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Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 5 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to the . It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you. Stores and services are listed by category in the business directory. Silicon Valley Important telephone numbers, packing and Welcomes You! moving suggestions, and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages. many offering significant savings are found in the Business Directory Section, sorted by categor.

The Guide can save you both time and money while providing you a continuous resource tool as you become more familiar with the metroplex. We do hope you find our Relocation

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(866) 595-3792 Toll Free From everyone at NewMarket Services Welcome to Silicon Valley Valley!

6 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com Silicon Valley Information Guide [ Volume 10 [ Number 2 LOCAL INFORMATION The State of 8 Area Codes, Important Phone Numbers 14-15 Travel Information 16-17 Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration 13 About Silicon Valley 9 Silicon Valley History 10-11 Major Cities of Silicon Valley 18-20 Cultural Attractions 21-22 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. Sights 23-24 President: Patrick Morgan Shopping 24 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Spectator Sports 25 Golf 25, 28 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Media 29 Contributing Writer: Amy Tennant MOVING Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Smooth Transitions 31-32 Regional Sales Manager: Beth Hurley Choosing a Moving Company 29 Art Department: Sprague Design Packing Tips 31-32 Staying Organized 32 Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague Settling Into Your New Home 32 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. What’s All The Talk About? 35 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Pre-Move Checklist 36-37 Research Assistant: Stephanie Cooper, Lora Price MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc. Reinforce the Positives 39-41 Phoenix Office: Choosing a School 39-41 Selecting Child Care 42-43 PO Box 30534 Education 42-44 Phoenix, AZ 85046-0534 Relocating Your Pet 45 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Fax: (602) 923-0774 FITNESS & HEALTH Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 In the Kitchen 47 Chicago Office: Physical and Mental Well Being 48-50 902 North Ashland Volunteering 51 Chicago, IL 60622 HOUSING Phone: (312) 226-6288 Making the Right Choice 53-55 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Choosing the Right Home 55 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Housing Options For Growing Active Adults Demographics 56-57 NewMarket currently publishes Information Home Inspection Checklist 58 Guides for 95 North American and 32 Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 59 International Markets. To order your Security 60 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Take Control of Your Energy Costs 61 each, please contact NewMarket Services toll free at (866) 595-3792. Home Buyer’s Glossary 62-63 Who’s Who in Building 64 In preparing this publication, every effort Selecting a Builder 65 has been made to assure the accuracy of Selecting a Contractor 66 the information contained herein, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings Banking & Mortgage Information 67-70 are subject to omission, error or change without notice. BUSINESS DIRECTORY

All material in this publication is copyright Business Directory Listings 71-79 protected and can only be reprinted with permission of the publisher.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 7 THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

European explorers first began contacting the region in the 16th century; the area was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes. The coastal areas of the state were colonized by Spain beginning in 1769, but became a part of the Mexico in 1821 because of the Mexican War of Independence. It was part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, and then was ceded to the United States in the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848. Reno The California Gold Rush of 1848-1849 brought about 90,000 Sacramento additional U.S. migrants to the state, and California became the Oakland 31st state of the Union in 1850. San Francisco Stockton NV The state's major predominant industries include agriculture, Modesto entertainment, light manufacturing, and tourism. California is also Silicon Valley the home of several significant economic regions such as Monterey Salinas Hollywood (entertainment), the California Central Valley (agriculture), Fresno Silicon Valley (computers and high tech), and the Wine Country (wine). California’s economy is the largest in the United States, and CA at $1.55 trillion, is larger than all but 7 countries. Per capita personal income was $33,403 as of 2003, ranking it 12th in the nation. San Luis Obispo Las Vegas Bakersfield Most of the state has a Mediterranean climate, with rainy winters and dry summers. The climate along the coast is mild; cooler along Santa Barbara the central and northern coast. Southeastern California is arid Ventura County desert. Along the cost, the rainy season runs from October to April San Bernardino AZ in the north and from November to March or April in the south. Los Angeles Pacific Ocean Record temperaturs of a high 134 °F (56.6 °C at Death Valley on Orange County Riverside July 10, 1913 and a record low of -45° at Boca on January 20, 1937. Average yearly precipitation ranges from under 5 inches in south-east to 120+ in parts of the north-west. San Diego California levies a 9.3% maximum variable rate income tax, with

Mexico 6 tax brackets and a 7.25% sales tax.

he State of California covers the southern portion of the United States’ west coast. With a population of 37 million and an area of 158,402 square miles, California is the largest Fast Facts T ESTIMATED POPULATION: 37,172,015 U.S. state in population and the third largest in area. California borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the LAND AREA: 158,302 sq mi north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and the Mexican state of COASTLINE: 840 miles Baja California to the south. The state has incredible geographic CAPITAL: Sacramento diversity. It has both the highest and lowest elevations in the Continental US (within 100 miles of each other), an expansive STATE MOTTO: Eureka central valley, tall mountains, arid deserts, and hundreds of miles of STATE NICKNAME: The Golden State coastline. Most major cities are at or near the Pacific coastline, LARGEST CITIES: Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose notably Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Santa 7.5% Ana/Orange County, Riverside/Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and STATE SALES TAX: San Diego. However, the capital, Sacramento, is in the Central Valley, and there are other significant cities on the interior.

8 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide THE SILICON VALLEY

OVERVIEW

he Silicon Valley is the southern part of the in . Journalist Don Hoefler first coined the term in 1971. Silicon is a Tcomponent of semi-conductors and computer chips. Since the 1970s and earlier, the area has been the headquarters of many high tech companies, among them Apple, Google, and . San Jose is the largest city in the Valley by far, with nearly one million residents. It’s the tenth most populous city in the United States. San Jose considers itself the Capital of the Silicon Valley, but ’s home of Palo Alto is where the first technology research park was founded. Originally, the San Francisco Bay was the site of the Navy’s west coast operations, and many government contractors set up shop in the area. The Navy has since moved it’s operations to San Diego, but NASA moved in, meaning many contractors stayed and other aerospace companies moved in. was a professor at Stanford University who decided to take advantage of the already high-tech climate of the area. He set up a program to encourage students to stay in the area by enabling them to use empty Stanford land. William Hewlett and , were two students who took advantage of the program, and in 1939, they founded Hewlett-Packard. The program was expanded in 1951 to become what is now . It is essentially an office park for high tech companies. Currently, this type of technology incubator is common, but it was revolutionary at the time. By the early 1970s there were many semiconductor and computer companies in the area, and the area has exploded since, as new innovators move in and infant companies break off from more established businesses. The Silicon Valley has a Mediterranean climate tempered by the presence of the San Francisco Bay. It’s a little drier than the Bay Area, getting 20-30 inches of rain a year, and manages to avoid the fog that often blankets San Francisco. About 300 days each year are sunny here. Temperatures are usually pretty moderate. January’s average high is 59°F and average low is 42°, with overnight freezes several nights each year. July's average high is 84°F and average low is 58°F, with heat exceeding 100°F several days each year.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 9 HISTORY OF SILICON VALLEY

Before the silicon chip, before Dionne Warwick, and well before to Benecia, Vallejo, and finally Sacramento); the hard-living State the Spanish gave it a name, Valley was home to Assembly was known as "the Legislature of a Thousand Drinks". scattered settlements of Ohlone Indians. The Ohlone ("The People") As the gold rush ran its course and gave way to the silver were hunter-gatherers who had lived around San Francisco Bay bonanza of the Comstock Lode, miners came by the thousands to since the end of the last Ice Age. The southern end of the Bay, settle in the pleasant climate and fertile land of . where bustling San Jose now stands, provided the Ohlones with a As the state grew, so did the Valley’s agricultural bounty of wheat, particularly felicitous mix of mild climate, redwood forests, acorn- pears, apricots, cherries, plums, and finally, and most significantly, filled oak groves, and creeks and bay wetlands abounding with fish prunes. It was the prune industry that came to dominate Santa and wildlife. Clara Valley. San Jose’s agricultural heritage has been largely On November 6, 1769, Gaspar de Portola walked into the plowed under by the demands of housing and the technology Ohlone’s peaceful world by mistake. Portola was looking for industry, but individual trees and small stands can be seen here and Monterey Bay, discovered (in 1602), and subsequently described there within city limits. The bulk of California’s fruit growing takes with wild inaccuracy, by Sebastian Vizcaino. It would take Portola place to the east, in the San Joaquin Valley. two expeditions to find it. On this first mission, he became the first Santa Clara Valley continued to prosper quietly throughout the European to lay eyes on San Francisco Bay, and on the Ohlone. rest of the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the occasional (Portola set up camp to the north under a tall redwood, a place he disturbances of the 1906 San Andreas earthquake and the Great called . The tree, and its namesake city, are both thriving Depression. In 1891, railroad baron ’s largesse today.) made possible the opening of Stanford University in Palo Alto (the In 1775, Juan Batista de Anza arrived in the area with a number town actually sprang up in the shadow of the university, and was of Spaniards intent on settling the territory of Alta California, and subsequently named for Portola’s redwood). civilizing the Ohlone. In two years, a mission was built on a site close Stanford quickly became a leading center of education and to the Guadalupe River, dubbed Mission Santa Clara de Asis (after research, particularly in the development of new technologies. In Saint Claire of Assisi). The area around the settlement came to be 1909, Stanford engineering graduate Cyril Elwell, funded with $500 known as Santa Clara Valley. (Today, San Jose is the seat of Santa of seed capital from the university’s president, began work in Clara County.) To maintain the mission, an agricultural outpost was wireless technology that would result in the founding of the Federal founded nearby on November 29, 1777: El Pueblo de San Jose de Telegraph Company in Palo Alto. Also in 1909, Stanford researcher Guadalupe, so called after St. Joseph, the patron saint of the Charles Herrold broadcast the world’s first commercial radio territory. Because this was the first civilian lay presence in Alta broadcasts from atop San Jose’s Garden City Bank building. California, San Jose can claim the title of the oldest city in the state. Stanford graduates William Hewlett and David Packard started a Spanish settlers planted vineyards and orchards and developed small audio-oscillator business in their garage in the 1930s and are cattle ranches. The Ohlone learned agriculture, were absorbed into popularly credited with fathering what we now know as Silicon the burgeoning Spanish community, and ceased to exist as a Valley. In truth, the South Bay’s high-tech industry was the legacy of distinct culture. a number of brilliant engineers and technologists associated with The year 1821 marked the Mexican Revolution and a change in the university and Palo Alto business community. the administration of Alta California. A period of tension between After the World War II, tens of thousands of veterans made San Mexico and the United States followed, as the American frontier Jose their home, displacing agriculture and changing the nature of pushed ever westward, culminating in 1846 with the Mexican- the city, a change that would become even more dramatic with the American War. The Santa Clara Valley saw the only action between wartime technology that followed. The exigencies of war had United States and Mexicans (or, more precisely Californios) in sparked the accelerated development of vacuum tube, radio, and Northern California, in fact, at the Battle of Santa Clara. radar technology, and led to the founding of the Stanford Research The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 had a profound Institute. In far off Pennsylvania, the birth of the world’s first effect on San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley. While not a vein of electronic computer, ENIAC, led to IBM building a $53 million disk the "mother lode" that ran far south, the Valley’s western foothills drive plant in San Jose. Lockheed, GTE, General Electric, a more were rich in cinnabar, an ore containing mercury and sulfur, both mature Hewlett-Packard and Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory valuable minerals important for the refinement of gold and silver. The (whose founder, William Shockley, had invented the ) soon Valley’s agricultural, industrial and mercantile resources, which fed followed. The area was by the late 1950s the center of the nation’s and clothed miners up at the diggings, also played an important role technology industry. in bringing prosperity to San Jose. In 1850, two years after the Disaffected Shockley employees founded Fairchild conclusion of the Mexican-American War, California won statehood; Semiconductor, which developed the first practical integrated thanks in large part to the determined lobbying efforts of two local circuit, or silicon chip as it came to be known. In 1968, refugees of real estate promoters, and San Jose became the state’s first capital. struggling Fairchild went on to form the Intel Corporation, which, in In its year in San Jose (a hard, rainy winter would drive the capital

10 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide HISTORY OF SILICON VALLEY

1971, came out with the microprocessor. In quick succession, Today the most recognizable and certainly the largest of Silicon video games (starting with Atari’s Pong), PostScript printing Valley’s prosperous communities, San Jose declared itself "the technology, Cupertino’s Apple Computer, the IBM PC, and Sun Capital of Silicon Valley" in the late 1980s. It had become the 11th- Microsystems helped to made up Silicon Valley as we know it today. largest city in the country (with a recently estimated population of Having annexed numerous surrounding communities after the 867,675, 120,000 more than San Francisco, its more glamorous war, San Jose’s population, helped by the returning GIs, quickly northern neighbor). Along with its size and its stature as a job tripled in size. (City Manager A. P. Dutch Hamann directed the magnet, however, has come a slew of new problems, like urban annexation campaign, helped by a ruthless staff derided as "the sprawl, congestion and social services distribution more often Panzer Division".) The expenditure of valuable municipal resources associated with Los Angeles. in the city’s rapid expansion had a profound and negative effect on The Silicon Valley’s fortunes rise and fall with the high tech the city’s center. By the late ’50s, it started a not-so-gradual decline industry and the economic downturn in the early 2000s his the area into urban blight, which was reversed only in the mid-1980s under hard. Now it’s building back up as high tech gears back into full the stewardship of Mayor Thomas McEnery. An extensive and swing and the Silicon Valley grows to become one of California and expensive redevelopment of saw the the countries premiere economic and cultural centers. construction of several new museums, the San Jose Arena (home of the San Jose Sharks hockey team), first-class hotels, and the San Jose McEnry Convention Center, along with a light rail mass transit system linking downtown San Jose with surrounding suburbs and Silicon Valley cities.

WEATHER

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Avr. High 58 62 66 70 74 79 82 82 81 75 65 58 Avr. Low 42 44 46 48 51 55 57 57 56 52 46 42 Avr. Precipitation 2.9 2.5 2.2 1.1 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.7 1.7 2.5

Temperature in degrees F, precipitation in inches

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 11 NATIONAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION PHONE NUMBERS

National Health Organization Mental Health Simply dial plus the number below 1-800-*… National Alliance for the Mentally Illness (NAMI) 950-6264 Allergy National Down Syndrome Society 244-4444 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AFFA) 727-8462 National Mental Health Association Resource Ctr 969-6642 Cancer Neurology American Cancer Society 227-2345 National Alzheimer’s Association 272-3900 American Institute for Cancer Research. 843-8114 Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation 225-0292 Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America 955-4572 American Parkinson Disease Association 223-2732 National Cancer Institute (CIS) 422-6237 Epilepsy Foundation of America. 332-1000 Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) 754-6490 United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCPA) 872-5827 Children’s Health Huntington’s Disease Society of America 345-4372 American SIDS Foundation 232-7437 Brain Injury Association of America Family Hotline 444-6443 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) 344-4823 National Headache Foundation 843-2256 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 223-1138 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 344-4867 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance 221-7437 National Stroke Association 787-6537 National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc. 233-7393 Patient Care Spina Bifida Association of American 621-3141 Medic Alert Foundation U.S. 863-3425 or 432-5378 Infectious Diseases National Hospice Organization 658-8898 AIDS Hotline, CDC National, National STD Hotline 342-AIDS Shriner’s Hospital Referral Line 237-5055 (Spanish) 344-7432 Visiting Nurse Association of America 426-2547 (Hearing Impaired) 243-7889 Physical Disabilities Internal Medicine American Council of the Blind. 424-8666 American Diabetes Association 232-3472 American Speech/Language/Hearing Association 638-8255 American Heart Association 242-8721 or 968-1793 National Easter Seals Society 221-6827 American Kidney Association 638-8299 Woman’s Health American Lung Association 586-4872 Endometriosis Association. 992-3636 Arthritis Foundation 283-7800 Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. 221-2141 Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc. 932-2423 *This is a Toll-Free Number! Lupus Foundation of America 558-0121 This is only a partial list of national health organizations. National Kidney Foundation 622-9010 Contact the National Health Information Center (NHIC) Spondylitis Association of American (SAA) 777-8189 at (800) 336-4797 for a more complete list.

NOTE: This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional as it relates to your specific situation.

