5 Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 16

1. The Cats Restaurant & Tavern, 17519 Santa Cruz Highway, has opened its doors for business and has had several "soft" openings featuring its bar and live music. Official grand opening of this iconic eatery takes place Dec. 31. Details: 408-354-4020.

2. The American Red Cross Northern California Region is sponsoring a blood drive that's open to the public 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22, at the , 14855 Oka Rd., in the multi-purpose room. Details: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code: APJCC.

3. Do you have a favorite pet picture you want to share? Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman, a Los Gatos resident and the former mayor of our town, is sponsoring a winter photo contest about your pets. Send him your favorite image of your pet. Three winning 8x10 photos will be framed and displayed in Wasserman's office. Deadline: Jan. 1, 2012. Complete Photo Contest rules are on Wasserman's website. Don’t have a pet? Consider pet adoption from the County Animal Shelter.

4. Join Los Gatos resident Brad Armstrong, co-owner of the Willow Glen Athletic Performance store, for a free hilly trail run at 6:30 a.m. every Friday. The group meets at the Athletic Club next to rain, hail or shine. Not for beginners. Details: 408-354-7365 or 408-297-0100.

5. West Valley Community Services gift drive, to help low-income families in Los Gatos, Cupertino, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and West San Jose, continues until Friday, Dec. 16. New and unwrapped items for children ages 0-18 are needed. Toys can include puzzles, games, dolls, action figures and learning and educational materials. Other gifts can be umbrellas, home electronics, small appliances, school supplies, day planners. Clothing needed are jackets, rain coats, socks, underwear, knit caps, gloves, scarves, sweaters. Other things that can be donated are household items such as alarm clocks, personal heaters, towels, blankets, bedding, toothbrushes, tooth paste, lotion, hair dryers, brushes, combs and hair products. Donations must be dropped off at 10104 Vista Drive, in Cupertino. Details: 408-225-8033 x 305 or events@wvcommunityservices.org.