Ongoing – Farmers Market Every Saturday morning The Downtown Santa Clara Farmers Market continues its popular year-round engagement every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jackson Street between Benton and Homestead. Each season brings in new crops of fruits and vegetables. Check out colorful bouquets of cut flowers for your home, or plants for your patio and garden. Call 408-241-1281 for more information.
Ongoing – Zumba and U-Jam Classes at Rhythm Attic
Zumba classes starting October 1 Mondays 5:45 p.m., Tuesdays 6:45 p.m., Thursdays 6:45 p.m., Fridays 7 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. U-Jam classes Wednesdays 5:45 p.m. First class is free, no experience needed. Classes are held at The Rhythm Attic, 1515 Walsh Avenue, Santa Clara. For more information, e-mail therhythmattic@yahoo.com.
Ongoing – Square Dance Class At Resurrection Lutheran Church
Classes starting September 14 7 to 9:30 p.m. Lessons held every Friday at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 2495 Cabrillo Ave, Santa Clara, 95051. Call Bob Steele at 408-248-5743 for more information.
September 25 through October 30 – Tai Chi for Beginners
Tuesday & Thursday, 8:45 – 9:45 am (except 10/2, 10/4 & 10/9/12) 8 classes – $64 Resident, Santa Clara Senior Center, Rm. 232 (408) 615-3170
Through October 28 – Halloween Haunt at California’s Great America
Oct. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
Once again the park will take on a dark and sinister side, transforming into the 5th Annual Halloween Haunt, which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening September 28 through October 28. The in-your-face Halloween experience beckons brave souls to take on their worst nightmares as the park adds terrifying elements, including spine tingling haunted mazes, themed scare zones, live stage shows and other themed attractions, all combined with the park’s collection of world-class thrill rides. Halloween Haunt is a special ticketed event and requires a separate ticket for admission. Haunt is not recommended for wimps or children under 13 years of age. For more information, call 1-408-988-1776 or visit www.cagreatamerica.com.
October 4 – Santa Clara Unified School District Candidates Forum
Santa Clara Unified Council of PTAs, along with the League of Women Voters, is hosting a Candidate Forum for the candidates running for seats on the Santa Clara Unified School District board in the November election. All six candidates are planning to attend. The forum will be held on Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m. in the District Office Board Room at 1889 Lawrence Road, Santa Clara.
October 7 – Santa Clara Sister Cities Association BBQ
The 31st Annual Santa Clara Sister Cities Association Chicken BBQ features a menu a juicy, barbecued half-chicken, Gerri Gamma’s Portuguese-style beans and Elise DeYoung’s famous garlic bread – all for only $13. Proceeds benefit Sister Cities Association activities. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on Martin Ave. For more information contact Debi Davis at 1-408-687-0331 or debid56@comcast.net.
October 7-13 – Public Power Week
More than 2,000 public power utilities across the U.S. will celebrate Public Power Week, Oct. 7-13. Locally, the City’s municipal Electric Utility, Silicon Valley Power, will acknowledge the celebration with a presentation at the Central Park Library on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on energy efficiency, renewable energy and electric safety.
As a not-for-profit utility, the Silicon Valley Power’s primary responsibility is to serve and provide the community with reliable and environmentally friendly power at the lowest possible prices. See siliconvalleypower.com or call 1-408-244-SAVE (7283) for more information.
October 7-13 – Fire Prevention Week
If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of Americans households estimate they thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less.
That’s why the Santa Clara Fire Department is teaming up with the Association during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” and to take the time now to identify and practice two escape exits from each room in the house.
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
- The Santa Clara Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:
- Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
- Choose a meeting place outside of your home where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
- Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
- Have an adult sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.
- Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator or posted in another prominent location. Practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
The Santa Clara Fire Department will host activities including open houses at select fire stations and school visits during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Have Two Ways Out!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in the City of Santa Clara, contact the Santa Clara Fire Department at 1-408-615-4970. To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit firepreventionweek.org.
