Old Cars & Saturday Mornings
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Car Show, Family Fun, Los Altos, Los Altos Town Cirer
If you’ve passed the parking lot behind Main Street Cafe on State Street near the intersection with Main on a Saturday morning, you’ve probably noticed 10-20 unusual cars parked there.
Some of the cars are so old that few were alive when they were built. Some are so unusual that most people will never see them outside of automotive history books or an auto show.
Those who own these cars meet just about every weekend for what’s become a tradition in the downtown village. The group, started with a casual conversation at the Los Altos Fall Festival’s annual car show nearly 10 years ago.
The only objective was to share their love of classic, collectible and just plain unusual cars – of which there seemed to be a great many around Los Altos. Someone had noticed that the back parking lot of the cafe (which sits under the Town Crier’s office) was usually empty early Saturday mornings, and the shop had an area in back where they could meet over coffee and share information about the cars.
To wander through the parking lot on any given Saturday is to see the widest range of automobiles that anyone can imagine. Sometimes the vintage can span 100 years … you might stumble upon a 1904 Franklin with its air-cooled two-cylinder engine and crank starter at one end of the lot, a new Dodge Viper or Ferrari super car at the other.
One of the regulars has driven his Peel, the smallest road-legal four-wheel production car ever built and roughly one-quarter the length of one of the Packards or Cadillacs that frequently makes an appearance.
And as everyone insists, this is not a contest among show vehicles. One of the regular cars is a Pierce-Arrow from the mid-1930s, jointly owned by three of the regulars, that won its class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the most prestigious automobile show in the country. But one of its owners might just as likely drive up in a running, but completely un-restored, Jaguar XK120, parking it next to an equally rusty but equally dependable old Dodge step-side pickup truck or a Lancia in similar condition.
Conversations often flow into nostalgia, remembering what it was like in a world of dial telephones, manual typewriters and gas pumps at service stations with a bell that rang when you drove in and a fill-up that came with a check of oil, water and tire pressure. However, the group might just as often compare features on new iPhones or discuss the ins and outs of setting up a home Wi-Fi system.
If you’ve got a newer or older car that’s the slightest bit out of the ordinary, you should drop by with it on a Saturday morning and join in the fun. If it’s not running, come anyways as someone might be able to offer some advice on how to get it back out on the road.
And if you’re just downtown on a Saturday morning – between 9 and 11 a.m. – stop by and look at the cars. Show them to your children to help them understand the evolution of technology, or just to tell them what it was like when mom and dad, or grandma and granddad, drove a car just like this one. They guarantee you’ll be welcomed, and there’s never an admission charge or dues to be collected.
Note: This is a slightly edited version of a recent article, written by Gary and Genie Anderson for the Los Altos Town Crier.
63rd Annual Pet Parade
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Downtown, Family Fun, Los Altos, Los Altos Town Cirer, Pet Parade, Quality of Life
Well it was certainly one of the best Pet Parades in a long time, and pristine weather to boot. We surely enjoyed the riding on the Mayor’s car, with our Chocolate Lab … Coco. There were hundreds of people lining the street, and even more in the parade. This is one of those Mayberry moments. Truly a slice of mom and apple pie.
Below are highlights from a recent article in the Los Altos Town Crier …
Creatures of the world united in downtown Los Altos Saturday as thousands of them – two-legged, four-legged, eight-legged, no-legged and winged – thronged Main and State streets for the 63rd annual Kiwanis Club Pet Parade.
It was as if a huge pet store came alive, with families and their pets showing off one another on the sunny spring morning. Animals of all shapes and sizes walked, trotted, wheeled and slithered as visitors – local and out-of-towners – lined the streets, cheering, waving and clapping.
From the tiniest hermit crabs and furry spiders to lean greyhounds and majestic horses, visitors got their fill of the domesticated wildlife.
Not all pets wanted to march, however.
Tucker, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever, sat patiently, tail wagging and tongue lolling, while his master, Spencer Richmond, 8, watched the parade from the sidelines.
The canines stole the show – with a variety of popular breeds represented, including pocket Chihuahuas, rambunctious Terriers and Pomeranians, frisky Golden and Labrador Retrievers, staid St. Bernards, stately Greyhounds, German Shepherds, Pugs and Dachshunds.
