Los Gatan 3-16-2022 by Weeklys

@losgatan

vol . I, no. 28 : march 16-22, 2022 : losgatan.com

sheriff retiring p8 : swimmers hit records p11 : community briefs p14 : ny times crossword puzzle p17 Jonathan Natividad

CONGRESS PASSES $750K FOR FIRE REDUCTION IN LOS GATOS

TOWN MOVES FORWARD WITH DOWNTOWN PARKING PLAN Proposal: First three hours free, $2.50 an hour thereafter

Funds to be used to thin vegetation along roads

Drew Penner, Reporter

In its effort to divert employees of downtown merchants away from parking spots on main streets to plentiful options nearby, Los Gatos has been considering rule updates. And that includes charging in some locations. When confronted with two wayfinding and parking sign concepts, March 15, the Town Council decided unanimously on the one with the square motif, rather than a curved style described as “softer” and “more elegant” by a council member. But the feelings weren’t strong either way. ➝ Paid Parking, 6

Drew Penner, Reporter

With Democrats and Republicans coming together to move a $1.5 trillion spending bill through Congress, thanks in no small part to the aid for Ukraine it contained, Los Gatos is one step closer to getting $750,000 to harden itself against wildfire. The 2,741-page omnibus package includes $13.6 billion in military and humanitarian aid for the European country in Vladimir Putin’s crosshairs, and finally gives Democrats the chance to secure some of the priorities that were stymied by Senator Joe Manchin’s opposition to their Build Back Better agenda. “It’s a great win for the Town,” said Arn Andrews, Los Gatos’ assistant town manager. “Getting a federal earmark is not easy.” This money is in addition to the $7 million in State funding announced Sept. 18 to help West Silicon Valley municipalities prepare for wildland blazes. Andrews says Los Gatos has been working to thin out dan-

INTRODUCTION A player from the Cubs exits the “tunnel” formed by the Los Gatos High baseball team in the

➝ Fire, 4

Los Gatos Little League Opening Day celebration on March 12 at Baggerly Field. For the full story, turn to page 12.

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losgatan.com : marc h 16- 22 , 20 2 2

VOL.1 NO.28 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor and Publisher Lee May General Manager Erik Chalhoub Managing Editor

Drew Penner, Reporter

Phaedra Strecher Editorial Production Manager Drew Penner Reporter 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

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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.

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Fire, from page 1

Judge schedules hearing on March 28

Lori Lieneke Advertising Director

ATTEMPT TO QUASH RESTRAINING ORDER FUNDS FOR SAFETY BY HUSBAND OF COUNCILMEMBER DENIED

Email your submissions to editor@losgatan.com 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.

Before the Monday hearing on a restraining order against Jeffrey Scott, the husband of Councilmember Marico Sayoc, got underway, “The Voice of San Jose,” Angela Tirado—who just so happened to be in the Santa Clara County Superior Courthouse in connection with another matter—sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” in the hallway. As Cyndi Sheehan waited for the civil harassment suit she’d filed against Scott to come up, she replayed the moment on her phone, for all to hear. Filming that video (in addition to the selfie one supporter took in the hallway), is technically illegal. Scott was hit with a temporary restraining order after Sheehan and another protester brought up personal details about their son during the Oct. 5 Council meeting. He’d burst into the building to confront them using aggressive language. Scott has also subpoenaed the Los Gatan seeking reporter’s notes and other materials from that evening. While waiting for Monday’s hearing, one of Sheehan’s supporters handed out a flyer promoting the film Whose Children are They?, which rails against Critical Race Theory, and other perceived or actual educational woes. Sheehan thanked one man who’d shown up but had to leave early. “I’ve gotta go clean a carpet,” he said, urging her to call into a talk radio program after the hearing. “We’ve still got them.” A bailiff reminded the approximately 15-strong crowd to abide by mask rules. He said he’d already gotten two calls about it and hoped his sergeant wouldn’t have to get involved. Lynley Kerr Hogan, 54, who was front-and-center during Scott’s outburst in the Council foyer, said she believes Sheehan wouldn’t have filed the restraining order had Scott written a nice apology letter in the aftermath. “We’re here right now because a man could not control himself and let his feelings take over,” she said. “And that’s what’s wrong with society. We’re letting our feelings take over.” Just before 11:30am, everyone filed

