Posts

On the Wildflower Trail in Almaden

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Wildflower trail AlmadenSpring is well and truly upon us, and with it comes the enchantment and wonder of the wildflowers. After a particularly wet winter, the hills around Almaden Valley and the nature parks surrounding it are now bejewelled in a riot of colors in the form of spring wildflowers. Besides the poppies, daisies and clovers carpeting the meadows, one can also find the jewelflower, the California gilia, the California buttercup, brodiaea, baby blue eyes, woodland star and the shooting star, among other varieties dotting the hills.

For the avid nature lover and photographer in you, the following trails in the county parks surrounding Almaden Valley are bound to delight in their abundance of wildflowers.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park:
  • Senador Trail to Guadalupe
  • Trail to Mine Hill
  • Castillero Trail
Calero County Park:
  • Serpentine Loop Trail
Coyote Lake – Harvey Bear Ranch County Park:
  • Coyote Ridge Trail
  • Calaveras Trail
Santa Teresa County Park:
  • Rocky Ridge Trail
  • Stiles Trail
Grant County Park:
  • San Felipe Trail at Corral Trail
  • Halls Valley Trail
  • Brush Trail at Dutch Flat Trail

Whether you are a dedicated outdoors person or prefer to explore nature at leisure, now is the time to hit the trails. Walk or hike on these easily accessible trails and experience the many splendours of spring wildflowers in Almaden.

For more information, visit: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/Whats-Happening/Documents/sccp-wldlfr17-web.pdf

Run Turkey Run 2018

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It’s Thanksgiving month and Almaden’s most popular community event of the season is coming up. Bret Harte Middle School Booster Club’s “Run Turkey Run 2018” is on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2018. This family fun run event is the biggest fund-raiser for Bret Harte Middle School, and is gaining popularity with increased participation every year.

Both the 5K and 10K runs begin and end at Leland High School on Camden Avenue at 8:30 am. They are run on paved trails along the Los Alamitos Creek trail, making it easy to participate with family members including children and seniors.

The registration for Run Turkey Run is open, but prices increase after November 15th. Run Turkey Run spirit T-shirts are also available. All proceeds go to Bret Harte Middle School Booster Club. So, hurry and book your place at the start line!

For more details and to sign up, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanJose/AVRTR

5D Playday at Santa Clara Valley Horsemen’s Association

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5D playdayThe Santa Clara Valley Horsemen’s Association 5D Playday summer event series continues on Sunday, June 25, 2018, and then again on August 26, 2018.

The events of the 5D Playday series include Barrels, Speed Barrels, Single Stake, Pole Bending, Birangle and more. If you have a horse and want to join the events, the fees are $30 for members (cash only) and $35 for day-members, for all events. Participants of all levels of experience are welcome.

Sign-ups are at 8:00 am; events begin at 9:00 am. Parking and admission are free. Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase at the snack shack.

If you would rather just soak in the fun, take your kids, family and friends and head to the Santa Clara Valley Horsemen’s Association this weekend for an exciting day right here in Almaden Valley.

The Association was formed in 1939 to promote a better understanding of horses and an enthusiasm for riding. It is located at 20350 McKean Road, San Jose, CA, 95120.

For more information, visit: http://horsemens.org

Bevy Produce and Goods Spring Event

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Bevy produce and goodsBevy Produce and Goods, Almaden’s neighborhood organic produce store, is holding its first Spring Event, ‘The Bevy Market’, tomorrow. Patrons and organic food lovers can taste and sample a variety of produce, dairy products, snacks and much more, all sourced from local vendors and farmers.

Bevy Produce and Goods is the brainchild of Yesie Chang, a young Almaden resident. After graduating from Leland High School, Yesie devoted her energies to the study of agriculture and farming, an area of keen interest for her. “While working at the farm I decided that this was going to be my life career,” she said.

Yesie’s stint in farming also determined the focus of Bevy Produce. All of Bevy’s produce and dairy products are grown and made by farmers locally from within a 300-mile radius. “A lot of local farmers grow organic produce and we source only from them to ensure everything is fresh. I want our customers to know where their produce is coming from.”

