Welcome To Santa Clara County

 

City Information (Campbell,  Cupertino,  Gilroy,  Los Altos,  Los Altos Hills,  Los Gatos,  Milpitas,  Monte Sereno,  

Morgan Hill,  Mountain View,  Palo Alto,  San Jose,  Santa Clara,  Saratoga,  Sunnyvale)

 

Phone Numbers (City Hall & emergencies)

 

Phone Numbers for Utilities (phone, gas, electricity, water, garbage and Cable)

 

General Information

 

DMV Information

 

Transportation (Airports, Trains, Buses)

 

Television Stations

 

Newspapers (Major & Community)

 

Sports Teams (Professional & College)

 

Event Centers

 

Universities and Colleges

 

Community Colleges

 

School Districts

 

Major Shopping Centers

 

Post Offices

 

Libraries (County & City)

 

Hospitals

 

Golf Courses (Private & Public)

 

Local Wineries

 

Places to Visit (Inside  /  Outside) Santa Clara County

 

Closing Costs

 

Moving Checklist

 

Ways of Holding Title

 


Welcome to Santa Clara County!

 

The County of Santa Clara and the greater Bay Area are one of the most popular travel destinations for visitors from across the country and around the world. With our truly diverse culture, natural beauty and attractions that rival most states, we offer the perfect vacation and living spot for you and your family.

 

There are 15 cities ranging from Palo Alto in the north to Gilroy in the south. San Jose is the largest city in the County, with a population of over 900,000, and is the administrative site of County Government. A significant portion of the county's land area is unincorporated ranch and farmland.

 

The County of Santa Clara has a culture rich in its history, ethnic diversity (over 100 languages and dialects are spoken), artistic endeavors, sports venues and academic institutions. The County is home to three major universities - Stanford University, Santa Clara University and San Jose State University - as well as excellent community colleges. In sports and recreation San Jose is home to teams for professional soccer- the Earthquakes; minor league baseball- the San Jose Giants; and the San Jose Sharks- the only professional ice hockey team in Northern California. Numerous public and private golf courses are located throughout the County. In addition to these recreational outlets the County of Santa Clara operates 27 parks covering more than 50,000 acres including scenic lakes, streams and miles of hiking and biking trails.

 

In addition to the wide variety of business, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities within the County, a short hour's drive can bring residents or visitors to the famous Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton, the hills of San Francisco or any number of white sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean from Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay to Monterey and Carmel. And wineries aren't just for Napa and Sonoma – there are many wineries located in the heart of our County.

 

Today the County is a major employment center for the region providing more than a quarter of all jobs in the Bay Area. It has one of the highest median family incomes in the country and a wide diversity of cultures, backgrounds and talents. The County of Santa Clara continues to attract people from all over the World.

 

The County's population of nearly 1.7 million is one of the largest in the state, following Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange Counties, and is the largest of the nine Bay Area counties. Its population constitutes about one fourth of the Bay Area's total population. The County of Santa Clara is made up of people from diverse cultures, nationalities and racial groups. The County, with its diverse population, high standard of living and strong economic vitality has attracted people from all over the world.

 

Today the County of Santa Clara is known as "Silicon Valley," the birthplace of the high technology revolution. The County of Santa Clara is also unique because of its combination of physical attractiveness and economic diversity. With its numerous natural amenities and one of the highest standards of living in the country, the County has long been considered one of the best areas in the United States in which to live and work.  (..back..)


City Information

 

Campbell www.ci.campbell.ca.us

 

Campbell is the 'heart' in the 'Valley of Heart's Delight'. Set in the Southwest corner of the Silicon Valley, Campbell is an ideal location for homes, schools and businesses. Although it is part of a major metropolitan area, the city has been able to retain a small town feeling and offer personal attention to approximately 38,000 residents.

 

Reacting to the growth in Silicon Valley, Campbell has become a community with a thriving business sector. With convenient freeway and mass transportation access, impressive new office complexes, low property tax and business license fees, Campbell is a perfect site for new businesses looking for a winning combination of location and visibility.

 

Campbell's location is very convenient. Its proximity to shopping, special services and recreational opportunities is ideal for the resident or employee who wants to run a quick errand, take a morning jog down the Los Gatos Creek Trail or go for a delicious business lunch in one of its numerous fine restaurants. (..back..)

 

 

Cupertino www.cupertino.org

 

Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Cupertino is an amazing mix of imagination and cooperation. Home to such high tech firms as Apple Computer and Hewlett-Packard, Cupertino boasts a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of spirit and optimism. Cupertino is known as “The Heart of the Valley.” Cupertino has something for the business and holiday traveler alike. A booming community in its own right, Cupertino lies at the center of Silicon Valley's compass.