12 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide DRIVER’S LICENSE

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a To take your driving test, you will need to: California driver’s license within 10 days. Residency is established • Call a DMV office to set up an appointment. (Driving tests are not by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a given without an appointment. Call 1-800-777-0133 between the homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, to make a driving benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents. test appointment.) To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will • Provide proof of financial responsibility need to do the following: • California Insurance Requirements must be met. • Visit a DMV office You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you • Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be may practice for a while, then make another appointment. There is submitted. Copies will not be accepted.) no waiting period, but you must make an appointment. If you fail to • Give a thumb print successfully complete the driving test on the first attempt, you must • Have your picture taken pay a $5 fee for each additional driving test that is administered under an application for an original or renewal driver license. • Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office. After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in • Verify your birth date and legal presence the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell • Provide your true full name the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is • Pay the application fee incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1- • Pass a vision exam 800-777-0133 and they can check on the status for you. Have your • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the interim license with you to provide information when requested. test. You have three chances to pass. If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed document than the one you are currently using, you will also need before. When you practice, you must have an accompanying adult to provide an additional acceptable document to establish your true who is 18 years of age or older, with a valid California license. This full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of marriage, person must be close enough to you to take control of the vehicle adoption or name change document that shows your current name. if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Registering Your Vehicle • Odometer disclosure statement on the REG 262, signed by the The following is required to register a nonresident vehicle: seller and buyer, if the vehicle is less than ten model years old. • An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) signed by all • A vehicle verification. The vehicle must be inspected by an registered owners, showing the name and address of the authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed lienholder (legal owner), if any. vehicle verifier employed by a registration service or dealership. • Last issued out-of-state title, unless held by the lienholder/legal These inspections require no additional fee and are most easily owner. obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV. • Last issued registration certificate, if the applicant is the same as • Smog Certification, if applicable. the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title and the • Surrender the valid out-of-state license plates if they do not have vehicle entered California with valid out-of-state registration, or if to be returned to the home state. the title has been lost. • Pay appropriate fees and any use tax due. • A Bill of Sale, Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than the registered owner shown on the title.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 13 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & ADDRESSES

City Area Code(s) Financial Services Cupertino, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos: 408 Automatic Teller Information Palo Alto, Mt. View: 650 ATM Locator (800) 248-4286 MasterCrd ATM (800) 424-7787 Emergency VISA Plus System (800) 843-7587 All Emergencies 911 Lost or Stolen Credit Cards Los Gatos Police (408) 354-8600 American Express (800) 233-5432 10 East Main Street AT&T Universal Card (800) 423-4343 P.O. Box 973 Diners Club (800) 234-6377 Los Gatos, CA 95031 Discover Card (800) 347-2683 Mountain View Police (650) 903-6357 JCB (800) 736-8111 1000 Villa St MasterCard (800) 826-2181 Mountain View, CA 94041 VISA (800) 336-8472 www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/citydepts/pd/pd_home.htm Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks Mountain View Fire (650) 903-6365 American Express (800) 221-7282 1000 Villa St Thomas Cook MasterCard (800) 223-7373 Mountain View, CA 94041 www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/citydepts/fd/fire.htm Travelers Check Customer Service (800) 645-6556 Palo Alto Police (650) 329-2413 VISA (800) 227-6811 275 Forest Ave Government Palo Alto, CA 94301 Los Gatos Town Hall (408) 354-6832 www.cityofpaloalto.org/police 110 E. Main Street Palo Alto Fire (650) 329-2184 Los Gatos, CA 95030 250 Hamilton Avenue www.losgatosca.gov Palo Alto, CA 94301 Mountain View City Hall (650) 903-6300 www.cityofpaloalto.org/fire 500 Castro Street San Jose Police 311 P.O. Box 7540, CA 94041 201 W. Mission Street www.ci.mtnview.ca.us San Jose, CA. 95110 Palo Alto City Hall (650) 329-2100 www.sjpd.org 250 Hamilton Ave San Jose Fire (408) 277-4444 Palo Alto, CA 94301 170 W. San Carlos St www.cityofpaloalto.org San Jose 95113-2005 Santa Clara City Hall (408) 615-2200 www.sjfd.org 1500 Warburton Ave Santa Clara Police (408) 615-4700 Santa Clara, CA 95050 601 El Camino Real www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 535-3500 www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us/police/pol_index.html 200 E Santa Clara St Santa Clara Fire (408) 615-4900 San Jose, CA 95113 777 Benton St www.sanjoseca.gov Santa Clara, CA 95050 Sunnyvale City Hall (408) 730-7500 www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us/fire/fire_div.html 456 West Olive Ave Sunnyvale Police (408) 730-7100 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 700 All America Way www.sunnyvale.ca.gov Sunnyvale CA, 94088 Internal Revenue Service (800) 829-1040 Sunnyvale Fire (408) 730-7212 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 505 W. Olive Ave Ste 150 Sunnyvale CA 94086

14 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & ADDRESSES

Libraries Utilities Silicon Valley Library System www.svls.lib.ca.us City Ulilities Los Gatos (408) 354-6896 Mountain View Garbage/Recycling (650) 903-6227 Mountain View (650) 903-6337 www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/citydepts/pw/pub_works.htm Palo Alto (650) 329-2664 Palo Alto Utilities (650) 329-2161 San Jose (408) 808-2100 250 Hamilton Avenue Santa Clara City (408) 615-2900 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Sunnyvale (408) 730-7300 www.cpau.com Santa Clara Utilities (408) 615-2300 The public libraries of Santa Clara County joined together to offer more complete library services. The libraries of Los Gatos, Mountain www.ci.santa-clara.ca.us/pub_utility/pu_index.html View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara City, Santa Clara County, San José Environmental Services Dept (408) 535-8550 and Sunnyvale are members. 200 East Santa Clara Street, 10th Floor San Jose, CA 95113-1905 The San Jose City Library combines the collections of the city's Sunnyvale Utilities (408) 730-7400 system with the San Jose State main library. The city has 20 Finance Dept, City Hall Annex neighborhood branches including the Biblioteca Latinoamericana 650 West Olive Avenue which specializes in Spanish language works. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Support Networks Cable Teen Link (Various Topics) (800) 235-9678 Comcast (408) 452-3355 Crisis Pregnancy Center (800) 395-4357 1610 N 4th St San Jose, CA 95112 Services www.comcast.com Directory Assistance 411 Gas & Electric Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) (800) 743-5000 Shipping & Postal Service Phone Airborne Express (800) 247-2676 AT&T (800) 288-2020 Federal Express (800) 463-3339 UPS (800) 742-5877

VOTER REGISTRATION

It is important to note that if you are registering to vote for the first When you have your new address, complete a DMV change of time, changing your name or political party, or have moved to a new address form, and the Secretary of State (SOS) Elections Division county, you must also complete a Voter Registration form to update will be notified of your address change. You can download the DMV the SOS Elections Division database. Give your completed Voter Change of Address form DMV 14, or you may request a change of Registration form to a technician, and DMV will mail it to the SOS address form by calling your local DMV office at 1 (800) 777-0133. Elections Division office for updating. Even if you are not conducting business with DMV, you may pick When applying for or renewing your driver license or identification up Voter Registration forms at any DMV office. Compete the form card at any DMV office, you have the opportunity of registering to and mail it to the SOS Elections Division preprinted address on the vote. form.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 15 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports Airlines - International San Jose International (SJC) (408) 277-4759 Aer Lingus, aerlingus.ie (866) 886 8844 1732 N. First Street #600 Aeroflot, aeroflot.aero/eng (650) 615-9278 San Jose, CA 95112 AeroMexico, AeroMexico.com (800) 237-6639 www.sjc.org Aerolineas Argentina, aerolineas.com.ar (800) 333-0276 San Jose International serves the Silicon Valley with domestic Air Canada, aircanada.ca (800) 247-2262 and international flights. It’s two miles north of downtown San Jose Air China, china-airlines.com (800) 986-1985 and is owned by the city. The airport handles about 30,000 Air France, airfrance.com (800) 237-2747 passengers daily and has 31 gates total between 3 terminals. Air India, airindia.com Other Area Airports Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com (800) 523-5585 San Francisco International is a major international hub used by Air New Zealand, airnewzealand.com (800) 262-1234 a lot of Silicon Valley residents. It’s 35 miles northwest of downtown Alaska Airlines, alaskaair.com (800) 426-0333 San Jose. Another popular airport is Oakland International 30 miles Alitalia, alitaliausa.com (800) 223-5730 to the north, which is medium sized. Asiana, us.flyasiana.com (800) 227-9262 San Francisco International (SFO) (650) 821-8211 British Airways, british-airways.com (800) 247-9297 PO Box 8097 San Francisco, CA 94128-9916 Cathay Pacific, cathaypacific.com (800) 233-2742 www.flysfo.com China Airlines, china-airlines.com (800) 227-5118 Oakland International (OAK) (510) 577-4000 China Eastern, chinaeastern.co.uk (800) 200-5118 1 Airport Dr Egypt Air, egyptair.com.eg (800) 334-6787 Oakland, 94621 El Al, elal.co.il (800) 223-6700 www.flyoakland.com Eurofly, eurofly.it (800) 477-6492 Airlines - Domestic Eva Airways, evaair.com (800) 695-1188 AirTran Airlines, airtran.com (800) 247-8726 Iberia, iberia.com (800) 772-4642 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air, alaskaair.com* (800) 252-7522 Japan Airlines,jal.co.jp/en (800) 525-3663 Allegiant Air, alleginatair.com (800) 432-3810 KLM Airlines, klm.com (800) 374-7747 American Airlines, aa.com* (800) 433-7300 Korean Air, koreanair.com (800) 438-5000 Atlantic Southeast, flyasa.com (800) 282-3424 LACSA, centralamerica.com/cr/lacsa/lacsa.htm (800) 225-2272 Comair, comair.com (800) 221-1212 LOT Polish, lot.com (800) 223-0593 Continental Airlines, continental.com* (800) 525-0280 Lufthansa, lufthansa.com (800) 645-3880 Delta Airlines, delta.com* (800) 221-1212 Mexicana, mexicana.com* (800) 531-7821 Frontier Airlines, frontierairlines.com* (800) 432-1359 Philippine Airlines, philippineairlines.com (800) 435-9725 Hawaiian Airlines, hawaiianair.com* (800) 367-5320 Quantas, qantas.com (800) 227-4500 JetBlue Airlines, JetBlue.com * (800) 538-2583 Singapore Airlines, singaporeair.com (800) 742-3333 Midwest Airlines, midwestairlines.com (800) 452-2022 Skyservice USA, skyserviceairlines.com (877) 485-6060 Northwest Airlines, nwa.com* (800) 225-2525 Swissair, swiss.com (800) 221-4750 SkywestAirlines, skywest.com (800) 453-9417 TACA, taca.com (800) 535-8780 Southwest Airlines, southwest.com* (800) 435-9792 USA 3000 Y Airlines, usa3000.com (800) 872-3000 Spirit Airlines, spiritair.com (800) 772-7117 *Service to San Jose (SJC) SunCountry Airlines, suncountry.com (800) 359-6786 United Airlines, ual.com* (800) 864-8331 US Airways, usairways.com* (800) 428-4322 Virgin Atlantic, virgin-atlantic.com (800) 862-8621 *Service to San Jose (SJC)

16 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Auto Inter-City Transportation Altamont Commuter Express (209) 944-6220 The Silicon Valley is connected to San Francisco by the US-101 The Commuter Express runs from Stockton, Livermore, and and Interstate 280 highways. The 101 is a little east of 280. It’s Pleasanton into San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley in the morning about 45 min to San Francisco and Oakland, but the trip can be a and then returns in the late afternoon and evening. lot longer with traffic. The 101 also heads south to Los Angeles. Highway 1 leads northward to San Francisco and southward to Amtrak California (877) 974-3322 300 Lakeside Dr 14th Fl E Santa Cruz. Oakland, CA 94612 Destination Approx. Time Distance www.capitolcorridor.org San Francisco 45 min 40 mi www.amtrak.com Oakland 50 min 50 mi Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor runs from San Jose up to the Bay Area Sacramento 2 hrs 120 mi and then inland to Sacramento Modesto 1 hr 30 min 90 mi The Silicon Valley is also served by Amtrak's Coast Starlight Los Angeles 5 hrs 45 min 340 mi runing daily between Seattle, Portland, Emeryville, and Los Angeles. Cruises/Resorts Public Transportation Disney World Reservations (800) 227-1500 Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) (408) 321-2300 Holland America Cruises (800) 426-0327 3331 N. First Street Princess Cruises (800) 774-6237 San Jose, CA, 95134-1906 www.vta.org Royal Caribbean International (800) 327-6700 The VTA has 42 miles of light rail track and 82 regularly operated Hotels/Motels bus routes. It operates throughout the Silicon Valley. VTA connects Best Western (800) 528-1234 with Amtrak, , and the Commuter Express. It also connects Budgetel Inns (800) 428-3438 with BART, the public transportation provider in the Bay Area Clarion Hotels (800) 424-6423 Rental Cars Comfort Inns (800) 424-6423 Advantage, advantage.com (800) 777-5500 Courtyard by Marriott (800) 321-2211 Alamo, alamo.com (800) 462-5266 Days Inn (800) 329-7466 Avis, avis.com (800) 331-1212 Doubletree Hotels (800) 222-8733 Budget, budget.com (800) 527-0700 Econo Lodges (800) 446-4777 Dollar, dollar.com (800) 800-4000 Embassy Suites (800) 362-2779 Enterprise, enterprise.com (800) 736-8222 Fairmont Hotels (800) 527-4727 E-Z, e-zrentacar.com (972) 574-3360 Four Seasons (800) 332-3442 Fox/Payless, foxrentacar.com (800) 225-4369 Hilton Hotels (800) 445-8667 Hertz, hertz.com (800) 654-3131 Holiday Inns (800) 465-4329 National, nationalcar.com (800) 227-7368 Howard Johnson Motor Lodges (800) 654-2000 Thrifty, thrifty.com (800) 367-2277 Hyatt Hotels (800) 233-1234 La Quinta Motor Inn (800) 531-5900 Loews Hotels (800) 223-6397 Marriott Hotels (800) 228-9290 Meridien Hotels (800) 543-4390 Omni International (800) 843-6664 Quality Inns (800) 228-5151 Radisson Hotels International (800) 333-3333 Ramada Inns (800) 228-2828 Red Roof Inns (800) 843-7663 Ritz Carlton Hotels (800) 241-3333 Sheraton Hotels (800) 325-3535 Stouffer Hotels (800) 468-3571 Super 8 Motels (800) 800-8000 TraveLodge Motels (800) 578-7878 Westin Hotels (800) 228-3000

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 17 MAJOR CITIES OF SILICON VALLEY

San Jose experimented with architectural styles, even more so than private San Jose is the third-most populous city in California after Los enterprises. Angeles and San Diego, and is the county seat of Santa Clara Downtown San Jose’s parks give what could be a somewhat County. With an estimated population of 953,000, San Jose is also forbidding technopolis into a pleasantly human scale. The 210-year- the largest city in Northern California. old Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park is the original plaza of the first San Jose was the first town in the Spanish colony of Nueva Spanish pueblo and the site of outdoor music festivals and other California, founded in 1777. It served as the first capital of California events. Spacious Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is an after it gained statehood in 1850. By the 1990s, San Jose's central attractive work-in-progress, giving breathing space to an location within the booming technology industry in the area earned increasingly congested city center. St. James Park is interesting for the city the nickname as the Capital of Silicon Valley. its history (it was, among other things, the site of the last lynching The official name of the city is The City of San José, but is more to be held in California) but its denizens day and night are by and commonly spelled without the diacritical mark above the “e”. large the city’s homeless. For nearly two centuries a farming community, San Jose Much like supposedly more rakish, cosmopolitan San Francisco, produced a significant amount of fruits and vegetables until the San Jose’s downtown pretty much shuts down by 11pm most 1960s, and many past and current names of teams, streets, nights, though one can find activity here and there until 1am on buildings, and so on reflect its agricultural beginnings. Prunes, weekends. The trafficked areas are generally safe both in the day grapes, broccoli and apricots were some of the major crops. and the evening, though one is advised against wandering too far IBM built its west coast headquarters in San Jose in 1943, and off the beaten path; the city’s ongoing urban renewal is by no the city currently houses many technology companies, among them means complete, and the edges of the city center can get a bit Flextronics, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi and Lockheed Martin. Cost of sketchy. living is very high, but San Jose households have the highest Sunnyvale disposable income of any large American city. Sunnyvale is a city in Santa Clara County. As of the 2000 census, Downtown San Jose the city population was 131,760, making it the second largest city An extensive 1980s facelift gave formerly downtrodden in the Silicon Valley after San Jose. The median income for a downtown San Jose a spate of five-star hotels and museums, a household in the city was $74,409, and the per capita income for convention center, and an arena on par with any in America. All that the city was $36,524. was needed was a bit of refinement in the go-go 90s to give it the Though the median age of its residents is 34.5, Sunnyvale is cosmopolitan air of a world-class city. Thriving, sophisticated, and largely without the kind of hopping nightlife you’d expect to find in unquestionably moneyed, downtown feels (if only because the rest a younger demographic. What one would find is attractive parks, 17 of Silicon Valley is so decentralized) like the Capital of Silicon Valley. of them, well-used by bicyclists, runners and inline skaters, and Looking out over the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, The Fairmont affordable homes. Relatively speaking, that is: the median price of a Hotel reigns over a bevy of beautiful luxury hotels; nearby are the home in Sunnyvale is a mere $380,477, as compared to a Silicon stately Hyatt Sainte Claire and Hotel DeAnza. The very number of Valley average of $500,000. Retail stores and service outlets along popular bars and restaurants, some of them very of-the-moment, El Camino Real and in its two main shopping outlets (the Sunnyvale present a challenge to the visitor. The galleries, coffeehouses and Town Center Mall and the Town and Country Shopping Center) take theaters of the SoFA (South of First Street) district give downtown a care of the basic necessities in this work-oriented bedroom bit of SoMa/SoHo urban chic. community. The northern part of town is given over to the Among the recent additions to the civic and architectural profile "campuses" of high-technology businesses, including Sunnyvale’s of San Jose’s downtown are the San Jose Arena (home rink of the primary employers: Advanced Micro Devices, and Lockheed Martin NHL’s San Jose Sharks), the massive San Jose McEnry Convention Missiles and Space. Center, the Tech Museum of , Children’s Discovery Sunnyvale also headquarters several high-tech companies such Museum, the , San Jose Center for as Palm, Inc., Sandisk, and Yahoo!. It’s also home to Onizuka Air Performing Arts, and San Jose Repertory Theater. In addition to Force Station, which is the only active military base in the San being a cultural and entertainment magnet, San Jose’s is a working Francisco Bay Area. downtown: software giant Adobe occupies Adobe Towers, which In Sunnyvale, the unified Department of Public Safety has all covers a highly conspicuous block of valuable real estate; the personnel trained as both firefighters and police officers and can nearby Park Center Plaza is home to a number of financial and respond to emergencies in either capacity. technical enterprises. In the early 1900s fruit production was the dominant economic San Jose's downtown architecture is noted more for its limited force in Sunnyvale. In 1906, Libby’s, a Chicago meat-packing height than for any particular buildings because the downtown area company, decided to open its first fruit packing factory in Sunnyvale is in the flight path to nearby Mineta San Jose International Airport. in 1906. Today, a water tower painted to resemble the first Libby's Even so, there are many municipal building projects that have fruit cocktail can label identifies the former site of the factory.

