the mountain view voice • 2013 edition Our Neighborhoods mountain view and los altos

Blossom Valley St. Francis Acres Country Club

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Map data ©2012 Google Neighborhoods 4 Neighborhoods 55 8 8 7 12 12 15 15 14 14 18 18 10 10 16 16 24 24 32 28 22 22 20 20 36 38 34 34 40 40 27 ......

...... W ...... IE ...... V ...... IN ...... TA ...... N ...... index Rancho. South Los Altos. Woodland Acres/ The. Highlands LOS LOS ALTOS Los AltosCentral . Country. Club MOU . Blossom Valley Castro City. The. Crossings Cuernavaca Cuesta Park. Gemello Jackson Park. Martens-Carmelita Loyola Corners. North Los Altos. Old Los Altos. North. Whisman Rex Manor. AcresSaint Francis . Slater Monta Loma. Old Mountain View. West . Shoreline EstatesStierlin . Sylvan Park. . Park Waverly . Station Whisman Willowgate ds Tom Gibboney Tom The Crossings oo Publisher, Mountain View Voice Mountain View Publisher, Photos of Whisman Station and ge: Photos of a rh los altos | Courtesy of J. Robert Taylor, Taylor, Robert Home-sales data: Courtesy of J. Properties Taylor ER: Cheryl Seltzer pauses with her THE COV ON shnoodle Shayna in front of her Old Mountain Photo View. neighborhood home in Mountain View by Valley of Blossom Photographs by Michelle Le. Acres and Country Saint Francis Weber; Veronica Club by Michelle Le. This P On by Park of Sylvan Le, Crossings by Michelle The Weber. Veronica This year, fuller versions of the fuller versions This year, or — If your area has been overlooked o up a bottle of milk or loaf of bread on the way up a bottle of milk or loaf of bread on the way is the nearest fire far How home from work? it cost to actually station? And what would in? move neighborhood profiles, along with maps, can be found on our website, www.paloaltoonline. com/neighborhoods/. found something just plain wrong you’ve this who edited — please call Carol Blitzer, at publication, at 650-223-6511 (or email her to hear love We’d [email protected]). from you. Sylvan Park Additional copies of Mountain View/Los Altos Neighborhoods, as well as companion publications — Palo Alto Neighborhoods and Almanac Neighborhoods — are available at The for $5 Voice each. All three publications are available online at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Copyright @2013 by Embarcadero Media. Allrights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. mountain view mountain

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Tom Gibboney Tom Publisher: Carol Blitzer Editor: Atilano Designer: Linda Bill Murray Map designer: Pierre Bienaime, Carol Blitzer, Researchers: Haiy Le Kellman, Lisa Ashley Finden, Sales and Marketing: President Vice Zahiralis Tom Connie Jo Cotton, Sales representatives: Carolyn Oliver, Rosemary Lewkowitz, Neal Fine, Irene Schwartz

sta ff www.mv-voice.com 450 Cambridge Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306

In this, our ninth guide to local Included in each neighborhood vignette is easily point to the subtle differences that exist that exist easily point to the subtle differences — sometimes block to block. and neighborhoods in Mountain View find snippets of history, Los Altos, you’ll descriptions of neighborhoods and living reminiscences from residents who enjoy and what liked, them what they asked here. We traffic to see changed, whether it’s like they’d or big-box commercial ventures. box, designed to help people thinking a fact area. Where will the kids to the about moving go to day care or school? Where can you pick

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85 FACTS 2012-13 GENERAL OPERATING FUND BUDGET: $95.8 million POPULATION (2010): 74,066 HOUSEHOLDS (2010): 31,957 OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING rom an early stagecoach stop and 57 percent multifamily and 4 percent mobile (2010): 12,913 agricultural center, Mountain View has homes. About 42 percent are owner-occupied. RENTER-OCCUPIED HOUSING Fgrown since its incorporation in 1902 Encompassing 12 square miles, Mountain 85 (2010): 18,122 to a thriving city of 74,000+ residents in the View is surrounded by Palo Alto, Los Altos MEDIAN HOME-SELLING PRICE: heart of Silicon Valley. Internationally known and Sunnyvale. Highways 101, 85 and 237, $1,080,063 (single-family homes, corporations make Mountain View their home, as well as light rail and Caltrain, offer quick December 2011 through November Neighborhoods swelling the daytime population to more than 280 access to the rest of the Bay Area. 2012) 100,000. Mountain View’s diversified population $610,000 (condominiums, December Today, Mountain View neighborhoods enjoys superb recreation and arts facilities, 2011 through November 2012) are as varied as the housing types, with 28 including Shoreline Park and the Mountain ESTIMATED MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD percent single-family, 11 percent townhouses, View Center for the Performing Arts. INCOME (2010): $88,244

7 Monta Loma FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: looked out that window, saw that Loma, and has had an impact on the types of Hobbledehoy Montessori Preschool, 2321 Jane same tall green plant outside and told neighbors moving in. Lane; Monta Loma Babysitting Co-op (part of “Ithe real estate agent that I wanted to “The houses and the lots are small, so you Monta Loma Neighborhood Association) buy the house.” That’s what James Cochran, see a lot of new families moving in,” Raymond FIRE STATION: No. 3, 301 Rengstorff Ave. mayor of Mountain View from 1992-93, White said. White and his wife have been LOCATION: bounded by just south of San Antonio recalls about purchasing his Monta Loma living at their house in Monta Loma since Road, West Middlefield Road, Rengstorff Avenue house in 1967, while working as a young 2010. “It reminds me of when I grew up in the and Central Expressway bachelor. “I saw these tall windows that let in ‘50s. It has that feel of a community where NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Monta Loma a lot of light, a lot from outside, and I liked everyone shares with one another,” he said. Neighborhood Association, Estuardo Montufar, that,” he said. The homes have a distinct Eichler president, [email protected], www. “It was a great place for me as a starter influence — low ceilings, a lack of interior montaloma.org home,” Cochran said, adding that the homes walls and rectilinear angles — and were built PARKS: Monta Loma Park, Thompson Avenue and were less expensive than in Palo Alto or in the suburban housing boom following Laura Lane; Thaddeus Park, West Middlefield Road and Independence Avenue Los Altos Hills. Many families would start World War II. POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. here, have a child or two, and then move The Monta Loma Neighborhood Association to neighboring areas when becoming more plays a large role in fostering that idea of PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Waldorf High School of the Peninsula, 180 N. Rengstorff Ave. financially stable, he said. Cochran bought this community, White said. An email list set up as his first home and never saw the need to by the neighborhood association includes PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School District — Monta Loma Elementary School, leave. He met his wife, Alice, while living in more than 500 residents and allows neighbors Crittenden Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Monta Loma and said the home is a good place to communicate with one another for both Union High School District — Los Altos High School for retirement, as it doesn’t have any stairs. personal matters and local news items. “You see MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $853,000 Cochran mentioned a few neighbors that people asking for help every day and everyone ($575,000-$1,075,000) have passed their houses onto their future is really receptive on the list,” White said. HOMES SOLD: 34 generations. “It’s half and half, some new, “We just lucked out,” White said. “It’s one MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $635,000 some old,” Cochran said. of those cases when you really can’t see it ($325,000-$658,000) The Google campus is close to Monta until you live in it.” CONDOS SOLD (nearby): 3 — David Ruiz

Rex Manor / Mountain Shadows FACTS CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOLS: YMCA of the East Bay/Mountain View Child Development ocated just off busy Central Expressway, were younger. Center, 750B San Pierre Way; YMCA — Rex Manor — a quiet neighborhood “There aren’t a lot of young single people Theuerkauf,1625 San Luis Ave. with tree-lined streets and numerous L around,” she said. FIRE STATION: No. 3, 301 N. Rengstorff Ave. parks — is the best of both worlds. Rex Manor is still fairly social and diverse. LOCATION: Rex Manor: between Farley and “You’re close to everything,” said Neighbors gather for Sunday potlucks and a Burgoyne streets, Central Expressway and West Frank Gicale, whose family moved to the yearly block party and ice cream social. Middlefield Road; Mountain Shadows: between neighborhood in 1959, four years before he “We have a lot of nationalities here and Burgoyne Street and Shoreline Boulevard, San was born. He cited such conveniences as everyone gets along,” Gicale said. “Everyone Ramon and Montecito avenues Safeway and the light rail, and being able to gets invited to birthday parties.” NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Lawrence bike to almost anything. There are a few small drawbacks for Shing, chair, [email protected] For all these nearby comforts, Rex Manor Swindell to living in Rex Manor, though. Her PARKS: Rex Manor Park, Farley Street and is still a restful place to start a family. Gicale commute — to Foster City, where she works Central Expressway; Stevenson Park, San Luis works for the City of Mountain View and has as a program manager at a life-sciences Avenue and San Pierre Way always lived nearby. Today, he’s raising his own company — can take up to an hour and a half POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. three children in the house where he grew up, on her way home. PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School left to him by his parents when they passed on. “There’s a lot of speeding through the District — Theuerkauf Elementary School, Crittenden “A lot of our neighbors are from the old neighborhood,” she said. “I think it’s by Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High days,” he said. “They knew my parents. We residents. They know there’s no cops who go School District — Los Altos High School feel safe here.” through.” SHOPPING: Bailey Park Plaza Shopping Center, Shoreline Boulevard; strip shopping at 112 The neighborhood was built by William Despite these small annoyances, Gicale Rengstorff Ave. and 580 Rengstorff Ave. Blackfield in 1950. Some of the ranch-style feels very fortunate to have inherited a house MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $790,000 homes have been remodeled, but many in Rex Manor. ($640,000-$960,000) haven’t, said Amber Swindell, who moved to “These houses cost a lot,” he said. “I think HOMES SOLD: 11 the neighborhood in 2009. there are a lot of people who would enjoy our MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $635,000 Swindell added that most residents either neighborhood, and I feel for them.” ($458,000-$780,000) Neighborhoods have kids in the house now or did when they — Emma Trotter 8 CONDOS SOLD (nearby): 17 Neighborhoods 9 The Crossings FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): nce the location of an auto mall, The “(The Crossings) isn’t spread out, it’s very Oak Tree Nursery School, 2100 University Ave. Crossings was built in 1994 into a close knit, the people are very nice,” Marino FIRE STATION: No. 3, 301 N. Rengstorff Ave. O540-unit neighborhood, according to said, “You don’t need a large home when LOCATION: between San Antonio Road, Showers the United States Environmental Protection they are efficient and there’s lots of commons Drive and California Street Agency’s “Smart Growth” website. It now areas.” NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Separate boasts a close-knit community that was Marino’s children used to play with the associations for condominiums, townhouses, row awarded the Outstanding Planning Award by other kids in The Crossings; the younger houses and single-family homes; all run by Nagi the American Planning Association in 2002. children can be seen riding scooters or Chami, CEO of Tri-State Enterprises; 650-210-0085 “The neighbors are nice, there’s diversity bicycles up and down the blocks. Salisbury PARKS: Concord Circle and Sondgroth Way, and it’s safe with close access to grocery says the diversity in the area is good for the Beacon Street and Laurel Way; nearby: Klein Park, stores,” said Kenneth Salisbury, who has been children. Monta Loma Park living at The Crossings with his family since Salisbury and Marino say the interaction at POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. 2003. The Crossings doesn’t stop with the dogs or PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): The community even has three of its own the children. The community holds monthly Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, 450 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto “parks,” as homeowner Yalena Marino, who housing-association meetings and co- lives at The Crossings with her husband and coordinated garage sales, and many houses PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Covington Elementary School, Egan Junior High two kids since 1996, calls them. They are display Neighborhood Watch markers. School; Mountain View-Los Altos Union High really just large strips of green lawn areas; “The Crossings was designed as a School District — Los Altos High School one has a gazebo and the other a playground commuter-oriented place; ideally people SHOPPING: San Antonio Shopping Center, strip structure for neighborhood children to play wouldn’t have to use their cars,” Salisbury shopping on California Street on. Residents take their dogs to play together said. But if the station closes, they might have MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,168,000 in these areas as well. to, which may in turn exasperate the already CONDOS SOLD: 1 This comforting, “just ask next door for tight parking or even drop the value of the MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $743,000 some sugar” atmosphere is what Marino likes homes, he said. ($618,888-$916,000) — Peter Maxwell most about The Crossings. CONDOS SOLD: 8