 

Within the borders you'll find a thriving business community that's home to some of the greatest innovators in technology. Along with one of the friendliest climates in the United States, Cupertino boasts one of the most diverse and engaged communities in Northern California. For outdoor recreation Cupertino offers more than 150 acres of parkland including Blackberry Farm with its 9-hole golf course - one of the most affordable urban golf courses around. For indoor recreation the Cupertino Sports Center and Cupertino Senior Center offer a range of activities while the library presents events and activities for both kids and adults. Restaurants in Cupertino reflect the rich and ethnically diverse population bringing cuisine from around the world to help you enjoy your stay. (..back..)

 

 

Gilroy www.ci.gilroy.ca.us

 

Gilroy gives visitors a friendly, small town character with affordable places to stay, great restaurants, wineries, breweries, world class shopping, attractions and recreational opportunities for the whole family. Gilroy is located in the southern-most tip of Santa Clara/Silicon Valley and easily accessible from Highway 101 and Highway 152 which makes it a convenient stop for business and leisure travelers. But whether you live in Gilroy or are just visiting, as the “Gateway to the Central Coast”, there is much to do and see.

 

Gilroy's claim to fame is being the "Garlic Capital of the World" where each year Gilroy plays host to over 125,000 visitors at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Shopping is world-class with the Gilroy Premium Outlets - a 145-store factory outlet center with famous name brands. Bonfante Gardens Theme Park entertains people of all ages with its acclaimed Circus Trees, a 1927 Ilion’s carousel, waterfalls, topiaries - all set within its 600-acre preserve. For the connoisseur of fine wines, family-owned wineries are abundant and many offer picnic areas, tours, seasonal events and gift shops.

 

Gilroy is a "Tree City U.S.A." The city has a total of 440 acres of parkland and has won more park design awards from the California Park and Recreation Society than any other city in California. In addition to its extensive city park system, within a 15 minute drive from the center of Gilroy is Mt. Madonna Park, a 3,200-acre park with some of California's finest Coastal redwoods; Henry Coe Park, the second largest state park in California with 80,000+ acres; and the Adams-Chitactac Park, an original site of the Ohlone Indians. Gilroy is also surrounded by reservoirs, which provide a full complement of water-related sports and recreational activities.

 

Gilroy has developed from a rural, agricultural community to the fastest growing city in the Silicon Valley. Growth has centered on high-tech software and support industries as well as a number of manufacturing and production industries. Thousands of jobs are filled in Gilroy from tourism, retail, manufacturing and research and development. Gilroy is proud of its growth and its ability to provide a high quality of life to residents. (..back..)

 

 

Los Altos www.ci.los-altos.ca.us

 

Tree lined streets and a small village atmosphere characterize Los Altos, which is located in the heart of world-famous Silicon Valley. The seven square mile city is developed with small businesses, schools, libraries and churches. Incorporated in 1952, Los Altos is a general law city with five elected council members who serve four-year terms. City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Appointed commissions and committees assist the Council in an advisory capacity. The Council appointed city manager is responsible for financial and operational management of the city's employees.

 

Los Altos has international sister cities ties with Bendigo, Australia; Skytyvkar, Russia; and Shih Lin, Taiwan. Over 200 volunteers a year assist in providing city government services to the community. In 1982 Los Altos became a leader in recycling programs when it began curbside residential collection of bottles, cans and newspapers. Since then motor oil, yard waste and mixed paper have been added. City Council and Planning Commission meetings are televised live on the city's cable television government access channel 18. In addition, this channel carries a 24-hour video bulletin board on city services, activities and events. (..back..)

 

 

Los Altos Hills www.losaltoshills.ca.gov

 

The Town of Los Altos Hills is a premier Silicon Valley residential community located adjacent to the City of Los Altos. Numerous Silicon Valley executives are residents of Los Altos Hills where the market value for unimproved building sites is currently estimated at $2M per acre. The minimum lot size is one acre. Many homes are large with such amenities as pools, sports courts and secondary units. The primarily residential community of Los Altos Hills is 8.4 square miles in area. The Town is distinctive because of its rolling hills and picturesque valleys. Numerous creeks and densely wooded areas provide pleasant visual diversity. The Town's location contributes to a mild climate with only rare extremes of temperature. Elevations above sea level rise from 200 to 1,300 feet, making Los Altos Hills a natural buffer between the more heavily developed urban Bay Area and the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains. Los Altos Hills became the 14th city in Santa Clara County on January 27, 1956 with a population then numbering 2,500. Today there are more than triple that number of residents living in the Town. Zoning has remained the same since its inception - a single "residential-agricultural" zone with additional permitted uses such as public and private schools, churches and synagogues, recreational clubs and other facilities compatible with noncommercial communities. (..back..)

 

 

Los Gatos www.los-gatos.ca.us

 

Located just moments from the high-tech heart of Silicon Valley, Los Gatos is a captivating jewel that flourishes in its blend of yesterday's charm and today's modern lifestyles. Tucked against the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos more than lives up to its name as the "Gem of the Foothills." Quaint merchant buildings house lively restaurants, coffeehouses, galleries and boutiques while resplendent Victorians surround downtown's historic center. Miles of nature trails beckon walkers, hikers and bikers while perfectly shaped benches invite visitors to sit a spell and watch the activities of a farmer's market, children's parade or the everyday goings on of a remarkable little town.

