The Willow Glen Resident

Around The Glen

Red Cross preps for El Niño storms

Silicon Valley residents will be well prepared for El Niño this winter. On top of preparations made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), water districts and local city departments, the Santa Clara Valley chapter of the American Red Cross has jumped on the bandwagon and issued a preparation checklist for the arrival of the dreaded "child."

According to the Red Cross, residents should place their insurance policies and other important papers in a safe-deposit box, create a disaster-supplies kit and agree on an emergency meeting spot. The kits should include three days' worth of water and nonperishable foods, a backpack or duffle bag and a first-aid kit. The Red Cross also advises quickly completing any unfinished home repairs, such as leaks or clogged rain gutters.

In the event of serious flooding or other emergencies, the Santa Clara Valley Red Cross will set up emergency shelters at various schools, churches and community centers. For more information, call the Red Cross Disaster Information Line at 577-2023, or visit the Santa Clara Valley Web site.

--Cecily Barnes

Hoppy Face creator set to open a new pub

The Willow Glen-based Hoppy Brewing Company is working to purchase the American River Brewing Company, located in the historic gold-country town of Auburn, Calif. Troy Paski, owner of Hoppy, will buy the brewery in conjunction with the owners of the Shark and Rose Seafood Restaurant and Pub.

"We've been working very hard and very quietly these past couple of months on the acquisition of this brewery," Paski said.

The deal is currently in escrow, according to Rich Bergin, proprietor of the Shark and Rose.

The brewpub will be the first for Paski, who, with the creation of Hoppy Face Ale, started his brewing business in Willow Glen three years ago. His product line, which now includes a dark ale and lager, is distributed throughout the West Coast.

Paski has being trying to open a brewpub for more than two years. In 1996, he attempted to secure a site near the corner of Willow Street and Lincoln Avenue. After the deal fell through, he refocused his efforts and has now set his sights on the gold country.

"The water up there in Auburn is perfect for brewing," Paski stated in a recent press release. For information, call 916/889-0841.

--Maggie Benson

Water district offers residents sandbags

The Santa Clara Valley Water District is providing free sandbags at eight sites throughout the county.

Based on predictions of a heavy rainy season, officials have opened the sites six weeks earlier than last year.

Large blue signs will soon be erected at the sites, alerting residents to the location of the bags, explaining lifting and transporting methods and providing phone numbers to call for additional bags or for free flood-prevention information. By the end of the month, the district also plans to provide free brochures instructing residents how to protect structures from flooding.

The district advises against using too many sandbags, reminding residents that a minimum of sandbags is needed when used with plastic sheeting and baffle boards--plywood fastened to vents and doorways.

Workshops for instructing residents in how to use the bags will be offered on Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 at the pickup site at 5905 Winfield Blvd. in San Jose.

Other pickup sites in San Jose are located at 5750 Almaden Expy., 5905 Winfield Blvd., 445 Willow St. and the intersection of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue.

--Bay City News Service

County Parks seeks TrailWatch volunteers

The Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department seeks hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, skaters and motorcyclists who are interested in becoming TrailWatch volunteers. These individuals patrol park trails and facilities, inspect trails for safety and assist visitors who have questions or problems.

Twelve county parks can use TrailWatch volunteers in various categories. Among them is Sanborn-Skyline Park, which needs equestrians. The Los Gatos Creek Trail needs skaters and bicyclists. And all parks welcome volunteer pedestrians, hikers and joggers.

For more information, call Chris Crockett at 354-6583.

--Metro Newspapers

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