On Campus at GCC: Fire Academy accepting applications
Applications are currently being accepted for the Verdugo Fire Academy Class XVI that begins in January 2013. The application deadline is Oct. 26, 2012.
Programs offered by the VFA include fire technology courses, certificate of completion in fire technology, an associate in science degree in fire technology, Basic Firefighter Academy and California State Fire Training and Education System (CFSTES) courses. Graduates of the Verdugo Basic Firefighter Academy will complete the training portion required for Firefighter I. The Basic Fire Academy is currently offered on Thursday nights and weekends to allow working students to participate.
Those interested in applying to the fire academy are encouraged to attend one of the free VFA monthly recruitment information workshops. The meetings are designed to assist prospective cadets in making an informed decision about joining the Verdugo Fire Academy. Academy staff, instructors and cadets will be available to answer questions and provide one-on-one career guidance.
Upcoming workshops will be held on the following Thursdays: Aug. 7, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. in room 108 of the Aviation/Art Building on the GCC campus.
The application and information about the application process can be found on the Fire Academy (VFA) website, www.glendale.edu/fire. For more information contact Mirna Najera at 818-240-1000, Ext. 5906.
Community Services Education offers day tours
GCC’s noncredit Community Services Education program offers day tours to a variety of locations of interest. They include round-trip travel on a deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional tour escort. Most tours depart from the main campus upper parking lot, entered from Mountain Street near the Glendale (2) Freeway.
Upcoming trips this summer include a visit to the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club on Sunday, July 29 for the finals of the America’s Cup. The $79 fee includes a box lunch at the field. On Saturday, Aug. 1 there is a harbor cruise and tour of the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego. The on-hour narrated cruise features views of the Coronado Bridge and the naval ships. Then there is the tour of the U.S.S. Midway, the historic aircraft carrier, which is self-paced with audio. The trip is $89.
Early fall excursions will feature a tour of Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple on Sept. 8. The large complex overlooks Hacienda Heights and features pagodas, flowers and the Museum of Oriental Art. There is a docent-guided walking tour and a teppan lunch at Benihana. On Sunday, Sept. 23 there is a trip to the Circle Bar B’s season finale show. The Circle Bar B Ranch offers live theater in a rustic, ranch setting in Refugio Canyon north of Santa Barbara. Before the show, guests will be served a barbecue brunch and dessert.
The month of October has Fall in Julian, a trip to the early 1900s gold mining town that is known for its colorful autumn foliage and apples. It is located east of San Diego. There will also be a stop at the famous Dudley’s Bakery. The town features shops, restaurants and lots of apple pie. The trip is Oct. 6. On Oct. 17, a docent-led tour of Edwards Air Force Base is offered. Located in the western Mojave Desert, it is where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier and where Space Shuttles have landed. There is also a visit to the Air Force Flight Center Museum.
Registration for the trips can be done online at www.glendale.edu/cse. Information may be obtained at the website or by calling 818-240-1000, Ext. 5015.
