The St. Cyprian Peace and Social Justice Committee, in concert with Peninsula Interfaith Action, hosts a city council candidates' forum focusing on the affordable-housing issue.

The forum will be held on Oct. 23 at St. Cyprian Church Conference Center at 1133 W. Washington Ave. in Sunnyvale.

All eight candidates have agreed to participate in this event and there will be opportunities for the public to meet candidates following the event.

"Sunnyvale has built up a great industrial base but has not provided enough affordable housing so that the people in Sunnyvale can live here. Now's the time for our city council to make affordable housing a priority," said Father Tim Kidney of the St. Cyprian Parish.

The St. Cyprian Peace and Social Justice Committee was formed almost two years ago in response to Bishop McGrath's call to expand social justice ministries in the Diocese of San Jose. The committee has become increasingly involved in the affordable-housing issue in Sunnyvale and has conducted study sessions with current council members and testified before the council several times on affordable-housing topics.

The event will begin at 6:45p.m. and end at 8:15 p.m. Call 408.739.8506.


High schooers needed as Science Buddies

The Science Buddies volunteer program is looking for high school students to serve as online mentors one hour a week from November through March. The program pairs experienced high school students with younger high school or middle school students to guide them with science fair projects. An adult adviser, who is typically a professional scientist or engineer, completes each duo by providing backup for the high school mentors.

For mentors, the community service experience is augmented by ten $300 college scholarships, which go to the top volunteers. Advisers come from various area organizations, including Stanford University, NASA­Ames and Advanced Micro Devices, and can answer questions about scientific careers.

Because all communication takes place in an online forum, mentors must have regular Internet access. Previous science fair experience and A's and B's in science and math classes are required.

Science Buddies is a nonprofit organization funded by the Kenneth L. Hess Family Charitable Foundation and corporate sponsors. Volunteers are needed by the end of October. To apply, visit http://www.sciencebuddies.org.


Celebrating U.N's 58th anniversary

The Silicon Valley Chapter of the United Nations Association of USA is celebrating the 58th anniversary of the United Nations on Oct. 24.

UNA has members in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, and Campbell.

At 7:30 p.m., a dinner program will feature speakers Dr. John Bunzel, of the Hoover Institute (ex-President of San José State U.) and Delorme McKee-Stovall, Acting Director of the County Office of Human Relations.

The speakers will be talking about political and educational reforms on diversity in higher education and the current demographic and social issues. Also, the Children & Youth Unite to Sing group will provide entertainment.

The event will take place at the Four Point Star Sheraton Hotel at 1108 N. Mathilda Ave. in Sunnyvale.

The minimum contribution is $40. For information call 408.404.7222.


University night at Mission College

High school and community college students are invited to meet representatives from nearly 30 different colleges and universities on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Mission College's annual University Night.

The event--held in the school's main building from 4 to 7 p.m.--is free and provides a chance for college-bound students to ask questions and learn about the features of several different schools at one place.

Among the schools planning to participate include the University of California-Berkeley, UC-San Diego, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, the University of Northern Arizona, and the California Culinary Academy.

For information, call 408.855.5114.