 

As transportation improved and more travelers discovered Los Gatos inevitably more people would grow to love the town and its environs. In 1915 Sunset magazine published a Los Gatos pamphlet, saying, "To see Los Gatos is to love the town. To enjoy the privilege of a few days' or weeks' stay within the gates of that beautiful city of 3,500 souls is to wish to come again. And to become a permanent resident there is to lie in paradise, if such there be on this earth." While the town has grown many fold since those days its beauty and charm still abound at every turn. (..back..)

 

 

Milpitas www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov

 

Milpitas is known as the “Gateway to Silicon Valley.” Milpitas is home to an ethnically diverse group of residents and to a broad range of small and large businesses and industries. Business, industry and people are attracted to Milpitas by its location, fine school district, attractive residential neighborhoods, churches of different faiths, access to major freeways, parks and recreation facilities, health facilities, shopping centers, fine restaurants and major hotels with banquet facilities.

 

The City of Milpitas is poised to move forward with new opportunities for growth in its economy and in its diverse community. New ventures in information technology have made this city a prime location to start new businesses to be part of this changing community. Like their predecessors before, looking to settle in a new country, Milpitas will be seen again as a leader setting new standards in an ever-changing and smaller world. (..back..)

 

 

Monte Sereno www.montesereno.org

 

Monte Sereno is Santa Clara Valley's smallest and most exclusive community with 3,483 residents living in 1,211 homes, nearly all of them worth at least a million dollars. Monte Sereno has no downtown, no strip malls, in fact no shops at all. Monte Sereno's low profile, however, is no problem for its residents, who live on half-acre lots without sidewalks, streetlights or much government at all for that matter. Past city clerks have doubled as postmaster and city managers also clocked in as municipal engineers and dogcatchers. Residents can keep chickens in their backyards, but few do. Tennis courts are common. Monte Sereno real estate is among the most expensive anywhere, but well worth it to those who can afford it. Where else can you find a rural mountain paradise a stone's throw from bustling Silicon Valley?

 

Monte Sereno is one of the Santa Clara Valley's most desirable residential communities. It boasts great weather, excellent schools, breathtaking mountain views and a quiet village atmosphere. Just a short drive from the Santa Cruz beaches, Silicon Valley workplaces and the cultural attractions of San Jose and San Francisco, Monte Sereno offers the best of all worlds.

 

The City of Monte Sereno was incorporated on May 14, 1957 and it relies on the surrounding cities of Saratoga and Los Gatos for most of its resources. The Los Gatos Police Department helps patrol the Monte Sereno area. Monte Sereno’s claim to fame is that John Steinbeck wrote his famous novel “Of Mice and Men” while living in Monte Sereno. (..back..)

 

 

Morgan Hill www.morgan-hill.ca.gov

 

Morgan Hill is located in southern Santa Clara Valley. Parks and open spaces abound making Morgan Hill one of the last communities in the region with a charming, small town atmosphere. Morgan Hill is on the way to everywhere and has something for everyone to enjoy. For tourists and visitors Morgan Hill offers excellent restaurants and accommodations, golf courses, spas, wineries, microbreweries, outdoor recreation (e.g.: hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, boating); a quaint, yet vital downtown, hot air ballooning, shopping and more! Visit the “Countryside of Silicon Valley” to see why so many consider Morgan Hill a place to build their dreams.

 

Morgan Hill prides itself as a family community and is home to festivals and celebrations such as the Taste of Morgan Hill; Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival; December Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony; California's oldest 4th of July Parade and Festivities; Friday Night Music Series; Certified Farmers Market; Downtown Safe Halloween program and many more. Check out the annual "Calendar of Events" to plan for the many festivities. Morgan Hill offers great golf courses, lakes, outstanding country, state and national parks for camping, hiking, horseback riding, water recreations and mountain biking. (..back..)

 

 

Mountain View www.mtnview.ca.us

 

Mountain View is located in the heart of Silicon Valley bordered by Palo Alto, Los Altos and Sunnyvale. Neighborhood parks, recreational facilities, quality education and convenient shopping make Mountain View an attractive community. The city maintains a strong and diversified local economy and has nearly two million square feet of commercial development in the city. Numerous high technology electronics companies, including several in the Fortune 500, as well as bio-technology firms are located in Mountain View. With only 4% of Santa Clara County's population Mountain View is home to 11% of the county's top firms. Mountain View enjoys a lively mix of retail stores, executive offices, research and development firms and professional services. (..back..)

