Habit for Humanity breaks ground on Delmas

A new single family home will be built at 868 Delmas after a groundbreaking last week. Read all about it in the Mercury News.

What belongs in SJ recycling bins?

From the Mercury News:

"Nearly 40 percent of the stuff single-family homeowners dump into their recycling bins in much of the city is non-recyclable food waste and other junk, according to California Waste Solutions, the city's primary hauler. That's more than six times Oakland's 6-percent contamination rate, the company said."

So, what can't you put in the gray recycling container?

• Padded envelopes, bubble wrap
• Soiled paper or tissues
• Disposable diapers
• Packing peanuts, foam takeout containers and other polystyrene
• Pillows, stuffed animals, carpet
• Plastic bags (If they're clean, turn them in at a store recycling drop.) 
• Shoes
• Compact discs
• Metallic gift wrap
• Photographs

Read more about what is/isn't allowed.

Hot diggity dog!

BIG thanks to Willow Glen Meats for their donation of locally made hot dogs for Sunday's Party in the Park. Stop by their shop at 885 Delmas to see their selection of sausages, bacon, and other smoked meats plus sandwiches, yum.

Live music at the Party in the Park!

Come hear local musicians Duke Mantee and the Gold Money Band, right here in North Willow Glen. The band will be playing at the Party in the Park on Sunday. Bring a side dish to share, enjoy hot dogs off the barbecue, and get serenaded by the band while you enjoy time with neighbors.

Ice Cream, You Scream, we all Scream for Party in the Park

We are so thankful again this year that Willow Glen Creamery is donating Treat ice cream to Party in the Park! Expect big favorite flavors Mango and Chocolate Fantasy. And, let Jeff from Willow Glen Creamery know that you appreciate him and his generosity.

Party in the Park
Hummingbird Park (Corner of Bird and Fisk)
Sunday, August 9, 4:30-7:30 pm

Party in the Park is Sunday!

Join us for Party in the Park, Sunday, August 9, starting at 4:30. We will be gathering at Hummingbird Park at Fisk and Bird. Bring a side dish to share and we will have hot dogs hot off the barbecue!

Greater Gardner Neighborhood: Historic Context Survey

Have you ever wondered about the history of our neighborhood? What led to the construction of this eclectic group of homes? Could parts of our neighborhood be considered historic?

At the request of the City of San José, the firm Archives and Architecture created a document titled Greater Gardner Neighborhood: Historic Context Survey. This 103 page document chronicles our neighborhood's history from the founding of the first pueblo in Spanish California to the document's publication in 2011. In it you will learn about significant figures and families in our area's history such as Isaac Bird and Henry W. Coe. There is a great deal of information regarding our housing inventory including some the authors regard as contributors to the historic nature of our neighborhood, potential historic resources, and even lists the 27 properties which meet the criteria to be San Jose City Landmark Structures.

If you are curious about this, you can click here to read the entire document.

Thanks to the Rotary Club for the July 4 fireworks!

In the Rotary Club of San Jose's 101th year of public service, they are again sharing with the city a professional, free fireworks show on July 4 at Discovery Meadow in downtown San Jose, 180 Woz Way. The show begins around 9:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to take public transit. The City of San José is among the event sponsors. Visit www.rotaryfireworks.org for more details.

Also, the July 4th Fun Festival & Fireworks Show will take place at Almaden Lake Park. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. with entertainment, food, and kids' activities. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Read more...

But, then, at San Jose Municipal Stadium, a fireworks display follows the Independence Day game between the San Jose Giants and Visalia. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. Visit San Jose Giants website.

San Jose Family Camp - discounts!

Join the fun at San Jose Family Camp this summer with amazing discounts! You do not need to be a resident of San Jose to stay at Family Camp. From the camp web site:

Family Camp at Yosemite provides an all-inclusive camping experience where guests of all ages can fish, hike, swim, participate in organized programs, or just sit back, relax and take it easy. It's a great experience the whole family will enjoy, so join us this summer and reserve your tent today!

San José’s Family Camp is located in the heart of the Sierras near Yosemite National Park, just east of Groveland, California. Family Camp is situated on 47 acres of leased land from the U.S. Forest Service. The Stanislaus National Forest and the middle fork of the Tuolumne River serve as the scenic backdrop to this mountain playground.

During the summer season, the camp provides three meals a day to campers, along with supervised recreational activities. Groups are welcome to rent out the camp during the pre- and post-seasons.

For questions, please contact staff at (408) 794-6208 or familycamp@sanjoseca.gov.

Walk San Jose

Have you seen these signs encouraging discoveries via walking in San Jose?

Garage Sale 2015

Check out a some of the items available at the North Willow Glen Garage Sale on May 30 from 8am-2pm! This is just a partial list.

476 Fuller
everything is free

482 Fuller
two air conditioners, one window and one portable, women's clothes, household items, pictures, a round table, vacuum, kitchen items

508 Fuller
baby girl clothing, toddler boy clothing & shoes, women's clothing & shoes, TV's, a snowboard, handbags, a train table (child), home accessories, flower pots, a Britax car seat w/base, a breast pump, Boppy Pillow, a baby bouncer, wall art, etc.

