CHAC does amazing things in our community and they have a tremendous positive effect on the health of our youth. They are an organization that everyone should be knowledgeable of, even if you think you don’t need their services, you may know of someone who does and it would be so nice to be able to tell them about CHAC. No one is ever turned away from CHAC, regardless of their financial situation. They also offer counseling services in other languages.

The second reason that we should be thinking about CHAC at this time of the year is because many of the downtown parking lots turn into a fund raiser for CHAC during the Art & Wine Festival. When you pay the 5.00 donation to park in one of the lots, your money goes directly towards supporting all of these wonderful programs for our kids. The Art & Wine Festival is the biggest fund raiser for CHAC and they really depend on the money generated from that 2 day event. So when you come to downtown Mountain View on Sept 11 or 12, be sure to look for one of the parking lots that will be supporting CHAC. Don’t drive up and down all the neighborhood streets to look for a spot to leave your car! Fork over 5 bucks and leave your car in a prime parking spot. Now that you know that your money will be going to such a fabulous cause, go ahead and hand them an extra 5 bucks too. And after you’ve wandered the entire festival and you want to go home and take a nap, you’ll know that your car is just around the corner and that CHAC has been taking good care of it. If you feel like volunteering for a 3 hour shift to help with the parking lots, please email pr@chacmv.org. We love CHAC and all that they do for Mountain View.

Have you noticed the Hacker Dojo on South Whisman Road? I stopped by today and looked around. I must admit that I was intrigued by the name of the place. What? Is it a place full of criminals attempting to hack into computers and networks? No. I asked. Founder Brian Klug explained to me that the word “hacker” simply refers to someone who is curious and skilled at what they do. He said that a hacker is “willing to open their computer with the goal of learning more about what’s going on inside and they don’t care that they are voiding the warranty.” A hacker is creative and never wants to stop learning. A hacker wants to know more about everything and is willing to take risks. Being a hacker in Mountain View is cool.

The Hacker Dojo is a membership based organization. The members are engineers, scientists, activists, founders of start-ups, and entrepreneurs. They all get a key to the front door and are able to come and go whenever they want. Some people are working on their own projects and are just at the Hacker Dojo to have a comfortable place to work from. Others are there to meet with their co-workers. Some are self-employed and others prefer working from the Dojo instead of their usual employer’s office. Several small start-ups are working out of the Hacker Dojo and everyone meets there to work on their projects. A few of the people that I spoke with told me about the exciting projects that they’re creating. One of them is greatly needed and will help everyone who has ever used Craigslist, but I don’t want to spill-the-beans so I’m not going to say anything else about it…  

Some of the different activities that are listed on their website are: coding, classes, meet-ups, electronics fabrication, quilting, juggling, bread baking, parties, job fairs, and robotics demonstrations.  The events are very popular at the Hacker Dojo. Some of the events that have been held there are “Random Hacks of Kindness,” a job fair, TechTalks, iPhone Study Groups, juggling classes. The list of future events is quite extensive and impressive. Membership allows you admission to all of the events.

The building is a combination of several large warehouse spaces (which are perfect for big events) and a closed down stained glass window and door store. Needless to say that the inside is very interesting. There are alcoves and side rooms everywhere you look and some fine examples of stained glass windows and doors leftover from the previous tenants. There are over-stuffed couches and beanbag chairs everywhere. It looks like a wonderful place to work from and I just might take them up on their offer to stop by with my laptop and spend a few hours hacking away on something. Well, I might just be on Facebook, but I’ll pretend like I’m doing something important.

 I love that this creative group of people made Mountain View their home and that they have such an entrepreneurial spirit.

