5 Things You Need to Know Today, Oct. 18

1. Los Gatos Mayor Joe Pirzynski and the Town Council invite you to join them for the construction kick-off celebration of the new Creekside Sports Park 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, 930 University Ave. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey to the celebration. Please consider carpooling, as onsite parking is limited. 

2. The Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Foundation presents its 22nd annual police recognition luncheon 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20 at the, 123 Los Gatos Blvd. The event will feature a "fiesta buffet" catered by chef Mario Tafalla. Los Gatos residents, businesses and organizations are invited to attend and meet the members of the local department who serve the community. Tickets are $20 per person. Details: Gwen Cross, 408-354-6842.

3. The Los Gatos Saratoga Observation Nursery School presents its 5K Turkey Trot 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 6, at Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd. Same-day registration takes place at 9 a.m., with the race starting at 11 a.m. Snacks will be provided for participants, and lunch will be available for purchase immediately following the race. Post-race activities include a musical performance featuring Mr. David & The Buckwild Band, activities hosted by Mt. School classes and raffle drawing. Pre-registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for youth ages 6-15. Late registration fee is $30 for adults and $20 for youth ages 6-15. Children 5 and under are free. Register online at Active.com or download this registration form (doc) and bring it to the event. Details: Tracy at tracypingree@yahoo.com.

4. Society Dog, a Los Gatos-based social club for dogs and their people, presents its 10th annual "Howling Halloween," event 6-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, in downtown Los Gatos, near U.S. Bank, 127 No. Santa Cruz Ave. The event is a trick-or-treat extravaganza for your canine friends! Prizes will be awarded for best costumes! Early online registration is $15 and $20 on the day of the event. Details: helpdog@societydog.com.  Costume contest categories include best individual dog, best small team (max group of four, minimum of one human and one dog—all in costume; best large team (minimum group of five with at least two dogs —all in costume, best "green" individual dog (dog costume made entirely of recycled materials); 4-6 ft. nonretractable leashes ONLY.

5. Sunday marked the beginning of the fifth annual National Teen Driver Safety Week, the California Highway Patrol said. "Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for teens in America," CHP said. "Teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers." The CHP is The U.S. Congress established this week in 2007 to "raise awareness to teen driver safety issues and encourage safe teen driver and passenger behavior," CHP said. It is observed during the third week of October.