Castro City FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Oak Tree ichael Hamilton recalls moving into some Mexicans here, Americans there, just Nursery School, 2100 University Ave.; Wonder his house on Fair Oaks Avenue in different varieties,” she added. World, 2015 Latham St. (nearby) M1984 very distinctly. Torres moved to her Stanford Avenue FIRE STATION: No. 3, 301 N. Rengstorff Ave. “I remember the first day I moved in here, house in 2005, joining her husband who had LOCATION: bounded by South Rengstorff Avenue, all the wheels on the car across the street lived in the house his entire life. University Avenue, College Street and Leland were all taken off,” Hamilton said. They remodeled the house from a small Avenue But rest assured, this is a happy story. There cottage into a charming two-bedroom, joining PARKS: Castro Park, Toft Avenue at Latham Street; are a myriad of reasons why Hamilton has stayed the many remodeled homes in Castro City Rengstorff Park and pool, Rengstorff Avenue at at his home for 28 years. The neighborhood has that have transformed the neighborhood from Crisanto Avenue transformed from a rough neighborhood in the its more rowdy years. The neighborhood has POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. ‘80s to a quiet six-square-block enclave located a mix of old cottage homes and newly built PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mountain View Whisman across the street from Rengstorff Park. two-story houses. School District — Monta Loma Elementary School, “It’s convenient to downtown Mountain Torres enjoys walking through the Graham Middle School; Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District — Los Altos High View and Los Altos,” Hamilton said. “And neighborhood and taking her two boys to School if you want to travel a little, you can get to nearby Rengstorff Park. SHOPPING: Mi Pueblo Food Center, 40 S. downtown Palo Alto pretty quick.” “One downside is that the pedestrian traffic Rengstorff Ave. at Leland Avenue; Walgreens, 112 “It’s also very cosmopolitan,” he said, is congested. I walk my kids across the street N. Rengstorff Ave. at Central Expressway referring to his neighbors’ diverse racial to the park all the time and cars are zooming, MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $700,000 backgrounds. zooming past,” she said. ($380,000-$855,000) Patricia Torres spices up that description: Away from the traffic, however, the HOMES SOLD: 3 “There was a family who had a huge neighborhood can get a little too quiet. MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $309,000 mariachi band during the holidays. A huge “We (the neighbors) are not that close,” ($222,000-$399,000) 20-piece orchestra right here.” she said. “There are no block parties, no CONDOS SOLD (nearby): 10 “There is single older gentleman across neighborhood associations, but that would be the street, a house for sale that used to have a nice.”

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11 Saint Francis Acres FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Mountain n the border of Mountain View She also said the neighborhood is great View KinderCare, 2065 W. El Camino Real; St. Paul and Los Altos, Saint Francis Acres for children and is located in a good school Lutheran CDC, 1075 El Monte Ave. Oexudes an all-American feel that district. FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. could make anyone feel at home with its Her two children, now in their 20s, grew LOCATION: bordered by El Camino Real, friendly neighbors. up playing on the wide streets where they Permanente Creek and El Monte Avenue “It’s definitely a very cohesive developed close ties with their neighbors. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Emily Jee, neighborhood where everybody feels like an They grew up with their neighbors as a [email protected] extended family,” Janis Zinn said. family foundation, according to Zinn. PARKS: McKelvey Park, Park Drive and Miramonte When Zinn bought her home in 1986, the Each year, there is a Halloween party for Avenue; Eagle Park, Shoreline Boulevard and High previous owners told her she could have their the whole neighborhood with snacks and School Way home, but not their neighbors. activities for the children, and for Memorial POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. According to Zinn the first homes in Saint Day one of the streets closes for a block PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): Canterbury Francis Acres were originally California party, according to Zinn. Christian School, 101 N. El Monte, St. Joseph ranch-style homes, but over the years new Mountain View City Councilmember Catholic School, 1120 Miramonte Ave., St. Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave. owners have renovated or rebuilt some of the Laura Macias has lived in Saint Francis Acres homes. Each house is different from the next since 1998 and didn’t know how great of a PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Springer Elementary School, Egan Junior High and varies between one and two stories. neighborhood it was until after she moved in. School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School She said it is a stable neighborhood that is She said the quiet streets are what first District — Los Altos High School circulating through its fourth generation. appealed to her and that the neighborhood fit SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View, El Monte Zinn said she knows the names of her perfectly. Shopping Center (El Monte Avenue near Marich everybody on her street and several of the The streets are lined with vibrant trees that Way), Clarkwood Center (El Camino Real) streets around her. provide cover and shade for the attractive MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,247,500 “When you go for a walk on a Saturday homes that fill the neighborhood. ($879,000-$2,650,000) morning, it’s hard to get much exercise “All of the good things that you hear about HOMES SOLD: 16 because you are stopping and talking to neighborhoods — I think we’ve got it here at people along the way,” she said. Saint Francis Acres,” she said. — Ashley Finden

Gemello FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Childrens emello, its residents say again In contrast, Jeanne Evilsizer moved to Learning Cottage, 675 Escuela Ave.; Mountain View KinderCare, 2065 W. El Camino Real; St. Paul and again, is an old-fashioned Gemello in 1978. Evilsizer, a Los Altos Lutheran CDC, 1075 El Monte Ave.; Wonder World, Gneighborhood. It has old-fashioned native, was first attracted by the quality of 2015 Latham St. (nearby) architecture, old-fashioned plants and, best of Excel workmanship and its proximity to her FIRE STATION: No. 3, 301 N. Rengstorff Ave.; No. all, an old-fashioned feel with neighbors that hometown. Thirty-four years later, she’s still 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. know each other, like each other and even there, one of a group of close-knit long-time LOCATION: bounded by El Monte Avenue, Jardin remodel with each other. residents. Drive, Karen Way and El Camino Real Gemello — the Mountain View “The neighborhood is very established PARK: Gemello Park, Marich Way and Solana Court neighborhood located between the Los with several of our neighbor’s living in POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St., Altos border, El Camino Real and El Monte their homes for 50-plus years,” she said. Blossom Valley, 1768 Miramonte Ave. Avenue — was once a winery owned by “We have excellent neighbors who you can PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): Canterbury John Gemello. In the 1950s, it was sold to always depend on. We are very happy in the Christian School, 101 N El Monte Ave.; The Waldorff San Francisco-based Meadow Development neighborhood.” School of the Peninsula, 180 N. Rengstorff Ave. Company, which promptly starting building The neighborhood park, Gemello Park PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School three-bedroom, one-bath Blackfield and on Solano Drive and Marich Way, is a focal District — Bubb Elementary School, Graham Excel villages. point for families and small children, even if Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High Charles Channing is a relative newcomer cars driving on Marich Way go too fast. School District — Los Altos High School to the area, having moved to Gemello “People go too quickly on Marich near the SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View, from the Florida in 2001. He and his wife park,” her neighbor and Gemello resident Mark Downtown Los Altos, Blossom Valley Shopping Stephanie, a Bay Area native, chose the area Bubert said. “Everyone flies on that street.” Center, Gemello Village, Clarkwood Center, San Antonio Shopping Center precisely for its old-fashioned charm. “We “Gemello is just close to everything,” he loved the older area,” he said. “It’s got older said. “I love to bike, and from Gemello you MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,085,000 ($600,000-$1,500,000) trees and plants and smaller, older homes. hop on 280 and you can get away in a few Plus, it’s got a nice and quiet feel. Everyone minutes. There’s a park, and Los Altos High HOMES SOLD: 20 knows everyone else in the neighborhood. It’s is nearby.” MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $615,000 ($430,000-$840,000) Neighborhoods a good place to raise kids.” — Angela Chen 12 CONDOS SOLD: 5 Where would you like to plant your roots and watch them grow?

