Back in December 2009, we posted a short entry summarizing the I Love Mountain View Site.  At that point the website was still relatively new but we saw great potential for the site becoming one of the better local resources for all who live, work  and play in Mountain View.

Well, almost a year later, the website has exceeded our expectations. The site is actually a blog site sponsored by the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce. Well vetted, with an attention for local vendors and activities, it is an excellent resource and one that should not be missed.

“I Love Mountain View” blog covers a variety of topics regarding life in our exciting community. It’s rare to find a site that addresses multiple age groups and a variety of topics.

They have categorized and tagged the posts so searching their site is very easy.  A RSS feed and an easy-to-read community calendar round out the site.  The site is sure to have  something for every member of the family:

We’re all in search of that perfect spot. Something that feels like home, our home away from home.  A venue for cultural exchange, conversation and relaxation. Well, we are all very lucky to have such a place right here in Mountain View.

Red Rock is all that and much, much more.

Built on it’s three core values: CAFFEINE, CULTURE and COMMUNITY, Red Rock is an oasis where you can escape to unwind, relax and “recharge your battery”.

Red Rock was born when a group of people came together and wanted to create a place of genuine community. Not just a great place to meet and hang out, but a place that truly gave back and supported the community that supports it.

Standing venues include Open Mic and Kid’s Story Hour.   Open Mic happens every Monday from 7-10pm. Everyone gets 10 minutes, enough time for 2 songs, or 3-4 poems, or a stand-up routine. All forms of creative expression are welcome; anything you think would be fun for everybody. Kid’s Story Hour happens the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at 10:00AM. Bring your children for an hour of songs and picture books, supplied by BookBuyers.

The music is great, the coffee is hot and the staff is friendly. It doesn’t get much better than that. For a complete listing of events and more information, check out the Red Rock website.

Gables End is located in the center of Silicon Valley in the City of Mountain View. This high-efficiency metropolis is extraordinarily civic-minded providing its citizens with a wealth of engaging amenities and progressive services (MV was one of the 1st to offer free Wi-Fi to its citizens).  That is why when we recently stumbled across this gem of  a blog posting about local Mountain View amenities, we knew we  just had to share.  If you haven’t visited the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce site  blog written by Heidi Chen –  ilovemv.org then you need to have a look.  What a great resource for all things Mountain View!

“I Love Mountain View” covers a variety of topics regarding life in our exciting community.  It’s rare to find a site that addresses multiple age groups and a variety of topics.
Heidi includes something for every member of the family:

The economy is having its effect on local Mountain View and Peninsula Businesses that we frequent, but certain retailers and cafes report an up-tick in traffic.  The Palo Alto Daily News Staff Writer, Jessica Bernstein-Wax recently cited ways in which local self-employed, recently unemployed  and independent contractors are contributing to a thriving local economy.  Laptops and business meetings have become commonplace at Red Rock Coffee, customers have almost filled the Dana Street Roasting Company mid-afternoon and you will find the self-employed at the gym more often. “Local coffee shops, museums and gyms have reported modest increases in visitors over the past year despite, or perhaps because of, the bum economy. Movie theaters say sales have stayed about the same.”*

Residents of the Peninsula are well-educated and highly diverse, often finding creative ways of overcoming economic instability.  Entrepreneurs by nature, the unemployed often become self-employed, begin networking groups or try their hand at that start-up that they’ve been mapping out for the last 11 months. Despite the poor economy local residents continue to re-invent themselves, take advantage of the moment to enjoy a little culture, recharge and get fit for new opportunities, all while supporting small business owners!  We wouldn’t expect anything less, after all we live in the Silicon Valley, right?

Read the story here

Peninsula residents frequenting cafes, gyms and museums despite down economy

*Excerpt from Article by Palo Alto Daily News Staff Writer, Jessica Bernstein-Wax

I love getting in a great workout before I hit the grind behind my desk at work, but an early start means to survive the day I need coffee. Seriously, without a decent cup in my system by 8:30 I turn into some strange zombie/human hybrid; not pretty. Fortunately for you and everyone else I might come into contact with throughout the day there is Red Rock Coffee on Castro Street. If you like fancy drinks they have you covered, but I think the true mark of good coffee is when I can drink it black and here that isn’t a problem. It is always expertly prepared, tasty and served in a timely manner.

On the weekend this is a great place to sit and look smart while reading a book because they offer comfy seating, free wifi (with purchase, of course) and a laid-back vibe. This is not your pretentious New York coffee shop; it is very California and thus cool. Also, it’s right on Castro Street in the hub of downtown Mountain View so it’s a great jumping off point for a day of shopping, dining and social schmoozing. Who doesn’t love that? Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but good coffee is probably close on their heels.