March 11, 2004

Street Scene: Burlwood Drive

By Miranda Schultz
Staff Writer

According to Tricia Herz, living on Burlwood Drive is almost like living in Pleasantville. “It's seems so perfect.”

Within walking distance from Graystone Elementary, Bret Harte Middle School, and Leland High School, Herz says that her children have almost always walked to school, and she couldn't ask for better public education for her children.

“Not only are we within walking distance of some of the best schools in Almaden, but when you're a resident on Burlwood Drive, you can become a member of one of the most beautiful cabana clubs in the entire area,” says Herz.

The Almaden Cabana Club is right around the corner. “The cabana club is beautifully maintained and appreciated by all ages. We have Wednesday night barbeques where families come together for some simple fun,” says Herz.

Herz and her husband Tony moved to Almaden in 1989 from the Cambrian area. At the time, there were not many families with young children living on Burlwood, and certainly no children as young as her 18-month-old son Brian. Herz says that within four years, younger families started to move in.

“Now, there are many young families with children, and my children are now the oldest!”

Herz says that the neighbors are very friendly, which is one of her favorite things about living on Burlwood. Often, one will see neighbors chatting while doing yard work, or in passing while walking their dog.

“It brings back the memories of when I was growing up. There were no fences to separate the yards and often you would see your neighbor and talk to them. Living here reminds me of that. I don't remember the neighbors being like that when we first moved here. I think a lot of that has to do with all of the young families with elementary age children,” says Herz.

There are a couple of neighborly traditions associated with Burlwood Drive, and while not all of the neighbors participate, it is a tradition to those who do. The Fourth of July is a favorite, where many families gather at the Almaden Cabana Club.

“There are the usual barbeques, parent relays, father/daughter boat races,” says Herz, “and the ‘all-time favorite—' the lifeguards versus the adults in a greased watermelon game!”

She says that in the evenings, neighbors sit on their lawns or gather at a nearby house for sparklers and some last-of-the-day festivities. “It's heartwarming to have such wonderful neighbors,” says Herz.

Over the years, more and more events with the neighbors have occurred and have become a tradition. Many of them, though, are random. Like meeting in the street or on a lawn or porch. First a couple of neighbors, then a couple more, then a few more will come together just to chat.

“There are the periodic candle parties or jewelry parties at the houses, and one thing that I always notice, is that the majority of the people at these parties are our neighbors. We have a wonderful fellowship here,” says Herz.

Not only are the neighbors friendly, but also they're helpful. Herz explains that her life is quite hectic as she has to travel outside of San Jose every day for work and it is her son's job to take out and bring in the garbage cans on trash day.

“I have an angel on trash day,” says Herz, “She is my neighbor, Alison McFaddon. Alison consistently beats our son to the job every Friday by bringing in the cans and putting them by our fence. It's one example of the compassion that all of us share on Burlwood Drive. We're always pitching in to help.”

Herz added that going away on vacation is never an issue. All of the neighbors welcome the job of picking up mail or the newspapers.

“There is a great sense of security living here. I know that when I'm not home, my neighbors have an eye on the house,” says Herz.

The houses on Burlwood range from 2,600 to 3,100 square feet, and sell for prices in the $900,000 range.

“Burlwood Drive is the perfect place to live,” says Herz, “On top of everything else, our view is amazing. All around, there are the hills of Almaden and within a short walk is the walking trail to Almaden Lake Park. Not a mile away and you're in the country.”

Herz is a human resource manager of ID8 Media in San Francisco, and her husband is a senior mechanical sales representative for AEC Technologies. They have two children, Brian, 17 and Natalie, 13.

“When we first moved here, we did not realize how wonderful the school system was,” says Herz, “Both of our children went to Graystone Elementary, Bret Harte and Leland, receiving the finest education around for public schools.”

Herz says that there are rarely any problems on the street, “Unless you consider the frequent toilet paper decorations on Sunday mornings as a problem!” She says with a laugh.