July 3, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

Some spots available at Camp Gallileo

Camp Gallileo, a unique camp for kids from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and the Tech Museum of Innovation for fourth through eighth graders still has a few spots available for South Bay students. The camp is operated by Galileo Educational Services and children get to take part in hands-on art, science, and outdoor activities every day.

Three leading educational organizations teamed up with Galileo Educational Services to bring a rich summer day camp experience to children: The Tech Museum of Innovation, the de Young Museum and Klutz. An art, science, and outdoor summer day camp, Camp Galileo started in 2002 in Palo Alto and now has 16,000 enrollments across 20 Bay Area communities including Almaden.

Each week at Camp Galileo features a unique art and science theme, with curriculum customized by grade level. This year's themes are Shape It, Sculpt It and Amusement Park Science, Psychedelic '60s and Space Explorers and Ancient Egypt, and Crime Solver Scientists. Academic content is topped off with camp ceremonies, theme days, Waterball and a rubber chicken mascot.

Weekly camp sessions at most South Bay sites run through Aug. 8, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exact dates vary per location. Visit www.campgalileo.com for location details, including addresses.

Marin Institute honors Jim Beall

Assemblymember Jim Beall, Jr., D-San Jose, was honored June 27 by the Marin Institute for his efforts in working for an effective alcohol policy in California.

The San Rafael-based organization is dedicated to protecting society from the alcohol industry’s negative practices. It will present Beall with its 2008 Alcohol Industry Watchdog Award.

“I’m gratified to receive this award from the Marin Institute, an organization that works around the clock, every day of every year, to prevent underage drinking and alcoholism,’’ Beall said. “Their work has made California a healthier place to live.’’

The award is recognition for Beall’s legislation, Assembly Bill 346, to force the makers of “alcopops’’ to prominently label their products as alcoholic drinks. These sweetened, liquor-laced drinks imitate not only the taste sweet, but have the same appearance as energy drinks, sodas and fruit juices, creating confusion for consumers – especially minors – as to what they are exactly buying. Assembly Bill 346 is pending in the Legislature.

This month Beall will introduce a constitutional amendment to increase the excise tax on beer, a tax that has not been raised in 17 years. Revenue from the proposed tax will be used to help pay for the staggering burden alcohol-related accidents, assaults, and fatalities places on our society.

New local winery opens, supports local nonprofits

Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery celebrated the grand opening of its new tasting room and wine store, beginning with a formal ribbon-cutting on June 12 at the tasting room, located in downtown Los Gatos.

Festivities continued throughout Father’s Day weekend from Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15. The winery donated 10 percent of wine sales over the three-day weekend to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Sales on Friday benefitted the Santa Cruz County Red Cross’ Summit Fire Disaster relief fund.

Saturday’s sales benefited Jazz on the Plazz, Los Gatos’ highly successful jazz festival, as well as the Museums of Los Gatos and The Venue-A Place for Teens. Sunday’s sales benefited the Silicon Valley Duck Race hosted by Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley.

Coyote Lake ranger programs for July

The Coyote Lake Ranger Station has planned several programs for the dog days of Summer.

Saturday night Campfire Programs take place every Saturday night in July and August at the new Campfire Center. Programs run from 8:30-9:30 p.m. through the end of September. For the Independence Day Weekend there will also be a program on Friday, July 4.

A program entitled “Orienting the Family” will be held Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn the basics of this fun and healthy activity. Participants will also get to see the scenic beauty of the park. There is a $6 vehicle entrance fee. Wear hard-soled shoes and a hat. Bring water, a snack and lunch.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the ranger station will hold RAPTOR!!! Birds of Prey @ Coyote-Bear, also from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet a real raptor, and learn about which ones live in the park. Participants will also play games, hear stories, and do other fun stuff. There is a $6 vehicle entrance fee. Wear hard-soled shoes and hat. Bring water, a snack and lunch.

The San Jose Astronomical Association will be holding New Moon Star Parties on July 26 and Aug. 23 from 10 p.m. midnight at the Coyote Lake launch area parking lot.