Cupertino Community Services is accepting applications for Cupertino's Below Market Rate rental program. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom units throughout Cupertino are for very-low- and low-income households.

Currently there are 3 one-bedroom units available for low-income families renting at $1100 a month. In March, Verona Apartments will also have 4 one-bedroom units available for low-income households.

The city has developed a ranking system designed to give priority to Cupertino residents and employees. Two points are given to those who work in Cupertino, one point to Cupertino residents and one point to public service employees in Cupertino.

Although the point system is designed to give priority to the above groups, there are no geographical restrictions for application submission.

If you are interested, please pick up an application at Cupertino Community Services, 10104 Vista Dr., Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and noon and 1 and 5 p.m. For more information, call 408.255.8033.

Cars left running, unattended stolen

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office auto theft unit wants to notify residents of the rise in auto thefts that have taken place from in front of homes and driveways, while their owners leave their cars warming up unattended.

Since the start of the cold season, there have been more than 20 car thefts throughout the county from the driveways of residents. There have been five recorded warm-up thefts since Jan. 1. During last year's cold season, the county's auto theft unit took about 25 stolen vehicle cases of this nature.

For information, contact 408.808.4500 or 408.820.1151.

Schools shifting to new locations

Starting in August, the Cupertino Language Immersion Program will be the new kid at R.I. Meyerholz Elementary School.

At their Jan. 27 meeting, the Cupertino Union School Board approved the program's move from its current home at Collins Elementary. The Collins site will become the district's fifth middle school, and the teachers and students in Collins' regular curriculum will move to the Murdock-Portal Elementary School.

In its sixth year, the immersion program offers immersion in English and Mandarin for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. There are currently 230 students enrolled.