After a pandemic hiatus, two big events are back this weekend, both benefiting our local community.

The Saratoga Rotary Art Show returns to West Valley College this Saturday and Sunday, April 30-May 1. A new feature: Rotarians will be showing their artworks at the Rotarian Art Booth.

“We thought it would show our members’ support of the arts, even if they aren’t a pro,” art show co-chair Alba Alamillo says. “The show is wonderful family event; 150-plus artists will showcase their work, with proceeds benefiting charities and nonprofits.”

There is still time to join other walkers and runners and enter the Great Race this Sunday, May 1. After more than four decades, the racecourse is moving from Highway 9 to a 4-mile course in Vasona and Oak Meadow parks. A professional photograph is included in registration so that you can prove you did it. A new 1-Mile Kids Fun Run will start at 8:10 a.m., and SJ Sharkie will root the kids on. Proceeds from the race support scholarships for local high school students and Los Gatos Rotary’s local and global service projects. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2022/57933/2022-rotary-club-of-los-gatos-great-race.

It’s been a tough couple of years for restaurants. Flights has closed, and Los Gatos has lost a committed and involved businessman in Alex Hult. He is a past president of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, and a good guy who practiced giving back.

There is a lot of activity at the north end of Santa Cruz Avenue. It’s inviting to see people enjoying the patio at Out of the Barrel. Double D’s is building a new patio across the street that should add to the action. Tucked into Village Lane, a few doors down from Manresa, is a new favorite of mine, The Tasting House. Denise and Mike Thornberry have created a warm, friendly French-feeling bistro. Love the small plates of gourmet foods and cheeses paired with wine. Their wine list includes more than 400 bottles, many of them unique, small batch and limited distribution. Their Tasting Shop next door offers domestic and international cheeses, artisan chocolates, house-made foods and gift items.

Mark your calendar for a great fundraiser that will be held in person after two years on Zoom. Planning for the Cancer CAREpoint Garden Party is underway; the event is set for Aug. 28 at 2505 Samaritan Drive, San Jose. The organization provides cancer services at no cost to patients and their families, no matter where they receive medical care or their cancer type. www.cancercarepoint.org

Summer will be here before we know it, and Los Gatos is planning a return of the popular Promenade. The idea is to stroll the promenade to shop, dine and listen to live music. First up on June 16 are the Summit Sisters and Legally Blue. The free event will be held every Thursday evening through Aug. 4, except for June 30. www.losgatoschamber.com

If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.

Source: www.mercurynews.com