Merry Christmas

Saturday, December 25, 2010 by Bill.

Our family tradition for Christmas Eve is to enjoy Chinese food at P. F. Chang’s downtown San Jose and stroll through Christmas in the Park before heading home for last-minute preparations and a longish winter’s nap. Last night was no exception, though there were little differences. We hit Christmas in the Park first to beat any bad weather (we needn’t have worried, it was a beautiful evening). I always buy a wad of raffle tickets and fail to win a mountain bike, but this year they had no raffle! Flabbergasting! At P. F. Chang’s I usually opt for one of their mini desserts, but this year I…went in a different direction.

Everything evolves but the light in the heart never changes. It was a magical night. We wish you a very Merry Christmas full of all the joys of the season!

Posted in Market Street, events, El Camino Real, San Jose, restaurants | Print | 1 Comment »

El Camino Calendar

Thursday, December 16, 2010 by Bill.

Not too much on the El Camino radar this weekend. I even had a couple last-minute cancellations. I have every confidence you’ll find ways to keep yourselves occupied. I hope it involves the indoors; this weekend is supposed to be a wet one. Don’t forget to check out the El Camino Calendars page for a list of venues all up and down El Camino Real which always have a variety of activities going on.

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DIY Art: Festive Family Fun

Saturday, December 18, 2010
12 — 3 pm

Free with Museum admission

Celebrate the season of lights by using LEDs to make a high-tech holiday decoration. Bring the whole family for festive art-making. Art materials will be provided.

San Jose Museum of Art
110 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113

http://www.sanjosemuseumofart.org/event/diy-art-festive-family-fun-0

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Brandi Chastain: a Tribute to a Champion

Special screening
Thursday Dec. 16th
7-8 p.m.
Mayer Theater
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
Admission is free
http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=0cdde11b432388f981bc17c08&id=2b1715b28e&e=7a1612bc64

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Posted in art, Market Street, calendar, Santa Clara, sports, El Camino Real, events, San Jose | Print | 2 Comments »

Wreaths Across America

Sunday, December 12, 2010 by Bill.

Remember. Honor. Teach. That is the mission of the annual Wreaths Across America event which just occurred on December 11, 2010. On that day over 100,000 fresh holiday wreaths were laid on the graves of American veterans from all branches of service at over 150 National and State cemeteries around the U.S. and overseas. A ceremony was held here in the Bay Area at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, between El Camino Real and I-280.

This event started in 1992. Morrill Worcester, a holiday wreathmaker in Maine, had a surplus so he brought 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and laid them on graves. The striking image captured national attention so the effort continued every year and grew. In 2009 the Wreaths Across America non-profit foundation was formed and now covers every military cemetery.

We weren’t able to attend the early morning ceremony but my family had occasion to be up that way later that afternoon so we stopped by the cemetery to view the wreaths. I’ve driven by it many times on I-280 and have always been humbled by the sight of the orderly rows of white tombstones as far as the eye can see. This was my first time inside.

We weren’t sure where to go so we drove around, taking it all in. At first we only saw a few wreaths scattered among graves. My guess is they were placed there deliberately by family members of the deceased. Finally we found the chapel. In the burial section adjacent every grave had a wreath. I expect that was the focal point of the ceremony. I parked and took several photos and reflected on the service and sacrifice of the men and women honored there. The festive scent of the freshly cut balsam wreaths added warmth to the stark white marble tombstones and the cold ground.

Ironically the wreaths covered up most of the info on the the tombstones. I could read names, but not service information or birth or death dates. That made it impossible to determine the context of the section. Were these all soldiers, or eligible family members? Were they killed in action, or did they die after completing their service? In the end I think it didn’t matter. Every person buried there was a distinct individual with his or her own unique existence, but the act of laying the holiday wreaths temporarily erased their differences, highlighting the sacrifices they all made which now unite them. The community came together to lay each wreath indiscriminately.  Children are often involved, providing a teaching opportunity. It was a day of grace on which we, the people, could remember and honor them, our armed forces. Mission accomplished.