 

 

Palo Alto www.city.palo-alto.ca.us

 

More than 100 years old, Palo Alto is named for a majestic 250-year-old coastal redwood tree along San Francisquito Creek where early Spanish explorers settled. The blend of business and residential areas anchored by a vibrant downtown defines Palo Alto’s unique character. A charming mixture of old and new, Palo Alto’s tree-lined streets and historic buildings reflect its California heritage. At the same time Palo Alto is recognized worldwide as a leader in cutting-edge technological development. Palo Alto is known as “Birthplace of the Silicon Valley” and has an abundance of local pride and numerous neighborhood organizations contribute to Palo Alto’s charming historic and upscale commercial and residential areas.

 

Characteristic of Palo Alto is the care taken to protect open space and parkland. Palo Alto has a remarkable number of City-owned parks for its size (34 at last count) and nearly one-third of its 26 square miles is open space. Palo Alto’s San Francisco Bay location and natural environment offer the opportunity to enjoy bird and aquatic life in a natural habitat. Proximity to Stanford University with its cultural and educational offerings adds to the vibrance, innate charm and beauty of Palo Alto. Distinctive in every way Palo Alto offers its business community a diverse and exciting environment in which to work and live. (..back..)

 

 

San Jose www.ci.san-jose.ca.us

 

San Jose is the third largest city in the state, following Los Angeles and San Diego, and the 11th largest city in the United States (soon to be 10th). San Jose is rich in ethnic diversity and has a beautiful climate. As the hub of Silicon Valley, San Jose is also the safest large city (500,000+) in the U.S. Sunset magazine described the downtown as an "eminently walkable area with level streets, balmy weather and well-marked attractions." "California casual" is appropriate for daytime and most evening outings. A sweater or light jacket is suggested for evenings with coats advisable for November through March.

 

San José has become a popular destination for tourists and business travelers. Visitors find many amenities in the City's revitalized downtown area including fine accommodations, world-class restaurants and shops. Whether you're looking for world-class cultural arts, nightlife, professional sports (including the NHL's San Jose Sharks), theme parks, wineries, shopping, and of course, great hotels and restaurants, San Jose is a great place to be. (..back..)

 

 

Santa Clara www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us

 

The mission of the City of Santa Clara is to promote a living and working environment that allows for the best quality of life by serving the community with resourceful, efficient, progressive and professional leadership. Santa Clara is known as the “Mission City” and is the third largest city in Santa Clara County. Santa Clara is home to the famous Santa Clara University, home of the Broncos. Santa Clara has about 30 parks and playgrounds, one city golf course and a nine-hole course. The city offers an International Swim Center famous for training Olympic winners. Also, the San Francisco 49ers train in Santa Clara during the football season. (..back..)

 

 

Saratoga www.saratoga.ca.us

 

Saratoga is located in Santa Clara County 26 miles east of the Pacific Coast, ten miles southwest of San Jose and fifty miles south of San Francisco. The city is situated in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains at an elevation of 500 feet. Saratoga is at the entrance to a historic pass in the redwood-forested Santa Cruz Mountains. Artifacts have been found along Saratoga Creek where the Ohlone Indians camped while on their way through the pass to the ocean beyond. Today the City of Saratoga, with a population of around 30,000, strives to maintain the elements of its natural beauty and colorful past through careful zoning policies and historic preservation. Today it retains that close-knit and quiet feel, and has settled comfortably into a well-placed residential community. (..back..)

 

 

Sunnyvale www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us

 

Known as the "Heart of Silicon Valley," the city of Sunnyvale is located about 10 miles west of San Jose and 50 miles south of San Francisco. Founded in 1912 Sunnyvale became a charter city in 1949. Plenty of work in the high-tech field is found in Sunnyvale, which has been recognized as one of America's best managed cities. Sunnyvale's primary attractions are museums like the Lace Museum and the Sunnyvale Historical Museum. Sometimes the tech geeks who populate Sunnyvale get tired of tinkering, semiconductoring and solving math problems. And when that happens they can just sit back and watch the ducks or they can punk out at the skate park, check out some local history at the museum and modern houses in the neighborhoods or explore their repressed literary sides in the social environs of the library, all for free. (..back..)

 


Phone Numbers for Emergency Call 911

 

City

City Hall

Fire emergency

Police emergency

Campbell

408-866-2101

408-378-4010

408-866-2121

Cupertino

408-777-3200

408-378-4010

408-299-3233

Gilroy

408-846-0400

408-848-0370

408-846-0300

Hollister

831-636-4300

831-636-4325

831-636-4330

Los Altos

650-948-1491

408-378-4010

650-948-8223

Los Altos Hills

650-941-7222

408-378-4010

408-299-3233

Los Gatos

408-354-6834

408-378-4010

408-354-5257

Milpitas

408-586-3000

408-586-2800

408-942-4200

Monte Sereno

408-354-7635

408-378-4010

408-354-5257

Morgan Hill

408-779-7271

408-378-4010

408-779-7316

Mountain View

650-903-6300

650-903-6365

650-903-6350

Palo Alto

650-329-2100

650-329-2184

650-329-2406

San Jose

408-277-4000

408-277-4444

408-277-8900 for 311

408-277-8911 for 911

Santa Clara

408-615-2200

408-615-4900

408-984-3194

Saratoga

408-868-1200

408-378-4010

408-867-9715

Sunnyvale

408-730-7500

408-730-7111

408-730-7100

 

