Monday was Labor Day, and you know what that means—BBQ time.
And helping to organize that annual Chili Cook-off was Town of Los Gatos Parks Commissioner Matt Ober, with the help of Jethro Bledsoe.
Bledsoe told me he’s just one of the guys that helps pull it together each year.
“It started during Covid,” he said, noting they’d meet on Wednesday evenings for get-togethers. “And here we are today.”
Bledsoe added they have a Facebook page, The South Bay Group, where people can stay in tune with what’s happening.
At the contest was William Rossi, a union plumber with 20+ years of experience from Local 309. He shared how, during the pandemic, those in his trade were considered “essential workers” who got to work through the lockdowns (with few days off).
“Unions are very important right now, because I think that they are the backbone of our country,” he said. “They are the heart of the middle class. They support labor and a good wage, perhaps the last pensions, with good health care for myself and my family—and time off to spend with the family.”
He even made the argument that unions help set the bar higher, which helps those workers who aren’t represented by a union.
I also spoke to Grill Master James Hershey, who was busy with the hot sausages, corn on the cob, steak and ribs.
“Folks usually bring their own meats to grill, with usually extra to share,” he said. “Some of these sausages are on the hot side—watch out.”
Chili Queens
At the hostess table was Kristina Recla.
“This is my first year participating,” she said. “I am just learning how to run everything.”
If you wish to enter next year’s chili cook-off look for Kristina Marie Recla on Facebook around mid-June.
The two chilies I tasted were both delicious; the tiny cornbread muffins were divine.
Recla cut up the onions, parsley and cheese to top the steaming hot bowls of chili.
She also baked the muffins.
Other picnic tables had veggies, salads and rice dishes. It seemed each contestant was outdoing the last.
There was a picnic table full of cupcakes, pies and other yummy desserts. Food continued to arrive all afternoon as friends enjoyed eating in the company of good old and new friends, and some mighty good home cooking. What a treat!
Kathy Woo and Abigail Chebet were helping with the voting tickets that one would put into the box in front of your favorite chili. It was a hard decision. So, I tore my ticket in half and voted for the two I liked best.
In the past, this event was held at the final Music in the Park date, on the Civic Center Lawn.
There you meet “the best people of Los Gatos,” Rossi said. And I agree.
Let’s ‘Promenade’ for ‘Taste of Los Gatos’
Our last summer Promenade was held on July 28, 2022.
Dancing in the street to live music was a tremendous boost to everyone’s morale: musicians who had not had gigs in 2-3 years had jobs, restaurants and bars now had customers, and shops had people patronizing them again.
We were getting back to the new normal.
Sadly, the Town didn’t have it in the budget for the street festivities to continue.
The Promenades came to such an abrupt ending as they were too successful, the crowds had grown tremendously and additional funding was not identified.
Business and Town officials had accomplished what they’d set out to achieve.
With the novel coronavirus receding into the rear view mirror, these events had transformed North Santa Cruz Avenue into vibrant space each week, with attendees reveling in live music, dancing in the street—and just celebrating being alive.
Taste of Los Gatos promises to bring back this spirit for one day only. On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 12:30pm-5pm, North Santa Cruz Avenue will, once again, be closed down.
We can again promenade along the Avenue, with nibbles to munch on and wine and beer tokens to be used.
Pre-event tickets cost $45. Or you can pay $50 on the day.
So, get ready for live music. And don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Awareness is Vital
For another food-based event, why not attend the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition 1st Annual Community Potluck, which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, from 1-3pm, at 233 Blossom Hill Rd. If cooking is not your strong suit, don’t stress, as bringing a dish is optional. Just look for their banner and balloons along the street.
Outdoor Movie: Screen on the Green
“Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true.” —Aesop’s Fables
On Friday, Sept. 20, Disney’s “Wish” will play at Oak Meadow Park. The Town event starts at 6:15pm with children’s activities. Mayor Mary Badame will offer a welcome at 6:45pm. At 7pm, Pixar’s short film, “Boundin’” will be presented—in partnership with the Town of Los Gatos DEI Commission. The feature presentation is set to begin at 7:15pm. Bring your low back chairs, blankets, flashlights, picnics and drinks.
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad Snack Shack will be open for theater-style eats.
Annual Kiwanis Art & Wine Festival
One of the most anticipated to-dos of the year will take place Sept. 21-22 at the Civic Center Lawn.
It’s the annual Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival, hosted by the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club.
This cool, iconic gathering always features great live music. And this year, there will be a new zone featuring information about sustainable living: showcasing Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and ELV Motors with their e-bikes.
A “Green Lounge” will promote sustainability. The local high school Key Club will be up-cycling vintage glassware.
A ‘Vintage-Glam’ Gala
This year’s Los Gatos Music & Arts annual fundraising Gala, which features live and silent auctions, will unfold Sunday, Sept. 22, from 6-10pm at Hotel Los Gatos, at 210 E. Main Street.
Funds raised help support LGM&A music education programs for youth.
Black Tie dress is suggested—and ’40s Vintage Glam is being encouraged.
Tickets are $225 each. Purchase your tax-deductible tickets online at jazzontheplazz.com.
To donate auction items, contact Ginger McDonald, gi***********@gm***.com
Be German for an Afternoon
Ja! Get out the lederhosen or dirndl, as Oktoberfest LG is just around the corner. On Sept. 29, from 12-6pm, on Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn, attendees can make a flower headband, listen to “German Guys” and “The Internationals,” eat schnitzel, have a brat, and enjoy a beer in the tented picnic area. The day of festivities is in supporting of KCAT TV & Radio programing and services. To sponsor contact Me*****@kc**.org.
Whewf! As you can see, there’s a lot going on here in town this September. And our good weather is just beginning—after so many super hot days.
Try to ignore the leftover beach traffic. Maybe we could install toll booths along our “shortcut”?
Would drive-thrus help traffic keep moving?
Walk. Ride your bike. BTW, does anyone hitchhike anymore?
Hope to see you out there in our fabulous community we call home: Los Gatos, a community that does not sit still and offers all the best of small-town living.
Pick up a bit of trash, smile and say hello. After all, we are Los Gatans!
