Archive for May, 2010

A bit of history behind Memorial Day.

Originally called “Decoration Day”, the national holiday began in 1865 as a way to honor fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Memorial Day, as we celebrate it today, has become an occasion to honor fallen American soldiers from all wars.

Today, we recognize and honor their service and sacrifice in a number of different ways, from reverent to celebratory. Some gather with loved ones and family for parades and bbq, while others visit local bay area memorial sites to pay their respects. A list of bay area memorial day events can be found here.

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Gables End in Mountain View!

According to the San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley saw a big price jump in April, while sales activity overall has slowed compared to April 2009. Is supply and demand in effect? With less market inventory, will prices continue to climb? Read the recent article to get market views from economists and local real estate agents.

“Santa Clara County posted only a slight gain in home sales last month compared with April 2009, but the median home price jumped 26 percent.

The median price of previously owned single-family houses sold last month was $550,000, up 26.4 percent from $435,000 in April 2009, and flat from March 2010, according to a report Thursday from MDA DataQuick. The median condo price rose 31 percent from last year, to $335,000.”

To read the full article, by Sue McAllister – via MercuryNews.com (Click Here)

Science and Art collide at what has become one of the most popular events in the Bay Area, The Maker Faire.

What is Maker Faire? Maker Faire is a newfangled fair that brings together science, art, craft and engineering plus music in a fun, energized, and exciting public forum. The aim is to inspire people of all ages to roll up their sleeves and become makers. This family-friendly event showcases the amazing work of all kinds of makers – anyone who is embracing the DIY spirit and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience.*

More than 600 exhibits will be on display at the fifth annual Maker Faire Bay Area, which will be held this coming Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23, at the San Mateo County Event Center. The Faire will be open Saturday from 10am – 8pm and Sunday 10am – 6pm. Children under 3 are free. According to the organizers, O’Reilly Media, the event this year will likely draw more than 70,000 attendees.

More information can be found on their website.

*http://makerfaire.com

In an ‘07 Article titled “The other Castro Street” by San Francisco Magazine the author wrote: “Mountain View is fast becoming a happening haven for techies who love to eat al fresco—and chase their free citywide Wi-Fi sessions with a few cocktails”. Thanks to its convenient location in Silicon Valley between San Jose and San Francisco, Mountain View has increasingly become not only a destination, but a place where young families can find the space they desire and enjoy urban-style amenities and culture near employers like Google, Intuit, etc…

Gables End is one such place, now offering 3- and 4-bedroom floor plans. But hurry, only 7 homes remain! For quick updates on our community you can follow along on Facebook or Twitter.

Have a look at nearby restaurants through this map (scroll):

View Larger Map

Bay Area Festival season officially launches on May 15-16 in Mountain View where walkable Castro Street will be transformed into a  feast of people and colorful tents for the 14th Annual A La Carte & Art. Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in Silicon Valley for this celebration of the arts.

The open-air festival will feature two days of:

• live music
• a fine arts & crafts show with 200 talented exhibitors showing their handcrafted wares
• artisan specialty food purveyors
• a farmers’ market with fresh seasonal produce
• festive food and drink with premium wine, microbrews and margaritas
• health and wellness displays
• an organic and green products showcase
• home and garden exhibits
• kids’ amusements in the Tons of Fun Zone
• and, making its festival debut, a classic car show — “A La Car & Art”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is free. More information regarding the event can be found here.

Image from Savvy Cellar Wine Bar and Shop

Anticipation grows, as one of the Peninsula’s favorite wine bars nears its Grand Opening in Mountain View at the Old Train Depot. We feel so lucky to have Savvy so close. Gables End homeowners that have enjoyed Savvy Cellar in Redwood City, now have the option of meeting up with friends and neighbors at Savvy II just minutes from their front door! Need a double date idea? Savvy Cellar was voted “Best Wine Classes in the Bay Area”

Recently posted on the Savvy Cellar Facebook Page:

“Yeah, Mtn View construction complete! Waiting on ABC license . . . sigh. In the meantime, we are cranking on internal operations – tasting a lot of bread to ensure only the best selection!:) 1 to 2 weeks to go. Opening date to be announced soon! Watch this space . . .”

Have a look at these photos of the Gables End homeowners’ newest, local amenity:

Savvy Cellar II – Week 13

Savvy Cellar II – Week 15 (Slideshow)

Gables End is NOW 90% SOLD OUT! Our Final Phase is selling fast. Visit Victoria and Antonio at our onsite sales center for a tour 10 to 5, daily.

You asked, we listened! Gables End has released its final phase of newly designed 4 bedroom homes to fit your lifestyle in Mountain View.  Home office? Telecommuting? Room for guests? Growing family? Not a problem! Our newest E2 plan accommodates your needs. But hurry…inventory is limited and there is high demand for our new 4 bedroom plan! Reserve yours today and take advantage of the California New Home and First-Time Buyer Tax Credit. (Funds are limited and we hear this credit won’t last long!)
Want details on the California Tax Credit – (click here)

Looking for a super deal?
Featured Home: 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with 2-car garage listed at $659,900!
Take a tour of our featured property and we are sure your will fall in love with its open living space, classic design and modern finishes! See our slideshow on Flickr to get an idea of what you’ll find. (Gables End Flickr)

Summertime is upon us and lots of great events and festivals are kicking off. It is the perfect time to make Mountain View your new home. What do you love most about summers in Mountain View? Share with us, share with your neighbors on our Gables End Facebook Page!

Happy Cinco de Mayo Mountain View!

What better way to celebrate than through food and drink? Here are some great local Mexican spots that rank high on our list:

(2) Great Choices for Burrito Lovers:

La Costana – Mountain View – Amazing Carne Asada Burritos!!! La Costana is a choose your own fillings place, and leaves every patron feeling as if they are top chef.

Taqueria La Bamba – Mountain View – If you love a burrito, this place is a hands down crowd pleaser. We recommend the Carnitas Burrito here. Check out their ratings on Yelp here http://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-la-bamba-mountain-view

Fiesta del Mar Too – Mountain View – Started in Downtown Mountain View in 1995 and hasn’t stopped since… They offer tequila pairings and healthy fresh California Mexican style options too. They Fiesta del Mar Too has a new take out menu + order online option, so you can take your fiesta back home to Gables End!

Vive Sol – Mountain View – A family run place where they celebrate the “the Cocina Borroca Poblana” – the food from Puebla, where the owners grew up. You can find a wide selection of fine tequilas and great ambiance.

Celia’s –Menlo Park/Palo Alto – Celia’s prides itself on quality. You can taste the freshness in Celia’s guacamole and fresh salsa. Try the Happy Hour in Palo Alto 3-7 pm for from scratch margaritas and a mix of bites.

Do you have a local Peninsula favorite spot to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? We’d love to add additional locations and recommendations to the list. Share with us, share with your neighbors…