Rob Lowe treats San Jose firefighters to dinner at his home
Actor Rob Lowe treated a crew of San Jose firefighters like celebrities over the weekend, hosting them — along with crews from other fire departments — for dinner at his Montecito home as a “thank you” for their work battling the Thomas fire.
Lowe posted a photo on Instagram of the crews enjoying pasta and burgers at his house, which was threatened by the raging Southern California fire. “Dinner for new friends at our house,” the former star of “The West Wing” and “Parks and Recreation” posted. The San Jose Firefighers union, Local 230, posted more photos on their social media accounts showing the actor posing with firefighters including the Engine 13 crew, Thanh Nguyen, Mike Ferrito, Brian Landi and Jaime Kerin.
Sean Lovens, communications director for Local 230, says the crews — part of Santa Clara County Strike Team 2302 — reported that Lowe was humble and welcoming and the food was delicious. “The crews hadn’t had too many hot meals in recent weeks,” Lovens said.
Lowe, by the way, is bringing his one-man show, “Stories I Only Tell My Friends: Live!” to San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts on June 30, and his new fans in the SJFD hope to invite him to their firehouse for a reciprocal meal.
GOOD DEED DEPT. >> The holidays will be brighter for more than 500 residents in East San Jose, including many families in the Meadow Fair neighborhood near Eastridge Mall, who be receiving gifts, warm clothes and food at an event this afternoon. The support got even stronger after Republic Family of Companies stepped in with a $10,000 donation to allow each of the guests to get a wrapped present, shoes and clothes.
“Our company has a long history of giving back to the community,” said Republic CEO Michael Van Every. “Having deep roots in San Jose, we want to help our neighbors have a dignified holiday season that allows them to break bread with friends and family.”
Sacred Heart Community Service’s Holiday Program also picked up strong support from a new sponsor, Google.
But the San Jose socialservice could use a few more generous Santas this year. There are 6,200 kids signed up to begin receiving toys and books starting today, but Sacred Heart finds itself short about 4,300 toys.
Its wish list includes Lego sets, action figures, items for toddlers and gift cards for teens. You can drop off donations at 1381 S. First St., or donate online at www.sacredheartcs.org/holidays.
COMING FULL CIRCLE >> We’ve got a bevy of creativity here, and now you can see some of it at the Berryessa Community Center in San Jose, which is putting the work of neighborhood artists on display. Hats off to Ron Appleby, vice president of the Berryessa Citizens Advisory Council, who came up with the idea and worked to get approval for the installation.
The exhibition opened earlier this month, and
the first artist featured is former San Jose Councilwoman Margie Matthews, who is now an active member of East Valley Artists.
“I was delighted to be invited to be the first exhibitor — almost as delighted as I was to cut the ribbon at the center’s opening in 1993,” Matthews said.
MORE CIRQUE AT SAP >> Cirque du Soleil is bringing its first ice show, “Crystal,” to SAP Center for a six-day run starting
March 28, and demand for tickets has been high enough to warrant adding a show. The extra performance — featuring synchronized and freestyle skating plus the usual acrobatic work you expect from a Cirque show — will take place 12:30 p.m. March 31. For ticket information, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.