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Phone Numbers For Utilities (phone, gas, electricity, water, garbage and Cable

 

City

Phone Company

Gas & Electricity

Water

Garbage

Cable

Campbell

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-279-7900

408-354-2100

800-945-2288

Cupertino

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-279-7900

408-993-9440

800-945-2288

Gilroy

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-846-0420

408-842-3358

800-945-2288

Hollister

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

831-636-4301

831-637-5113

800-945-2288

Los Altos

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

650-917-0152

650-961-8040

800-945-2288

Los Altos Hill

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

650-948-1217

650-961-8040

800-945-2288

Los Gatos

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-279-7900

408-354-2100

800-945-2288

Milpitas

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-586-3100

408-432-0444

800-945-2288

Monte Sereno

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-279-7900

408-354-2100

800-945-2288

Morgan Hill

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-779-7271

408-842-3358

800-945-2288

Mountain Vie

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

650-903-6317

650-967-3034

800-945-2288

Palo Alto

800-310-2355

650-329-2161

650-329-2161

650-493-4894

800-945-2288

San Jose

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-279-7900

408-354-2100

800-945-2288

South S.J.

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-227-9540

408-354-2100

800-945-2288

Santa Clara

800-310-2355

408-615-2300

408-615-2000

408-727-5365

800-945-2288

Saratoga

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-279-7900

408-354-2100

800-945-2288

Sunnyvale

800-310-2355

800-743-5000

408-730-7681

408-730-7400

800-945-2288

 

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Santa Clara County General Information

 

County Phone Numbers

 

Emergency calls –      911      Police/Fire/Ambulance

Telephone Information            411

Telephone Operator    0

Time                                        408-767-8900

 

Santa Clara County Web Page: www.sccgov.org

 

Registrar of Voters 408-299-8683 1553 Berger Dr. Bldg 2 San Jose, CA 95112 Online voter registration: www.ss.ca.gov/elections/votereg1.html

 

Earthquakes: Check the beginning of your local phone book for more information on preparedness and safety tips or go to http://earthquake.usgs.gov

 

Smoking: There is no smoking allowed inside buildings.

 

Allergies: The spring and fall are the high pollen times. During the spring, the grasses pop their buds and many trees release pollen. In the fall, the Diablos dry out the trees and cones and pollen fills the air.

 

Bay Area Backroads: Television show on the interesting and out of the way places of the Bay Area www.bayareabackroads.com Radio Stations: For a complete listing please see the “EYE” section of the Mercury News Friday Paper.

 

Employment: California Employment Development Department (EDD) 297 W. Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110 (800) 480-3287 www.edd.ca.gov

 

Animal Care: Human Society Silicon Valley 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 727-9881 www.hssv.org

 

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DMV Information www.dmv.ca.gov  1-800-777-0133

 

License: You are required by California law to obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of establishing your residence. To obtain a license, you must complete the following:

• A written test on the rules of the road. (MANDATORY)

• An eye test (MANDATORY)

• A driving test (Only if you do not have a valid license in another state or if your license has been revoked or expired for one year

• You must also be at least 18 years of age

 

Vehicle Registration: You must register your out-of-state vehicle upon entry. To avoid penalties, you have only 20 days to resolve this matter. The Registration Fee of $28 and the CHP Fee of $2 to $6 are due for the vast majority of vehicles registered for use on the highway, plus any additional fees, paid annually. You must show proof of insurance before registering your car. (MANDATORY)

 

Registration cost includes:

• Registration fees

• License plate charge

• Sales tax – (if car was purchased within the last 90 days)

 

When registering, be sure to have:

California smog certificate (upon entering state, and every two years thereafter.)

• Out of state title and registration

• The vehicle you are registering

• Proof of insurance

 

Smog Certificates: All automobiles in California require a smog certification every two years which is required when you register. California tends to have very strict smog standards. Certification charges vary. Vehicles with a year model 30 years old or older are exempt from the smog certification requirements.

 

Seat Belt Law: California law requires that all persons in a vehicle must have proper seat belts.

 

Helmet Law: A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle. The fine for this violation can range from $10 up to $250.

 

Youth Helmet Law: A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

 

A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $25.

 

Child Safety Seats: The new law says that children must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seats) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh over 60 pounds.

 

School Bus: When you come upon a school bus stopped on either side of the road with flashing red lights, you must stop.

 

The flashing red lights are located at the top front and top back of the bus. Schoolchildren will be crossing the road to or from the school bus. Remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing. You may be fined up to $1000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for a period of one year.

