We live in a unique and beautiful area, with some really wonderful people.
Be sure—during the holidays—to take time to count your blessings.
Here are some community updates and fun things to do…
PEDRO’S IS BACK, and you will not believe the transformation. Dress up, get out the diamonds, this is the place to see and to be seen. The lighting is soft and flattering, as showcased during their Grand Opening, Thursday. Try a Smoking Oaxaca Old Fashioned with the Zucchini “Caesar” Salad. Pedro’s Cocina & Cocktails is located at 316 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Update on Bear Creek Redwood Preserve: Midpen’s board endorsed the plan to maintain the stables. Friends of Bear Creek Stables, a nonprofit, will be allowed to preserve and improve equestrian trail access, provide affordable public horse boarding and continue with educational programs.
VASONA PARK Valley Water has completed the repair of the deteriorated section of the retaining walls along Los Gatos Creek. And this area is now open. Get out between the cloudbursts and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. It will help you digest the upcoming feasts and decrease your time on devices.
Turkeys do trot. And over 20,000 trotters will be doing so on Thanksgiving morning, continuing a 20-year tradition. It’s happening on Nov. 28, at 7am, at 11 S. First St., San Jose. It’s the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation Annual Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Run/Walk ($55). You may register up to 8:30am on the day of the race.
Start “Turkey Day” off on the right foot by celebrating generosity and wellness with a diverse group of runners and walkers committed to investing in their communities. All event proceeds are donated to four local charities. People of all fitness levels are invited—and there will even be a costume contest. Trot on!
Nov. 29, 6-9pm in Saratoga Village, you can attend a “Wine Stroll Experience.” The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is promising an unforgettable evening of wine tasting hosted by House Family Vineyards and Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Stroll through Historic Saratoga Village. Pre-event tickets are $60.
Participants include 3P Wine Co., Baccarossa, Cinnabar Winery, Cooper-Garrod, Vineyards at Garrod Farms, David Bruce Winery, Domaine Eden, El Vaquero Winery, Fest Wine Co., Gali Vineyards, House Family Vineyards, Kathryn Kennedy Winery, Lago Lomita Vineyards, Left Bend Winery, Monroy Wines, Roudon-Smith, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vidovich Vineyards.
Monday Monthly Morning Movie (MMMM) at CineLux Los Gatos Theatre, 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave., on Monday Dec. 2, 9:45am. “Wicked,” yes, Wicked the movie, comes to Los Gatos. $10 includes movie, coffee and a pastry. The primary purpose of MMMM is to provide community socialization for older adults. Any profits go to LG Thrives to support future events and work toward a new community center. For more information or to pre-buy tickets go to losgatosthrives.org Tom Picraux told me tickets are going fast.
You can support Los Gatos Music and Arts on #GivingTuesday: Dec. 3, a global day dedicated to giving back. givingtuesday.org
THE SPA 25-YEAR 100 S. Santa Cruz Ave. Dec. 5, 3:30pm. Tickets are $20. All ticket proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Join the Celebration of 25 years, Mayor Mary Badame will ribbon-cut. Please call The Spa for tickets: 408-354-5901.
Also on Dec. 5, LA VIE MD, will hold a grand reopening at 652 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Suite A, at 5pm. The open house goes from 4-7pm. There will be plenty of festivities, including food and drink. Take a look at non-surgical cosmetic services, with Dr. Neetu Nebhawani.
VILLA MONTALVO THEATRICS Head to Saratoga to catch “A Christmas Carol,” by Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s roving production group, from Dec. 5-21. Show starts at 8pm, with matinees at 2pm on Dec. 8 and 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 on the Montalvo Arts Center website.
LOS GATOS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 6, 5-7pm. With: Fisher Middle School Chamber Strings, winter wonderland light show, snow flurries, story walk. The tree lighting is at 6pm. There will be an encore of Fisher Middle School Chamber Strings and a visit from Santa.
HOLIDAY TROLLEY at Town Center Plaza, Dec. 6 & Dec. 13-14, 5-9pm, and Dec. 15, 1-5pm. Complimentary hop-on, hop-off service. Shop, hop-on, and hop-off repeat. Find the route map at the Chamber of Commerce website.
FANTASY OF LIGHTS Vasona Park Dec. 8, drive-thru Dec. 10-Jan. 5.
HOLIDAY HERITAGE TEA Happening at the Ainsley Carriage House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. Dec. 6-8 and 13-15, at 12pm. Reservations required. Pre-event tickets are $65 (general) $60 (member price).
The 68th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY PARADE Happening Dec. 7, 11am. Rain or shine. Get your spot along the route early, as many streets downtown will be closed.
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for a map or with any questions. Usually ends around 3:30pm
SANTA VISITS Old Town Dec. 12-14, 4-7pm and Dec. 15, 1-4pm. Parents, this is a great photo op. Donations welcome, to benefit 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, rain or shine. Live music, gourmet foods with fine wines, regional and local artists. Find unique holiday gifts here and support Live Oak Senior Nutrition & Services Center, Approved by Santa.
NUTCRACKER at the McAfee Center. Dec. 16-19. Tickets: /LosGatosBallet.org
Soon, Mayor Mary Badame will term out of the mayor role, and Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes is expected to be termed-in to the job.
A chief ribbon-cutter changing of the guard, amongst other things.
I am also encouraging you to donate locally. And not just money.
Give up some time, some of yourself.
And, of course, shop locally.
There are some fun things in the shops to give, or perhaps to wear yourself.
