Yesina Gonzalez from Castlemont High School and Ivan Hernandez and Octavio Duran from Gilroy High School have each been awarded a prestigious Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarship in the amount of $1,000 by RMHC Bay Area due to their outstanding community involvement and educational excellence.

Gonzalez will be attending Stanislaus State University and Hernandez will be attending University of California, Berkeley. Duran will be going to Santa Clara University.

Every year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bay Area distributes $150,000 in scholarships to area high school students. Studies show that the harder it is for students to start college, the more likely they will drop out. The goal of the program is to provide resources to students who need financial assistance.

"The RMHC National Scholarship Program provides all high school seniors in participating markets who wish to continue their education the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and receive financial assistance to attend college," said Wai-Ling Eng, chair of the Bay Area Scholarship Committee. "It is our goal to help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who may not otherwise attend college."

Ronald McDonald House Charities, a nonprofit corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in nearly 50 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Details: www.rmhc.org.

West Nile Virus discovered in Santa Clara County

According to the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, on May 29 an adult mosquito sample from the 95130 zip code area in San Jose tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first detection of the WNV in the Santa Clara County this year.

In order to suppress the adult mosquitoes, a ground fogging has been scheduled for 11 p.m. Wednesday. The fogging will cover a three square mile area that includes parts of Campbell, Los Gatos, San Jose and Saratoga within the zip codes 95008, 95130, 95032 and 95070.

The residents of the area were handed a notice Saturday explaining the procedure and forwarding an invitation to an informational open-house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, at the Campbell Community Center in Campbell.

While the virus has not been found to have affected any humans in the state of California so far, District Manager Tim Mulligan is encouraging residents to take preventive measures.

Among the precautions suggested are using insect repellent at dusk and dawn, wearing long sleeved shirts and pants when outside, making sure doors and window screens are in good condition and contacting the district to report any mosquito problems or green pools and spas.

Those concerned can also access the district's Web site at www.sccvector.org to see a map of the scheduled fogging area and to report any WNV activity in the Santa Clara County. The districts hotline at 800-314-2427 also features up-to-date information.

Historical society seeking recipes for cookbook

The Gilroy Historical Society is seeking public participation in the Gilroy Heritage Cookbook Project. All Gilroyans are invited to submit favorite family recipes, whether for main dish, side dish, salad, appetizer, baked goods or desserts for potential submission in this project.

If the recipe has a family history or anecdote connected with it, please include that as well.

Recipes should contain correct measurements plus preparation method. Baked items should state oven temperatures and baking time. Written recipe submissions, along with senders name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address if possible, may be mailed to the Gilroy Historical Society at P.O. Box 1621, Gilroy CA 95020, or e-mailed to: info@chesbrohouse.com.