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April 12, 2026

The long and winding road (Discover LOST Gatos)

historical photo of teamsters
—This is the first in a two-part series. Summer is here, accompanied by the usual traffic gridlock, so let’s all take a deep breath while I share the mostly forgotten history of our much maligned Highway 17.  If you think traveling over the hill is an...

Discover LOST Gatos: The long lost Opera House

Opera House postcard
Like many small towns in the west, Los Gatos prospered in the late 19th century after the arrival of the railroad. Eager to shed their town’s rustic image, civic-minded citizens and businesspeople sought every opportunity to establish a more cosmopolitan reputation. A performing arts center...

Hundreds attend Los Gatos’ Holiday Tree Lighting on 99th anniversary of debut (GALLERY)

Heavy rains are a rarity in Los Gatos, but last week saw the community get quite the natural wash. And it put a serious damper on holiday shopping. But by Friday evening, no more droplets were falling—though it was still wet and cool—and hundreds turned...

Discover LOST Gatos: The railroad era pt. 1

locomotive group photo
Of all the events in Los Gatos’ history, none had a more lasting impact than the arrival of the railroad. In this two part series, we’ll explore how the “iron horse” became the driving force behind the transformation of our town from an obscure...

Reflecting on local radio history: the golden age of KEEN

KEEN grand opening
While the Los Gatan often shines a light on the rich history of our wonderful town, let me take you next door to San Jose and revisit a local legend that made such a difference in my life. It might just resonate with your...

John Bean and the Valley of Heart’s Delight

Bean Spray Pump
Spring has finally arrived! As beautiful as it is today, imagine what spring was like when thousands of acres of fruit and nut trees were in full bloom in the “Valley of Heart's Delight.” Did you know that many of those orchards might not...

Writer tells of Italian uncle’s Los Gatos exploits

Archival photo of a house
One of my earliest memories is from the early 1970s when I visited my elderly Italian aunt, whom we called Zia Elisa.

Discover LOST Gatos: The landmark La Cañada building

Hofstra Block
Let’s welcome the newest addition to our vibrant downtown dining scene, Heritage Pub & Chop House, with a brief look at the history of their iconic home. With its second-story circular bay window topped by what’s known in architectural circles as a “witch’s hat” roof,...

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Mountain Charlie!

Charles Henry McKiernan
St. Patrick’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to pay homage to one of Los Gatos’ most fascinating and colorful characters, Charles Henry McKiernan, better known as “Mountain Charlie.”  McKiernan was born in Ireland in 1825. He joined the British navy to escape the potato famine...

The long-lost Interurban Railroad (Discover LOST Gatos)

Trolley promo
For this week's Discover LOST Gatos installment, contributor Alan Feinberg digs into the history of public transit... For as long as I can remember, people have been wondering when (or if) the VTA might extend light rail service to Los Gatos. Imagine how convenient it...

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