18 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide MAJOR CITIES OF SILICON VALLEY

During World War II, the local economy began a change from the however (the present building, dating from 1928, is the latest in a fruit industry to the high-tech industry. Area companies built mainly series of churches destroyed by floods, earthquakes, and fires), on for the navy, with marine steam engines, naval guns and rocket the grounds of the University of Santa Clara. launchers to aid in the war effort. As the defense industry grew, a The city was incorporated in 1862. Its growth was supported by shortage of local workers in the farm industry was created, but then seed and fruit industries. The Pacific Manufacturing Company Mexican immigrants filled that void. brought industry to Santa Clara, being the largest wood products Following the war, the fruit orchards were cleared away to build supplier on the Pacific Coast. Pacific Manufacturing closed its homes, factories and offices as Sunnyvale urbanized. In 1956, the doors for good in the 1960s. aircraft manufacturer Lockheed moved its headquarters to When the semi-conductor chip debuted in the 1950s, Santa Sunnyvale, and in 1969, AMD was founded here. Clara’s agricultural history was all but gobbled up by the burgeoning Los Gatos high-tech industry, and now the area is known exclusively for its Los Gatos is a town in Santa Clara County. The population was computer manufacturing. 28,592 at the 2000 census. It’s located on the southwest corner of Santa Clara headquarters Intel, Sun Microsystems, NVIDIA, and San Jose on the hilly edge of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Downtown many other high-tech companies. The median income for a has a lot of upscale shops and restaurants, and is especially known household in the city was $69,466, and the median income for a for antiques. family was $77,189. The per capita income for the city was Los Gatos was incorporated in the 1950s to escape annexation $31,755. by San Jose, which had been gobbling up the surrounding The San Francisco 49ers NFL football team has its headquarters communities. Los Gatos maintains a rusticated image as a quaint, and practice facilities in Santa Clara. slightly raffish outpost of the maverick billionaires. Both are adamant Palo Alto about being called "towns"; both are very moneyed, and the money Palo Alto is located at the northern end of Silicon Valley, and is tends to be "old" money. Of course, in the Silicon Valley “old money” home to Stanford University and several successful high-tech means from before 1989. The streets of Los Gatos and Saratoga companies. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population are lined with Italian and British cars. Homes here are rivaled only by of 58,598. It’s named after the tree known as “El Palo Alto,” or “The the sumptuous residences of Los Altos Hills. The downtown areas Tall Stick.” are crammed with exclusive boutiques, galleries, and upscale Stanford is one of the state’s two premier universities (its watering holes. All are great places for people-watching. perennial arch-rival, Cal, is to the northeast in Berkeley). Stanford, The name “Los Gatos” means “The Cats” in Spanish, referencing and Palo Alto, is really the cradle of the high-technology industry the mountain lions that are indigenous to the area. that grew up into contemporary Silicon Valley. Stanford Research Los Gatos is homes to Netflix, the online video rental service, and Park, on Page Mill Road, the world’s first industrial park, is part of a IC Manage, a company that helps businesses like TiVo manage long, close and successful relationship between the university and information. The median income for a household in the town was the electronics industry. Palo Alto plays host to Hewlett Packard $94,319, and the median income for a family was $119,194. The and , along with Merrill Lynch and the NYSE’s west coast per capita income for the town is $56,094. Interestingly, it’s the only offices. town in the world that has fewer than 50,000 residents that’s home The main Stanford campus is attractive and spacious. (Its uniform to a Ferrari dealership. California Colonial architectural style stays just this side of Right next to Los Gatos are the towns of Campbell and monotonous.) Palo Alto today is upmarket, upscale, and expensive, Cupertino. Both have distinct downtown commercial districts, but with astronomically priced homes, but it’s a great place to shop. remain mostly residential, bedroom communities. People who move With the trendiness of the college crowd and the taste of moneyed here tend to have children: the Cupertino School District is one of yuppies, the stores and excellent restaurants of well-scrubbed the best in the county. Cupertino is famous as the world University Avenue always draw steady stream shoppers late into the headquarters of both Apple Computer and Hewlett Packard. evening. On warm summer nights, stores can be open quite late, in Santa Clara fact, and it’s hard to think of a safer shopping district. Stanford Santa Clara is the county seat of Santa Clara County and is home Shopping Center drops any pretense of catering to the college to , the oldest institution of higher learning in crowd and stocks only the best at prices that...well, really, if you California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of have to ask... 102,361. Median home price is a whopping $1.05 million, due to its The historic center of Santa Clara Valley, Santa Clara’s Mission desirable location near Stanford University and Silicon Valley Santa Clara de Asis, was founded in 1777 by Father Junipero Serra. companies. Palo Alto is also generally perceived to have excellent A small community of Californios and Ohlones sprang up around it, public schools and a high quality of life. and now that population is the city of Santa Clara (with slightly changed demographics, of course). The Mission is still there, continued on page 20

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 19 MAJOR CITIES OF SILICON VALLEY

The median income for a household in the city was $90,377, and Fresh sushi, complex Thai food, authentic New York-style pizza, the median income for a family was $117,574. The per capita and bounteous Indian buffets can all be found in one block here, income for the city was $56,257. along with a fairly lively nightlife. Houses in Mountain View tend to If you’re living in or visiting Palo Alto, a good thing to remember be a bit older than elsewhere in the Valley, and pricier, too, as are is that all municipal parking lots and street parking is free. the rents in its many apartments and condominiums. Mountain An interesting part of Palo Alto’s history is in a designated historic View’s parks, especially the 660-acre open-space preserve of district called "Professorville.” Lincoln, Kingsley, Waverley and Shoreline Park. Ramona bound the area, and it’s where Stanford University's first Like most of the Silicon Valley, Mountain View was primarily faculty members settled. There are a large number of well preserved agricultural through the 1960s. It is one of the major cities of the homes dating from the 1890s here. Many of the homes housed the valley, and the list of companies that call it home is impressive. Godfathers of the Silicon Valley who invented the technology Google, Mozilla, AOL, all are headquartered here, along with some required to get the computer revolution off the ground. Although it’s of Microsoft’s divisions and the NASA Ames Research Center. not open to the public, the garage that housed the launch of The median income for a household in the city was $69,362, and Hewlett Packard is located at 367 Addison Ave. the median income for a family was $80,379. Males had a median Mountain View income of $64,585 versus $44,358 for females. The per capita Mountain View is at the center of the Silicon Valley and gets its income for the city was $39,693. name from the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. As of the 2000 Castro Street downtown has a six blocks long pedestrian friendly census, the city had a population of 70,708. district. It’s also the first city in the United States which will be Geographically, it’s just south of Palo Alto. Castro Street, the entirely covered by a free wireless Internet access network provided heart of its downtown district, boasts some of the best restaurants, by Google and in greater variety, than almost anywhere else in Silicon Valley.

20 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Museums Museum of American Heritage (650) 321-1004 Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose (408) 298-5437 351 Homer Ave 180 Woz Way Palo Alto, CA 94301 San Jose, CA 95110 www.moah.org www.cdm.org This museum has a ton of popular American memorabilia with Built on the concept that children learn better when they’re active interesting info about who and how they were created. Tinker toys, in the process, this museum has a lot of interactive exhibits, ranging Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, and more get profiled. from technology to the arts. The purple building is hard to miss in The Arts downtown San Jose. Ira F. Brilliant Center (408) 765-0503 for Beethoven Studies and Museum (408) 924-4590 2200 Mission College Blvd 1 Washington Square Santa Clara, CA 95052 San Jose State University www.intel.com/museum San Jose, CA 95192 The Intel Museum focuses on the history of both the Intel www.sjsu.edu/depts/beethoven Corporation and Silicon Valley as a whole. One exhibit explains the The museum focuses on the German composer’s life and music. creation of a computer chip. Admission is free. In the collection are early editions of his music, memorabilia, and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (408) 947-3636 original manuscripts. 1342 Naglee Ave San Jose Museum of Art (408) 271-6840 San Jose, CA 95191 110 South Market St www.egyptianmuseum.org San Jose, CA 95113 This museum has one of California's most extensive collections www.sjmusart.org of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts. There’s a replica of a tomb, a This downtown art museum focuses on contemporary California garden of palms and papyrus, and a few mummies on hand. art. The museum's collection includes paintings, photography, There’s also a planetarium that focuses on ancient astronomers. glasswork, and sculptures. The museum also hosts poetry San Jose (408) 287-2290 readings, seminars, and other events. 1650 Senter Rd (408) 247-3754 San Jose, CA 95112 1505 Warbuton Ave www.historysanjose.org Santa Clara, CA 95050 The museum has twenty-five acres of exhibits outdoors focusing www.tritonmuseum.org on San Jose and the Valley’s history, including a replica of San The Triton Museum is dedicated to displaying modern art from Jose's original Main Street, a fire station, and a working old- the Valley and Bay areas. The museum also hosts international fashioned ice-cream parlor. The site also boasts an exhibit gallery exhibits during the year, and has lectures periodically. and hosts special events. San Jose Repertory Theatre (408) 291-2255 San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles (408) 971-0323 101 110 Paseo de San Antonio San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose, CA 95112 www.sjrep.com www.sjquiltmuseum.org The theatre hosts a wide range of productions each season, This downtown museum is the oldest quilting museum in the including children's theatre and international performances. There country. It has a rotating display of international textiles both antique are also classes, workshops, and other exhibits every now and and contemporary. then. Tech Museum of Innovation (408) 294-8324 San Jose Stage (408) 283-7142 201 South Market St 490 South 1st St San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose, CA 95113 www.thetech.org www.sanjose-stage.com This museum has all the bells, whistles, and then some, all in a The San Jose Stage tends to avoid big popular productions and bright orange package. Lasers, robots, bobsled simulators, and focus on smaller artistic plays. It seats 200 people. The theater also more in a bunch of interactive exhibits, along with an Imax theater. hosts an annual art series. continued on page 22

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 21 CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Cantor Arts Center (650) 723-4177 West Bay Opera (650) 424-9999 Lomita Dr at Museum Way Lucie Stern Theatre Stanford University 1305 Middlefield Rd Palo Alto, CA 94305 Palo Alto, CA 94301 museum.stanford.edu www.wbopera.org More than 25 galleries highlight photography and 18th and 19th West Bay’s puts on 18 different operas each year; both well century American art. There’s also a sculpture garden and a known and more obscure. For operas in other languages, the group collection of Mediterranean artifacts. projects translations onto a screen. Palo Alto Art Center (650) 329-2366 Opera San José (408) 437-4450 1313 Newell Rd 2149 Paragon Dr Palo Alto, CA 94303 San Jose, CA 95131 www.paacf.org www.operasj.org This museum keeps a sense of humor and fun about art. Many The Opera was started more than 20 years ago in downtown San of the exhibits focus on artists from the area, while others pick a Jose. The company tends to perform the most popular and well theme and run with it. known operas. Palo Alto Players (650) 329-0891 San Jose Symphonic Choir (408) 995-3318 Lucie Stern Theatre 72 North 5th St, Suite 19 1305 Middlefield Rd San Jose, CA 95112 Palo Alto, CA 94301 www.sanjosesymphonicchoir.org www.paplayers.org Beginning its 82nd season, San Jose Symphonic Choir is one the The Palo Alto Players have been around for more than 70 country's most successful volunteer choral societies. The 110-voice seasons and have won accolades for their performances. Since its Choir presents performances in the fall, winter, and spring of each founding in the Depression, the group has focused on bringing a year. Handel’s “Messiah” is especially popular. The Choir also tours diverse selection of productions. the country and internationally. Stanford Lively Arts (650) 725-2787 Lucie Stern Theatre (650) 329-2261 Stanford University 1305 Middlefield Rd Palo Alto, CA Palo Alto, CA 94301 livelyarts.stanford.edu Really a theater complex, the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto Stanford Lively Arts is a series of productions that runs from plays home to the Children's Theatre, the Palo Alto Players, October through May and showcases various arts from across the TheatreWorks and the West Bay Opera, in addition to the city's globe. Most performances are at Dinkelspiel or Memorial Recreation Department. Auditorium. American Musical Theatre of San Jose (408) 453-7108 TheatreWorks (650) 463-1960 1717 Technology Dr Mountain View Center San Jose, CA 95110 500 Castro St www.amtsj.org Mountain View, CA 94101 This group specializes in big, Broadway-style performances. The www.theatreworks.org theatre also serves as a training ground for up-and-coming actors. TheatreWorks has been around for more than three decades It performs at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. putting on productions ranging from musicals to dramas. They Big Lil's Barbary Coast Dinner Theatre (408) 295-7469 perform at two separate venues in the Silicon Valley. 157 West San Fernando St San Jose, CA 95113-2108 The shows here are reminiscent of the vaudeville era and ragtime music adds to the atmosphere. Dinner plus the performance costs around $40.

