I know many of you are probably getting into the holiday season. San Jose (and I’m sure other cities) have had holiday decorations up around town for a couple of weeks now. In downtown San Jose, you can already go ice skating, and the tree lighting ceremony will be Nov. 28 at Christmas in the Park. (More info on that here). And I’m sure holiday festivities are starting around the South Bay each day.

But I have to admit, I’m becoming somewhat of a humbug. It started two years ago, actually. All the stress of buying gifts for people seemed futile. The people I was buying for didn’t need anything. I didn’t want anything from them, except maybe some time to spend together over dinner or drinks. So last year I decided - no gifts. Instead, I would be giving my precious (and few) hard-earned dollars to those who needed it. Did my friends and family miss the presents? Not one bit. Especially when I told my mom, who works for the Girl Scouts, that I was donating money to her organization. And I told my pet-loving friend I’d be donating to the local SPCA. They didn’t mind one bit.

Call me Charlie Brown, but the holidays have become so focused on presents, that I’m afraid people are forgetting about those who will be the coldest, the hungriest this season.

Now more than ever we need to keep those less fortunate in mind. We’re facing an economic “recession” (a euphemism, I’m convinced), and the local foodbanks will be seeing more hungry, hopeful faces this holiday season than they’ve seen in a few decades.

As a board member of a local nonprofit, I can tell you firsthand that charities are hurting. They’ve been hurting for the last couple of winters, but this year is bad. People are scared, and are grabbing that wallet tight - for good reason. But we can’t forget that our neighbors need our help. Even if it’s $20, or 10 cans of food.

To raise awareness that charities need your help, the Silicon Valley Open Arms Coalition was created by local funders and nonprofits. The website gives several ways for people to contribute this holiday season, depending on which organization they’d like to support. Some of the nonprofits involved are First 5, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sobrato Family Foundation, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, and The Health Trust.

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Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day; there will be a memorial ceremony and a parade in downtown San Jose.

The Parade‘s Opening Ceremony begins at 11:00 am with a memorial ceremony at Plaza Cesar de Chavez.

The Parade begins at noon from Delmas Street (near HP Pavilion) and travels east along Santa Clara to Market Street. The Parade then proceeds south on Market and ends at San Carlos Street; the reviewing stand is near Park Street.

Major General William H. Wade II of the California National Guard is this year’s Grand Marshal.

The United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County organizes the parade.

From the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Website where you will find a plethora of information:

World War I - known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

Since then, our main conflicts have been Word War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.

This time of year always comes up quick and equally goes by just as quick.  Halloween is tomorrow, whoa, where did that come from?  I could have sworn there was at least another week. So today I scrambled around finishing up costumes and getting appetizers for a kiddie party we are attending tonight. Yikes.  But I will admit it’s fun, and I love it!

When I was working in the Corporate atmosphere, if Halloween fell on a weekday, I would head down to the local Cemetery on my lunch hour.  There I would walk around in hopes something would pop up and scare me.  Nothing or no one ever did.  I always asked my co-workers to join me, and they said I was looney, “Eh, it’s all in the Spirit of the season” I said.  I don’t do that anymore, that would mean having to bring my own little goblins with me, and chasing them around tombstones would probably make the Dead laugh at me, not try and scare me. But as soon as I deem my kids old enough, I plan to hand this tradition down. 

I just discovered today that a lot of newbie parents are still unaware of places you can take your kids besides the proverbial street Trick or Treating. Which is cool, unless the weather gets grisly.  So here are a few local haunts that are hopping with family fun.

Westgate Mall: Halloween Trick-or-Treat event  –5:pm to 7:pm Westgate Mall’s annual Trick or Treat event located in Center Court, in front of Ross. Join us for trick-or-treating, live entertainment, balloon characters, arts & crafts and more! Plus, all children receive a FREE Westgate Mall trick-or-treat bag.

Westfield Valley Fair: Dress up in your favorite costume and join Westfield Valley Fair for a safe evening of Halloween fun. Trick-or-treating will be from 5:00pm to 6:00pm at participating retailers and the Westfield Concierge. 

Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California:  Games and prizes, tricks and treats, arts and crafts and goodies to eat! On October 31 there is only one place to be: the Halloween Carnival at JCCCNC!  6:00 - 8:30pm

Children’s Discovery Museum:  Come in your favorite costume and be a Fanciful Wonderland Visitor. Don’t forget your camera . . . there are many wonderful photo opportunities in Alice’s Wonderland.  10am to 5:pm

I want to mention also that many Community Churches are holding events though out San Jose, but I don’t have those actual website to list. I apologize!  I’ll be happy to add them if you let me know!  Otherwise, just give your local Church a call and ask if they have anything brewing for the kiddies! 