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Mountain View | Los Altos | Sunnyvale | Palo Alto | and the Peninsula 13 Willowgate FACTS COMMUNITY GARDEN: $42 for plot es Duenow moved into his home mailing list that connects these five houses. permit, 650-903-6331, or email recreation@ on Willowgate Street in April Besides from this, Duenow feels that there mountainview.gov to join the waiting list for a plot W2008. Three months in, the is not much of an association with the larger FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. Caltrain station moved the horns from the Willowgate community. LOCATION: bordered by Central Expressway, West underside of the train to the top. The noise “I identify myself more with my Moffett, Moffett and Highway 85 grew louder, reverberating through the subdivision or Mountain View,” he said. PARK: Jackson Park, Jackson Street and Stierlin Road neighborhood. “I wasn’t even aware that there was a POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. “We thought that we had made the worst Willowgate neighborhood. PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School decision ever,” he said. That sentiment appears to be the same for District — Landels Elementary School, Crittenden But Duenow eventually found his reasons Aimee Everitt, who moved into the 57-unit Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High to stay. Cypress Point townhouse community in School District — Mountain View High School “Ten minutes to Central Expressway and 2000. She is proud of the volunteer-driven SHOPPING: Moffett Boulevard, Downtown close to other highways,” he said. He also board, which represents the townhouse Mountain View, Sunday farmers market at Caltrain cites the easy access to downtown Mountain complex and maintains an active mailing list. parking lot (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year round) View, Jackson Park and Stevens Creek Trail. “It (the townhouse) is exactly what I MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $855,000 And the noise doesn’t bother him as much wanted. I wanted privacy, a little garden, a 9$785,000-$899,580) anymore. pool, peace, and quiet.” HOMES SOLD: 4 “We only notice it when we’re paying Like Everitt and Duenow, Patrick Hsieh MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $765,000 attention,” he said. is a member of his subdivision’s 11-unit ($516,000-$780,000) Duenow lives in a subdivision of five neighborhood association. He moved into the CONDOS SOLD: 4 houses called Willowgate Villa located within Willowgate Gardens townhouse in 2009. the larger Willowgate community. Hsieh appreciates the improvements that But, his favorite aspect of the “I know these neighbors very well,” he the collective action of the neighborhood neighborhood is its proximity to Caltrain, said, referring to the row of houses on his association has brought about. allowing him easy access to work in San street. “The street was darker and now they added Francisco and Palo Alto. There is a neighborhood association and a more streetlights so it’s brighter,” he said. — Hiay Le

Whisman Station FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): Kiddie Academy, 205 E. Middlefield Road; Building ruce England, Whisman Station resident people move in. Kidz, 250 E. Dana St.; German International since 1998, called the neighborhood “the “We meet a lot of friends at the pool,” she School of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St.; Yew Chung Bfuture of housing for Mountain View.” said, referring to one of the neighborhood’s International School, 199 E. Middlefield Road Bounded by Highway 237, Central common spaces maintained by homeowners’ FIRE STATION: No. 4, 229 N. Whisman Road Expressway and Whisman Road, the area got dues she called “reasonable.” LOCATION: Central Expressway, Ferguson Drive, its name from the Valley Transit Authority Various homeowners associations and streets off Kent Drive, Snyder Lane, N. Whisman Road Light Rail station it encompasses. It’s this focus committees — England says there’s talk NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Michael Jones on transit that makes the neighborhood a model of unification — host a variety of events and Brian Emery, managers, Community Management for high-density living. throughout the year, said Lipscomb, who used Services, 650-961-2630, ext. 120 and ext. 150 “I wanted to take public transit to work, to be on one of the entertainment committees. PARKS: Magnolia Park, Magnolia Lane and and there aren’t a lot of neighborhoods in the Events include an annual picnic, Fourth of July Whisman Park Drive; Chetwood Park, Chetwood Drive and Whisman Station Drive, Stevens Creek Trail south bay where you can do that without a parade and Easter egg hunt. POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. bicycle,” said Anthony Moor, who moved to Residents agree that these events are a PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): German the neighborhood with his wife and their two great way to meet neighbors — and the International School of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St.; daughters in 2010. neighborhood is home to a lot of diverse Yew Chung International School, 310 Easy St. And if the light rail won’t work for groups, even for Mountain View. Singles and PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School a particular trip, Moor pointed out, the young couples mainly occupy the townhomes, District — Landels Elementary School, Crittenden neighborhood has great access to freeways. while small families live in houses. Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High “We’re not completely centered on the car,” “There’s a house full of these Google School District — Mountain View High School he said. “We have options, which is unusual for people, so a lot of technology folks,” she SHOPPING: El Camino Real, Downtown suburban life.” added. “A lot of the original people are Mountain View Ease of commute also attracted Monica not here anymore, but a lot of good new MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,025,000 Lipscomb, who moved to the neighborhood neighbors have come in, that’s for sure.” ($885,000-$1,284,000) with her husband in 1997. They were some The only thing missing, for Moor, is a coffee HOMES SOLD: 7 of the original residents in the neighborhood shop right in the neighborhood. MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $675,000

Neighborhoods and have continued to make friends as new — Emma Trotter ($565,000-$842,500) 14 CONDOS SOLD: 23 Stierlin Estates FACTS FIRE STATION: No. 5, 2195 N. Shoreline Blvd. f the 178 original homeowners “It’s really friendly and diverse.” LOCATION: between Terra Bella Avenue, North in the tree-lined Stierlin Estates Simpson’s neighbors are from such Shoreline Boulevard, West Middlefield Road, Oneighborhood, only a handful remain. faraway countries as India, Vietnam Moffett Boulevard and Highway 85 Among them is Shirley Karkas, who moved and Thailand. She also feels safe in the PARKS: San Veron Park, San Veron Avenue and into a brand new house in the tract with her neighborhood and enjoys the quiet. Middlefield Road husband in 1963. “We don’t have drive-by shootings or POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St.; “I still know original owners,” she said. gangs hanging around,” she said. Mountain View Carriers Annex, 1070 La Avenida St. “But it’s evolved, it’s changed, and now Karkas’ favorite aspect of the PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School we have young children again, which is neighborhood is the weather. She and District — Monta Loma Elementary School, wonderful.” Karkas’ own three children are in her husband used to live in Daly City’s Crittenden Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos their 40s and 50s today. Westlake neighborhood, where fog and cold Union High School District — Mountain View or Los Altos High School Now, she said, the neighborhood is “a temperatures are common throughout the mixture” of all nationalities and ages, with year. SHOPPING: Bailey Plaza, Shoreline Boulevard everyone from working class to professionals “We had terrible weather up there,” she MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $656,500 ($653,000-$925,000) to retired people. said. “Sometimes you couldn’t even see the “I think we’re fortunate to have that,” she house across the street.” HOMES SOLD: 4 said. She also appreciates the convenience of MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $540,000 Lyn Simpson and her family recently nearby freeways, including Highway 85, ($430,000-$698,000) relocated to their current house in Stierlin which was added after she moved to Stierlin CONDOS SOLD (nearby): 6 Estates — they’d lived just around the corner Estates. since 1996 — to have more space as her two Simpson also enjoys the small community children get older. feel and easy access to lots of parks in the Simpson previously lived in the Philippines neighborhood — where kids young and old suits current residents just fine, though. and then Anaheim, Calif., and finds Stierlin go to play, she said. “I can’t find anything wrong in Mountain Estates to be a big improvement. One potential drawback of the View,” Simpson added. “I love it here.” “Everyone’s nicer than in L.A.,” she said. neighborhood is that it isn’t very social. That — Emma Trotter

Jackson Park FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: The Wonder he eerie silence surrounding Stierlin buffs but also ideal for pedestrians. Years Preschool, 462 Stierlin Road Road suddenly disappears when the Jeff Li, who moved into Jackson Park in FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. Tpark comes into view. Toddlers are 2003, admits he chose the neighborhood LOCATION: bounded by Shoreline Boulevard, screaming in delight as they swing off the because it is nestled next to downtown Stierlin Road, Windmill Park Lane, Central Avenue, jungle gym and sprint after one another in Mountain View. The convenience is hard to Moffett Boulevard and Central Expressway Jackson Park. beat. “Jackson Park is close to Castro Street, PARK: Jackson Park, Jackson Street and Elena Migunova often spends her the public transit and freeway access,” he Stierlin Road afternoon with other parents while their said. POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. children play together. Migunova moved here Plus, Stevens Creek Trail is a walkable PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School from Russia in 2011 when her husband found distance away. Following Shoreline down to District — Monta Loma or Theuerkauf elementary a job in Mountain View. the end leads to the 5-mile hiking trail. schools, Crittenden Middle School; Mtn. View-Los She says that she likes living in Jackson Despite traffic-packed Shoreline Altos Union High School District — Mountain View Park, which is really different compared to Boulevard, Moffett Boulevard and Central High School living in Russia. “In Moscow, the apartments Expressway sandwiching Jackson Park, the SHOPPING: Moffett Boulevard, Downtown Mountain View, Bailey Plaza are eight or nine levels tall. It is like the streets are alarmingly quiet. countryside here,” she said. “I might hear the train sometimes MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $940,000 ($780,000-$1,100,000) Mary Anne Plano echoes Migunova’s or concerts from Shoreline but it’s not sentiments. Plano moved to Jackson Park annoying,” Li said. HOMES SOLD: 2 from Palo Alto 15 years ago when they cut In fact, Plano finds the noise soothing. It Neighborhoods down the trees around her old apartment. She would take a lot for her to move. here for the next few years. He enjoys living really enjoys having lush greenery around her “It’s a nice area if you don’t want to in Mountain View and would only consider condo. use a car,” Plano said as she pointed in the moving for his daughter’s schooling. He “The weather is perfect. I don’t have AC direction of the bus line and transit center. ruled out moving back to Cupertino though at my place but it gets the best breezes,” she “Parking can be hard in downtown Mountain because the high schools are not as diverse as said. View. It’s nice to walk there.” those in Mountain View. Jackson Park is not only perfect for nature Li, a native of Cupertino, plans on staying — Anna Li 15 North Whisman FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: German estled between Google and Symantec years since 1999 with her husband and two International School of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St.; is a neighborhood with a view of children. Kiddie Academy, 205 E. Middlefield Road; NASA Nthe mountains and an open feel, one “It’s kind of like an old-fashioned Ames Child Care Center, Moffett Field resident described. neighborhood where you kind of knew FIRE STATION: No. 4, 229 N. Whisman Road “(North Whisman is) kind of like a little everybody,” Gandhi said. LOCATION: bounded by Walker Drive, Leong oasis beneath the clouds of Silicon Valley,” The busy neighborhood is outlined with Drive, Evandale Avenue, Easy Street; Wagon Wheel: said neighborhood resident Lisa Matichak. charming homes and active neighbors East Middlefield Road, Tyrella Avenue, Fairchild Matichak moved into her home in 2007 walking their dogs or taking a leisurely stroll. Drive, North Whisman Road and is currently vice president, after being And, the two neighborhood associations NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: North Whisman Neighborhood Association, Jessica president, of the Wagon Wheel Neighborhood share information with one another and invite Gandhi, 650-969-2429, jessicasgandhi@yahoo. Association. one another to their events, according to com; Wagon Wheel Neighborhood Association, “The (Wagon Wheel) Neighborhood Gandhi. Kelley Ketchmark, [email protected] or Association has been instrumental in pulling Matichak has been able to meet more of [email protected] the neighborhood together,” she said. her neighbors through the events the Wagon PRIVATE SCHOOLS: German International School Matichak described her neighbors as Wheel association has held, ranging from ice- of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St. people who care about the neighborhood and cream socials to classes on composting and PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman watch out for each other. landscaping with drought-tolerant plants. School District — Huff, Landels or Monta Loma “There are such wonderful people living The Wagon Wheel Neighborhood elementary schools, Crittenden Middle School; here,” she said. “It’s like an extended family.” Association just won the Building Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Even by driving down the street, it is clear Resourceful Inspirational Creative Mountain View High School that neighbors stop to say hello and catch up Community (BRICC) award by the MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $762,500 with each other. United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara ($335,199-$1,060,000) Jessica Gandhi, the North Whisman County, according to Matichak and Kelley HOMES SOLD: 8 Neighborhood Association president, said it Ketchmark, the Wagon Wheel president. MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $505,000 is a very tight-knit area. “I think we’re a real gem of a ($253,000-$799,000) Gandhi has lived in her home for 14 neighborhood,” Ketchmark said. CONDOS SOLD: 26 — Ashley Finden

