The Best of Silicon Valley 2011

Shopping & Services | Editors' Picks

Circle A CIRCLE A Owner Bob Schmelzer presides over the top-voted skate shop.Photograph by Jen Anderson

Best Skate Shop

Circle A

108 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose; 408.995.0677. Circle A accomplishes the difficult trick of bridging the gap for people who just want to look like a skater and those who actually skate. Circle A also knows what it's talking about when it comes to accessorizing that board with trucks, bearings, etc.

Ohana Board Shop 3575 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.244.0700

Skateworks 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.247.5283


Best Wine Shop

The Grapevine

1389 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.7574. The Grapevine is a solid favorite with Metro readers (also winning Best Wine Bar) for its knowledgeable yet fun approach to good sipping.

The Wine Club 1200 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara; 408.567.0900

Tessora's Barra di Vino 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 560, Campbell; 408.626.7711


Best Bicycle Shop/Builder

Hyland Bicycles

1515 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.269.2300. This isn't one of those shops where employees treat customers like Lance Armstrong does a French reporter. Family owned and friendly too a fault, Hyland is the place to take a bike that needs repairs or to be replaced. Basically, if someone has something bad to say about Hyland, it says more about them than the bike shop.

Willow Glen Bicycles 1016 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.2606

The Off Ramp 2320 El Camino Real, Mountain View, 650.968.2974; 2369 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.249.2848


Best Motorcycle Shop

San Jose Harley-Davidson

1551 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose; 408.998.1464. While Vespas are now looking about as cool as tapping one's checkered Vans to Vampire Weekend's 'Holiday,' the authenticity of having a Harley-Davidson for a steel horse endures. Adventures were simply never meant to be based on mileage. And the place to find the perfect throaty, no-nonsense ride is San Jose Harley-Davidson. The dealership also serves as a clearinghouse for rider events.

Road Rider 2897 Monterey Hwy., San Jose; 408.227.6936

Cycle Gear Inc. 1515 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose; 408.288.5051


Black and Brown BLACK AND BROWN The place to go for vintage clothing, said the voters. Photograph by Felipe Buitrago

Best Vintage Clothing

Black and Brown

850 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.298.1970. Bridging the edgy and earthy, the bohemian and the basics, Black and Brown is the vintage shop of choice for that one-of-a-kind article of clothing, a trip down fashion's memory lane or modern pieces by local designers.

Moon Zooom 1630 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.5876

Crossroads Trading Co. 1008 Blossom Hill Road #E, San Jose, 408.269.1000; 1959 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408.292.6100



Best Lingerie

Pleasures From the Heart

1565 Winchester Blvd., Campbell; 408.871.1826. In the business of 'bringing sexy back,' the staff of local lingerie and adult boutique Pleasures From the Heart prides itself on providing a classy and comfortable shopping experience for the seekers of sexy, risque or elegant lingerie, offering 'something for the meek or freak in everyone.'

Cupid's Corner 408 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose; 408.226.5683

Romantiques Lingerie 51 University Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.7749


Best Art Supply Store

University Art

456 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 408.297.4707; 267 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650.328.3500. Fine artists don't have a lot of money to waste, and University Art's bargain prices are one important draw to this small Northern California chain of four stores. Online deals and '12 Days of Giveaways' show an eagerness to move inventory. But the classes, workshops and open art competitions show how this company is also trying to train hands and eyes.

San Jose Art 461 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.298.8422

D&J Hobby 96 N. San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell; 408.379.1696


Andys Pet Shop ANDY'S PET SHOP Whatever its location, Andy's gets readers' votes as best pet store.

Best Pet Store

Andy's

51 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose; 408.297.0840. Andy's made national headlines when it agreed to adopt 1,000 rats kept by a pet hoarder discovered by a TV reality show. The act of generosity was less surprising for those familiar with Andy's. Some companies are in the pet business for the bottom line alone. This local store, established in 1950, seems to spend as much time rescuing creatures as it does selling them. The military macaw neon sign was once a landmark on The Alameda; the new locale downtown is an easy walk from San Jose's terrific Friday farmers market.

Humane Society Silicon Valley 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas; 408.262.2133

An-Jan Multiple locations


Best Pet Daycare

A Dog's Life

901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, 408.946.3647; 885 Commercial St., Palo Alto, 650.494.3647; 1249 Birchwood Dr., Sunnyvale, 408.747.1111. It's well known that high tech requires a lot of travel. No one needs the added anxiety of wondering what's going on with the dogs while they're away. With three locations in Sunnyvale, Palo Alto and Milpitas, this perennial category winner tends and gives spa care as well as training to pets needing a little behavior mod. And they bake their own dog biscuits.

