Mary Pope-Handy and Clair Handy 408 204-7673 mary@popehandy.com
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Help me to sell my home!

by | Jun 21, 2016 | Sell a home

Computer_MouseWant or need to sell your Los Gatos home, or a nearby property?  Please fill out the form below and I will call or email you to set up an appointment for a no-obligation consultation- or we can chat by phone if you are not quite ready to meet in person.

If you are not really interested in selling at this time, but would like an approximate range of the likely market value of your home based on MLS comps only, please fill in the form at this link instead. This will give you an “auto comp” value.

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I help people to sell homes in Silicon Valley, particularly in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell, San Jose and nearby areas of Santa Clara County.   (If you need help outside of Silicon Valley, I’m very happy to help you to find a great Realtor in your own area.)

Silicon Valley Open Studios: Los Gatos Artists Share Their Work

by | Apr 19, 2016 | Los Gatos Events

svos_logoThe Silicon Valley Open Studios will take place May 7 & 8 from 11am to 5pm in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and San Jose.  This is the 30th annual “open studios” event in Silicon Valley (and more areas are covered the 2 weekends after this one too). It is a free event and a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists in their studios, see a diversity of art types and purchase some pieces too.

Directories for the event are found at a variety of places, the closest to Los Gatos being University Art, 456 Meridian Ave., San Jose and Triton Museum, 1505 Warburton, Santa Clara, although the website suggests that directories may be found at many libraries as well, so check the Los Gatos and Saratoga public libraries.

For more information, please see the Open Studios website:   http://www.svos.org/

Holiday events in San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and nearby

by | Dec 2, 2015 | Events

Below please find a lengthy – but still not fully comprehensive – list of fun holiday things to do in Santa Clara County between now and Dec 12th, listed in chronological order plus a list of ongoing events.  Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and happy holidays to one and all!

 

