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Detailed Biography for Don Burnett
This information is provided by the candidate

1931 Born in Kansas City, Kansas. Grew up in Chicago area. Received education at the University of Illinois. Received Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953.

1953 Entered US Navy through Officer Candidate School. Was commissioned and served 4 years. During that time he commanded the Wilkes scientific station in Antarctica. An island was named "Burnett Island" in recognition of his services there during the International Geophysical Year.

Left active duty in 1958 and received graduate education at the University of California, Berkeley. Received MS-ME degree in 1961.

In 1959 he married his wife Nancy and with her raised their two children, Jill and Ken, in Cupertino. That year he started work at Lockheed as part of the US Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile team.

He was made a lead engineer in 1963 in the thermodynamics group which tested materials for protecting reentering space vehicles. Holds a Patent on a device to measure vehicle temperatures during re-entry to the earth's atmosphere. He performed the first thermal tests on Space Shuttle thermal protection system. After 30 years at Lockheed as a Heat Transfer and a Systems Engineer, he retired as a Staff Engineer in 1990.

Purchased present home in 1961. With wife Nancy chaired committee to successfully pass School Bond ballot issue in 1960's. Participated in campaign to have their neighborhood in the Eastern end of town annexed to Cupertino from San Jose. Co-founded "Fairgrove Neighbors" neighborhood association with Nancy.

Since his retirement he have been involved in Community activities:

  • Serves on the Board of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.
  • Served as Chair of Cupertino Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
  • Served as chairman of the traffic subcommittee of the Cupertino Grand Boulevard Committee.
  • Has twice ridden the challenging week long 470 mile "Go Greenbelt" bicycle tour around the Bay. This Greenbelt Alliance ride publicizes the need to protect the magnificent open spaces of the Bay Area and raises money for their preservation.
  • In 1993 he ran for the Cupertino City Council on the platform of trying to reduce planned industrial growth to a level consistent with the City's current quality of life and infrastructure potential. Was elected and has served as Vice-Mayor and Mayor.

    Serves:

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Committee
  • Association of Bay Area Governments Representative
  • North Central and North West Flood Control Districts Policy Advisory Committees
  • Santa Clara Valley County Cities Association Board
  • Santa Clara County Water Commission



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