Downtown Dogs 734 S. First St., San Jose; 408.287.2267

Doggie Daycare 6175 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose; 408.972.8086


Best Place to Buy Records and CDs

Rasputin

1820 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 800.350.8700; 630 San Antonio Ave., Mountain View, 800.350.8700. All the re-orgs were a drag sometimes, but it turns out there was method in their madness, as the Campbell Rasputin has clicked with its best, most customer-friendly layout ever. The selection of both DVDs and CDs is huge, and a good chunk of an afternoon is required for rifling through the used sections. There are always hard-to-find, reduced-price gems to be had, even in the clearance racks.

Streetlight Records 980 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.292.1404

On the Corner Music 530 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.871.0305


Best Clothing Boutique

Black and Brown

850 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.298.1970

The Usuals

1020 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.294.4500. Top honors for best clothing boutique go to both Black and Brown and the Usuals, neighbors on the reburgeoning hotspot The Alameda. Both locally owned shops champion the local art and design scene, and be it vintage clothing, the latest T-shirt designs, a one-of-a-kind ensemble or some locally made accessories, they've got it covered. The sharp eye for style and the personal touch that both boutiques provide has secured their spots as local favorites.

Bombshell Boutique 295 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.371.7423

Therapy 347 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.866.8999; 366 Main St., Los Altos, 650.917.7918; 250 Castro St., Mountain View, 650.691.1186


Best Shoe Store

Footwear Etc.

Multiple locations. With so much of the shoe business defaulting to giant national chains, Footwear etc., a Bay Area store with its headquarters in Sunnyvale, is a welcome exception. The selection is extensive, running (or walking) the gamut from clogs and Mary-Janes to sandals and mukluks—all geared for comfort.

Beck's Multiple locations

In Her Shoes 855 El Camino Real #45, Palo Alto, 650.326.9644

Best Running Shoe Store

Athletic Performance

55 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.7365.With 22 years of experience getting and keeping runners on the road, hikers on the trail and athletes at the top of their game, Athletic Performance is committed to getting feet into the perfect pair of athletic shoes; from form analysis to injury prevention, these folks are all about saving soles.

The Running Revolution 511 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.374.9310

Runner's Factory 51 University Ave., Ste. C, Los Gatos; 408.395.4311


Best Toy Store

Wooden Horse

796 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos; 408.356.8821. Opened in 1971 by a former teacher, the Wooden Horse survived big-box competition through an emphasis on one particular aspect of a toy: the smallness. As founder Karen Benz Scarvie put it in an essay, 'a good toy is one that is given out of love—not as a substitute for love.' This longtime neighborhood fixture works with parents to find just the right thing for a growing child.

D & J Hobby 96 N. San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell; 408.379.1696

Time Tunnel Vintage Toys 532 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.298.1709


Best Comics Store

Lee's Comics

1020-F N. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View; 650.965.1800. You'd have to be Stupendous Stan Lee himself to come up with the proper superlatives to describe Lee Hester's comics shop, with its two branches in Mountain View and San Mateo. Over the years, Lee's has hosted real luminaries in the business at in-store signings. Here are valuable vintage comics for the wealthy industry geek as well as $1 comics for the ambitious scavenger.

Black Cat Comics 73 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas; 408.942.6903

Hijinx Comics 2050 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.266.1103


Alchemy ALCHEMY The staff at Alchemy give the service that earned it the top slot for hair salons in the San Jose/Santa Clara area.

Best Hair Salon—San Jose/Santa Clara

Alchemy

1047 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.293.3494; 1335 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.283.9380. From cutting-edge hair design and bridal up-do's to curl straightening, extensions and coloring, Alchemy's team of senior and master stylists boasts an impressive skill set and a keen desire to help you and your locks looking their smoothest or spikiest best.

5 Color Cowboy 1445 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.869.3542

Umbrella Salon 2 N. Market St. #100, San Jose; 408.293.4242


Best Hair Salon—West Valley (Saratoga, Los Gatos)

Krush Salon

106 Royce St., Los Gatos; 408.354.4489

Los Gatos Spa

100 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.5901. Whether in the market for a trim, some eyelash extensions, a little straightening or a total makeover, the valley gives its rousing endorsement to two West Valley salons: Krush Salon and Los Gatos Spa. Both winners provide the essentials, know how to take care of their clients, have environments conducive to relaxation, beauty and well being, and have teams of well-trained stylists that take pride in providing top-quality products, services and treatments.