into the courtroom and Scott only spoke to introduce himself to Judge Carol Overton. He was represented by two lawyers, BJ Fadem and Nicole Ford. Sheehan, in a white-striped black suit, advocated for herself. Fadem, attempting to quash the temporary restraining order, put forth two case law submissions he said prove his client never made a “credible threat.” Scott never hit anyone and his case law submission involved actual battery, Fadem said. “In this particular case we don’t even have physical contact,” he said, adding even if his client had threatened Sheehan’s life, that alone wouldn’t necessarily count as potential for actual future violence. “It’s insufficient.” Neither the judge nor Sheehan were up to speed on the two examples, so the proceedings went off-the-record while they did some research. Meanwhile, the carpet cleaner returned without a mask on, and was told to go get one. “I have a medical condition,” he tried. He was told to put one on, show an order from the judge—or get out. “It’s all b.s.,” he said, before Overton cut in. “I’m really trying to read some case law,” she said of the distraction. Overton wasn’t able to find one of the cases cited by Scott’s team, who decided it would be more of a hassle than it's worth to run to their office to get another copy. That case essentially made the same point anyways, Fadem noted. Sheehan didn’t quite seem to understand the point of the late-breaking case law add-on. “My argument is: I do have a valid case,” she said, apparently confused about why she wasn’t allowed to present evidence at this stage. Originally, the judge was planning to hold the demurrer and order to show cause hearings on the same day, but earlier cases had left too little time to accomplish both. In the end, Overton sided with Sheehan and overruled the demurrer, scheduling a two-day hearing to begin March 28. She also extended the temporary restraining order against Scott until then.

gerous fuels along 31 miles of roads, to prevent the possibility of “fire tunnels” being created. It put half-a-million dollars into the initiative. “That $500,000 got us through about six miles,” Andrews said, adding it doubled down on the project with another $500,000, this year. “The crews are currently up there working.” When Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo asked if there were any funding requests the Town had, local officials thought of this project. “For us it’s very specific. It’s, ‘Let’s just keep chipping away at these roadways,’” Andrews said. “What this is, is largescale landscaping.” The idea of creating defensible spaces resonated within the Democratic Party, which had already scaled back its environmental ambitions, and is now— with gas sanctions in place against Russia—seeking ways to source more climate change-fueling oil for the country, not less. After holding talks with Eshoo months ago, Town staff got a chance to practice patience. “We were fairly certain that we were going to receive the funding,” Andrews said. “We were just waiting for Washington, D.C. to move through the cycle.” Andrews says locals may have a sense of what the federal dollars will be used for, if they’ve headed toward the Pacific Ocean any time recently. State money recently went toward removing easy-to-catch branches and debris stretching from the south end of Los Gatos all the way up to Summit Road. “Our entire area got an example of what a shaded fuel break looks like,” Andrews said, reflecting on its additional educational benefits. “It was a great project.” But, he adds, it isn’t just up to the government to fight off wildfire. Andrews says everyone can do their part to make sure their own properties aren’t a tinderbox for the next wildfire. “We take every opportunity we can to educate our public about the risks that are out there,” he said. “We can never educate our community enough.” To stay up to date about wildfires and other public safety incidents, sign up for the county’s Alert SCC program: bit.ly/3q7qPVI

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Sheriffs, Guns & Money

s a young journalist, I was once invited to a meeting with Sheriff Bob Winter at a Los Gatos insurance office. At one point, one of the attendees asked the folksy sheriff if there was anything he could do to help. I remember Winter saying he needed to get some envelopes from his car and trotting in his cowboy boots across the parking lot to retrieve them. The clumsy and undignified spectacle highlighted the paradox of an elected sheriff. On one hand, the political process enabled community ties outside of the insular world of cops and bad players and presumably kept law enforcement accountable to the public. On the flip side, it created a crony system. Winter established a sheriff ’s advisory board that handed out badges in leather cases to civilians that could be flashed during a traffic stop—or at the Space Video movie rental shop, as George Brix did in 1984. Police were called two years later when a dispute over $32 in videocassette late fees grew heated. Brix kept his badge even after he forced a process server to eat a summons at gunpoint in 1981. As did another advisory board member who was convicted of false imprisonment and possession of a blackjack, and a third who was arrested on grand theft and forgery charges. There was also an overlap between campaign donors and concealed weapons permit holders. In 1986, the Mercury News found that Winter had collected $24,575 in campaign contributions from 36 holders of gun permits during the previous five years, and that almost half of the permit holders were advisory board members. Winter resigned in 1989 following a protracted fight with the Board of Supervisors over control of the county jail and its staffing costs that saw Los Gatan judge Bruce Allen take control of the county’s correctional system at one point. The supervisors created a department of corrections and appointed Charles Gillingham as Sheriff.