So go out there and have some fun! And be safe, for All Hallows sake! 

This house is ready for Halloween night.

The best thing about fall and winter holidays is seeing your neighbors decorate. This house is along my way home from work, not really close to home, but still it feels like part of my community. I can see they’re ready to “treat” the neighborhood kids on Friday night.

In my immediate neighborhood, the best Halloween decorations are at “the Haunting of Sixth Street,” where nine neighbors on the 300 and 400 blocks will present over-the-top decorations for trick-or-treaters. Complete with actors and sound effects, this area has been a highlight of Halloween night in the downtown area for several years already.

That is no new news, Mervyns LLC,  headquartered in Hayward, CA declared Bankruptcy in August this year. Shoppers like myself saw it coming months ago, we were always piling in for the giant sales and empty aisles. 

This is sad indeed, Mervyns has been a huge staple in my shopping history.  I grew up in San Mateo, and going to the Mervyns inside Hillsdale Mall was the place to go.  Mervyns and Sears were the biggies to Middle Class shoppers, and rightly so, they have everything. With good quality clothes,  tools and home appliances, all at reasonable prices, it was hard to shop anywhere else.  All my holiday, birthday and occasional gifts for women came from Mervyns, then going to Sears for the men in my life, it made sense. It still does,  but thats my style.  Imagine, when I moved here to San Jose, how excited I was to see a Mervyns only 1 mile from my home. Waking distance! 

We all know that some of the Mervyns stores in the East Bay are having liquidation sales, but I also heard a rumor that my beloved store at 950 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008 will be shutting it doors sooner than anticipated. At one time I heard it was due to shut down in January 2009.  Personally I don’t know which is true, now, or 2009, I can’t find anything confirming the date, and I was unable to talk with a  manager this weekend.  Shoot.  I’ll keep you up to date, I’ll be shopping there until they bolt the door for good.   Currently, they are having a Store Wide sale, 40%, 50% and 60% off most merchandise in every department.  With the American Economy in trouble and people having to tighten their Holiday budgets,  now is the time for a bargain. Go on over, and have a look, I’m very sure you will find something for everyone.

Today Google is hosting a family friendly event, but at the other end of our valley it’s a different scene altogether: Return to the 1947 Fourth of July weekend when thousands of motorcyclists descended on the sleepy little town of Hollister, California. Though the bikers didn’t really do much damage, one can just imagine how unnerving it must have for the townspeople.

This invasion was the spark that eventually led to the hottest quintessential outlaw biker movie of all time: The Wild One (1953) with Marlon Brando (Johnny) and Lee Marvin (Chino).

Tagline: Marlon Brando! Driven Too Far By His Own Hot Blood!

: I’ve seen hoodlums like this before. If you don’t get tough with them the minute they get out of line you’re sunk. You’re the cop, aren’t you? If you can’t boot these jerks out there’s plenty of us can, even if we have to bust a few heads.

: As he and his boys are guzzling beer and dancing with some of the ladies in the bar, one female dance partner questions Johnny: Hey, Johnny, What are you rebelling against?
While tapping out a jazzy beat on the top of the jukebox, he raises his eyebrow and drawls his amorphous reason for rebellion: What’ve you got?

Note: San Francisco Hell’s Angels chapter president Frank Sadilek bought the striped shirt that Lee Marvin wore in the movie, and wore it when meeting police officials.

Today the invasion continues with the HOLLISTER MOTORCYCLE RALLY.

Hollister, California
July 11 to 13, 2008

America’s birthday, time to celebrate with parades, barbecues, picnics, festivals, and fireworks!

Here are some places to view fireworks and enjoy a day of celebrations:

San Jose

San Jose America Festival at Guadalupe River Park’s Discovery Meadow.

Enjoy international music, multicultural crafts and a variety of ethnic and festival foods. Activities for children are in Kidland.

Performances all day Friday at the Main Stage and the Blues Stage. There are also concerts Saturday and Sunday that include Night Ranger, Starship, Amanda Miguel and Diego Verdaguer.

