New Sales and Use Tax rates go into effect Monday
The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) reminds everyone that a voter-approved 0.125 percent increase to Santa Clara County's Sales and Use Tax will become effective Monday, upping the rate up from 8.625 percent to 8.75 percent.
Getting Out: Mojave Desert full of surprises
The Mojave Desert never makes a good first impression. The sprawling basins and naked brown mountains, sparsely dotted with ragged Creosote bushes, offer little reason to linger. We prefer to pass on through in search of a more verdant setting.
‘The Ghost’ is everywhere and munching on the Irish latest: ‘Ultimate Fries’
Claddagh unveiled a new menu Tuesday and our lovely waitress, under the watchful eye of hard-working owner Leslie Benson, pitched a mound of “Ultimate Fries” to our weary group. The verdict: “killer.” Healthy? No – but more than a wee bit tasty. Mixture of ranch and blue cheese dressing, Frank’s hot sauce, a few other “secret” ingredients and bits of crispy bacon. Messing with the menu never tasted so good. A tip of the green Claddagh cap in order …
Want a kitty? Adopt an adult from the shelter
Have you ever thought about adopting a kitty? Kittens come to mind when someone decides to add a cat to their family. And sure, kittens are fun and cute, but they can also be a challenge. Kittens have lots and lots of energy that sometimes leads to destructive behavior. Most kittens need to be trained to use the litter box. And that cute little face? Someday it'll be just another adult cat.
Residents: Ambulance rides painful
Elena Miles says she would rather risk death than pay the exorbitant cost of riding in a Rural Metro Santa Clara County EMS ambulance, which is not considered in-network for any major insurance providers.
Butterflies make comeback on Coyote Ridge
Coyote Ridge, the hills east of U.S. 101 near Coyote Creek Golf Club, is once again ablaze with native wildflowers. Public tours are offered by docents from the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (www.openspaceauthority.org ). I can tell you from experience that the hike is well worth the sight of the flowers and the breathtaking views of the Santa Clara Valley.
Wineries rock Passport Weekend
The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley kicked off 2013's wine season with their “Passport Weekend” shindig, and local vintners say they couldn’t be happier with this major open house event that helps market their brand, boosts wine club memberships and allows patrons to meet the faces behind the labels.
Matzo ball soup for Passover
With the arrival of spring, grocery store shelves begin to show an abundance of seasonal products. Spring fruits and vegetables appear in the produce section, while grilling displays are assembled in the meat section. However, it is the featured section of kosher foods for Passover that peaks my curiosity.
‘Blue Man Group’: At times a creative conundrum
Created by Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton and Chris Wink in 1988, this sometime outrageous, inventive show has developed into a grand franchise with excellent promotion throughout the world in smaller venues, television and concert type offerings. The original creators do not perform, instead seven Blue Men alternate in the three main roles with bald heads painted blue that give off a childish, alien innocence with their antics. It’s all backed up with some interesting special effects and very loud, almost metal rock original music that has the whole theatre vibrating for most of the performance.