Posted in history, San Bruno, events, El Camino Real | Print | 1 Comment »

Under El Camino

Friday, December 10, 2010 by Bill.

InMenlo.com has published a really cool story about the El Camino Real bridge over San Francisquito Creek on the Santa Clara - San Mateo county line. There are several such bridges where El Camino crosses over all the creeks that flow out of the mountains into the Bay. They offer unique opportunities to literally get under the road and experience it from a completely different perspective. The creeks are frequented by the homeless and by graffiti taggers. Generally I’m not in favor of public graffiti, but tucked away down here it seems wholly appropriate. Click the headline below to read the article and see some of InMenlo’s celebrated photography.

Under Menlo: El Camino Real crosses San Francisquito Creek — InMenlo

Posted in transportation, art, history, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, El Camino Real | Print | 1 Comment »

El Camino Calendar

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Bill.

A bit of the traditional and a bit of the unexpected this weekend. Don’t forget to check out the El Camino Calendars page for a list of venues all up and down El Camino Real which always have a variety of activities going on.

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Santa-Go-Round

Sunday December 12th
CONTESTS! CRAWLS AND CRAZINESS!

Have fun and support a great cause. Santa-Go-Round is part toy drive, part costume contest, part pub crawl and all fun. Come to the Circle of Palms and bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to InnVision and participate in what is going to be one of the most talked about events in downtown San Jose since Zombie-O-Rama.

Come dressed as Santa and get discounts on Ice Skating and drink or dinner specials at one of 19 participating businesses.
Downtown San Jose
http://www.santagoround.com/

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2nd Annual San Jose Short Film Festival

Opening Night Premiere and Screenings Coming December 2010

Buy tickets online at Camera 3 Cinemas or visit the Camera 3 Cinema Box Office.:

Thursday December 9th Opening Night:
$10 (tickets are limited: includes premiere screening, meet the movie makers forum after screening, pre-show mixer. 6:30pm mixer, 7:30pm screening

Saturday December 11th:
$8 tickets 1pm and 4pm screening times

Sunday December 12th:
$8 tickets 1pm and 4pm screening times

Camera 3 Downtown
288 S. Second Street | San Jose, CA 95113
http://www.sjshortfest.com/
http://www.cameracinemas.com/shortfilmfest.shtml

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Deadstök X

Friday, December 10 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

The Usuals
1020 The Alameda
San Jose, CA

We are bringing-back all Deadstök designs made in 2010!

Expect to see new version t-shirt designs by dNA, Everyday Debauchery, Lost San Jose, Kori Thompson, Lacey Bryant, Michael Foley, Anabella Pinon, Force 129, Wadl, Jane Doe, and more!

Say good-bye to STREETBOT! Say HELLO to the WOW Silog Truck! YUMmmm…

Squareweezy and Cutso from The Bangerz will provide beats in the backroom where we’ll have more to nibble and sip.

Join us for our end of the year EXTRAVAGANZA!

Facebook event
http://www.shoptheusuals.com/

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The Nutcracker

Santa Clara Ballet Company
37th Annual, Full-length, Traditional Version

Saturday, December 11, 2010—2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, December 12, 2010—1:00pm & 5:00pm

The Santa Clara Convention Center Theatre
5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
http://www.santaclaraballet.com/

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Sweet Memories

Sweet Memories Confectionery
Is Celebrating Its First Anniversary and You’re Invited!

That’s right, we’ve been open a year now and want to celebrate this milestone with YOU.

When: Saturday, December 11, 2010 10am - 10pm
Where: Sweet Memories Confectionery
1395 El Camino Real, Millbrae
What: Anniversary Celebration!

• Happy Hour All Day (single scoop sundae for just $2!)
• Free Popcorn
• Free Hot Tea & Spiced Cider
• Great Holiday Gifts and Decor!