October 8 – Asian American Speaker Event at Mission College
Writer/Actor Kristina Wong is a nationally presented solo performer, writer, actor, educator, culture jammer, and filmmaker. She will be signing copies of her performance on DVD after her talk. 11:15 a.m. –12 p.m. Mission College Library, 3000 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara. For more information, call (408) 855-5152 or visit http://www.missioncollege.edu/lib/aac.html
October 11 – The Next War: Iran, Israel, and the U.S. at the Crossroads – Reza Aslan
Reza Aslan is a writer, scholar of religions, media entrepreneur, and one of the most articulate and candid political commentators on Islamic issues. How is the landscape changing in the already-tumultuous Middle East as tensions mount among Iran, Israel, and the United States? Does the political rhetoric in the headlines accurately depict the potential international crisis? Events will be held in the Louis B. Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University. Time: 7:30 p.m. General admission tix:$25. 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. For more information, call (408) 554-4000 or visit http://www.scu.edu/visitors/speakerseries/2013/index.cfm
October 13 – 2012 Bone & Joint Expo Presented by O’Connor Hospital
Physicians, physical therapists and other health care professionals from O’Connor Hospital will present the latest, most effective options for the treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis, joint replacement and more. A broad range of medical, surgical and exercise alternatives and interventions will be discussed. Caregivers, patients and their families are invited to attend the free event. Event will feature 16 workshops about bone and joint conditions, arthritis treatments and related issues, exhibitor booths showcasing products and services that can make living with arthritis easier, Arthritis Foundation education materials and program information, Spine and body mechanics, surgical implant displays and information. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Techmart Meeting Center, 5201 Great America Parkway. To register for this FREE event, call 800-220-0182 and for more information, visit oconnorhospital.org
October 19 – Santa Clara Chorale presents “Autumn Serenade”
Kicks off the Chorale’s 2012-13 season at Mission Santa Clara at Santa Clara University at 8 p.m. Chorale presents some of the best loved secular choral works from the part song and folk song repertoire, including favorites from the British Isles. Guests include the award-winning Madrigals from Mountain View High School & the Chamber Choirs from St. Francis High School.
October 20 – Triton Museum’s 3rd Annual Fall Floral Festival
Floral designers interpret art from the Triton Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Magnificent displays defy the traditional concept of floral arrangement to play upon the color, line, and content of a variety of paintings and sculptures. Price: $5. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Avenue. Call (408) 247-3754 or visit http://tritonmuseum.org/SpecialEvents.php for more information.
October 20 – Environmental Day
Recology will hold an Environmental Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its 650 Martin Ave. location (near Lafayette St.). This event will provide Santa Clara residents with the opportunity to recycle clothing, e-waste (computers, monitors, printers, etc.), u-waste (batteries, cell phone, CFLs and fluorescent light tubes), and children’s plastic play structures and toys. In addition, residents can bring confidential documents for shredding. To participate, residents must bring Santa Clara utility bill and photo I.D. For more information, call 1-408-615-3080 or 1-408-970-5100.
October 20 – Home Composting Class
Learn how to turn green waste and food scraps into compost for your garden. Santa Clara County Master Composters will conduct a free home composting class at Machado Park, 3360 Cabrillo Ave. from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Register by calling the County “Rotline” at 1-408-918-4640 or go to ReduceWaste.org.
October 26 through November 17 – Santa Clara Players Presents “Nana’s Naughty Knickers,” by Katherine DiSavino
The Santa Clara Players will perform “Nana’s Naughty Knickers,” by Katherine DiSavino, a comedy about a granddaughter’s summer visit to her favorite Nana and what she discovers — sweet Grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five borough area! Tickets are $10 – $18. For performance dates, times, and reservations, visit scplayers.org or call 1-408-248-7993.
October 27 – Silicon Valley Chorus at Santa Clara Convention Center
Silicon Valley Chorus (SVC) is a non-profit organization established in May of 2000 by a group of Chinese vocal music and performing art lovers. The group consists primarily of individuals who have professional background and reside in the Silicon Valley. Our objectives are to learn the fundamentals of choral appreciation, to enrich our social lives, and to strengthen friendship among the members. For more information, visit http://www.siliconvalleychorus.org/index.html
October 31 – Children’s Halloween Party
Come celebrate Halloween at our annual SPOOKTACULAR party from 3-6 p.m. at the Walter E. Schmidt Youth Activity Center, 2450 Cabrillo Ave. The free party includes carnival games; tiny tots play area, bounce houses, arts and crafts, pumpkin walk, information booths from the Library, Police and Fire Departments, and lots of treats! Refreshments will be sold by the Youth Commission. Preschool age children through 5th grade are welcome to participate. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume. For more information, call 1-408-615-3760.