Besides edible produce, Bevy also has a line of handmade and natural soaps and cleaning products. And why a store in Almaden? “I believe in being neighborly and giving back to the community”, Yesie said with a proud smile.

So, if you have not yet stepped inside this quaint little neighborhood organic store, be sure to do so tomorrow, Saturday, May 26, 2018, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Location:

Bevy Produce and Goods
6948 Almaden Expressway, San Jose CA, 95120
www.Bevygoodproduce.com

Almaden Community Center Winter 2018 Catalog

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Almaden Community Center Winter 2018

The Almaden Community Center Winter 2018 catalog has arrived! The activity guide details a host of exciting activities from January 2018 to March 2018.

Highlights include a number of new classes, special events like the North Pole Party, and camps like the President’s Week Camp and Futsal Camp. Here’s a preview of what’s inside…

New Classes:

* Apprentice Aerospace Engineering – Up, Up and Away
* Junior Aerospace – Taking to the Skies
* Behind the Brush!
* Beginning Fencing

Special Events:

  • North Pole Party – Join Santa in this fun-filled party at the North Pole with lots of food, music, art activities and even a special gift. The event takes place on Dec. 14, 2017, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm at the Almaden Community Center.

Camps:

  • President’s Week Camp – This camp is conducted by the Almaden Community Center staff and includes a variety of arts and crafts, games, activities and even a day field trip. Camp goes from Feb. 20-23, 2018, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Almaden Community Center.
  • Futsal Camp – Futsal is a fast-paced 5×5 soccer game played indoors on a basketball court. This week-long camp is a great way to initiate your child into Futsal or soccer. Camp goes from Feb. 20-23, 2018, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Almaden Community Center.

To view the complete Almaden Community Center Winter 2018 catalog, click here: https://issuu.com/sjparksandrec/docs/almaden_20community_20center

Almaden Valley Turkey Run

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Turkey run 2017Thanksgiving has arrived, and with it, Almaden Valley’s most exciting annual running event – the Almaden Valley Turkey Run!

Come rain, come shine, the Run Turkey Run 5K/10K, organized by the Bret Harte Middle School Booster Club, has been a huge draw over the past years. This year the popularity of the event continues to be on the rise, with hundreds of Almaden residents expected to gather at Leland High School early on Thanksgiving morning.

The 10K run begins at 8:30 am and the 5K at 8:40 am on Thursday, November 23, 2017. For those planning to run at this event, pre-packet pick-up is on Wednesday, November 22, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Bret Harte Middle School. On race day, spot entries and packet pick-up starts at 7:00 am. The race begins and ends at Leland High, and goes through trails along the Los Alamitos Creek trail. Whether or not you are running, don’t miss the fun. Join in to run or to cheer your friends and neighbors.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the holiday with your friends and families!

For more information, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanJose/AVRTR

Bats Over Calero at Calero County Park

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Bats Over CaleroIf you enjoy observing creatures in their natural habitats, Bats Over Calero at Calero County Park may be just the thing for you. On this tour, the Calero County Park rangers will be taking you on a guided van ride to Bat Inn, deep in the heart of the park.

The Calero County Park is a regional park with a variety of recreation areas and activities. The park primarily includes the Calero County reservoir, which offers a boat launch ramp and host of water activities during the summer, and the “back country” which includes a variety of plant and wildlife habitats.

At the Bat Inn, during the twilight hours, you can view thousands of bats as they emerge from the cave after sleeping through the day. Before the tour, there will be a presentation on the life and habitats of bats. Bring a flashlight, a folding chair or a mat and bug repellent. Dress in long pants and sturdy shoes. Please note that flash photography is not allowed on this tour. The tour cost is $15 per person. Making prior reservations for this tour is recommended. Call 408-535-4070.

When: July 13th, 2017 – 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Calero County Park – 23205 McKean Rd San Jose, CA 95120

For more information visit: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Calero.aspx

May 2017 Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Update

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May 2017 Almaden Valley real estate market update… The Almaden Valley real estate market shows little signs of slowing down for the summer, if last month’s data is any indication. Generally speaking, we start seeing single family inventory creep upwards during late spring/early summer, but this year we’ve seen a decided drop of almost 23% from April and 50% compared to the same time last year. Sales actually outpaced listings in May and the number of single family homes that were under contract last month increased quite notably from April.

