Community Service

Charitable Donations
Community Service
Emergency Communications Notification
(Reverse 911)

Farmer's Markets

Fire Districts
Fire Safe Councils
Fire Districts
Four Corners
Highway 35 - Skyline Blvd. at
Highway 84 - La Honda Rd.
Friends of Bear Creek Stables
Generators
ICE
Internet
La Honda Center
La Honda Fire Brigade
Library Services
LGS Recreation
Loma Prieta Community Foundation
Lyme Disease
Medical Emergencies
Mountain Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Mountain Resident Vehicle Sticker
Newspapers
Presentation Center
Recycling, Conservation, & Composting
Redwood Estates
Restaurants and Bars
Santa Cruz Mountain Alliance
Sheriff’s Substation (Santa Clara County)
Skyline Propane Users Group (SPUG)
Solar Power
South Skyline Association
South Skyline Fire and Rescue
State Government Offices
Termites
Trees - Oaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Trees -
Sudden Oak Death
Trees - Redwoods
Utilities
Water
Weather
Weeds- Invasive Plants
     
   
 

  BUILDING BLOCKS
PARENT CO-OP PRESCHOOL

 
   
 

                                              23845 Summit Rd.                  408-353-2847

Building Blocks is a high quality and highly affordable parent-cooperative preschool established by and for the mountain community. Our program – Parenting the Preschooler – is an Adult Education program sponsored by the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department and Adult Education, Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District.

  • Program hours are M-F 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (working adults are at school from 8:15am  – 1:15pm)
  • Monday, Wednesday and Friday Pre-K Program for ages 4 & 5
  • Tuesday and Thursday Program for ages 21/2 – 4.(with teacher approval for the youngest ones)

The program is multi-sensory and looks to engage children both in the world around them and in their own particular interests.  Art, science, dancing, theater, music, books, field trips and community visitors, and both large movement, and fine motor activities are components of our school curriculum.  Children play and learn in both small and whole-class groups - learning to communicate, collaborate, and handle conflict through our classroom activities, developing social skills, friendships, and cognitive skills as they go.  Kindergarten-readiness skills are also emphasized for the 4 & 5-yr. old children.
Parent participation is an integral element at Building Blocks. Each day we have our teacher and 2-4 working adults who are able to give the children more individual attention and provide for many available activities.  For the adult student, there are monthly meetings that feature guest speakers or other information that address the needs, joys, and challenges of parenting young children.  A short parent/teacher conference at the conclusion of each school day allows for learning opportunities for that day’s working parents.  In addition, parents participate on working committees to maintain the school facilities and functions.

The head teacher for the program is Karen Venegas.  Karen received her B.A. from UCLA, her Early Childhood Education Certification from Cabrillo College, and her Adult Education Credential from San Jose State.  For more information or to enroll your child, please contact Alexis King at Building Blocks 408-353-2847.
 
   
   
   
 

 BURN PILES

 
   
 

Santa Clara County does not allow any residential burning. Bona fide agricultural businesses are allowed to burn materials that are byproducts of businesses with a permit from their local fire department. Permits may be obtained by calling Central Fire in Redwood Estates at 408-378-4010 or CAL FIRE in Morgan Hill at 408-779-2121. Once a permit is obtained, you are still required to call the Bay Area Air Quality Management District at 800-435-7247 to see if it is a burn day. www.baaqmd.gov
Santa Cruz County smoke management permits issued by the Air District are required for all residential backyard burning.
http://69.12.229.62/burnpermits/Default.aspx
You must call 1-800-CAL-BURN (225-2876) or go to the Monterey Bay Air Pollution District website: http://air.mbuapcd.org to find out if it is a burn day and to let them know you are burning.

You may only burn brush and yard trimmings grown on your property, removed for fire protection. The material must be dry and free from household rubbish and other debris. Small brush and branches (2” in diameter and less) need 30 days to dry. Larger trees and branches (over 2” in diameter) need 60 days to dry. Be careful burning poison oak, as the smoke can be deadly. Your pile should be in open space not more than 4’ x 4’ x 4’ with calm ground winds. You need to have hand tools on site, along with a good hose that reaches well around your pile, and only burn during daylight hours.
San Mateo County residential pile burning is not allowed. For State Responsibility Areas in San Mateo, any hazard reduction burn must be conducted in accordance with a permit issued by CAL FIRE. You must call the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to find out if it is a burn day.
www.baaqmd.gov 800-792-0787
ALERT: If you see smoke bellowing from your neighbor’s land between December 1 and April 30, please make sure it’s a fire and not a burn pile before alerting the fire department!
Thanks to Guy Denues for his assistance.

 
   
   
 
CHARITABLE DONATIONS
 
   
 

The California Department of Consumer Affairs suggests checking out charities before giving. The California Attorney General’s Office provides information on charities at http://ag.ca.gov/charities and the Better Business Bureau gives tips for giving at www.give.org.
 
   
 

CHURCHES & MINISTRIES

 
   
 
At-The Well Ministries
Non Profit/Inter Denominational
Christ Centered
Providing opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth.   
Men and Women’s Bible Studies-Weekly   
Monthly Fellowship Group (Men & Women)   
Rebecca David  408-353-1026
Karl & Jenny Moeller 408-353-1896
Bruce & Diane Kennedy 408-353-1552
Bill & Susan Radonich 408-353-3575

Christ Child Church
Roman Catholic-Monterey Diocese
www.christchild.org   23230 Summit Rd.   408-353-2210
Pastor: Eugenio Aramburo      Fax 408-353-8680
FrEugenio@christchild.org
Confessions: On Request

Masses:       Sundays: 10:00 AM     Tuesdays: 9:00 AM     
Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00am    Saturday: 5:00 PM   
Religious Instruction: K thru 8 Sundays 9-10am
Sr. Youth Group: Sundays 7pm
Wenesdays: 1:30- 3:00pm - "Kids Club" at Loma Prieta School


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Alma Branch 23185 Summit Rd. www.lds.org   408-353-4624
President - Walt Reimers 408-353-1869
1st Counselor - Owen Purser 408-353-3254
9pm Sacrament Meeting
10am Primary (Children)
11am Sunday School   
11pm Relief Society, Priesthood, Young Men, Young Women  
Wednsdays: Youth Groups - Middle & Senior High

Jikoji Retreat & Zen Center www.jikoji.org
12100 Skyline Blvd. Los Gatos 408-741-9562
Jikoji, Compassion Light Temple, is a teaching and retreat center available for retreats, seminars, and classes for individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.


Mountain Bible Church

www.MountainBible.com
Non-Denominational Bible-Believing - Christ Centered
23946 Summit Rd.          408-353-2302
Minister: John Haak
MountainBible@gmail.com
Sundays
9:00AM Adult Sunday School
10:00-11:30AM Worship & Teaching,
Children's Sunday School
Mondays
7:00-8:30 PM Woman's Bible Study
7:00- 8:30 PM Jr. High & High School Youth Groups
Wednesdays
1:30- 3:00pm - "Kids Club" at Loma Prieta School
7:00- 8:30 PM Woman's Prayer Group

7:00-9:00 PM Men’s Study
Fridays
9 to 1 "Mom's Morning Out" Pre-School Group 

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church San Francisco Diocese
146 Sears Ranch Rd., La Honda 650-747-9555
Sunday Mass: 10:30 AM
www.ourladyofrefuge-lahonda.org
The parish office is at Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay 650-726-4674

Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church
930 Portola Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028 www.stdenisparish.org
Saturday 4:30 PM Sunday 9:30 AM
Built in 1912, it is listed as a California Registered Historical Landmark.

Skyland Community Church, United Church of Christ
A Christian fellowship whose members and friends form a sharing and caring extended family.
We offer membership, fellowship, and ministry to all.
25100 Skyland Rd. www.skylandchurch.com   408-353-1310
Mailing address: PO Box 245, Los Gatos, 95031
Minister: Stephen Glauz-Todrank   sglauztodrank@gmail.com
   Sunday Service: 10:30AM   
Sunday School for Grades 1 through 5     
July - 5/10K Run and Walk   
September - Harvest Festival
 
     
 

CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS, ETC.

 
     
  Alcoholics Anonymous Mon. 8 PM Skyland Church 408-353-1310  
 
  Thurs.7:30 PM Redwood Estates 408-353-2451
 
  Boy Scout Council http://www.scccbsa.org/ 408-638-8300  
  CASA (Community Against Substance Abuse) www.casalgca.org  
  CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) cert@lomaprietafire.org  
  Equine Evacuation Kenneth and Susan Coale 831-429-9604
 
  4-H Santa Clara County http://cesantaclara.ucanr.edu/Youth_Development/ 408-282-3116  
  Girl Scouts - Santa Clara County www.girlscoutsnorcal.org/ 408-287-4170  
  Girl Scouts - Monterey Bay www.girlscoutsccc.org/ 800-624-4757  
  Large Animal Rescue-Felton Fire call 911 to activate Bus 831-335-4422  
  LGS Recreation, Young Rec. Center, 123 E. Main St. 408-354-8700  
  www.lgsrecreation.org Adult Rec. Center 208 E. Main St. 408-207-4904  
  Loma Prieta Amateur Radio Club www.lparc.org  David Katinsky 408-353-2264  
  Loma Prieta Club Christal Cordes 408-353-3448  
  Loma Prieta Community Foundation www.lpcf.net 408-834-7765  
  Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire www.lomaprietafire.org 408-353-3529  
  Los Gatos Little League www.lgll.org  
  LGS Recreation 408-354-8700  
  Los Gatos United Soccer www.lgusl.org  
  MERC (Mountain Emergency Response Corps) Bill 408-341-9023  
  Mountain Area 55 Plus Program 408-207-4920  
  Qi Gong Movement Marcy Reynolds www.wildcoastqigong.com 831-512-9331  
  Red Cross Bill Rose 408-341-9023
 
  Summit Riders Horseman’s Assn. Sally Francy 408-353-2908  
  Theatre in the Mountains www.theatreinthemountains.org 408-384-8465  
     