22 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide SIGHTS

Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph (408) 283-8100 San Jose Heritage Rose Garden (408) 298-7657 90 South Market St 715 Spring St San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose, CA 95110 www.stjosephcathedral.org www.heritageroses.us The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph actually stands on the site A five-acre rose garden called brings color to downtown San of the city's first church, St. Joseph Church, an adobe structure that Jose. It’s kept up by volunteers and has more than 5,000 rose dates back to 1803. The current structure dates to the 1870s and bushes. is full of beautiful stained glass. (408) 247-2100 Guadalupe River Park and Gardens (408) 277-2757 525 South Winchester Blvd 1300 Senter Rd San Jose, CA 95128 San Jose, CA 95112 www.winchestermysteryhouse.com www.grpg.org The heiress of the Winchester rifle fortune began building this The Park hosts thousands of varieties of roses, the Children’s Victorian mansion in 1884. She thought that evil spirits of those Discovery Museum, miles of walking trails, art, and other things to killed by the rifles would haunt her if construction was ever do while you enjoy nature. completed, so the house was worked on until she died in 1932. The (408) 277-2857 result was this 160-room mansion with staircases that lead nowhere 1300 Senter Rd and lavish antiques. San Jose, CA 95112 (650) 723-2053 This park covers 160 acres and has ponds, the Japanese 550 Serra St Friendship Garden, and several lawn areas. San Jose's Happy Stanford University Hollow Park and Zoo and the San Jose Historical Museum also are Palo Alto, CA 94305 located here. Hoover Tower housed one of the countries first official think Happy Hollow Park and Zoo (408) 277-3000 tanks. A library occupies the first 9 floors, and has over 50 million 1300 Senter Road articles and volumes related to public policy.. There’s also a 250 foot San Jose, CA 95112 high observation platform that provides views of the valley. www.hhpz.org NASA Ames Research Center (650) 604-6497 The park has picnic areas, guided tours and sleepovers for kids, Moffett Field and a lot more to keep you busy while you look at exotic and Mountain View, CA 94035 domestic animals. www.nasa.gov/centers/ames The Exploration Center gives visitors a look inside NASA 1700 Alum Rock Ave technology and space exploration, including a curved 40 ft screen San Jose, CA 95103 that shows video from several satellites. There’s several hands on www.mhcviva.org exhibits to add a bit of interactivity. Heritage Plaza has gardens, a Pavilion area, a theatre, an Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (650) 329-2111 exhibition space, and several offices and classrooms. This facility Rinconada Park hosts exhibits, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. 1451 Middlefield Rd Paramount's Great America (408) 988-1776 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Great America Pkwy The zoo and museum have plenty of hands on exhibits focusing Santa Clara, CA 95054 on both animals and art. You can get an expert-led tour on www.paramountparks.com/greatamerica weekends. The zoo has a number of popular exhibits, including a Paramount’s Great America is a Theme Park that has many rides 500 gallon saltwater tank complete with sharks. Admission is free. based off of the studios television shows and movies. James Bond HP Garage and Survivor are just a few, along with Nickelodeon attractions. 367 Addison Ave (408) 993-8182 Palo Alto, CA 175 West Saint John St In 1939, the garage was the first location where David Packard San Jose, CA 95110 and William Hewlett worked to develop what would become the HP www.historysanjose.org conglomerate. Now the HP Corporation owns the garage. It’s not Peralta Adobe is the only remnant of El Pueblo de San José de open for the public, but it is a monument for the techno-phile. Guadalupe, one of the state’s earliest Spanish settlements. It’s furnished in a similar style to how it was when it was built in the 18th continued on page 24 century.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 23 SIGHTS

Professorville and Downtown Palo Alto (650) 299-8878 (408) 248-3333 Professorville Historic Tour 2855 Stevens Creek Palo Alto, CA 94302 San Jose, CA 95101 www.pastheritage.org westfield.com/valleyfair Professorville is a neighborhood of homes on the National This is a huge mall that has more than 350 stores occupying two Register as a Historic District. Palo Alto Stanford Heritage has a levels of shopping. There’s parking for expectant mothers and more walking tour brochure on the area, and guided tours can be than 20 restaurants, from little mall kiosks to sit down fine dining. arranged. (408) 551-0163 Stanford Linear Accelerator (650) 926 2204 3055 Olin Ave 2575 Sand Hill Rd San Jose, CA 95128 Menlo Park, CA 94025 www.santanarow.com www.slac.stanford.edu Here’s a row of high-priced, high-fashion shops and restaurants. A two-mile long atomic accelerator built in 1962 that has hosted It’s close to Valley Fair, but has a much different feel. It’s like if Rodeo several Nobel Prize winning physicists. Tours take about two hours Drive moved to San Jose, and the shops are often unique and can be signed up for online or arranged for in private. boutiques.

SHOPPING

Stanford Shopping Center (650) 323-5111 Sunnyvale Farmers’ Market (510) 745-7100 180 El Camino Real S. Murphy Avenue between Washington and Evelyn Palo Alto, CA 94301 Sunnyvale, CA www.stanfordshop.com The Sunnyvale Farmers' Market has organic fruits and vegetables The is an upscale mall with more than and a lot of other goodies. It occurs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 140 stores and restaurants. It’s an open air center. There are also a 1 p.m. year-round. From July until September, "Music and Market" few higher end grocers at the location. happens every Wednesday evening from 5 pm. to 8:30 p.m. Westgate Mall (408) 374-3093 Gilroy Premium Outlets (408) 842-3732 1600 Saratoga Ave 681 Leavesley Rd. San Jose, CA 95129 Gilroy, CA 95020 Westgate Mall mainly has discount style retailers like Nordstrom Gilroy Premium Outlets has dozens and dozens of name brand Rack and Burlington Coat Factory. It’s not nearly as crowded as stores at discounted prices, from Bath and Body Works to Gap to some of the other malls in the area, but it doesn’t have quite the Nike. selection as others. Great Mall (408) 956-2033 Rancho Shopping Center (650) 941-0555 447 Great Mall Dr. Foothill Expressway Milpitas, CA 95035 Los Altos, CA 94022 www.greatmallbayarea.com Rancho Shopping Center has a wide variety of shops and Great Mall is another discount and outlet mall, featuring more services, everything from a supermarket to traditional mall retailers. than 100 stores. There’s also fast food and casual dining. Cherry Orchard Shopping Center (408) 453-1110 West El Camino Real and Mathilda 1590 Berryessa Rd. Sunnyvale, CA 94087 San Jose, CA Cherry Orchard has a lot of different dining options but not too www.sjfm.com much in terms of shopping. It’s nice to walk around, sculptures dot The flea market was founding in 1960 and has grown to have the premises. more than 2000 vendors. There’s also 25 restaurants and snack Oakridge Mall (408) 224-3123 carts. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, dawn to dusk. 949 Blossom Hill Road San Jose, CA 95123 westfield.com/oakridge/ Oakridge has more than 200 stores and 20 restaurants. It’s a big, recently revamped mall that has all of the traditional mall retailers as well as a variety of dining options.

24 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide SPECTATOR SPORTS

Baseball Hockey San Jose Giants (408) 297-1435 San Jose Sharks (800) 366-4423 588 E Alma Ave 525 W. Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95112 San Jose, CA 95113 www.sjgiants.com www.sjsharks.com The Giants are a "high-A" class team in the Northern Division of The San Jose Sharks play in the NHL and were division champs the California League, and have been a farm team of the San in the 2003-04 season. Francisco Giants since 1988. Horse Racing Collegiate Bay Meadows Racecourse (650) 574-7223 Stanford Athletic Department (800) STANFORD 2600 S. Delaware Ave. 641 E. Campus Drive San Mateo, CA 94403 Stanford, CA 94305 www.baymeadows.com www.gostanford.com Lacrosse The Cardinal field 28 men’s and women’s teams in NCAA Div. I San Jose Stealth 415-421-8497 competition. 525 W. Santa Clara St Football San Jose, CA 95113 www.sjstealth.com San Jose SaberCats (408) 573-5577 525 W. Santa Clara St The Stealth play in the National Lacrosse League. They moved to San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose from Albany to play for the 2004 season. www.sanjosesabercats.com The SaberCats won the Arena Football League’s championship in 2004.

GOLF

Golf Coyote Creek Golf Club (408) 463-1400 Blackberry Farm Golf Course (408) 253-9200 One Coyote Creek Golf Dr. 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd. San Jose, CA Cupertino, CA www.coyotecreekgolf.com www.blackberryfarm.org Coyote Creek’s Tournament Course was designed by the Golden This nine hole par 29 course has a lot more than just golfing, Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus. It’ll cost between $79 and $102 to play including picnic and meeting facilities, a retreat center, pools, and a round during normal hours, discounts are available for twilight other sports facilities. A round will cost between $12 and $16. players. Boulder Creek Golf Club (831) 338-2111 Deep Cliff Golf Course (408) 253-5357 16901 Big Basin Hwy. 10700 Club House Lane Boulder Creek, AC Cupertino, CA www.bouldercreekgolf.com www.playdeepcliff.com This par 65 course has a variety of packages available, including This par 60 has a creek winding through the course and has condo rentals, banquet or barbecue facilities, tennis and swimming. plenty of rabbit, deer, and quail that make their home there. You can Regular rates are $22 to $40 per round. book tee times online; it’ll cost between $26 and $36 for eighteen, Cinnabar Hills Golf Club (408) 323-5200 $16 for nine. 23600 McKean Rd. Eagle Ridge Golf Course (408) 846-4531 San Jose, CA 2951 Club Dr. www.cinnabarhills.com San Jose, CA Cinnabar Hills has three distinct nines set in the hills that used to www.eagleridgegc.com be mined for red ore. Greens fees are between $60 and $100. This course costs between $65 and $90 per round, but a discount is available to members. Each hole has six sets of tees, and the course also has banquet facilities.

continued on page 28

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 25 The perfect place for a tryst Dozens of designer shops and nightlife so hot it’ll make you blush. tailored to one lifestyle. Yours. A casino designed to excite the senses.

CASINO MEETINGS GOLF WEDDINGS NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMNMENT SHOPPING RESORT ROOMS

wynnlasvegas.com To speak with a reservation agend please call toll-free 1.877.321.9966

26 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide A casino that defies Endless energy. convention. Yours.

tailored to one lifestyle. Tower suites offer the comfort you expect from a Wynn signature resort. Dozons of designer shops encorelasvegas.com

To speak with a reservation agent please call toll-free 1.888.320.7125 Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 27 GOLF

Gavilan Golf Course (408) 846-4920 Pruneridge Golf Club (408) 248-4424 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. 400 Saratoga Ave. San Jose, CA Santa Clara, CA www.gavilangolf.com www.pruneridgegolfclub.com Named for the Gavilan Mountains, the course itself is actually Pruneridge is a 9 hole par 30 course. There’s also a covered fairly flat. Its nine holes are par 31. A round will set you back 13 to driving range and practice areas, along with a casual restaurant. 15 dollars. Green fees are $17. Gilroy Golf Course (408) 848-0490 Rancho Del Pueblo (408) 347 - 0990 2695 Hecker Pass Hwy. 1649 Hermocilla Way Gilroy, CA San Jose, CA www.gilroygolfcourse.com www.ranchodelpueblo.com 18 holes will cost you between $24 and $32, or the course has Rancho Del Pueblo is a nine hole course with greens fees of 13 annual passes available. to 15 dollars. In addition, it has a program to promote junior golf, Greenhorn Creek Resort (888) 736-5900 with free classes for children 11 to 14. 711 McCauley Ranch Rd. Ridgemark Golf & Country Club (831) 637-0306 Angels Camp, CA 3800 Airline Hwy. www.greenhorncreek.com Hollister, CA Guests to this resort find fine dining, pool, tennis and exercise www.ridgemark.com facilities, walking and hiking trails, this golf course. Its 18 holes and This semi-private club has two 18 hole courses, dining and 6,749 yards long. Green fees range from $50 to $85. lodging options, and tennis facilities. Members can play unlimited Los Lagos Golf Course (408) 361-0250 golf and tennis, or guests are allowed. 2995 Tuers Rd. Sunol Valley Golf & Recreation (925) 862-2404 San Jose, CA 6900 Mission Rd. www.playloslagos.com Sunol, CA Los Lagos is a par 68, 5,393 yard course in central San Jose. It www.sunolvalley.com has an 18 hole course, practice facilities, and a restaurant. Green Sunol Valley Golf has two championship courses from which to fees are 31 to 45 dollars. choose. Green fees for the public are $40 to $55, and tee times can Pin High Golf Center (408) 934-1111 be reserved online. 4701 N. First St. Alviso, CA www.pinhighgolfcenter.com Pin High is a training and fitting center that has 3 practice holes. You can play the 3 for $6, or get unlimited playing time for $15. There’s a professional instruction and a laser fitting system.

28 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide MEDIA

Radio FM Newspaper 89.3 KMTG San Jose Unified School District San Jose Mercury News (408) 920-5000 89.7 KFJC Foothill Community College 750 Ridder Park Drive San Jose, CA 95190 90.1 KZSU Stanford University www.mercurynews.com 90.5 KSJS San José State University The San Jose Mercury News is the largest paper in the Silicon 91.1 KCSM Jazz Valley with a circulation around 250,000. The Metro Silicon Valley is 92.3 KSJO Spanish a weekly alternative paper that is mainly read for its coverage of 94.9 KYLD Hip Hop/Rap entertainment and arts. In addition to these two papers, most cities 96.5 KOIT Soft Rock and towns in the valley have local papers. 98.5 KUFX Classic Rock 100.3 KBRG Spanish Oldies has a website dedicated to Silicon Valley 103.3 KSCU Santa Clara University news at: www.siliconvalley.com 106.1 KMEL Mainstream Urban Metro Silicon Valley (408) 298-8000 106.5 KEZR Modern Mix 550 South First St. San Jose, CA 95113 Radio AM www.metronews.com The Silicon Valley is actually the birthplace of the radio station. In 1909, the first broadcast station was founded in San Jose. 1170 KLOK Spanish News/Talk 1220 KNTS News/Talk 1370 KZSF Mexican 1500 KSJX Vietnamese 1590 KLIV News Television 2 KTVU FOX 5 KPIX CBS 7 KGO ABC 11 KNTV NBC 36 KICU Independent 48 KSTS Telemundo 54 KTEH PBS 65 KKPX Ind

Digital Broadcasts 12 KNTV NBC 24 KGO ABC 29 KPIX CBS 41 KKPX Ind 49 KSTS Telemundo 50 KTEH PBS 52 KICU Independent 56 KTVU FOX

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 29 30 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Choosing a Moving Company Have at least three movers come to your home and give estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non-binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Relocation to Your New City If you’re one of the 40 million Americans planning to move this year, you need a strategy. Starting early and staying organized is the key to a painless move. In general, follow the pre- move checklists provided. These lists will help you track the myriad details needed to facilitate your move. If you are selling your present home and/or buying a new one, refer to the home inspection checklist and the mortgage glossary. If you are planning to rent in your new city, read the article on rental tips. And, if you are undecided, we hope the article entitled “Buying vs. Renting” will help you assess the pros and cons of each. Whatever decisions you face based on your particular circumstances, stay positive, calm and organized. And, don’t forget to make some time just for yourself. It will probably save you a lot of time in the long run! Packing Tips • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they should be placed. • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of charcoal in them to prevent mildew. • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter items on top. • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in paper. • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can rub off and stain items packed with it. • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or in special boxes with compartments. • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed containers. Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent damage. continued on page 32

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 31 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the furniture joints could collapse. correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved each box. by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your individually boxed and cushioned. new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room • You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment for the movers. hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually things were arranged on them. considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving Settling Into Your New Home company pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and Stay Organized eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper within their reach. towels. • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. instant sustenance while you get organized. • Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms

32 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide 12/31/10. 34 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide WHAT’S ALL THE TALK ABOUT. YOU PACK, THEY DRIVE MOVING?

Moving Decisions Save Time and Money Are you faced with an upcoming job relocation? With so many The “you pack, they drive” moving alternative saves you the options for moving your household items, it can be a difficult trouble of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the stress and decision to determine which service best fits your moving needs. difficulty during a long-distance drive. Since the estimates provided Also, with a limited relocation budget from your employer to cover for this service are based on volume (space) and not weight, you will your moving costs, finding a service that complements your avoid unexpected higher moving costs and hidden fees associated pocketbook is important as well. While hiring a professional moving with other full-service moving companies. Unlike a rental truck, the company may be time-saving, the cost for full-service moving could normal moving expenses such as fuel, taxes, tolls, and unexpected be several thousand dollars. A recent trend in the moving industry costs such as flat tires and engine blowouts are covered by the is the do-it-yourself moving option. Most people associate do-it- service provider. yourself with the truck rental option; however, the “you pack, they Loading Service Options drive” moving alternative is becoming increasingly popular. The cost savings of using the “you pack, they drive” service New Moving Alternative largely result from packing and loading your trailer. Some customers With this type of service, you are expected to pack and load your may not have the physical ability or manpower to pack and load items in an adequately-sized commercial trailer. You are given up to their own trailer. This problem is relatively easy to solve—simply two business days to pack and load your goods. The cost of the check with one of the packing and loading companies suggested move is controlled by the customer because this service allows you by the “you pack, they drive” service provider. You can locate to pay for only the spaced used in the trailer. Once you have packing and loading assistance in both your origin and destination completed the packing and loading process, the trailer is picked up cities. By combining the “you pack, they drive” service with local by the local dispatch office. The trailer is then transported by a loading and unloading assistance, you can save money versus professional driver to your destination. You will receive an estimated using a full-service moving company. arrival time for delivery of your goods and will also have the ability to The Choice is Yours track your goods during the transit of your move. Upon arrival at During your search for the best moving option for your upcoming your new home, the trailer is delivered at the appointed time and job relocation, consider the “you pack, they drive” moving option you will unpack and unload your goods. The local dispatch office and know that you are in control of every aspect of your move. You will then come and remove the empty trailer. will not only save time and money, you will experience less stress and headache during an already stressful part of your life.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 35 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

 Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business  Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number.  Make a moving file for important documents, such as family  Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they  Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment,  Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage.  Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your local post office to fill out a change of address cards.  Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an  Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet.  Refill any prescription medications which must be taken  Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the  Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

 Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

 Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

36 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

 Confirm any travel plans or reservations.  Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to  Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. obtain parking permission from your apartment complex  Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community  Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers information. and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to  Change of Address Notification: You will need to notify the transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an Postal Service that you are moving. It is now possible to do so area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the without visiting the post office. Go to website listed above. For movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. the fee of $1.00 you may fill out the address change  Walk through your home and make sure that everything was information online and receive an email confirmation. Or you loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. may choose to print the form and mail it to your local post office. US Postal Service, www.usps.com  Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items  Notify IRS: You will also need to notify the IRS that you have are unloaded and report any problems right away. moved. This will ensure you receive your IRS refund and/or any other correspondence. To change your address with the IRS,  Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of complete a Form 8822 (PDF), Address Change Request. This gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good is available on the IRS website. IRS, www.irs.gov amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service you received.