Slater FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: German International School of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St.; esidents of the Slater neighborhood said Todd Markelz, a manager at Google who Kiddie Academy, 205 E. Middlefield Road; NASA voted last year to name their home has lived in the area for five years and last Ames Child Care Center, Moffett Field;Google Daycare Rafter an old school nearby. fall purchased a townhome on Gladys Avenue FIRE STATION: No. 4, 229 N. Whisman Road Wagon Wheel is taken by another with his wife and two sons. LOCATION: bounded by Hwy. 85, Easy Street, neighborhood, or they might have chosen that. For Markelz, Creekside Park remains the Central Expressway, North Whisman Road, East “Most duplexes in this neighborhood social center for the neighborhood, no matter Middlefield Road have brick facades and were built around its name. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Greg 1955 with that western motif — wagon “We see a lot of families there with kids Coladonato, [email protected] wheels stuck in the bricks,” said Robert the same ages as ours,” he said. PARKS: Whisman Park, Easy Street and Rich, a recording artist who has lived in the “There’s always a lot going on,” Rich agreed. Middlefield Road; Devonshire Park, 62 Devonshire neighborhood with his wife since 1989. Other social hubs of the neighborhood Ave.; Creekside Park, 200 Easy St. Diverse housing options offer residents include Clocktower Coffee and Roger’s Deli, POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. access to commuting arteries and downtown residents said. PRIVATE SCHOOLS: German International School Mountain View lifestyle at much less cost, Markelz said the neighborhood can be of Silicon Valley, 310 Easy St. Rich said. His house is an old farmhouse in a little slower compared to other parts of PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman the California Bungalow style. Mountain View. School District — Huff, Landels or Monta Loma “We were a young couple and we could “I don’t feel like there are a lot of events in elementary schools, Crittenden Middle School; afford it,” he said. At first, they rented out Slater, but Mountain View as a whole has a Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — the separate cottage dwelling for some extra lot of events we take advantage of, primarily Mountain View High School income. “You see a lot of that sort of creative in the downtown area,” he said. SHOPPING: strip mall on Leong Drive; retail centers on Middlefield Road and Whisman Road; downtown financing around here.” Downtown is easily accessed via the Slater isn’t exactly new to the Mountain Stevens Creek trail. MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $579,000 ($410,000-$748,000) View scene, apart from its name and a “That was the big crack in the eggshell to fledgling neighborhood association. make this neighborhood part of this town. It’s HOMES SOLD: 2 “I wasn’t aware of any kind of change in the lifeblood of the neighborhood,” Rich said. MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $535,000 ($211,000-$725,000) Neighborhoods the way the neighborhood was referred to,” — Emma Trotter 16 CONDOS SOLD: 23 LOS ALTOS

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17 Blossom Valley FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): nce a field of orchards, Blossom and various services. The short distance Children’s House of Los Altos, 770 Berry Ave.; Little Valley is now filled with houses, to the foothills was also desirable since Acorn School, 1667 Miramonte Ave.; St. Timothy’s Omany with young children. Dworkin enjoys running. Nursery School, 2094 Grant Road Families stroll with their pets and zoom Sinead Toolis and her family moved to FIRE STATION: No. 2, 160 Cuesta Drive by on bicycles along the wide intertwining Blossom Valley in 1990 and have lived LOCATION: between Springer road and streets and cul-de-sacs lined with ranch- there since. According to Toolis, her family Miramonte Avenue, Marilyn and Lincoln drives. style houses. Most homes stayed true to sought a quiet neighborhood close to work, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS: Eastern the original single-story 1950s design but and like the Dworkins, a neighborhood fit Varsity Park Neighborhood Association, Lianne some have been updated or enlarged with an for raising children. Now in her 20s, Toolis Mintz, coordinator, [email protected]; Orchard Trees/South Fordham Neighborhood Group, Kirsten added floor. says the neighborhood does not offer much Frietzsche, coordinator, [email protected]; The child-friendly neighborhood attracted for 20-something-year-olds but there are Springer Meadow Neighborhood Association, Jimmy Dworkin who moved into Blossom many options in nearby downtown Mountain Francis Mueller, coordinator, [email protected] Valley 11 years ago with his wife. View. POST OFFICE: Blossom Valley, 1768 Miramonte Ave. “My wife was pregnant at the time. Toolis said she has seen more young PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): St. Joseph Catholic I knew the area had a lot of young kids couples with families. Among them are School, 1120 Miramonte Ave.; St. Francis High and thought it would be great for our kids Andrew and Lisa Pattison who live in School, 1855 Miramonte Ave. growing up,” he said. the latest housing community, the Satake PUBLIC SCHOOLS: (Eligibility for school districts Now with elementary-age children, Estates. depends on resident’s address) Los Altos School Dworkin is very impressed with the schools The Pattisons have lived in Blossom District —Springer Elementary School, Blach in the area. Springer Elementary school is Valley for a year and a half and were Intermediate School; Mtn. View-Whistman School close to the Dworkins’ house and has a great initially attracted to the new homes. “I love District — Bubb Elementary School, Graham Middle special-needs program to accommodate his that these homes are on cul-de-sacs. It’s School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Los Altos or Mountain View high schools son. “Love the schools,” he said. perfect for our kids to play,” Lisa said. MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,480,000 The amenities in the area also attracted “I like knowing my neighbors. Everyone ($950,000-$1,990,000) Dworkin. He appreciates being able to walk waves as they pass by,” Toolis said. HOMES SOLD: 29 to Blossom Plaza, with its stores, eateries — Monica Guzman

Cuesta Park FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Little Acorn ith its eclectic mix of old-style neighborhood’s struggle to keep the Cuesta Preschool, 1667 Miramonte Ave.; St. Timothy’s cottages, apartment complexes Park Annex, an additional 12 acres of Preschool, 2094 Grant Road; YMCA Kids Place, Wand new single-family homes, the underdeveloped land, in its natural state. 525 Hans Ave. Cuesta Park neighborhood feels like a 1950s- Neighborhood gatherings abound in this LOCATION: bounded by El Camino Real, Grant Road, era suburb. Mountain View locality, and many of them take Cuesta Drive, Miramonte Avenue, Castro Street And, the people of Cuesta Park exemplify place in the sprawling 25-acre park bearing the EM 10/24 the traditions of the era it resembles. Genuine neighborhood’s name, Cuesta Park. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Cuesta Park kindness and respect for each other and their The park plays host to summer concerts, Neighborhood Association (CPNA), Kevin McBride, neighbors is an everyday occurrence. fall picnics, wildflower planting, and every president, [email protected] In 2001 Sarah Donahue discovered Cuesta May it’s the location of the Mountain View PARKS: Bubb Park, Barbara Avenue and Montalto Park in her search to find a neighborhood that chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Drive; Cuesta Park, 615 Cuesta Drive provided good schools and pleasant people. Relay for Life. PRIVATE SCHOOLS: St. Joseph, 1120 Miramonte “I’ve found that in spades,” Donahue said. Oren Shachal, a Cuesta Park resident since Ave.; St. Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave. “I was thrilled to rediscover that there were 2004, has participated in the Relay for Life PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School District — Bubb Elementary School, Graham people who know their neighbors, and they event for the past few years, and plans to take Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High talk to each other.” part again. School District — Mountain View High School Frankie Borison, resident of Cuesta Park “It was a great experience,” he said, SHOPPING: Grant Park Plaza, Grant Road at El since 1989, echoes Donahue’s sentiments. “an experience I wasn’t expecting, very Camino Real; Blossom Valley Shopping Center, “It’s our own little oasis.” emotional.” Miramonte Avenue at Cuesta Drive; Downtown A key component to the sense of “Cuesta Park is such an amazing Mountain View community that resounds in the Cuesta neighborhood. We have been living in our MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,127,500 Park neighborhood is the Cuesta Park starter home for 40 years — we just keep ($872,000-$1,370,000) Neighborhood Association or CPNA. remodeling because we can’t imagine leaving HOMES SOLD: 30 Kim Merry, a resident since 1960 and this community,” said Pam Lehner, a resident MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $900,000 previous neighborhood association president, since 1972. ($502,000-$980,000)

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19 Old Mountain View FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: YMCA Kids’ riginally incorporated in 1902, seats on the association board. Place at Landels School, 115 W. Dana St. Mountain View has undergone “I hope it doesn’t lose its soul,” Cox said, FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. Orapid development in recent years commenting on recent growth. LOCATION: bounded by El Camino Real, Shoreline due to lowered construction costs and the Historic houses mix with new units, and Boulevard, Evelyn Avenue and Highways 87/237 influence of Google moving in, said Robert many of the streets preserve the original trees. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Old Mountain Cox, vice chair of the Old Mountain View Cox said the neighborhood has a View Neighborhood Association, David Lewis, Neighborhood Association. Much of the commitment to the environment. “People [email protected]; omvna.org development has been along Castro Street, have a strong commitment to preserving our PARKS: Dana Park, West Dana Street at Oak Street; the main street of downtown Old Mountain heritage trees. They aren’t so quick to chop Eagle Park & Pool, S. Shoreline Boulevard at Church View, he said. them down.” Street; Pioneer Park, Church and Castro streets; “We broke a landmark recently; we Like other neighborhoods, Old Mountain Mercy-Bush Park, Mercy and Bush streets; Fairmont Park, Fairmont Avenue and Bush Street; Landels now have over 100 restaurants,” said Cox, View has an online mailing list in which Park, West Dana Street near Calderon Avenue a resident of Old Mountain View since neighbors can communicate. Two current POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. 2009. The growth can sometimes lead to Mountain View council members live in PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School controversy, though, he said. Old Mountain View and participate in the District — Landels Elementary School, Graham In 2009, Prometheus — a real estate discussion, raising political awareness Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High construction company — attempted to build throughout, Cox said. School District — Mountain View High School roughly 200 units in an area that was previously Mary Heeney has been in and out of Old SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View, zoned for only 100 units. Upset by the efforts of Mountain View since 1992. She said she Grant Park Plaza Prometheus, concerned residents turned to the likes how close everyone is because it’s good MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,032,000 Old Mountain View Neighborhood Association for her children. Now teenagers, she trusts ($690,000-$1,495,000) to have their voices heard. the neighbors in her area to also contribute HOMES SOLD: 38 “We had five times more people than at a to their upbringing. “I feel absolutely MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $750,500 regular meeting,” Cox said about the election comfortable when they go to downtown ($489,000-$1,015,000) that took place that year. In one night, new Mountain View, it’s a great feeling,” she said. CONDOS SOLD: 14 members won seven of the eight available — David Ruiz