 

 COMMUNITY SERVICE

 
     
 
Volunteering can be exciting and rewarding. There are many opportunities from the local school, church, or non-profit organizations, to state and international organizations. Involvement can range from a one time occasion for a few hours, to a continuing commitment. Look around your own community, or branch out to get involved. Community service can be fulfilling. It’s a good way to meet people, or even that special someone. www.volunteerinfo.org
 
     
     
 

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES

 
     
 

Santa Clara County
Board of Supervisors
Mike Wasserman (District. 1) www.sccgov.org/portal/site/d1 408-299-5010
County Offices 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose 95110 408-299-5000
www.sccgov.org
Road Maintenance 408-366-3100
After Hours and Weekend Emergencies 408-299-2507
San Jose Animal Care Center www.sanjoseanimals.com 408-578-7297
Sheriff (Non-Emergency) www.sccsheriff.org 408-299-2311
Traffic Advisories & Road Closures 408-494-1382
http://cad.chp.ca.gov
www.dot.ca.gov/dist4

Santa Cruz County
Animal Services Authority 220 7th Ave., Santa Cruz 831-454-7303
www.scanimalshelter.org
Board of Supervisors Los Gatos # 408-252-2124
www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/bds/ctysupvs.htm Santa Cruz # 831-454-2200
John Leopold (District 1) john.leopold@co.santa-cruz.ca.us 831-454-2200
www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Government/BoardofSupervisors/District1.aspx
Bruce McPherson (District 5) 831-454-2200
bruce.mcpherson@co.santa-cruz.ca.us
www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Government/BoardofSupervisors/District5.aspx
Government Center www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us Los Gatos # 408-252-2124
701 Ocean St. Santa Cruz 95060 Santa Cruz # 831-454-2000
Road Maintenance- Public Works 24 Hours Per Day 831-477-3999
Sheriff (Non-Emergency) Los Gatos # 408-866-8166
www.scsheriff.com Santa Cruz # 831-471-1121
Traffic Advisories & Road Closures www.sccroadclosure.org 831-477-3999
http://cad.chp.ca.gov
www.dot.ca.gov/dist05

San Mateo County
Board of Supervisors www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/portal/site/bos
Don Horsley (District 3) dhorsley@smcgov.org 650-363-4569
County Center www.co.sanmateo.ca.us 650-363-4000
555 County Center, Redwood City 94063
Peninsula Humane Society www.peninsulahumanesociety.org 650-340-7022
Road Maintenance- Public Works 650-363-4103
After Hours and Weekend Emergencies 650-363-4100
Sheriff (Non-Emergency) www.smcsheriff.com 650-599-1664
Traffic Advisories & Road Closures www.sccroadclosure.org 831-477-3999
http://cad.chp.ca.gov
www.dot.ca.gov/dist4

 
     
     
 

DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS

 
     
 
Skill is required when driving in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Narrow one-lane, two-way mountainous roads are hard to negotiate, sometimes necessitating the need to back up to allow another vehicle to pass. The vehicle going up-hill always has the right of way. This means that the vehicle coming down, must back up the hill.
Besides driving at a safe speed for conditions, proper driving on Highway 17 increases every one’s safety. Shift your automatic transmission into third when driving downhill. This will allow you more control, while decreasing your need to brake.

Your brakes are more efficient on a straight-away, since all the tires touch the ground with an equal amount of weight. Therefore, slow down before you reach a curve, coast through the curve, and accelerate as you exit the curve.

Raising your visual horizon allows you to drive more defensively. Look as far ahead as possible. The traffic often stops abruptly, so looking past the car ahead of you gives you more time to react.

We sometimes have dense fog on our mountain resulting in limited visibility. Slow down and use your low beams in heavy fog. Use the painted lines as your guide and listen for traffic you can’t see. Don’t change lanes, unless necessary and remember that your perception of speed can be affected by the fog. Look at your speedometer to make sure that you are going slow.

When weather conditions are poor, SLOW DOWN. You will only lose a few seconds, and please pull over for emergency vehicles (this included per request of the Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire Dept.). It could be you or your loved one in need of help!
 
     
 
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS NOTIFICATION (REVERSE 911)
 
     
 
Emergency Communications Notification (Reverse 911) is an emergency notification system which can be used to send important messages to residents and businesses within either Santa Clara or Santa Cruz Counties. The system has the capability of sending thousands of messages in a very short time based on geographic location of the incident.
Examples of uses may be:
Request for community assistance in locating missing children
Evacuation notices due to emergency situations
Be-on-the-lookout notices for dangerous criminals in your area
Landline phone numbers have been uploaded into the system but cell phone numbers require individual registration.
 
 
To register your cell phone:
Santa Clara County www.AlertSCC.com
Santa Cruz County www.sccecc.org
San Mateo County www.smcalert.info/index.php?CCheck=1
Wireless Association www.ctia.org/consumer_info/safety/index.cfm/AID/12082
 
 
FARMERS MARKETS
 
     
 

Fresh seasonal organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, free range eggs, jams and nut butters, the freshest local seafood and oysters, grass fed beef, handmade sausages, fair trade coffee, pickles and jerky, honey, goat’s milk, chocolates, gluten free bakery, and more. Visit the market’s website for a list of vendors.

The Mountain Goat Farmers’ Market www.mountaingoatfarmersmarket.com
Wednesdays, 3-7PM (April - December, 2PM to dusk in winter)
In front of Skywood Trading Post, across from Alice’s, 17285 Skyline Blvd, Woodside
Woodside Farmers’ Market www.woodsidefarmersmarket.com
Sundays 10AM -2PM (April - October)
Woodside Elementary School, 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside

Portola Valley Farmers’ Market www.portolavalleyfarmersmarket.com
Thursdays 3-7PM YEAR ROUND (2-5PM winter hours)
In front of the historic schoolhouse, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley

 
     
 

 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES

 
     
  President Barack H. Obama         202-456-1414
and Vice President Joe Biden     Fax    202-456-2461
The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Wash. D.C. 20500
www.whitehouse.gov
president@whitehouse.gov
vice.president@whitehouse.gov

FEMA- Disaster Information Help Line      800-525-0321
www.fema.gov/
Senator - Barbara Boxer Dem. CA.      415-403-0100  
1700 Montgomery St.#240, S.F. 94111    Fax    415-956-6701
senator@boxer.senator.gov
www.boxer.senate.gov
Senator Dianne Feinstein Dem. CA.      415-393-0707
One Post St. #2450,S.F. 94104    Fax    415-393-0710
senator@feinstein.senator.gov
www.feinstein.senate.gov

Santa Clara County


Congressman – Mike Honda Rep. District 15    408-558-8085
1999 S. Bascom Ave., #815, Campbell 95008 Fax    408-558-8086
mike.honda@mail.house.gov
www.hondahouse.gov/

Post Office - Los Gatos       800-275-8777   408-395-8936
Post Office - Redwood Estates        408-353-1667

Santa Cruz County


Congresswoman – Anna Eshoo Dem. District 14   408-245-2339
698 Emerson St. Palo Alto, CA 94301    Fax    650-323-3498
anna.eshoo@mail.house.gov
www.eshoo.house.gov
Post Office - Capitola          800-275-8777
Scotts Valley          800-275-8777   
Soquel            800-275-8777
 
     
  San Mateo County

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (Dem. District 14) 408-245-2339 831-335-2020
698 Emerson St. Palo Alto 94301 Fax 650-323-3498
anna.eshoo@mail.house.gov
www.eshoo.house.gov
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (Dem. District 18) 415-566-5257 650-342-0300
155 Bovet Road, Suite 780, San Mateo 94402 Fax 650-375-8270
jackie.speier@mail.house.gov
www.speier.house.gov
Post Office - La Honda 8865 La Honda Rd. 800-275-8777 650-747-0515
Woodside 2995 Woodside Rd. 800-275-8777 650-368-4163
 
     
 
FIRE ~ DEFENSIBLE SPACE
 
     
 

Defensible Space is the area between your home and the oncoming fire where the vegetation has been trimmed back to reduce the wildfire threat and provide an opportunity for firemen to defend your home. 100 feet clearance around your home is required by law. This means 30 feet cleared well with large trees being limbed up 10 feet from the ground. The remaining 70% depends on the steepness and vegetation. Create horizontal and vertical spacing between trees, and remove the “fire ladder” beneath large trees. Remove needles and leaves from roof and gutters and keep limbs trimmed 10 feet back from chimneys. Remove all dead vegetation.

 
     
 
Chipper Program
www.firesafecouncil.org
Santa Clara County dschip@SCCFireSafe.org 408-975-9591
Santa Cruz County ed@SCCFireSafe.org 831-335-6794
Soquel thadyne@soquelfiresafe.org 831-600-8503
South Skyland schwindr@yahoo.com 408-867-9422
 
 

 
 

  FIRE DISTRICTS

 
     
  CAL FIRE  
  www.fire.ca.gov/  
  Santa Clara County Fire Department
Redwood Estates         408-378-4010

Department of Forestry
Alma 19650 Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos- 408-354-5050
Burrell Fire 25050 Highland Way, Los Gatos- 408-353-1022
Saratoga Summit 12900 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos- 408-867-3625
Sky Londa 17290 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside- 650-851-1860
Soquel 4750 Old San Jose Road, Los Gatos- 831-475-3234
Soquel Demonstration State Forest-      831-475-8643
http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/resource_mgt_stateforests_soquel.php

Volunteer Fire Departments

Kings Mountain 13889 Skyline Blvd., Woodside- 650-851-8897
La Honda 8945 Highway 84, La Honda- 650-747-0381
Loma Prieta 17445 Old Summit Rd, Los Gatos- 408-353-3529
Los Cumbres 18271 Las Cumbres Rd, Los Gatos- 408-395-5811
Ormsby 408-420-4849
South Skyline temp27@southskylinefire.org 408-395-1246
Zayante 15585 Upper East Zayante- 831-335-5100
 
     
 
FIRE SAFE COUNCILS
 
     
  Firesafe Councils have been formed to help the community reduce the risk and impact of a wildfire, and help protect our houses from this danger. They are non-profit organizations dedicated to preventing the loss of lives and reducing losses of property and natural resources from wildfire. They provide education and outreach programs for fire prevention and preparedness to all residents within the Council area. They operate through dedicated volunteers, with financial contributions, in-kind donations, and grants. They aim to educate the public about wildfire threat and fire mitigation, while coordinating wildfire prevention efforts of local public fire agencies and others. Their focus is primarily to improve wildfire safety in two major areas: the reduction of dangerous fuel loads and the improvement of evacuation routes.
 
  www.cafiresafecouncil.org  
  Santa Clara County www.SCCFireSafe.org
Santa Cruz County www.soquelfiresafe.org
San Mateo County www.firesafesanmateo.org
South Skyline: www.southskylinefiresafe.org
 
     
 

 FIREWOOD

 
     
  Firewood is sold in a measurement called a “cord”. A cord equals 128 cubic feet. Stack the wood neatly by placing the wood in a row with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, making sure that the wood is compact and has as few gaps as possible. The width, times the height, times the length, should equal 128 cubic feet.