Laurie Smith moved up the ranks and was elected sheriff in 1998. California’s first female sheriff signaled the end of the good old boys’ network, at least as appearances go. She modernized the department a bit and the supervisors gave up on an independent corrections system and returned control of the jails to the sheriff ’s department. The beating death of a mentally ill inmate in 2015 shed light on the intrinsically inhumane nature of incarceration and the inability of any as-yet attempted construct to competently manage the local system. Sheriff Smith took criticism for poor oversight, but each election cycle she faced election challenges from command staff members endorsed by unions who were equally if not more enmeshed in the jail administration scandals. Faced with cascading waves of criticism from deputies on the right, inmate advocates on the left and a district attorney who clashed with her over his desire to engage in warrantless eavesdropping on jailhouse telephone calls, the cornered sheriff grew tighter with her support network. Sheriff 's Advisory Board members came up to the county’s gun range for the annual Best of the West competition, fired machine guns for sport and donated funds for law enforcement toys ranging from thermal binoculars to gun safes and SONAR devices for the search and rescue unit. Though Winter’s badges were no longer issued, members could carry a driver’s license-sized identification card that resembled a police officer’s ID. Presented discreetly behind a driver’s license at a traffic stop, the card might just improve the chances of a warning over a ticket, but would not likely help much with a felony. It was the same kind of favoritism that might occur if you placed a blue striped black-and-white flag decal on your pickup truck or CHP 11-99 Foundation license plate frames on your expensive sports car. This kind of seemingly innocent institutionalized corruption went out of fashion, how-

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BY DAN PULCRANO

ever, when posted online videos enlightened the world about how African Americans are treated (and from time to time shot and killed) during traffic stops—and when the late George Floyd took a knee to the neck. The holy grail was a concealed weapons permit, which screamed status and connections. A speeding Ferrari driver could, when asked for license and registration, advise an officer that he had a handgun in the glove box pursuant to a CCW. I’ve heard the stories and watched these social cues ensue during my years as an observer of law enforcement agencies, and have no doubt that institutional favoritism occurs. Being in the club improves the chances of a get-out-of-jail-free card. At what point does the wink-and-nod cross the line to a criminal quid pro quo transaction? We’ll find out soon.

Sheriff Laurie Smith Laurie Smith did not invent the privilege system, nor will it end when the next sheriff is elected—more than likely with the support of unions whose objectives will include securing salary increases and pensions for their members, and assuring that oversight and internal affairs investigations don’t drill too deep. After 24 years, the county will have a new sheriff, and change is good. Sheriff Smith entered office as a reformer but came to represent the establishment. Ironically, the case against her—preferential issuance of gun permits to political supporters— was not something she brought to the office. It was an established tradition that her male predecessors got away with—but which spelled the downfall of the state’s first female sheriff.

