban MTBE completely.

--Jessica Lyons

Glenites get invites to breakfast with Jim

Willow Glen residents are invited to a complimentary breakfast and town hall meeting with Assemblyman Jim Cunneen the afternoon of April 10th at Willow Glen High School. Cunneen will present a short overview about what's going on in Sacramento, and than answer questions and respond to concerns from constituents.

"There's no agenda," said Cunneen's chief-of-staff Bob Hines. "Jim will brief them on some legislative issues coming up, and then he leaves it open to the citizens. We've been doing this since he's been elected."

In the past, voters have asked Cunneen about median barriers on Highway 85, HMO reform and the state of public education.

The meeting will be held on Saturday April 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Willow Glen High School.

--Jessica Lyons

Scholarships available for summer school

Elementary students who have completed the fifth, sixth or seventh grade may be eligible to apply for 40 need-based summer school scholarships to Bellarmine College Preparatory. The Diversity Scholarship Program offers free tuition to economically disadvantaged male students of color whose families earn a combined income of less than $4,200 per month.

The six-week summer program begins June 15. The curriculum includes language skills, math and study skills. Special classes in fine arts, physical education and science are also offered.

The application deadline is May 14.

For more information about the Diversity Scholarship Program, or to receive an application, call Steve Pinkston, Bellarmine's diversity coordinator, at 294-9224, ext. 269

--Jessica Lyons

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Columnist Deborah Taylor-Hollis provides introduction to kids snacks

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