A cord, like other measurements, is defined by law. A seller may not legitimately use terms such as “truckload”, “face cord”, “rack”, or “pile”. When you buy firewood make sure that you get a receipt with the seller’s name, address, and phone number, as well as the price, amount and kind of wood purchased. If possible, write down the license plate number of the delivery vehicle.

If you have been short changed and the seller can’t or won’t correct the problem, contact your county Weights and Measures office.
 
     
 
 
 

Santa Clara County Weights and Measures    408-918-4601
www.sccgov.org/sites/weights
Santa Cruz County Weights and Measures    831-763-8080
www.agdept.com
San Mateo County 650-363-4700
www.smcgov.org/agwm

 
     
 
The above information has been provided by The National Conference on Weights and Measures.
 
     
 
FOUR CORNERS
Highway 35 - Skyline Blvd. at
Highway 84 - La Honda Rd.
 
 
 
 
Alice’s Restaurant 17288 Skyline Blvd., Woodside 650-851-0303
www.alicesrestaurant.com
Mountain Terrace 17285 Skyline Blvd., Woodside 650-851-1606
www.themountainterrace.com
Skywood Trading Post 17200 Skyline Blvd., Woodside 650-851-0914
 
     
 
FRIENDS of BEAR CREEK STABLES
 
     
  The Friends of Bear Creek Stables is a non profit volunteer organization. Located on 1432 acres of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, the land extends from Hwy 17 at the Bear Creek Road overpass by Lexington Reservoir, up to Summit Road on the west side of Hwy 17. The volunteers at the FBCS have programs to share the stables with the community and the public. They offer field trips, outdoor classroom experiences, school fundraisers, docent led hikes, and a ranch experience for visitors (by appointment). Visitors can see horses, horse activity, goats, chickens, dogs and cats.
Jenny Whitman, 408-315-9250, jenny_whitman@comcast.net
Nancy Cole, 408-204-4144, nancy@team-cole.com
 
     
 

 GENERATORS

 
     
 
Generators are definitely a plus in the Santa Cruz Mountains where we have frequent interruptions in our electricity. Although convenient, generators can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced homeowner. First off, you must call PG&E at 800-743-5000 to inform them that you will be using a generator. This law is to protect your property and the lives of PG&E linemen who may be trying to repair the power outage. Permanent standby generators must be installed properly. You are responsible to make sure that the electricity from your unit cannot flow into PG&E’s power lines. If your generator is permanently connected to your home wiring, you must install a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch. This not only protects PG&E’s equipment, it keeps PG&E’s power from re-energizing your house wiring, while your generator is running. A transfer switch must be installed in a weather-proof enclosure between PG&E’s meter and your circuit breaker panel. Make sure you follow all codes. Portable generators are designed to be connected to specific appliances. These generators should never be connected directly to your home’s wiring. Be careful not to exceed the manufacturer’s load rating. Make sure that your extension cords are properly sized for the load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires or damage to equipment. Never fill the tank while the generator is running, or even hot. Let it cool down before refilling. The greater the load, the more gas you will use. Never run a generator inside your home or in any enclosed area. Since generators are not waterproof, it is recommended that you build a little house over your generator. Allow a two minute warm up before plugging in extension cords or equipment and unplug items before shutting down. Plug the items that draw the most power first. You should drain the fuel and run the tank dry before storage (gasoline has a short storage life).

Thanks to PG&E for their assistance.
 
     
 

 GIRLS ON THE RUN

 
     
 
Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls stay out of the “Girl Box” – a place where girls are valued more for their outward appearance than their inside character. For girls in 3rd-8th grade, the program targets those years when girls’ self images are being developed. Using running and fun games as teaching tools, the curricula addresses all aspects of a girl’s development by combining training for a 3.1 mile running event with lessons designed to promote physical, emotional and social development.
 
 
For more information, visit their website at www.girlsontherun-sv.org
or contact Kathleen Nestler at (408)406-8406 or kathleen@gotrsv.org
 
     
 
ICE (In Case of Emergency)
 
 


Medical personnel are trained to check cell phones for a contact listed as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) if someone is incapasitated. List emergency contacts in your cell phone as “ICE1”, ICE2”, etc.

 
     
 

INTERNET

 
     
 

The Santa Cruz Mountain Alliance has succeeded in bringing Comcast to the mountain. Verizon DSL is also available to some homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Call your land-line phone company to see if you are eligible.
There are microwave, line of site systems, Etheric Networks, Skyline Broadband Service, and SurfNet, which are available to some residents.

Three satellite solutions, StarBand, Wild Blue and HughesNet, offer two-way satellite Internet service, delivering an always-on, high-speed connection to anyone with a view of the southern sky. All three services use specifically designed 24”x 36” satellite dish antennas mounted to your home or on a pole in your yard. The dish is connected to a modem, which is then connected to a computer. From there, it can be networked to other computers in the home. The system sends and receives information from a satellite 22,000 miles above the equator. All three systems require installation by an authorized, certified installer. Call your local satellite dealer for more information.

www.starband.com
www.wildblue.com
www.hughesnet.com

 
     
 

LANDSCAPING

 
     
 

DEER RESISTANT SHRUBS

* Drought Resistant
+ Plants with Some Fire Resistance

DEER RESISTANT TREES
Acer macrophyllum (Big Leaf Maple)
Aesculus californica (California Buckeye)
Calocedrus decurrens (Incense Cedar)
Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress)
Pinus attenuata (Knob Cone Pine)
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir)
Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)
Quercus lobata (Valley Oak)
Quercus kelloggii (California Black Oak)
Sequioa sempervirens (Coast Redwood)
Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia)

DEER RESISTANT SHRUBS
Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’ (Vine Hill Manzanita)*
Baccharis pilularis ‘Pigeon Point’ (Dwarf Coyote Bush)*
Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)+
Calycanthus occientalis (Spice Bush)*
Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Bottlebrush)*
Ceanothus gloriosus ‘Emily Brown’ (Wild Lilac)*
Coleonema pulchrum (Breath of Heaven)*
Euryops pectinatus (Euryops)*
Garrya elliptica (Coast Silktassel)*
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon/Christmas Berry)+*
Mimulus (most species) (Monkey Flower)*
Nerium oleander (Oleander)+*
Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)+
Punica granatum ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Pomegranate)+*
Pyracantha ‘Santa Cruz’ (Pyracantha)+*
Ribes viburnifolium (Evergreen Current)+*
Rhus integrifolia (Lemonade Berry)*
Romneya coulteri (Matilja Poppy)*
Rosa californica (Wild California Rose)*
Salvia (most species) (Sage)*

DEER RESISTANT PERENNIALS
Armeria maritima (Thrift/Sea Pink)+*
Dietes bicolor/vegata (Fortnight Lily)+
Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove)
Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy)*
Iris douglasiana (Douglas Iris)
Lavandula species (Lavender)+*
Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)*
Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)+
Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic)+*
Zantedeschia aethiopica (Calla Lily)+

DEER RESISTANT GRASSES
Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)
Festuca californica (California Fescue)*
Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue)*
Juncus patens (Common Rush)+Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass)*
Nassella pulchra (Purple Needle Grass)*
Pennisetum rubrum (Purple Fountain Grass)

DEER RESISTANT VINES/GROUNDCOVERS
Solanum jasminoides (Potato Vine)+
Hardenbergia violacea (Lilac Vine)
Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugle)
Arctostaphylos ‘Uva Ursi’ (Bearberry)*
Hypericum calycinum (Aaron’s Beard/St. John’s Wort)+*
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’ (Dwarf Rosemary)+*
Vinca minor/ NOT major (Dwarf Periwinkle)+

Please visit www.plantproviders.net for more information.
Thanks to Kelly Shaeffer of Plant Providers™

 
     
 
LA HONDA CENTER
 
     
 
Apple Jack’s Inn 8790 La Honda Rd., La Honda 650-747-0331
La Honda Country Market 8865 La Honda Rd., La Honda 650-747-9722
La Honda Post Office 8865 La Honda Rd., La Honda 650-747-0515
Mon.-Fri. 9AM-1:00PM & 2:00PM-4:30PM
Puente Resource Center 8865 La Honda Rd., La Honda 650-747-0248
www.puentedelacostasur.org

 
     
 
LA HONDA FIRE BRIDGADE
 
     
  In the 1950s, a community group sponsored an annual rodeo to raise funds for a fire department, forming the La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade. Now they host an annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair to raise funds.
www.lahondafire.org 650-747-0381
 
     
 

LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE, TRAINING, AND EVACUATION

 
     
 
Large Animal Rescue (LAR), a division of the Felton Fire Protection District, was formed in 1996 to assist with animal rescues in Santa Cruz County, as well as surrounding counties. Equipped with the proper gear and training, they average about 10 to 12 rescues per year, but that number can raise dramatically with a disaster. A response to extricate or assist a large animal is activated by a call to 9-1-1.
 