Date Time Event Address City Cost More info: Contact
Tue, Dec-1 5pm-7pm Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Holiday Happy Hour and Open House Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
10 Station Way
Los Gatos, CA 95030		 Los Gatos Free Website
Tue, Dec-1 6-9pm Learn to Paint with VinoPaint “Holiday Ornaments” Tessora’s Barra di Vino
234 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35 Website
Wed, Dec-2 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Wed, Dec-2 6-8pm Christmas in the Park Movie Night: The Santa Clause Christmas in the Park
Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose Free Website info@christmasinthepark.com
(408) 297-XMAS (9627)
Thu, Dec-3 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Thu, Dec-3 6:30-8:30pm Los Gatos Museum Gallery Holiday Reception NUMU – New Museums of Los Gatos
106 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030		 Los Gatos Website 408.354.2646
Fri, Dec-4 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Fri, Dec-4 5-9pm Kick Off Ice Rink & Tree Lighting Santa Clara Central Park
969 Kiely Blvd
Santa Clara, CA		 Santa Clara Website Santa Clara Senior Center at 408-615-3170
Fri, Dec-4 5-7pm Pottery Painting Plate Pizza Party: Owl on a Winter Branch The Art Beat
68 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $40 Website
Fri, Dec-4 5pm-7pm 43rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Town Plaza Park
Los Gatos, 95030		 Los Gatos Free Website Jackie Rose at 354-6853
Fri, Dec-4 6-8:30pm Christmas Cozies Kids Workshop The Art Beat
68 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $45 Website
Fri, Dec-4 7:30pm Festival of Lights: Santa Clara University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Mission Santa Clara de Asís
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053		 Santa Clara $5-$15 Website
Fri, Dec-4 7:30pm San Jose Dance Theater presents their 50th production of The Nutcracker San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose		 San Jose Prices vary Website (408) 286-9905
Fri, Dec-4 7:30pm Los Gatos Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Flint Center of the Performing Arts                               21250 Stevens Creek Blvd
Cupertino, CA 95014		 Cupertino $20-$52 Website
Sat, Dec-5 10am-3pm Girl Scouts’ Winterfest 2015 Santa Clara County Fairgounds
344 Tully Rd.
San Jose, CA 95111		 San Jose $15, $10 early bird Website
Sat, Dec-5 10am-2pm Northside December to Remember Northside Branch Library
695 Moreland Wy.
Santa Clara, California 95054		 Santa Clara Website
Sat, Dec-5 10am-4pm Holiday Craft Faire 2015
Presented by Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends		 Santa Clara City Library
2635 Homestead Road –                              Redwood and Margie Edinger Rooms
Santa Clara, California 95051		 Santa Clara Free Website 1-408-615-2988 or holidaycraftfaire@yahoo.com
Sat, Dec-5 10am-6pm Holiday Gift Fair with a special Triton Free Friday performance by Charged Particles Triton Museum of Art
1505 Warburton Ave.
Santa Clara, CA 95050		 Santa Clara Website
Sat, Dec-5 11am The 59th Annual Los Gatos Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade Downtown Los Gatos Los Gatos FREE Website
Sat, Dec-5 11am-3pm Hands on History Days: Children’s Holiday Festival History Park, Kelley Park
635 Phelan Avenue		 San Jose $5, Members and children 2 and under free Website
Sat, Dec-5 11am-3pm Dog Day presented by Unleashed by Petco Christmas in the Park
Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose FREE Website
Sat, Dec-5 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Sat, Dec-5 2pm San Jose Dance Theater presents their 50th production of The Nutcracker San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard San Jose		 San Jose Prices vary Website (408) 286-9905
Sat, Dec-5 2pm & 7:30pm Los Gatos Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Flint Center of the Performing Arts 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd
Cupertino, CA 95014		 Cupertino $20-$52 Website
Sat, Dec-5 2-3:30pm Children’s Holiday Cake and Cookie Decorating Workshop! NUMU – New Museums of Los Gatos
106 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030		 Los Gatos $35 Website 408.354.2646
Sat, Dec-5 4-9pm 17th Annual Festival of Lights 3rd Annual Walk-thru Night! Vasona Lake County Park
333 Blossom Hill Rd • Los Gatos		 Los Gatos $6/Children 3 & under free -PREPAY ONLY Website
Sat, Dec-5 5-8pm 30th Annual Carol of Lights Celebration Downtown Campbell
E Campbell Ave and N 1st St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell Free Website
Sat, Dec-5 6pm, 7:30pm Nova Vista Symphony & San Jose Symphonic Choir present Holiday Magic 6 Church of the Ascension
12033 Miller Ave
Saratoga, CA		 Saratoga $25/$15, under 12 free Website 408-624-1492
Sat, Dec-5 7:30pm San Jose Dance Theater presents their 50th production of The Nutcracker San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard San Jose		 San Jose Prices vary Website (408) 286-9905
Sun, Dec-6 11am-2pm, registration 10:30am Santa Paws Benefiting Humane Society Silicon Valley Park Valencia, Santana Row
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128		 San Jose $20 Website
Sun, Dec-6 12pm-5pm Horray for Hanukkah Childrens Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA 95110		 San Jose $13/$12 Infants under 1 free, $1 off with canned food donation Website Rabbi James Greene, rabbijames@apjcc.org or 408.357.7413
Sun, Dec-6 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Sun, Dec-6 1pm San Jose Dance Theater presents their 50th production of The Nutcracker San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Boulevard San Jose		 San Jose Prices vary Website (408) 286-9905
Sun, Dec-6 2pm Los Gatos Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Flint Center of the Performing Arts 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014 Cupertino $20-$52 Website
Sun, Dec-6 7pm Cantabile’s 11th annual Holidays with Cantabille concert California Theatre
345 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose $25-$60 Website
Mon, Dec-7 7:30pm You-Sing-It Messiah – San Jose Symphonic Choir California Theatre
345 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose $20/$15 Website 408-286-2600 x. 23 or emailbmchenry@symphonysiliconvalley.org
Tue, Dec-8 10am-12pm Mommy & Me Free Kids Club, Celebrate the Season Santana Row, CinéArts Santana Row
3088 Olsen Dr
San Jose, CA 95128		 San Jose FREE, optional One Warm Coat donation Website  408.551.4611
Tue, Dec-8 6-9pm Holiday Open House + Wine Stroll, benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank Santana Row
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128		 San Jose $40, get $5 off with a canned food donation Website
Tue, Dec-8 6:30-6:59pm Northside Puppet Company Presents. The Grunch Who Stole Christmas Northside Branch Library
695 Moreland Wy.
Santa Clara, California 95054		 Santa Clara Website
Wed, Dec-9 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Wed, Dec-9 6-8pm Christmas in the Park Movie Night: ELF Christmas in the Park
Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose Free Website info@christmasinthepark.com
(408) 297-XMAS (9627)
Thu, Dec-10 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Thu, Dec-10 6:30pm-9pm, five 30min performances nightly Bethlehem: Experience the Birth Santa Clara First Baptist Church
3111 Benton Street, Santa Clara
Phone: (408) 241-7635		 Santa Clara Free admission & hot drinks Website 408-241-7635
Thu, Dec-10 7pm Mix 106.5’s Very Merry Mixxer 2015 City National Civic
135 West San Carlos Street
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose $15-$20 Website
Thu, Dec-10 8:00pm Heritage Theatre presents A Classic Rock Christmas Campbell Heritage Theatre
1 West Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $44 Website 408-866-2700
Fri, Dec-11 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Fri, Dec-11 6:30pm-9pm, five 30min performances nightly Bethlehem: Experience the Birth Santa Clara First Baptist Church
3111 Benton Street, Santa Clara
Phone: (408) 241-7635		 Santa Clara Free admission & hot drinks Website 408-241-7635
Sat, Dec-12 8am-5pm “Super Saturday” Toys for Tots “Stuff the Bus” Christmas in the Park
Plaza De Cesar Chavez Park
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose Donation Website 1 Website 2
Sat, Dec-12 9-11:30am Annual Breakfast with Santa The Fairmont San Jose
172 S Market St
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose $20/$30 SOLD OUT Website
Sat, Dec-12 11am, 2pm Heritage Holiday Champagne Tea hosted by History San José Renzel Room at the Pacific Hotel
1650 Senter Road
San Jose, 95112		 San Jose $45/$40 ’til 11/20, then $50/$45 Website Juanita Lara (jlara@historysanjose.org) or call 408.918.1045 for tickets. 408.287.2290
Sat, Dec-12 12:00pm and 12:30pm Holiday Tea and Tours at Ainsley House Ainsley House
300 Grant St
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $35/$40 RSVP Required Website Laura: 408-460-7048 or email laura@campbellshowroom.com
Sat, Dec-12 1-3pm Holiday Lights Drop-in Workshop NUMU – New Museums of Los Gatos
106 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030		 Los Gatos $15 Website
Sat, Dec-12 1-3pm DIY Art: Festive Family Fun San Jose Museum of Art
110 South Market Street
San Jose, California 95113		 San Jose Free with Museum Admission Website
Sat, Dec-12 2pm, 7pm Santa Clara Ballet performs its 42nd annual Nutcracker Santa Clara Convention Center Theater
5001 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95051		 Santa Clara Ticket Prices Vary Website 408-247-3754 or info@santaclaraballet.com
Sat, Dec-12 6:30pm-9pm, five 30min performances nightly Bethlehem: Experience the Birth Santa Clara First Baptist Church
3111 Benton Street, Santa Clara
Phone: (408) 241-7635		 Santa Clara Free admission & hot drinks Website 408-241-7635
Sat, Dec-12 7pm Carols in the California California Theatre
345 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113		 San Jose $26-$36 Website
Sat, Dec-12 7pm A Winter Wonderland by the Academy of Classical Ballet Campbell Heritage Theatre
1 West Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008		 Campbell $20 Website tickets: 408.866.2700, info: 408.355.3767

