Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11th. What can you do to celebrate in Los Gatos?

A lot of folks are led to believe that Mother's Day needs to be a day of buying expensive gifts. But that may not be at all what the mother of the family really wants. So the starting point, I think, is to simply ask what she would like to do to celebrate the day.

Brunch is a somewhat traditional Mother's Day event. A wonderfully elegant buffet on any Sunday can be found at the Toll House Hotel in downtown Los Gatos. There's also a special brunch at Testarossa Vineyards in Los Gatos for Mother's Day too.

Many young mothers are simply tired and could use a day of rest and relaxation. Maybe a massage? There are several places in Los Gatos which offer massages, including the Spa Los Gatos and the Preston-Wynne Spa at the Hotel Los Gatos.

Other moms may want to spend their time with their families and do a little shopping on Mother's Day. It's easy to relax at the Farmer's Market at the Town Plaza (at North Santa Cruz and Main) and then shop along Main Street, University Avenue, and North Santa Cruz Avenue. Take a stroll through the flower shop, Bunches, on N. Santa Cruz, while you're there.  If the kids need a bite to eat, there's no shortage of possibilities downtown. The Diner of Los Gatos (on Highway 9) is always a good bet for children, but so are several other places downtown. Or if they get a little restless, a trip to Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Lake County Park can help them expend a little excess energy.

As a Realtor, I've noticed that Mother's Day is not a bad time to hold an open house. It seems that a whole lot of women in Silicon Valley enjoy looking at homes when given a chance. So husbands, I'd suggest plotting out a few homes to show her too, if that's something she'd enjoy! (It is easy enough to see what is open by doing a search at www.MLSListings.com and check the small box that says to display only the open homes.)

What if your mother or mother in law is far away? Flowers are usually good, but so are current photos of grandkids, if there are some. My husband seldom told his parents of his accomplishments, and I found that when I wrote or told them of his successes, it made them very happy. Grandparents love to hear those stories, so take a little time and write an old-fashioned letter and tell them about milestones and accomplishments, whether it's a first tooth or first step or if it's their grandchild being accepted into college. They want to hear this stuff!

As for me, I'm fairly well spoiled on a regular basis as my husband loves to cook. Last year I told the family I wanted to go to Half Moon Bay and visit a haunted restaurant for brunch and take some photos. They humored me, but wish I didn't enjoy visiting spooky places so much. This year I think I'll pass on the haunted spots and see about doing a hike or a walk in Los Gatos with cameras in hand and shoot some pics of the kids and the sights. Los Gatos is full of scenic spots, so now the only choice is where in town to go. We have a few days to figure that part out.

Happy Mother's Day!

Did you know that April is the month for "Keep Los Gatos Beautiful"? There's a lot of emphasis on the town being "green" too. Events include:

• Children's Earth Day Celebration April 3
• Composting info at Los Gatos Farmer's Market April 6
• Info on recycling at Farmer's Market April 13
• Refresh a Planter Box Day April 19
• Los Gatos Parks Commission Volunteers - new park trail maps at Farmer's Market April 20
• 55+ Plant Swap April 23
• Tree City USA and Arbor Day Celebration April 25
• Los Gatos Trail Cleanup April 26

For detailed information on these events and MORE, click here.

"Blossom Hill" is the name of the small hill that rises up underneath - you guessed it - Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos. That particular stretch of the long road where the hill heaves upward is a dangerous one for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and folks on rollerblades especially (and is no fun for drivers of large vehicles or new drivers either). There is no sidewalk, and the white line that marks the edge of the road goes into a hill on one side and a cliff on the other for a few dozen yards.

Jim just came in from a drive over that patch of Blossom Hill Road and was amazed to see a rollerblader carrying a hockey stick skating down the middle of the road. (In fairness, there is no "side of the road" there.)  I know it's inconvenient to go down Camino del Cerro and through the "Blossom" streets to get over to Union Avenue, but it would be a lot safer than being in the middle of the flow of traffic. It's a far safer "bike route" or route for people on foot or in self-propelled vehicles of any kind.

What Would It Cost to Build A Sidewalk Along the Dangerous Part of Blossom Hill Road?

I've often wondered what it would cost to get a sidewalk put in along that part of the road. A similar problem exists in Saratoga as Highway 9 goes into the town but they put a raised sidewalk into the hill. (I'm sure it's not cheap.) For the safety of everyone, I'd love to see an improvement made there. And I'd like to know if this issue has ever been considered. If not, it's time we talked about it.

Anyone who's more politically involved than I am - do you know the scoop on this hazardous section of road?  Your comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.