September 2012 Calendar

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 – Did you know Superman was a foster child?
That’s right! And having caring individuals who took him into their home made all the difference! Bill Wilson Center is seeking foster parents for 12 y/o David. Removed from an unsafe home, he’s been through a lot. Needs guidance and love to thrive. Contact 888-922-5437 or inquiries@billwilsoncenter.org to learn more. No obligation informational meetings first Thursday each month, 6-8pm, 1671 The Alameda Suite 201, SJ.

September 8 – Dance for a Cause presented by AIM for Seva at Santa Clara Convention Center
A dance-drama by Smt. Rukmini Vijayakumar and troupe. This is an opportunity to make education accessible to every child in the tribal, rural, and urban areas through the concept of a Student Home. To provide basic health care to people living in the remote regions of the country. For more information, visit http://www.arshavidyacenter.org/aims.html

SPONSORED

Starting September 14 – 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 15 – Second Annual Cake-Off4Kids!
Cake-Off4Kids 2012 is our signature amateur baking contest and tapas style buffet dinner to benefit Cake4Kids. The competition is open to Cake4Kids bakers as well as the general public. There will be 50 cake entries in 5 different baking categories. Grand winners will receive a $100 cash prize. All attendees will be able to taste ANY cake in the competition and then cast their vote for a Fan Favorite Winner. In addition, all attendees will get an opportunity to bid on 50 different silent auction items, enjoy tapas style dinner, vendor demonstrations, cash bar, and celebrate with all the category winners! The Domain Hotel is generously donating our location for the event along with necessities to make it a fabulous event. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Domain Hotel, 1085 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

September 15-16 – Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
Enjoy the 32nd annual Santa Clara Art ” Wine Festival in Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd. This annual event is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and offers something for everyone.

Start the morning with a pancake breakfast at the Pavilion. Spend your afternoon browsing among a variety of 175 arts and crafts booths, with items ranging from fine paintings to toys, jewelry, ceramics, and more.

Enjoy premium wines served by J. Lohr, Wente, Bargetto, and Guglielmo wineries or micro-brewed beer provided by Gordon Biersch. Satisfy your taste buds in “Food Alley,” where two dozen community groups will cook up international food favorites such as tri-tip sandwiches, tamales and Chinese chicken salad. Other popular items include Philly cheese steak sandwiches, funnel cake, kettle corn and more.

There is a variety of continuous live entertainment on three stages throughout the park. Talented community groups perform at the Meadow Stage. In the Pavilion you can swing to the sounds of popular bands, including The Spazmatics on Saturday and the Joe Sharino Band on Sunday.

Kids Kingdom is the place to be for families. Grab lunch at the food court, enjoy entertainment on the Kids Kingdom Stage, slide down the Giant Slide, or climb up the Rock Climbing Wall. You can also try your hand at Carnival Games, visit the Fire Safety Trailer, take your picture with a D.A.R.E vehicle, get your child fingerprinted at the Kids ID booth, or check out the Face Painting area.

Admission is free. Proceeds from the two-day festival benefit local charities. For further information, call the Community Recreation Center at 1-408-615-3140 or visit santaclaraartandwine.com.

PAVILION STAGE ENTERTAINMENT

September 16 – Wedding & Lifestyle Expo Asiana 2012/Mystique Wedding Faire at Santa Clara Convention Center
The only South Asian Bridal Show on this magnitude in North America. FREE admission and parking. For more information, visit http://www.thewlea.com/index.html

September 21 – Movie Night at the Harris Lass Museum
“The Valley That Was,” a documentary produced in the 1970s by the Santa Clara County Office of Education and KTEH Public Television, will be shown free in the 1867-era Barn on the Harris Lass Museum Preserve, 1889 Market St. The 30-minute film chronicles the transformation of Santa Clara Valley as housing subdivisions replace orchards, and the economy no longer is based on agricultural businesses. Film showings will be held at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., and popcorn will be served. Call the Harris-Lass Message Line at 1-408-249-7905 or view the Museum’s website at harrislass.org for more information. RSVP to Leo at 1-408-985-5384 with the time you would like to attend.

September 28 through October 28 – Halloween Haunt at California’s Great America
Sept. 28-30, 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.

September 29 – Voices in Harmony at Santa Clara Convention Center
Voices in Harmony (VIH), Northern California’s Premier Men’s A Cappella Chorus, is an award-winning, all-volunteer, 90+ voice male chorus known for its mastery of technically demanding close harmony. For information, visit http://vihchorus.org/

September 29 – Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Remove potentially dangerous old, unwanted or unused prescription drugs from your medicine cabinet and dispose of them safely at this event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Santa Clara Police Department, 601 El Camino Real.  This event is open to both residents and non-residents.

The safe disposal of prescription drugs, especially controlled substances, keeps drugs out of the hands of children, teens and adults who might abuse them, and also prevents them from entering the wastewater system. 

Year round, Santa Clara residents (only) may dispose of unwanted prescription drugs at a secured drop off location in the Santa Clara Police Department lobby during normal business hours.

September 29 – Active Over 50 at Santa Clara Convention Center
One day event (Saturday) providing the latest information and resources on “How to Live a Healthier, Longer and More Active Lifestyle” for the active 50+consumer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Discover the latest in healthcare, finance, senior living communities, estate planning, insurance, fitness, nutrition, fashion, technology, travel and more. FREE admission and parking. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expert speakers. Live entertainment. Prizes. Giveaways. For more information, visit ActiveOver50.com.

September 29 – Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
Disposal of household hazardous waste is safe and easy for Santa Clara residents at a drop-off event on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the City’s Street Corporation Yard, 1700 Walsh Ave.

Residents must register to attend this event (or any of the drop-off events scheduled throughout the year) by calling the County Household Hazardous Waste Program at 1-408-299-7300 or going to hhw.org and clicking on the green “Make an Appointment” button.

Residents can dispose of fluorescent light tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), paint, automotive fluids, cleaners, solvents, batteries, propane and helium tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, wood preservatives, Sharps containers, prescription medications, and other types of household hazardous wastes at any of the drop-off events.

The Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Program also accepts electronic waste (e-waste) at select drop-off events throughout the county. E-waste is generally considered to be items requiring a battery or cord to operate, such as televisions, computers, telephones, handheld video games, printers, fax machines, etc. Items NOT accepted include appliances and white goods (refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, washing machines, dryers, microwaves, etc.), ammunition, explosives, reactives, or containers larger than five gallons. Contact the Police Department at 1-408-615-4700 regarding disposal of ammunition or explosives.

October 1 – Early Santa Clara Valley
Tim Stanley, author of The Last of the Prune Pickers: a Pre-Silicon Valley Story, will talk about the pear, apricot, cherry, walnut and prune orchards that use to cover the area now known as Silicon Valley. The event is 6 to 8 p.m. at the Central Park Library Redwood Room. For more information, contact Local History Librarian Mary Hanel by email: mhanel@santaclaraca.gov or by phone at 1-408-615-2909.

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 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 27 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 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 3-4 – 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 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.

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 7-8 – 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.