 If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make One Day Before sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs,  Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving but you should consider each person’s physical ability and company. health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your  Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one you leave the agency. of you gets delayed.

 Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed.

 Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make necessary arrangements.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 37 38 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN AND PETS

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

et family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage Geveryone to ask questions and express feelings. If possible, drive the family to see the new home and take a tour of the new neighborhood schools, shops and parks. Take photos or videotape the new house and neighborhood. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. Have them help select paint or wallpaper. Let them share ideas how to arrange the furniture. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. Choosing a School One of the most satisfying experiences a family can have is finding a school that fits its needs. That school will “feel right” because its administrators, teachers, and parents are part of a strong community that shares the family’s educational values. Children are eager to go there because the school program stimulates their curiosity and provides them with outlets for their interests. Parents will be pleased because their involvement in their children’s education will be welcomed and encouraged. In order to find the best school for your child, you should begin by observing your child’s learning habits. Even as preschoolers, children begin to develop different approaches to learning. These inclinations provide strong clues about what kind of school would serve them best. In her book Your Child’s First School, educational consultant Diana Townsend- Butterworth offers these suggestions of things to watch for in determining your child’s orientation to learning: • What does your child enjoy doing? • What excites your child and arouses his or her curiosity? • What seems to be frustrating? • Does your child thrive in a structured environment or seem to prefer one that offers more freedom? • Is your child quiet or rambunctious? • Does he or she prefer to work on projects alone or with other children? • Does he or she have any special interests or abilities?

Make a list of answers to these questions as well as taking note of any other characteristics you notice about your child. As you read more about individual schools, and when you visit the ones that interest you, you will be better able to choose a school that suits your child.

continued on page 40

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 39 REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

Santa Clara Office of Education (408) 453-6500 • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives 1290 Ridder Park Dr your child time for homework? San Jose, CA 95131 • How important to you is a before-school and after-school www.sccoe.org program? The Santa Clara County Office of Education has information Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on regarding public schools for each of the different districts within its these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who jurisdiction. choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll For high school, parents often choose a new school for their because the family and the school work in harmony with a common children. This is frequently because their current school goes only set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding you can make an informed choice for your child. upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education What about family expectations? In order to provide a good strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s in the search for the best school for your child: schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and college preparation a priority? provide an organizes means of communication between parents • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? and school. • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of others in society, including the disadvantaged? the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the share a philosophy with other parents at the school? distinguishing strengths of a good schools.

SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program Some parents may prefer the one-on-one contact an in-home to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to care provider can offer, especially for an infant. The International expanding demand, just finding an opening may be difficult. Nanny Association (INA) recommends that you interview any Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most prospective hire at least twice and that you conduct a criminal importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of background check, which is usually done by most placement persistent phoning and visits. agencies. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is One key to good child care is whether the caregiver can adapt to safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, the needs of each child and family. Not all children of the same age and nurturing. You will need to consider many questions. But you are at the same level of development; each child has unique are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality character traits. A good caregiver understands these personal and child care so that they may work. About 70% of parents place their developmental differences and creates a program to meet each young children in some type of daily care. Knowing in advance that child’s needs. this is not an overnight process makes it a bit less overwhelming. Center-Based Care The most popular type because there are so many options for Types of Child Care children of all ages. You take your child to a place that is organized You might like the home-like feel of a family child care home, or and staffed specifically to care for a group or groups of children. maybe you want your child to have opportunity to socialize with Some types include day care centers, preschool programs, peers in a larger child care center. You might be looking for after before/after school programs. school care for your child, a summer camp experience or a program that can accommodate his or her special needs. It will help you in your search to learn more about each type of child care setting. In home

40 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide SELECTING CHILD CARE

Day Care Center Preparing Your Child for Child Care If you’re considering a day care center or another group setting, Most young infants, up to seven months, adapt to caring adults you should spend some time observing the center and talking to and seldom have problems adjusting to good child care. Older parents with children in the center. You should also expect that your infants may be upset when left with strangers. They may feel child will be assigned to the same caregiver to promote a sense of separation anxiety, which is a normal part of development for some security and consistency. Inquire about the rate of staff resignations; children. They will need extra time and your support to “get to low staff turnover minimizes the need for young children to know” the caregiver. Some children show changes in behavior repeatedly adjust to new caregivers. when they start child care. Toddlers may cry, pout, refuse to go to Preschool Programs or act angry in other ways. Preschoolers may regress and behave Preschool programs are offered through Head Start, child care like a younger child. They may be more wakeful at night. This centers or local public and private schools. They can be offered as behavior usually goes away after a few days or weeks in high-quality a half-day program for three or four days a week or they can be part child care, just be sure to monitor. of a full day program at a child care center. You may help your child adjust to a new child care arrangement. Before/After School Programs Arrange a visit with in-home caregivers while you are at home or These programs give children additional time and opportunity to when you need child care for a short time. Visit the center or family engage in hands-on enrichment activities in reading, science, math, child care home that you have chosen with your child before art, drama, and specific “safety” topics that include conflict beginning care. Show your child that you like and trust the caregiver. resolution and drug abuse. Most programs offer homework assistance and some offer tutoring. Most also provide supervised Some children like to carry a reminder of home when they go to physical activity and healthy snacks, or even dinner. School age child care. A family photograph or small toy can be helpful. Talking programs are often provided through local schools, child care to your child about child care and the caregiver is helpful. Being centers, churches, or youth-oriented community organizations. prepared makes any new experience easier for children. There also Quality features include opportunities for children to make individual are storybooks about child care that you and your child can read and group choices about activities, opportunity to improve together. (Check with your local library, another great outing for a academic skills, spaces for children to relax and rest, well parent and child) supervised spaces where they can be active, nutritious snacks, and After a child has been in child care, a sudden change in parental involvement. caregivers may be upsetting. This can happen even if the new caregiver is kind and competent. If you are concerned about your Choosing Child Care child's feelings, you may want to arrange a meeting with the In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into caregiver or ask your pediatrician for advice. Parents need to help account the following factors: the caregivers and the child deal with any changes in the child's • Age and personality of your child. routine at home or child care. High-quality child care helps children • Child care needs of all the children in your family. grow in every way and promotes their physical, social and mental development. It offers support to working parents. Your pediatrician • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. wants your child to grow and develop with enjoyment in a setting • Hours you need child care. that supports you as a parent. • What you can afford. In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you When you begin your search, start with the telephone. Plan to are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits spend a few minutes with each call. Describe your needs and ask greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with about the program, staff, location, other children in care, and what other children and adults. The child learns and grows from is included in the cost. Make an appointment and visit the center, experience, often times a major step in establishing independence school or home, and plan on spending at least an hour at each and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease place. Visit once to observe the children in care and at another time leaving them. outside of regular structured hours to spend time with provider or For more information you may want to visit the following website: director. American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org In any group center, health, safety, and hygiene must be given priority in all settings. All children and staff members should have current immunizations; staff should have clear criminal background checks. The facility must be child-proof and all staff members should wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. Toys should be disinfected on a regular basis and frequent hand washing should be promoted among the staff and children to minimize the spread of infection.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 41 TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Community Colleges Public vs. Private Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses residents. They get most of their money from the state or local for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 college- government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and bound high-school graduates start their college education this way. other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can The second function of community colleges is to prepare offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as Stanford University (650) 723-2300 well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills Palo Alto, CA 94305 for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available www.stanford.edu at four-year schools, like fashion design. Technically, the following universities are not located in Silicon Valley, but are nearby and contribute to the high tech culture of the Liberal Arts Colleges area. Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the Santa Clara University (408) 554-4000 humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and 500 El Camino Real focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small Santa Clara, California 95053 and personal attention is available. www.scu.edu Online Learning Universities Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The size and some classes may taught by graduate students. costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— San José State University (408) 924-1000 and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution One Washington Square can be much less. San José, California USA, 95192 www.sjsu.edu There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance University of California, Berkeley (510) 642-6000 learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to Berkeley, CA 94720 research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their www.berkeley.edu system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online California State University, East Bay (510) 885-3286 classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd online universities out there. Hayward, CA 94542 Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes www.csuhayward.edu at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That University of California, Davis (530) 752-1011 One Shields Ave number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually Davis, CA 95616 all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of www.ucdavis.edu private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, University of California, Santa Cruz (831) 459-0111 only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. 1156 High Street Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Santa Cruz, CA 95064 Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from www.ucsc.edu Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some Upper Division programs require students to attend some campus classes or Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate orientations, but many are delivered completely online. study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.

42 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Full time value. occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or diploma. Associate Degree You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of study. Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its Life-long future. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common. Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) Imagine building a future solid enough to last Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional a lifetime. Our full-time MBA offers you degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, opportunities and perspectives that can change students apply to the graduate program during their first three years your prospects forever. You will gain the vision, of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their knowledge and skills to succeed, along with a fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of network of relationships in the world of business both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes and institutions. referred to as “4 +1” programs. The program is ranked among top interna- Masters Degree tional MBAs and it is the leader in Italy. These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course It is offered in Milan, where you will enrich of 2 years for the full time student. your professional and personal life enormously. Doctorates These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Highly qualified teachers and classmates from are an upper level degree. all over the world will help you develop an international open mindset within a rigorous, academic framework.

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Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 43 PAYING FOR SCHOOL

FAFSA www.fafsa.gov It’s not recommended that you participate in any website that FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form asks you to pay a fee to search for a scholarship; there are many that must be filled out annually by university to determine their wonderful free sites available. eligibility for federal financial aid (including grants, loans, and work- Types of Financial Aid study programs). In addition, most states and schools use Financial aid may be classified into two types based on the information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. criteria through which the financial aid is awarded: merit-based or The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the need-based. student’s finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are Merit-Based entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family Merit-scholarships are typically awarded for outstanding Contribution. The amount of the EFC can vary widely, depending on academic achievements, although some merit scholarships can a number of factors; for example, one such factor is whether a also be awarded for special talents, leadership potential and other student has siblings in college at the time. personal characteristics. Merit scholarships are sometimes The best place to look for help before you start filling out your awarded without regard for the financial need of the applicant. FAFSA is at your school’s financial aid office. Athletic scholarships are a form of merit aid that takes athletic talent into account. Need-Based Need-based financial aid is awarded on the basis of the financial need of the student. The amount of need based aid is generally based off the criteria on the FAFSA. Loans While included in the term “financial aid” Higher Education Loans differ from scholarships and grants in that they must be paid back. They come in several varieties in the United States • Federal Student Loans made to students directly: No payments until after graduation, but amounts are quite limited • Federal Student Loans made to parents: Much higher limit, but payments start immediately • Private Student Loans made to students or parents: Higher limits and no payments until after graduation. Getting Your MBA Part-time Getting your MBA may be imperative to you and your career. More than 40% of all graduate students are working adults, so it is possible to balance the rest of your life with your desire to continue your education. You’ll generally spend three to four hours a week with the instructor in a 3-credit class. It’s generally recommended that you spend about 8 additional hours a week studying and preparing for the next classroom session, so 12-15 hrs a week total. So where are you going to find an extra 15 hrs a week? It helps to journal how you do spend your time during the week, and then Other Sources list priorities. Lower priority items, like watching TV, may take up FAFSA only scratches the surface of the money available to more time than you realize, and can be shelved so you can continue students for school. There are many state and private scholarships your education. out there. The easiest way to find listings of what scholarships that you may qualify for is by going to a scholarship database online and Re-prioritizing your time is the most crucial step in ensuring you’ll doing a search. Some handy sites for this are: have success on your path to your degree. Make sure you discuss your goals with your boss, friends, and family, so they know what to Lunch-money.com expect as you add this major commitment to your life. Finaid.org Fastweb.com Collegeboard.com

44 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide RELOCATING YOUR PET

Your coffee is finally brewing after what seemed like an endless where the closest veterinarian is located and, of course, he or she search through the boxes left by the moving company. The disk can’t be as good as Dr. Morris…and Prince just loved Dr. Morris. jockey on the radio reads the weather forecast and you learn that it Farfetched? Not really. Pets are probably most overlooked when is 70 degrees outside with an expected high of 80. Welcome to your it comes to relocating. Most people just expect their pets to wake new city, but at least your company gave you a nice raise for up completely adapted to their new surroundings as if nothing relocating. changed. Although this is true for many pets, just as many find Just as you start thinking that everything is proceeding smoothly relocating to be traumatic. Furthermore, most people wait until their and that your new city really does have a lot to offer, you realize pet is ill before finding a new veterinarian. Prince, your four-year old Great Dane, isn’t acting right. Now what? What should you do then for your pet when relocating? Actually Is he really sick? Homesick? What’s worse is that you don’t know the place to begin is in your hometown before you move. Speak to your own veterinarian and tell him/her where you are moving and ask his/her advice. In most cases, this alone will be sufficient to find out what is necessary to prepare your pet for transition. Further, people will be surprised how often their veterinarian can recommend someone in the area where they are moving. Whether or not this person will actually become your new veterinarian is not as important as the peace of mind that the recommendation is from someone you trust. Finally, don’t wait until your pet is ill before looking for a veterinarian. This is an extremely emotional time and nothing can be more traumatic than having to find a veterinarian in the midst of a crisis. It is obvious, then, that you should find a new veterinarian before that first crisis occurs so that when the need arises, you will be prepared. How do you go about finding a new veterinarian in a new city? The best place to begin is simply the NewMarket Services Information Guide. Location is an important factor, as many pets don’t travel well and, in the case of emergency, distance may be a factor in receiving timely treatment. After making a list of local veterinary clinics, take the time to go visit them. Talk to the staff. Ask about office hours, fees, whether appointments are required, and what services are available. Also, ask if it is possible to talk to the doctor so that you can introduce yourself and at least have a first impression to help you make your choice. Finally, ask your neighbors which veterinarians they take their pets to and why. Then, of course, it’s your decision, but at least you have gathered some information on which to base your decision. Remember to NEVER leave your pet in a car in hot weather, as heat conditions in cars can quickly become fatal to animals.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 45 46 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

tarting with Thanksgiving, turkey is an important part of many holiday meals. We all look forward to the smell of the turkey roasting for hours in our homes. It is very Swelcoming for guests, and puts everyone in a festive mood. Most of the fat in turkey is within the skin and most of the fat within the meat is in the dark meat. The white meat with the skin removed is a good food source for people on low- fat or low sodium diets. The meat fiber is easier to digest than other types of meat, which makes it a good choice for individuals that may have digestive problems.Turkey is an excellent source of several important vitamins and nutrients such as iron, niacin, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins. And what about blaming the turkey for your after dinner lethargy? Turkey does contain L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that has a sleep inducing effect. However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy. There’s lots of protein in a serving of turkey and it's probably not the only food you are consuming at the meal. The truth is that you could omit the bird altogether and still feel the effects of the meal! The day after the feast is equally anticipated for those wonderful leftovers. But you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches and may need another use for the scraps. Try the chili recipe below. And after the first of year when all of the treats are gone and the waistband needs shrinking, try the recipe with ground turkey for a low-fat, satisfying meal. Simple Turkey Chili Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 (16 ounce) cans canned kidney beans - 2 onion, chopped drained, rinsed, and mashed 2 tablespoons garlic, minced 1/3 cup chili powder, or to taste 4 cups water 1 teaspoon paprika 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 pounds ground turkey 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 (28 ounce) cans canned crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin tomatoes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Direction Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until tender. Pour water into the pot. Mix in all remaining ingredients except kidney beans, and garlic.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Add kidney beans. Serves 16.

Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. Be one of the first 25 people to enter a recipe this month and receive $10 and automatic entry into our $2500 semi-annual best recipe contest. See website for details.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 47 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete will be to find a club that meets your needs. Or a new move may - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams bring the perfect time to implement those healthy lifestyle changes of the right standard for your competencies? that were on your New Year’s Resolution list for the past several • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It years. should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight good that you will be able to transfer your membership. management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. classes, at the time that you would be using the club? When visiting a club use your own observations and question the • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be • Is the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker rooms sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at and the shower areas? no extra charge. • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always • Is child care available if you need it? someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for near where you live or work. prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the certifying agencies? hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of • Are new members provided with a club orientation and what the club environment while you are there. instruction on how to use equipment? It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to the facilities. get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for want and need to achieve your fitness goals? you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

48 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand.

• Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 49 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are more stress you experience. satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a Self-Image comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image more stress to the change itself. and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image system. When these changes are not made through your own through the risks of taking positive action. choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes because of their parents. They need special help and understanding getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and loneliness. Creatures of Habit Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive habits, we save our energy for new events that are either unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort other familiar patterns. they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others Management of Change feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you to whom to turn. adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to patterns in your life. resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by within the first few weeks. change. • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional next. transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Stress Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period. changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to

50 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 51 52 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

continued on page 54

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 53 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. Financial Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move back into the home some day? Rental Tips Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the apartment: Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does the dining room adjoin the kitchen? Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially in a high-rise building. Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space that is not adjacent to the unit? Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will

54 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several use. apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This airport, freeway or train tracks? will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up complete. after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and maintenance?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely The House want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house shot at them accepting a lower price. to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house Style and Substance measures up to each need on your list. The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the Neighborhoods location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will match your tastes. your commute to work be?

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 55 HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

The California Department of Aging estimates the growth of vary greatly. “What seniors are really looking for when they’re people age 60 and older will grow by as much as 149 percent by considering a move is choice,” said Murch. “They’re looking for the the year 2020 in Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer Counties. right location, the amenities they want, services they may need, all Home builders are now listening to those numbers. Innovative tied to a provider with a good reputation.” designs and careful consideration of the needs of active adults are Lorna and Howard Hansen recently began looking at the Eskaton now being studied to construct communities that include many Village in Placerville. “Our house is so close that we’ve watched services needed by active adults. Retirement villages now come them building the development from our deck,” said Howard complete with clubhouses for socialization, meal deliveries and Hansen. His wife said they know it’s time to consider “slowing transportation options to just name a few. Seniors will now have to down” and likes the advantages offered at the new development. do their homework to find out which development is right for them. “We want to still be able to enjoy all the programs they offer, and The senior housing trend started with senior apartments where not wait until we’re too old,” said Lorna Hansen. “We’re doing what residents are monitored on a daily basis and have access to in- we wished our parents had done.” home emergency services. That was just the beginning of a now The Hansen said taking care of their parents who stayed in their extensive list of developments that cater to senior citizens. Many homes was very difficult and like the options available to them at the senior communities in the greater Sacramento area include access new development. to pools, gyms and clubhouses and are age restricted. Valerie Condie, director of sales for Lakemont said seniors are The newest developments enable seniors to own a private very savvy when it comes to buying a home. “They’ve done their residence, maintain their independent lifestyles while having many homework and know what they want,” said Condie. “They don’t services available to them when the needs arise. want a sales pitch. They want you to listen to their needs. When One of the newest in senior living has come out of people buy a home at one of the Eskaton Villages, they’ll never have collaboration between Eskaton and Lakemont Homes. Two senior to worry about home maintenance, all that is taken care of for them, communities, one in Roseville and the other in Placerville now offer from cleaning the gutters, taking care of the roof and paint, to a full range of options for seniors. Seniors may choose a single maintaining the landscape.” Condie said this will allow seniors to family home or a duet to buy. Condominiums are also available and travel even for extended trips without any worries. a Lodge is designated for residents with memory loss or for those Emergency needs will be handled on site with pull cords in the who need specialized care. homes and pendants that can be worn around the neck while Eskaton has led the nation by identifying the needs of seniors outside. “When they pull that cord or touch that button, the person since 1968. CEO Todd Murch said the housing needs of seniors responding will know who they are, where they are, and what

56 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide HOUSING OPTIONS FOR GROWING ACTIVE ADULT DEMOGRAPHIC

medical conditions they suffer from,” said Condie. “All their medical help them through that process. We can refer them to a real estate records will be updated as needed.” agent who understands their needs. Moving is an added burden. Truman and Joanne Gray, also residents of Placerville, visited the Lakemont Homes is currently working on a partnership with model homes and said they were impressed with the development. Eskaton Moving Connections.” Moving Connections meets with “I really like the fact that it’s all seniors living here,” said Joanne Gray. clients and plans what furniture and possessions are going to be “Our house is just too big and it would be great not to have any kids moved. They facilitate what is done with unwanted possessions, in hot rods running up and down the roads.” offer help with furniture placement and interior design. On moving Truman Gray said he liked the fact that it was close to a hospital. day, they pack up and unload all items, placing furniture and “We’re all getting a little older every day,” he said. “You don’t know artwork where the client desires. when you might need some of the services they offer.” Both the Four model homes are available for tours in Placerville. Prices Gray’s said they really appreciated the beautiful view of the start from the high $300,000s and sizes range from 1,175 to 1,611 mountains. sq. ft. All homes feature spacious master suites, elegant entries, Many of the senior developments also include social activities, covered patios and 2-car garages. Three condominium floor plans golf courses, card playing groups, and day excursions. are also available for purchase. Homes at Eskaton Village are constructed with details designed In Roseville, four model homes feature many options for to make daily tasks easier. Sinks and counters are built higher than homebuyers to choose from. Optional 2-story homes are available average, as well as custom height toilets. Showers have extra with roomy guest suites or dens. Prices start from the mid handrails, built-in seats and linen closets located right in the $300,000s and sizes range from 1,163 to 2,171 sq. ft. bathroom Lakemont Homes took many cues from Eskaton when New options for seniors are growing almost as fast as their they drafted their house plans. demographic, so seniors should consider their needs, wants and According to Condie, one of the biggest concerns seniors have possible future needs before signing on the dotted line. For more when considering a new-home purchase is selling their current information about senior housing you may log onto www.aarp.org residence and the problems associated with moving. “Seniors want or www.eskaton.org or phone AARP at (888) 687-2277 or Eskaton to know how to get from point A to point B,” she said. “We try to at (888) 334-3490.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 57 HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Interior buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an may look nice, but it could be hiding something. inspection. Plumbing Inspectors look for the following: Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the Brick and Concrete toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from of flooding or decay? spreading underground tree roots? Roof Electrical Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- Termites and Carpenter Ants amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement dryers and ranges? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Exterior you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there products. adequate drainage away from the house? Water Damage Heating & Cooling Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, give you an idea of its energy efficiency. which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement Insulation walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? Windows and Doors Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames caulked and weather-stripped?

58 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide HOME CARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 59 SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo or information without your permission to commit fraud or other television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

60 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you're guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you're not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you're This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 61 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to reduce owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a service Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

62 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and components of monthly housing payments. sewer and water systems. Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. determine compliance with building code and other code Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to requirements. closing, conducted by builder and buyer. Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of entire property. property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. amount. Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home to be performed; method of construction; standards of loan and the total value of a property. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- equipment for a particular project. set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing person’s legal right to ownership of a property. and servicing a mortgage application. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and construction work to be performed in conformance with local which may come to light in a future transaction. codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures mortgage and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably specified points during construction. discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 63 WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

64 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Be Thorough type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. and see if the homes are visually appealing. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right considering buying a home from the same builder who built their choice. home. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent you if they are happy with their purchase. way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as Quality and Value individual builder’s products. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, both in appliances and insulation.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 65 SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

66 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee — charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 67 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever and monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term Administration. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Urban Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. people obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must the loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This

68 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to value and justify the mortgage commitment. secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding to make sure the terms are reasonable. balance in one lump sum. There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be more points at closing. aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan home mortgages on the secondary market. is being processed and once you are an established customer. Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to fixed rate mortgage as specified in the contract. lower your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it its loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. periods. Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not financing expenses. paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first you plan to keep the loan. adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate mortgages. Helpful Mortgage Terms Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to interest rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional market conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the loans. contract. Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on Adjustment Index is a guide lenders use to change ARM interest how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the rates during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your mortgage. ARM is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually programs. expires within 60 days. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative financing charges and fees. processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. mortgage loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 69 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Mortgage Calculator You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment.

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance (100) = $600 12% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600= $60,000 $60,000/.90 (Loan to Value) =$66,667 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8% 8.5% 9%

100,000 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900 150,000 750 825 900 975 1050 1125 1200 1275 1350 200,000 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 250,000 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750 1875 2000 2125 2250 300,000 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100 2250 2400 2550 2700 350,000 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450 2625 2800 2975 3150 400,000 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 450,000 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150 3375 3600 3825 4050 500,000 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 550,000 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850 4125 4400 4675 4950 600,000 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200 4500 4800 5100 5400 650,000 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550 4875 5200 5525 5850

700,000 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900 5250 5600 5950 6300 750,000 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250 5625 6000 6375 6750 800,000 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600 6000 6400 6800 7200 850,000 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950 6375 6800 7225 7650 900,000 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300 6750 7200 7650 8100 950,000 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650 7125 7600 8075 8550 1,000,000 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000 7500 8000 8500 9000

70 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide AIRLINES APARTMENTS

Airlines Heritage Village Pathfinder Village. These unique 2 and 3 38050 Fremont Blvd. bedroom floor plans include kitchens with American Airlines Fremont, CA 94536 built-in microwaves. Invite friends over for Reservations call (800) 433-7300 (510) 790-0711 an evening on your patio or balcony or Flights at your fingertips. For passenger Imagine yourself in a charming village of head for the Fitness Center, . I-880 and I- reservations and information call us or your friends and neighbors. Envision your 680 are just 3-5 minutes away. Call today travel agent. peaceful stroll through the park-like setting. to schedule a personal tour! Continental Airlines Picture yourself swimming in the heated Woodland Villas Reservations call (800) 523-3273 pool, working out in the fitness center 4320 Valley Avenue Want to be treated with respect, fly the alleviating all your stress at the day’s end. Pleasanton, CA 94566 safe and courteous skies with Continental Welcome home to Heritage Village, where (925) 484-3710 Airlines. we believe that value and luxury can exist Office Hours: Daily 9:00-6:00 United Airlines together under the same roof. Welcome home to luxury and tranquility. Reservations call (800) 241-6522 Del Prado Woodland Villas offers spacious apartment Serving more of the nations top 100 5196 Golden Road homes including split master suites. We business centers than any other airline. Pleasanton, CA 94566 are commuter friendly to Contra Costa Small package dispatch, same-day airport (925) 846-9689 County, Silicon Valley and the East Bay. We to airport. Del Prado is located in a quiet residential are also close to restaurants, shopping area surrounded by wooded grounds. Our centers, Amador Valley Community Park Apartments - East Bay property offers peaceful park-like living in a and great schools. Our professional Greenwood city dwelling. Just five minutes to management and maintenance staff is here 7323 Starward Drive shopping, excellent dining, freeways, to serve you 7 days a week. BART, Hacienda Business Park and 15 Dublin, CA 94568 Apartments - North Bay (925) 828-4616 minutes to Bishop Ranch Business Park. Our community offers a beautiful park Shadow Oaks The Boulders at Fountaingrove setting and towering redwoods. 530-A Civic Drive 3680 Kelsey Knolls Outstanding restaurants, shopping centers, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 parks, schools and public transportation (925) 937-2922 (707) 571-0265, 800) 509-3813 are just steps away. Plus easy access to www.ShadowOaksApts.com www.TheBouldersatFountaingrove.com Interstate 580 and 680. Our professional Shadow Oaks is located directly north of BRAND NEW - ONE MONTH FREE! management and maintenance staff is here downtown, and offers quiet,country living Nestled amid an executive single-family to serve you 7 days a week. in the heart of Walnut Creek. Beautifully residential neighborhood under majestic Colonial Gardens landscaped grounds add to the privacy of Rincon Ridge, The Boulders at 41777 Grimmer Boulevard your home. Surrounding neighborhoods Fountaingrove offers sophisticated Fremont, CA 94538 offer fine restaurants, shopping, parks, and suburban living in the heart of Sonoma (510) 657-1115 easy access to highways 680 and 24, and County’s wine country. Upgraded interior A small sunny climate, a rich heritage BART. finishes such as custom countertops, craftsman wood cabinetry and sleek wood and modern land planning make Fremont a The Pointe dream place to live. Located in the eastern laminate flooring grace all homes and fully 2550 Hilborn Road appointed culinary kitchens feature stylish tip of Silicon Valley, Colonial Gardens is Fairfield, CA 94533 near the South Fremont high technology black appliances. Offering multiple data Phone Toll Free: (707) 427-2491 wiring for telephone, video and internet corridor. BART begins in Fremont. Here www.ThePointeApartments.com you are close to major workplaces and services, homes combine the latest in The Pointe is exquisitely located in the technology with traditional living space. cultural activities. At Colonial Gardens, the rolling hills of West Fairfield. Spectacular best things in life are easy to reach. The Boulder’s Community Pavilion provides views of Solano Valley and the surrounding residents with a private fireside club room, Countrywood hillside make it a beautiful place to live. catering kitchen and a fitness center. A 4555 Thornton Avenue Surrounding neighborhoods offer fine furnished outdoor courtyard and an Fremont, CA 94536 restaurants, shopping, public transit, a intimate pool, spa and sun terrace accent (510) 797-9628 cinema, parks and superb golf courses. the natural surroundings showcasing Santa www.CountrywoodApts.com Only 20 minutes from the factory outlet Rosa’s panoramic hillside and valley views. Surround yourself in our tranquil, forest- center in Vacaville, Marine World theme like setting. Countrywood offers spacious park in Vallejo and the Napa Valley wine Madera Valley apartment homes with four floor plans from country. 1495 Casa Buena Drive Corte Madera, CA 94925 which to choose. Relax on your private Pathfinder Village patio or balcony after a long day...or (415) 924-1549 39800 Fremont Boulevard Developed into the hillside of Corte unwind in our relaxing spa or saunas. Fremont, CA 94538 You’re just a stone’s throw away from Madera, Madera Valley offers serene living (888) 710-5029 or (510) 657-8686 with seven acres of beautiful landscape on major commuter arteries, shopping, www.aimco.com restaurants and parks. a gentle hillside with swimming and tennis Live RENT FREE in 2006! Ask us for in combination with easy freeway access. details. You can walk from the BART Located just south of Town Center and the station to your stylish, apartment home at

