Developer Joey McCarthy of McCarthy Ranch created a new gateway sign into town on the corner of Highway 9 and Santa Cruz Avenue. His renovation of a group of buildings is nearly complete and spruces up that corner.
Fresh off its success at Campbell’s Pruneyard shopping center, Out of the Barrel will open a Los Gatos location right behind the gateway sign. The taproom sources beer from local independent craft breweries.www.outofthebarrelbeer.com
Some businesses have closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but here is a quick look at new businesses opening in town, according to Los Gatos Chamber Executive Director Catherine Somers:
- The Tasting House, W. 78 Main St., serves charcuterie boards, chocolate, wine, fresh bread, cheeses, great for appetizers and picnics
- Chef Angelo Heropoulos, owner of Saratoga’s Hero Ranch Kitchen and Flowers, will be opening his newest restaurant in the old Williams Sonoma Space at 122 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Plans include a rooftop bar.
- William Greene Fine Jewelry Design is moving to 3 N. Santa Cruz Ave., which previously housed Ken Gehrkens Fine Jewelry for 25 years.
- Azuca has moved to new location at 100 Main St. and offers an array of hand-selected items by artists both local and around the country. www.azucastore.com
- Gooseberry Designs is celebrating the launch of its new location at 51 University Ave. The studio features specializes in hand-drawn maps and illustrations. www.gooseberrydesigns.com
- Luxury decor and gift store East Kennedy has a new space at 50 N. Santa Cruz Ave. www.eastkennedy.com
- Fat Willy’s Antiques is new at 14 N. Santa Cruz Ave. The store’s name originated when the owner, Bill, at 21, was working on a crew putting reflectors down on the highway. Everyone had a nickname but Bill, so the manager of the highway crew gave him the nickname “Fat Willy,” and it stuck. www.fatwillysantiques.com
- Eleven College Avenue will be opening in the building that was previously Nick’s Next Door.
This year’s virtual Cancer CAREpoint Garden Party exceeded expectations by raising over $660,000. More than 400 people tuned in to the livestreamed event on Sunday, Aug. 23. Pre-recorded segments featured special guests including County Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Joe Simitian, and the Sharks’ Dan Rusanowsky.
Cancer CAREpoint clients shared their personal cancer journeys to illustrate the impact of the nonprofit’s programs. Emcees Lissa Kreisler and Dawn Hogh hosted the event from a remote studio location.
Funds raised support Cancer CAREpoint programs and services offered to clients at no charge. www.cancercarepoint.com.
Kathy Mlinarich encourages seniors to take advantage of the Live Oak Senior Lunch Program, serving weekday lunches to adults over 60 on the campus of United Methodist Church at at 111 Church St.
Funded by the Santa Clara County Nutrition Program and the Town of Los Gatos, Live Oak has been serving hot and boxed lunches for more than 45 years. During the pandemic, staff says, “One meal from us means one less COVID contact at the grocery store.” www.Liveoakseniorluncheslosgatos.com
The expression “There’s light at the end of the tunnel” may have special meaning this year. The town council has approved funding for a holiday festival called “Los Gatos in Lights.” Light installations are planned for parks, alley, and around town.
“Who knows where this pandemic will go, so our plan is to focus on things we can control,” says the Chamber’s Somers. “Los Gatos in Lights is an example of a new program that will help our town spirit and sets a tone that Los Gatos is welcoming to all.”
If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, I’d like to know: debby@debbyrice.com
