April 15, 2004

STREET SCENEWooded Lake Drive

Wooded Lake Drive is a serene street that winds through the hills of Almaden. The view is amazing, and the wildlife is very different that most areas in the South Bay. Don't be surprised if a 40-pound turkey jumps out of the bushes and runs across the street.

Dense trees separate the houses and though there are many houses on the street, the residents here feel it is their own private paradise.  The street is extremely quiet, a rustling in the bushes can be heard 50 yards away. 

"Most of us keep to ourselves around here. There isn't too dense of a population here so there isn't a lot of time spent talking to neighbors," says 29-year resident Joe Rockom.  "We see the neighbors quite a bit, but there isn't a great unity here."

Rockom and his wife Shelley will be moving to Willow Glen soon to be closer to their daughter and grandkids. Rockom explains that the yard work is becoming strenuous for Shelley who does most of it herself. Their 2,335 square foot home is on the market with an asking price of $1.3 million. 

They are not the only people moving. A number of houses have realtors' signs in the yard, and Rockom's home is one of the lesser expensive and smaller houses for sale there.  There is a brick house looming large over the valley selling for $2.5 million. Local realtors we asked couldn't explain why so many houses on the street are for sale other than the hot housing market and upcoming summer moving season.

"The houses on this street have appreciated considerably since we bought it," says Rockom. "We really hate to give up this view, and I love the quietness of this area. I think Shelley will be happier when there are more things for her to do. She is looking forward to moving."

The Rockom's raised their three children, two sons and a daughter in this house. All three attended Williams Elementary, Bret Harte Middle School and Leland High School.  "Those are great schools. The neighbors around here have all sent their kids to the same schools. Private education isn't that much of a necessity when the schools are as good as these," he says.

Long-time resident Pete Smyth adds, "This street is pretty uneventful. It's quiet, comfortable and the houses have big backyards, which is something everyone enjoys.  There is no shortage of wildlife around here though. Sometimes you'll see boars rooting around in the bushes and tearing up the grass because they're trying to cool off."

Wild boars are not uncommon in Northern California. Smyth says they haven't been violent, just a nuisance to the landscaping.  A few mountain lions have been spotted along Wooded Lake Drive, and quail scurry around like crows. 

"It isn't like we're living in a jungle, its just way up here, and much quieter than other places," says Smyth. “The quietness is one of my favorite things about living here.”

— By Miranda Schultz