 

Automobile Insurance: Automobile insurance is required and must provide at least these coverages:

$15,000 personal injury (or death) for one person

$30,000 for multiple injuries (or deaths)

$5,000 for property damage

 

Drinking: With a .08 alcohol level you may not drive, otherwise it will be considered a DUI. Legal age to buy and consume alcohol is 21. Hours in which you may purchase alcohol is 6 am to 2 pm.

 

DMV Offices are located at:

Campbell: 430 Darryl Dr

Los Gatos: 600 N. Santa Cruz Ave

Mountain View: 595 Showers Dr

San Jose: 180 Martinvale Ln

• Downtown San Jose: 111 West Alma Ave

Santa Clara: 3665 Flora Vista Ave

Gilroy: 8200 Church St

Redwood City: 300 Brewster Ave

 

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Airports:

 

 

 

 

Oakland International

www.flyoakland.com

510-563-3300

 

San Francisco International

www.flysfo.com

650-821-8211

 

(Mineta) San Jose International

www.sjc.org

408-277-4759

 

 

 

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Trains:

 

 

 

 

Amtrak

www.Amtrak.com

800-872-7245

 

Bart (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

www.bart.gov

510-465-2278

 

Cal Train

www.caltrain.com

800-660-4287

 

 

 

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Bus:

 

 

 

 

AC Transit (Alameda County)

www.actransit.org

510-891-4700

510-477-0192

 

Greyhound Bus Lines

www.greyhound.com

800-231-2222

 

Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway)

www.sfmuni.com

415-673-6864

 

Sam Trans (San Mateo County)

www.samtrans.com

800-660-4287

415-817-1717

 

VTA (Santa Clara County) Valley Transportation Authority

www.vta.org 

408-321-2300

800-894-9908

 

 

 

(..back..)

Major Newspapers:

 

 

 

San Jose Mercury News

750 Ridder Park Dr. San Jose, CA 95190

www.mercurynews.com

408-920-5000

 

Oakland Tribune

401 13th St Oakland, CA 94604

www.oaklandtribune.com

510-208-6300

800-595-9595

 

San Francisco Chronicle

901 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 95103

www.sfgate.com

415-777-1111

 

Sacramento Bee

2100 Q Street Sacramento, CA 95816

www.sacbee.com

916-321-1000

 

 

 

(..back..)

Community Newspapers:

 

 

 

Business Journal

96 N. Third St. #100 San Jose, CA 95112

www.sanjose.bizjournals.com

408-295-3800

Fax 295-5028

 

Campbell Reporter

1095 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126

www.campbellrep.com

408-200-1000

Fax 200-1013

 

El Observador (Bilingual)

99 N. First St. #100 San Jose, CA 95113

www.el-observador.com

408-938-1700

Fax 938-1705

 

Gilroy Dispatch

6400 Monterey St Gilroy, CA 95020

www.gilroydispatch.com

408-842-6400

Fax 842-2206

 

Los Altos Town Crier

138 Main Street Los Altos, CA 94022

www.latc.com

650-948-9000

Fax 948-6647

 

Los Gatos Weekly Times

245 Almendra Ave Los Gatos, CA 95030

www.lgwt.com

408-354-3110

Fax 354-3917

 

Metro News (entertainment)

550 S. First Street San Jose, CA 95113

www.metroactive.com/metro

408-298-8000

Fax 271-3520

 

Milpitas Post 59 Marylinn Drive Milpitas, CA 95035

www.themilpitaspost.com

408-262-2454

Fax 263-9710

 

Morgan Hill Times

30 E. Third St. Morgan Hill, CA 95037

www.morganhilltimes.com

408-779-4106

Fax 779-3886

 

Palo Alto Daily News

324 High St Palo Alto, CA 94301

www.paloaltodailynews.com

650-327-9090

Fax 853-0904

 

Penny Saver (shopping)

2025 Gateway Pl #118 San Jose, CA 95110

www.potpourri.com

408-216-6500

800-479-4795-ad

 

San Jose Post-Record (legal)

90 N. First St. #100 San Jose, CA 95113

www.dailyjournal.com

 

408-287-4866

Fax 287-2544

 

Saratoga News

245 Almendra Avenue Los Gatos, CA 95030

www.saratoganews.com

408-354-3110

Fax 354-3917

 

The Sunnyvale Sun

1095 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126

www.sunnyvalesun.com

408-200-1000

Fax 200-1013

 

Times Media (many local)

1310 Tully Rd. #107 San Jose, CA 95122

www.timesmediainc.com

408-494-7000

Fax 494-7078

 

 

 

(..back..)