 
Felton Fire Protection District, 131 Kirby St., Felton, CA 95018
 
 
831-335-4422 www.feltonfire.com
 
     
 
Their staff are firefighters with Felton Fire Protection District’s LAR Unit. They offer LAR training that is certified by the California State Fire Marshall to emergency responders, veterinarians and large animal owners.
 
 
831-335-3473
 
   
     
 

Santa Cruz County Equine Evacuation Unit is ready to assist horse owners in moving animals to designated sites if evacuation is needed due to fire, flood, earthquake, etc.

The unit is composed of 231 county residents who are experienced horse handlers and are organized into nine area teams.  They are certified by the Office of Emergency Services as Disaster Service Workers.  The unit is activated by county OES.   Area team leaders are listed on the web site as well as information on protecting your animals and property before and during an emergency.
www.EquineEvac.Org

 
 
Contact Lyn Hood at 831-475-3323 lyhood@cabrillo.edu
 
 
Kenneth and Susan Coale at 831-429-9604 coale@mlml.calstate.edu
 
     
 
LGS RECREATION
 
     
 

www.lgsrecreation 408-354-8700
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Education and Recreation has some programs on the mountain at the Redwood Estates Pavilion and CT English Gym (formerly the Loma Prieta Community Center); Fitness for Mid-Life, Yoga, Pilates, Basketball, and Soccer. An Activities Guide is mailed to everyone in the community quarterly and they can be found on the Internet.

 
     
 

 LIBRARY SERVICES

 
     
 
Los Gatos Public Library
110 E. Main St. L.G.   408-354-6891   
Children’s Room         408-354-6893 Reference Desk         408-354-6896
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday 11AM to 8PM
Wednesday & Friday 10AM to 6PM
Saturday 10PM to 5PM
Sunday 12PM to 5PM
http://www.losgatosca.gov/index.asp?NID=42
All residents of California may obtain a library card at no charge.
http://www.losgatosca.gov/index.asp?NID=42

Santa Clara County Library System
A resident in the State of California may obtain a library card at any public library in the State of California at no cost. Bookmobile services are offered by Santa Clara County and all the libraries on both sides are for your use with a library card.


Santa Clara County Bookmobile - every other Thurs- Jan. 3,17, etc.    408-293-2326
Hours: Lakeside School   10:30 - 12:15   x3060   
Loma Prieta School   2:00 - 3:30   
Redwood Estates Pavilion 4:00 – 5:30   800-471-0991

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library      408-808-2000
150 E. San Fernando Ave, (at 4 th St.) San Jose 95112
http://library.sjsu.edu/
A collaboration between San Jose State University and the City of San Jose, this is one of the largest libraries in the country with over 1.9 million items.

Santa Cruz Public Libraries, A City-County System
Residents of Santa Cruz County are allowed to use any of the libraries in the city and county. www.santacruzpl.org 831-420-5600
 
 

San Mateo County
Bookmobile www.smcl.org bookmobile@smcl.org 650-312-5271
La Honda Elementary School
Every other Tuesdays, January 14, 28, etc., 11:45AM to 1:30PM
La Honda Market
Every other Tuesdays, January 07, 21, etc., 12:30PM to 2:00PM
2nd Saturday each month, January 11, etc., 11:00AM to 12:30PM
Pescadero Elementary School
Thursdays or Friday, January 16, 30 etc., 10:00AM to 11:30PM
Pescadero Middle School (and High School Lunch Break)
Thursdays or Friday, January 16, 30 etc., 11:45AM to 1:15PM

Palo Alto Library www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/lib/default.asp
Main Library 1213 Newell Rd.
Children’s Library 1276 Harriet St.
College Terrace 2300 Wellesley St.
Downtown Library 270 Forest Ave.
Mitchell Park 4050 Middlefield Rd.

Menlo Park Library 800 Alma St, Menlo Park 94025 650-330-2500
Belle Haven Library 413 Ivy Drive, Palo Alto 94025 650-330-2540
www.menloparklibrary.org

Woodside Library 3140 Woodside Rd, Woodside 94062 650-851-0147
www.smcl.org/content/woodside

 
     
 

LOMA PRIETA CLUB

 
     
 
The Loma Prieta Club originated in 1905 as the Santa Cruz Mountain Social and Improvement Club. The ladies met twice a month to plan entertainment for the community. By 1912 the club had grown into a more community service oriented club doing good works for local families. During World War II the ladies showed their support for the troops by making bandages for the Red Cross and they customarily have helped with a scholarship for a deserving student. In the 1930’s the name was changed to the “Loma Prieta Club”. Presently, the club meets once a month for a luncheon and to discuss business. They sponsor a yearly fundraiser, a luncheon at the Radonich Packing House on a Wednesday in May. In addition to the social aspects of the club, they raise funds to help support community needs through the local churches, the Loma Prieta School District, and the Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Membership is by invitation only.

Thanks to the Loma Prieta Club for providing the above information
 
     
     
 

LOMA PRIETA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

 
     
 
23800 Summit Road   www.lpcf.net    408-834-7765  
The Loma Prieta Community Foundation is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to building and supporting a strong sense of community in the Summit area by providing educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities for mountain residents. Founded in 1983 for the purpose of building the Loma Prieta Community Center, the foundation continued to play an important role, initiating and supporting community programs and activities until two years ago. They were paramount in procuring grants totaling over one million dollars from Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, covered by a bond issue passed by the voters of this district, for the purpose of building a community center. The school donated a parcel of land worth $125,000. Unfortunately, the school district has taken over the Community Center building, so it is no longer a community building. It is a school building and groups can rent the facilities only when the school is not using them. The foundation still manages Theatre in the Mountains, which has fallen on hard times in the last couple of years. Grants that carried them since their inception are no longer being obtained so they must rely on revenues and the foundation for their survival. The foundation office is in the Community Center.
 
     
 

 LOMA PRIETA VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE

 
     
 
Since 1962, the Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue has served in support of the California Division of Forestry to protect the forest, farms, homes, and above all the families along the Santa Cruz-Santa Clara County line in the Summit area South of Los Gatos.
  
Please join them on the first Sunday in June at 11:00 am for their annual BBQ fundraiser at the Gazebo in the park across the street from the school. A mountain tradition, the firefighters BBQ raises the much needed operating funds for Loma Prieta Volunteer Fire and Rescue. They have an action packed day planned for all who attend.
  
One of their biggest needs is not equipment, but personnel. Maintaining a force large enough to respond day in and day out is not easy. Not everybody can respond at all times. In order for a modern volunteer force to survive it requires a balance of young career bound firefighters and those who have their roots deep in the community. We welcome all comers, male and female. You must live in the response area and be at least 18 years of age. There are a series of classes and training you must attend to be able to respond on calls. All required training is available through CDF, which will put you through a Volunteer Academy, First Responder /EMT(medical training), Safety Orientation, Hazardous Materials and Confined Space training. There is no cost for the training.
 
 

https://sites.google.com/a/lomaprietafire.org/loma-prieta-fire-rescue/home
Station 44: 17445 Old Summit Road
408-353-3529
www.lomaprietafire.blogspot.com

 
     
 
LYME DISEASE
 
     
  Lyme disease is a potentially serious disease, that can be localized or affect multiple bodily systems. In the United States, the disease is caused by a spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, a corkscrew-shaped kind of bacterium. The spirochete is transmitted to humans and other animals by the feeding activities of certain ticks. Of the 47 tick species established in California, 6 species attach to humans with any regularity, but only the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus, is thought to be responsible for transmitting the spirochete to people. Ixodes pacificus has been reported in 56 out of 58 counties in the state, and it attaches to humans more frequently than any other tick. In one study, about 60% of 967 ticks that had attached to people were identified as western blacklegged ticks. A recent compilation revealed that 108 species of lizards, birds, or mammals have been recorded as hosts of this tick in California. A different but closely related tick species, the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), transmits Borrelia burgdorferi in eastern North America, but that tick does not occur in California.
www.lymedisease.org
www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7485.html

 
     
 

 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

 
     
 
El Camino Hospital of LG.
815 Pollard Rd., L.G.   408-378-6131
Emergency           408-866-4040

www.elcaminohospital.org/

Santa Clara County
Good Samaritan Hospital
2425 Samaritan Dr. S.J.   408-559-2011
Emergency             408-559-2552
www.goodsamsanjose.com

Santa Cruz County
Dominican Hospital
1555 Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz   831-462-7700
Emergency            831-462-7710
www.dominicanhospital.org


Poison Center 24 Hr. Hotline         800-662-9886
 
     
 

San Mateo County
Mills Health Center 100 S. San Mateo Dr., San Mateo 94401 650-696-5400
www.mills-peninsula.org
Sequoia Hospital 170 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Redwood City 650-369-5811
Emergency www.sequoiahospital.org
Stanford Hospital 300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford 650-723-4000
Emergency www.stanfordhospital.org 650-723-5111

Kaiser Permanente https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/html/kaiser/index.shtml
Poison Center 24 Hr. Hotline 800-662-9886

 
     
 
MOUNTAIN AREA 55PLUS PROGRAM
 
 
This program is offered in partnership with
LGS Recreation, Loma Prieta Community Foundation & Santa Cruz County
 
 


The Mountain Area 55 Plus Program meets in the Community Room at Loma Prieta/C.T. English School, 23800 Summit Road in Los Gatos the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30AM until 12:30PM (unless we’re on an excursion) --and we invite you to join us. The Program provides an opportunity to meet with neighbors in a friendly and welcoming environment -- to socialize, play cards or other table games, listen to informative talks, exchange a book in the rotating library, take part in excursions to local points of interest and/or just make the program a short stop for a friendly chat and a cup of coffee or tea. For information or suggestions, call (650) 747-0605 or email: lahondalynnette@earthlink.net.

