The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley announced that one of its member wineries, Alamitos Vineyards, 23505 Alamitos Road in San Jose, has been voted the Best New Winery Experience in the nation by USA Today.
Despite being open less than three years, Alamitos Vineyards has quickly become known for its award-winning wines and vineyard scenery offering visitors views of Quicksilver Park and the Almaden Reservoir.
This recognition is a testament to the dedication of owners Shaun Coleman and Chris Maune, the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley stated in a press release. From their experienced winemaker George Troquato to their vineyard crew and staff, each member plays a role in producing the best possible wines and experience.
“We are thrilled to see one of our newer, up-and-coming wineries recognized at a national level,” said Kim Engelhardt, president of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley association. “Shaun, Chris and their team have put in the work creating their amazing place and fully deserve this honor. We raise a glass to this acknowledgment and all their future successes.”
Alamitos Vineyards produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Touriga, Pinot Noir and Rosé. They are open for reservation-only tastings.
For information, visit AlamitosVineyards.com.
Researcher to discuss eating for mental health
Dr. Ulka Agarwal, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and plant-based nutrition researcher who studies the effects of food on health and wellness, will discuss how plant-based nutrition affects depression and mental well-being.
The conversation will be held Aug. 10 from 5-6pm at the Los Gatos Library Tech Lab, 100 Villa Ave.
The event will also feature a drawing for prizes such as a cookbook and vegan chocolate.
Plant-Based Advocates is partnering with Los Gatos Library on a series of programs focused on reducing reliance on meat and dairy. PBA promotes a shift to plant-based diets for health, environment, animals and social equity.
Film festival showcases work by summer campers
KCAT TV & Media is holding a mini-film festival featuring the KCAT Summer Media Camp movie creators.
Throughout the summer, campers and counselors from diverse backgrounds and abilities with varied interests in acting and filmmaking come together to embark on a multimedia journey. Every week, campers create their own live TV show, produce commercials, record podcasts and participate in producing a short movie.
On Aug. 14 at 10am, their mini-movies will be viewable by the public for the first time at the Los Gatos CineLux Theatre, 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Film festival attendees will enjoy a “red carpet” lobby greeting with photo opportunities. Concessions will be available for purchase in the theater. Each movie runs 8-14 minutes long.
The KCAT camp staff will emcee and introduce each film, give some behind-the-scenes insight, and introduce all of the campers who contributed to the film.
KCAT TV’s in-person video production camps is for 9- to 14-year-olds. Each camper has hands-on experience in scriptwriting, acting, directing, on-location filming and cinematography, post-production editing and more.
For information about the Summer Media Camp Film Fest, visit kcat.org/filmfestival.
New ADA dock expands boat rentals at Vasona Lake
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation celebrated the county’s first ADA accessible boat dock with a ADA-compliant kayak self-launching structure at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos.
The addition, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 29, is set to expand boat rentals and provide enhancements to the lake through services offered by Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation (LGSR).
The construction of an accessible route from the parking lot to the boat dock area, coupled with the replacement of existing docks with a new ADA-compliant docks and a new ADA-compliant kayak self-launching structure, marks a milestone for inclusivity. Working closely with Norcal Spinal Cord Injury Foundation, Sandis, Guerra Construction Group, the transformation better serves boaters of all abilities, the County stated in a press release.
The online registration is now open for the Adaptive Kayaking Program, offered in partnership with LGSR. To secure a spot and confirm dates, online reservations are recommended, as walk-ins are subject to availability.
Reservations can be made at tinyurl.com/t32tnzcr.
The kayak self-launching structure consists of features such as a transfer bench and railing to assist individuals with arm strength. A new set of portable lifts will support boaters with reduced arm strength in and out of kayaks.
Additionally, the kayaks feature raised backrests, and paddles with side supports. The kayaks are designed for two people, and at least one person must be 18 years or older and not be disabled.
Superior Court releases online Civil Grand Jury Complaint Form
The Santa Clara County Superior Court recently launched an online Civil Grand Jury Complaint Form.
The form is now available in more than 100 languages and compatible with various browsers and device types.
“The Santa Clara County Court is committed to providing equal opportunities for all members of our community to participate fully in the justice system. The limitations of language options and accessibility have often hindered those who are non-native English speakers or have limited proficiency in the language,” said Presiding Judge, Hon. Beth McGowen. “Language should never be a barrier to seeking justice and addressing important issues. We invite individuals to utilize this tool and play an active role in addressing critical issues within our community.”
To access the online Civil Grand Jury Complaint Form, visit scscourt.org/general_info/cgi/cgi_complaint.asp.
‘American Pickers’ filming in California
Antique collectors are encouraged to dust off their collections and share their stories with the crew from the “American Pickers” TV show.
The History Channel series is filming in California in September, and is looking for collectors to apply for the chance to be featured on the show.
The series explores the world of antique “picking,” following skilled pickers in the business as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.
The show’s producers are looking for leads. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to am*************@ci******.com or call 646.493.2184.
The Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public.
Dodd recognized at Genesee Community College
Connor Dodd of Los Gatos was among 205 students from Genesee Community College who were named to the President’s List for the Spring 2023 semester.
Students honored on the President’s List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.
GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York.
Locals named to Tufts University Dean’s List
Four students from Los Gatos—Sami Hakkarainen, Anjali Satish, Liam Strand and Michael Zhou—were named to the Dean’s List at Tufts University for the Spring 2023 semester.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.4 or greater.
Tufts University has campuses in Boston, Medford/Somerville and Grafton, Mass., and in Talloires, France.