Spectators enjoyed the procession of guinea pigs, cats, goats, rabbits, chickens, lizards, rats and canaries.
To the delight of onlookers, many owners outfitted their pets in cute and clever costumes. They paraded their pets in decorated baskets, wagons, strollers and cages. Some dogs wore outfits to match their owners’, while others sat daintily in their owners’ pockets watching curiously.
Lively, foot-tapping tunes from the South Bay Jazz Society, performing in its horse-drawn wagon, and Ye Olde Towne Band, playing from its motorized gazebo bandstand, provided the soundtrack, entertaining participants and onlookers alike.
Approximately 5,000 people attended, according to Lucy Carlton, parade director and former Los Altos police chief. “Everyone has a great time,” Carlton said. “That’s what community is all about.”
The Latest From The History Museum
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Family Fun, Los Altos, Los Altos History Museum, Los Altos Town Cirer
A tour of San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House reveals its creepy, quirky and ghostly secrets.
But the Los Altos History Museum’s latest exhibition, scheduled through June 6, uncovers the true story behind the Mystery House’s architect, Sarah Winchester, and her sister, Isabelle Merriman … “Through Thick & Thin: A Tale of Two Sisters”
In 1862, Sarah married William Winchester, wealthy son of the manufacturer of the Winchester repeating rifle. After Winchester succumbed to tuberculosis in 1881, Sarah and Isabelle moved to California from New Haven, Conn., seeking a similar sociopolitical environment.
Winchester purchased in 1888 much of what is now the downtown Los Altos triangle, using it as a ranch.
An arthritic and private person, Winchester resided with her sister in San Jose. She fell into a deep depression after losing her husband and her mother-in-law. Because of her sizable inheritance and her passion for architecture, she channeled her grief into building the San Jose house, working at a frenzied pace.
Laura Bajuk, executive director of the Los Altos History Museum, said the public spread unfettered gossip that Sarah’s fervent and eccentric construction was due to the spirits of her dead relatives haunting her. Buoyed by people’s superstitions, the stories made their rounds in the local press.
Around the turn of the century, the Southern Pacific (SP) Railroad Company informed Sarah that it planned to lay tracks through her Los Altos ranch property.
Sarah subsequently forced SP to purchase all of her land, adding a large sum to her fortune. Later, Paul Shoup developed the land, paving the way for downtown Los Altos as we know it today.
After Sarah’s death in 1922, her grandiose home was immediately sold and converted into a tourist attraction – the Winchester Mystery House.
Sarah’s sister Isabelle was her polar opposite, outspoken and spunky. Isabelle lived in what is today Los Altos’ oldest home, located on Edgewood Lane. She was a humane officer for the state of California, and hordes of children would find temporary shelter at her spacious house.
In the end, the exhibit helps to dispel some of the many myths about the sisters. I encourage you to visit the museum and enjoy the exhibit. For more information, click here.
Note: This is a slightly edited version of a recent article by Elliott Burr in the Los Altos Town Crier.
Volunteering – A Los Altos Theme
Filed under Blog · Tagged: City Council, Employee Relocation, Family Fun, Quality of Life, Volunteering
Over the past week, since I was appointed Los Altos Mayor by my fellow Council Members, I’ve been asked at least once a day about the many opportunities to volunteer in the community. For background, Carol & I have always enjoyed giving back to the Los Altos community. It has become a part our lives, just like so many others in town.
The great thing about the conversations I have had is hearing about the depth and breadth of volunteering these individuals have done themselves. As residents, they’re collectively, and individually thankful to live in such a great community and volunteering was their way of giving back. This is a common theme in town.
Los Altos represents many things: strong schools; a great place to raise a family; a close-knit community; wonderful residents. Additionally, Los Altos has many venues, organizations and activities which provide multiple opportunities to get involved. Clearly, there is something for everyone to channel their energies on giving back to the community.
Some residents jump right in when they move into town, while others may defer to a later date when they have time to volunteer. The great thing about Los Altos residents is that they have so much to offer, and the organizations they engage with are always grateful to have their help.