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 71 APARTMENTS APARTMENTS famous “Marin Joes.” apartment living. Beautifully appointed one, galore and a patio or balcony for your Montoya Gardens two, and three bedroom floor plans offer outdoor relaxing pleasure. Near shopping, 5005 Montoya Avenue elegant touches and extra amenities. We transportation, biking and jogging trails, San Pablo, CA 94806 dedicate ourselves daily to maintaining the Beach Park and Foster City offer a great (510) 235-6341 essentials of a successful partnership with way to unwind after a long day. Centrally located, Montoya Gardens our residents. Visit us today to reserve your Brewster puts you just minutes away from shopping new home. 600 Brewster Avenue centers, golf courses, recreation areas and The Villages Redwood City, CA 94063 much more. Easy highway access via 2980 Bay Village Circle (650) 368-9230 either San Pablo Dam Road or McBryde Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Quality, location and value…Brewster Avenue, makes Montoya Gardens (707) 573-0200 Apartments feature spacious one and two extremely convenient to Richmond and the An exclusive apartment community bedroom apartments in Redwood City. Bay Area. At Montoya Gardens you’ll enjoy designed to complement your individual Brewster Apartments are located in the the relaxing atmosphere of our beautifully style of living. Surrounded by lush, beautiful heart of downtown Redwood City and are landscaped grounds. Complete with landscaping, The Villages offers everything convenient to shopping and freeways. swimming pool, private patio or balcony you are looking for in a quality apartment Clubview and covered parking, Montoya Gardens community. After a long day at work, relax 849 W. Orange Avenue offers affordable Bay Area living. in the comfort of your home, unwind with a So. San Francisco, CA 94080 The Overlook at Fountaingrove walk or take advantage of an invigorating (650) 583-7538 200 Bicentennial Way workout in the fitness center or a game of Located across from the California Santa Rosa, CA 95403 tennis. Country Club, Clubview’s location is tucked (707) 545-1165 or (800) 491-0105 Vintage Ridge away, yet very convenient to highways 101 www.TheOverlookatFountaingrove.com 2705 Range Avenue and 280. We offer fabulous views, walls of The Overlook at Fountaingrove is a Santa Rosa, CA 95403 windows and spacious apartments. luxury apartment community with single- (707) 576-7422 Convenient to shopping and freeways. story, townhouse and tri-level residences. Vintage Ridge…An ideal place to call Cypress Pointe Fully appointed culinary kitchens feature home and the perfect compliment to your 2580 Francisco Boulevard modern appliances and designer interior individual lifestyle. Unique architectural Pacifica, CA 94044 finishes. An array of convenient built-ins details are reflected in the spacious one (650) 359.3761 and storage areas combine the latest in and two bedroom floor plans. Warmly Located in the coastal community of technology with traditional living space. appointed with your comfort and Pacifica, Cypress Pointe offers fabulous The Overlook’s Community Pavilion enjoyment in mind. Adjacent is a large ocean and hillside views. We are footsteps provides residents with a fitness center, beautiful park with an onsite state-of-the- from the Pacific Ocean and just minutes private business center and fireside club art fitness center, sparkling pool and spa. away from BART and downtown San room. A furnished outdoor veranda and Conveniently located to shopping, Francisco. Apartments offer beautifully hilltop pool, spa and sun terrace accent recreation, downtown and the freeway, appointed kitchens and expansive closet the natural surroundings showcasing Santa Vintage Ridge offers you a distinctive space. Come experience the beautiful Rosa’s panoramic hillside and valley views. combination of quality, comfort and style. sunsets, walks on the beach, and the crisp THIS BRAND NEW COMMUNITY IS OPEN You won’t want to leave home! ocean air. NOW! Apartments - San Mateo County LaSalle Shadow Creek 30 Whitfield Place #1 4145 Shadow Lane Beach Cove 703 Catamaran San Francisco, CA 94124 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (415) 647-0607 (707) 539-0714 Foster City, CA 94404 Phone Toll Free: (650) 349-1700 www.aimco.com www.ShadowCreekApartments.com Beautiful tree lined streets situated on a Elegance & comfort surround you. www.BeachCoveApts.com Waterfront living! Where the shimmering hilltop, many units with views of the San Shadow Creek is a luxury apartment Francisco Bay and the city. A family community offering amenities and lifestyle surface of a starlit lagoon signals the end of a day filled with all the pleasures and oriented community with nearby schools benefits not commonly found in a rental and parks, a State Recreational Park less home. Nestled amongst natural pastimes of life lived to its fullest. Beach Cove offers spacious apartments with than a mile away. Easy access to public landscaping and meandering waterways, it transportation. Stop by and visit! depicts a quiet country setting that remodeled kitchens and walk-in closets. provides the serenity necessary in a busy Ask about our two sister properties: Sand Northpark Apartments life. Cove and Shadow Cove! 1080 Carolan Ave The Oaks at Kawana Springs Beach Park Burlingame, CA 94010-2506 2111 Kawana Springs Road 1999 Beach Park Boulevard (650) 342-2301 Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Foster City, CA 94404 www.northparkapts.com (707) 525-1200 (650) 573-1991 The perfect location combined with a The Oaks at Kawana Springs combines Beach Park features spacious one and resort-style atmosphere awaits you at the charm of a Mediterranean villa with the two bedroom apartment homes in Foster Northpark Apartments. San Francisco most contemporary features of luxury City. Each apartment features closets International Airport is just moments away,

72 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide APARTMENTS APARTMENTS providing you with the ultimate in California sun. Where gentle waterfront Apartments - Santa Cruz County convenience for your busy lifestyle. Our breezes brush away the hurried pace of 1010 Pacific recreational staff keeps things exciting at the city. Ask about our Move-In Specials! Northpark, but you can always find Call Today to find out how! 1010 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060 tranquility in our beautifully landscaped Skyline Terrace West Coast setting or sitting by the heated (866) 247-3440 3133 Frontera Way Email: [email protected] swimming pools. Call or stop by today to Burlingame, CA 94010 reserve your new home! www.1010PacificApts.com (650) 692-2766 Sleek urban living in the heart of Santa Sand Cove www.SkylineTerrace.com Cruz, just moments from the boardwalk 777 Shell Boulevard Set at the peak of the spectacular near Highways 1 and 17. Experience Foster City, CA 94404 Burlingame Hills, Skyline Terrace offers a metropolitan chic never before offered in (650) 341-2880 beautiful setting with breathtaking views of the city. Studio, one, two and three www.SandCoveApts.com the entire San Francisco Bay! This prime bedroom arrangements. Homes showcase Waterfront living. Where the shimmering location provides not only the advantages upgraded interior finishes like maple surface of a starlit lagoon signals the end of suburban life-style being only five cabinets, designer flooring and of a day filled with all the pleasures and minutes from downtown Burlingame and countertops, culinary kitchens with Maytag pastimes of a life lived to its fullest. just twenty minutes from Stanford, but appliances and a custom interior paint Whether you want to feel the pull of the unsurpassed urban conveniences just palette. 1010 Pacific also offers posh wind on your sail as you tack across the twenty minutes away in the heart of San penthouse residences showcasing premier lagoon, or you relish the idea of a Francisco. Not only does Skyline Terrace finishes including custom cherry cabinetry, recreational lifestyle in luxurious have location, location, location...the polished granite countertops and wood surroundings, make the move to our beautifully manicured grounds with lush flooring. Located on the concierge levels of beautiful waterfront community. mature landscaping makes our park area the property, penthouses also offer Seacliff the perfect setting for barbecues and expansive panoramic ocean, hillside and 300 Palmetto Avenue picnics. When you retreat inside your city views. Many penthouses open to Pacifica, CA 94044 spacious apartment home, you’ll be just as dramatic oversized outdoor living terraces, (650) 355-1049 taken by the spectacular architectural perfect for throwing the ultimate cocktail www.Seacliff-Apts.com design and interior features. Come see us party. Offering multiple data wiring for Located in the coastal community of today! telephone, video and internet services, all Pacifica, Seacliff offers newly remodeled Water’s Edge residences combine the latest in apartments with modern touches in every 1200 East Hillsdale Blvd. technology with savvy 21st Century living room. We are footsteps from the Pacific Foster City, CA 94404 space. Convenient subterranean parking Ocean and just minutes away from BART (650) 341-6700 and state-of-the-art fitness and strength and downtown San Francisco. Apartments EXPERIENCE DRAMATIC center. Your lifestyle has no limit when you offer beautifully appointed kitchens and WATERFRONT VIEWS. Nestled alongside come home to 1010 Pacific Apartments… expansive closet space. Come experience a stunning tranquil lagoon, Water’s Edge where the avenue meets your doorstep. the beautiful sunsets, walks on the beach, offer’s the utmost in comfortable apartment Ocean Terrace and the crisp ocean air. living. Enjoy the view from your private 1630 Merrill Street SeaPointe patio retreat, splash in the 2 sparkling Santa Cruz, CA 95062 77 Paloma Avenue pools, renew in the state of the art fitness (831) 476.4006 Pacifica, CA 94044 center or refresh with a stroll along the bay. Welcome to Ocean Terrace Apartments (650) 359-5983 Our convenient location is mere minutes to – Distinctive Lifestyle Perfect Location. www.SeaPointeApts.com any Bay Area destination. Water’s Edge is Ocean Terrace is located in the heart of Located in the coastal community of not simply another place to call home, but Santa Cruz and features unique one, two Pacifica, SeaPointe offers fabulous ocean a tranquil retreat from the world. Relax into and three bedroom designs. Enjoy the and hillside views. We are footsteps from a life of beauty, comfort and convenience sought after Santa Cruz coastal lifestyle – the Pacific Ocean and just minutes away right now at Water’s Edge. sandy beaches, strolling the boardwalk or from BART and downtown San Francisco. Woodmont shop until you drop downtown. Ocean Apartments offer beautifully appointed 1050 Ralston Avenue Terrace is moments from Twin Lakes kitchens and expansive closet space. Belmont, CA 94002 Beach, Lincoln Beach and Schwans Come experience the beautiful sunsets, (650) 592-6340 Lagoon Park. The community is six miles walks on the beach, and the crisp ocean Woodmont Apartments offer studio, one close to the University of Santa Cruz and is air. and two bedroom town homes featuring a quick 10-minute morning drive from the campus. Enjoy the community Shadow Cove vaulted ceilings, abundant closet space accoutrements from the brand new 1055 Foster City Boulevard and covered parking. Enjoy panoramic recreation center to the sparkling heated Foster City, CA 94404 views from the sparkling pool. Easy access pool. Public transportation to downtown Phone Toll Free: (650) 341-1950 to highways 101, 92 and 280, and walking Santa Cruz and the University are adjacent www.ShadowCoveApts.com distance to trains and buses. to the community. Ocean Terrace is now Waterfront living. Where you can count leasing our finest locations. Please call the colorful sails on the boats as they today and schedule and appointment to guide serenely past your door in the warm

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 73 APARTMENTS APARTMENTS tour your new home. and El Camino Real. The landscaped features a large balcony or patio, covered Pacific Shores courtyards and private entries make your parking and a newly remodeled kitchen. 1240 Shaffer Road apartment feel like a private residence. Fair Oaks West Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Inside the apartments you’ll discover plush 655 South Fair Oaks Avenue (866) 484-1234 carpets, spacious bedrooms and Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Toll Free Local: (831) 427-1290 expansive closets. Every room has Phone Toll Free: (408) 735-9780 www.PacificShoresApts.com oversized windows giving a feeling of the www.FairOaksWest.com Basking in the sun on a legendary strip outdoors. Call today for our latest move-in Set among majestic redwoods, of pristine coastline, Pacific Shores specials! shimmering fountains and clear lakes, Fair Apartments combines unparalleled seaside Cherryhill Oaks West offers premier resort living in a living with a nostalgic surfing nuance in 902 West Remington Drive relaxing community atmosphere. Santa Cruz, California. Come home to Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Manicured lawns and tree lines pathways Pacific Shores and step back in time. The Phone Toll Free: (408) 736-8658 beckon quiet afternoon strolls. You can glory days of surfing are at their zenith. www.CherryhillApts.com step up the pace in the Oaks Club, which Salty spray kisses your skin as you shoot It’s not an address, it’s a lifestyle. We features a fitness center, billiard room and the curl at Steamer’s Lane. Laughter offer all electric kitchens, distinctive wood movie theater. The Club’s resident service dances on the wind from the Boardwalk. burning fireplaces, and a patio or balcony programs are designed to provide you with Sandcastles grace the coastline holding for your outdoor relaxation pleasure. all the activities of a first-rate resort. vigil under a moonlit sky. Life is casual, Though situated in a quiet residential Family Tree Apartments relaxed, and perfect. Pacific Shores neighborhood, Cherryhill is a short walk to 1000 Kiely Blvd. epitomizes quintessential California coastal village shopping and only five minutes from Santa Clara, CA 95051 living by blending contemporary beach Vallco Fashion Mall and Sunnyvale Town (408) 247-6228 bungalow architecture and panoramic Center. www.familytreeapartments.com ocean views with world-class recreational El Gato Penthouse Situated on beautifully landscaped amenities. Responding specifically to your 20 East Main Street grounds that create a park-like ambiance. needs, homes feature multiple data wiring Los Gatos, CA 95030 Each apartment possesses a large private for telephone, video and internet services. (408) 354-3141 patio or balcony that takes advantage of Yesterday, today, forever. Presenting Pacific www.vasonamanagement.com the year-round colorful landscaping. Shores...Where sophistication meets the Welcome to the El Gato Penthouse Experience living in a community that is sea! Apartments, nestled against the hills along calm, friendly and beautiful. Inside, Family Apartments - South Bay Los Gatos’ famous hiking, walking and Tree Apartments are spacious with floor biking trail, you’ll enjoy a serene mountain plans of either two or three bedrooms, with 550 Moreland Apartments setting in the heart of the quaint town of one or two bathrooms. Recently 550 Moreland Way Los Gatos. Walk to shops, cafes, bistros renovated, each unit boasts quality Santa Clara, CA 95054 and fine restaurants, yet have easy access appliances and finishes including plush (408) 727-6200 to the Silicon Valley. El Gato Penthouse carpeting, frost-free refrigerator, www.550Moreland.com Apartments offer the best of both worlds… dishwasher, disposal, electric range, air Brand New Apartments Now Leasing! A cosmopolitan lifestyle with a country conditioners and window coverings. Family 550 Moreland was designed by innovators, atmosphere. Newly remodeled with plush Tree Apartments provides a secure, gated for innovators. Like living at a resort but the carpeting and fully equipped kitchens and accessible residential community in vacation feel never ends…swim up next to featuring self-cleaning ovens, frost-free the heart of Silicon Valley, providing a the outdoor kitchen or stroll in the Zen refrigerators, instant hot faucet and retreat from the everyday demands of life. garden near soothing waterfalls. Elegant dishwasher. Each fully furnished unit Foxdale Manor and eco-friendly, designed with solar includes a 27 inch TV in the living room 1250 Foxdale Loop systems to light the common areas, and bedroom, stereo, VCR, answering recycled water for irrigation, and a smoke- San Jose, CA 95122 machine and basic cable, king beds and (408) 251-1142 free environment to promote a feeling of blackout drapes in the bedroom. Enjoy the well-being indoors and out. 550 Moreland You will experience comfort, outdoors on your large patio or balcony, convenience and excellent service at also features a professional conference with views of the surrounding Santa Cruz room with 2 fully-equipped business Foxdale Manor! We offer spacious 1, 2, 3 Mountains, or relax in the heated pool or and 4 bedroom homes to choose from. centers with Wi-Fi. And you can forget the Jacuzzi spa. You’ll love the easy lifestyle at car, just step out your door and walk to Our lushly landscaped community includes El Gato Penthouse Apartments. Short term a computer center and library, fitness fine dining, cafes, and shopping at nearby leases available. Rivermark Plaza. center and is convenient to major El Prado highways. Visit us today for a personal tour Birchwood 666 S. El Monte Avenue to see what you’ve been missing! 1230 Henderson Avenue Los Altos, CA 94022 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (650) 941-8719 (408) 241-5098 A quaint community nestled around a www.BirchwoodApts.com sparkling swimming pool, El Prado features Birchwood offers beautiful garden spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments, located between highway 101 apartment homes. Each apartment

74 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide APARTMENTS CAR/TRUCK RENTAL

