The Campbell Reporter

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Union Pacific Railroad to upgrade its line through Campbell into Saratoga

In a move that surprised city officials, Union Pacific Railroad announced on Feb. 8 that it will upgrade the rail line that runs through Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and Saratoga, and will cover the majority of the costs.

The rail line has declined through the years, and upgrades are welcomed. The estimated cost for the upgrades will be between $80,000 to $100,000.

"This is work that has needed to be done. It's been years since they have done any replacements," said Morgan Kessler, Saratoga assistant city engineer. "They just came in out of the blue and said, 'We need to do this.' "

The upgrade will include replacing rail and ties along the entire length of the line, beginning in Cupertino and working toward Saratoga. Union Pacific will also upgrade the current crossings by replacing the existing wooden plates with concrete plates. The concrete plates will be permanent and should not have to be replaced again, according to Kessler.

Pomeroy retires
after 18 ¹/ 2 years

Campbell city officials commended Marlene Pomeroy for her 18 ¹/2 years of service with the city on Feb. 20. Pomeroy will retire from her position as executive assistant for the Campbell Public Works Department on Feb. 28.

Pomeroy started her career with Campbell in 1988 when she was hired as a principal clerk for the newly created Campbell Redevelopment Department. Pomeroy was transferred to the Community Development Department in 1993 briefly, before accepting a secretarial position in the Public Works Department, where she has worked for more than 13 years.

City officials recognized Pomeroy for her assistance with a number of citywide projects, such as the Downtown Streetscape Project, the relocation of the Ainsley House, the renovation of the Campbell Community Center and Heritage Theatre, and numerous other public works projects.

Pomeroy has also served as the recording secretary to the Campbell Parks and Recreation Commission for the past 18 years.

Commissions add
two appointees

Campbell officials appointed two new individuals to city boards and commissions in January.

Cheryl Blankenship Kupras was appointed to the Civic Improvement Commission, and Paul Resnikoff was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Blankenship Kupras, a social worker, has a bachelor's degree in sociology from UC-Davis. She replaces Burch Harper, who resigned on Nov. 9 after serving for a year.

Resnikoff works as an account executive and received a bachelor's degree in biology from California State University, Northridge, and an MBA in marketing and finance from the University of Arizona.

The Civic Improvement Commission advises the Campbell City Council in a number of areas, including the library, beautification, cultural issues, history, social services, seniors and youth. The Parks and Recreation Commission advises the council members on the development and maintenance of public recreation and park facilities.

Tree orientation
for forest helpers

Our City Forest holds an orientation class for volunteers from 1 to 4 p.m. March 3 at its office, 595 Park Ave., Suite 100.

The class is designed for people interested in becoming a Tree Amigo and participating in tree plantings throughout San Jose.

For additional information or to reserve a place, call 408.998.7337.

Auto sales company
will open on Forman

The Campbell Planning Commission gave the green light to Jim Morelan to open an auto sales business in an industrial building on 529 Forman Drive. The property is on the west side of Forman Drive, between E. McGlincy Lane and West Valley Drive.

The business is a referral and appointment-only operation, with no more than four vehicles for sale at one time. No exterior display of vehicles is proposed, and there will be no repair, bodywork, painting or other maintenance work.

"I was very impressed with the site. It is clean, gated and landscaped. I wish I could see other buildings like that," Campbell Planning Commissioner Tom Francois said.

New martial arts
studio approved

Campbell will get a new martial arts studio at the San Tomas Plaza. The Campbell Planning Commission Feb. 13 unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Seshimkwan Kumdo, 140 N. San Tomas Aquino Road.

The business will be located in a single-story, multi-tenant building that was constructed in 1972. A proposed Ace Hardware store will be adjacent to the martial arts studio. No expansion of the existing building is proposed.

The martial arts studio has locations in Pleasanton, Sunnyvale and Fremont. Owner Yeong Jai Choi plans to close the Sunnyvale dojo when he opens his Campbell location because most of the students reside in the Orchard City.

The Campbell class size will average between five and 20 students ranging in age from 10 to 65. The business will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

City's annual parade looks for marchers

Campbell's 10th Annual Bunnies and Bonnets parade will take place on April 7 in the historic downtown, and event organizers are looking for participants to march in the parade. There is no judging or prizes at the community-sponsored event.

The day's festivities include the annual Spring Eggstravaganza at the Campbell Community Center Athletic Fields in the morning. The event is co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Campbell and Kirkwood Plaza. The Bunnies and Bonnets Parade will take place at noon, beginning at Railway and Campbell avenues and ending at Third Street by Stack's Restaurant.

Any group, club or organization that would like to march in the parade should download an entry form at www.downtowncampbell.com. The form should be mailed to P.O. Box 673, Campbell, CA 95009 by March 26 and include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

For more information call 408.374.9700.