Television Stations

 

 

 

KBHK Channel 44 (UPN)

855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111

www.kbhk.com

415-249-4444

 

KBWB Channel 20 (WB)

2500 Marin St. San Francisco, CA 94124

www.wb20.com

415-821-2020

 

KDTV Channel 14 (Univision)

50 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105

www.univision.com

415-538-8000

 

KGO Channel 7 (ABC)

900 Front St. San Francisco, CA 94111

www.abc7news.com

415-954-7777

 

KICU Channel 36

2102 Commerce Drive San Jose, CA 95131

www.kicu.com

408-953-3636

 

KKPX Channel 65 (PAX)

848 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 95111

www.paxtv.com

415-276-1400

 

KNTV Channel 11 (NBC)

645 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95110

www.nbc11.com

408-286-1111

 

KPIX Channel 5 (CBS)

855 Battery St. San Francisco, CA 94111

www.kpix.com

415-362-5550

 

 

KRON Channel 4 (Independent)

1001 Van Ness Ave. San Fran. CA 94109

www.kron.com

415-441-4444

 

KSTS Channel 48 (Telemundo)

2349 Bering Drive San Jose, CA 95131

www.telemundo.com

408-944-4848

 

KTEH Channel 54 (Public)

1585 Schallenberger San Jose, CA 95131

www.kteh.org

408-795-5400

 

KTVU Channel 2 (Fox)

2 Jack London Square Oakland, CA 94607

www.ktvu.com

510-834-1212

 

KQED Channel 9 (Public)

2601 Mariposa St. San Fran., CA 94110

www.kqed.org

415-864-2000

 

 

 

(..back..)

Professional Sports Teams

 

 

Sport

Team

 

Phone

Hockey

San Jose Sharks

HP Pavilion at San Jose

www.sj-sharks.com

408-287-7070

Soccer

San Jose Earthquakes

Spartan Stadium

www.sjearthquakes.com

408-260-6300

Indoor Football

San Jose Sabercats

HP Pavilion at San Jose

www.sanjosesabercats.com

408-573-5577

Indoor Lacrosse

San Jose Stealth

HP Pavilion at San Jose

www.bayarealacrosse.com

408-999-5700

Baseball

San Francisco Giants

SBC Park

www.sfgiants.com

415-972-2298

Football

San Francisco 49ers

Candlestick Park

www.sf49ers.com

415-656-4900

Baseball

Oakland A’s

Network Associates Coliseum

www.oaklandathletics.com

510-638-4627

Football

Oakland Raiders

Network Associates Coliseum

www.raiders.com

510-864-5000

Basketball

Golden State Warriors

Oakland Arena

www.nba.com/warriors

510-986-2200

Baseball

San Jose Giants (A league)

San Jose Municipal Stadium

www.sjgiants.com

408-297-1435

x 15

 

 

 

(..back..)

College Sports

 

 

 

San Jose State Spartans

www.sjsuspartans.com

408-924-1000 x4

 

Santa Clara University Broncos

www.sju.edu.com

408-554-4000

 

Stanford Cardinal

www.stanford.edu

650-723-1021

 

Cal Berkeley Bears

www.berkeley.edu

1-800-GO-BEARS

 

 

 

(..back..)

Event Centers

 

 

 

HP Pavilion at San Jose

 

408-287-7070 – events

408-998-8497 – tickets

 

Candlestick Park

 

415-656-4949 - 49ers

 

SBC Park

 

415-972-2000

 

Oakland Arena & Network Associates Coliseum

 

510-569-2121 – events

 

Cow Palace

 

415-404-4100 - info

415-404-4111 – tickets

 

Spartan Stadium

 

408-924-1200 – sjsu

408-924-7589 – tickets

 

San Jose State Event Center

 

408-924-6333 – sjsu

 

Flint Center (Cupertino)

 

408-864-8820

 

Stanford Stadium

 

650-723-1021

 

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

 

408-277-3900 – hotline

 

San Jose Civic Auditorium

 

408-277-3900 – hotline

 

Shoreline Amphitheater at Mountain View

 

650-962-1000

650-967-3000

 

Chronicle Pavilion at Concord

 

925-676-8742 - office

925-363-5701 -recorded

 

Fillmore (San Francisco)

 

415-346-6000

 

 

 

(..back..)

Universities and Colleges

 

 

 

San Jose State University

One Washington Square San Jose 95192

www.sjsu.edu

 

408-924-1166

 

Santa Clara University

500 El Camino Real Santa Clara 95050

www.scu.edu

408-554-4000

 

Stanford University

University Ave. Stanford 94305

www.stanford.edu

 

650-723-2300

 

University of California, Santa Cruz

1156 High Street Santa Cruz 95064

www.ucsc.edu

 

831-459-0111

 

University of California, Berkeley

Oxford Street Berkeley 94720

www.berkeley.edu

 

510-642-6000

 

University of San Francisco

2130 Fulton Street San Francisco 94117

www.usfca.edu

 

415-422-5555

 

Saint Mary’s College of California

1928 Saint Mary’s Road Moraga 94556

www.stmarys-ca.edu

 

925-631-4000

 

Golden Gate University

536 Mission Street San Francisco 94105

www.ggu.edu

 

415-442-7800

 

National Hispanic University

14271 Story Road San Jose 95127

www.nhu.edu

 

408-254-6900

 

The Art Institute of Calif. - San Fran.