You need to start the Dive Bar Tour at Fred’s Place. It’s the cutest little Cheers-type bar off of Old Middlefield and you may have never even noticed it. Fred’s has foosball, pool and 6 TVs. Next, head over to Bert’s Alibi on the El Camino. The crowd is young and friendly and the kamakazis are readily available. Jägermeister

 Your final destination is The Office. They have the best karaoke nights anywhere and the bartenders are really friendly. And just incase you need a ride home, Yellow Cab is 650-254-1230, or 800-595-1222. Have fun and arrive home safely. Mission accomplished. If you go on the “Dive Bar Tour” please let everyone know your thoughts…

 There are beautiful patio areas around the entire building. In the center courtyard area are 2 pet rabbits that love people. I was visiting with one of them and the second one quickly came over for attention. Inside the rabbit area is a massive pine tree and the rabbits hop around on the lower branches of the tree. Seriously, the rabbits know how to climb the tree! It’s the cutest thing and the patients love being around the rabbits.

 There are also many long term patients who are living at Mountain View Healthcare Center. I watched their family members come and go for visits. The Activity Room has all kinds of events planned for the long term patients.  Just to name a few, the Activity Calendar has Coffee Socials, Meditation Time, Catholic Mass, Movies, Music sessions, Art classes and travel talks. The day that I was looking around one of the staff members was preparing for an upcoming craft project and she had a big assortment of colorful beads ready for everyone. She showed me some paintings and drawings that some of their patients had done and told me that the artwork would be on exhibit in a local museum soon.

 My friend only stayed there for 2 weeks and she’s doing very well now, but it was nice to discover that if I needed to find long term care for someone in Mountain View, this place is perfect. Mountain View Healthcare Center has been in business since 1964. They are celebrating their 46 years in business on August 18. The Mayor of Mountain View, Ronit Bryant, will be honoring them with an “Outstanding Business Achievement” Award.  The Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting ceremony and a big outdoor party is planned for this special day. Mountain View Healthcare Center is just another reason to love Mountain View.

I was recently invited to the

(CSMA) to see the open house and to view the children’s artwork that was created in the Summer Camps. I am in awe of the talent at that school. I photographed the children’s creations. Their final summer camp session started on August 9th and runs through August 20th. After that, the next camp is in December. I watched parents and grandparents proudly pour over the art of their little ones. Those children created some really incredible pieces of art and I’m pretty sure that several of the parents are headed straight to a frame shop to have their child’s pieces professionally framed. They’re that good!

I watched the Broadway Bound 2010 performance and thoroughly enjoyed watching the kids do “There’s No Business Like Show Business” while wearing their glittery top hats. Some of them are natural born stars and it’s so obvious that they love performing. The audience was full of parents with video cameras. To think that those kids learned the choreography and all the words to the songs in just a few weeks is incredible. 

CSMA has all kinds of activities on their calendar, but several free events in the very near future are:

• Music School Open House (Sun, Aug 22, 10 am-4 pm)
• Meet the Preschool Teachers (Sat, Aug 28, 9:30-11 am)
• Music Preview Sessions (Aug 28-Sept 3)
• Reception and Artist talk by William Dunn watercolor artist (Aug 20 6-8 pm)

The Fall semester starts Aug 21. You can take classes or private lessons. I’ve always been a fan of classes instead of lessons just because I like to see what other people are doing too. However, I might actually be able to sing if I had taken private lessons! Some of the music classes that are sure to be popular are Beginning Voice, Intro to Guitar, Peninsula Children’s Chorale and a “Garage Band: Pop, Rock and Other Contemporary Styles” class. Go to their Music Preview event to check out what you might like to try. Details for all of their events and classes are on their website.

 The art classes that caught my eye are Ceramics, The Draw and Paint Club for Children, Collage and Assemblage, and an Outdoor Photography class. CSMA has art and music classes for everyone, all ages and all skill levels. They offer 5 different music classes and 6 art classes for preschoolers. And I love that their catalog says that “there is on wrong way to do something” in an art class. Just go for it. I felt welcome the day I stopped by CSMA for a visit and I definitely want to go back and spend some time exploring all that they have to offer our community. CSMA is just another reason to love Mountain View.