SHARE THE BOUNTY FROM YOUR GARDEN. On days that we meet at the Loma Prieta Community Center, we invite you to bring the surplus from your garden to share with neighbors.

 
     
 
MOUNTAIN NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
 
     
  Mountain Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a group of volunteers who provide help to mountain residents, especially our seniors, who need simple services they can no longer provide for themselves. They coordinate occasional or short-term services such as stacking wood, delivering meals, and light house-keeping and repairs. They organize teams of volunteers and geographically match them with families who are willing to receive some assistance and in return provide community service opportunities for others. Help strengthen our community ties!
www.MNHN93055.org MNHN95033@gmail.com or call 408-353-4565
 
     
 
 MOUNTAIN RESIDENT VEHICLE STICKER
 
     
 
The Santa Clara County Mountain Residents Vehicle Identification Sticker is for identification purposes for all residents who reside in the 95033 zip code. Placement of the sticker in the left lower corner of your vehicle’s windshield allows CHP officers to recognize you as a mountain resident in the event of a closure of Highway 17. This is not only for major disasters; this system is used for all closers.

We have been plagued by closures on Highway 17 since it was built. In 1989, the road was closed for several months after the earthquake. Since then, on several occasions, the road has been closed due to various types of accidents. The stickers provide quick ID so that long delays at roadblocks will not form while driver’s licenses are being checked. Redwood Estates Service Association is now handling this project. Mail a copy of your registration to RESA-Mtn. Sticker Program, PO Box 591, Redwood Estates, 95044 or drop in their office at 21450 Madrone Dr. They are open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9-2PM. The cost is $4 per sticker. You are under no obligation to participate.
 
     
 

NEWSPAPERS

 
     
 
Half Moon Bay Review www.hmbreview.com 650-726-4424
San Francisco Chronicle www.sfchronicle.com 415-777-1111
San Jose Mercury www.mercurynews.com 408-920-5000
Santa Cruz Sentinel www.santacruzsentinel.com 831-423-4242
Los Gatos www.mercurynews.com/los-gatos 408-200-1000
Los Gatos Weekly Times (Tues) Los Gatos Weekender (Fri)
The Almanac www.almanacnews.com 650-223-6525
The Daily News www.mercurynews.com/peninsula 408-200-1000/
 
     
 
PRESENTATION CENTER
 
     
  Presentation Center is a nonprofit retreat, conference and event center on 67 peaceful acres. They welcome guests from all backgrounds and walks of life for their private retreats, group retreats or conferences, providing services for individuals and groups up to 195.
www.presentationcenter.org 408-354-2346
 
     
 

RECYCLING, CONSERVATION, AND COMPOSTING

 
     
  Why recycle? Do you know how long it takes for trash to decompose?  
 
Paper 2-4 months
Orange Peel 6 months
Cigarette Butts 1-12 years
Wax Paper Cups 5 years
Disposable Diapers 10-20 years
Tin Cans 80-100 years
Cooking oil jars, peanut butter, aluminum cans 200-400 years
Microwaveable trays and glass bottles 1 million years
Styrofoam Never
Plastic Bottles Never
 
     
  There is a FREE recycling movement in the mountains. It is a Yahoo Group open to anyone who wants to reduce, reuse, and recycle. With over 500 members, it is a great way to get rid of still useable, unwanted items.
 
 
www.95033free.com
 
     
 
Composting
Most organic materials, when chopped or shredded into smaller pieces, will decompose simply and quickly if kept moist and occasionally exposed to air by “stirring.” Composting organic wastes can reduce your household “garbage” by as much as one third. Compost is a good source of nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, all of which are essential for plant growth. Compost has a large capacity to hold water, which helps hold the soil together, and prevents erosion.   
Santa Clara County Rotline: 408-918-4640
www.reducewaste.org
Santa Cruz County Rotline: 831-423-4327
 www.compostsantacruzcounty.org
San Mateo County www.recycleworks.org 888-442-2666

Junk Mail Reduction

We use over 50 million trees and about 25 billion gallons of water to produce one year’s worth of junk mail in this country. This creates over 4 million tons of unnecessary waste. The average American receives over 40 pounds of junk mail each year, which almost half of it being unread and sent directly to the garbage. We typically receive catalogs and promotional mail from companies that we never contacted, and wonder how we got on their mailing list. Various companies, including the USPS, sell or rent their mailing lists to other groups. To reduce unwanted mail, call the 1-800 numbers listed on each mailing and request to be taken off their list. This takes time, but will reduce the unwanted mail you receive each week. A new and innovative way to stop unwanted mail is through services on the internet. These services may charge a fee, but do all of the work for you. The following websites offer tips and services for helping to reduce junk mail:
www.donotmail.org
www.stopthejunkmail.com


Recycling Appliances
P,G, & E has a recycling program for large appliances and they even pay you for them. Most stores offer recycling of your old appliance when you purchase and they deliver your new appliance.
P,G,& E 800-299-7573  


Recycling Electronics
The number of TV’s, computers, and other electronics becoming obsolete or replaced each year is significantly increasing and creating a need for recycling consumer electronics. The EPA estimates that millions of pounds of old computers and other hardware are trashed in the United States each year. Most, if not all of the materials that make up these items are recyclable and have resale value. There are also small amounts of materials that may be hazardous if not disposed of properly, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. Many recycling opportunities occur throughout the year as various non-profit groups have recycling drop off days.  


Grey Bears www.greybears.org 831-479-1055
2710 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz 8AM to 3:30PM Daily
Computers, monitors, TV’s, printers and all electronic devices w/ electrical cord


 
 
Environmental Websites
America Recycles Day     www.americarecyclesday.org
Bay Area Recycling Outreach Coalition www.bayarearecycling.org
EPA Teachers Link      www.epa.gov/recyclecity
Grass Roots Recycling Network       www.grrn.org
Home Advisor      www.homeadvisor.com
International Association of Electronics Recyclers   www.iaer.org
National Arbor Day Foundation      www.arborday.org
Online Environmental Community     www.envirolink.org
Sierra Club www.sierraclub.org
Water Education & Awareness    www.usewaterwisely.com
World Wildlife Fund       www.panda.org
 
     
 

REDWOOD ESTATES

 
     
 

   Various local mountain groups use the facility for meetings and events including the Cub Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Redwood Estates Community Club, and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Community Recreation Department. The Redwood Estates Pavilion is also used annually for many community events, including the Childrens Easter Egg Hunt, Adult Halloween Dance and the Childrens Holiday Party. The Redwood Mutual Water Co. (Now Redwood Esates Services Association) and Loma Prieta Commuity Foundation held the first annual "Mountain Residents Night Out” here in August 2001 and it is now held here every other year.

    The Pavilion has come a long way since originally being built in 1927, and then rebuilt in 1999 after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. A brick BBQ and exterior deck grace the outside with beautiful groves of redwoods and oaks to view. The front of the building has a memorial bench and flagpole, dedicated to the memory of a former mountain resident, Mark Bingham, who was a passenger on Flight 93 and a victim of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.

    The Pavilion is managed by the Redwood Estates Services Association (RESA)   

 
 
resaservice@comcast.com www.redwoodestates.net 408-353-1866
 
 
 
  REDWOOD ESTATES CENTER
Central Fire Station        
408-378-4010
21452 Madrone Dr.         408-353-2612

Nonno’s             408-353-5633
Pizza, Barbeque, Marianne’s Ice Cream, Gourmet cheeses. An Extensive Selection of Fine Wines from around The World. ATM. Free wireless internet. Call For Hours. Conference/meeting room.

Redwood Store
20120 Broadway 408-353-2674
Natural Foods, Groceries, Produce, Liquor, Beer, Wine.

Redwood Estates Post Office
Postmaster Amy Yang          408-353-1667
21432 Broadway Road, Redwood Estates, 95044
Full service. Open Mon-Fri 9:00AM-4:30PM. Closed for lunch 12:30-1:30.
Small box $52/yr or $26/6 months. Large box $70/yr or $35/6 months


Redwood Estates Service Association Member Services 408-353-1866
Swimming Pool- Pool for use by residents and guests only 408-353-8993
Friendship Park- Park open from sunrise to sunset.

 
     
 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

 
 
Alice’s Restaurant 17288 Skyline Blvd., Woodside 650-851-0303
Apple Jack’s Inn 8790 La Honda Rd., La Honda 650-747-0331
Cats Restaurant 17533 Santa Cruz Hwy, Los Gatos 408-354-2040
Lupin Lodge 20600 Aldercroft Heights Rd, Los Gatos 408-353-9205
Nonno’s 21433 Broadway, Redwood Estates  408-353-5633
Summit House Beer Garden & Grill 23123 Santa Cruz Hwy, Los Gatos 408-353-2700
 
     
 
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN ALLIANCE
 
     
  Our goal is to notify the community about relevant issues and to assist in community based projects when needed. To this end, the Santa Cruz Mountain Alliance is building a community-wide email system to inform our mountain residents about important local issues. We are also creating a set of shared tools and processes to aid community projects. The Alliance is a group of volunteers, who have worked on local projects, learned from the experience and are now organizing as a 501(c)(4) Public Benefit Corporation under the name, Santa Cruz Mountain Alliance.
 
 
www.scmtn-alliance.com
 
     
 
SANTA CRUZ PUMA PROJECT
 
     
  The Santa Cruz Puma Project is a UC Santa Cruz mountain lion habitat fragmentation study, a partnership between UC Santa Cruz and the California Department of Fish and Game. They are developing a state-of-the-art wildlife-tracking collar that simultaneously tracks the location and behavior of the animal wearing it, collecting data to better understand their physiology, behavior and ecology. Through research efforts they are aiming to develop a better understanding of the impacts of habitat fragmentation (roads, housing developments etc.) on mountain lion behavior, reproduction and movement.
www.santacruzpumas.org

 
     
 
SCHOOLS
 
     
  LAKESIDE JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lakeside Elementary School (Grades K-6)
www.lakesidelosgatos.org
19621 Black Rd.          408-354-2372
Superintendent – Eric Bitter
Secretary – Susan Ady

Lakeside School was started in 1881 near Black & Thompson Roads. In 1912, the Red School House was built and Lakeside School moved and consolidated with Central School, which was on Black and Skyline. They moved into the present building in 1967, serving Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Located off Highway 17, from San Jose, drive towards Santa Cruz past the Los Gatos exits and make a right on the Bear Creek Road exit. Stay on the Frontage Road crossing Bear Creek Road, then take a left on Black Road. Lakeside School is 1.5 miles from Hwy. 17.
Clubhouse            408-395-5125
Before and after school child care for students at Lakeside School.


