Our son, Brian, is knee-deep in trying to decide where to go to college next year. He's been accepted at a couple of schools here in California, the "sunshine state", as well as some in chillier places - Seattle, Chicago, and Vermont. My siblings, who now live in Massachusettes, keep telling him how lucky he is to be in California, where even our cold days aren't so cold.
To that end, Brian showed me a you tube tourism video that may not capture all the diversity and high level of education here in Silicon Valley, but certainly does convey the fact that this is a state where there's lots to do and enjoy. I liked the video and wanted to share it with you, too.
"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.
It's hard to get any information on the long-promised Comcast "rebuild" in Los Gatos. The upgrade, bringing some new lines and increased bandwidth, is supposed to happen in the first two quarters of 2008. Today I phoned the utility to see if I could get an update or any specific target dates. No luck. The gentleman I spoke with mentioned that it was supposed to be done about the same time as in Sunnyvale - but Sunnyvale's done.
Once Comcast completes this upgrade, more channels and packages will be available, so many viewers are anxious to see this finished. I'm hoping it's in place before the next football season begins!
If any of the "Live in Los Gatos" readers know more about the schedule for the Comcast work here in town, please comment below!
When this blog first began, I did a post as to why folks chose to live in Los Gatos (as opposed to Monte Sereno, Saratoga, Almaden Valley, or anywhere else). I've updated it and now pose the question to you: why live in Los Gatos? I would love to get the feedback of town residents!
Ever eat the fruit from a cactus bush? If you've tried prickly pear, then you have!
Prickly pear used to be extremely widespread in the "wild west" and is still commonly found in the western U.S. today. In the Belwood area of Los Gatos, you can find it in at least three places: along Harwood Road, on Bacigalupi Drive and at Westhill and Belgatos Roads.
The fruit makes a nice jelly or can be eaten raw.
It's more than just a hearty fruit on a formidable looking plant, though. Back in the days of settlers, this cactus had an extremely importantuse, it kept the bears out. It grows into something of a tall, thick wall and develops large, strong, sharp needles. You'd think twice before getting too close to it. So did the grizzlies.
So the settlers grew prickly pear around the perimeter of their homes like a tall fence or wall, and the cabins were much better fortified against hungry intruders with sharp teeth and claws. All the better that each year, the fruit would ripen and could be consumed or preserved too!
Next time you see this local cactus, remember the wild west, imagine how important it would be to you and be glad that today, we think of this plant for food and landscaping only and not for home protection.
A blog about Los Gatos real estate, homes, houses, condos, townhomes, housing market, neightborhoods, history, events, businesses, parks, schools, photos, issues, and lifestyle.
Mary Pope-Handy
Realtor, CRS, ABR, SRES, E-PRO
Luxor Real Estate Group
Mailing Address for Mary: PO Box 440 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0440
877 397-5391 (office/toll-free)
"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. .jpg)
It's hard to get any information on the long-promised Comcast "rebuild" in Los Gatos. The upgrade, bringing some new lines and increased bandwidth, is supposed to happen in the first two quarters of 2008. Today I phoned the utility to see if I could get an update or any specific target dates. No luck. The gentleman I spoke with mentioned that it was supposed to be done about the same time as in Sunnyvale - but Sunnyvale's done. .jpg)
Ever eat the fruit from a cactus bush? If you've tried prickly pear, then you have! 
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