@losgatan
vol . I , no. 26 : march 2-8, 2022 : losgatan.com
mask mandate lifted P4 : wildcats shine p10 : ukrainian community responds p13 : ny times crossword puzzle p17 Judy Peterson
TENANTS ARE HOPEFUL AS SAN FRANCISCO COMPANY BUYS EL GATO VILLAGE
Luncheon honors locals on March 25
Shopping center sells for reported $33 million
Judy Peterson, Reporter
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual awards ceremony at a March 25 luncheon that’s open to everyone in the community. The event honors individuals who reflect the “Character of Los Gatos.” The six local characters who are receiving awards include long-time resident Sue Tuttle. Tuttle moved to Los Gatos in 1984 and lives near downtown. She used to exercise regularly at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center but that ended when the pandemic lockdowns took effect. ➝ Chamber Awards, 6
Drew Penner, Reporter
It’s the place to go if you want to get lingonberry Swedish pancakes, peek at the jarred reptile on your way to a $20 beard trim, or send out some packages all in one trip. And now, El Gato Village— the 15710 Los Gatos Blvd. space that’s home to a Nob Hill Foods, a Chase Bank, and an Una Mas Mexican Grill, among others— has sold to San Francisco real estate developer Prado Group for $33 million, according to people familiar with the deal. Girish Patel, who owns the Postal Annex, said he doesn’t have any issues with the change in ownership. “Everyone has the right to sell their business,” he said, adding he feels he’s received good communication about the sale. “They’ve been talking about it for the last six to nine months.” Patel said current arrangements are still in place, and he says he’ll have a better idea about their future by March. ➝ El Gato, 6
CHAMBER AWARDS CELEBRATE RESIDENTS WHO REFLECT TOWN’S CHARACTER
Subscribe to receive Los Gatan home delivery every week.
CHARACTER OF THE TOWN Longtime Los Gatos resident Sue Tuttle will be recognized at the 2022 Chamber of Commerce annual awards luncheon on March 25.
LGSubs.com
Recent Los Gatos Sales by The Kim Richman Team!
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Trusted Connections, Proven Expertise
2
Sold | 15680 Winchester Boulevard | $2,555,000 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,478 SF | 11,716 SF Lot
Sold | 15903 Rochin Ct | $2,998,000 4 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,215 SF | 10,853 SF Lot
$257K Over Asking!
$822k Over Asking!
“Kim & her team are rockstars! Because of their prepping, marketing & negotiating, I received top dollar on a busy street!” -Winchester Sellers
“We both believe the very best decision we made was finding Kim through Zillow” -Rochin Sellers
Kim Richman 408.406.9533 kim@kimrichmanteam.com kimrichmanteam.com DRE 01076556
Who you choose matters!
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
The only place you need to be, is here.
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
compass.com
3
Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor and Publisher Lee May General Manager Erik Chalhoub Managing Editor Lori Lieneke Advertising Director Phaedra Strecher Editorial Production Manager
Delays expected during nighttime hours
Drew Penner Reporter
Staff Report
LONG-AWAITED PROJECT Work has begun on a new wildlife undercrossing
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has begun nighttime work on a wildlife undercrossing near Laurel Curve on Highway 17, which is expected to reduce traffic to one lane in the north and southbound directions. The work was slated to begin March 1 on Highway 17, from 0.6 miles south of Laurel Road to 0.2 miles north of Laurel Road. During the first phase of construction, travelers in both the north and southbound directions of Highway 17 can expect overnight work that will result in the reduction of travel down to one lane, with delays up to 10 minutes.
The work will run in the northbound direction from 8pm to 5am, and in the southbound direction from 9pm to 7am. Overnight work will begin Sunday evenings and conclude Friday mornings. Message and directional signs will be in place to assist travelers in the area, and CHP will assist with traffic control. Workers will begin by removing the existing concrete barrier between travel lanes and then placing a temporary guardrail. The work is a partnership between Caltrans, Santa Cruz County Region-
Emanuel Lee Juan Reyes Sports Writers Judy Peterson Contributor Serenity Polizzi Eric Bocanegra Carrie Bonato Account Executives Marie Hicks Subscriptions
WEEKLYS Stephen Buel Director of Strategic Initiatives Mike Lyon Digital Media Harry Allison Production Director Sonia Chavez Accounts Receivables Warren Giancaterino Information Technology
DEATH NOTICES Death notices with basic information that are submitted to editor@losgatan.com may be published on a space-available basis only. To place a paid, unedited obituary with a photo, call 707.353.1148 or email LifeTributes@Weeklys.com.
OPINIONS Commentaries and letters to the editor on our Opinion pages reflect the opinions of the authors. We welcome letters to the editor and commentaries on all topics of local interest.
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Email your submissions to editor@losgatan.com
4
Tarmo Hannula
VOL.1 NO.26
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON HWY. 17 WILDLIFE UNDERCROSSING
Letters must include the writer’s name and hometown (for publication) and phone number (for verification). Submissions may be edited, and will be published as space permits. Letters are limited to 250 words, commentaries to 500 words.
CORRECTIONS We strive to avoid errors in news and ads. Mistakes sometimes occur. To report errors, call or email; corrections will appear in the next edition and online.
WHO WE ARE Los Gatan is published Wednesdays by Weeklys. Contents copyright ©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without written permission.
at Laurel Curve on Highway 17.
al Transportation Commission and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, which has preserved 460 acres of mostly undeveloped land on both sides of the highway. According to Caltrans, the roadway is built over natural drainage and is, therefore, an ideal location for a wildlife undercrossing. The project is expected to increase travel safety by keeping animals off the highway. Graniterock has been selected as the contractor for the $5.4 million project. It is scheduled to conclude at the end of July.
COUNTY LIFTS INDOOR MASK REQUIREMENTS Health officer: Local Covid cases continue to drop Eli Walsh, Reporter
Santa Clara County will lift its indoor mask mandate March 2, the county's top health official said. Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said the county's seven-day average of new cases fell below 550 Feb. 24 for the first time since last month, when she issued a set of criteria to lift indoor mask requirements for vaccinated residents. Cody earlier said she would lift the indoor mask requirement once the county's seven-day average of new cases fell below 550, 80 percent of all residents completed their initial vaccination series and local Covid-19 hospitalizations remained "low and stable," in her estimation. As of Feb. 25, 256 county residents were hospitalized with Covid, less than half of the 533 residents that
were hospitalized at the peak of the county's winter surge in cases due to the omicron variant. In addition, 84.7 percent of county residents are vaccinated. "These current trends are very encouraging," Cody said of the county's falling Covid cases and hospitalizations. "And I know everyone looks forward to the day when we won't even need to wear masks anymore and when they aren't part of our life, at least for a little bit." Santa Clara was the only county in the greater Bay Area that still had an indoor mask requirement for all residents, regardless of vaccination status. Ten of the greater Bay Area's 11 counties lifted their indoor mask requirements for vaccinated residents, aligning themselves with the state's indoor masking guidelines. Cody, however, argued that the county needed to maintain its mandate until the risk of contracting the virus was lower for vulnerable resi-
dents like those who are older or immunocompromised. “The idea is to ensure that we have safety in place with high levels of vaccination, which we have, and that we have overall community transmission low enough to support removing this very important layer or at least removing the requirement," she said. Under guidelines announced Feb. 28, California lifted its indoor mask requirements for unvaccinated people and will do so on March 12 for schools and child care facilities. Individual businesses are also encouraged to enforce their own masking policies as they see fit. Cody said once the county lifts its indoor mask requirement, it will still recommend that residents wear them even if they are vaccinated and have received a booster dose. Copyright © 2022 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved.