514 Fuller
Ladies Clothes (Old Navy, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe) $1-$3, Women's jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets) $5 or less, makeup and nail polish $1, kitchenware, household items, towels, bedding, blankets, twin sheet sets

664 Fuller
washer, dryer, refrigerator, free standing oven/stove, box spring & mattress

392 Hull
dinning set, sofa, and more

542 Hull

many items

345 Atlanta
maternity clothes, housewares, and some baby items

359 Atlanta

clothing, Kidarooz 2 in 1 bike trailer, kids bike

546 Atlanta

Bassett 57” bookcase/entertainment case, large Kidcraft dollhouse, Craftsman mantle clock, Norelco shaver, women’s clothes & shoes, men’s shoes (8 1/2), Takamine EF341SC electric acoustic guitar, guitar stands, comic books, iMac 20” computer with brand new 500GB hard drive, never used

428 Atlanta
white range hood with lights, teak Scandinavian Designs bed, with storage underneath and matching end tables, portable air conditioner on wheels, light fixtures, ceiling fans, paint and hardware items

901 Delmas
Household items and
Clothes & Shoes - women, men & kids

917 Delmas
kayak with paddles, woven string hammock, Nikon D70 camera body, semi-mummy sleeping bag, antique kitchenware, antique picture frames, windsurfer

975 Delmas

Tivo Series 2, toys, soccer cleats, clothes, books

569 Brooks

Pottery Barn Crib (Model - Kendall, color: Sun Valley Espresso)

1021 Bird
antique desk, iron lamp, vintage jewelry, china, clothing, notions & vintage kitchen items, upholstery fabrics, plant stand & much more

452 Shepherd Avenue
Peg Perego highchair, kids toys (lots!), boy's bike (for 10yr old), Chinese screen, Turkish chair, kids clothes, adult clothes, books, CDs, DVDs & DVD player, kitchen & household items, bedding (pillows, comforter, sheets)

Native Plant Sale This Saturday

California Buckwheat

With water conservation on everyone's mind these days, native plants have become a hot topic. There are numerous landscapes around the neighborhood featuring California native plants. Unfortunately the supply of them is not easily found at the big box stores so you may have to look a bit harder to find them for sale. Fortunately the California Native Plant Society has two sales a year and their spring sale is coming soon.

Speak with experts about unthirsty alternatives to a lawn, including native perennials, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses. Browse books, posters, and note cards featuring native plants. This year landscape designer Carrie Jensen, habitat designer Linda Ruthruff, and landscape architect Sherri Osaka will be at the plant sale all day to help you custom design your native parking strip garden. For the first time, there will also be a wildflower show.

NWGNA is planning on picking up a California Buckwheat to test out and see if it is fit for the Bird Avenue median. All signs point to 'yes' so we are excited to get one going in Fuller Park before making the leap to the median.

Check out the CNPS website for more information including a plant list. You can also watch Carrie Jensen's presentation on parking strips, why they're important and what we can do with them, here.

California Native Plant Society
Annual Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hidden Villa Ranch, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills

Generosity isn't just for year-end...

We all know that generosity isn't just for year-end, but Sereno Group Real Estate - The Benford Team is putting this into practice by making a generous donation to help refresh North Willow Glen's holiday decorations that are placed each December around our neighborhood. These decorations have been showing wear and tear after being used for a few years, and this fabulous real estate team is helping NWGNA purchase new decorations to renew our supply. We thank them now and we will continue to send gratitude at year-end when the wreaths and garland are placed again in North Willow Glen.

To extend your gratitude to Sereno Group Real Estate - The Benford Team, comment here and check out their web site for your real estate needs. Many thanks to the Benford Team!

Holiday Decoration Contest Winners

546 Atlanta - Best Lights Award

There were a lot of great lights out this season. Thank you very much to all who participated. Thank you also to our generous sponsors, Blue Water Seafood and Crab and continuing for their fourth year in a row, Aqui Cal-Mex! Without further ado, here are this year's winners along with their prizes.

• Most Creative: 1015 Willis - Aqui gift certificate for one entree and an NWGNA tee-shirt
• Most Unique: 550 Snyder - Aqui gift certificate for one entree and an NWGNA tee-shirt
• Best Lights: 546 Atlanta - Aqui gift certificates for two entrees
• Best Overall: 477 Marshall - Blue Water gift certificate for $50

Winners please contact us at board@nwgna.org to arrange your prize delivery.

Garbage and recyling billing changes

From the City of San Jose:

Starting July 1, 2015, charges for garbage and recycling for single-family households with cart services will be on the Santa Clara County Secured Property Tax Bill, instead of the current six bills sent by the City each year.

The City will continue to bill some condominiums and townhomes, and all mobile homes, on a monthly basis.

For more information:

• Go to www.sjenvironment.org/residents
• E-mail customerservice@sanjoseca.gov
• Call the Customer Contact Center at 408-535-3500