Feb 05, 2004

Street Scene: Cross Springs Court

Cross Springs Court is one facet of a hidden jewel of a neighborhood. Tucked away, just a block from busy Almaden Expressway, it faces Alamitos Creek and rolling green hills, dotted with rocky outcroppings. These same hills, once home to the Ohlone Native Americans, now delight the residents of Almaden Hills Estates, which is made up of well-maintained homes amidst natural surroundings. The development’s sole entrance is off of Winfield Blvd., and it is bounded by Almaden Lake Park on one end, and South Almaden at the other.

Gracefully curved stone walls frame the entranceway to Cross Springs Drive, the main artery of the development, revealing a divided lane adorned with an island of majestic trees, shrubbery, and a deer-crossing sign. Picturesque Cross Springs Court is the second court to the right. Many neighbors have lived there for some time, and the new ones fit right in. Further on, Cross Springs Drive meets Mazzone Drive, which crosses over a bridge above the creek, linking the rest of Almaden Hills Estates.

Sushama Kazi and her family have lived here since 1992. For Kazi, discovering this neighborhood was a case of love at first sight. “The entryway is so nice—and there’s a park, creeks, and trails—everything is perfect!” she enthuses. Kazi and her children have enjoyed spotting deer along the hills while walking along Alamitos Creek Trail. “We have a home association, Almaden Hills Estates Association, which has events all year round,” she says. “The neighbors all decorate their homes for Halloween and at Christmastime, luminarias line the sidewalks. It’s a great neighborhood. We love living here.”

Kazi also appreciates her neighbors. “Our next door neighbor moved in around the same time we did, so we know them well. Our kids are best friends with another neighbor on the court—they can walk to each other’s home and play together,” she says. When the Kazi family faced a loss two years ago, it was shared by all of the families of Cross Springs Court, and brought them closer together. “My in-laws lived with us, and my father-in-law was like the grandfather (everyone called him ‘Dadaji,’ which means grandfather in Gujarati) for the neighborhood, and he passed away,” Kazi shares. “The children liked to play in the court and ride their bikes. He would sit in a chair outside and look out for them. When he was there, you didn’t have to worry at all, you knew they were safe.”

Neighbor Michele Piligian agrees. “He was the grandfather of the court and we miss him a lot,” she says. “When their grandfather was taken ill, the children knew they could come here. Our daughters are good friends. We’re always looking out for each other. You know that no matter what, you can count on your neighbors,” she comments. “People here are nice,” adds Michele’s daughter, Alexis.

John and Cheryl Colombero have lived here since 1980 (they moved in with their young boys, and their daughter was born here) and actually watched the framework go up for their home. They love the open space, the creek and the mountains, and the family-feel of the neighborhood. “It’s just a cozy, little neighborhood and a nice little area. We have great neighbors,” Cheryl says. She is still in contact with the neighbors who used to live next door, and really likes the new neighbors as well. The Colombero children grew up here and attended Los Alamitos Elementary School, Castillero Middle School, and Pioneer High School, and the boys are still best friends with their childhood friend Grady. “First of all, you have to be able to afford it,” comments John, “but once you get in here, you’re not going to find greater neighbors, or neighborhood comradery that excels this anywhere that I can imagine.” Besides the beauty of the natural surroundings, John also appreciates ‘the willing cooperation of everyone to keep it a good neighborhood.’ Cheryl agrees. “It’s wonderful for kids. My kids were able to explore the hills and feel safe, they were always down by the creek, and built treehouses. Now we have Almaden Lake Park with the playground area. It’s really a wonderful neighborhood.”

Block parties

“Every July we invite all the police officers, park rangers, and firefighters to attend our neighborhood block party to thank them for their support,” Cheryl says. “There was a big fire on the hills [in the 1980s] and they saved our homes and we appreciate what they do for us on a regular basis,” adds Piligian. “The first year we were here, it was fun to go to the block party and meet everyone. We had just moved in a month before and I was in tears to see how everyone came together with activities for the kids, food, and a live band.”

Boulder Ridge Golf Course and the Ohlone Native Americans

The residents of Almaden Hills Estates actively fought against the Boulder Ridge golf course that was constructed nearby, as the hills being developed were a greenbelt area and a burial site of the Ohlone Native Americans, Cheryl notes. “They had to stop home development across the bridge because when they were excavating they came across an Indian burial ground. An archeologist discovered the remains of an Ohlone princess along with her jewels, and contacted the Ohlones. They sent a representative who watched over the removal of the remains.” Some of the Ohlone caves still remain due to a contract stipulation with the golf course developers that they would leave some of the natural habitat as it was.

Almaden versus Connecticut

The Piligian family relocated here from Connecticut about five years ago. “When we moved here, we realized how important location is, especially because of the schools,” Michele says. “We love Los Alamitos Elementary School and Bret Harte Middle School. I like that my children are exposed to so many different cultures here.” The first year she was here, Michele was struck by the majesty of the surrounding mountains and hillside. Michele’s daughter Nicole shares her view. “It’s very scenic,” says Nicole. “It’s a great place to live.”

For Michele, living so close to her neighbors, as opposed to the two acres she enjoyed in Connecticut, was an adjustment, but it does have its benefits. “I feel very comfortable and safe here. Everyone looks out for everyone,” she relates. Michele also enjoys the amenities provided by the homeowners association. “They take care of the plantings and a lot of the open area to make it a very pretty place to live,” she comments. “We have one big garage sale every year during the first week in June. It’s a good cleansing process and it’s fun talking to your neighbors, and buying things from each other.” One week later, the neighborhood shares in ‘Dumpster Day,’ to complete their spring cleaning. “It’s a real good thing we have going here,” comments Michele. “I love my neighbors. When we saw a big yellow ribbon tied around John and Cheryl’s tree, we wanted them to know that [their son] Johnny was in our prayers.

Neighbor’s son serves in Iraq

John and Cheryl’s son, Lt. John Colombero (soon to be a captain), recently returned from fighting in Iraq and is currently stationed at Camp Pendelton. He received the Marine and Navy Commendation Medal for Combat Valor for leading his troops through the first crossing under heavy enemy fire, and for rescuing an injured marine who was shot beside him, carrying him 200 meters to safety. To John, the medal is a team achievement. “I just did my job,” he says. But his mother can not help feeling proud, “John’s commanding officer in Iraq told me that ‘I have ultimate respect for your son. He has the heart of a lion. He would get in there with his men in the trenches when others might not do that. He is one fine marine.’”

When he was in Kuwait and Iraq, the first time the Colomberos were able to see their son, or hear his voice, was through ABC news footage when an embedded reporter featured Gulf Company. John was in the news again when he was patrolling and a reporter asked him how the troops were received by the Iraqi people. “He told them that some of the Iraqis had come up and put flowers in his lapel because they were happy they were there,” Cheryl says.

“Our families all seem to intertwine with each other,” comments Michele. “Every family has some kind of interaction with each other—even with the people in back of you, or across the creek—and each street is like that. Each street becomes its own little family. It’s been a wonderful development to live in.” —By Lorraine Gabbert