Santa has safely arrived in Los Gatos.
As we begin to count the days left in 2024, let’s take a brief moment to wander down memory lane.
After 45 years, we bid a fond adieu to Steamer’s. Steamer’s with the best seafood, sourdough bread (with room temperature butter), crisp white tablecloths, lively bar scene (liar’s dice anyone?), the warm and always welcoming staff and caring ownership aloha, we have our memories. After we eat a last meal here, stay close to the Los Gatan for news on what will be going in here next.
Goodbye to Charlie’s—the disco dancing, and the naked lady hanging above the bar (she went to the History Club). But the Second Story just opened up in this space, and reservations are recommended.
The new Pedro’s invites locals to bring in photos and memorabilia to start a memory wall, by where the chips tub used to be.
Ace Hardware stayed on, and for now we still have our full-service post office.
The only thing that stays the same is change, and we can hope it comes with much thought—and slowly.
Onto current happenings:
HAPPY DRAGON Thrift Shop, benefiting Pacific Clinics, a non-profit organization, 245 W. Main St, on Dec. 16-19 will be having clearance sales; Dec. 20-22 will be having bag sales; closed Dec. 23-Jan. 1. For the first time in 65 years it will be open on Sundays, 1-4pm. happydragonthriftshop.org
VILLA MONTALVO Saratoga, A Christmas Carol. Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s roving production group. On through Dec. 21, 8pm and matinee at 2pm on Dec. 21 only. Tickets: $42-$75. This event is partnered with Family Giving Tree to provide families in need with gifts this holiday season. You are also invited to bring new and unwrapped gift items from the list online. Montalvo Arts Center
HOLIDAY TROLLEY at Town Center Plaza. Dec. 13-14, 5-9pm; Dec.15, 1-5pm. Complimentary hop-on, hop-off service. Map at the Chamber of Commerce website.
FANTASY OF LIGHTS Vasona Park Dec. 8, drive thru Dec. 10-Jan. 5, 4pm Adult (13 and up) $18.76 Youth (4-12) $9.35 Child (3 and under) Free the Elves approve bring yours.
HOLIDAY HERITAGE TEA at the Ainsley Carriage House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. Dec. 6-8 and 13-15, 12pm. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Pre-event tickets available ($65), general ($60 for members).
SANTA VISITS Old Town, Dec. 12-14, 4-7pm and Dec. 15, 1-4pm. Parents, this is a great photo opportunity. Donations welcome and will benefit the local charity partner, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. Mrs. Claus approves.
LOS GATOS HOLIDAY MARKET at Town Civic Center Lawn. Dec. 14-15, 10am-4pm. Free live music and gourmet foods with fine wines, with regional and local artists. Find unique holiday gifts here and support Live Oak Senior Nutrition & Services Center. You can take the trolley from the square.
HOLIDAY SWAY with LGS Big Band at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center, Dec. 15, 4-6pm, $15 for members, $18 for guests (with advance reservations); $20-$25 at the door. Get out those dancing shoes, munch small hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a live 17-piece band.
NUTCRACKER at the McAfee Center Dec. 16-19. Tickets: LosGatosBallet.org
MMMM Monday Monthly Morning Movie at CineLux Los Gatos Theatre, 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Monday, Jan. 2, 9:45am. $10 includes: movie, coffee and a pastry. The first movie of the New Year will be announced soon. The primary purpose of MMMM is to provide community socialization for older adults. Any profits go to LG Thrives which supports future events and planning for a new community center. losgatosthrives.org
Bundle up, put on that smile and get out and stomp on some leaves—as they’ll soon be gone.
Enjoy this perfect fall weather in our unique and amazing small town. Window shopping is encouraged. If life is a journey, dawdle a bit, wander and smell that coffee in the air, the enticing smells from the many ethnic restaurants.
At press time, the Dungeness crab season has hit another delay. There is fresh crab available but just not from off our coast. When the season finally opens, the crabs should be huge. We are keeping an eye on when the season will open (it’s looking like it’ll be around the end of this month). Fingers crossed, lemons ready, butter melted.
And when your-out-of-town guests are driving you crazy, have them download the free Discover LOST Gatos mobile app and suggest that they take one of three self-guided walking tours of historic Los Gatos: www.LOSTgatos.com
