September 2, 2004

STREET SCENEJeremie Drive

The United Nations has nothing on the people who live on Jeremie Drive. In fact, they could gain some insight on peaceful diplomatic relations. The street may possess a simple man’s name but the residents on Jeremie Drive are an example of people of all ethnicities living in peace in this upscale neighborhood near Almaden Country Club. And not only that, the neighbors have a lot of fun while living on the serene street.

Rand and Connie Elness are original owners, moving into their one-story, courtyard entranced home in 1968. Prices were much different than today. The last reported sale was in June and brought $930,000 for the four-bedroom, three-bath house with 2,496 square feet.

“It’s like a block party every night,” Rand said about living on Jeremie Drive the past 36 years. “At 5:30 we sit in the driveway and have cocktails. Jackie usually comes over and then we visit with everyone walking their dogs. The best thing about the street is the people.”

Retired educators, the Elness’ have witnessed scores of children learn to bicycle and skateboard on the south end of the street that gently slopes. And they were there to assist with skinned knees and Band-Aids from the training sessions.

“At Christmastime in the past, the neighbors would gather and sing carols,” Connie related as she offered a beautiful handpainted wineglass she collects on vacations to a neighbor. “We’d take turns singing ‘Silent Night’ or another tune, each in a different language.”

Seiko and Rick Asamoto will never forget the day they moved into their home: It was the exact same day as the Elness family.

“This is a very friendly area,” Seiko commented who is known for her tasty Japanese cuisine. “It’s very safe, too. Our two children were born and raised here. Now, we’re seeing a second generation of kids grow up. It’s also ethnic friendly.”

“I’m a San Jose native,” Jackie Tidbel said as she joins the group for a glass of wine. “I lived downtown on 5th Street until I moved here in 1969.”

Steve and Sheryl Bertron stop by the informal party before bringing their son Stephen to his first soccer game. In tow was Pebbles, their miniature Dachshund.

“Hey, we might all be famous,” quips Rick Asamoto about being written up in the Almaden Times. “Though I’d rather be rich than famous.”

Dogs are allowed to socialize freely with their “people” close by at the gathering.

“We got Koji from a rescue center,” Seiko remarked about their charming, mixed breed, salt and pepper canine enjoying the get-together with people and pups. “All of the dogs here were rescue dogs—even some of the husbands.”

Hoots of laughter abound from this congenial group of neighbors. Verl Hannah, an escapee from Northridge Drive, the next street over, stops by at the outdoor party.

“I don’t live on the street but they have good wine,” Verl jokes with the group. “You bet’cha,” brings more laughter. “I’m from Minnesota.”

Derrick and Christal Kennedy have lived on Jeremie Drive since 1980.

“The street is very convenient,” Derrick reports with a slight Irish brogue. “It’s close to the Almaden Swim and Racket Club, the shopping center and downtown, too. But the best thing is the friendships with the neighbors.”

The Kennedys visit his family in North Ireland and hers in Germany. He lived in swinging London during the 1960s and relates stories of those Beatle times. Now, he enjoys tennis matches at the nearby racket club where he plays “a fair game.”

“Come, you must meet Sri,” Christal coaxes. “He’s the most handsome man on the street—other than my husband. And you must see his wife—she’s beautiful. They are the most beautiful couple.”

The cocktail party continues and more neighbors stop by. It’s a friendly atmosphere where all are welcome to share their day.

“It really is an eclectic mix of people,” Rand Elness smiles. “There’s Welsh, Japanese, Indian, Norwegian, English, German, Irish, African American, Iranian—it’s Heinz 57. And we all get along.”

Perhaps the rest of the world should take note of the neighbors on Jeremie Drive—who are living in peaceful coexistence—and having a great time, too.

—By Jeanne C. Lewis