There’s a new mural in town, and its days are probably numbered, too. But unlike the last one, complaints should probably be few and far between when it goes away. Because behind the mural at 1275 Lincoln Avenue might be a new toy store.

Check out “ToysKidsLoveNaturally.com” for the scarce details.

Adding a new twist to the Grand Opening phenomenon, the toy store that shall not be named has a website touting its secrecy. Tinkerbellish fairies adorn the splash page with the following message:

A second page provides a hint, and a prize for guessing the name correctly:

While the name may be secret, see if you can figure it out with this little hint:

What’s another name for an “Arboreal Shack in the Dale”

The “secret” webpage invites you to mail-in your guess, and maybe you’ll get a nice gift from the new toy store.

Of course, this new store will join other kid-focused businesses — new and old — along Lincoln Avenue, including brand spanking new Baby Buzz Cafe (open May 10), Art House Kids and the new Cucina Bambini further up the street, and venerable Hicklebees Books.

Oh, and the official WGx guess: The Treehouse in Willow Glen? Anyone?

Whether it’s a dog or a cat, no one wants their beloved pet to go missing. WGx supposes the same holds true for guinea pigs, hamsters, birds (including cockatiels!), and certainly snakes.

While there is no official word on the status of the recently lost shiba inu Bella, there is help for grieving pet owners.

The City of San Jose’s Animal Care & Services (located at the SJ Animal Care Center, located at 2750 Monterey Road, not far from WG) does provide some tips for helping you find a lost cat or dog.

Their website does include some search tips (both for the real world and for online queries) a few helpful phone numbers, and even a template for a lost pet flier.

Picture here is a posting about lost cat Freya, posted recently long Willow Glen Way. WGx sincerely hopes everyone returns home safely.

As seems to be tradition for the first weekend in May … it’s a busy weekend out there!

There are so many options, it might be worth reviewing all of them: (more…)

Obviously, it’s Garage Sale season …

Next up on the ‘Willow Glen Garage Sale Tour’ itinerary are two sales hosted this weekend with neighbors and large groups participating: (more…)

No, seriously … it’s actually *ON* Cherry …

Wow huge lot! Entertainers delight! Magnificent Willow Glen home features remodeled, gourmet kitchen with wet bar, pantry, SS appliances, granite counters, beautiful wood floors, two-way fireplace w/ venetian plaster, gourmet, cherry wood island w/ prep sink & breakfast bar. Each bedroom includes newly remodeled bathroom with granite, slate, jetted tub, beautiful fixtures. Cute guest house! Buy now!

But the really cool thing about this house? It dissects Cherry Avenue, literally barricading the street as it flows south through WG:

Technically, it’s 1375 Dry Creek Road. This famous house that physically splits Cherry Avenue into two completely non-contiguous parts can be yours for only $1,179,000.

Cherry runs from Los Gatos Creek (north of Willow Street) all the way to Almaden Expressway … but it’s broken into two pieces, never reaching Dry Creek Road.

In the name of equity, Dry Creek is also split into two parts, with its own deadend at this intersection, too.

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Perhaps this house could be considered the “Heart of Willow Glen” … or perhaps its geographical center? (more…)

Taking a cue from other streets and neighborhoods that host big yard sales, many of the residents of the Fairglen Eichlers are participating in a neighborhood yard sale this Saturday, April 26: (more…)

An overturned car is surprising to see anytime … but to see it on residential Hicks Avenue north of Curtner … downright scary.

Unconfirmed reports suggest a high school student driving too quickly lost control of her car, clipping another vehicle and flipping over before 8:00 am this morning. No one was seriously hurt.

Today will be another slow day of driving around Willow Glen. Construction continues this week on several major projects — and some minor ones — around the neighborhood.

Sidewalk installation and street upgrades have made some progress on Hamilton Avenue west of Meridian, but until someone moves that telephone pole, the sidewalk will have to wait. Crews installed the replacement pole two weeks ago, and have slowly been whittling down the old one as wires get transferred over. It remains to be seen if this project will positively impact traffic flow at the intersection, but fancy metal bollards have been installed to protect pedestrians on the corner.

Repaving along Curtner Avenue continues this week as well, following recent water and hydrant upgrades — although there has not been any progress on the long-delayed ramp from Almaden Expressway. The intersection of Booksin & Curtner is is getting the brunt of attention from crews this morning.

In addition to the big ones, small projects along Lincoln Avenue (north of Pine) will also slow drivers this week.

It’s not like you are looking to WillowGlenExtra for your up to the minute sports news, but just in case … the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin this week, and the San Jose Sharks will face the Calgary Flames in Game One tonight at 7:00.

WGx has decided to do its part for the home team by trying to eliminate the SJ Mercury’s newspaper racks that are still adorned with former Shark Owen Nolan’s smiling mug. The racks were installed several years ago, but still exist in small pockets. In a recent email to WGx, Merc Circulation VP David Rounds wishes the images were long gone, too:

—– Original Message —-
From: David Rounds
Subject: Owen on the Racks

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I am not sure who had the bright idea to stencil on the racks an image of a specific player but I am sorry that they did (and it was before my time and I have been at the Mercury for three+ years). As we refurbish the racks and repaint them we will be taking care of this but it will take awhile. Meanwhile, here is to making the second round…..go Sharks.

David Rounds
Vice President/Circulation

Nolan may be wearing Sharks teal in the newspaper rack pictures, but he’s wearing Flames red this year.

And Nolan may still live in San Jose during the off-season, and current Sharks players down-play the connection … but that’s no excuse to have his face plastered all over our fair city more than five years after his departure via trade.

WGx has invited the Merc to co-sponsor a painting-over project – don’t call it graffiti – but we’ll have to see just how nasty this series gets before taking any drastic measures like that.

Of course, you can always try removing Owen’s picture yourself …. one pixel at a time.

——-

It didn’t work out too well last year, but WGx is happy to join the Sharks Bandwagon again for 2008, celebrating Stanley Cup events in WG and other neighborhoods. If you know of a Sharks event, a viewing party open to the public, or any other display of team colors, contact WGx to promote it and get your picture published right here.

Depending upon your perspective, Saturday brings joy or headache …

Neighbor Wendy Satterlund announces her involvement in a street-long Garage Sale on Minnesota Avenue this Saturday, April 5:

Rumor has it that Saturday is going to be a big shopping day along Minnesota between Lincoln and Bird. Several of my neighbors have been talking about having sales and I’ve had visions of cleaner closets, basement, and shed myself.

I’ve got a little mid-century modern green tweed hide-a-bed going out for sale for certain. … 9am - 2pm. … Furniture, clothes, knick-knacks, tools and treasures.

Joy: A block long garage sale … What fun!

Headache: A block-long garage sale … What a traffic nightmare!

Flock to it, or avoid it … You decide!