THE BILL LISTER TEAM T H E B I L L L I S T E R T E A M THE BILL LISTER TEAM 15400
Bathrooms
Call Me to Discuss Your Next Move in 8 2022 99 15400 ie s on lor Bathrooms 901 MONICA interior. LANE, CAMPBELL 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms f 99 sq. ft Lot 1,630 sq. ft Living Space | 89,236
doors to
Offeredlorat $1,995,000
ie sente on interior. i
ith
fBeautifully di renewed one story doors to i Beautiful Campbell ranch style home.remodeled baths. ented i ith Updated with andkitchen re d white shaker di cabinets, subway tiled ai rtQuartz counters, Beautiful remodeled baths. back-splash, stainless steel appliances. d bathroom. Indoor traditional Sauna. Oversized living room with cathedral ontrolled and re d a wood rt beamed ceiling and fireplace. Diningound area with traditional wainscoting & chair bathroom. Indoor Sauna. railing. Family room with brick fireplace. ontrolled onderful si
Newly remodeled bathrooms out of . stat with ound porcelain tiled floor,o new vanity, and ine ard onderful4 sispacious bedrooms with lighting. https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive out of . stat mirrored closet doors. Newly refinished ine ard o hardwood flooring. Inside separate https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive laundry room. Additional sunroom with walls of glass, tiled floor, and recessed lighting. 2 car garage. Huge lot with new backyard landscaping with gorgeous mature trees and shrubbery. Beautiful mountain views.
BILL LISTER
BILL LISTER A M B I L LLI SLT IE SR TT EE R
T H E
E X C E L L E NT T H A GEE NLT IS S| U ARA ED RESULTS T NEP R T LEL EAL M CP EL L EE DNRAEM SU I T ' S SE IXM L LE E N RT E AALGLEY,N ITTS ' |S U ANLPLA RI ANL LTEH E L. .T. SL I S T E R
A results oriented approach matched with strong A results oriented approach matched with strong negotiating skills and effective marketing has made A results oriented approach matched with strong negotiating skills and effective marketing has made Bill Listerskills a national Real Estate leader. negotiating and effective marketing has made Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. Bill Lister a national leader. Give him a Real callEstate today! Give him a call today! Give him a call today! 408.892.9300 408.892.9300 I T ' S S I M P L E R E A L L Y, I T ' S A L L I N T H E N A M E . . . L I S T E R
408.892.9300
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
2021 #1 Small Team 1 Large Team in the Los Gatos Office 1 Large Team Top Producer on the 2011-2020 WSJ List 408.892.9300 cell blister@cbnorcal.com www.BillLister.com CalBre# 01179611
© ©2022 1 Coldwell RealBanker EstateReal All Rights Coldwell is atrademark trademark licensed toto Coldwell Banker Real EstateOpportunity Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. EachBrokerage Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ®Banker® © 1Banker Coldwell LLC.Reserved. All Reserved. RightsColdwel Reserved. Coldwell Banker® isregistered a registered trademark licensed Coldwell Banker LLC.LLC. An An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is OwnedOffice by a is Owned by a Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLCLLC. AllEstate Rights Banker is registered licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.Real An Estate Equal Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Office is Owned by a Office Subsidiary Subsidiary ofSubsidiary NRT LLC. AllNRTrights reserved. This information was supplied byother Seller and/or otherbelieves sources. Broker this information information tobebecorrect correctthisbut has verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should LLC.This All rights reserved. information supplied by sources. Seller and/or sources. Brokerbelieves believes hasinformation not not verified information and responsibility assumes no legal for its accuracy. theseinvestigate issues to these issues to of NRT LLC. All rightsof reserved. information wasThis supplied by Sellerwasand/or Brokerother this nformation to be correct but hasto not verifiedbut andthisassumes no legal for responsibility its accuracy. Buyers should investigateBuyers theseshould issues investigate to their own their own satisfaction. Estateaffiliated Agents affiliated with Coldwell Residential Brokerage IndependentContractor Contractor Sales employees of Coldwell BankerBanker Real Estate Coldwell Brokerage orBrokerage NRT LLC. orCalBRE LicenseCalBRE # 01908304. their own satisfaction. Real EstateRealAgents with Coldwell BankerBanker Residential Brokerage areareIndependent Sales Associates Associatesandandarearenotnot employees of Coldwell Real LLC, Estate LLC, Banker ColdwellResidential Banker Residential NRT LLC. License # 01908304. satisfaction Real Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage NRT LC. CalBRE License # 01908304.
WW W. B I LLLI STER. C OM WWW.BILLLISTER.COM WWW.BILLLISTER.COM
5
SOME HOPE FOR A REMODEL
LOCAL ‘CHARACTERS’ TO BE RECOGNIZED
El Gato, from page 1
Chamber Awards, from page 1 Drew Penner/Los Gatan
NEW OWNERSHIP The El Gato Village shopping center is now
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
in the hands of San Francisco developer Prado Group.
6
“We’ll find out once we sign the papers with them,” he said. Julie Kosasih, a manager at Baskin-Robbins, said she’s happy to wait for a few months before deciding how she feels about the Prado Group deal. “We’ll see,” she said, adding she saw new reps come in to announce the sale a couple of weeks back. “Give them a chance.” Kosasih added she’s hopeful new owners might mean access to better technology and possibly even more frequent pressure washing, or trash cleanup. According to loopnet.com, the property was advertised for $37 million. The listing noted the locale “offers an investor a potential future redevelopment opportunity.” Some workers said they hoped a remodel might be in the cards. Others wonder about the company’s long-term plans for the location. Recently, Prado CEO Dan Safier told the San Francisco Business Times the company aims to have a positive impact in areas it joins. “Everything that we do, we have to really believe that we are improving the built environment—improving the neighborhoods and communities that we’re working in.” he said. And Eric Singer, one of the partners of Los Gatos Café Uptown, says he
isn’t concerned they’re going to be kicked out any time soon to make way for a fancy mixed-use project. “I don’t see that,” he said. “If that’s in the cards I imagine that’s going to be long after we’re gone.” Singer recalled how his friends opened the first café location downtown in 1987 and invited him to be part of the El Gato Village spot, about 15 years ago. Since then, there hasn’t been much in the way of changes, he said, as the hubbub of Tuesday’s lunch rush finally started to subside. “This is the first time that it’s sold,” he said. “It’s been owned by a family for a number of years.” But after patriarch Steve Musich died, the family decided it was the time to sell, he continued. Singer says he was aware of the impending sale for months. Musich was “real easy to work with,” Singer remembered, calling him a “really good landlord,” who “really cared about his tenants.” And yet, Singer isn’t afraid of change, either. “I imagine they’re going to do some sort of facelift,” he said, adding he’s confident Prado will keep things mostly as-is, in the hopes of cashing in on newcomers to the town. “I think they were looking at all the development that’s going on down the street.”
So, Tuttle started walking and listening to audiobooks along the way. Before long, she bought a “litter grabber” and began cleaning up other people’s trash. “When I started walking I noticed a lot of garbage,” Tuttle said. “At first, I found a lot of rubber gloves. I’ll pick up anything that’s not organic— cigarettes, masks—everything except leaves and dog poo, and only if the poo has been sitting there for a few days and it’s in a bag.” Tuttle usually walks four days a week, sometimes heading past the high school to Highway 9; other times she goes up Main Street to N. Santa Cruz Avenue. “One day I picked up 30 masks and sometimes I collect multiple bags of litter,” she said. Tuttle especially enjoys walking on warm days because “it’s always busy” and has even made new acquaintances along her route.