We hope to see you there!

http://www.sweetmemoriesconfectionery.com/
Facebook flyer

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Wreaths across America

Golden Gate National Cemetery
1300 Sneath Lane
San Bruno, CA 94066

The ceremony for the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno is on December 11th. The ceremony begins at 8:45am. Plan to be there a bit earlier to find the exact location. As you enter the main entrance go to the left to find other vehicles near the ceremony area.
http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Locations/California/30-Golden-Gate-National-Cemetery-San-Bruno/View-details.html

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Wine & Dine

Vedas Indian Restaurant
Invites You to a Special Evening
Fri., Dec. 10
6:30-9:30pm

A Fabulous Night of the Finest Wines Paired with Exceptional Indian Cuisine
Live Music, Featured California Wineries, Select Indian Dishes

Make your reservations TODAY!!!

560 N Abel Street, Milpitas, CA - 95035
http://www.vedasrestaurant.com/Events.php

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Posted in Millbrae, Santa Clara, performances, Milpitas, art, calendar, Market Street, First Street, history, San Bruno, El Camino Real, San Jose, restaurants, events, night life, miscellaneous, retail, The Alameda | Print | 1 Comment »

AllCamino Gift Guide

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Bill.

I had this great idea for a blog post: the AllCamino Gift Guide. This is the season for a lot of things, not the least of which is giving. I thought I’d make a little list of lovely El Camino gifts, either stuff related to or available on our favorite road. That’s when I hit a snag. Whom is this list for? If, like me, you have an abiding affection for The Royal Road, then of course you read this blog avidly and you’re reading this post at this very moment, which means the surprise will be ruined for you if you are lucky enough to receive anything on this list. All I can suggest is that you stop reading now, but we both know that’s not going to happen. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for the El Camino enthusiast in your life, then you’re probably married to me, and remember we agreed on a dollar amount limit this year, Dear.

Joking aside, these are some items off the top of my head that I think would make great gifts now or anytime. It’s limited in geographic scope because I do spend most of my time in Santa Clara County, so that’s what I know. Over time I hope to find treasures in other regions. I’ll let you know in next year’s list. These are presented in no particular order.

I ♥ SJ Gear

Get your tee shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies at The Usuals on The Alameda in San Jose. This iconic design by Mike Millares of Deadstök is blowing up; don’t miss the excitement. Here’s a challenge: upload or email to The Usuals an unusual photo of yourself wearing your shirt. We’re trying to start a movement. (This picture of me doesn’t count as unusual; the movement hadn’t started yet when we took it.)

• Deadstök I ♥ SJ
• The Usuals

As it just so happens, The Usuals is hosting a party Friday, December 10 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM showcasing favorite Deadstök designs. It’s a sign! Beats by The Bangerz and grub by the WOW Truck.

Simon Malls Gift Card

I know, I know, gift cards are the last refuge of the uninventive and the desperate, but you know they work and they’re always appreciated. Here’s the beautiful thing: if you get a Simon gift card, the recipient can use it at either the Great Mall or Stanford Shopping Center, both of which are within the AllCamino jurisdiction. They’re good at Gilroy Premium Outlets too, which is pretty darn close to Monterey Road. How Camino is that?

• Simon Malls
• Great Mall
• Stanford Shopping Center

Mixed Pastel Chocolate-Covered Fruits from Olson’s

Ah, C. J. Olson Cherries, jewel of Sunnyvale. I’m crazy about the summer fruit they sell at the fruit stand, but when winter rolls around I’m all about their dried fruit. In particular I love the mixed pastels: Bing cherries, pears, blueberries, and Olson’s famous apricots dipped in creamy chocolate and sealed in a color-coded candy coating. Toothsome and tasty. Look for them at the San Jose and Oakland airports if you need to grab a quick gift on your way out of town.

• C. J. Olson Cherries Pastels

The El Camino Book

This one is for the real El Camino afficionado: the book California’s El Camino Real and Its Historic Bells by Max Kurillo and Erline Tuttle. This is the only book I’ve read to date solely about the road and it contains history and photos you won’t find anyplace else. You can order it directly from California Bell Company.

• Google Books Entry
  
• California Bell Company

Stanford A Cappella CD

Stanford University is a hotbed of collegiate a cappella music with nine diverse groups on campus at last count. They all have recordings available, and I’m pretty sure you can find their latest and greatest CDs at the Stanford Bookstore. If not, you can contact the groups directly, and some even sell their recordings through Amazon.com and other outlets. Check out “Through the Roof” by my old group, Fleet Street. Yes I’m shameless, but it’s my blog and I’ll plug if I want to.