MERCHANTS PREFER SQUARE SIGN DESIGN Paid Parking, from page 1 “I thought they were a little more— almost intentional,” Mayor Rob Rennie had said about the curved concept he ultimately voted against when reminded the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce preferred the more angular style. “A square sign sometimes looks like it’s been slapped up.” Vice Mayor Maria Ristow had originally been on board with the square signs Town Parking Project Manager Jim Renelle characterized as more “modern,” although she’d been happy to go along with Councilmember Marico Sayoc’s motion to select the curved design. In his report, Renelle said staff were seeking direction on a parking program where downtown spots are free for three hours and then $1 for each hour afterwards—up to $8 for an entire day. He said the wayfinding and parking concepts were meant to work as “families of signage” allowing pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle users to have an optimal experience downtown. Meanwhile, more than 800 employees and business owners had applied for the parking permits that—at least in the trial phase—will be free. Staff proposed initially giving out 500 permits. But the employees will have to park in stalls that aren’t in prime locations along routes such as N. Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street. However, staff tempered the fiscal aspirations of Council, noting they expect introducing paid parking will only generate $50,000-$100,000 a year. Town Manager Laurel Prevetti noted Council had already budgeted $200,000 for a parking study that can be used to cover capital costs for this project. It was Catherine Somers, the Chamber’s executive director, who swayed the Council on the design decision. She noted merchants preferred the square design, although she didn’t say why. She also suggested people who stay longer than three hours should have to pay more than $1 an hour. And Council took this suggestion to heart, too, voting unanimously—on a motion from Rennie—to go with a $2.50 an hour charge after offering three hours free of charge.

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SHERIFF LAURIE SMITH WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION 24-year incumbent will retire after current term ends January 2023

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Last August, the county Board of Supervisors gave Smith a unanimous vote of no confidence, citing alleged jail mismanagement, a “pay-to-play” scheme, and the death or serious injury of inmates. Smith made the announcement March 10 in a statement released to local news media. Smith, who started with the Sheriff ’s Office in 1973 and has been sheriff

MARCH 7

• A man was reportedly waving a large knife on Glen Una Drive and Saratoga Los Gatos Road at 3:13pm. • A man was arrested for battery on the 800 block of Castlewood Drive at 7:07pm.

Staff Report

Facing corruption probes and a potential trial that could expel her from office, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith said March 10 she will not run for reelection and will retire when her sixth term ends in January. Smith, who was the first woman to be sworn in as sheriff in California, made the announcement just days before a March 16 county re-election filing deadline for incumbents. The decision was expected within her office, and records with the California Secretary of State showed that she never formed a campaign committee for the 2022 sheriff ’s race.

POLICE BLOTTER

MARCH 8

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia on the 300 block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 2:08am.

Laurie Smith for the last 24 years, wrote a letter “to the county’s residents” announcing her retirement and calling attacks against her tenure as “specious attempts by unsavory political opponents in retribution for serving the public with honor.” State Attorney General Rob Bonta earlier this year announced he was opening the civil rights investigation into the Sheriff 's Office over allegations that included misconduct in county jails and resistance to oversight. Last August, the county Board of Supervisors gave Smith a unanimous vote of no confidence, citing alleged jail mismanagement, a “pay-to-play” scheme involving gun permits issued by her office, and the death or serious injury of inmates. Smith, in her March 10 letter, wrote, “The truth and evidence is absolutely clear. I have always served the people of Santa Clara County and have never engaged in any behavior that would warrant the media animus, false legal narrative, or political attacks currently in the public domain.” She added, “My plight is no different and I am confident history will show the first elected woman Sheriff to serve in California was not only honorable— but her accomplishments will speak far louder and be remembered longer than the false stories that will be repudiated by truth. I believe in truth.” Copyright © 2022 Bay City News, Inc.

• Someone stole a purse from an unlocked vehicle parked on Los Gatos Boulevard. • An unknown suspect smashed the window of a vehicle parked on Los Gatos Boulevard. • A home was burglarized on Harwood Road. • Two juveniles were reportedly throwing rocks at vehicles on Highway 17 and Los Gatos Saratoga Road at 5:44pm. • A person stole clothing from a store on the first block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 6:12pm.

MARCH 9

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on the 15100 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 1:02am. • A man reportedly “flipped off” a woman walking her dogs on S. Santa Cruz Avenue, saying “Alright, I guess not,” at 8:43am. • Someone stole a computer, checkbooks, files and more at a home on Alerche Drive. • A woman was arrested for driving with a suspended license on Pollard Road and York Avenue at 11:05am. • A person reported missing out of San Jose was found at the Los Gatos Library at 12:51pm. • Someone smashed the window of a vehicle parked on Los Gatos Boulevard.

• Someone broke the window of a home on Blossom Hill Road. • A home was burglarized on Forrester Road.