Shoreline West FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Castro s the former home of the Pacific Press location near downtown and its friendliness Preschool, 505 Escuela Ave.; Childrens Learning Publishing Company and the future to growing families like their own. Today, the Cottage, 675 Escuela Ave.; Wonder World, 2015 Apartial site of Google, Shoreline West couple enjoys visiting with their neighbors for Latham St. (nearby) has a history and character as eclectic as its casual dinner gatherings throughout the year, FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd. architecture. along with hosting occasional “happy hours” in LOCATION: bounded by Shoreline Boulevard, El The neighborhood originally broke off their own yard. Neighborhood volunteers also Camino Real, Escuela Avenue and Villa Street from Old Mountain View in 1994 in an organize community potlucks every winter. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Shoreline effort to preserve the home of the city’s first The area has become even more communal West Association of Neighbors (SWAN), Deniece mayor. Today, the heavily populated area is as years have passed, Stanford said. “I can Watkins, [email protected] considering tightening its boundaries even walk through the neighborhood and know PARKS: Castro School Park, Toft Avenue and further in an effort to build close community who lives in every house,” she said. “We Latham Street; Mariposa Park, 301 Mariposa Ave.; Eagle Park and Pool, S. Shoreline Boulevard at amongst its ethnically and economically know everybody on our street.” Church Street diverse populace. Block parties of varying sizes occur POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. The neighborhood’s quiet, tree-lined throughout the year. In 2011, the Shoreline PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School streets lead to small shops and markets and West Association of Neighbors hosted its first District — Castro Elementary School, Graham sit in close proximity to downtown. Residents all-neighborhood block party, which boasted Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High vary in age, from longtime empty-nesters to a record attendance of more than 300 people. School District — Los Altos High School young couples. Neighborhood association president SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View; California Architectural styles range from original Deniece Watkins Smith called the event “very Street Market, 1595 California St.; Escuela Avenue craftsman and Victorian single-family homes successful,” adding, “The next day, when we all at El Camino Real to duplexes to apartments. Julie Stanford, ran into each other, we all knew each other.” MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $920,000 who’s lived there since 2002, loves how the “Everybody that comes to the ($399,000-$1,405,000) neighborhood “doesn’t have a specific look. neighborhood is like, ‘I wish every HOMES SOLD: 28 Every house looks completely different.” neighborhood could be like this,’” Watkins MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $339,000 As newlyweds, Stanford and her husband Smith said. ($200,000-$615,000)

Neighborhoods were first attracted to Shoreline West for its — Casey Moore CONDOS SOLD: 17 20 SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

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488 Moorpark Way 675 Chiquita Ave. Kim Copher SOLD Coldwell Banker SOLD Los Altos – San Antonio Direct: 650-917-7995 [email protected] 545 Sierra Ave. DRE #01423875 700 Chiquita Ave., #10 A Downtown Mountain View homeowner since 1996 Vice Chair of the Downtown Committee, SOLD an advisory group to City Council SOLD Past Member of OMVNA Steering Committee Current Member of Leadership Mountain View - Class of 2013 and...your daily “Living in Downtown Mountain View” advocate! 555 Front Lane www.justcallkim.com 265 Mariposa Ave.

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Kim’s 2012 Homes Sold 111 Abate in Mountain View 679 Chiquita Ave. 21 Martens-Carmelita FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Baby World, hough it’s just a few blocks off El point there were five in the house — grew up, 1715 Grant Road; Montecito Preschool, 1468 Camino Real, Martens-Carmelita young couples with new babies moved in. Grant Road; St. Timothy’s Preschool, 2094 Grant Tneighborhood has a rustic, rural feel “You don’t realize how many kids are in Road; YMCA — Huff Kids’ Place, 253 Martens Ave. that sets it apart from other areas in Mountain the neighborhood,” Luna said. “Then all of a FIRE STATION: No. 2, 160 Cuesta Drive View. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the sudden they go running for the ice cream truck.” LOCATION: Martens Avenue and Carmelita Drive 1950s, when many of the homes were built. Just down the street, Luna’s neighbor Lisa and nearby streets Countless varieties of trees and shrubberies Clifford is one of those young moms. She has NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Martens- line the streets, which don’t have sidewalks. three children age 8 and under. Carmelita Neighborhood Association, Robin Iwai, And every few houses, there’s a cluster “We wanted a home in this same place but 650-961-8257, [email protected] of brightly painted mailboxes. This touch with a larger back lot,” she said. The family PARKS: Huff Park, Martens Avenue only increases the warm neighborly feel, has renovated most of the house, including POST OFFICE: Blossom Valley, 1768 Miramonte Ave. according to Shirley Luna, who lives on landscaping the backyard so the kids have PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): St. Simon Catholic Carmelita Drive with her husband. more room to play. School, 1840 Grant Road, Los Altos “You really know your neighbors who are Clifford is originally from Ireland, and PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School in that little group,” she said. many of her neighbors also represent diverse District — Huff Elementary School, Graham Middle That’s not to say nothing’s changed in 60 countries and cultures, including Vietnamese, School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Mountain View High School years. Since Luna moved to the neighborhood Filipino and Indian families. in 1989, there’s always been one rebuilding “It’s very Californian,” Clifford said, “with SHOPPING: Grant Park Plaza, Grant Road at El Camino Real; Mountain View Shopping Center, project or another. Families today tend to add the melting pot.” El Camino at Grant Road on behind their houses, cutting into the long Luna likes the neighborhood because it’s MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,100,000 backyard areas. But the country feel remains, within walking distance of her church, the ($931,000-$1,493,000) in Luna’s opinion. library, shopping and the school her kids HOMES SOLD: 11 “It hasn’t changed a lot,” she said. “It’s still attended. a very nice neighborhood.” “If I don’t want to use my car, I don’t have Couples with young children have been to for those errands,” she said. another constant. As Luna’s kids — at one — Emma Trotter

Waverly Park FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: averly Park can be summed up commutes — that was one reason they chose El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Road; Mountain by one event, according to Vickie the neighborhood, which has quick access to View Parent Nursery School, 1299 Bryant Ave.; WChegwidden, resident since 2009 highways 85, 101, 237 and 280. Primary Plus, 333 Eunice Ave.; St. Timothy’s Nursery with her husband, Scott. Todd Fernandez has lived in the School, 2094 Grant Road; YMCA Way to Grow Full- “The Fourth of July celebration epitomizes neighborhood with his wife, Catherine Day Preschool, 1501 Oak Ave., Los Altos (nearby) the neighborhood,” she said. “Everyone rolls Moore, since 2003, the year their older child FIRE STATION: No. 2, 160 Cuesta Drive their barbecues out into the court.” was born. LOCATION: bounded by Grant Road, Highway 85 This social aspect is part of what drew the “We were ready for a little more space,” and Sleeper and Bryant avenues couple to the neighborhood with their two he said. PARKS: Cooper Park, Chesley Avenue at Yorkton children, Alice and Joseph. When possible, Fernandez and his family Drive, Cuesta Park “They’re just down-to-earth, loveable beat the traffic by biking with their daughter POST OFFICE: Blossom Valley, 1768 Miramonte Ave. people,” Chegwidden said. “It’s very much to school or to the nearby Safeway. PRIVATE SCHOOLS: St. Joseph, 1120 Miramonte what we need for a family.” “Waverly Park appealed to us with its rich Ave.; St. Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave. The neighborhood used to be an orchard open space resources,” he said. “Stevens PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School owned by Joel Levin in the mid-1800s. Creek Trail reaching the neighborhood a few District — Huff Elementary School, Graham Middle Development began in the 1960s. years ago has been a fantastic addition and School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Mountain View High School Today, the last parcel of land — formerly provides another great connection to the rest a pumpkin patch — is the site of the new of the city that doesn’t require a car.” SHOPPING: Blossom Valley Shopping Center, Miramonte Avenue at Cuesta Drive; Grant Park Enclave houses. The development was not Much of the neighborhood socialization, Plaza; Nob Hill Shopping Center, Grant Road; without controversy, much of it surrounding for Fernandez, takes place out and about. Downtown Mountain View traffic, which was already known to be a “It’s fun to walk around the neighborhood MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,463,500 hassle. and meet up with (my daughter’s) friends ($955,000-$2,342,595) “Until you actually live in the from school, kids I’ve coached,” he said. HOMES SOLD: 50 neighborhood you don’t realize how bad “It’s a nice mixture of longtime and newer the traffic is,” Chegwidden said. Still, residents.”