 The nail area is a private little room off to the side of the salon and you can’t hear the usual chatter of the salon. It would be perfect for private parties. I asked about having the entire place to myself for a few friends. The owner, Alisa, told me that they have small intimate parties all the time. She told me that one of their most popular parties is a glittery “Princess Party.” The young girls are treated to manicures and pedicures with sparkles and flower decals. The girls get to enjoy apple cider and cupcakes. Teens also often arrange for a Pampering Party and the room sometimes has bridal showers, tea parties and Diva Birthday parties. It sounds to me like you can invent any kind of party you want.

They have a new staff of well-trained manicurists. I like that they feature organic, handmade Mango Tango and Summer Breeze sugar scrubs. The pedicure tubs are completely sanitized and the client’s health is always a top priority. That part makes me feel good. The salon has been voted #1 in the “Best of Mountain View” every year for the last 4 or 5 years. The owner, Alisa, is at the salon working on clients everyday. She’s really involved in every aspect of her business from answering the phones, to designing the interior of the salon, to cutting hair and training staff. Customers want to know that they can talk to the owner anytime and they can at Allure.  I know that it’s best to call and make an appointment for a cut, but I’ve been downtown before and was having a particularly bad-hair-day so I popped into Allure and asked if I could get a cut and they were able to accomodate me right then. In no time at all I was back to my adorable self! Thanks for for making me look so cute for my dinner date.  Allure Salon is just another reason to love Mountain View.

I’m one of those irresponsible car owners who doesn’t take good care of their automobile. I know I should get the fluids changed more regularly, but I always think of other things to do that seem like more fun. And then I feel guilty when I finally get around to taking my car to the shop. The day I took my car to Helming’s Auto Repair I was actually feeling embarrassed for them to see how dirty my transmission fluid was. I totally expected one of the mechanics to tell me that I need to bring my car in more often and to explain to me why car maintenance is so important. Thank you to Helming’s for not making me feel worse than I already did! They were courteous and finished working on my car in less time than I expected. They even asked me if I needed a ride to or from my job. I did need a ride and I took them up on the offer. 

 Helming’s has been in this area since the 70s and they are family owned.  They are also Green Certified. Both of those details are very important to me. I like supporting local family businesses and I always try to go to Green Certified businesses. And everything at Helming’s was clean: the shop floor, the lobby area, and even my steering wheel when I got back in my car to leave. 

 While Leane, one of the owners, was giving me a ride to work she told me about some Car Care Seminars that Helming’s offers. At first Leane and Mike thought it would be a good idea to have a class for teenagers and then the mothers of the teens asked for one, so they scheduled a second version. The next “Teen Car Care” class will be on Sunday, August 15 from 1-2.  Leane told me that the kids will learn things like how to change a tire and how to check all the fluids in their car…

 That’s when it occurred to me that I could have used such a class when I was a teen. I remember that the “check engine” light came on in my old Buick and I was so proud of myself for figuring out a way to fix it. I put a piece of black electrical tape over the little red light on the dash so that I couldn’t see it and I felt like the problem was solved. That car didn’t last me very long, which isn’t surprising considering how well I maintained it. I promise that I’ll take my car to Helming’s the next time I need something and that I won’t try to fix it myself with electrical tape.

This yoga studio is all about sweating and not so much about the philosophy that sometimes is associated with the yogi crowd. Think of it as yoga-for-meat-eaters and vegetarians alike! They want everyone to feel free to workout, regardless of their belief in Eastern religions and whether or not their shoes are made of leather or vinyl. I like that. The goal for everyone is to sweat and feel good. Leave your preconceived notions about yoga at the door. You’re going to love this new place.

The only one you’ll be competing against is yourself. There are 3 classes being offered right now: Intro to Power Yoga, Power Yoga and Hot Yoga Belly. “Hot Yoga Belly” is a slightly heated room and focuses on the core muscles. They’ll also have a special Wednesday evening class called “Rainbow Flow” that will celebrate the diversity of Mountain View. It’ll be a more colorful version of the regular Power Yoga classes.

