General Contractor Reviews the Highlights
As a general contractor in Los Gatos, CA, J Nord Wolfe has learned a thing or two about the area. If you have just moved to Los Gatos – Welcome!
Los Gatos – Everything You Need to Know
Los Gatos is one of the oldest communities in Santa Clara County and the name, in Spanish, translates to “the Cats.” It was named Los Gatos by the early settlers in the late 1800’s due to the screams of mountain lions prowling around in the night. The Town was incorporated in 1898.
Los Gatos is a mix of residential and commercial with a nice mix of creeks and hills. The Town was 9 square miles in 1984 is now 14 square miles in 2017. Los Gatos evolved as an independent community with residential, commercial and industrial areas. “The economics have changed from the wheat farming, milling, logging, orchard, and cannery businesses in the 19th and early 20th centuries to the suburban, “high tech,” visitor destination businesses of today.” Source: LosGatos.gov
Nearby – Los Gatos is adjacent to Saratoga, Campbell, Monte Sereno and San Jose.
Fun Facts – Los Gatos is the 33rd wealthiest city in the United States, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. Home to the creator of the Pet Rock, Gary Dahl and Apple Computer co-founder, Steve Wozniak.
Academic Achievements – 98% Graduation Rate from Los Gatos High School. Average SAT score is 1320 and a 30 on the ACT. #13 on the list for the Best High Schools in California. Source: Niche.com
Arts – There is a thriving art community and The Los Gatos Art Association was founded in 1948. The Town’s Arts and Culture Commission works year-round to encourage the development of art, drama, music, and other creative activities in Los Gatos.
Leo and Leona – The Cats
All around Los Gatos you will see statues of very tall white felines, also knowns as Leo and Leona. The huge statues were first seen in Los Gatos in 1922 in front of the gated entrance to Poets Canyon and the grand estate known as “The Cats.” These original cats can be seen from Highway 17 as you drive past the barbecue style restaurant named “The Cats Restaurant and Tavern” which is right below the estates gated driveway.
While out for a drive, make sure to find Forbes Mill. It is a California Historical Landmark and on the National Register for Historic Places. It was originally a flour mill, built in 1884 with stones from the Los Gatos Creek by James Alexander Forbes. The stone building is currently owned by the City of Los Gatos and can be found at 75 Church Street. No tours – just beautiful stone architecture to admire.
Work and Play in Los Gatos
Doing Business in Los Gatos – If you would like to open a business in Los Gatos, you can find the guidelines on the City of Los Gatos website. Their Economic Vitality Manager has a portal on their website along with the 9 Steps to Starting a Business in Los Gatos.
Remodeling or Building a Home in Los Gatos – Reach out to the Los Gatos building permit department via their website which includes an online permit process online. Better yet, if quality matters to you, give us a call. J Nord Wolfe is recognized by their clients as a rare find and often-referred resource. View client projects and hear their stories… In their own words.
“We’ve used J. Nord Wolfe General Contracting on two separate occasions: The 1st time was for a complete guest bath remodel 5 years ago and the 2nd time was just recently for our master bath “refresh”. On both occasions the level of service and professionalism we received was top-notch and we’re pleased with the results. I truly appreciated the attention to detail that the owner (Jim Wolfe), placed not only on getting the job done, but also on getting the job done RIGHT! Staying on schedule was important to us and I’m happy to say that our timeline was met. Mr. Wolfe’s a great person to work with: knowledgeable about the contracting business, articulate and has a great sense of humor.”
– Carter W. – Los Gatos, CA
Wine Tasting Rooms – There are dozens of wine tasting rooms in and around Los Gatos. The biggest and oldest winery, Testarossa, is at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center right in the city of Los Gatos, a couple of blocks off East Main Street. It is in a stone building with a nice cave-like atmosphere and outdoor patio. Great picnic grounds and fabulous for family events, too.
The Press / SFGate calls Los Gatos a “wine tasting oasis” and has compiled a list of 5 of the best wineries in Los Gatos with addresses and details here at The Press/SFGate.
Festival and Events Calendar – Since the weather is so reliably comfortable, there are a lot of festivals in Los Gatos. The 4th of July Symphony in the Park is very popular. There is a Holiday Tree Lighting each Christmas season. Jazz on the Plazz is a series of concerts in the summertime. There are several parades in Los Gatos, too. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce keeps a calendar of all of the parades, the festivals and the various races and runs that happen in Los Gatos. The first one each year is the Resolution Run on New Year’s Day.
Dog Friendly Parks – Santa Rosa Open Space Trail and Heinz Open Space Trail. Vasona Lake Trail & Los Gatos Creek Trail and County Park are also dog friendly. Los Gatos Creek Trail address is located at: 1250 Dell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008. Vasona Park is located at: 333 Blossom Hill Rd Los Gatos, CA 95032.
Weather – Los Gatos averages 330 sunny days per year. The average temperature in the summer is 78 degrees. The average temperature in the winter is 50 degrees.
Farmers Market – Every Sunday 9 am to 1 pm at the Town Park Plaza on Main Street. The Los Gatos Farmers Market is managed by the California Farmers Market Association. Details can be found at CFMA.
Outdoor Life – Lots of fabulous parks and some include bocce ball courts. Oak Meadow Park has a carousel, a small train, lots of grassy areas for picnics and you can bring your dog as long as you clean up after your pet. Oak Meadow Park also has a T-3 Jet on loan for the aviation enthusiasts.
Blossom Hill Park is a fully developed neighborhood park with six lighted tennis courts, a baseball field, playground area and picnic tables, B-B-Q pits, restroom facilities and large lawn areas. Great for kids, tennis and dogs per YELP. Big grassy areas, play structure and lots of soccer and baseball going on.