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496 First Street, Suite 200, Los Altos 650.947.4700 23 Sylvan Park FACTS n outsider wouldn’t know the quality of life in the neighborhood,” she CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Western neighborhood was so conveniently said. Montessori Day School, 323 Moorpark Way; YMCA Alocated and social from wandering The neighborhood uses both traditional — Slater, 325 Gladys Ave. down the peaceful streets of Sylvan Park. ways of bonding and technology to get FIRE STATION: No. 4, 229 N. Whisman Road Located nearby 280, 101 and 85 freeways, together. They use Yahoo! groups to LOCATION: bounded by West El Camino Real, as well as shopping centers, the winding exchange events and security information. Highway 85, Highway 237 and the Sunnyvale side streets off of Sylvan Avenue boast one- “I wanted to be in a neighborhood that border and two-story homes, two well-kept senior wasn’t commercial,” said Marty Brewer, PARKS: Sylvan Park, Sylvan Avenue and DeVoto mobile-home parks and a few apartment who has lived in Sunset Estates senior Street complexes, all centered on a spacious park. mobile-home park since 1996. “Driving POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St. “There is an outback feel, but a down Sylvan Avenue, I would not have PRIVATE SCHOOLS: St. Stephen Lutheran School, connection to where you need to go known there was even a mobile-home park 320 Moorpark Way quickly,” said Linda Holroyd, who moved to there.” PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School the neighborhood in 1999. Brewer said Sunset Estates is very District — Landels Elementary School, Graham “(The neighborhood has) unique homes convenient, with freeways and shopping Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High with high ceilings, a rustic, homey feel and close by. School District — Mountain View High School also an Eichler feel” with big windows and “It’s a small park with only 144 spaces SHOPPING: Americana Shopping Center — lighting,” she said. and people are really friendly,” she said. Lucky Stores Neighborhood traditions include an The park has many groups that meet; MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,250,000 annual Fourth of July parade in the park and multiple card games, a book club, crafts ($750,000-$1,655,000) a potluck every six weeks, which a different and knitting, which knits caps for newborns HOMES SOLD: 9 neighbor hosts each time. at El Camino Hospital, she said. The other MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $727,886 Neighbors meet at one house and Sylvan Park senior mobile-home park, New ($662,800-$872,000) serenade each other with carols at a Frontier, is located right next to Sunset CONDOS SOLD: 16 Christmas-caroling event every December. Estates. “We’re pretty active in maintaining the — Sally Schilling

Cuernavaca FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): tep inside Cuernavaca’s main gate Cuernavaca’s centrality to Silicon Valley Western Montessori Day School, 323 Moorpark and the first thing you’ll see is the and the rest of the Peninsula. Way; St. Timothy’s Nursery School, 2094 Grant Splanned community’s clubhouse, When Dee West was offered a job at Road; YMCA — Huff Kids’ Place, 253 Martens Ave. which includes tennis courts, a pool, Stanford University in 2004, he and his wife FIRE STATION: No. 2, 160 Cuesta Drive a workout room and a “tot lot” for the were already living in a planned community LOCATION: off Crestview Drive, near El Camino neighborhood’s children. For many in Walnut Creek. Real and the Sunnyvale border residents, this is paradise. “Our Realtor told us of an isolated place, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Matthew “It’s like a resort,” said Steve Cowan, a little oasis in the middle of Mountain Duncan, president, Cuernavaca Homeowners who lives on Elena Privada with his wife View. It was very attractive to us,” West Association; CMS property management, 408-559-1977; www.cuernavacahoa.com Suzanne. said. [email protected] The clubhouse, a social hub for the West not only found the people friendly, PARKS: Green belt on the property neighborhood, is the site of about three or but the board supportive. He’s served on four all-neighborhood parties a year. that board for the last three years and is POST OFFICE: Blossom Valley, 1768 Miramonte Ave. “You get to meet a lot of people that currently vice president. PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): St. Stephen way,” Cowan said. There is no typical resident of Lutheran School, 320 Moorpark Way Cowan moved to Cuernavaca in 1994 Cuernavaca, both neighbors said. Cowan PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School with his first wife and her two kids. One estimated that more than 20 languages District — Huff Elementary School, Graham Middle draw for Cowan was the architecture — are spoken at home in the 170-unit School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School Spanish style with a signature color that can neighborhood. West noted that “being in District — Mountain View High School be hard to pin down. Silicon Valley, we have more Asian families SHOPPING: Americana Shopping Center — “It’s a very light beige with a pink moving in, many quite young.” Lucky Stores overtone,” he said. “Depending on how the And that diversity gets celebrated at least MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $1,057,500 sun catches it, it can either look yellow or four times a year, with themed dinners with ($888,000-$1,280,000) pink.” ethnic foods. CONDOS SOLD: 6 Cowan was also attracted by — Emma Trotter and Carol Blitzer Neighborhoods 24 Rely on a life-long area resident to sell or buy your next home. I am committed to providing the “absolute best service” to you. Recognize the difference of working with a proven, experienced sales & business professional.

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WOODLAND 280 ACRES/ THE HIGHLANDS FACTS 2012-13 CITY OPERATING BUDGET: $29.9 million revenues; $29.8 million expenditures POPULATION (2010): 28,409 HOUSEHOLDS (2010): 10,701 hat once was a brief stop on the View and Los Altos Hills. Highways have OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING Southern Pacific Railroad evolved replaced local railroad service, with easy (2010): 9,152 Wafter World War II to a tree-lined access via Highway 85 and Interstate 280 to RENTER-OCCUPIED HOUSING city providing a quiet housing enclave for nearby metro centers. (2010) 1,549 Silicon Valley. Since incorporation in 1952, Known for its excellent schools and MEDIAN HOME-SELLING PRICE: Los Altos has grown to a community of mostly neighborhoods replete with mature trees, Los $1,827,000 (single-family homes, single-family homes, rather than apricot and Altos supports seven commercial areas serving December 2011 through November plum orchards, a winery and ranch land. its close to 30,000 residents. And for those still 2012) Neighborhoods Today, Los Altos encompasses seven square yearning for apricot orchards, a weekly farmers $877,500 (condominiums, December miles, stretching from Palo Alto to Sunnyvale market offers a chance for neighbors to interact 2011 through November 2012) and Cupertino, sandwiched between Mountain while shopping for local produce and flowers. ESTIMATED MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010): $149,964

27 Old Los Altos FACTS FIRE STATION: No. 15, 10 Almond Ave. ust Across the street from Downtown go in the backyard, you asked permission, but LIBRARY: Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road Los Altos and behind Foothill everyone was free to play in the front yard,” LOCATION: between El Monte and Edith avenues, JExpressway lies Old Los Altos. Shoup Talbot said. Foothill Expressway and Los Altos Hills border Park and Redwood Grove, a nature preserve, Even though many of the children are now PARKS: Village Park, Edith Avenue at San Antonio blend seamlessly into the landscape on grown, the neighborhood remains a tight-knit Road; Shoup Park, 400 University Ave.; Lincoln University Avenue where children and nature community with three particularly strong Park, University at Lincoln Avenue; Redwood Grove lovers alike enjoy the ambiance. traditions. Every Labor Day, neighbors block Nature Preserve, 482 University Ave. “It is a small community that has a really off the street and have a massive Labor Day POST OFFICE: Main, 100 First St. strong community feeling within the big party with food and activities that all the PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Silicon Valley, San Francisco madness,” children and parents attend. Covington Elementary School, Egan Intermediate resident Christine Talbot said. The adults do a progressive dinner every School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School After growing up in Los Altos Hills where year where they move from one house to the District — Los Altos High School; Bullis Charter School it took 45 minutes to walk to town, Talbot next eating food and enjoying each other’s wanted better for her kids. company. The best part, Talbot claims, comes SHOPPING: The Village (the triangle bordered by Edith, San Antonio and Foothill) “One of my priorities was I could walk at the end of the evening when “we have MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,950,000 into town, my kids could walk into town. the most cut-throat game of males versus ($1,350,000-$4,900,000) They could walk to their friends’ houses. females Pictionary you have ever seen.” The HOMES SOLD: 19 They could walk to school. They could walk neighborhood still keeps track of who wins to the library,” she said. every year. Talbot found this ideal location in Old The “Ladies of Middlebury,”as they call her friends’ houses. Los Altos on a cul-de-sac called Middlebury themselves, also have dinner once a month. “This is a wonderful neighborhood. ... We Lane. The cul-de-sac is located right off Around the cornerlives the Mickos family. have the best neighbors you could ask for,” University Avenue, the longest street in Old Originally from Finland, Anikka Mickos, Mickos said. Los Altos, and was developed in the 1970s. her husband and three children moved to She too participates in the Labor Talbot, a retired high school teacher and now Los Altos Hills in 2003 and then settled on Day festivities and progressive dinner business owner in downtown Los Altos, has University Avenue in 2008. on Middlebury lane. Every Halloween, lived in this neighborhood for the past 22 Before they left Europe, Mickos researched University Avenue and neighboring Orange years with her husband and two children. Just where the best schools were in the Bay Area Avenue are very popular locations for trick- after her daughter was born in 1989, there and chose the Los Altos School district, or-treating. Mickos gets more than 100 trick- were 27 children in the 15 houses that make which she is very happy with. She loves the or-treaters every year. up this neighborhood. The parents carpooled community and the dogs that play across the “I couldn’t imagine myself living to school and the kids all played together. street on the grassy expanse of Lincoln Park. anywhere else,” Mickos said. “Everybody’s policy was if you wanted to Her daughter can walk or bike to school and — Lisa Kellman Michelle Le Neighborhoods 28 The Buchanan & Bowen Sales Team Let our Real Estate Expertise in Old Los Altos be your Guide to this Historic Neighborhood s2OCK3OLIDTRACKRECORDOFREALESTATEsuccess in Old Los Altos s4HREEDECADESLIVINGANDWORKINGIN/LD,OS!LTOS s9OURPREFERRED/LD,OS!LTOS2EALTORS

