 While Silicon Valley still experiences a sluggish overall economy, there are numerous healthy trends occurring throughout Los Gatos. New businesses are coming in to replace those that have moved on, and there are notable philanthropic endeavors, along with increased networking between businesses among established merchants and new service organizations.
Although some people equate Los Gatos with high prices, this coming weekend shoppers can snap up some bargains for themselves as well as get a head start on unique holiday gifts at The Opera House's Grand Opening. Located at 140 W. Main St., The Opera House is home to not only a banquet house, but also a collection of specialty shops, including Venus Envy, Village Caterers, White Ginger Gallery, Real Women Boutique, The Island Pedicure, The Well and Opera House Studios.
Oct. 2426, participating merchants (Venus Envy, Village Caterers, White Ginger Gallery, Real Women Boutique and The Island Pedicure) will feature no sales tax on all purchases. Hours for the no-sales-tax celebration are: Friday, 11 a.m.6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.5 p.m. Refreshments will be served 4:307 p.m. on Saturday. In addition, several merchants are offering in-store specials.
For those unfamiliar with these businesses, most of which opened in the past few months, here's a brief overview:
Venus Envy, owned by Julie Langtry, opened in April, and specializes in women's fashion with an edge, as well as European designers and career wear that goes beyond the typical brands. She'll have a specialist offering free makeovers this weekend. The store can be reached at 408.354.2720.
The Island Pedicure, owned by Jennifer Taroni, opened in September and will be featuring nail services along with pupu (appetizer) platters and island drinks. The salon component of the boutique opens in December, just in time for the holidays.
Village Caterers on Main, owned by Ann and Dan Floyd, opened in May, and will offer samples of their delicious food this weekend. White Ginger Gallery, owned by Sheila Cox, opened in September, and can be reached at 408.399.9156. Real Women Boutique, owned by Urzula Muszynska, which opened in July, features full-figured fashions with flair.
World-class "painter of light" Thomas Kinkade has officially made the lovely town of Los Gatos legendary with his newest work, "Los Gatos and Santa Cruz Avenue." Appropriately, it will be unveiled to the public this Friday night at The Opera House. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist in person as well as purchase it in a variety of canvas and print media.
The Kinkade connection was made through a relatively new Los Gatos entity, the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club, chartered on July 28 of this year. Joan Perry, president of the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club, as well as her own business (appropriately named Take Charge Financial), approached Kinkade at a dinner party earlier this year with her proposition of painting Los Gatos and earmarking a portion of the proceeds for the organization.
Kinkade's painting will help the club's members continue their good work by financially blessing the group with a portion of the sale proceeds. It was first shown at a private party at Mayor Sandy Decker's home. The hometown view can be seen at www.losgatos.thomaskinkade.com.
"The timing is excellent. As a chartered club, it is our responsibility to create a foundation that will help us fund most-needed community non-profit efforts as well as international causes. As a young club, building a foundation from scratch does present a challenge," says Perry. "Kinkade's interest and favorable response to our suggestion that he paint Los Gatos and donate a percentage of those funds just increased our chances to put the fund in place a lot sooner."
In addition to Kinkade's visible support, the small and mighty 26-member group has also benefited the community through sponsorship of Jazz on the Plazz and furnished a home for Habitat for Humanity.
Separately, The Learning Game, offering educational toys and teaching supplies to make learning fun, recently opened at 301 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.6 p.m. Call the store at 408.966.8064 or visit www.learninggame.com.
For those seeking to increase their business, Down2Biz announces its next mini-forum, which will be held on Nov. 4 at 8 a.m. at the California Café in Old Town.
Businesses seeking to bend the ears of the top cats in Los Gatos are encouraged to attend an informal meeting with Mayor Decker and Town Manager Debra Figone to discuss topics that concern you. Coordinated by the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, attendees can voice their opinions about the business climate, the upcoming holiday season, particular programs and proper protocol for specific situations. To attend, call 408.354.9300 to reserve your spot. Sponsored by California Café, the $10 admission fee includes breakfast.
Do you have or know about a cool new Los Gatos business, a hot news tip or a business anniversary or special event to announce? We'd love to hear about it. Contact Michelle C. Crowe at 408.378.9056 or a1writers@hotmail.com.
Michelle C. Crowe is a Silicon Valley-based freelance writer
and editor.
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