Main St. Annex 28 E. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.1981

Tangles Salon 23 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.7800


Best Hair Salon—Peninsula (Mountain View, Palo Alto)

LaBelle Day Spa

96 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, 650.327.6964; 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.326.8522 Master of relaxation and purveyor of pampering, LaBelle Day Spa also aims to 'revolutionize the way you feel about yourself' by providing hair treatments, cuts and products that add the health, beauty and style to one's magnificent 'do.

Julian Chase Salon and Spa 2343 Birch St., Palo Alto; 650.321.7025

Di Pietro Todd Salon 2307 Birch St., Palo Alto; 650.328.4545


Best Beauty Supply

Peninsula Beauty

Multiple locations; www.peninsulabeauty.com. Fifty-plus years in the business, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, a welcoming environment and an abundant supply of top-quality beauty supplies has landed the Bay Area-owned and-operated Peninsula Beauty as a repeat favorite for local salon and spa professionals.

Planet Beauty Multiple locations

Beauty Avenue 782 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, 408.356.3362; 6477 Almaden Expwy. #D4, San Jose, 408.997.1600


Best Teeth Whitening

Dr. Stephanie Loller

891 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.298.0777. One look at Dr. Loller's smile on her webpage, and it's obvious why she once again scored a double victory (see Best Dentist) in our readers' poll.

Willow Glen Dental Care 1600 Willow St., San Jose; 408.978.0911

Los Gatos Family Dentistry 14543 S. Bascom Ave., Los Gatos; 408.358.5115


Best Independent Bookstore

Recycle Bookstore

275 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.370.3514; 1066 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.286.6275. This 40-year-old institution is actually one of the best in Northern California, continuing as a home for newer books and older housecats. It's a good thing more people from San Francisco don't know about it. Who needs competition when hunting used books? At some 100,000 titles, though, there may be enough for everyone. Looks like they'll outlast Borders, for that matter.

Hicklebees 1378 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.292.8880

Kepler's 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 650.324.4321


Best Car Wash/Detailing

Classic Car + Delta Queen

981 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408.377.2525; 16500 Lark Ave., Los Gatos, 408.356.2525; 5005 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408.371.2565; 18560 Prospect Road, Saratoga, 408.996.2515. With options for standard washing and full car detailing, Classic Car Wash provides a complete, hands-on service that can't be easily obtained during a drive-through car wash. The Delta Queen outpost in Campbell brings a little steamboat kitsch into the mix.

Pacific Hand Car Wash 1667 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408.371.6660; 221 N. Fifth St., San Jose, 408.293.3128

AJ Auto Detailing Inc. 702 Coleman Ave., San Jose; 408.947.1111


Best Massage

Burke Williams

355 Santana Row #2010, San Jose; 408.241.0071. In the spirit of pure indulgence, Burke Williams exists to pamper folks into a state of deep, blissful relaxation. With modalities that range from Swedish to Shiatsu, pregnancy massage to deep tissue, the spa's team of certified massage therapists knows how to ease the stress right out of the body.

Preston Wynne 14567 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.741.5525

La Concha Spa 1042 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.286.8612


Best Outdoor Gear

Mel Cotton's

1266 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.5994. Yes, there was a Mel Cotton. He died recently at 91; he got two bronze stars and the Croix de Guerre in World War II,and he was a noteworthy philanthropist. Still, the man's most famous monument is his store. It's still at the address it's been occupying for 40 years. Here is everything needed for outdoor adventuring; Mel's is a one-stop gateway to the natural wonders just an hour or two outside the valley. Still locally owned after all these years, too.

Sports Basement 1177 Kern Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.732.0300

Any Mountain 1600 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.871.1001


Best Tattoo Parlor

Marks of Art

3014 Union Ave., San Jose; 408.377.1924. Marks of Art thrives in a terrifyingly competitive field through a firm emphasis on keeping things absolutely clean and healthy—not to mention the high quality of its custom tattoos, which can give you something with which to dazzle your grandkids.

