Our City Forest is offering free shade trees to neighborhood groups or public schools in San Jose as part of its Spring 2004 Green Neighborhoods program.

The project provides 15-gallon shade trees, stakes and plating material, project coordination and professional assistance, including species selection, site assessments, planting permits, tree ordering and delivery, site prep, hands-on planting assistance, and tree-care planning.

In certain areas, if additional services such as cement cutting are necessary, the service may also be provided at no cost.

Eligible planting sites include public parking strips and public school grounds in San Jose. Every planting site must meet city specifications in order for a permit to be granted.

To apply, call Our City Forest at 408.998.7331 and request a simple one-page tree grant application on behalf of your neighborhood or school.

Our City Forest is a nonprofit environmental organization founded in 1994 that has donated more than 28,000 15-gallon shade trees to hundreds of local neighborhoods and schools.

New San Jose Elks
elects its first lady

For the first time in its 104-year existence, the San Jose Elks Lodge has elected a woman as its president and CEO.

On March 27, member Margaret Hobbs moved into both positions. Hobbs joined the club five years ago as a member and served four years as a lodge officer. She is excited to become the first female to hold the highest position in the lodge.

To honor Hobbs' new rank, the installation of officers and inaugural ball will take place on March 27 at San Jose Elks Lodge 522.

It will be a black-tie event that begins at 5 p.m. For more information, contact lodge secretary Russ Mosher at 408.298.3880. The San Jose Elks Lodge 522 is located at 444 West Alma St. in San Jose.

Occupational center
holds an open house

For Willow Glen students who dream of becoming a renowned chef, police officer or beautician, training is available for these and other technical vocations before graduating from high school.

To provide information about the classes and activities that are offered, the center is holding an open house on March 12 that will allow visitors to meet teachers and see students in action from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Parents, students, business people and community members are invited to tour and observe hands-on student demonstrations throughout the campus. The center's interior design class will also be presenting its annual design show. A fundraiser and car show is also planned by the organization's student council. There is also a barbecue fundraiser scheduled in the center's cafeteria at 5:30 p.m.

For more information about Central County Occupational Center and its open house, please contact Michelle Alaimo at 408.723.6464. Central County Occupational Center is located at 760 Hillsdale Ave., behind the Capitol Expressway Auto Mall.