Ken Betts

Ken Betts is a recent transplant from the Noise Abatement Office at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. Prior to working in the field of aviation noise, Ken spent twenty-five years in the defense and high-technology industry, as well as several years in the dwindling dot-com industry as a computer artist and illustrator. Tired of transitioning from start-up to start-up, Ken decided to pursue a decidedly more conventional (and stable) career with the City of San Jose as a Noise Abatement Specialist. After four years with the City, during which time he thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of managing San Jose International’s colorful Curfew Program, Ken decided to transition back to his general aviation roots by accepting the position of Noise Abatement Manager for the County Airports.

Ken has always been involved in aviation, having earned his private license back in the late ‘70’s while attending high school. After a brief stint as a design engineer with an aircraft company in Chico, Ken and his wife, Gwen, moved down to the Bay Area with the hope that a short five-year stay would enhance their careers. Twenty years, two kids, a mortgage, two cats, and a dog later, they are still enjoying a rather hectic family life in San Jose. Ken has been a member of the EAA since 1979, and enjoys coaching softball, a good round of golf, and trying to stay in tune with his two teenage daughters Jeralynn and Makayla.

Welcome!

County Airports is pleased to introduce Sarah Lemmer. The Airport’s ambitious intern is excited to be a part of the Santa Clara team. Ms. Lemmer is pursuing a B.S. in Aviation from San Jose State University in San Jose, California. Ms. Lemmer was born and raised in Idaho where she graduated from high school with numerous honors, including Valedictorian. “I love my internship with the Airport,” commented Sara. “I am able to learn everything about airport operations; from day-today airport business to picking up tumble weeds and driving tractors.” Sarah was thankful for being able to intern at the airport, as this was her first experience with aviation, yet it won’t be her last as she was recently asked to join NASA as an intern. When not at the airport, Sarah enjoys camping, waterskiing, traveling, and writing.

View or download the Print Version of our Summer 2006 newsletter.