September 16, 2004

STREET SCENELodgewood Court

You’ve probably never heard of Lodgewood Court unless you’re a resident on Lodgewood or know someone who lives on the quiet, scenic street. As you enter the court, the picturesque, golden hills of a California autumn appear from the east; to the west is Alamitos Creek Trail where nature lovers and exercise aficionados enjoy the outdoors.

“It’s pretty mellow here,” Dan Mason comments about living on the court. “And it’s a great area. There’s about eight of us who usually have a block party once a year right after the Fourth of July. And we watch the kids play in the court on Fridays. It’s nice to have the trail so close, you can walk or bicycle. We’ve been here seven years and they put up with us.”

Ann and Ed Christensen are original owners of their home on the court, living there for 25 years and raising two children, now both grown with a son studying journalism at University of Washington. They’ve seen children grow up and new families move in. There are all ages here, even a newborn.

“The best thing about living on the street is that it is very quiet,” said Ann, who considers herself a San Jose native though born in Chicago. “There are all ages, even a baby down the street. And it’s very convenient to the trail.”

The Woodside tract was built by Citation homes. The prices range from $700,000 to over $900,000, depending on the square footage. Trees and foliage are mature and manicured. The residents care about their homes. In fact, a sense of community exists among the whole tract. Recently, a mail theft occurred a few blocks away.

Immediately, a poster went up on the streets warning of the criminal offense. It warned not to leave mail to be picked up in the mailbox and to retrieve correspondence delivered as soon as possible to eliminate an offender’s opportunity for identity theft (identity theft was recently reported on “60 Minutes” to have 90,000 victims in this country).

“It really is a good neighborhood to live in,” Maryann Mason said as she was taking her 4-year-old son Brett to school. “I grew up in Almaden and so did my husband, Dan. This area was all orchards then. And having the Alamitos Creek Trail at the end of the court is great, we’ve seen rabbits, deer and, one time, two bobcats. It’s like being so far away from a big city.”

An entrance to Alamitos Creek Trail is adjunct to Lodgewood Court and features a quiet, paved pathway where trees and foliage grow in their natural setting. Walkers relax in the tranquil setting, some walking their canine companions, others holding hands with their children.

“The neighbors are great, too,” Maryann commented. “When my mother died they even brought food over for my family. They were all so nice.”

Lodgewood Court, one small street in Almaden where they have it all. A beautiful setting, nature walks at the end of the block and neighbors who care about each other.

—By Jeanne C. Lewis