Greenpoint Stanford Villa barbecue area. Located in desirable Santa 1599 Warburton Avenue 3375 Alma Street Clara, you will enjoy easy access to Santa Clara, CA 95050 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Highways 880, 101 and 280. Nearby Valley (408) 248-7128 (650) 493-3303 Fair Shopping Center provides limitless www.GreenpointApts.com www.StanfordVilla.com shopping venues. CALL TODAY FOR OUR A Greenpoint apartment is a home with Stanford Villa...a prestigious apartment MOVE-IN SPECIALS! the privacy and quiet you’d expect from a community designed to complement your Valley Green place in the country. Inside each individual style of living. The collection of 20875 Valley Green Drive apartment, you will find a distinctive all- spacious apartment homes is situated Cupertino, CA 95014 electric kitchen with ample counters and around uniquely landscaped courtyards Phone Toll Free: (408) 253-0200 cabinets along with a private patio or and three sparkling pools. Other www.ValleyGreenApts.com balcony. Lush landscaping throughout conveniences include a state-of-the-art A serene retreat in the hub of the Silicon complements the oversized swimming pool fitness center and relaxing sauna. Enjoy Valley, Valley Green offers an unrivaled and convenient tennis court. easy access to highways 280 and 101 as range of personal choices to enhance your Lincoln Glen well as fine dining and entertainment. style of living. Choose from an array of 150 E. Remington Drive The Park at Winchester distinctive floor plans which include Sunnyvale, CA 94087 897 South Winchester Blvd cottages, town houses and apartment (408) 739-7771 San Jose, CA 95128 homes. www.LincolnGlen.com (408) 296-3232 Woodbridge Enjoy the best of both worlds...the Spend your free time swimming in our 1180 Lochinvar Avenue serenity of a country ambience, yet refreshing pool or working out in our state- Sunnyvale, CA 94087 minutes from fine shopping, entertainment, of-the-art fitness center. Our location is (408) 244-6863 excellent schools, the Sunnyvale convenient to 280, 880/17 and 87. You are Get a touch of New England amongst Community Center, and Interstate 280 and moments from major employers, shopping, the lushly landscaped grounds of Highway 85. We offer home size studio, dining and entertainment. Find a sense of Woodbridge Apartment Homes. Enjoy a one and two bedroom floor plans. community at The Park at Winchester. stroll through the grounds, relax in the Whatever your lifestyle is, Lincoln Glen has Taxco Apartments community clubhouse and work out in the plenty of offer. 1324 Winchester Blvd. fitness center or swim in the pool. Located One Pearl Place San Jose, CA 95128 conveniently off Lawrence Expressway, you 5230 Terner Way (408) 866-7117 are minutes from 280, 85, 880/17, El San Jose, CA 95118 www.vasonamanagement.com Camino Real, shopping, dining and (866) 550-3010 Welcome to Taxco Apartments, a resort entertainment, as well as major employers. www.OnePearlPlace.com style, gated community in the heart of the Car/Truck Rental Close your eyes. Imagine grand Venetian Silicon Valley. A garden setting with the palaces, dramatic Roman citadels, ambiance of a Mediterranean Villa, just Avis Rent a Car mountaintop chalets in San Moritz and the minutes away from major professional and Reservations call (800) 331-1212 opulent seaside estates of Cannes. Open industrial centers, schools and Valley fair Offers low-mileage quality maintained your eyes…you are home in a bastion of mall. Enjoy the grounds year round in our GM and other cars. Computerized for fast I elegance influenced by the master builders heated swimming pool and spa. Many service and low rates for day, week, or of a different age. One Pearl Place apartments feature private balconies, long term mini lease. showcases exquisite California living by patios, ceiling fans and vertical blinds. Budget Rent a Car linking nature’s majesty with the regal Newly remodeled kitchens offer built-in Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 architectural refinement of Northern microwaves, self-cleaning ovens, frost-free Right now, Budget has some great rates Europe. Unparalleled aesthetic touches refrigerator/freezer and cable hook-up. on some equally great cars and trucks. So massage your senses. Stunning Residents have the use of convenient don’t let them pass you by. For your local landscaping and water elements ensure laundry facility and reserved covered or one-way rental choose from Budget’s serenity. parking. Easy access by four major World Class Fleet at the airport, or in your Riviera Terrace freeways and ten miles from San Jose neighborhood. 135 Riviera Drive International Airport. Walking distance to a large shopping center, offering shops and Budget Rent a Truck Los Gatos, CA 95030 Worldwide Reservations (800) 527-0700 (408) 354-3177 restaurants. Taxco Apartments is an ideal community. Right now, Budget has some great rates Experience today’s perfection with the on some equally great cars and trucks. So beauty of old-world history at Riviera Tamarack don’t let them pass you by. Terrace. From the moment you pass 1255 Lincoln Street through the abundant rose gardens, you Santa Clara, CA 95050 Hertz Car Rental feel the tranquil influence of old country (408) 246-6343 Reservations call (800) 654-3131 around you. With its soaring mosaic www.TamarackApts.com Still the biggest, still the best We care artwork and tree-lined pathways, the music Tamarack features a collection of one and about you. Customer service is the most of songbirds charm the air. All the details two bedroom apartment homes situated important thing we do. Biggest selection of have been orchestrated to create today’s around a sparkling pool. The quaint low-mileage cars. perfect apartment home. courtyard setting includes a convenient

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 75 EDUCATION NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Education 6-12 Moving Supplies • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants including celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s Florida Air Academy Dial-A-Box Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. 1950 South Academy Drive White Plains and The Bronx, NY Melbourne, FL 32901 Toll Free: (866) 4-DIAL-A-BOX / • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion (321) 723-3211 (866) 434-2522 Habitat. www.flair.com www.dial-a-box.com • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Theatre feature top name entertainment. At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have Nationwide Reservations the opportunity to get a first-rate education Mirage Hotel & Casino geared to the learning styles of young men Bellagio The Resort 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South and make friends from around the world. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV 89109 The school accepts young men in grades Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 791-7111 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- (702) 693-7223 Immerse yourself in this tropical South student average class size and college Experience a world unto itself at “the Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, most romantic hotel in the world.” • Experience the elegance and many with advanced degrees. Cadets at • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. sophistication of our newly redesigned Florida Air Academy receive leadership • Nine world-renowned restaurants guest rooms. training and an emphasis on community including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Dive into interconnected lagoon and service. Other programs include an Diamond Award-winner Picasso. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage excellent sports program, extensive • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary pool. computer curriculum and optional flight fusion of water, dance and aerobics. training and SCUBA certification. • Ten international restaurants including • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. Florida Air Academy is located on most sophisticated boutiques from Florida’s Space Coast and is fully • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and accredited. Contact our Admissions Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried Hermes. department for more information on Fall, and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Spring, and Summer enrollments. For • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Habitat. additional Information contact: Donna charms guests with its natural beauty. • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons Stratford Director of Communication (321) • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight and tumbling waterfalls. 723-3211, Extension 30028 acre lake. • Dive into interconnected lagoon and thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage Home Builders/Developers Fairmont Hotels Toll Free (800) 527-4727 pool. Standard Pacific Homes www.Fairmont.com New York-New York 2240 Douglas Blvd Suite 200 Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South Roseville, CA 95661 Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San Las Vegas, NV 89109 (916) 746-7000 Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. (702) 740-6969 www.standardpacifichomes.com Hilton Hotels The best of New York City meets the Standard Pacific is one of the nation's Worldwide Reservations best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. largest and most successful homebuilding Be a part of it. companies with shares traded on the New Toll Free (800) 845-8667 York Stock Exchange. We take pride in www.Hilton.com • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and having created more than 105,000 homes Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton entertainment. in California, Florida, Arizona, the Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. • Live performances nightly from the Carolinas, Texas, Colorado and Nevada Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Regency City Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. over the past four decades. This pride 1200 Louisiana • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller comes from knowing that home ownership (713) 654-1234 Coaster. is a cherished American tradition. A new Worldwide Reservations Toll Free • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon home is also the largest single financial (800) 233-1234 and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at commitment that most families ever make. MGM Grand Times Square. All of us at Standard Pacific are dedicated 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South • New York City’s original Gallaghers to offering the utmost in new home choice, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Steakhouse. quality, and value. New home (702) 891-1111 • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple developments that bear the name Searching for non-stop action and Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The Standard Pacific carry a signature of our pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of Greatest City in Las Vegas.” long-standing commitment to excellence in Entertainment” awaits your arrival. design and craftsmanship that has earned • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du • La Femme-the sensual French sensation the trust and respect of homeowners year Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, direct from the original Crazy Horse in after year. The Company provides humanity and art. Paris. mortgage financing and title services to its Pan Pacific Resort Hotels homebuyers through Standard Pacific • Tabu - The ultra hip lounge designed to Toll Free (800) 327-8585 Mortgage and SPH Title. stimulate and arouse your senses. Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts. North • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. America, Japan, Southeast Asia.

76 ] Silicon Valley Information Guide NATIONWIDE TRAVEL NATIONWIDE TRAVEL

Worldwide Reservations and Information nearby amenities beckon you out to play. Crossings at Eden Shores call toll free (800) 327-8585 You’ll find distinctive 3 to 4 bedroom single 29092 Caravan Lane Treasure Island family homes from 1,687 to 2,196 sq. ft. Hayward, CA 94545 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South family homes from 1,687 to 2,196 sq. ft. (510) 723-0662 www.StandardPacificHomes.com Las Vegas, NV 89109 Chantera at Windemere Standard Pacific Homes announces two (702) 792-5627 5317 Pembroke Way Enjoy the adventure and romance of this San Ramon, CA 94582 new neighborhoods at Eden Shores, just engaging resort filled with new-world (925) 833-8945 minutes from schools, shopping, amenities. www.centexhomes.com commuter routes, and Bay Area recreation. ® Chantera, located in the master-planned • AAA Four Diamond Award winning Bridgeport offers distinctive 3 to 4- community of Windemere, offers a unique resort. bedroom single-family homes from oasis from the hustle and bustle of modern • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle approximately 1,687 to 2,196 square feet. life. The distinctive floorplans range from between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and And Crossings offers 2 to 3-bedroom 3,490 to 4,175 square feet, with up to 6 the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the townhome-style condominiums ranging bedrooms. From classic facades middle of the Buccaneer Bay. from approximately 1,526 to 1,985 square reminiscent of a more leisurely era, to • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a feet. breathtaking interiors offering all the best of mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, Dolcetto at Vintage Ranch circus skills and dance. today’s modern amenities, it's all here. Homes with all the space a growing family 3 Selvino Court • Eight exciting dining options including needs in a neighborhood built for family American Canyon, CA 94503 Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay living. (707) 554-2573 Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the www.StandardPacificHomes.com Cortina at Live Oak Ranch explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. Dolcetto is the final neighborhood at 317 Shady Oak Drive • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. Vintage Ranch, Standard Pacific Homes’ Oakley, CA 94561 popular new community in American • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and (925) 625-6415 Canyon. Offering buyers five unique floor salon. www.StandardPacificHomes.com plans, this new neighborhood provides Discover the perfect refuge from the New Home Developments homebuyers with a range of choices in daily grind-Cortina at Live Oak Ranch. room options and amenities. Known as Bergamo at Vintage Ranch Whether it’s spending time relaxing in one “The Gateway to the Napa Valley,” 90 Renwood Lane of the community’s parks, playing catch American Canyon features picturesque American Canyon, CA 94503 with the kids or a game of bocce ball with open space. Residents will have the (707) 552-5034 your friends, enjoying time with your family opportunity to enjoy celebrated wineries www.StandardPacificHomes.com and friends is easy here at Cortina. With and restaurants along the world famous Vintage Ranch in American Canyon Delta recreation, desirable Oakley schools, Napa Valley Wine Trail just a short drive offers a variety of homes for every lifestyle. great shopping and commuting corridors away. The city's ideal location also gives With more than 600 homes in four all nearby, you’re sure to find the balance residents easy commute access to neighborhoods and a selection of floor and harmony you seek. The single-family Sonoma and Marin Counties, the East Bay plans and architectural styles, this new detached homes at Cortina range from and San Francisco. community will provide homebuyers with a approximately 2,183 to 3,760 square feet range of choices. and feature 3 to 7 bedrooms and 2.5 to 5 Levanto at Monterosso Known as “The Gateway to the Napa baths. Danville CA 94506 Valley,” American Canyon features (925) 736-1265 The Courtyards at Portofino picturesque open space. Residents will www.kbhome.com 130 Refosco Court have the opportunity to enjoy celebrated Levanto at Monterosso presents three Vacaville, CA 95687 wineries and restaurants along the world luxurious floor plans with graceful living (707) 446-1614 famous Napa Valley Wine Trail just a short spaces and impressive standard features. www.StandardPacificHomes.com drive away. The city’s ideal location also The homes at Levanto offer amenities that The Courtyards at Portofino, Standard gives residents easy commute access to homeowners most desire including a Pacific Homes’ newest community in Sonoma and Marin Counties, the East Bay collection of kitchen features such as bull- Vacaville, is conveniently located close to and San Francisco. nosed granite slab counters with Kohler I-80 and downtown Vacaville. The stainless steel sinks, and KitchenAid Bridgeport at Eden Shores Courtyards feature detached single-family stainless steel appliances with built-in 28622 Bay Port Court homes ranging in size from approximately refrigerators. Plus, each master bath Hayward, CA 94545 1,496 to 2,186 square feet and feature up features granite slab vanity tops with bull- (510) 723-0636 to four bedrooms. Don’t miss your chance nosed edges and granite tile tubs. Levanto www.StandardPacificHomes.com to own a new value priced home in is located in the highly desirable Danville Appropriately called the Heart of the Vacaville! Bay, Hayward offers everything you need area, in the heart of San Ramon Valley. to live, work and play. Bridgeport lets you This family friendly city is known for its choose the perfect home for your lifestyle. small-town charm, inviting downtown area, Solid craftsmanship and lifestyle-friendly and excellent school system. Danville’s features inspire activity in every room; while quaint downtown area is close by and

Silicon Valley Information Guide [ 77 NEW HOME DEVELOPMENTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT offers a variety of specialty shops and first- Rancho Solano community. Sevilla at The Villas at Portofino class dining. Andalucia will offer sites nestled against 130 Refosco Court Lucera at Vintage Ranch rolling foothills and open space. The Vacaville, CA 95687 59 Toscana Drive architectural designs at Sevilla will surely (707) 446-1614 American Canyon, CA 94503 impress buyers. Floorplans offer four to www.StandardPacificHomes.com (707) 552-5034 seven bedrooms, up to four and one-half The Villas at Portofino feature attached www.standardpacifichomes.com baths, and approximately 2,780 to 3,940 single-family homes in the heart of Vintage Ranch in American Canyon square feet of living space. These homes Vacaville. Conveniently located close to I- offers a variety of homes for every lifestyle. present spectacular upgraded amenities 80 and downtown Vacaville, The Villas Lucera at Vintage Ranch offers five unique and the quality craftsmanship for which Portofino is ideal for homebuyers. Homes floor plans ranging from approx. 1,842 to Standard Pacific has become known for, all will range in size from approximately 1,221 3,044 sq. ft. and offers up to six bedrooms in a gated, golf course community. to 1,551 square feet and feature two to and four baths. These homes provide the Sorrento at Monte Bella three bedrooms and two and one-half flexibility a busy family is looking for in a 1308 Padova Dr. baths. Room options include a dorm room, new home. Known as “The Gateway to the Salinas, CA 93905 loft or tech room. Don’t miss your chance Napa Valley,” residents will have the (831) 770-0891 to own new value priced home in Vacaville! opportunity to enjoy celebrated wineries www.StandardPacificHomes.com Property Management and restaurants along the world famous Comfort, community, and convenience Napa Valley Wine Trail just a short drive await you at Sorrento located in the Lyon Management Group, Inc. away. desirable Monte Bella community in 4901 Birch Street Corporate Headquarters Marsanne at Vintage Ranch Salinas. Here you’ll find 4 inviting model Newport Beach, CA 92660 6 Selvino Court homes, 4 to 6 bedrooms with floor plans up to approximately 3,647 sq. ft., perfectly (949) 252-9101 American Canyon, CA 94503 www.LyonApartments.com (707) 554-2573 placed in a city full of life. This family- friendly neighborhood offers a proposed 21 In February, 1989, Lyon Management www.StandardPacificHomes.com Group, Inc. was established to provide Marsanne at Vintage Ranch in American acre community park and a brand new elementary school nearby. property management services to The Canyon offers four floorplans to fit every William Lyon Company for its multi-family Spreckels lifestyle. Homes at Marsanne range from properties. Since then, Lyon has seen approximately 2,699 to 3,906 sq. ft. and 116 Spreckels Blvd. unprecedented growth and expertise and provide four to six bedrooms and up to 5 Spreckels, CA 93962 is now offering comprehensive services in baths. Customizing room options include a (831) 455-8507 all aspects of multi-family investment. study, guest suite and junior master www.HomesinSpreckels.com bedroom. American Canyon features open Discover true hometown living just four Lyon’s vision is to be the premier space and residents are a short drive away miles South of Salinas at Spreckels, a new apartment company, creating the highest from celebrated wineries and restaurants collection of bungalow-style homes in the quality living environment while delivering along the Napa Valley Wine Trail. Vintage town that shares the same name. superior results and instilling a pride of Ranch is centrally located to Sonoma and Designed to complement the existing ownership within our team. Years of Marin counties, the East Bay and San architecture and unspoiled surroundings, experience, long-term vision and a strong Francisco. this new community offers a rare commitment to customer service give us opportunity to own a new home in an old the ability to set new standards in asset Oxford Square management. Our management 2227 Cedrus Drive town that perfectly blends nostalgic charm with relaxed convenience. philosophy addresses the specific Tracy, CA 95376 requirements of our clients while (209) 834-8723 Stirling Village at Stonebrae Country Club maintaining an owner’s perspective in www.StandardPacificHomes.com 112 Drummond Drive every decision we make. Oxford Square, Standard Pacific Homes’ Hayward, CA 94542 newest community in Tracy, features (510) 538-5663 attached and detached two-and three- www.StandardPacificHomes.com story homes highlighting quaint European Stirling Village at Stonebrae Country architectural designs in a contemporary Club lets you live and play in the heart of setting. With three floor plans ranging in the bay. Luxury homes high atop the size from approximately 1,703 to 2,238 Hayward Hills feature 4 to 5-bedroom floor square feet, these homes offer affordability plans from approximately 3,123 to 3,798 and a style of living ideal for first time square feet with 3.5 to 5.5 baths and 2 to homebuyers and growing families. 3-car garages. Residents will enjoy four Sevilla at Andalucia miles of new trails, sporting fields, parks, 3425 Ashbourne Court and the city’s first new public school in 40 Fairfield, CA 94534 years-all surrounded by 1,200 acres of (707) 422-3199 regional open space. A championship 18- www.StandardPacificHomes.com hole golf course and clubhouse is also Homebuyers have a final opportunity to available to residents who choose to take purchase a new home in Fairfield’s premier advantage of club membership.

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