MARCH 10

• A bike was stolen on the 19100 block of Fisher Avenue. • Police say reports of a dead body in a car’s trunk on De Soto Drive were unfounded. • A man was arrested for driving with a suspended license on Cherry Blossom Lane and Cherrystone Drive at 12:29pm. • A vehicle was stolen on Farley Road. • A group of teenagers traveling in a vehicle on Los Gatos Boulevard and Spencer Avenue reportedly shot a person with a Nerf gun at 5:32pm.

MARCH 11

• A customer reportedly refused to pay a portion of their bill at a restaurant on N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 8:25pm.

MARCH 12

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license on Los Gatos Boulevard and Spencer Avenue at 3:31am. • A vehicle was reported stolen on the 100 block of Oak Rim Court. • A bicycle was reported stolen on the 200 block of Winchester Circle. • A handbag was stolen on the 300 block of Blossom Hill Road. Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.

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SPORTS

LOS GATOS ON THE RIGHT TRACK—AND FIELD Jonathan Natividad

Wildcats post fast times and big distance marks

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Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Brandon Vance has lofty goals as the coach of the Los Gatos High track and field team. “I don’t like to set my sights just on CCS,” he said. “My big thing is the state championships is where the kids have to go in order to be recruited and to be considered Division I type athletes. When I was an assistant coach here from 2002 to 2008, we tried to win as many CCS titles as we possibly could, both individual and team-wise. But I also want state champions coming out of our program and podium placers. I want to go battle down in LA and have a team that can represent and compete down south.” The girls team took third in the Central Coast Section Finals last year, just nine points off second. Their top returner is senior Emma Curran, who tied for fourth in the 400 meter run in 58.77 seconds. Curran has a personal-record (PR) of 58.43 in the event, and looks to be a state qualifier in the event this season. A dynamic talent, Curran also is one of two returners—junior Gianna Golino being the other—off the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams that took third and second, respectively, in the 2021 CCS Finals. “Emma Curran is the cornerstone of our women’s sprints and jumps events,” Vance said. “She is a tremendous young woman in regards to capability and what is asked of her and what she gives to the team. She is just fantastic. We’re just finding out what her true strengths are and where she can go. I think she’s going to be a great quarter miler in her own right (in college) and be a great asset to any program in the U.S.” Vance praised the girls in the midand long-distance events. They’re mostly the same group from the cross country team that advanced to the CIF State Championships in November. Junior Sophie Tau is the top returner

A GOOD RUN Los Gatos High senior Fiona Herron, seen here competing in the K-Bell Invitational at Westmont High on March 12, where she took second in the 800 meter run and eighth in the 1600, is one of the team’s top runners. as she finished in eighth place in the 1600 in 5:15.64. Tau had a breakout season on the cross country team, and she’s carried that success over to the track. Showing she’s already in midseason form, Tau ran a PR of 5:13.08 to finish in fifth place in the K-Bell Classic at Westmont High on March 12. Senior Fiona Herron took second in the 800 in a season-best 2:19.33, and has already hit a PR of 1:04.76 in the 400 earlier in the season at the Rustbuster Invitational. The quartet of Herron, Tau, Tatum Pyle and Shea Elmore went 9:57.85 in the 4x800 relay event earlier in the season to qualify for Arcadia, one of the top high school invitationals in the nation.

“Our girls distance team is outstanding in terms of depth and quality,” Vance said. “I knew they would be a huge asset for the team, and coming from the CCS Championships in cross country was a big move they made in joining the CCS elite again. It’s fantastic for our track program as well.” Los Gatos has a premier talent in senior Hannah Slover, whose PR of 5 feet, 5 inches ranks third in the CCS this season. Slover is currently doing club volleyball and makes it to the track and field practices and meets whenever it doesn’t conflict with volleyball duties. “The sky's the limit for her,” Vance said. “She held the middle school county record and has a lot of ability,