July 4 - San Jose America Festival and Fireworks Show; Free

Gates open 12:00 pm; fireworks 9:30 pm

July 5 - Dia de la Familia Preciosa; $10

Gates open 3:00 pm

July 6 - Kinhcert on the Green: $15

Gates open 1:00 pm

Directions, Public Transportation, Parking, Bicycles

Event Map

FAQs (everything you need to know)

Santa Clara

Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza. Central Park, 909 Kiely Boulevard; Free

Pancake Breakfast at 8 am, followed by games and entertainment throughout the day including a carnival area, petting zoo, face painting, and swimming at the International Swim Center. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase foods at the event.

Fireworks at 9:30 pm

Schedule & food prices (PDF)

Milpitas

Independence Day Festivities. Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Boulevard; Free

Water activities at Milpitas Sports Center Pools during the day; pool party 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Barbecue, at the pool party 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; nominal fee.

Concert & Fireworks at Milpitas Sports Center Football Field; 8:00 pm (gates open at 7:30 pm); bring a picnic dinner.

Morgan Hill

Pancake Breakfast, 5-K Run & 1 Mile Walk, Historic 4th of July Parade, Downtown Family Festival, Live Entertainment & Car Show. Beginning 7:00 am.

Fireworks about 9:30 pm.

Annual Street Dance & Live Concert - Thursday, July 3rd; Downtown Morgan Hill - 7:00 pm

Event information

Berkeley

Berkeley Marina; Free

Activities will include entertainers, arts & crafts, free sailboat rides, free dragon boat rides, a giant slide, art projects, face painting and massages; beginning 12:00 pm at the Berkeley Marina.

Fireworks, end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:30 pm.

There is valet bicycle parking free of charge near Adventure Playground!

Event schedule

Redwood City

Activities will include arts & crafts, food, kids area, parade, and yes, fireworks.

Festival - 9:00 am

Fireworks, Port of Redwood City - 9:30 pm

The Sister City Program:
During a White House conference in 1956 President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed a program designed to foster personal relationships between cities of the world. The City of San Jose now has seven Sister Cities. The San Jose - Dublin sister city relationship, known as ‘twinning’ in Ireland, was established in 1986.

Councilor Paddy Bourke, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and his delegation will join with San Jose City officials, business and university representatives from March 6th through the 11th.

Dublin Sister City Welcome Breakfast

Friday, March 7
San Jose Museum of Art
110 S. Market Street
Registration and Informal Reception – 7:30 a.m.
Breakfast – 8:00 a.m.
Tickets - $35

 

City Hall Flag Raising Ceremony

Friday, March 7, 10:00 a.m.
City Hall Plaza on Santa Clara Street
Mayor Chuck Reed and San Jose City Council
St. John Vianney School Students
San Jose Fire Department Color Guard Unit
San Jose Police Department Color Guard Unit

 

San Jose Dublin Sister City Committee Spirit of Ireland Dinner

Saturday, March 8
San Jose Athletic Club
196 N. Third Street
No-Host Reception – 6:30 p.m.
Seating for Dinner – 7:30 p.m.
Business Attire
Tickets - $150

The City Hall Flag Raising Ceremony, on the 7th, is the only event that looks to be free. Otherwise, pull out your credit card.

See: 22 Year Anniversary Celebration.

I’m feeling warm love. It started today when I bought some new pajamas. They were on sale, which was nice. I left the tags on and tied a pretty ribbon around them. This Thursday, Valentine’s Day, I’ll take the PJs to The Fairmont Hotel in exchange for some freshly baked heart-shaped cookies. The pajamas will make their way to someone in need of a warm cozy feeling. The Pajama Program event is billed as ‘Pajamas for Kids Drive’ though there is a need for all sizes.

The Bay Area chapter of the Pajama Program has its headquarters here in San Jose, and the employees of the Fairmont Hotel are generously giving their time to our community. Pull your car up curbside - drop off the brand new pajamas - get cookies and a warm heart

The Fairmont Hotel
Thursday - February 14
6am to 10am

The Pajama Program

Happy Lunar New Year! — The Year of the Rat.

The Lunar New Year dates from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

There are 12 animals in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, and the Rat is the first in this series, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and the Pig.

If you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, or 1996 - you were born under the sign of the rat. Because of the occurrence of the full moon, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. Thus, if you were born early in one of the years listed above you may have been born in The Year of the Pig.

Those born in The Year of the Rat are clever, ambitious, creative, hard working, fastidious, charming and sociable, but can be a bit stingy.

Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, among others celebrate the Lunar New Year. These countries use the lunar calendar for their traditional holidays and the Gregorian calendar for other day-to-day activities. The Japanese celebrate New Years on January 1. Before the late 1800’s, the Japanese celebrated the Lunar New Year.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!