November 3 – Vimalaavin Olivizaa/ Tamil Manram at Santa Clara Convention Center
Tamil Manram is proud to join forces with Abhirami Fine Arts to present a play “Vimalaavin Olivizaa”. The play is presented by local talents of children and adults. The theme of the play is based on deepaavali. Please do not miss the music score by Sridharan Minor and enjoy the dances by children. The play is written and directed by Bagirathi Seshappan. Tickets: $10, $15, $25. Time: 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.bayareatamilmanram.org/eng/home.php
November 3-4 – Train Show
Operating model trains on two museum quality displays, numerous historic artifacts, and a preserved historic depot all provide focal points for the Train Show and Open House at the Santa Clara Depot. The fall program is one of two fundraisers held each year to support the operations at the Edward Peterman Museum of Railroad History. The museum is housed in the former Southern Pacific Depot, built in 1863, adjacent to the Caltrain tracks. The train show is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and a donation of $5 per adult over the age of 18 is requested at the entrance.
A second feature that weekend is a peek inside a historic rail car. The former business car from the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Co. was placed into service in December 1912, making it 100 years old. Inside the 83-foot-long car, viewers can observe the observation room, secretary’s room, small kitchen, crew’s quarters, dining room, and the superintendent’s and assistant superintendent’s private state rooms. The South Bay Historical Railroad Society is restoring the car to its 1922 appearance. The railcar will be open to visitors between 12:30 and 4 pm each day.
Also open to visitors from 1-3 p.m. each day will be the historic railroad tower, opened by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1927. The tower and its interlocking switch controls handled rail traffic at the junction of SP’s Mulford Line and the San Francisco Peninsula Line, as well as the railroad’s multi-tracked freight yard.
The model railroads inside the Santa Clara Depot – one HO-scale (1:87) and one N-scale (1:160) –demonstrate western railroading. Each layout, set in timeframes ending about 1970, illustrate structures, motor vehicles, businesses, and industries typical of the era. Many of the operating trains are typical of that era too, although many members operate trains of more contemporary eras.
The Company Store will be open, where visitors can purchase a variety of used model railroad locomotives and rolling stock, books, videos and DVDs about real and model railroading, and various artifacts. For more information, call
1-408-243-3969 or visit the website sbhrs.org.
November 3 – Walking in a Whisker Wonderland
The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) will be hosting their annual winter adoption event on Saturday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your new best friend may be waiting for you at SVACA! Adopters can ‘Pay What They Want’ in adoption fees which includes the spay or neuter of the animal, initial appropriate vaccinations, a professional health examination and behavior evaluation, microchip, temporary ID tag and collar, and a free examination at a participating local veterinary clinic. Santa Clara residents also receive a license for their new companion. All adoptable animals can be viewed online at svaca.com. Santa will make his first appearance of the season so bring your pet and join the Friends of SVACA for Photos with Santa; a $10 donation is requested. SVACA’s cageless animal care center is located at 3370 Thomas Rd. in Santa Clara. Contact 1-408-764-0344 or visit svaca.com for more information.
November 3 – Mission City Community Fund Dinner, Dance & Auction
Come celebrate with Mission City Community Fund at its annual fundraising dinner and auction in the Mission City Ballroom of the Santa Clara Convention Center. Proceeds from the event are donated to local charities serving Santa Clara residents and the surrounding region. MCCF is pleased to announce that this year’s Austen Warburton Community Service Award honoree is retired City Manager Jennifer Sparacino. The evening includes a drawing for a brand-new 2013 Infiniti automobile, the annual Christmas Tree Raffle for a fully decorated tree and dozens of gifts to put under it, and the opportunity to bid on live and silent auction items that include unique travel destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences. Tickets for this fun-filled evening are $125 per person, which includes cocktail appetizers, dinner, wine, dessert and dancing to the music of Sage. Tickets for the Car Drawing, Christmas Tree Raffle and Dinner are available on the MCCF website at missioncityfund.org.
November 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony
A ceremony honoring veterans will be held at 3 p.m. at the Santa Clara Veterans Memorial in Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd. Handicap parking and wheelchair assistance are available in the employee parking lot at the Community Recreation Center. For more information contact James Lee at 1-408-296-2512. You can also arrange to have a brick installed at this lovely memorial to honor a veteran. The donation is $125, and a form can be found online at santaclaraveteransmemorial.com.