• Stanford University Bookstore
• Stanford Fleet Street Singers

See’s Candies Polar Bear Paws

Ah, I just thought of something from San Mateo County! See’s Candies is headquartered in South San Francisco right on El Camino. Their retail stores, of course, can be found everywhere. I’ve actually never had their Polar Bear Paws but they sound awesome: white chocolate, roasted peanuts, and caramel. The perfect holiday treat.

• See’s Candies

Happy shopping!

Posted in South San Francisco, meta, Milpitas, art, Gilroy, Monterey Road, performances, Stanford, El Camino Real, San Jose, Palo Alto, retail, Sunnyvale, The Alameda | Print | 2 Comments »

Festivus Celebration

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Bill.

Offbeat. That’s the word that immediately comes to mind when I think of SLG Publishing’s Art Boutiki & Gallery. Everything about it is offbeat, and I mean that in a good way. Friday, December 3 starting at 8:00 PM they’re throwing a Festivus Celebration and everyone’s invited. There’ll be an aluminum pole, feats of strength, and everyone’s favorite: the airing of grievances.

SLG is a comic book publisher in San Jose founded by Dan Vado in 1986. They seek out edgy new talent. They have an extensive catalog of their own and others’ books, graphic novels, and other items. Their office is located Downtown San Jose in the SoFA District. Actually, they’re about a block south of the official SoFA District—as Dan puts it, in the cracks between the cushions. Off the beaten track. It’s not just an office. It’s a retail outlet, an art gallery, and a performance space for live bands. Dan’s wife Michelle has designed an interior full of kitschy fun with a hint of tiki fetish.

SLG is a bit of a hub for some of San Jose’s burgeoning subcultures, for example taking point in October’s Zombie-o-Rama. The Boutiki participates in the SoFA District’s monthly South First Fridays in which art galleries and other venues stay open late to kick off the weekend with showings and receptions. For December, as I said, it’s Festivus Time at the Art Boutiki. Festivus is the fictional holiday alternative invented by George’s dad on “Seinfeld.” If you need a quick refresher, YouTube is your friend.

[YouTube]

There will be live music and refreshments. Bring your grievances and let them be aired. (There will be a webcam.) Festivus is for one and all!

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Festivus

The last South First Friday event of the year is probably the best. Come by the Boutiki and perform feats of strength, donate to The Human Fund, get your picture taken next to our aluminum pole and, best of all, take the microphone between band sets and AIR YOUR GRIEVANCES!

Friday December 3rd
8:00 PM
LIVE MUSIC!

SLG Publishing’s Art Boutiki & Gallery
577 S. Market St
San Jose, CA 95113
http://www.artboutiki.com/

Posted in art, Market Street, retail, night life, El Camino Real, events, San Jose | Print | 1 Comment »

The Last Word

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Bill.

Top Five Ways You Know You’ve Done the Shellmound Peace Walk

5. You can now say, “Are we there yet?” in eleven different tribal dialects.
4. You understand why “Milpitas” in Spanish means “Little Corn Fields.”
3. You call on Dr. Scholl as your spiritual ally.
2. Your new Indian name is “Tenderfoot.”
1. You actually lose 15 pounds during Thanksgiving week.

That’s it. I’m all done until next year. Check out the IPOC web site for more information and to donate funds to support the work they do to repatriate the remains of their ancestors, and preserve burial sites in places like Vallejo and Emeryville.

Posted in miscellaneous, El Camino Real | Print | 1 Comment »

Fellow Travelers

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Bill.

I walked on Day 1, but on Day 2 I drove up to Mission San Jose just to see the group off and achieve some El Camino Real closure. I walked with them only as far as the Ohlone Indian Cemetery, then drove back to daily life. I didn’t participate physically in the rest of the 10-day walk though I did think about the Walkers every day. I want to give some shouts out to the folks I met on the Shellmound Peace Walk. I didn’t get to meet everyone, for example the young folks who carried the banner the first day. Those I did get to know, I can’t do complete justice here so I’ve restricted myself to blurbs of no more than 140 characters. Form follows function. The idea is simply to give you a sense of the diverse group. I regret any omissions or inaccuracies, but I tried my best.