1170 Market Street San Francisco 94102

www.aicasf.artinstitue.edu

 

415-865-0198

 

DeVry University

6600 Dumbarton Circle Fremont 94555

www.devry.com

 

510-742-0375

 

University of Phoenix

3590 North First San Jose 95134

www.phoenix.com

 

408-435-8500

 

 

 

(..back..)

Community Colleges

 

 

 

Evergreen Valley College

3095 Yerba Buena Road San Jose 95135

www.evc.edu

 

408-274-7900

 

West Valley Junior College

14000 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga 95070

www.westvalley.edu

 

408-867-2200

 

San Jose City College

2100 Moorpark Avenue San Jose 95125

www.sjcc.edu

 

408-298-2181

 

Mission College

3000 Mission College Santa Clara 95054

www.missioncollege.org

 

408-988-2200

 

De Anza College

21250 Stevens Creek Cupertino 95014

www.deanza.edu

 

408-864-5678

 

Foothill College

12345 El Monte Road Los Altos 94022

www.foothhill.edu

 

650-949-7777

 

Gavilan College

5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Gilroy 95020

www.gavilan.edu

 

408-847-1400

 

Cabrillo College

6500 Soquel Drive Aptos 95003

www.cabrillo.edu

 

831-479-6100

 

Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd. Fremont 94539

www.ohlone.edu

510-659-6000

 

 

 

(..back..)

Santa Clara County School Districts

 

 

 

Santa Clara County Office of Education

www.sccoe.k12.ca.us

 

 

Alum Rock Union Elementary School

www.alumrock.k12.ca.us

408-928-6800

 

Berryessa Union Elementary School

www.berryessa.k12.ca.us

408-923-1800

 

Cambrian Union Elementary School

www.cambrian.k12.ca.us

408-377-2103

 

Campbell Union Elementary School

www.campbellusd.org

408-364-4200

 

Campbell Union High School

www.cuhsd.org

408-371-0960

 

Cupertino Union School

www.cupertino.k12.ca.us

408-252-3000

 

East Side Union High School

www.esuhsd.org

408-347-5000

 

Evergreen School

www.esd.k12.ca.us

408-270-6800

 

Franklin-McKinley School

www.fmsd.k12.ca.us

408-283-6006

 

Fremont Union High School

www.fuhsd.org

408-522-2200

 

Gilroy Unified School

www.gusd.k12.ca.us

408-847-2700

 

Lakeside Joint School

www.lakesidesd.k12.ca.us

408-354-2372

 

Loma Prieta Joint Union School

www.loma.k12.ca.us

408-353-1101

 

Los Altos School

www.losaltos.k12.ca.us

650-947-1150

 

Los Gatos Union Elementary School

www.lgusd.k12.ca.us

408-335-2000

 

Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High

www.lgsuhsd.org

408-254-2520

 

Luther Burbank School

www.lbsd.k12.ca.us

408-295-2450

 

Metropolitan Education

www.metroed.net

408-723-6464

 

Milpitas Unified School

www.musd.org

408-945-2300

 

Montebello School

www.montebelloschool.org

408-867-3618

 

Moreland School

www.moreland.k12.ca.us

408-874-2900

 

Morgan Hill Unified School

www.mhu.k12.ca.us

408-201-6023

 

Mount Pleasant School

www.mountpleasant.k12.ca.us

408-223-3700

 

Mountain View/Whisman School

www.mvsd.k12.ca.us

650-526-3500

 

Oak Grove Elementary School

www.ogsd.k12.ca.us

408-227-8300

 

Orchard School

 

408-944-0397

 

Palo Alto Unified School

www.pausd.palo-alto.ca.us

650-329-3700

 

San Jose Unified School

www.sjusd.k12.ca.us

408-535-6000

 

Santa Clara Unified School

www.scu.k12.ca.us

408-423-2000

 

Saratoga Union School

www.susd.k12.ca.us

408-867-3424

 

Sunnyvale Elementary School

www.sesd.org

408-522-8200

 

Union Elementary School

www.unionsd.k12.ca.us

408-377-8010

 

 

 

(..back..)

Major Shopping Centers

 

 

 

Vallco Fashion Park

Wolfe Road at Highway 280 in Cupertino

www.vallcomall.com

 

408-255-5660

 

Gilroy Premium Outlets

Highway 101 at Leavesley Rd. in Gilroy

www.premiumoutlets.com

 

408-847-4155

 

Stanford Shopping Center

El Camino Real between University Ave. and Alma St in Palo Alto

www.stanfordshop.com

 

650-617-8230

 

Almaden Plaza

Almaden Expwy & Blossom Hill San Jose

www.almadenplaza.com

 

408-264-3766

 

Eastridge Shopping Center

Tully Rd. at Capital Expwy in San Jose

www.eastridgecenter.com