Is Radon a worry in Los Gatos?

by | Jan 7, 2015 | Uncategorized

California EPA Map of RadonThe Environmental Protection Agency has dubbed January “National Radon Protection Month“.  Radon is usually off the radar in Silicon Valley, but should it be?  As it turns out, Santa Clara County is a an area with moderate radon levels.

The only real way to know if radon is a problem for your indoor air quality is to test it.  The County of Santa Clara has a page on its site regarding radon, the state’s health and safety code regarding radon, a list of service providers and qualified labs, and more.   Click here to go to the Indoor Air Quality page for the county.

Recently in an “advertorial” piece in the San Jose Mercury News, I saw that there are home testing kits for radon available online.   The county doesn’t mention these so not sure if it’s omission because the kits are new or an exclusion because it’s a job better left to testers.  I’ll let my readers do more research, but wanted to mention it in passing as another option to investigate.

Who maintains the sidewalks in Los Gatos – the home owner, or the town?

by | Nov 5, 2014 | Homes & Housing Market, Los Gatos Government

Good sidewalks and curbsSidewalks, and the little strip of land between them and the street (where the land exists) are something of a no-man’s land. Homeowners don’t actually own the sidewalk, or the sidewalk strip, but in many municipalities they are required to take care of both. In San Jose, that is the case.

In Los Gatos, however, historically the town has maintained the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters as well as the streets adjacent to them. The town’s website has information on streets, sidewalks etc., and also information on how to submit a request for repair:

http://www.losgatosca.gov/103/Streets-Trees

The San Jose Mercury News had a piece in the Action Line column about street trees and sidewalks which asserted that it’s California state law that makes the sidewalks the property owner’s responsibility. So Los Gatans – we are fortunate to be in a community where the town will take care of this. Just another reason to love living in Los Gatos!