Burn Suspension Seasons Begins
Burn Suspension Seasons Begins
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has suspended the privileges of burning by permit and other use of open fire until further notice, according to John Ellis, unit chief for Santa Clara County CDF.
Because of extremely dry vegetation and predicted fire weather, CDF said the only exceptions are agricultural, forest management, fire training or vegetation management if a CDF official has inspected the site and issued a permit, and campfires within organized campgrounds if the fire is properly maintained so it does not spread to surrounding vegetation.
The suspension will remain in place until it is formally canceled by CDF, according to Ellis. To obtain a permit or for more information, contact a CDF facility.
Property Values Shooting Up
The Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office has announced that the assessed value of property in Santa Clara County has reached a record-breaking $261.92 billion, reflecting a 9.07 percent increase of $21.77 billion over last year’s total. The increase is good news for local governments funded by property taxes, including public schools.
“Hopefully the improved economy, and the associated increases in assessed values, is a positive trend that will continue up and to the right,” said Assessor Larry Stone in a statement.
The assessment roll is a snapshot of the total assessed value of property in Santa Clara County as of Jan. 1, 2006. The assessment roll was officially closed July 1.
While growth topped 15 percent in 2001, reflecting the height of the dot-com boom, this year’s growth remains strong compared with the last 10 years. Between 1997 and 2006, assessment roll growth exceeded 9.07 percent only three times.
Commercial and industrial property have heated up while residential real estate is cooling, according to the county.
The numbers reflect continuing economic growth in South County. In Morgan Hill, the assessed value of property shot up 12.06 percent to $3.26 billion. In Gilroy, the increase was 11.06 percent, for a total of $5.16 billion.
Bonfante Gardens Triathlon
Kids 17 years of age and younger can test their endurance during the Hammerhead Kids Triathlon on July 16, at Bonfante Gardens, while everyone in the family can participate in the Very Scary Triathlon on Oct. 15. Bonfante Gardens and Body and Mind Solutions have teamed up for these two events to promote healthy kids and healthy bodies.
Participants bike, run and swim through a course inside and around the park. Coyote Lake will host the aquatic leg of the triathlon. The triathlon will culminate with a run to the top of the hill on the backside of Bonfante Gardens.
Details: www.active.com or www.bodyandmind solutions.com.