• Amy: quietly strong. Helped me feel at ease out of my element. Served as our rear flagman to keep us visible and safe in traffic.
• Andy: Berkeley man but I won’t hold that against him. Headed off to work in solidarity with Navajos at Black Mesa, AZ.
• Brittany: Earth mama. She and her sister walked with a toddler. It’s cliché to celebrate motherhood, but there you go. It’s the best.
• Corrina: daughter of Ohlones. Challenged me in important ways. Worked hard behind the scenes so we could all have an excellent experience.
• Duck: the healer. Gave us his powerful songs to keep us safe and mindful. Keeps the old ways very much alive. Defends them proudly.
• Eddie: speaks his truth. Took the time to explain gourd societies to me. Our paths have crossed in a good way. I hope they cross again.
• Francis: shutterbug, aboriginal Basque. Knows how to make great images from both sides of the camera.
• Gabriel: the peacemaker. Gave context to aid understanding. Killed me with his dinner plans: ground meat & onions in a tortilla. Oh man!
• Henry: the charmer in many different languages. Literally has a twinkle in his eye. I have pictures to prove it.
• Jahcee: old soul, childlike spirit. Taught me new words and history I should have known. Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/user/JAHCE3
• John: Spirit Runner of 500-mile marathons for 30 years. What? Check it out: http://ca500milespiritrun.org/. And they train on The Alameda.
• Johnella: long-time Walker, originated this one. Sees the grand connections between Native American issues and the global peace movement.
• Jun-san: a woman of profound Peace. Prayed and chanted for us all every step of the way. Lifelong friend of Indians.
• Karen: ebullient film buff and disseminator of information. Drove the support truck, transporting supplies and walkers as needed.
• Lindsey: had a rather indelicate encounter with ants. Takes a dim view of suburbia. It’s a different world.
• Louise: unstoppable. Made it to the Mission Day 1. This was so helpful for my article: http://www.dharmawalk.org/junsan1.htm. Thanks!
• Manu: the future. Look out! While we were walking, he wanted to run!
• Marcus: has Walked for Peace all over the world. Put off returning to his home Down Under to join us as our lead flagman.
• Perry: the pragmatic anarchist with encyclopedic knowledge of Native history and affairs. Very generous with his erudition.
• Vicki: girl next door. Originally from the Windy City. Another day-walker like me, also headed off to Arizona.
• Wounded Knee: the soulful warrior. Felt every step so deeply. You’ll find him through history in every struggle, fighting that good fight.

Posted in people, El Camino Real | Print | 1 Comment »

Turn-by-turn

Thursday, December 2, 2010 by Bill.

I’m still writing about the Shellmound Peace Walk. How did I end up there? I learned of the walk when my family and I went to the Gathering of Ohlone Peoples at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont on October 3, 2010. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, watching traditional Ohlone dances, trying (and failing) to make fire, and learning all about Native life. One of the exhibit tables belonged to Indian People Organizing for Change (IPOC) and was staffed by Corrina Gould and Perry Matlock. They were promoting the Shellmound Peace Walk which immediately captured my imagination, especially when I found out they were going through Milpitas. I resolved to join the walk if logistics permitted.

Logistics permitted, so the morning of November 17 I left my car at the Great Mall and took public transit to Alviso Marina. I had a bit of a wait since all the other walkers were coming from the Oakland/Berkeley area and were stuck in rush hour traffic. I didn’t mind; it was a beautiful, sunny morning out on the Marina and I quietly contemplated the views of the water, tule marsh, and the Valley hills until everyone arrived.

Corrina explained to us the significance of Alviso: that her Ohlone ancestors lived there and collected salt for trade. (The Alviso salt ponds continued to be a major commercial operation up until pretty recently.) When the Spanish rounded up Indians they used Alviso as a collection point before marching them to Mission San Jose so our Peace Walk that day was approximating their trail.

