The Beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains is Part of Life in Los Gatos

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skilled technicians your property needs for thorough and effective water damage remediation. Call the experts today at (408) 600-2020.

Los Gatos Welcomes you with its Natural Beauty and Access to Bay Area Attractions.

Some may be surprised to know that Los Gatos is considered one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. Once you consider that it is in the San Francisco Bay Area near the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Jose, the distinction becomes clear. Its part in Silicon Valley and its technology firms make it relevant and crucial for Santa Clara County.

Among the most recognizable headquarters in Los Gatos, you will find Netflix, the popular content and film platform that gained increased popularity in 2020. Although the company has offices throughout the world, its headquarters employ those focusing on the data and analytics part of the business and product design. Other tech companies in Los Gatos include Infogain, Buongiorno, and Cryptic Studios. Once you include tech firms based in nearby San Jose, it is clear that Los Gatos is closely tied to the culture of Silicon Valley, its needs, and progress.

Los Gatos is Spanish for “the cats,” and the area’s name comes from La Rinconada de Los Gatos, but not because of house cats. Instead, it’s in recognition of the bobcats and cougars that inhabit the foothills in Los Gatos. It was founded in the mid-1850s following the creation of Forbes Mill by James Alexander Forbes. The mill's construction goes hand-in-hand with the California Gold Rush and the influx of people who traveled searching for riches. There were no flour mills in California, and Los Gatos Creek provided sufficient water power to make the production cost-effective. It is said to have kicked-off its operations in late 1855.

In 1887 Los Gatos was incorporated, and logging was one of the leading industries. Some years later, still in the early part of the 20th century, its agricultural offerings became emblematic of the town. Grapes, prunes, and apricots were grown in the area to the delight of its residents. Over time, it attracted a bohemian lifestyle, and important names made their life in Los Gatos, including Olivia de Havilland and John Steinbeck.

Milestones in the history of Los Gatos

• The Railroad- Even though rail transportation from Los Gatos is not part of daily life today, it played a pivotal role in its history. In the early and mid-1900s, the rail station in Los Gatos was visited by travelers from Alameda to Santa Cruz on the South Pacific Coast Railroad. Similarly, commuter trains into nearby San Francisco were a way of life until the 1960s.

• Oil- For about thirty years in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, Los Gatos witnessed growth in the Santa Cruz Mountains oil-drilling industry. Despite a thorough search for oil, it proved to be less than anticipated, and eventually, all efforts to kick-off commercial oil production were abandoned.

• 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake- California is notorious for its earthquakes, particularly along the San Andreas Fault. The Loma Prieta Earthquake owes its name to the Loma Prieta Peak, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, not far from Los Gatos. Even though the area recovered quickly, it still affected many businesses and residents.

• The Tech Industry- Like the rest of the region, the tech industry has become entrenched in the economy of the Bay Area, including Los Gatos. The growth of companies like Netflix has changed the employment landscape locally and the changes caused by tech companies in nearby cities.

Recreation in Los Gatos

The San Francisco Bay Area celebrates California’s beauty and majestic hikes, and outdoor activities are available to all residents, including those who live in Los Gatos. Whether you love to mountain bike, hike, cycle, or kayak, you are bound to find a place to enjoy your favorite activity virtually year-round. Los Gatos Creek and Vasona Lake County Park have several access points for people to hop onto a trail or wander to an outdoor concert or other activity.

For train lovers, you may want to take an afternoon to visit The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and support its carousel and steam engine. As it takes you through Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks, you can experience what it was like more than 100 years ago, and the price of admission is dedicated to preserving the equipment. Seasonally, you may enjoy the Pumpkin Train or the Holiday Train, which brings added excitement to the field trip.

Most people may not realize that vineyards abound around Los Gatos and that you don’t need to drive to Napa for award-winning local wines. Among the most famous wineries, you’ll find Testarossa Winery & Tasting Room, the fourth oldest continuously operating winery in California. Testarossa wines have been recognized, and it is available for tours and tastings. 

Byington Vineyard & Winery and David Bruce Winery are also great options to explore the flavors of the area.

Home Water and Fire Restoration in Los Gatos

Time and time again, Mother Nature has proven to be a strong force threatening California households. Wind, fire, and storms can all cause grave damage to structures regardless of their age. To come back from the devastation, certified water and fire damage restoration companies are your best resource.

SERVPRO is ready to act as soon as you call our 24/7 hotline, and it is safe to enter your home. However, water cleanup for Los Gatos homeowners may come as the result of less dramatic events. If a bathroom leaks or an appliance breaks, you may need help controlling humidity levels and restoring structural elements. When leaks happen, SERVPRO applies the industry's best practices to extract water, disinfect, and sanitize your home. Our expert staff is trained to address each material's specific needs in your home – wood, laminate, carpet, and tile require differentiated cleaning methods, and we have access to all of them.

SERVPRO of Los Gatos/Monte Sereno is at your service to protect your home. Call us at (408) 600-2020 as soon as you detect the problem and let us do what we do best. When we leave your home, it will feel, “Like it never even happened.”