Humble Beginnings 1421 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.288.6814

Death Before Dishonor 130 E. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.279.3232


Best Piercing Studio

Pierced Out

3014 Union Ave. #B, San Jose; 408.559.6039. In piercing, much like tattooing or any other form of body art, it's important to work with a skilled professional. Whether helping choose between a stud or a ring, or performing an ear stretching or cartilage piercing, the staff at Pierced Out are not only professional but are also personable.

Body Exotic 957 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.993.9684

Player's Ink 518 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.993.8282


Best Pilates Studio

JCC Los Gatos

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos; 408.358.3636. Fancy longer, leaner muscles? Better posture? Improved coordination? The Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center has just the thing: pilates. They have the machines, the instructors and the classes to point the way to a fitter future.

Los Gatos Ballet and Pilates 16 Lyndon Ave., Los Gatos; 408.399.7577

The Pilates Body 2075 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.205.0043


Best Yoga Studio

Yoga Source

15545-C Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos; 408.402.9642. Providing affordable, nondogmatic Hatha yoga classes for everyone from newbies to the most advanced yogis and yoginis has secured Yoga Source's status as the valley's repeat favorite yoga studio. Their personal attention, skilled instructors and modern facility provide the perfect space for stretching both the body and the mind.

Willow Glen Yoga 1188 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.289.9642

Downtown Yoga Shala 450 S. First St., San Jose; 408.885.1000


Best Health Club

JCC Los Gatos

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos; 408.358.3636. With its state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment, 70 group classes per week, tennis, swimming, basketball and even massage, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center's mission to contribute to a healthier, more active Silicon Valley has made it a hub of well-being for the local fitness set.

San Jose Athletic Club 196 N. Third St., San Jose; 408.292.1141

Right Stuff Health Club 1730 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.866.8855; 1329 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, 408.445.3310


Best Dentist

Dr. Stephanie Loller

891 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.298.0777. Even the most proactive types turn into procrastinators when it comes time to schedule a visit to the dentist. That's why Metro voters appreciate Dr. Loller's emphasis on comfort and friendliness. Her practice offers a full array of modern equipment and techniques, from lasers to invisible braces.

Willow Glen Dental Care 1600 Willow St., San Jose; 408.978.0911

Dr. Steven Cohen 6541 Crown Blvd. #H, San Jose; 408.268.8585


Best Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Craig Creasman

2400 Samaritan Dr. #206, San Jose; 408.369.9300. A specialist in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Creasman knows a great deal about how to make the fine-tuning tweaks that enhance nature's basic material, from tucks and reductions to corrections and lifts.

Jane Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery 895 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.737.9100

Dr. Tony Pham 2307 Forest Ave., San Jose; 408.246.2349


Best Day Spa

Burke Williams

355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.241.0071. Feeling extravagant? Need to take a day—or maybe just an hour—away from the world? Burke Williams is the place to be. From therapeutic baths, massages and facials, to manicures, pedicures and detox treatments, the European-style spa is a favorite among local connoisseurs.

Los Gatos Spa 100 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.5901

Preston Wynne 14567 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.741.5525


Best Alternative to Home Depot

Orchard Supply

Multiple locations. A valley institution. It was a farmers co-op when it began 70 years ago this month. It moved in 1947 to the current site on West San Carlos Street. OSH has changed a lot and expanded throughout Northern California. What hasn't changed is OSH's convenience: it attracts handymen and handywomen with its regular sales-tax-free days. Its mid-sized aisles combine thoroughness with easy shopping.

Southern Lumber 1402 Monterey Hwy., San Jose; 408.297.9663

Willow Glen Ace Hardware 2253 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.267.0223


Domus Domus

Best Kitchen/Cooking Store

Domus

40 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.6630; 1395 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.279.4787. You could go to the mall to feed your cooking habit and shop at Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table. But why? Domus in downtown Los Gatos stocks some 33,000 different products with the knowledge and customer service you'd expect from an independently owned business.

The Butter Paddle 33 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.1678

Keystone South Bay Restaurant Supply 491 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.288.4000


Best Garden Store

Yamagami's Nursery

1361 S. De Anza Blvd., #2, Cupertino; 408.252.3347 For some 60 years, this family-run nursery has been catering to the specialized needs of Silicon Valley green thumbs and weekend gardeners.

Summerwinds Multiple locations

Almaden Valley Nursery 15800 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.997.1234


Best Furniture Store

Russell's

2645 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.296.7393; 380 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408.261.9682; 6705 Amador Plaza, Santa Clara, 925.829.5091. With well over a century of experience, this mini-chain, with locations throughout the Bay Area, offers affordable, stylish furniture for every room in the house.