The event honors individuals who reflect the ‘Character of Los Gatos.’ “I know the lululemon and Apple security guards and we wave hi and chat,” she said. “I get thanked by people on the street all the time. I guess the thing that bothers me is there’s a beautiful succulent garden on my route that people steal plants from. One day I came across somebody admiring a plant and I lingered a while to make sure it didn’t get stolen.” Tuttle is an experienced cleaner-upper: she volunteers with the Los Gatos Community Foundation’s Beautification Committee that promotes month-
ly community clean-ups; the next clean-up is scheduled for March 5. In addition to Tuttle, the Chamber awards will recognize Donna Novi, who owns downtown’s popular Pastaria & Market. “There’s nobody who pivoted better during the pandemic than Donna,” Chamber Executive Director Catherine Somers said. “She wasn’t able to get a PPP loan but kept things going with her family’s help. She takes risks and isn’t afraid of change. She always has a smile on her face and is beloved by the community.” Birdwatcher owner Lisa Myers is also a Los Gatos character. “During the pandemic she was running to people’s cars with birdseed and tutorials on how to become a birdwatcher. She gave people the opportunity to explore birds, teaching us that birds themselves are characters,” Somers said. Resident Rob Stump is being singled out for his wildfire safety effort. “He single-handedly took it upon himself to build awareness around wildfire safety,” Somers said. “We are so grateful for his work. He’s done all he can to protect the town from potential devastation. He worked tirelessly on behalf of all 30,000 town residents. His altruism is a reflection of his character.” Ed Stahl of Travel Advisors of Los Gatos is also among the honorees. An honorary award will be given to interim town attorney Rob Schultz. “He has such a great sense of humor,” Somers said. “The town really benefited from his humor throughout the pandemic—he really lightened up the situation.” In addition to the awards ceremony, Mayor Rob Rennie will give an update on town issues and Supervisor Mike Wasserman will introduce attendees to Supervisor Joe Simitian, who will become Los Gatos’ representative when Wasserman is termed out at the end of this year. The March 25 awards luncheon is from noon-2pm at Loma Brewing Company, 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Tickets are $50. Visit losgatoschamber.com for reservations.
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
7
Locals fill Charley’s LG during relaunch of downtown institution Drew Penner, Reporter
The Houserockers brought a packed house down as they belted out their rendition of “Shout” by Otis Day and the Knights, along with plenty of other classics, Feb. 26. Venue owner Alex Hult couldn’t have hoped for anything more for his relaunch of the old Mountain Charley’s bar as Charley’s LG on 15 N. Santa Cruz Ave. “It’s obviously very humbling when you have a good turnout,” he said. “You feel that support from the community.” Later, DJ Don Foley would bridge the divide between modern French house and well-produced Golden Oldies. Most recently the venue had a shortlived but glorious life as a dinner theater called “Immersive” that involved sword-swallowing, aerial acrobatics and gourmet food.
ALL SMILES Charley’s LG owner Alex Hult said he was humbled by the strong turnout.
bands Thursday
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
Dan Pulcrano/Los Gatan
Hult promises through Saturday, with karaoke on Wednesdays, and a
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
DJ late Friday night.
8
Under their re-brand, after parting ways with business-partner Donovan Friedman, Hult promises bands Thursday through Saturday, with karaoke on Wednesdays, and a DJ late Friday night. Hult recently decided to move his Flights’ restaurant out of Los Gatos after being hit by a disability access lawsuit, so he’s thrilled to still have one nightlife spot to serve the place he lives. “We’re hoping to get the younger crowd coming in on Fridays and
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
Rebirth stirs Los Gatos
GRAND RELAUNCH The Houserockers keep the crowd moving on a packed dance floor at Charley’s LG.
Saturdays to party—and get bottle service—but also be a really legendary bar with great lighting,” he said. “It’s super cool to still be able to be here in Los Gatos and have a business here. And
obviously, this is our 50th anniversary here at Charley’s.” Charley’s LG 15 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
DOWNTOWN HUB Live music is expected to keep the party going Thursdays through Saturdays.
Exceeding families expectations, one sale at a time. AWARD-WINNING LOS GATOS SCHOOLS
Stunning Vineyard Estate $4,000,000
Rare 18th Fairway Golf Course Setting $5,150,000
Lucy Wedemeyer Broker
lucy@serenogroup.com 408-891-6861 DRE# 00640875
Keith Andry
Associate/Broker
408-891-4151 keith@serenogroup.com DRE# 01470
Private Culdesac Setting $2,850,000
Extraordinary Monte Sereno Gated Estate $6,150,000 (REP BUYER)
Extraordinary marketing expertise fueled with contagious enthusiasm de�nes Lucy Wedemeyer as a “RockStar” Real Estate Broker She’s one of the most recognized and highly respected Realtors in the Bay Area, consistently awarded Top 1% distinction Keith Andry with a BS in Finance joined his Award-Winning Mother-in-Law in 2000.
Marvelous Contemporary Close to Winery $2,300,000
lucyandkeith.com
Fabulous Remodel Near Park and Elementary $2,650,000 This information was supplied by reliable sources. Sales Associate believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no Legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction.
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
As founding members of SERENO, they’ve curated an extensive network of professionals as an integral part of enhancing clients properties for market. Both exude unsurpassed pro-active visions as Brokers and Certi�ed Negotiation Experts; re�ective of 90% referral business as they strive to exceed expectations to accomplish client’s goals and dreams.
9
SPORTS
PANNELL, PARCO SHINE AT STATE Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor
No one expected Los Gatos High senior Veloria Pannell to beat top seed Hailey Chapman—who entered their match ranked No. 8 in the nation—in the first round and opening day of the 131-pound division in the CIF State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 24. No one, that is, except Pannell, the Los Gatos coaches and some of Pannell’s closest family members and friends. Pannell’s stunning 4-1 win over Chapman was the upset of the tournament, but just to prove it was no fluke, the Los Gatos High senior won her next three matches—all over top-notch competition—en route to the championship match against a familiar foe: Alexia Bensoussan.
Pannell’s stunning 4-1 win over Chapman was the upset of the tournament, but just to prove it was no fluke, the Los Gatos march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
High senior won her
10
next three matches.
