The Willow Glen Resident

Around The Glen

Suspected car thief arrested at local mobile-home park

A man driving a stolen car in Willow Glen was apprehended by a police officer and arrested at the River Glen Mobile Home Park. On Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m., Officer Tom Harris observed a suspicious subject driving a white Acura, said Bob Beams, public information officer for the San Jose Police Department.

"A check of the license plate indicated [the car] was stolen out of San Jose, and when officer Harris attempted to stop the suspect, he ran from the vehicle, over a fence and into the River Glen Mobile Home Park," Beams said.

After searching the park, Harris found the suspect and brought him into custody. No property was damaged in the pursuit, Beams said.

--Cecily Barnes

Man sought in sexual assault and robbery of elderly woman

A 75-year-old woman was robbed and sexually assaulted after climbing into a man's car in the area of Hillsdale and Meridian avenues.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, at approximately 4:10 p.m., the victim was walking to her home when a car pulled over. Believing the driver to be her neighbor offering her a ride home, the woman climbed in, according to a report by the San Jose Police Department.

"Once inside the car, the victim realized that she did not know the driver and attempted to exit the vehicle, but the suspect reached over and closed the door," the report states.

The suspect drove the car to Ensalmo and Willowmont avenues, where he sexually battered the woman, took her purse and drove away. Still at large, the suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his mid-20s, with collar-length wavy black hair, brown eyes and a medium build. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Jeff Thomason at 277-4102.

--Cecily Barnes

Theater group, school receive cash prize from WG retail shop

The Willow Glen-based Children's Musical Theater was one of five San Jose groups to receive a $250 donation from the Italian home and garden supplier Casa Casa, as part of the store's fifth anniversary celebration.

"We just wanted to give back to the community," said Meg Yeargain, daughter of Casa Casa owner Nancy Biagini. They decided on five deserving groups and made a cash gift on behalf of their customers.

According to Yeargain, the family's choice of the children's theater was partly a personal one. "Michael [Mulcahy, the theater's executive director] has supported us, so we wanted to support him," she said.

The theater, celebrating its own 30-year anniversary, is the largest of its kind in the country and provides performance arts training for youths age 6 to 20. "It's a great place for kids to learn, not only about the arts, but about themselves as well," Mulcahy said.

The donation "was such a nice surprise," he added. "It's good to know that a company is giving back to the community it prospered in."

The Biaginis also gave $250 grants to Willow Glen Elementary School, the Sacred Heart Community Center, the San Jose Symphony and the ARIS Foundation.

--Annette Ha

Presentation seniors receive top honors

Several seniors at Presentation High School received academic honors in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.

Diane Menuz and Beth Oing were recognized as semi-finalists in the program based on their exceptional scores on the PSAT/NMSQT tests given last October. Every year, only 15,000 high school seniors across the nation receive this honor. The young women are now in the running for the finalist awards, slated to be announced in 1998.

Also receiving honors were Becky Hartman and Kristin Jacques, who were recognized as "commended students," a designation given only to students who show great academic promise. They are among only 35,000 seniors in the country recognized as such.

--Annette Ha

Creative students sought for local art contest

Creative students across Santa Clara County can put their talents on display in the upcoming "Winter Festival of Education." Sponsored by the nonprofit group Youth Focus Inc., this exhibit of student work is part of the 37th annual Holiday Faire and Christmas Lane Show.

Open to all Santa Clara County public- and private-school students in grades K-12, the festival is designed to recognize students for their creative achievements by awarding ribbons and trophies. "[Showing their work] gives children a lot of self-esteem," festival coordinator Suzette Galloway said.

Possible entries suggested by the festival are: poetry, arts and crafts constructions, creative writing, graphics, photographs, oil and watercolor artwork, cartooning, science projects, cultural projects, yearbooks, jewelry, leather and woodworking projects and all holiday arts and crafts. The entry deadline is Nov. 12.

Galloway encourages every student to participate. "Kids do so many wonderful things in school, and no one hears about it," she said.

For more information or applications, contact Galloway at the Youth Focus office at 298-2644.

--Annette Ha

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