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Los Altos

©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity . Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Is Owned And Operated by NRT LLC. DRE License #01908304 31 North Los Altos FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Children’s hey say real estate is all about location, “We had an absolutely fantastic experience Corner, 97 Hillview Ave.; Children’s Creative location, location, and residents in at the public schools,” Strichartz said. “I feel Learning Center, 700 Los Altos Ave.; Los Altos TNorth Los Altos believe they have the kids were really enriched by going to high Parents Preschool, 201 Covington Road (nearby); found their haven. Within this area, bordered school that was really diverse ... and has such Tiny Tots Preschool, 647 S. San Antonio Road by North El Monte Avenue, El Camino Real great opportunities.” FIRE STATION: No. 15, 10 Almond Ave. and Foothill Expressway, people can find a Ginny Strock has lived in Los Altos for LIBRARY: 13 S. San Antonio Road large library, community center, a performing twice as many years as Strichartz. Even LOCATION: bounded by Foothill Expressway, El arts center for children, a downtown filled though she worked in the Palo Alto Unified Monte Road, El Camino Real and Adobe Creek with restaurants and shops, great public School District, Strock moved to North Los PARKS: Village Park, Edith Avenue at San Antonio schools, and more. Altos for the same reasons as Strichartz. Road; Shoup Park, 400 University Ave.; Lincoln Almost everyone in the area lives within “We heard the schools were really good Park, University at Lincoln Avenue easy walking distance of these attractions. and also it was very close proximity to POST OFFICE: 221 Main St. Deb Stricharz and her husband grew up downtown,” Strock said. PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): Los Altos Christian in Southern California and moved to Los Strock moved with her husband and School, 625 Magdalena Ave.; Canterbury Christian Altos after her husband finished his medical children to the quiet neighborhood on Frances School, 101 N. El Monte Ave. training at UCLA and landed a job at El Drive in 1978. She liked that her children PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Santa Rita or Almond elementary schools, Egan Camino Hospital. She chose Los Altos could walk to school and be close to the Intermediate School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union because of its proximity to her husband’s job Hillview Community Center, and her husband High School District — Los Altos High School in Mountain View and her job as a children’s enjoyed being near his work in Silicon Valley. SHOPPING: Downtown Los Altos, Los Altos Village transplant nurse at Stanford Hospital in Every Fourth of July when her children were Court and San Antonio Center Palo Alto. Even after leaving Los Altos for growing up, the neighborhood threw a block MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,900,000 Kentucky, Strichartz knew she would return. party with square dancing and a big barbecue. ($750,000-$4,500,000) “We took a detour. This is where we felt at Strock’s children are now grown and HOMES SOLD: 107 home. When we moved back, there was no all but two of her original neighbors have MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $811,250 question that we would live anywhere else,” moved. The neighborhood is now filled with ($340,000-$1,275,000) she said. young families and very young children. CONDOS SOLD: 34 Strichartz moved back to Los Altos in 1996 “We were the youngest people when we after two years in Kentucky. She chose Sioux moved in and now we are the oldest people,” Lane because it was a cul-de-sac, close to she said. neighborhood as it keeps us all young. ...We downtown, and because she “wanted to walk While the neighbors have changed, continue to love our proximity to town, and to Peet’s Coffee in the mornings.” She also families still organize a block party at least our house, which always seemed small, is picked North Los Altos because of the schools once a year. now just right,” Strock said. her two daughters would be attending. “We love having young families in our — Lisa Kellman Michelle Le Neighborhoods 32 Neighborhoods 33 Rancho FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): hen Bob Grimm moved to the signage conforms to the faded-wood style Children’s Center of Los Altos, 770 Berry Ave.; Los Rancho neighborhood of Los Altos that all of the other businesses have, so that Altos Christian Preschool, 625 Magdalena Ave.; in 1962, he found a safe, inviting “one doesn’t outdo the other,” Grimm said. Los Altos Parents Preschool, 201 Covington Road; W Los Altos United Methodist Children’s Center, 655 community. Since then, he said, it really “It’s a nice style of construction, the same Magdalena Ave. hasn’t changed all that much. as it was built many years ago,” he said. “It’s been a friendly neighborhood all these The shopping center has also started FIRE STATION: No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave. years,” Grimm said. “My kids grew up here hosting a farmers market on Saturday LIBRARY: Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road and there are new families with kids the same mornings in front of the Andronico’s market LOCATION: bordered by Foothill Expressway, age as mine when they lived here. The cycle from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Melanie Hoffman is Parma Way, Riverside Drive and Springer Road keeps on repeating.” a big supporter, she said, partly because it PARKS: Rosita Park, 401 Rosita Ave.; McKenzie Rancho fits that throwback description, its features many of the same local vendors Park, 707 Fremont Ave. broad residential streets framed by a creek on featured in the downtown Los Altos farmers POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, Springer Road and anchored by the Rancho market that she’s been attending for years. 1525 Miramonte Ave. Shopping Center. On the corner where After growing up in Los Altos herself, PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): Pinewood School, 327 & 477 Fremont Ave.; Los Altos Christian Springer meets Covington, a wooden sign Hoffman moved to Rancho in 1992 when her School, 625 Magdalena Ave.; Canterbury Christian with yellow, painted letters reads “Welcome daughter entered the second grade. She loves School, 101 N. El Monte Ave.; Saint Francis to Rancho, Los Altos.” the community feel of Rancho, she said. Catholic High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave., The shopping center has been around It’s the type of place where neighbors Mtn. View since the early 1950s when Christian know each other, said Eleanor Besson, PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District Wilder developed the area. It still serves who moved there in 1961. She meets her — Loyola or Springer elementary schools, Blach as the neighborhood hub with bakeries, neighbors on Riverside Drive three or four Intermediate School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union grocery stores and the very popular Brian’s times during the summer for gatherings, High School District — Los Altos or Mountain View Restaurant often full of local patrons. she said, and looks forward to the annual High School The shopping center has made room for community picnic on Labor Day. SHOPPING: Rancho Shopping Center, Loyola some changes while protecting its classic “It’s a fine neighborhood and we have fine Corners, Downtown Los Altos look and feel. It now has a Starbucks, but its people who live here,” Grimm said. MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,850,000 ($1,820,000-$2,040,000) — Cyrus Hedayati HOMES SOLD: 3

Loyola Corners FACTS FIRE STATION: No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave. elcome to Loyola Corners” roads that ran through its orchards. The LIBRARY: Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road; reads the painted brick sign streets bend under low-hanging trees and Woodland, 1975 Grant Road “Win front of the Shell gas dead-end in various cul-de-sacs, so few cars LOCATION: a triangle roughly bounded by station on Fremont and Dolores avenues, pass through. Fremont Avenue, Miramonte Avenue and greeting cars as they pull into town from That makes it great for people with kids, Clinton Road Foothill Expressway. Like much of the said Shapiro, because they can let them PARKS: McKenzie Park, 707 Fremont Ave.; downtown, it harkens back to a time before play outside safely. One of the most popular Heritage Oaks Park, Portland and Miramonte the expressway was even built, when Loyola cul-de-sacs, he said, is at the end of Clinton avenues Corners was a key train station down the Road and leads to the playgrounds and POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, Peninsula. tennis courts of McKenzie Park. 1525 Miramonte Ave. “Back then, this was all summer homes On the other side of Clinton lies Heritage PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): Canterbury for families who would come down from Oaks Park, adding another large green Christian School, 101 N. El Monte Ave.; Los Altos San Francisco,” said Norman Shapiro, who space to the area. With Loyola Elementary Christian School, 625 Magdalena Ave.; Pinewood has lived in Loyola Corners for more than and Saint Francis nearby, he said, it’s a School, 327 & 477 Fremont Ave.; Saint Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave., Mtn. View 40 years. The train station has always served neighborhood very friendly to families. as a hub for the community, he said. That’s what attracted Shapiro to the PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Loyola Elementary School, Blach Intermediate Framing the neighborhood from the south, neighborhood in the first place. In those School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School a cluster of small shops and restaurants days, he said, he and his wife were one of District — Mountain View High School filling up with customers at lunchtime the youngest couples on the block. SHOPPING: Loyola Corners, Rancho Shopping remains where the station used to be. “Now we’ve got lots of couples that are Center The rest of the neighborhood is mostly about a generation ahead of me,” he said. MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,061,000; residential, apart from a row of dental and “We’ve had a lot of young couples come in nearby: $1,798,000 ($1,575,000-$1,850,000) medical practices along Altos Oaks Road. the last 10 to 12 years. And it’s become one HOMES SOLD: 1; nearby: 3 Below, the winding residential streets of of the more popular neighborhoods.” Loyola Corners still resemble the country — Cyrus Hedayati Neighborhoods 34 WE MEASURE QUALITY BY RESULTS Is Quality Important to You?

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INTERO Neighborhoods REAL ESTATE SERVICES® &IRST3T3UITEs,OS!LTOS 35 Central Los Altos FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): ary McCusker chalks it up to traffic and genuine local value, “the CCLC School Age at Covington Elementary, 201 chance that her neighborhood in neighborhood got together, hired a lawyer, Covington Road; Children’s House of Los Altos, MCentral Los Altos has “the best and did their homework,” McCusker said. 770 Berry Ave.; Los Altos Parents Preschool, 201 mailman in the world. His name is Ray Rios. “They went to city hall many times and Covington Road; St. Simon’s Catholic Church Everybody knows him, and he knows the eventually the city backed down on the pool.” Extended Day Care Center, 1840 Grant, Road; St. name of everybody here. He’s like what the The playing fields, accomplished by the Timothy’s Nursery School, 2094 Grant Road; Little Acorn School, 1667 Miramonte Ave. neighborhood cops used to be, a hundred residents’ initiative, are greatly appreciated. years ago,” she said. “It’s full all the time. Sometimes it’s noisy FIRE STATION: No. 15, 10 Almond Ave.; Loyola station, No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave. The neighborhood is made up of two but it’s activity, it’s wonderful. That’s what triangles bordering at Springer Road and you need in a neighborhood,” she said. LOCATION: between Foothill Expressway, El Monte and Springer, and Covington and Grant lodged between North and South Los Altos. Many of the residents see the Los Altos PARKS: Heritage Oaks Park, Portland at All three of these areas run along Foothill School District as something to invest in Miramonte Avenue; Marymeade Park, Fremont Expressway and spread north of it. rather than just benefit from. Avenue at Grant Road; McKenzie Park, 707 Mary and her husband moved from “The schools are suffering the same way Fremont Ave.; Rosita Park, 401 Rosita Ave. Connecticut to her ranch-style home in 1974. all California schools are suffering. But there POST OFFICE: Blossom Valley, 1768 Miramonte Adjusting wasn’t easy, but the friendly spirit was a local foundation founded by the parents Ave. Mountain View; Rancho, 1150 Riverside Drive; now embodied by Rios — and by many of when the schools began to lose funding in a Main, 100 First St. the interactions among neighbors — helped serious way. They help prop up some of the LIBRARY: Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road; their new home feel like one. programs,” she added. Woodland, 1975 Grant Road “The neighborhoods are what you make of Their own children now adults, the PRIVATE SCHOOLS (nearby): Canterbury them. If you have two or three outgoing people McCuskers enjoy watching the neighborhood Christian School, 101 N. El Monte Ave.; Pinewood on the street, everybody’s going to know kids’ evening walk home from school. Mary School, 327 and 477 Fremont Ave.; St. Simon everybody, because they are the pollinators,” knows some of them especially well, as she Catholic School, 1840 Grant Road; St. Francis High McCusker said. “It depends on the street offers to babysit for recent, young move-ins. School, 1855 Miramonte Ave. you’re on, but there’s a lot of interaction.” Larger lot sizes was partly what attracted PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Covington, Loyola, Oak or Springer elementary A woman across the street walks her Noelle Eder when she and her family moved schools; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School elderly neighbor’s dogs daily, and every back to the Bay Area in 2010. “There’s more District — Los Altos or Mountain View high Fourth of July one of the nearby families green space and room per property. My schools hosts a summer picnic with hired musicians. husband is a gardener, so a quarter acre allows SHOPPING: Blossom Valley Shopping Center, The McCuskers picked their neighborhood him to wield his green thumb,” she said. Miramonte Avenue and Cuesta Drive; Downtown largely for the reputed school district to Other reasons for the Eders — who had Los Altos; Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill which it belonged. Beyond their backyard previously lived in Southern California and San Expressway and Springer Road fence stand playing fields adjoined to Carlos — include the “absolutely fantastic” MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,902,500 Covington Elementary School. school system and friendly neighbors. ($1,065,000-$3,745,000) That land lay fallow just five years ago, The annual cookie exchange allows HOMES SOLD: 84 as the city of Los Altos entertained a few neighbors to exhibit and share their recipes possible uses for it. They eventually decided for holiday sweets. The tradition was started “Sixty to 70 people bring a few dozen of their on the construction of three Olympic pools, by a neighbor of the Eders, and now reaches home recipes for holiday cookies. It’s a great complete with bleachers and lighting. beyond the neighborhood around Covington way to get together with and meet people.” Over well-researched concerns about Elementary School. — Pierre Bienaimé Eric Lawson Neighborhoods 36 Erika Ameri Judy Bogard-Tanigami Courtney David Chung Barbara 650.209.1509 Sheri Bogard Hughes Bridgman & Sunny Kim Conkin-Orrock [email protected] Cindy Bogard-O’Gorman 650.209.1613 650.302.6027 / 650.823.5546 650.209.1539 650.207.2111 [email protected] / [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] DavidandSunny.com ConsultantslnRealEstate.com