The Menlo-Atherton High senior had already beaten Pannell in their two previous matchups this season, first at the Gilroy Mid-Cals and then in the semifinals of the Central Coast Section Championships. The CCS match went to triple overtime, and Bensoussan prevailed again in the state final, 5-2, at Mechanics Bank
Arena in Bakersfield on Feb. 26. Despite the loss, Pannell had absolutely nothing to hang her head about because Bensoussan was ranked 21st in the nation in a higher weight class, 138 pounds, and will most assuredly move up several spots after the victory. Pannell’s second-place finish highlighted a tremendous showing for the Los Gatos program, which also saw sophomore E.J. Parco take fifth place at 138 pounds. Parco went 5-2, with his only two losses coming to the state champion and third-place finisher. “I was so proud of E.J.’s effort and how much he accomplished,” Wildcats coach Greg Varela said. “He avenged a bunch of losses he had to some of the top guys earlier in the year, and it was very impressive. I believe E.J. is right there with some of the best guys we’ve ever had in the history of the Los Gatos wrestling program.” Several other athletes from the Los Gatos boys team earned wins as well. Pannell said it was inspiring to see someone like senior heavyweight Dylan Lucas take up wrestling for the first time and advance all the way to state. “He’s a special individual and a good role model on the team,” Pannell said. “It was really inspiring to see how much effort he put in and then to get some reward out of it.” Inspiring could be one way to describe Pannell’s state tournament performance, especially the win over Chapman. Even though on the surface a 4-1 decision denotes a close match, Chapman didn’t record her first and only point until there was 10 seconds remaining. After a scoreless first period, Pannell chose bottom position for the start of the second and scored on an escape. Chapman chose bottom for the start of the third, but Pannell maintained control and ended up utilizing a leg ride, got Chapman on her back and was awarded a three-point near fall. “I knew coming in (Chapman) was the No. 1 seed and had won the Southern Section, so naturally I was nervous,” Pannell said. “But the coaches
Photo courtesy of Veloria Pannell
Los Gatos High wrestlers save their best for last
THE WRESTLER Los Gatos High senior Veloria Pannell sent shockwaves on the opening day of the CIF State Wrestling Championships with a 4-1 decision win over top seed Hailey Chapman in the 131-pound division on Feb. 24. Pannell went on to reach the title match, where she lost to Menlo-Atherton’s Alexia Bensoussan.
reassured me that I would be prepared and would have a game plan of what I had to do strategically, but also putting in a good effort and never giving up. Ultimately, everyone is beatable.” Varela was on pins and needles as he watched the match unfold. “(Chapman) thought she was facing an unranked nobody and what she got was a street fight,” he said. “And by the time she realized she was in a street fight, Veloria had her beat and it shocked her. It was exciting and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.” After winning three more matches to reach the championship match, Pannell got to live every high school wrestler’s dream as she and her opponent shined under the spotlight —literally—with the rest of the arena dark as is the case of wrestling championship matches at big events. “It was a unique experience with so many people there,” Pannell said. “You have a lot of time to think about what had happened and kind of absorb it, but ultimately when you get to the match, you’re wrestling as if it’s any other match. But afterward, as I looked up in the bleacher area and saw the whole team, it was just a great experience.” Pannell’s stirring run through the state championships was a culmination of her indefatigable work ethic
and the focus she had to improve herself since taking up wrestling in her freshman year. Varela said for the longest time he didn’t even know Pannell did other sports like cross country, swimming and track and field because she never missed any of the wrestling practices. “Her work ethic and her family’s work ethic is the secret to their success,” he said. “Her attitude, her will to win, she looks like this little girl and she turns into a beast when she competes.” Los Gatos established numerous program milestones this season, and Varela praised his coaching staff of Danny Chaid, Victor Daza and Brandon Dariano along with athletic director Ken Perrotti for their unwavering commitment and support to help the program thrive. “It takes a village to make it run,” Varela said. “Without the coaching staff and the help of a lot of people like Ken Perrotti, this program doesn’t run. It truly takes a village because of the amount of work and time that goes into this. I demand a lot, I expect a lot and I’m not an easy guy to work with because I want your time. This area we work in Silicon Valley, jobs take a lot of time. And for everyone to sacrifice and put their time into this program takes a lot of dedication.”
TOP ’CATS: LOS GATOS WINS CCS TITLE
Jonathan Natividad
Girls basketball team dominates start to finish Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor
CHAMPIONS The Los Gatos High girls basketball team defeated Homestead to win the Central Coast Section Division I title on Feb. 26. It was the Wildcats’ first CCS championship since 1981-1982 season.
quarter and extending it to 32-17 at halftime. Los Gatos kept its foot on the pedal in the third, pitching a 11-0 quarter shutout. In fact, Homestead didn’t score its first points of the second half until there was 1 minute, 51 seconds left in the game. Coming out strong in the third quarter was a point of emphasis because throughout the season Los Gatos has had letdowns out of the halftime break. “We really wanted to start strong and not give them time to hang around,” Quilici Giles said. “We wanted to make a statement from the beginning and wanted to play our game and tempo.” The Wildcats did just that, as Jeanette Grasty got off to a hot shooting start by making three 3-point shots in the opening quarter. Steiner helped set the tone early when she drew a foul after rebounding her own miss on the team’s opening possession. And Ashley Childers had one of the key plays of the game, blocking a shot when Homestead had a 3-on-2 break. Had the Mustangs scored on the play, they would’ve only trailed by one point, 11-10, with 5:40 left in the second quarter. Even though Homestead did manage to get to within one the next time
down the floor, it was short lived. The Wildcats took control from there, closing the quarter on a 21-7 run. How dominant were the Wildcats? They led by as many as 36 points, four shy of inducing a running clock. Belle Bramer finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds, Grasty had 12 and Casey Brennan highlighted the team’s defensive performance. “Casey Brennan is definitely our defensive quarterback and always in the right place at the right time,” Quilici Giles said. “She’s got a high basketball IQ, especially on defense and helps everyone rotate to where they need to be. Jeanette said it best that Casey is always in help, but it’s never too much or too little. She gives you the exact help you need without her getting out of position.” Bramer and Steiner also were pivotal to the defensive performance, with Steiner recording two steals and a block in the first quarter. The 6-foot-1 freshman is a big reason why the Wildcats probably won’t go another 40 years in between CCS championships. After a standout season on the Wildcats girls volleyball team, Steiner transitioned nicely to basketball, producing a couple of 20-plus rebound games in December. Steiner said the team really started gaining confidence
after a huge comeback to beat a highly-rated Evergreen Valley team, 50-49, on Dec. 11. “That’s when I knew how much more potential we had and that is when we really started going up in our team play,” she said. Steiner grew up playing basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field and volleyball, excelling in all five sports. She set records along the way, a byproduct of growing up with two older siblings, Katie and Trent. The three are all actively involved in sports and Nicole always wanted to compete against Trent in everything since he was three years older. Los Gatos got the job done on and off the court this season. The team’s 3.882 GPA was tops among all the girls basketball teams in the section, and second overall among all winter sports teams. On the court, Quilici Giles pushed all the right buttons, the players executed and played with enthusiasm, and the result was a section championship. Since winning CCS was the main goal, any win that Los Gatos picks up in NorCals is a bonus. “Now everything else is just extra and whatever kind of run we can make is icing on top,” Quilici Giles said.