November 17 – Sterling Dance Annual Fall Showcase at Santa Clara Convention Center
Based on a theme that threads it’s way through the performance. Not only does this provide a cohesiveness for the show, but it encourages our dancers to be creative and it makes the whole experience more fun for everyone! Sterling Dance Theatre is committed to producing a Dance Showcase reflective of the high standards and professional theatrical expectations of the professional dance world. For more information, visit http://www.sterlingdancetheatre.com/
November 22 – Thanksgiving Dinner for those in need
A free traditional Thanksgiving Dinner will be served to the homeless and families in need in our community, and military personnel in transit, on Thanksgiving Day at St. Clare’s Parish Hall, corner of Lexington and Lafayette Sts. All adults and children are welcome between 12 noon and 4 p.m. This is the 6th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the community sponsored by the Marsalli Family Foundation (501c45-361365). For information, email turkeydnr@gmail.com.
November 23 Through January 1 – Global Winter Wonderland Returns
NEW for 2012 Global Winter Wonderland is moving inside California’s Great America theme park. Several rides will be open. Experience an exciting multicultural holiday lantern festival celebrating diversity through ethnic food, shopping, and top entertainment. See giant lanterns of holiday traditions and landmarks from around the world. Operating days: Weekends Fri.-Sun. Nov. 23-25 & 30; Dec. 1-2, & 7-9, plus daily operation Dec. 14 – Jan. 1, 2013. Adults 12 & over: $18; Children under 12: $15. For more information, call (510) 962-8586 or visit http://www.globalwonderland.org/
December 1 – Breakfast With Santa
Santa is making a special visit to Santa Clara this year to have breakfast with all the boys and girls who sign up with at least one adult per family; pre-registration is required. A tasty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee will be prepared by the Santa Clara High School Booster Club and children can have their photo taken with Santa and create unique holiday crafts. The event is 9 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Clara Senior Center. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Look for information in the Fall Recreation Activities Guide or call 1-408-614-3140. Cost is $14 for residents of Santa Clara and $18 for non-residents. Babies under one year of age are free.
December 1 – Holiday Train
Caltrain’s festively decorated Holiday Train will return to the Santa Clara Depot, carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Salvation Army band, and carolers to lead the community in singing Christmas music. Also on board will be members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve collecting new toys for its annual Toys for Tots drive. The train’s arrival time will be announced later this fall. That same evening, the South Bay Historical Railroad Society will open the depot for visitors. Two model train displays will be operating and refreshments served. The Holiday Train is sponsored by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. For details, check the website holiday-train.org.
December 7 – Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Start the holiday season out right with Santa’s first official holiday appearance in town at the City’s annual “Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony” on Friday, Dec. 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center, corner of Civic Center Drive and Lincoln Avenue.
The family event includes live music, holiday safety displays and refreshments.
Please remember to bring a canned food item for those in need. Call 408-615-3170 for further information.
December 7 – Christmas With the Chorale
The Santa Clara Chorale presents its annual holiday concert at Mission Santa Clara at Santa Clara University at 8:00 p.m. This year’s program includes “Messe de Minuit pour Noel” by 17th century French composer Marc-Antonio Charpentier and the “Magnificat” by the 18th century composer Carl Philip Emanuel Bach. Chorale will be accompanied by the Jubilate Baroque Orchestra. Program includes traditional carols by singers and audience.
December 7-8 – Historic Home Tour
Tickets for the 34th annual Santa Clara Historic Home Tour will go on sale beginning in October. This year’s tour will be held Friday, Dec. 7, 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Among the private homes on this year’s tour is a California Craftsman bungalow designed by the architectural firm of Wolfe & McKenzie and built about 1912, and a circa 1901 Colonial style home containing a hipped roof. The public building on the tour will be the lovely St. Clare Parish Rectory that includes a chapel, reception area and library.
The Board of the Harris-Lass House Museum co-sponsors the tour with the Old Quad Residents Association. Proceeds benefit historic preservation projects and other nonprofit groups in Santa Clara. The nonprofit Santa Clara Arts & Historical Consortium will hold an opportunity drawing at the St. Clare Rectory during the tour as a fundraiser for their organization.
Tickets are $25 if ordered by mail or on the tour’s website by Oct. 31. Mail order forms will be available during October at the Central Park and Mission Libraries. Tickets also may be ordered by sending a legal-size self addressed stamped envelope to: Historic Home Tour 2012, c/o Harris-Lass House Museum, P.O. Box 3311, Santa Clara, CA 95055-3311.