We set off. Our route took us from the Marina down First Street, towards Tasman. Earlier that morning I had sent a tweet to Adelaide Chen of Milpitas Patch to let her know the Walk was coming through, and I was delighted she came out to meet us on First Street. I recognized her from her profile photo and introduced myself, and she was a great sport, walking along with us while we chatted. She commissioned me to write the article for Patch, which was an unexpected opportunity. I was a little hesitant because I envisioned myself later that evening furiously pounding out the article on my laptop while soaking my feet in an Epsom salt bath and I was worried about possible electrocution hazards, but I accepted. She gave me some quick journalism tips which were a big help because I would have been stuck after who/when/where/why/what’s-for-lunch. My new assignment colored the rest of my day though because now I had real responsibility, and I felt I had to inform everybody that the casual conversations we had been having were now “on the record.”

We turned up Tasman, passing through Cisco land. We took a break on a patch of grass in front of a Cisco building where we were questioned by some Cisco employees, probably plainclothes security. I suspect they wanted to make sure we weren’t protesting them, but they were happy when Corrina told them we were just passing through. It was strange being here because I work very nearby, so reflecting on ancient peoples in the midst of all the high-tech companies that comprise my world now was a jarring juxtaposition. Crossing Coyote Creek into Milpitas grounded me because the creek has special significance to me. I live and work close to it, and it’s a constant feature I’ve seen on many old maps so it helps me link the past and the present.

The next point of interest for the Walk was Elmwood Correctional Complex, former site of an Ohlone shellmound. As we passed we could hear the shouts of inmates; I don’t know if they were shouting at us, for us, or if they even knew we were there. Our group said prayers and dropped tobacco—traditional medicine—for the spirits of the dead. Turning up Abel we walked along the culvert that used to be Penitencia Creek and marveled at a number of majestic blue herons gathered there. I could see the Jain Center on Main Street and thought about how this spot is a spiritual nexus for Milpitas. The Ohlone buried their dead here, and the Franciscans gave penance here, giving Penitencia Creek its name. I remarked on the irony of passing Serra Center, a strip mall named for Father-President Junipero, considered by many to be a symbol of Indian oppression. His 297th birthday happened to be exactly one week later, November 24.

We rested again outside Carl’s Jr. and IPOC co-founder Johnella LaRose gave us some history of the Walk and its roots in 1978’s The Longest Walk and its connection to numerous international Peace Walks for varied causes such as nuclear non-proliferation. I interviewed Jun Yasuda, the Japanese Buddhist nun heading our procession, to understand her dedication to Native American causes. She explained to me that as a Buddhist she is drawn to confront human suffering such as the Indians endured through history. Also she sees traditional Native selflessness—putting the community ahead of one’s self—as compatible with Buddhist teaching and a way forward for mankind to Peace. Maybe Columbus was onto something when he confused the so-called “Indians” of the “New World” with residents of India, birthplace of Buddhism.

The rest of the trek was a long haul up Abel to Milpitas Boulevard and Warm Springs. We were supposed to turn onto Mission Boulevard and end at Mission San Jose but our late start caught up with us so we ended the day at Booster Park in Fremont. IPOC provided food fixin’s and I made myself a peanut butter, jelly, and corn chip sandwich. After a ten-mile walk I think officially it was The Best Sandwich I ever tasted. My feet were tender and my thighs ached (as much from the barbell lunges I did in the gym the day before as from the walk) and I was more than a little damp from the unseasonably warm weather, but it was all worth it. We sat in a circle and several in the group shared their thoughts and feelings on the day.

I had planned to take a bus back to the Great Mall but I ended up catching a ride with a driver who kindly shuttled those who had to retrieve vehicles left in Alviso. It was astounding how quickly we got back, retracing by car in minutes the route it took us hours to walk. Modern transportation is a gift, but being able to complete the walk, even for just one day, was a blessing.

Posted in religion, Mission Boulevard, First Street, Warm Springs Boulevard, Milpitas, Fremont, El Camino Real, events, news, transportation, San Jose | Print | 1 Comment »