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
For Los Gatos High girls basketball coach Sara Quilici Giles and freshman standout Nicole Steiner, the moment hit them as Ella Rabtiz was hoisted up by her teammates to put an index card on the south wall at Helm Gym, the area that lists the school’s Central Coast Section champions. For the first time in 40 years, the Wildcats were champions again. Los Gatos 53, Homestead 26. Los Gatos’ only previous title came in 1982, and the team had made three other championship game appearances: in 1978, 1984 and 2017. “I’m very much a wear my emotion on my sleeve person,” Quilici Giles said. “I didn’t cry right away, but after looking at the team and seeing how happy and proud they were of themselves, I did tear up a little bit. And after Ella was hoisted up and we had pictures taken, I was a little bit of a mess there for a minute.” Steiner, who finished with a gamehigh 18 points and 12 rebounds, also was moved in what transpired as the clock was winding down and in the aftermath of a dominating victory in the Division I championship game on Feb. 26. “I just remember sitting on the bench with my teammates watching the clock tick down and taking it all in,” she said. “It was just a thrill being able to celebrate with my teammates. This is the first CCS finals I’ve won and it’s definitely going to stick with me as I grow up.” By virtue of winning the section title, Los Gatos (24-3) earned the No. 4 seed in the CIF State NorCal Division II playoffs and hosted No. 13 seed Lick-Wilmerding (21-6) on March 1, after the Los Gatan’s deadline. Los Gatos and Homestead were meeting for the third time this season, having split two Santa Clara Valley League De Anza Division games. The rubber match—“The only one that counts now,” Quilici Giles said— would determine the Division I CCS champion. It was never close. The Wildcats jumped all over the Mustangs, taking a 16-7 lead after the first
11
LIVES
Longtime journalist Dick Sparrer dies at 72
• Three unknown suspects stole catalytic converters from two vehicles parked on Littlefield Lane. • A bicyclist reportedly kicked a mirror of a vehicle parked on Blossom Hill and Roberts road.
Dan Pulcr ano, Executive Editor
• Two packages were stolen from a porch on E. Vineland Avenue.
He loved the town, and he loved young people and their sports activities. march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
FEB. 20
Retired in 2016 after 45-year newspaper career Longtime Los Gatos journalist Dick Sparrer died Saturday, according to family members. He was 72. He worked in newspapers for 45 years before retiring at the end of 2016 after 15 years as the Los Gatos WeeklyTimes’ editor. “It seems like only yesterday when I was walking across the front lawn at Los Gatos High School during graduation ceremonies, my diploma in hand and my whole life in front of me,” the 1967 LGHS graduate wrote in his final column. “The next 50 years really went by in a blur.” He entered the field when John Baggerly “gave me the chance to get my first story printed in the old Los Gatos Times Observer—a real newspaper,” he added.
12
POLICE BLOTTER
He attended Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos, where he first took an interest in writing about sports and, after graduating from Los Gatos High, attended West Valley College, where he became sports editor of the college’s newspaper. In the 1970s, he became a sports writer for the Milpitas Post, and later the Times Observer. He coached youth baseball for 20 years.
FEB. 21
• A wallet and phone were stolen from a vehicle parked on Oka Road. • A man was arrested for disorderly conduct on the 16800 block of Farley Road at 1:40pm. • A woman reportedly shoplifted from a store on Los Gatos Boulevard at 4:16pm. Dick Sparrer He served as sports editor for the Los Gatos Weekly-Times and its sister publications during its ownership by Metro Newspapers, now known as Weeklys and the owner of the Los Gatan. During its short period as an independent group, Executive Editor Dale Bryant tapped Sparrer to become editor of the Weekly-Times. “When I became executive editor of Silicon Valley Newspapers, I needed to find an editor for Los Gatos and also our Saratoga paper, which I had added to my job description,” Bryant said. “It turned out to be a big challenge—until Dick called one day and asked me to go to lunch. He not only said he’d love to edit the papers, but he wanted to continue doing sports. He did all of those jobs admirably.” “He loved the town, and he loved young people and their sports activities,” Bryant said. In 2008, Sparrer was honored as grand marshall of the Los Gatos Children’s Christmas Holidays Parade. Sparrer, who lived in Morgan Hill during his retirement, is survived by his wife Natalie, sons Mike and Kevin, two granddaughters, stepdaughters Lisa, Michelle and Kim, stepson Doug and 13 step-grandchildren.
FEB. 23
• A man knocked on a door on Strathmore Place at 4:16pm and said he had Amazon packages, but the resident said they did not order anything. • A man was arrested for inflicting injury on a cohabitant on the 17600 block of Bruce Avenue at 5:56pm.
FEB. 24
• Someone stole propane tanks on S. Santa Cruz Avenue. • An unknown suspect vandalized a vacant building with graffiti on Bachman and N. Santa Cruz avenues. • Two men were arrested for being in possession of burglary tools on the 15100 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 3:52am. • A man reportedly opened a bottle of wine in front of an automotive dealership on Los Gatos Boulevard at 12:56pm, and was asked not to drink on the property. • A woman was arrested for soliciting without a permit on N. Santa
Cruz Avenue and Andrews Street at 9:30pm.
• A man rang a doorbell on Wild Way and then walked to the corner of the house at 10:28pm.
FEB. 25
• Four juveniles reportedly vandalized a restaurant’s restroom with graffiti on the 1400 block of Pollard Road. • Someone threw a large rock onto solar panels on Thomas Drive.
FEB. 26
• Someone stole propane tanks on the first block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue. • A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia and burglary tools on Highway 9 and University Avenue at 8:22am. • An unknown suspect stole credit cards from a vehicle parked on the 200 block of Blossom Hill Road. • A man reportedly stole a phone from a business on the 15900 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 5:17pm. • Someone vandalized a vehicle with rocks on Thomas Drive. • A home was burglarized on Maria Teresa Court. • A man was arrested for battery on the 16500 block of Marchmont Drive at 7:45pm. • A caller reported that someone parked in an underground lot on Los Gatos Boulevard at 9:54pm was likely selling narcotics because the “trunk of their vehicle was open.” Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
losgatan.com
Russian invasion of Ukraine hits close to home Drew Penner/Los Gatan
Local Ukrainian community shaken by war Drew Penner, Reporter
‘SCARED’ Los Gatos High School freshman Aleks Rombakh, who is a Ukrainian citizen, has family and friends in Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues. She’s seen here after class wearing her Andriy Shevchenko soccer jersey, from when the former AC Milan striker played on the Ukrainian national team.
chyna neighborhood, said he was so worried he couldn’t eat. “The whole day we just stay home,” he said. “We started to collect our documents, to collect some important things—some essential clothes—and just monitored the situation inside the country.” That night Peshko and his family were summoned to the bomb shelter. “The city outside was silent,” he said. “I heard just a few times the (Ukrainian) air forces was flying near our district.” Eventually, they were told they could return home. He tried to sleep, but sleep was hard to come by. They made the decision to flee to the countryside where Peshko’s grandmother lives. At this point, he still has access to the internet—and was able to bring
his instruments with him—but he says his Los Gatos students will just have to wait to reschedule. “Technically, I can do my teaching,” he said. “But, you know, the mood and the emotion, it’s, like, not so well to do this. And the situation is, like, so quick-changeable.”