Rolling Hills Middle School 408-364-4235

http://rollinghills.campbellusd.org
1585 More Ave., Los Gatos, 95032
Principal – Cynthia Dodd 408-341-700x5155
Secretary – Sue Odom 408-341-700x5151
Rolling Hills, although located in the town of Los Gatos, is in the Campbell Union School District. They agreed to accept the Lakeside kids when Fisher outgrew its campus.


LA HONDA - PESCADERO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
360 Butano Cutoff, Pescadero 94060 650-879-0286
Superintendent- Amy Wooliever www.lhpusd.com
Secretary- Tami McVey
The La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District was formed in 1956 to serve the south coast of San Mateo County, from the ridgetop to the ocean.

La Honda Elementary School 650-747-0051
450 Sears Ranch Road, La Honda 94020
Principal- Kristen Lindstrom www.lhpusd.comla-honda-elementary
Secretary- Angie Quinn
La Honda Elementary is a small K-6 rural school of approximately one hundred pupils nestled among the towering redwoods and rolling coastal foothills of San Mateo County.
After School program- Joanne Lehner 650-747-0219

Pescadero Middle/High School
350 Butano Cutoff, Pescadero 94060 650-879-0274
Principal- Pat Talbot www.lhpusd.com/pescadero-middle-school
Secretary- Socorro Brown www.lhpusd.com/pescadero-high
Pescadero High has a little over 100 students, some are from the mountains. Busses are provided.

LOMA PRIETA JOINT UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
www.loma.k12.ca.us
23800 Summit Rd.          408-353-1101
Superintendent –Corey Kidwell   Fax   408-353-8051
Secretary – Eileen Bevans
The Loma Prieta School District is located on the Summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Originally, there were four one room schools that consolidated in 1952. The elementary school was rebuilt across Summit Road after the earthquake of 1989 and the middle school was recently rebuilt.

Loma Prieta Elementary School (Grades K – 5)
www.loma.k12.ca.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=9
23800 Summit Rd.         408-353-1106
Asst. Principal- Rebecca Carino   Fax 408-353-3274   
Secretary – Raquel Marin  

C.T. English Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

www.loma.k12.ca.us/Page/11
23800 Summit Rd.          408-353-1123
Asst. Principal- Rebecca Carino     Fax   408-353-5024
Secretary –Julie Bourque

Kids and Company
         408-353-5437
Before & after school care for children attending Loma Prieta School. 

LOS GATOS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

www.lgusd.org
17010 Roberts Road, 95032         408-335-2000
Superintendent – Diana Abbati   Fax   408-395-6481
Secretary – Denise Ramon Herrera

R.J. Fisher Middle School
http://rjfisher.lgusd.org
19195 Fisher Rd. 95032        408-335-2300
Principal – Lisa Fraser    Attendance Line   408-335-2385
Secretary – Jane Babb    
Fisher opened in 1961 as a Junior High for seventh and eighth graders. In 1989, the name was changed to Fisher Middle School and sixth graders were added. Major reconstruction has recently been completed.

Lexington Elementary School

http://lex.lgusd.org

19700 Old Santa Cruz Highway        408-335-2150
Principal - Valerie Royaltey-Quandt      Fax    408-354-2014
Secretary – Jill Mayo
Opened on August 2, 1859 in the town of Lexington, it was the only school between San Jose and Santa Cruz. In 1911, it was moved to its present location. It started as a one room school house and has grown to its present size, serving Kindergarten through Fifth grade.

Driving directions, Take exit towards Bear Creek Road.
Turn right at the stop sign and drive towards the reservoir.
Turn right onto Old Santa Cruz Highway, which is the frontage road along the Lexington Reservoir side.
Drive approximately .5 mile. You will drive past the CDF station on the left.
Turn right onto Lexington School Road.

Clubhouse           408-395-3321
After school child care for students of Lexington.
 

LOS GATOS-SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

www.lgsuhsd.org

District Office - 17421 Farley Rd West 95030   408-354-2520
Superintendent –Bob Mistele   Fax    408-354-7875
Secretary - Jane Marashian

Los Gatos High School
www.lghs.net
20 High School Court 95030        408-354-2730
Principal –Markus Autrey     Fax    408-354-3742
Secretary - Mariellen Furia
Asst. Principal- Kristina Grasty- House 1 (A-G)
Asst. Principal- Kevin Rogers- House 2 (I-O)
Asst. Principal- Amy Drolette- House 3(P-Z)
The main building was built in 1887. The majority of mountain teens attend this high school.

Saratoga High School

www.saratogahigh.org

20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga 95070     408-867-3411
Principal – Paul Robinson x204     Fax   408-867-3577
Secretary – Sue Dini x201
Asst. Principal –Kerry Mohnike x208
Asst. Principal –Kevin Mount x210
Asst. Principal – Brian Safine x209

PORTOLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley 94028 650-851-1777
Superintendent- Lisa Gonzales www.pvsd.net
Secretary- Nicole Cota

Ormondale (K - 3rd)
200 Shawnee Pass, Portola Valley 94028 650-851-1777
Principal- Kevin Keegan www.pvsd.net/domain/16
Secretary- Evelyn Luis

Corte Madera (4th - 8th
4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley 94028 650-851-1777
Principal- Michael Corritone www.pvsd.net/page/145
Secretary- Susan Outland
Portola Valley Schools are situated about Stanford University and service the kids who live in the area.

SANTA CRUZ CITY SCHOOLS DISTRICT OFFICE
www.sccs.santacruz.k12.ca.us/
405 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel, 95073      831-429-3410
Superintendent – Gary Bloom Fax    831-429-3439
Assistant –Nancy Lentz

Soquel High School
www.soquelhs.net
401 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel 95073      831-429-3909
Principal- Gail Atlansky      x123
Secretary- Viyada Weng          x124
Soquel High is located on the hill above the town of Soquel. The forty-acre campus has 1234 students in attendance, Freshman through Senior. Some of the mountain kids on the Santa Cruz County side attend this school.

SCOTTS VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

http://scottsvalley-ca.schoolloop.com

4444 Scotts Valley Dr.,#5B, Scotts Valley, 95066   831-438-1820
Superintendent –Penny Weaver     Fax 831-438-2314
Assistant – Brenda Spalding

Vine Hill Elementary School
www.vinehill.scottsvalleyusd.org
151 Vine Hill Rd, Scotts Valley 95066     831-438-1090
Principal - Julie Ebert     Fax    831-438-4087
Secretary – Mallorie Brooks
Located at the base of the mountain off of Highway 17, children in the Glenwood area, along with interdistrict transfers from the mountain attend grades K through five.

Scotts Valley Middle School
       831-438-0610
www.svms.scottsvalleyusd.org

8 Bean Creek Road, Scotts Valley, 95066
Principal – Mary Lonhart
Secretary – Peggy Duckett
Scotts Valley Middle School services some of the mountain sixth thru eight graders who reside above town.  
Scotts Valley High School

www.svhs.santacruz.k12.ca.us
555 Glenwood Dr. Scotts Valley 95066     831-439-9555
Principal – Valerie Bariteau
Asst. Principal – Michael Hanson
Secretary –Pam Morrison
This school opened in the fall of 1998 in portable trailers while construction continued until students were able to move into permanent classrooms.


SEQUOIA UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

480 James Ave, Redwood City 94062 650-369-1411
Superintendent- Dr. James Lianides www.seq.org
Assistant- Sandy Rick

Woodside High School
199 Churchill Ave., Woodside 94062 650-367-9750
Principal- Diane Burbank www.woodsidehs.org
Mountain teens in the Skyline Boulevard area around the four-corner area go to Portola Valley Elementary and middle school, then Woodside High

 
     
     
 
SHERIFF’S SUBSTATION
(SANTA CLARA COUNTY)
 
     
 

Redwood Estates Substation 408-299-2311
21450 Madrone Drive (Located at the Redwood Estates Pavilion)

West Valley Substation 408-868-6600
Sheriff Dispatch 408-299-2311

The non-staffed substation in Redwood Estates.
www.sccsheriff.org

In Emergency Dial 911

 
     
     
 
 SHERIFF’S SUBSTATION
(SANTA CRUZ COUNTY)
 
     
 
Summit Office              408-353-9581
23800 Summit Rd.
        Fax    408-353-9681   
(Located in the Community Center)
Santa Cruz County Dispatch    Los Gatos #   408-866-8166
         
Santa Cruz #   831-471-1121
Santa Cruz County Sheriff Business Office   
Los Gatos #   408-866-7704          Santa Cruz #    831-454-2414
The Summit office is staffed by volunteers when volunteers are available.
www.scsheriff.com/
In Emergency Dial 911
 
     
 
SKYLINE PROPANE USERS GROUP (SPUG)
 
     
  Skyline Propane Users Group (SPUG) was formed as a benefit to South Skyline Association members. SPUG members are entitled to a specially arranged discount for propane. www.southskyline.org/spug.html  
     
     
 

SOLAR POWER

 
     
 

Solar power photovoltaic (PV) systems independently convert the sun’s light into electricity. This electricity can be used directly from the sun, stored in batteries for later use or fed into PG&E’s system. A southern exposure is required and the more square footage of roof available, the larger the system that can be installed. Solar Silicon wafers placed on the roof capture photons from sunlight, turn them into DC power, which is then transformed into 120 volt AC power, that is connected to your existing electrical system. Therefore, the more sun the more energy produced.