Rosso's Furniture 6881 Monterey Road, Gilroy, 408.842.2800; 212 Tennant Ave., Morgan Hill, 408.776.8100

Nu Image Furniture 20149 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; 408.725.2427


Best Gift Store

Domus

40 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.6630; 1395 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.279.4787. With locations in Los Gatos and Willow Glen, Domus is the South Bay's premier boutique for gifts, from beautiful glassware to a wide selection of kitchen gadgets to a great stock of stationery.

San Jose Museum of Art

Museum Store 110 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.271.6878

Papyrus 50 University Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.9037; 365 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.328.7016; 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, 408.984.2273


Best Romantic Restaurant

La Fondue

14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.3332. Perhaps it's the subdued lighting or the cozy booths that makes La Fondue such a romantic restaurant. Or maybe sticking long skewers into molten cheese is just plain sexy.

Wine Cellar 50 University Ave. #180, Los Gatos; 408.354.4808

Manresa 320 Village Lane, Los Gatos; 408.354.4330


Best Luxury or Boutique Hotel

The Fairmont

170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900. Upscale and classic, the Fairmont beckons even passersby with its beautiful interior, flanked with tall marble columns and cascading ceiling chandeliers. Rooms are just as regal, especially specialty offerings such as the Presidential Suite, which features a jetted whirlpool tub.

Hotel De Anza 233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.286.1000

Hotel Valencia 355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010


Best Jewelry Store

Joe Escobar

450 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell; 408.341.0300. With 30-plus years in the jewelry business under its belt, Joe Escobar Diamonds is a long-running local favorite. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, wide range of styles and services and deep selection of diamonds have again earned the family-owned business the top spot among South Bay jewelry aficionados.

The Jewel Box Jewelers 1640 S. Bascom Ave. #F, Campbell, 408.377.9898; 17190 Monterey St. #101, Morgan Hill, 408.776.9444

Vardy's Jewelers 10227 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino; 408.446.2900


Best Flower Shop

Citti's

990 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408.371.7000; 3100 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, 408.984.8900; 800 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara, 408.246.7272. Citti's has been around for nearly 50 years, ranks among the top florists in the country and knows the benefits of working with local growers. At some point everyone needs some flowers, and this perennial local favorite has proven that it is the go-to shop for every blooming need.

Bunches 14 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.5451

Bloomsters Floral Designs 5945 Almaden Expwy. #170, San Jose; 408.268.5518


Best Stationery Store

MaiDo

378 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.213.1985 This popular Japanese gift and stationary emporium is full of quirky and marvelous presents for friends, significant others and, mostly importantly, oneself.

Papyrus 50 University Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.9037; 365 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.328.7016; 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, 408.984.2273

Paper Source Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #63, Palo Alto, 650.324.9700; 334 Santana Row, Ste. 1020, San Jose, 408.241.9000


Le Grande Affair Le Grande Affair

Best Limousine Service

LeGrande Affaire

2590 Lafayette St., Santa Clara; 408.988.4884. Whether for a wedding party, an office event or a high school prom, LeGrande Affaire gets Metro readers to their destinations in style. The limo service also boasts four different hot pink vehicles: Hummer H2 and H3s, a Scion HB and a Lincoln Town Car.

Cloud 9 Limousine 2233 Paragon Dr. #A, San Jose; 408.999.0999

El Paseo Limousine 651 Aldo Ave., Santa Clara; 408.727.0000


Best Organization Making a Difference

Second Harvest Food Bank

Santa Clara and San Mateo counties; www.shfb.org. While the valley is relatively prosperous compared to some hard-hit areas, hunger and need are still serious problems. Since it formed as a coalition of local food pantries in 1988, this hard-working group has been helping the needy in San Mateo and Santa Clara County. Only 5 cents out of a donated dollar go to the expenses of running this organization—and if you don't have money and do have garden surplus of oranges and lemons, they'll accept that as well.

Planned Parenthood Multiple locations

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose; 408.468.0100


Best Alternative Medicine Collective

Harbordside Health Center

2106 Ringwood Ave., San Jose; 408.321.8424. One of the most remarkable phenomenon of recent valley history has been the rise of the medical marijuana collective. Harborside caught the attention of voters amid a crowded field with its commitment to 'compassion, positivity and progression.'

ARC Healing Center 885 W. Julian St., San Jose; 408.564.5118

Elemental Wellness 711 Charcot Ave., San Jose; 408.453.3344