Fearing for family, friends Aleks Rombakh, 15, is in her first year at Los Gatos High School. She was born here in the South Bay, but her Ukrainian citizenship means the world to her. She explains, proudly, that when her ancestors were forced to escape Bulgaria back in the day, the country came to their aid. “They escaped to Ukraine,” she said. “They gave them shelter.” She’s close with a distant relative, who remains in Odessa. He’s Rom-
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
(Editor’s note: This story has been abridged. For the entire article, visit LosGatan.com.) Los Gatos resident Natasha Lyukevich had been looking forward to her usual ukulele lesson with 35-yearold Sergio Peshko, who’d been quite successful at teaching her 11-year-old son Colin Kennedy the Hawaiian instrument. Like everything else during the pandemic, this was to happen virtually. The difference was this music tutor wasn’t down the road in Saratoga or Willow Glen—Peshko was located in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. “I can’t teach you today because I have a war,” he said, recalling the message he sent Lyukevich Feb. 24, in a Skype interview with the Los Gatan. “I was worried about the situation, because I don’t know what to do.” He was supposed to be living in China, where he’d been working as a guitarist. It’s where his girlfriend lives. But after the coronavirus broke out while he was back in Europe, he couldn’t return. Instead, Peshko has been working as a sound engineer for a Crimean broadcaster, but he also enjoys guiding learners all over the world toward musical proficiency, including with the ukulele. They often expect it'll be a cinch to learn to play what looks like a simplified guitar, he muses. “Some of them think ukulele is an ‘easy’ music instrument, but it’s not so easy,” he said. “I also like to prepare for lessons, create some tasks, search some new songs, create materials for lessons.” Peshko also taught Lyukevich’s older son electric guitar, too. He knew conflict might be imminent. But when it actually arrived, he was still shocked. “At the morning, I just heard just big Boom!,” he said, recalling the moment he realized the invasion had begun. “The sound of explosion was not so close to me, it was, I don’t know, maybe, 20 km or 10 km (away).” Peshko, who’s been living with his parents and cousin in the Troiesh-
bakh’s fourth-cousin, but their parents grew up in the same house together during WWII, so the families have always been close. He told her, “Everything’s fine.” But later, she found out he was putting on a good face for her. “I’m really scared for him,” she said. “He means so much to me.” His mom’s been reporting food shortages—even at the more expensive grocery stores. “The shelves were all empty,” Rombakh said. “All she could get was a loaf of bread.” Just days ago, her mom, Olga Mavrody, who owns a Los Gatos accounting business, was planning a trip to Ukraine—envisioning restaurants, beaches and nightlife. Now that’s out the window. “We’re completely stunned,” Mavrody said of the invasion. “What has happened with Russia—it’s just unheard of.” A few hours earlier, at breakfast, her own mom had shared about how much the situation reminds her of living through the Nazi invasion. Mavrody confirms their friends and family have been through the wringer in Ukraine, already. While her aunt, in Odessa—who’s in her 70s—seemed to be taking everything in stride, another friend there isn’t quite so even-keeled. They’re shooting at my building, read the text she received Sunday from the woman. Can you get me out of here? So, Mavrody started researching how her friend could seek asylum. The same day, she spoke with another extended family member who reported her adult son had successfully exited the country—passing through Moldova and into Romania—right before the border closed. The war isn’t just affecting local Ukrainians, Rombakh notes. In fact, one of her classmates, whose family immigrated from a former Soviet state, wonders how it might affect their loved ones, too, if war continues. Three days into the invasion, a couple of Azerbaijani women, who asked to remain anonymous, were at the Slavic Shop, picking up some Eastern European-style cookies. “We stand with Ukraine,” one told the Los Gatan.
13
The Los Gatos Library’s Mystery Lover’s Book Club meets the first Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is March 2 at 5pm on Zoom. The club will discuss “The Dinner” by Herman Koch.
PIANIST PERFORMS IN SARATOGA
➝ steinwaysociety.com or call 408.300.5635
STUDENT ART EXHIBITION
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
New Museum Los Gatos, 106 E. Main St., will present the 11th annual ArtNow juried Santa Clara County high school art exhibition. The exhibition and educational program gives high school students, from Palo Alto to Gilroy, the experience of presenting artwork in a professional museum setting and the opportunity to participate in supporting educational and career development programs. The exhibit will run March 25-May 22.
14
➝ numulosgatos.org/artnow
CHAMBER AWARDS LUNCHEON The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual awards luncheon on March 25 at noon at Loma Brewing Company, 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave. The event will honor community members and businesses, as well as feature an update from town and county officials. ➝ losgatoschamber.com
Tuesdays from noon to 1:30pm at Shir Hadash Synagogue, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane. ➝ losgatosrotary.org. The Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club The Club meets every Wednesday morning 7:30-8:30am at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. Program includes featured guest speakers.
➝ losgatosca.gov/42/Los-Gatos-Library
Steinway Society – The Bay Area will welcome pianist Yeol Eum Son on March 12 at 7:30pm at the McAfee Performing Arts and Lecture Center, 20300 Herriman Ave. in Saratoga. Yeol Eum’s performances range from Bach and Mozart to German and Russian Romantics, and the 20th century music of Gershwin, Szymanowski, Ligeti and Salonen. Purchasers may choose to watch the event live or the recording afterward. Admission is $42 to $65 for the live performance, and streaming tickets are $40 per household.
Marco Borggreve
MYSTERY LOVERS BOOK CLUB
CALENDAR
Los Gatos Lions Club The Los Gatos Lions Club meets every Wednesday. A breakfast meeting is held at Moore Buick, 15500 Los Gatos Blvd., at 8am and a noon meeting at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, with a guest speaker. The club has been active since 1946.
PUBLIC MEETINGS Town Council The Los Gatos Town Council meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
INTERNATIONAL PERFORMER Pianist Yeol Eum Son performs in Saratoga on March 12.
COLLEGE HILL EVACUATION DRILL An evacuation drill for the College Hill neighborhood is scheduled for April 2 from 9am to noon. The neighborhood includes residences on College Avenue, Reservoir Road, Prospect Avenue, Cleland Avenue and connecting streets. Attendees will receive automated AlertSCC test messages and follow traffic control to the “evacuation” site. ➝ bit.ly/3uErgtP
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
ONGOING Los Gatos Farmers Market The Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables from Santa Clara County yearround. More than 40 local farmers and food producers sell their wares Sundays from 9am to 1pm at Town Park Plaza on Main Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue. ➝ cafarmersmkts.com/losgatosfarmers-market Campbell Farmers Market The Downtown Campbell Farmers Market is held Sundays, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm.
The 17th Induction Ceremony of the Los Gatos High School Athletic Hall of Fame will take place April 30 at La Rinconada Country Club, 14595 Clearview Drive. The evening begins with a no host reception at 5pm. Tickets cost $110 and include dinner and wine.
➝ uvfm.org/campbell-sundays.
Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/3tgUHA6
Rotary Club of Los Gatos The Rotary Club of Los Gatos meets
The Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos The club meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at Double D's, 354 N. Santa Cruz Ave. First two Thursdays of the month feature guest speakers. For information, visit lgkiwanisgives.org.
➝ losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council Planning Commission The Los Gatos Planning Commission meets virtually on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. ➝ losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission Santa Clara County Supervisors The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meets virtually on Tuesdays at 9am. ➝ bit.ly/3oy2Zmq Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District The board meets every other Tuesday at 5pm. ➝ bit.ly/3DaJRi9 Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees The board meets monthly at either 6:30pm or 4pm. ➝ bit.ly/3oywlRA Other Town commissions The Town of Los Gatos has various committees that serve as advisory bodies for the Town Council. ➝ losgatosca.gov/12/BoardsCommissions-Committees
GUEST VIEW
How to teach kids about fiery realities emergency drills are one way to do this; most emergency responders recommend perParents want to shield forming a drill at least twice their children from the dana year (every six months). It gers of the world—but fire is also beneficial to focus on is one thing they can’t sweep teaching one safety skill at a under the rug. Especially time. For example, identifynow, as our communities ing potential dangerous situbegin to realize fire season Liz Weissman ations, learning two different no longer has a beginning routes to the family meeting spot, memor end; it is a constant where we live. orizing emergency phone numbers, reThis, alongside the ever-present risk of sponding to certain safety-related dihouse fires, makes it clear that parents rections (“stop,” “get out of the house,” must take the time to prepare their etc.) consistently. Don’t assume a child children for the reality of fires…no matalready knows these skills—parents ter the time of year. should always take the time to explicitly Parents can support their children teach these skills to their children. ahead of fire-related crises through the following: Liz Weissman
Increasing Fire Awareness Before becoming prepared for fire, children need to understand what fire is, how it begins, what the signs are, what risks exist, and what to do in the event of an emergency. The challenge here is bringing awareness to these topics without instilling additional fear and anxiety in children; my goodness, they’ve already lived through a pandemic and experienced immense trauma over the last few years. Therefore, it is important that parents keep these conversations, and any supporting activities, factual and neutral. In other words, no sugar coating and oppositely, no over-exaggeration of danger.