Beginning Nov. 1, ticket prices are $30 general admission, $25 seniors (60+) or children (6-12) and may be purchased at City Lights Espresso, 1171 Homestead Rd. No children under the age of 6 will be admitted. If still available on the days of the tour, all tickets will be $35 at the door of the St. Clare Rectory, 725 Washington St.
For more information, call the Harris-Lass House Museum message line at 1-408-249-7905, view the Home Tour website at sc-hometour.com, or email hometour@harrislass.org.
December 8 – Holiday Craft Fair
Come to this fun event from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Central Park Library to find all types of handcrafted items, holiday jewelry, cards and other great gifts. This second annual event will be held in the Redwood and Cedar Rooms. Vendor cost is $25 per table and applications are available at the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends office on the second floor of the Library, 2635 Homestead Rd. Items should be primarily handmade; no food sales will be allowed. Spaces are limited and will be juried. Proceeds benefit Library programs. For information, call 1-408-615-2988.
December 8-9 – The Nutcracker Ballet
Artistic Director Josefa Villanueva-Reyes presents Santa Clara Ballet’s 39th Annual, full-length ballet production of The Nutcracker. All performances will be held at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway (Curtain time 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday).
Open Auditions for Dancers of all levels and ages for this production will be held Sunday, Sept. 9, starting at 12 noon, at the Santa Clara Ballet School, 3086 El Camino Real. The company engages professional guest artists in lead roles, while providing opportunities for semi-pre-professional dancers, children and adults to perform in a professional environment. The Company welcomes community volunteers to assist in the production.
For more information on the Santa Clara Ballet’s Nutcracker and the Santa Clara Ballet School, contact info@santaclaraballet.com, call 1-408-247-9178 or visit santaclaraballet.com.
December 21 – An Evening with Santa
Santa will take a break from his busy holiday preparations to visit with Santa Clara families at the Community Recreation Center. This event features activities geared to children ages 3-7, but all ages are welcome to attend. Children will enjoy holiday stories told by Santa Clara Library staff, holiday songs, photos with Santa, crafts and delicious refreshments. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $6 per child (babies under one free) and $2 per parent for residents of Santa Clara. Non-residents pay $8 per child and $3 per parent. Call 1-408-615-3740.
January 17 – The Opposite of Fate: Memories of a Writing Life – Amy Tan
What inspires a person to create? Taking cues from her life and reflecting on the nature of creativity, best-selling novelist Amy Tan explores the events that made her a writer. Event will be held in the Louis B. Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University. Time: 7:30 p.m. General admission tix: $25. 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. For more information, call (408) 554-4000 or visit http://www.scu.edu/visitors/speakerseries/2013/index.cfm
February 17 through March 16 – Santa Clara Players Present “Harvey”
When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, has seen as much of his eccentric behavior as she can tolerate. She decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter, Myrtle Mae, and their family from future embarrassment. Problems arise, however, when Veta herself is mistakenly assumed to be on the verge of lunacy when she explains to doctors that years of living with Elwood’s hallucination have caused her to see Harvey also! The doctors commit Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion. Shows on Feb. 22 & 24; March 7-10, & March 14-16. Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. All other shows at 8 p.m. For information and/or reservations, call (408)248-7993 or visit http://www.scplayers.org/
April 9 – “The End of Overeating” – Dr. David Kessler
The Gerald and Sally DeNardo Lectureship presents “The End of Overeating.” On a given day, it’s a question that we ask ourselves more than any other, and how we answer affects everything from our lifespan to our mood. What should I eat? For many Americans, a growing number of health problems can be traced back to obesity and being overweight. Dr. David Kessler has long been an advocate for public health, and in The End of Overeating he uncovers the origins of the obesity epidemic and explains how we can take control of our eating. Events will be held in the Louis B. Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University. Time: 7:30 p.m. General admission tix: $25. 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. For more information, call (408) 554-4000 or visit http://www.scu.edu/visitors/speakerseries/2013/index.cfm
May 4 – Santa Clara Chorale Season Finale – “G.F. Handel’s Messiah”
Join the Chorale, soloists, and Jubilate Baroque Orchestra for this reflection on the birth, passion, and resurrection of Christ as told by G. F. Handel. Performance at 8 p.m. at Mission Santa Clara at Santa Clara University. From overture to final “Amen” chorus including the renowned “Hallelujah” Handel’s music will move and delight.