 I asked about the name “Yoga Belly” and the owners, William Cristobal and Aaron Goodnow, explained to me that it comes from several different ideas: first of all, when you breathe deeply in a yoga class, you use your belly, not just your lungs.  Sometimes people refer to a “fire in the belly,” and if you do this particular style of yoga long enough, you’ll have a damn sexy belly!

Aaron told me that something magical happens when you stretch your body to its limits and focus on proper breathing. You completely relax and actually start to experience a natural high. His eyes sparkled (like a disco ball!) as he told me how much he wants to share that magical feeling with our community.  And I believe him. I’m not quite ready for Power Yoga, but I’ll see you at the Intro to Power Yoga class!

Yoga Belly: Welcome to Mountain View. We’re happy to have you!

There are a few interesting things that I wanted to point out. First, they have a new line of Ayurveda foods. What? The bookstore has food now? Yes. It’s called AyurFoods and it’s really easy to prepare, it’s ready in minutes, it’s preservative free and 100% vegan. Eating healthy takes just a few minutes now.

And to go with your new Lentil Khichadi you’ll want a delicious cup of tea. East West has you covered. They have a wide selection of teas: everything from green tea, black Chai, rooibos, and hot chocolate. The Teavalia brand comes in a beautiful round 100% biodegradable packaging. And lots of tea pots and tea cups in every imaginable color and shape. They also have an outstanding music department where you’ll be able to find the perfect tunes to accompany your cup of tea.

And there’s a new yoga studio opening in town next week, Yoga Belly, so you might want to consider picking up a fresh new yoga mat. I checked them and East West has quite a selection. They carry the ecofriendly, organic, real rubber mats. That’s right, they’re made from the actual rubber tree plant. They also have extra thick and soft mats that you would want if you’re doing lots of kneeling poses. And they have travel mats that are super light and thin and fit in a suitcase. And finally, the heavy duty “Performance” mat for someone who is really serious. Or, someone who plans on being really serious! Don’t forget a tote bag to carry your mat and a pair of “toe-socks” that will also come in handy during your yoga class.

The East West Bookshop is one of those special businesses that helps make Mountain View what it is: an open friendly community that embraces diversity, an open mind and spiritual growth. We love the East West Bookshop!

The main thing that I learned was that I needed to slow down and enjoy the process of drinking wine. I think I had been gulping it down too quickly and missing out on all that the wine had to offer. I’ll be drinking it much more slowly in the future. I’ll also be looking at it more carefully. Is it bright, clear, and does it have legs? I’ll also be focusing on the “nose” of the wine. That was my favorite part of the class. The instructor was Jennifer (she’s actually one of the owners) and she would ask all of us what we smelled. At first I was a bit alarmed because my class mates would say they smelled things like limes or cherries and I was smelling things like asparagus or old rotten logs.

Then I realized that no one really has the right or wrong answer. After Jennifer carefully guided us through what we might be smelling and encouraged us to swirl the wine a few more times and sniff again, I was amazed. The fragrance changes and it actually tells you what the wine will taste like. You begin to get an expectation about what the wine will taste like once you are given permission to finally taste it! It works. If you go really slow and look at it long enough and put your nose way down inside the glass and take a few big whiffs over and over, you’ll know exactly what it will taste like.

I don’t feel so “wine challenged” anymore. I went to the class by myself and met some nice people who live near the train station. It occurred to me that these wine classes would be a great way to meet people who have similar interests and wine classes would also be a nice gift. I like to try to find unusual presents for birthdays or holidays and I know that some of my friends would love a gift certificate to wine classes at Savvy Cellar.

Here’s a link to the calendar of classes at Savvy Cellar. The next class is called “All About Bubbles: Champagne Appreciation.” It is Monday, July 19th from 7 to 9 pm. You can register online at the Savvy Cellar website.

 Wine classes at Savvy Cellar are just another reason to love Mountain View.