Effective Discussions On Fire Safety
Practicing Safety Skills and Emergency Plans It’s not enough to simply talk through emergency preparedness. In order for children to be able to respond in the event of a real emergency, they need to have had opportunities to practice their skills outside of an event. Family
A great way to involve children in the process of preparing for fires is to include them in setting up emergency kits. Depending on the developmental ability of the child, they may be able to participate in supplying the kit, checking it for all required components, establishing a location to keep the kit, and more. This gives children the opportunity to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility when it comes to emergency preparedness.
Supporting Resilience Lastly, parents must support their children in developing resilience and coping skills ahead of fire-related trauma. Parents can achieve this through: • Focusing on the emotional connection with their child • Promoting curiosity and healthy risk-taking • Helping them understand their emotions and create a safe environment for them to share their feelings • Building a support network of family, friends and trusted adults • Establishing routines that can be continued even in the face of adversity It’s never too early to start preparing children for emergencies. By following the above recommendations, parents can ensure their children are equipped with the knowledge they need to handle fire-related disasters safely and confidently. Liz Weissman of Los Gatos is a Parent Coach, Education Specialist with a behavioral background, and local mother.
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
Part of increasing fire awareness for a child is holding effective discussions on fire safety. In order to be effective, these discussions must be developmentally appropriate for the child. Talking about fire safety is one aspect of these discussions; the other aspect is ensuring comprehension. Parents can support comprehension through hands-on activities, games, role playing, and practicing relevant safety skills in different environments.
Building Emergency Kits
15
REAL ESTATE
HOME OF THE WEEK
Compass
1%
seller’s listing fee
+
2%
buyer’s agent fee
=
3%
total commission
FULL SERVICE, REAL SAVINGS tom moulding 831-266 -8242 • flatraterealty.com
TWO HISTORIC HOMES ON GATED PROPERTY
LGS Recreation
Summer 2022
r t he e d n U g n Everyt hi
Registration now open!
OVERLOOK ROAD True to its name, this property has views of the valley below.
Sun
This gated property with two homes sits on more than one acre, which used to be part of the Ghirardelli family estate, according to its listing. Located at 19046 Overlook Road in Los Gatos, the homes are 1,677 square feet and 896 square feet. The property has the potential to be a multi-generational living location, with options for a new building on
site. A site for a pool is also ready. Sitting in the trees, there are many natural paths on the property to explore. It also sits a mile and a half from downtown Los Gatos. The property is listed at $2,899,000 by Compass. For information, visit bit.ly/3spW0hc Compass
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Join our 55 Plus Community! Free/Low Cost Programs & Services for Members.
16
Visit us and pick up your copy of The PRINT for the latest.
losgatan.com
SERENE These homes are nestled in the trees.
SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM IN LOS GATOS Join us as a charter subscriber! The team that launched the original Los Gatos Weekly has come together once again to give the town the quality of journalism it needs. News about local people, school sports and vital community issues will fill the pages of thislocal publication –and a live web site. Los Gatos deserves real reporting.
lgsubs.com
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
17
Services Directory CLEANING
Auto Body Fine Rug Repair Free towing and delivery Our services include dent removal, paint matching, mechanical repair, frame repair, alignment and adjustment.
Make your car look and run like new.
Auto Shield Collision Center Santa Clara autoshieldcollision.com 408-216-9904
Cleaning & Repair
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION 30 pt 2 pt
Home Repair & Remodeling
158 pt Starling Heavy on 131 with -50 tracking
specialize in cleaning pure silk rugs of any size. This process involves meticulous care and expertise. We specialize in cleaning Persian, Turkish, Afghan, Indian, and Oriental rugs of all shapes and sizes. Free pick up and delivery.
Real Wood Floors
54 pt Starling Heavy on 59 with -50 tracking
Starling Roman 28 on 41
74 years in business! We clean, restore and protect your fine rugs. Our experts
30 pt 2 pt
Daniel Burja Construction
dburjaconst@sbcglobal.net
831.246.4346 Lic. #802148
& Composite Flooring
Professional service by an experienced, reliable specialist.
quality, please give us a call.
DONATION BUSINESS
Asphalt Services
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
831.419.2553 Lic # 956218
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
Josh Sladwick Engineering 831.566.3324 Santa Cruz, CA
To advertise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323 Eric Bocanegra 408.200.1309 ext.1309
losgatan.com
Carpentry Home Repair Landscape Contact Greg Eiman by calling 831.588.1260
Santos Hauling The Original Santos Hauling Since 1998
Find your treasure Cabanex Floors · 404 Queens Lane San Jose, CA 95112 cabanexfloorsinc.com
Voted #1 Thrift Store 3 years in a row!
The Abbot’s Thrift
The best thrift, antiques & collectibles
Asphalt Sealcoating Striping
Professional. Timely. Courteous.
HAULING
manufacturers and pass savings on
Unusual Builds?
“You “You rest rest and and relax, relax, and and I’ll I’ll clean clean your your windows.”— windows.”— Randy Randy Sauro Sauro
“You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
Balconies. Fences. Metal Doors. Railings. Stairways. Furniture. Please visit our gallery on the web at www.yeswelding.com/projects Email sales@yeswelding.com or call 408 887-3488 or 408 533-2858 Since 1990.
Donations Accepted Daily Mon-Sat: 9am-7pm Sun: Noon - 5pm 6164 Hwy 9 | Felton, CA 95018 (831) 335-0606
HANDYMAN
No Job Too Small Tree houses, van conversions, she-sheds and dude-shacks...
Lowest cost, bonded, references
Free Estimates Call Mario or J Santos
831-252-5353 Lic. #76915
Kittricks Hauling for over 4 SLV 0y ng
83
1. 4 1 9 . 0 0 70
“Your Service Network”
I’ve got you covered! Master craftsman with over 40 years of experience. Call Christopher 831.431.0828
We do it all! Yard and Tree Work. Demolition and clean ups. Re-roofing and tear off. Dirt and poison oak removal.
rs! ea
18
Window Window Washing Washing
Handyman Services
years. We buy direct from major
408 568-5475 408-857-4669
408-218-4990
Ornamental Iron, Welding & Custom Metal Fabrication
to you. If you appreciate value and
Motorcycle Towing 25 Union Street San Jose, CA 95110 408-294-6644 martinousrugs.com
HANDYMAN
We’ve installed 4,224 floors in nine
Patching, sealing, striping
Martinous Rugs Inc.
CONSTRUCTION
Ser vi
AUTO REPAIR/TOWING
831.252.4557
Licensed & Unlicensed Professionals
Window Washing To advertise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323
Eric Bocanegra 408.200.1309 ext.1309
“You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
To advertise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323 Eric Bocanegra 408.200.1309 ext. 1309 HOUSE CLEANING
LANDSCAPING
Jesse’s General Quality House Cleaning Landscaping & Masonry I use plant-based cleaning products and top of the line equipment. I am vaccinated for COVID-19 and follow all proper protocols for your safety.
