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Sometimes whimsical and sometimes regal, the eclectic houses near downtown obviously predate cookie-cutter subdivisions and the subtlety and straight lines of the Eichler era.

The neighborhood's grid of quiet, tree-lined streets with a cozy, walkable feel evoke times past. It boasts several shops and markets, so the car doesn't utterly dominate. The diversity of the neighborhood speaks of California's past and future of strong Latino influences.

People tend to stay put after they move here, residents say. The neighborhood has a wide variety of ages and ethnic backgrounds, Michelle Decamara said. "It's just a good mix."

In the 1990s, the neighborhood broke off from the "Old Mountain View" neighborhood to the east and formed its own association. Its goal at first was to make sure the historic houses in the neighborhood were preserved. Today one of those houses, owned by Mountain View's first mayor, is being restored.

The neighborhood association was inactive for years but now has a website with information for residents. And recently residents have grown closer together with a series of monthly potluck dinners.

Decamara hosted one of the potlucks and said it has really made a difference in the neighborhood. People are greeting their neighbors in more than just a cursory way and chatting on the sidewalk. "Now we're starting to get out and talk to people and not just do the wave," she said.

About 15 people have attended the first few potlucks, she said, adding she hopes the crowds grow and the new tradition continues.

Decamara grew up in Los Altos and said there was more of a neighborly feel there 30 years ago, and that feel is making a come-back in her new neighborhood.

Mike Groethe, the head of the Shoreline West Neighborhood Association, started the potlucks just this summer. "It's been probably one of the best things we've ever done," he said. He has lived in the neighborhood since 1972.

The association conducts a little bit of business at the potlucks, but mostly it's just a chance for neighbors to visit. The more residents get to know each other, they say, the more safe and secure they feel in their neighborhood.

There isn't much turnover in Shoreline West, which makes getting to know neighbors easier, said Rich Yamane. He has lived there since 1988 and likes the variety of neighbors. A young family lives next door and there's a retired couple across the street, he said.

Like many in the neighborhood, Yamane moved there because it's close to downtown and other amenities. Over the years, though, he's grown to love the neighborhood itself. It's warm and comfortable, he said, thanks in no small part to the variety of housing styles and the age of the homes. "Newer homes are nice but they're kind of cold and stamped," he said.

Yamane is glad he's here and he doesn't plan to leave. "I was looking for a fairly inexpensive single family dwelling," he said of that move two decades ago. "The neighborhood itself wasn't a huge factor but I think I kind of got lucky there."


FACTS


CHILDCARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Castro Preschool, 505 Escuela Ave.; Childrens Learning Cottage, 675 Escuela Ave.; Wonder World, 2015 Latham St. (nearby)

FIRE STATION: No. 1, 251 S. Shoreline Blvd.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: ==Shoreline West Association of Neighbors (SWAN), swanmv.org, Mike Groethe, spokesperson@swanmv.org

PARKS: Castro School Park, Toft Avenue and Latham Street; Eagle Park and Pool, S. Shoreline Boulevard at Church Street

POST OFFICE: Mountain View, 211 Hope St.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Mtn. View-Whisman School District — Castro Elementary School, Graham Middle School; Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Los Altos High School

SHOPPING: Downtown Mountain View; California Street Market, 1595 California St.; Escuela Avenue at El Camino Real

MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: $920,000 ($790,000-$1,535,888)

HOMES SOLD: 17

MEDIAN 2008 CONDO PRICE: $419,000 ($276,000-$625,000)

CONDOS SOLD: 12

— Kathy Schrenk