Willow Glen residents can simultaneously indulge their Bacchanalian side and benefit local schools.

On Nov. 14 from 3 to 8 p.m., the Willow Glen Middle School and High School Foundation will hold its third annual wine-tasting fundraiser at The Grapevine, located at 1389 Lincoln Ave. The Willow Glen Resident is also one of the sponsors for the event.

Attendees can munch on hors d'oeuvres, view student-made art, participate in a silent auction, and purchase and sample wine—all while socializing with school faculty members and district leaders.

Tickets are $35, and proceeds will benefit the foundation. Checks can be sent to the foundation at P.O. Box 8096, San Jose, CA 95155-8096.

For more information, contact info@willowglenfoundation.org.

—Meghan O'Hare

Five men charged with
fatal shooting of youth

Five men accused of allegedly participating in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Willow Glen Middle School student Christian Jimenez in April 2003 were indicted on murder and assault charges by a grand jury.

On Nov. 3, Jessie Salinas, Robert Sanchez, Jorge Ayala and Jonathan Pipkin were arraigned in connection with the murder. A fifth individual, Javier Alaya, was also charged and arrested.

The men are scheduled for trial on Dec. 20, and each faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison.

—Meghan O'Hare

Local filmmaker's work
included in film festival

Willow Glen resident Jean Buschmann is preparing for her close-up.

Her short film Boxed In has been selected to appear at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival in Morgan Hill, a showcase of short films created by Californians. Made on a shoestring budget, the film contends with issues of race, class and stereotypes.

Boxed In will air on Nov. 13 at 1:10 p.m. The festival runs from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14 and includes a variety of workshops that will be held at the Gavilan College Community Cultural Center.

For more information about the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, call 408.782.8087 or visit www.poppyjasperfilmfest.org.

—Meghan O'Hare

Riding down the avenue
in a slow and easy trot

Residents eager to pass the holidays in Willow Glen with a horse and carriage ride can now reserve a carriage online. This is the third year that the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association is sponsoring the popular horse-drawn rides.

Families can reserve a carriage, which carry four adults and two children in adult's laps, for a 20-minute trot through Willow Glen along Minnesota, Cherry, Meredith, Coolidge, Brace and Lincoln avenues.

Tickets range from $68.75 to $105.33, depending on the date. Rides will begin on Dec. 10 and continue for the two following Thursdays through Saturdays until Dec. 24. To purchase the tickets, visit http://www.downtownwillowglen.org.

—Alicia Upano

La Villa's ravoli recipe
is still the best in town

Lincoln Avenue is in the spotlight again. This time it's part of Evening Magazine's Vintage Food Tour series. The neighborhood store being featured is Willow Glen's La Villa Gourmet Delicatessen.

Once again the delicatessen's famous ravioli is being recognized as tops in the Bay Area. The program also plans to feature a hot dog location and bakery shop, both located in the Alum Rock area.

The La Villa segment will feature an interview with owner Dave Bertucelli and is scheduled to air on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. on CBS.

—Moryt Milo

Teenagers can improve
Spanish outside the U.S.

High school students studying Spanish have a chance to use and improve their skills while learning more about new cultures through the Interamerican University Studies Institute.

The institute offers two Latin American student programs. Costa Rica ¡Pura Vida! focuses on biology, and Artes en Mexico provides opportunities to work with professional Mexican arts teachers. Both courses include Spanish immersion.

Students participating in the program will stay with host families, go on excursions and work in small groups.

Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 who have completed two years of high school Spanish by June 2005 can apply. Scholarships are also available for each program. Applications are due Feb. 11, 2005.

For more information, call IUSI at 800.345.4874 or visit the website at www.iusi.org.