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View; neighborhood. neighborhood, she “felt separated” when it St. Simon’s Catholic Church Extended Day Care “Around 1989 my wife and I thought of came to her kids attending local schools. Due Center, 1860 Grant Road; YMCA — Way to Grow moving,” Anderson said, “but after looking to school zoning their own children attended Full-Day Preschool, 1501 Oak Ave. around we realized we wouldn’t find a better school in the Cupertino school district, which FIRE STATION: No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave. neighborhood than the one we live in.” they felt distanced them from being more LIBRARY: Woodland, 1975 Grant Road Snuggled into the borders of Mountain involved. Although they felt Homestead High LOCATION: between Grant Road, Homestead View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino, the South School was a good school, they did not feel Road Stevens Creek, Joel Way, Harwalt Drive, Oak, Los Altos community stretches between close enough to it. Truman, Miravalle avenues Grant Road and Stevens Creek. Some of the In some ways the city has improved the PARKS: Grant Park, 1575 Holt Ave.; (nearby) homes are built in the modern, two-story, neighborhood, according to the Van Burens. Marymeade Park, Fremont Avenue at Grant Road Mediterranean look, while many are modeled Added in 1975, the Woodland Library is an POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, after the classic ranch-style home, according extension of the Los Altos Main Library, 1525 Miramonte Ave. to Laura Bajuk, executive director of the Los and is conveniently located on Grant Road PRIVATE SCHOOL: St. Simon Catholic School, Altos History Museum. for the readers of South Los Altos. The Van 1840 Grant Road “It’s interesting to see what the imprint of a Burens also appreciate having grocery stores PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — community is,” Bajuk said. nearby, such as the Lucky Supermarket on Oak Elementary School, Blach Intermediate School; Working at the Los Altos History Museum, Grant Road and the Trader Joe’s found on Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Mountain View High School; or Cupertino Union Anderson educates visitors on the town’s Homestead Road. School District — Montclaire Elementary School, history, and its beginnings from a ranch The South Los Altos area does not hold Cupertino Middle School; Fremont Union High community into a piece of the Southern any large events, but neighbors find other School District — Homestead High School Pacific Railroad. Since the rail company ways to get to know one another. When Jean SHOPPING: Foothill Crossing, Homestead Road; purchased the land in 1907, the town of Vecchiet and her husband moved into their Greenhaven Plaza, Grant Road Los Altos expanded further out, stretching neighborhood in 1996 they knew no one. But, MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,640,040 towards South Los Altos. they wanted to raise their children in a place ($1,015,000-$2,575,000) Anderson describes South Los Altos as where neighbors knew each other and looked HOMES SOLD: 54 more affordable than the northern part of out for one another. the town. He says parts of the neighborhood “It was my husband’s idea to go around lack sidewalks, but the district has nice to the neighbors and start a woman’s book resources, such as where to find a good parks and an excellent school system. The club,” Vecchiet said. plumber. neighborhoods maintain a rural feeling Creating a flyer, Vecchiet introduced According to Vecchiet the book club has compared to North Los Altos and the herself to her neighbors, to great success. helped create a friendly environment in their downtown area. After nine years the book club is still going, neighborhood. “I think everyone likes being Children in South Los Altos attend either with about 15 active members meeting each able to drive down the street and wave to Mountain View-Los Altos Union High month. The group chooses a book to read their neighbors, knowing who they are,” she School District or the Cupertino Union every other month, but still meets each month said. School District, depending on their address. just to play board games or swap stories. Although South Los Altos is not often Both district’s public schools are highly “It’s more of a social group than a real the center of community events, it is a rated, but the dual district attendance doesn’t book club,” Vecchiet said. central location with access to many larger lend itself to neighborhood cohesiveness. The club is also connected through an communities and activities. Paul and Karen Van Buren have lived in online Yahoo! group, where neighbors share — Kelly Jones Veronica Weber Veronica Weber Neighborhoods 38 21st Century Smart a renaissance education in Silicon Valley

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39 Country Club FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): estled against the rolling hills of years ago and they help the neighborhood Los Altos Christian Preschool, 625 Magdalena Ave.; Rancho San Antonio Open Space stay the way it was and limit subdivisions,” Los Altos United Methodist Children’s Center, NPreserve (replete with wildlife, hiking he said. 655 Magdalena Ave. trails and a working farm), the neighborhood For Balzer, the access to the great outdoors FIRE STATION: No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave. known as Country Club (part of the larger is one of the most special attractions of his LIBRARY: Woodland, 1975 Grant Road San Antonio Hills community) stands apart neighborhood. LOCATION: bounded by Magdalena Avenue, from, and between, the towns of Los Altos “I hike in the preserve all the time — once Foothill Expressway, Permanente Creek and and Los Altos Hills. a week at least. I can do a 12-mile hike in Interstate 280 The neighborhood is built on three hours and be back home in time to have NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Richard unincorporated Santa Clara County land and a beer or take a shower or both,” he said. Blanchard, president, San Antonio Hills Inc. has not been annexed to the city of Los Altos. As the name suggests, the Los Altos Homeowners Association, 650-948-3073, www.sanantoniohills.com Glen Balzer, who’s called Magdalena Golf and Country Club, founded in 1923 Avenue home since 1993, said the majority on former ranch land, is a defining feature PARK (nearby): Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Cristo Rey Drive of the home sites are on 1-acre parcels and of the neighborhood. The exclusive club POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, 1525 Miramonte Ave. maintain a rural, “woodsy” feel, with horse (membership is by invitation only), along trails running nearby and not much change with “a few churches,” provides the only PRIVATE SCHOOL: Los Altos Christian School, 625 Magdalena Ave. since the construction of the first pre-war commercial activity in the neighborhood, cottages and 1940s homes that make up according to Balzer, contributing to a PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Loyola Elementary School, Blach Intermediate Country Club. peaceful, low-key atmosphere. School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School Balzer said the San Antonio Hills New Country Club resident, Lisa District — Mountain View High School Homeowners Association, of which he is a Langston, knew about the neighborhood’s SHOPPING: Loyola Corners, Miramonte Avenue board member, strives to preserve the unique great features after living in nearby Los Altos and Rancho Shopping Center qualities of the area. Hills since 1989. MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $2,010,000 “Our CC&Rs (covenants, conditions “It’s beautiful — rolling hills, great nature ($1,302,000-$4,800,000) and restrictions — bylaws set by the and a wonderful golf course,” she said. HOMES SOLD: 32 homeowner’s association) were set up 60 — Karla Kane and Lisa Kellman

Woodland Acres/The Highlands FACTS CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS (nearby): eith Peterson lives in what he the spring the lovely blossoms and then the Children’s Creative Learning Center, 2310 believes to be the fifth house built yellow mustard flowers between the rows.” Homestead Road, Suite E, Los Altos Kin Los Altos’ neighborhood of To the west of Woodland Acres, still FIRE STATION: No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave. Woodland Acres. between the strip of land wedged between LIBRARY: Woodland, 1975 Grant Road “I think I’m the earliest resident to still be Foothill Expressway and Highway 280, stand LOCATION: between Foothill Expressway here. There’s another lady on Sequoia Drive The Highlands. and Interstate 280, Beechwood Lane and that has the same occupancy date as I do; The area was built up in 1960, some time Permanente Creek that’s 1951. But I think our house was ahead before Jim Mutch moved into the area in NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Kay Mazzola, of that one.” 1973. “One of the things that really attracted president, Woodland Acres Association Between Beechwood Lane and Permanente us to the neighborhood are the trees and the PARKS: Montclaire Park, St. Joseph Ave.; (nearby) Creek, Woodland Acres was back then true to natural look of it,” he said. The surrounding Grant Park, 1575 Holt Ave.; Rancho San Antonio its name — home to orchards, oaks and laurel streets count liquidambars, elm trees and a Open Space Preserve, Cristo Rey Drive trees — despite a railroad track running few deodaras. POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, 1525 Miramonte Ave. parallel to where Foothill Expressway now “Something that’s very convenient is that PRIVATE SCHOOL: St. Simon Catholic School, stands. Daily trains carried city-bound we access to all the freeways: Foothill, 85, 1840 Grant Road commuters and great amounts of fresh 280. So it’s very easy to get places quickly. PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Cupertino Union School cement from Los Gatos. And it’s quiet, which people often comment District — Montclaire Elementary School, Peterson is an active participant in an on. As close as we are to Foothill Expressway, Cupertino Middle School; Fremont Union High School District — Homestead High School annual publication put out by the Woodland we really don’t notice it,” Mutch said. SHOPPING: Foothill Crossing, Homestead Road; Acres Association. In a recent issue he wrote In the early 2000s, he and a neighbor Loyola Corners; Rancho Shopping Center about his commute to Westinghouse (now decided to approach the city about getting MEDIAN 2012 HOME PRICE: $1,616,944 Northrop-Grumman) in Sunnyvale: “On my a single-story overlay applied to the area. A ($1,111,111-$2,625,000) return there was not a stop sign in the entire supermajority of 67 percent was just reached, HOMES SOLD: 34 distance of five miles. ... Along the way we making second-story construction impossible, MEDIAN 2012 CONDO PRICE: $880,000 enjoyed pastoral scenes of grazing cattle and at least for a few blocks. ($854,000-$950,000) Neighborhoods the orchards — the beautiful orchards. In — Pierre Bienaimé 40 CONDOS SOLD: 3 DETAILS  Keen negotiating skills Broad network of As a long time resident  professional associates of Los Altos Hills with and contacts 16 years of Peninsula real estate experience, I  Strong understanding of bring a wide variety of the local market and the people who call the skills and expertise to Peninsula home help make YOUR home buying or selling process  Solid background feel effortless handling a wide range of real estate transactions, including extensive properties and estates

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