I bring it up now because, while it may be a bit of a stretch, I felt a little like ol' Francis last week when we received a letter at the paper from Chou Khang of New Technology High School in Sacramento.

Sure, there's a difference.

Virginia no doubt put pen to paper when she wrote, "Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun , it's so.' Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?"

Chou sent us an email.

But the concept is the same. Chou is doing a report for her geography class, describing a day in the life of someone from Los Gatos and, like Virginia 107 years ago, she needs some help to figure it out.

"I have not found any information on this town that is good at all," she wrote. "Because I want to prove that this city is cool place, I would like you to answer some of my questions."

No information on Los Gatos that's good? How can that be? We'd better set this young lady straight pronto. So, in the spirit of Francis Pharcellus Church, we offer the following: Yes, Chou, there is a Los Gatos. And it is a 'cool place'—a very cool place indeed.

Chou's request breaks down into four basic questions: 1) What makes Los Gatos unique/interesting? 2) What is the main source of food that the people eat in Los Gatos? 3) What are the physical features around Los Gatos? 4) What do people in Los Gatos do for fun?

We'll take them one at a time:

* What makes Los Gatos unique/interesting?

Los Gatos leaders have done a remarkable job of maintaining the town's history while also keeping up with the times. The town offers a unique blend of restored historical buildings with modern homes and facilities. But it's more than just the buildings that make the town unique. Los Gatos offers a genuine feeling of community. People treat others here with respect and greet them with warmth and a friendly smile. So what is it that makes the town unique and interesting? I guess it's the people—the people who live here, the people who work here, the people who visit here and the town leaders who maintain the character of Los Gatos.

* What is the main source of food that the people eat in Los Gatos?

Los Gatos may be a small town, but its restaurants offer big city fare. There is something for virtually every taste, from ethnic foods to burgers and fries, from upscale dining establishments to fast food, from expensive restaurants to affordable family dining. But what makes the dining experience special in Los Gatos is not just the food, but also the town's atmosphere.

* What are the physical features around Los Gatos?

That might be the best part of all. The town rests at the base of the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountain range and is far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of big city San Jose that it offers a quiet, laid-back lifestyle for local residents. But while it may be a peaceful place to live, it's no Mayberry. The town offers a bustling commercial district and an active cultural schedule. The blend of past and present give the town a unique look and quaint feel.

* What do people in Los Gatos do for fun?

There is always something happening in town, whether it's an activity at Los Gatos High School or an event in the Los Gatos Town Plaza. Los Gatos High—the only high school in town—is currently undergoing a major renovation on its theater. Once completed, the facility figures to host school and community theater productions, concerts and more. The Plaza features everything from a Sunday farmers market to jazz concerts on warm summer evenings. There's also a bandstand in Oak Meadow Park that offers live music and features a Shakespeare Festival in the summer. Teenagers have their own facility—The Outhouse—for events or to just hang out, and teens have organized their own series of band concerts.

So, yes Virginia ... I mean, Chou, there is a Los Gatos. And it's a pretty cool place. Come see for yourself or just take our word for it. Because, as Papa would say, if you see it in the Weekly-Times, it's so.

Want to talk? Give me a call at 408.354.3110, or write to dsparrer@svcn.com.