I specialize in homes! References and insured. Lic # 108576
Call or Text Kristina: 650-703-5179
Pavers and concrete Patios Landscape design Yard work Improvements and installation
House Cleaning
Premium service and resonable rates Call today for a free estimate! 25+ years of experience, references, bonded and insured.
408-608-9335
(831) 239-4645
Professional Alterations for Men and Women
Call Christy Best at 831-247-0988
CLUTTERBUG
HVAC clutterbug.net
PAINTING
(831) 331-0111
Mention LOS GATAN for
15% OFF
Got Piano?
I buy and sell quality used pianos or can place pianos on consignment.
Lic# 258540
LANDSCAPING
Alvarado Landscaping
Tree cut service. Concrete. Fences Maintenance. Clean up & hauling.
(831) 818-4324 unlicensed operator
Window Got Washing Shirt? “You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
We have been providing quality service and meeting your real estate needs in both sales and property management since 1977.
Broker, Jeanne Jensen Shada 831.438.2208 4615 Scotts Valley Dr, Suite B DRE #00606749
Housing too expensive here? Now with working in place, you can live where you want for much less and keep your job. Let me find you a real estate broker out of the area or out of state. I will do the leg work. I will also give you a $100 gift certificate when you purchase through my referral!
All I need to know is the city you want to move to. The Rodino Realty Group Give me a call or text at 408.431.6640
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
Order online: wklys.co/lgtshirt
losgatan.com
Give me a call for a free piano refinishing estimate. I have 48 years experience in the piano business as a PTG Registered Craftsman serving the Bay Area.
Call Rich at 408.260.2740. No text
831.438.0308
4736 Scotts Valley Dr, Ste B scottsvalleychiropractic.com
In these times, expert travel advice is needed more than ever. We do the planning so you can enjoy the trip! We’ve been serving Los Gatos for 60 years.
Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates.
PLUMBING
Over 40 years experience to serve you. New construction Remodels Water heaters Repipes and repairs
Your Gutter & Copperworks Expert Are you looking for a way to control the rain that falls on your home or business? We do more than just gutter and downspout installations and repairs. Give us a call!
(831) 345-3490 slvraingutters.com
Give us a call at 831.610.8147 or email hwy9plumbing@gmail.com
Lic # 1045811
56 N Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos • 408.354.6531 Lic. #813878
losgatan.co m : march 2 - 8, 20 2 2
408-868-5500
LOS GATAN GEAR
RAIN GUTTERS
Interior and Exterior
Bonded/Insured/PL, PD/CA Lic. #550327
Only one per client. Offer does not include diagnosis fee. Does not apply to major equipment replacement or accessories. Valid through Dec 31, 2022
Looking to Move from the Bay Area?
Scotts Valley Property Management
Third generation chiropractor, established in 1976
Doscher Painting Rick Doscher (831) 335-9084
Your Entire Repair Bill
Careful Management
408-354-8903
831-252-5353 Valley Heating, Cooling, Moon Painting Scotts Valley Electrical and Interior and exterior. Chiropractic Pressure washing Dr. Paige Thibodeau, D.C. Solar Call Saul:
The Home of Old Fashioned Service Since 1962.
REAL ESTATE
469 N. Santa Cruz Ave Across from Safeway
Feeling Overwhelmed? Organizing challenges of any kind. Home or office. Relocations, downsizing. Nonjudgemental.
cleansweep1989@gmail.com
Designer’s Tailoring
REAL ESTATE
Affordable Rates
ORGANIZER
Clean Sweep
PROFESSIONAL
19
CAROL JEANS REALTOR®, Founding Member
16384 Peacock Lane, Los Gatos
march 2 - 8, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
ELEGANT UPDATED SINGLE STORY IN A HIGHLY DESIRABLE LOS GATOS NEIGHBORHOOD Charm, elegance and a fabulous sunny open floor plan are the hallmarks of this updated charming classic single story California Ranch style home in a highly desirable Los Gatos neighborhood, which may offer expansion possibilities. Featuring a seamless integration of indoor/outdoor living, the magical grounds include mountain views, mature trees, lawns, Connecticut Blue Stone path, raised garden beds, large garden shed and deck for relaxing and entertaining. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this wonderful home is the perfect balance of serene living just minutes from vibrant downtown Los Gatos dining, shopping, parks, schools and freeways for easy commute access. The beautiful double door entry extends a special welcome into the light-filled home with large picture windows and sun tunnels. Spacious public rooms including a living room with a gas fireplace and marble facade and family room with second gas fireplace, create an inviting ambiance and ease of living. Newly updated, well appointed kitchen offers quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, new cooktop, newer refrigerator and dishwasher opening onto a large casual eat-in area. The bedroom wing features a primary en-suite overlooking the beautiful backyard and three additional bedrooms with recessed lighting throughout. Additional features include: newly painted interior and exterior and refreshed landscaping, air conditioning, 2 newer water heaters, and newer washer and dryer. Enjoy California living at its finest in this elegant home that combines classic design and modern amenities. Distinguished Los Gatos Schools.
20
• Charming picture perfect updated single level ranch style home privately situated in a highly desirable Los Gatos neighborhood. • Magical grounds feature mountain views, gardens, Connecticut bluestone walking paths, raised garden beds, expansive lawns, mature Redwood tree-deck for entertaining and large garden shed. • Fabulous light and airy floor plan features double door entry into large living room that includes recessed lighting and gas fireplace with traditional wood mantle and marble face and hearth and large picture front window exudes light. • Newly updated kitchen features quartz countertops, white subway tile backsplash, new cooktop, newer refrigerator and dishwasher. • A place for casual or formal dining plus breakfast bar with backyard access. • Spacious family room with open beam ceiling includes a second gas fireplace and access to lovely grounds.
OFFERED AT $2,699,000
• Separate bedroom wing offers a primary en-suite that includes double vanity plusthree additional bedrooms with newer recessed lighting and ample closet space. • Hall bathroom with double vanity includes a shower over tub. • Beautifully refreshed landscaping in both the front and back yards. Expansive grounds feature mountain views-an lawns, a mature Redwood and citrus trees-providing an ideal backdrop for entertaining and family fun. • Newly painted interior and exterior; hardwood floors in kitchen and family room areas, recessed lighting, refreshed landscaping in the front and backyards, air conditioning, 2 newer water heaters, and newer washer and dryer. • Separate utility room with sink. • Attached 2-car garage.(May not accommodate 2 large cars-buyer to verify) • Fantastic location within minutes of schools, shopping, parks, dining and freeways for easy commute access. • Distinguished Los Gatos Schools schools (Buyer to Verify)
•
Ranked Top 1% of Realtors in Northern California Real Trends 2021
•
Top 250 Real Estate Agents Real Trends Wall Street Journal
•
Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents in Northern California Real Estate Executive Magazine
•
America’s Best Realtors Newsweek 2020
•
2018 Joanne Knapp Community Service Award Recipient
•
More than $1 billion in sales
•
80% of clients are either former clients or referrals
• •
30 years of market knowledge Founding member of Sereno focused on the quality of the client’s experience
•
Chair 1% For Good Sereno Los Gatos
•
Board Member Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation
•
Luxury Real Estate Specialist Unprecedented Knowledge of the Local Market and Community
408.313.0067 carol@sereno.com | CarolJeans.com DRE 01117857