Community briefs

SMaRT weekend

The Sunnyvale SMaRT Station at 301 Carl Road is holding an Extra Dumping Weekend on Saturday-Sunday, when Sunnyvale residents can dispose of nonhazardous garbage for no charge from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with proof of residency. Drivers with uncovered loads will be provided a tarp for a $15 fee. Vehicles are limited to a one-ton capacity, and trailers may not exceed 5 feet by 10 feet.

Center for disaster response

Sunnyvale's new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now up and running as a meeting place for staff to coordinate the city's response in the event of a disaster or other major emergency. EOC staff trains periodically to ensure smooth operations during a disaster; the last training was held March 7.

The new EOC is in a 11,000-square-foot building constructed as part of the civic center modernization project. It's equipped with advanced audio and visual capabilities and other key features. It was designed with environmentally friendly materials to LEED gold standards. Earthquake resilient construction and redundant emergency power will help the building withstand disasters.

For more information, contact Lt. Daniel Moskowitz,

Office of Emergency Services coordinator, at 408-730-7198 or dmoskowitz@sunnyvale. ca.gov.

Chess Fest

Free drop-in recreational chess matches are set for the second Sunday of the month starting April 9 at the outdoor lunch tables at Stocklmeir School on Dunholme Way, next to Ortega Park. Chess will be played monthly from 2-5 p.m. through October. Games are available for all ages and skill levels. Young players should be accompanied by parent. Encouragement and limited instruction will be provided.

For more information, call Roger at 408-7367138.