While there are many unsung heroes, who are a part of the tapestry we call Los Altos, there are various recognition events that highlight individuals who stepped forth to volunteer.
One such event is this coming Friday, where Los Altos and Los Altos Hills will honor a select group of residents who selflessly give of themselves to make the world a better place. I go each year to this event, and walk away with a sense of awe at the level of contribution these individuals have made.
If you are looking to volunteer in town, send us an email. We would be happy to help you find the right organizations to match your personal interests. The Holidays are a great time to volunteer. You never know where it will lead you.
Finally, if you are looking to move into Los Altos, or simply move across town, we are confident that we can help you with that too. Call us today at 650-823-1434. We would love the opportunity to earn your business.
32nd Annual Festival of Lights Parade
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Downtown, Family Fun, Los Altos
Since 1977, the Festival of Lights Parade has brought “A Child’s Holiday Fantasy” to life for the entire Los Altos community. Originally a small gathering of a few costumed storybook characters and a jolly Santa Claus, the parade has grown over the years to a dazzling display of lighted floats, local High School marching bands, and glowing costumed characters – although Santa with his sleigh and reindeer remains the star of the show!
Today, 20,000 people of all ages gather the first Sunday after Thanksgiving to watch the Parade, one of the most popular Los Altos events of the year. It is a wonderful tradition for Los Altos.
Carol & I have have not missed a parade yet. Even before we had kids, we enjoyed the parade as a symbolic slice of Americana. Since then, both of our children have had a chance to be in the parade … one on a Fire Truck, and the other in a matching band. In 2005, we were lucky enough to ride in the parade as a family. This year, we are once again fortunate be able to ride, as a family, along the parade route in a convertible. It has been wonderful to have watched the parade for so many years, and to now share those memories with our clients and their familes.
Please note that there is a new start time for the parade. It is set to begin at 6:00pm on Sunday, November 30. So, mark your calendars. It is both a wonderful community tradition, and a great way to start the Holiday Season. We hope to see you at there!
Halloween Time In Los Altos – Enjoy
Filed under Blog · Tagged: Downtown, Family Fun, Halloween, Los Altos, Santa Rita
Throughout the year, many of our elementary schools have a variety of fundraisers. While Los Altos has a wonderful educational environment, in which the students flourish, the local Parent Teacher Associations (PTA’s) help to raise additional money to supplement the existing programs. Some of the most popular fundraisers include walk-a-thons and evening events with silent auctions.
I am always surprised by the creativity, and new ideas, that arise at the individual schools. Clearly, this is beyond our mothers baking cakes for a raffle. Auction items include weekends in Tahoe and Napa Valley, a yoga party for kids, tickets to the most popular concerts, and of course, an assortment of parent parties (e.g. gourmet dinners). In addition to the parent organizers, students also get involved with planning activities designed to welcome the whole community.
This Friday, a local elementary school in north Los Altos, Santa Rita, is hosting the 49th annual Witches Delight. It should be better than ever. The carnival rides are back for the second year and will include the Dizzy Dragons, Frog Hopper, Kite Swings and new Wild Raft ride. Other attractions include games for all ages, cake walk, obstacle course, cookie decorating, costume contest and more. If you stay late, you have the chance to enjoy dinner provided by the amazing “Santa Rita BBQers”.
Additionally, if you have the chance, we recommend that you take a stroll throughout the downtown village triangle. You will have the chance to take-in all of the hand painted windows with their various Halloween themes. It’s wonderful. Each year, just a few weeks prior to Halloween, the City of Los Altos sponsors a window painting contest. The contest, also in its 49th year, is open to all 4th – 8th Grade Students in the Los Altos area.
So, come on down, come on over, or come on up … and enjoy another slice of what makes Los Altos such a great place to live and raise a family.
About Us
Moving into Los Altos? We can help! We have lived in Los Altos for the past 35 years and love helping people buy and sell homes in this great city! We bring experience, knowledge, skills and professionalism to each of our client relationships. Our clients will agree they would not have had the same positive experience, at each step of the way, if they had not had us represent them.
David Casas Cell: 650-823-8920 or Email
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Carol Casas Cell: 650-823-1434 or Email
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