The average price per square foot retracted slightly from April to May, from $618 to $612. However, it was an increase of a bit over 5% from May 2016 when it was about $582, which indicates a stable rate of growth.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling your home, give me a call!

May 2017 Almaden Valley Real Estate Market

Summer Fun at Almaden Valley Pools and Cabana Clubs

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With summer around the corner, there’s nothing more inviting than a dip in the pool. Here’s a roundup of all the Almaden Valley pools and cabana clubs where you and your family can cool off from the sizzling heat.

Almaden Valley Pools and Cabana Clubs, Almaden Cabana ClubAlmaden Cabana Club

The Almaden Cabana Club is located on Bret Harte Drive and serves the residents of the Almaden Park and Shadow Brook II areas of Almaden Valley. It operates from May to September and is the perfect place to relax with your family and socialize with your neighbors.

The club is home to the Dolphins swim team. The Almaden Cabana Club also offers summer swim lessons for kids of both member and non-member families. For more information, visit http://www.almadencabana.com.

Shadow Brook Swim ClubAlmaden Valley Pools and Cabana Clubs, Shadow Brook Swim Club

The Shadow Brook Swim Club is a neighborhood cabana club for residents of the Shadow Brook neighborhood of Almaden Valley. Located at the corner of Almaden Expressway and Shadow Brook Drive, this club is home to the Shadow Brook Sharks swim team.

The pool is open annually between May and September. The club also offers summer swim lessons to kids. For more information, visit www.shadowbrook.org.

Almaden Valley Pools and Cabana Clubs, ASRCAlmaden Swim and Racquet Club (ASRC)

The Almaden Swim and Racquet Club is a popular sports and recreation club in Almaden Valley. Serving about 300 members, it is located on Northridge Drive in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood of Almaden. The facility offers a swimming pool, a kids wading pool, and a hot tub, in addition to six USTA championship tennis courts. ASRC membership is open to all, though there is a wait list. The club offers swimming lessons in the summer. For more information go to www.almadensrc.org.

The ASRC is also home to the Quicksilver swim team and Masters (QSS), which offers year-round competitive swim training for kids and adults. QSS also has a summer swim team. For more information, go to https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=pcqs.

Montevideo Cabana and ClubAlmaden Valley Pools and Cabana Clubs, Montevideo

Residents of the Montevideo neighborhood in Almaden Valley can swim at the Montevideo Cabana Club. This club is home to the Piranhas swim team and offers summer swim lessons. The club also includes other fun facilities like a volleyball court. For more information, visit http://www.gopiranhas.com.

So, get ready for a summer packed with pool parties and grilling get-togethers, and go make a splash!

Almaden Community Center Summer 2017

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Almaden Community Center Summer 2017Registration has begun for Almaden Community Center Summer 2017 activities and camps. The Summer 2017 brochure has details of activities and camps from June 12, 2017 to August 18, 2017. There are various fun and exciting sports and educational programs on the offer for children and teens. Be sure to take advantage of them!

In addition to activities, here are some other important highlights noted in the brochure:

R.O.C.K. Afterschool Program

Registration for 2017-2018 school year begins on Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am.

San Jose Recreation Preschool

Details regarding 2017-2018 sessions are provided in the brochure. Sessions span from August 21/22 2017 through May 31/June 1 2018. Contact the community center to register.

Almaden Valley Summer Concert Series

There’s live music coming to your neighborhood with the Almaden Valley Summer Concert Series! Every Thursday night in July you can relax with your friends and family at Graystone Park and enjoy live music. Remember to carry some food and drinks, and don’t forget your chairs. So, mark your calendars for July Thursday nights, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Graystone Park.

For more details about these and other exciting activities and events, check out the Almaden Community Center Summer 2017 brochure here: https://issuu.com/sjparksandrec/docs/almaden_community_center_fd73e1ce307b83