Although a new system is pricy, rebates bring the cost down substantially, so savings can be seen in only a few years. You will still pay the basis charge of $5 per month to PG&E, but obtaining a second on your house makes the cost reasonable as it is spread over a period of time. There are several solar contractors who work in these mountains, find them under “Solar Contractors.”

 
     
 
SOUTH SKYLINE ASSOCIATION
 
     
  The South Skyline Association (SSA) fosters a sense of community, keeps residents informed of public agency actions and other issues of concern in the South Skyline sphere of influence. SSA strives to protect the rights, represent the interests of those in their area, and engage in various projects to enhance the unique South Skyline environment.
Regular membership is open to property owners and residents in the South Skyline area, at least 18 years of age. The South Skyline is defined as the area along Skyline Boulevard (AKA Highway 35), or with access from Skyline Boulevard between Woodside/La Honda Road (Highway 84) and Bear Gulch Road on the north, and the southern terminus of Skyline Boulevard at Bear Creek Road. Also included are the upper portions of Gist Road, Black Road, Highway 9 east, Page Mill Road, and Old La Honda Road; Highway 9 west to Waterman Gap; Alpine Road west to Rogers Gulch; and Portola Park Road, including the Middleton Tract. Those outside the area may apply for Associate Membership (non-voting) by paying regular dues. Membership includes delivery of the SKYLINES quarterly newsletter, and participation in the Skyline Propane Users Group (SPUG). To learn more about SSA visit our website.
 
 
www.southskyline.org
 
     
 
SOUTH SKYLINE FIRE and RESCUE
 
     
  The mission of South Skyline Fire & Rescue is to respond to all types of emergencies in order to preserve life and protect property in the South Skyline area. Their primary response area runs along Highway 35 from Bear Creek Road, North in Santa Cruz County to the San Mateo County line; South on Highway 9 to Highway 236. They respond into Santa Clara County and San Mateo County on request via mutual and automatic aid agreements.
South Skyline Fire & Rescue operated out of the Saratoga Summit CAL FIRE station, and Las Cumbres Fire & Rescue operated out of a fire station in Las Cumbres. Both volunteer companies were absorbed into Santa Cruz County Fire in the 1980’s, with SSF&R also receiving some support from San Mateo County. As the response areas of the two volunteer fire companies grew and increasingly overlapped, it was decided to merge the two companies into a single unit under the SSF&R banner in 2006. They currently operate one engine, one water tender, and a light rescue out of the two stations.
 
 
www.southskylinefire.org 408-395-1264
 
     
 

 STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES

 
     
 

www.ca.gov/
Governor Jerry Brown        916-445-2841
State Capital Building, Sacramento, CA 95814 Fax    916-445-4633
http://gov.ca.gov/
governor@governor.ca.gov
www.assembly.ca.gov/
www.senate.ca.gov/
Santa Clara County

Assemblymember-Evan Low District 28     408-282-8920
274 Castro Street, Suite 202, Mountain View, CA 94041
democrats.assembly.ca.gov/ members/a28/
assemblymember.low@assembly.ca.gov
Contractor’s License Bureau www.cslb.ca.gov   800-321-CSLB
DMV - Los Gatos          800-777-0133
Highway Patrol    www.chp.ca.gov/      408-467-5400
Road Closures   Highway 17     800-427-ROAD             (7623)
Santa Clara County Fire Department Redwood Estates         408-378-4010
Senator Jim Beal
l Dem. District 15     650-688-6384
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 209, S.J., CA 95113 408-286-8318

http://sd15.senate.ca.gov/
senator.beall@sen.ca.gov

Santa Cruz County

Assemblymember Mark Stone  (Dem. District 29)    831-425-1503
   701 Ocean St. Rm. 318B, Santa Cruz, 95060  
democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a29
ssemblymember.stone@assembly.ca.gov
Burn Status Recording 800-CAL-BURN
Highway Patrol www.chp.ca.gov/ 831-662-0511
Senator Bill Monning (Dem. District 17) 831-425-0401
701 Ocean St. Suite 318A, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://sd17.senate.ca.gov/
senator.monning@sen.ca.gov

 
 
 
  San Mateo County
Assemblymember Rich Gordon District 24  650-691-2121
5050 El Camino Real, Suite 117, Los Altos 94022
http://www.asmdc.org/members/a24
assemblymember.gordon@assembly.ca.gov
Highway Patrol www.chp.ca.gov 650-369-6261
Senator Tom Berryhill. Dem. District 8  650-340-8840
400 South El Camino Real, Suite 630, San Mateo 94402
http://sd08.senate.ca.gov
senator.berryhill@sen.ca.gov
Senator Jerry Hill Dem. District 13  650-212-3313
1528 South El Camino Real, Suite 303, San Mateo 94402
http://sd13.senate.ca.gov
senator.hill@sen.ca.gov

 
     
 

SUMMIT RIDERS HORSEMAN’S ASSOCIATION (SRHA)

 
     
  Summit Riders Horseman’s Association, the mountain’s own local horse club, since 1967, where the love of the horses is shared by many enthusiastic and diverse individuals. Summit Riders is a family-oriented club that is dedicated to promoting knowledge and enjoyment of horses and horsemanship. SRHA offers its members a variety of benefits and activities including a monthly newsletter, campouts, guest speakers, organized trail rides, horse shows, play days and training clinics- all in the Santa Cruz Mountains! Additionally, membership entitles riding privileges to the historic SRHA Arena at the Parker Ranch, where the annual Horse Shows are held. Children are encouraged to join and engage with the Junior Riders in annual campouts, horse hangouts and community service activities. SRHA… Come ride with us! For membership information:  
 
Susan Stillman at 408-779-9545
 
 
http://summitriders.com
 
     
 

TERMITES

 
     
 
Termites are a fact of life living in the mountains where we are always trying to beat back the forest. They were here first and our houses are just another fertile ground for them to eat and live in. We are blessed with three different types of termites here in our mountains, drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites. All of them damage our homes and must be eradicated.

There are several ways to tell if you have termites. Piles of droppings or pellets are an indication of drywood termites. They also swarm on warm days, leaving the nest to breed more termites to damage your home further. Subterranean termites are ground dwellers that build mud tubes, and they swarm in the spring. Termites have wings that are twice as long as the insect and are tear shaped. On a swarm day, there could be 50 million termites in the air.

You can avoid termite infestations by keeping a good coat of paint on your home and maintaining caulking cracks and wood separations on the exterior trim. Cover the attic vents with window screen, as the standard mesh netting is good for birds and rodents, but not termites. Avoid earth-to-wood contacts under, around, and near the main structure, including decks and patios.

If you should find a termite infestation, call a termite specialist immediately. There are several different treatments, including several types of spot treatments, or tenting the entire house and decks for three days while a gas is pumped into the house, killing all of the termites you found and those hidden deep within your walls. You do have to remove all food, plants, personal hygiene items and medicine, as well as all of the people and animals from the home for the three day period.
 
     
     
 
TREES - CARING FOR MATURE OAKS
 
     
 

True Oaks
True oaks, members of the genus Quercus, are quintessential California plants. They are hardwood trees or shrubs with wind-pollinated flowers that produce acorns with scaled cups.

Live Oaks (Evergreen)
Canyon Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) Tree with pointed, holly-like leaves below and smooth, lance-shaped leaves above. Leaves are typically gray or gold felted on the underside. Acorns broad-based. Acorn cups are saucer-shaped and golden.
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) Tree with elliptic leaves that are concave and with a small amount of pubescence at the underside junction of the veins. Acorn is slender and acorn cup has thin, flat scales.
Dwarf Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni var. frutescens) Shrub or small tree with smooth or spiny leaves without hairs. Acorn narrow and gradually tapered from midpoint to tip.
Leather Oak (Quercus durata var. durata) Shrub or small tree with dull, thick leaves that are rolled under. Acorns often thick and cylindrical. Often found in serpentine soil.
Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia) Small tree or shrub with small, spiny leaves. Acorn oval with knobby cups.
Shreve Oak (Quercus parvula var. shrevei) Tree with usually smooth, occaisionally spiny, dull, olive green leaves. Acorn barrel-shaped, hairy, tapered at the tip. Acorn cup wooly inside.

Deciduous Oaks
Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) Tree with highly lobed, spiny leaves with teeth that are bristle-tipped and with margins that are translucent when held up to sunlight. Acorn hairy and squat. Acorn cup scales ragged.
Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) Tree with leaves that are slightly lobed, wavey, and very slightly blue green on the upper side. Acorn oval to cylindrical with pointed tip. Acorn cup slightly warty. Found in relatively dry areas.
Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) Tree with deeply lobed, blunt leaves. Acorn conical with pointed tip. Acorn cup scales are warty.

Hybrids
Oracle Oak (Quercus xmorehus) Shrub or small tree. Leaves intermediate between black oak and interior live oak. In the fall, some leaves turn yellow or brown before falling, while others stay green and remain on the tree.

