June 10, 2004

STREET SCENEPippin Creek Court

Pippin Creek Court is considered by its residents to be a lively, close-knit cul de sac, bubbling with friendliness and generosity. Naida Ergas has lived on Pippin Creek Court for six years, and says that she was drawn to the neighborhood because of the closeness of the neighbors.

“We really liked how friendly everyone was. My husband is from France, and he always dreamed about living on a cul de sac because when he was little, he couldn’t play in the street because of the traffic. Here, our children can play ball in the street and ride their bikes around and be safe at the same time,” says Ergas.

The residents of Pippin Creek Court participate in numerous yearly events. One that is considered very unique is an event termed as “Garbage Night.”

“A chore that is hated by most men, taking out the garbage, has turned into a welcome event that our Pippin Creek men look forward to towards the end of the week. It starts with one dad taking out the garbage, and before you know it, we’re popping open bottles of wine and boating on our driveway,” says Ergas.

Every year in May, a garage sale is held for the residents of Pippin Creek Court. Ergas says that even though most of them have little to sell, they do it as a way to enjoy the sun, meet other neighbors in the area and have a potluck barbeque. “All of our kids love the cul de sac, and definitely enjoy the amenities of the adults getting together. As the adults mingle and share stories, the kids play soccer, hockey, basketball and bike ride freely throughout the street,” says Ergas.

Gail Dance is one of the original owners on Pippin Creek Court, but has recently returned after living six years in Willow Glen while remodeling. During their hiatus, they rented their home to a family from Japan who was transferred to the area from IBM. “They were only supposed to be there for three years, but they ended up being extended to five. They didn’t want to leave because it is such a wonderful neighborhood.”

Dance says that throughout the years living on the cul de sac, many activities have been planned, and many have faded away. “Every street needs someone like Naida. She is a catalyst when it comes to getting people together. She takes the time to schedule events and make sure everyone knows what is going on,” says Dance.

Upon the Dance’s return to the street, Ergas organized a shaved ice party to welcome home the long lost neighbors. “All of the kids painted a large “Welcome Home” banner and draped it across our garage. I saw it and I thought, ‘That’s right, I am home,’” says Dance.

“We have great people that are concerned about our neighborhood. Pat Dando makes herself available to us and that is really nice. The kind of people here are the kind that really can’t do enough for each other,” says Dance.

The Ergas family hosts a party each July called the Paella Party, which consists of neighbors and close family and friends. “This allows us to expand our circle of friends and further get acquainted with other neighbors on the street that are not able to join our impromptu events,” says Ergas.

Another summer event is the Monterey Historics where the men flock to the racetracks with the kids while the women stay behind to be pampered at local spas and enjoy a tranquil brunch.

The biggest party of the year is the Pippin Creek Court Annual Traveling Holiday Adult Party. Each December, six of the 12 homes on the street open their homes to all of the residents. Ergas says, “The entire street is lit up with candelabras by the Little Pippin Creek Elves (Pippin Creek kids) and the hosting homes take turns offering an appetizer and wine tasting. We spend one hour per home and continue our travels until we come to the final house. Needless to say, by the time we reach the last house, we’ve had our fill of food and drinks!”

Ergas says that the best part of Pippin Creek Court is the people. “We have Americans, Indians, Filipinos, Italians, French, Persian and Chinese. We all live together in harmony, sharing a cup of coffee, lending a helping hand. We have a variety of different cultures representing how America is a true melting pot,” she says.

—By Miranda Schultz