Other Members of the Oak Family (Fagaceae)
Golden Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) Shrub or small tree. Leaves are smooth, green above and golden below. Fruit very spiny like a chestnut.
Tan Oak (Notholithocarpas densifloris) Tree with leaves green above, pale green and felted below. Leaf veins diagonal from the midvein. Flowers insect pollinated. Acorn cup spiny.
Thanks to Sarah Schoen

 
     
     
 

TREES – SUDDEN OAK DEATH

 
     
 
Phytophthora ramorum is the cause of both Sudden Oak Death, a forest disease that has resulted in widespread dieback of several tree species in California and Oregon forests, and Ramorum blight, which affects the leaves and twigs of numerous other plants in forests and nurseries
Since the mid-1990s, Phytophthora ramorum has killed millions of tanoak trees and several oak tree species (coast live oak, California black oak, Shreve oak, and canyon live oak), and caused twig and foliar diseases in numerous other plant species, including California bay laurel, Douglas-fir, and coast redwood.
Although the first P. ramorum-infested rhododendron nursery plants, were identified in 2001 (in Santa Cruz County, CA), the U.S. nursery industry was not widely impacted by the pathogen until 2004, when a few large West Coast nurseries inadvertently shipped over a million potentially infected rhodendrons and camellia plants throughout much of the United States with detections in 176 nurseries in 21 states. The origin of Phytophthora ramorum is not known.
Research continues, so check out the states website about Sudden Oak Death for the most recent information concerning controlling and preventing this invasive pathogen.

www.suddenoakdeath.org

 
     
 

 TREES –REDWOODS

 
     
 
From a seed no bigger than one from a tomato, California's coast redwood (Sequoia semperviren) can grow to a height of 367 feet (122 m) and have a width of 22 feet (7 m) at its base. A combination of longitude, climate, and elevation limits the redwoods' range to a few hundred miles along the northern coast of California. The cool, moist air created by the Pacific Ocean keeps the trees continually damp, even during summer droughts. Resistance to natural enemies such as insects and fire are built-in features of a coast redwood. Diseases are virtually unknown and insect damage insignificant thanks to the high tannin content of the wood. Thick bark and foliage that rests high above the ground provides protection from all but the hottest fires. Undoubtedly the most important environmental influence upon the coast redwood is its own biotic community. The complex soils on the forest floor contribute not only to the redwoods' growth, but also to a verdant array of greenery, fungi, and other trees. A healthy redwood forest usually includes massive Douglas-firs, tanoaks, madrones, and other trees. Among the ferns and leafy redwood sorrels, mosses and mushrooms help to regenerate the soils. And of course, the redwoods themselves eventually fall to the floor where they can be returned to the soil.

The North Coast is often gray with a thick layer of fog, especially during summer. When inland temperatures are high, the fog is drawn in from over the ocean. This natural cooling and moistening system is beneficial to the redwoods near the coast. Fog precipitates onto the forest greenery and then drips to the forest floor, providing a small bit of moisture during summer dry periods. Although redwoods do not depend upon fog for their survival, their range would probably be reduced without it.

The roots only go down 10 to 13 feet (3-4 m) deep before spreading outward 60 to 80 feet (20-27 m).Large redwoods move hundreds of gallons of water daily along their trunks from roots to crown. (A 10” diameter tree requires 200 gallons a month) This water transpires into the atmosphere through the trees' foliage, powered by the leaves' diffusion of water, water-to-water molecular bonds in the trees' sapwood drags the moisture upwards.The redwoods go back 20 million years in their present range.
 
     
     
 

 UTILITIES

 
     
  Santa Clara County
Landfills/Recycling Centers
Guadalupe Landfill (Waste Management)     408-268-1670   
15999 Guadalupe Mines Rd, San Jose    Hours: 8AM to 4:45 PM DailY

Zanker Road Landfill 408-263-2385
675 Los Esteros Road, San Jose, Ca 95134
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 6:00-5:45 Sat.-Sun., 8:00-3:45

Garbage Service/Recycling
Green Waste Recovery   408-283-4800
www.greenwaste.com

Santa Cruz County

Landfills/Recycling Centers
Ben Lomond Transfer Station       831-336-3951 
9835 Newell Creek Rd., Ben Lomond   

Hours: 7:30AM to 3:30 PM Daily

Buena Vista Landfill
1231 Buena Vista Drive, Watsonville 831-454-5153
    Hours: 7:30AM to 3:30PM Daily    

Grey Bears   www.greybears.org     831-479-1055
2710 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
2nd location at the Buena Vista Landfill
3 rd week in April & Oct. free to dump recyclables that usually have a fee.

Garbage Service/Recycling
Green Waste Recovery   800-665-2209
www.greenwaste.com
Recycling Services Hotline      831-454-2430
Recycle Info Line         831-454-2333

San Mateo County
Garbage Service/Recycling-Green Waste www.greenwaste.com 650-947-4994

Kuntz Valley Trash www.kunzvalleytrash.com 831-338-9050
17355 Bear Creek Rd., Boulder Creek

Ox Mountain Sanitary Landfill 650-726-1819
12310 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay
www.alliedwastehalfmoonbay.com/Pages/Facilities.aspx

Pescadero Transfer Station 650-879-0729
Bean Hollow Road at Artichoke, Pescadero
Fri. 10 AM - 5:30 PM, Sat. & Sun. 9 AM - 4:30 PM, Closed Mon.-Th.

Shoreway Environmental Center
San Carlos Transfer Station www.sbrecycling.net 650-802-8355
225 Shoreway Rd., San Carlos

San Carlos Recycling Center www.sbrecycling.net/recycling-drop-off-buyback
225 Shoreway Road Gate #2, San Carlos

South Bayside Waste Management Authority 650-802-3500
610 Elm Street, Suite 202, San Carlos www.rethinkwaste.org

Both Counties
Electrical Services- P.G.&E.        800-743-5000

Telephone Service

Verizon    www.verizon.com
Residential Line     800-483-3000       
Business Line     800-483-5000

Comcast www.comcast.com
Residential Line 800-934-6489
Business Line 877-598-9394

A.T & T      www.att.com
Residential Line      800-310-2355

Business Line      888-944-0447
 
     
     
 

 WATER

 
     
 
We live in what is known as a low-yield well area. What this means to property owners here on the hill is that most of the wells in this area cannot produce enough water to pump continuously into the house without interruption. Therefore most properties have storage tanks to collect the water in sufficient amounts to ensure a constant flow year round. After collecting the water, it must be pressurized to 40-60 lbs in order to take a shower. Normally, this requires a pressure pump and a pressure tank, unless your storage tank can be elevated high enough above the house to produce a gravity flow. The equipment all has to be maintained, fed with electricity, repaired and replaced periodically. The water drawn from low-yield well areas frequently presents water users with mineral-rich water, which at the very least is unpalatable, and often does damage to fixtures, pipes and clothes, when they are washed. A partial list of these minerals and related problems in this area would include: iron, iron bacteria, manganese, hydrogen-sulfide, low pH, hardness, high TDS, color, smell, and coliform bacteria. The good news is, all of these problems can be solved with a well-designed water-treatment system utilizing filters, ion-exchange filters, softeners, ozone, and chemicals. The bad news is that it all costs money to install and maintain. The water is here, but it’s a long way from free.
 
     
 
WEATHER
 
     
  Weather in the mountains is always different than at lower elevations in the valley, peninsula, and along the coast. Below are websites to help you navigate the weather forecast for your piece of paradise on the summit or on the ridge.
National Weather Service www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr
Doppler Radar www.radar.weather.gov/ridge/radar.php?rid=mux&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no
Tides and Currents http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports/index.shtml?port=sf
San Francisco Bay Wind Patterns www.met.sjsu.edu/cgi-bin/wind/windbin.cgi
The Weather Channel www.weather.com
Weather Underground www.wunderground.com
 
     
 

 WEEDS- INVASIVE PLANTS

 
     
 

Invasive plants displace native plants and wildlife, damaging wildlands, increasing wildfire and flood danger, consuming valuable water, destroying recreational opportunities and damaging timber lands. By removing invasive plants from your property and public lands you are helping to protect your community from fire potential and flood danger, conserving valuable water, and restoring habitat for wildlife.

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua), a bright green, soft textured grass, with seed heads that make it less desirable. As well, it dies off in the drier months.
Burclover (Medicago polymorpha) is a low, spreading, broad leafed weed with yellow flowers and spiny burs.

Blackberry (Rubus species) spreads rapidly by underground runners and birds eat the berries, scattering the seeds. It is best to pull out the young plants in spring before the feeder roots develop. Characterized by thorny long runners, heavy gloves are a must, as is using a pick and shovel to dig out as many roots as possible.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a low growing perennial with dark green, lobed leaves, a deep taproot and yellow flowers. It reproduces by seed and root fragment left in the soil.

Jubata Grass (Cortaderia jubata), is a type of pampas grass has become a serious problem along the California coast. Each plant is a cluster of long grassy leaves with tall skinny plumes rising high above the foliage. The beautiful plumes can range from “snow-white” to a “deep-purple”. Unfortunately, it seeds freely and chokes out native plants.

Mallow or Cheesewood (Malva species) sprouts in fall, setting seed the following summer. Easier to pull when young, as they develop a deep taproot when older.

Italian Thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) is a spiny annual that can grow 6 to 8 feet in height with leaves pinnately lobed into spiny-lobed segments displaying one large purple flower.

Pacific Poison Oak or Western Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) are usually divided into three leaflets, 1 to 4 in. long, with scalloped, toothed, or lobed edges. They generally resemble the lobed leaves of a true oak, although more glossy. Leaves are typically bronze when first unfolding in February to March, bright green in the spring, yellow-green to reddish in the summer, and bright red or pink from late July to October. Poison oak leaves and twigs have a surface oil, urushiol, which causes an allergic reaction in most humans, causing a contact dermatitis.

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), a herbaceous biennial plant that grows between 5-8 ft. tall, with small white flowers, clustered in umbels, becoming burs in late summer. All parts of this plant are highly poisonous to both humans and livestock.

Scotch and French Broom (Cytisus) is an extremely invasive and fire-prone weed characterized by brightly colored yellow flowers. Indigenous to the Canary Islands, it is ineffective in controlling erosion on hillsides because it produces a single tap-root rather than an extensive, soil stabilizing root system. The single tap system makes them easy to pull up, as opposed to cutting and using pesticides. It is recommended that you pull them out before the seeds form, in the spring when the ground is softened by the rains.

Star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), a thorny annual that during the vegetative stage forms a rosette of non-spiny leaves (5-20 cm diameter). As the summer approaches, it produces a flowering stem (1m) which will produce numerous spinous capitula containing numerous (10-50) yellow flowers. Very invasive in California, it is also poisonous to horses.

Find more invasive plants in the Sunset Western Garden Book and California Invasive Plant Council.
www.cal-ipc.org
 
     
 
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