but she is limited because her volleyball commitment is so large. She is obviously one of the best volleyball players in the state, so she’ll come down to practice when she can. Her going 5-5 is an amazing effort from someone who literally spends one quarter of the time as the rest of the kids (jumping). She’s definitely a Division I quality high jumper for sure and can go as high as she wants to go.” Vance is optimistic in what the boys can accomplish despite not having a single returner who advanced to the CCS Finals in 2021. However, Wil Brennan has already made a statement early, nailing a PR of 50.91 seconds in the 400 to take second at K-Bell. Brady Kamali tied for fourth in the high jump at K-Bell with a mark of 5-10. The 4x400 relay team of Brennan, Aydon Stefanopoulos, Luke Pittock and Alex Denman took second in 3:29.09, the section’s top mark so far. Vance said Brennan, Pittock and Denman are the cornerstones of the boys program, while Stefanopoulos—who is only a freshman—will no doubt be a cornerstone type piece if not now then in the very near future. Stefanopoulos advanced to the CIF Cross Country Championships in November and ran a PR of 4:21.91 in the 1600 at K-Bell. He also excels in the 800 and 3200 and is projected to contend for a state berth in whichever races he chooses. Denman will be one of the first decathletes in the last 30 years at Los Gatos, which is unique because most schools don’t offer the event because of the degree of difficulty to coach it, organize it and find an athlete who can compete in it. However, Los Gatos checks all those boxes as Vance has experience coaching the decathlon and Denman excels in several different disciplines. “Alex is one of those guys who lead by example,” Vance said. “He’s a fantastic, coachable kid. I really enjoy working with him. I’m teaching kids 10 different events for the decathlon and he’s picking it up really well.”

LOS GATOS SWIMMERS NAIL PRS Connor Blum

Several Wildcats hit CCS qualifying times Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

In high school swimming and diving, success is ultimately measured in improvement. By that metric, the Los Gatos High swimming team—though it lost both of its Santa Clara Valley League De Anza Division meets this season—has already accomplished something worthwhile. In the season-opening league dual meet against Palo Alto High on March 4, the Wildcats—despite coming up on the short end of the boys and girls team scores—97% of the athletes on the team swam personal-records (PRs), according to coach Jim Deming. “That was just phenomenal for the team,” said Deming, who was an assistant coach for the previous seven years before taking over head coaching duties this season. “That was an exceptional start for the season and we’re moving along in the right direction. We don't really chase winning the meets so much as having everyone make progress toward year-end goals and improving.”

Coach Jim Deming

In the team’s second league dual meet against Homestead High on March 11, the Wildcats lost both the boys and girls competitions. But there

were nine additional swimmers to hit Central Coast Section qualifying times, Deming said. Senior Zoe Frangieh (50 freestyle) and freshman Ava Taylor (100 breaststroke) nailed individual CCS cutoff times against Palo Alto, as did five relay teams: the girls 200 medley, 200 free and 400 free and the boys 200 medley and 200 free. Frangieh had a superb season for the girls water polo team that advanced to the CCS Open Division playoffs last fall. “She’s a multi-sport athlete and water polo is her strongest sport, but she’s obviously a good swimmer as well,” Deming said. Indeed, superior swimming translates into a superior water polo player, and Frangieh fits that category as she is the school record-holder in the 50 free. Deming is optimistic Frangieh can break her own school record by the end of the season. “Zoe is one of our team captains and a fantastic person to have on the team,” Deming said.

Taylor has already made her mark as a freshman with her ability to swim multiple events. Deming said Taylor is capable of swimming above average to fast times in pretty much any event, but her best event might be the 500 free even though she nailed the 100 breaststroke as her first CCS qualifying time. “Ava is one of the more talented swimmers on the team and we’re expecting big things from her,” Deming said. “She’s extremely versatile and will be running through all the events.” Frangieh and Taylor are members of the 200 medley relay team that also includes Abby Lockman and Mio Nakamura. Frangieh is also a part of the 200 free relay squad that includes Vanessa Lee, Jackie King and Lily van Putten. King, Lee, van Putten and Taylor form the 400 free relay. The boys 200 medley team that hit the CCS cutoff time against Palo Alto includes Josh Naim, Matt Cheang, Aidan Lu and Tyler Newton. The boys 200 free relay squad includes Newton, Duncan De Ranieri, Santiago Jackson and Connor Sullivan.

In terms of which relay teams are fastest relative to the competition, Deming said the girls 200 and 400 free squads have a chance to do well in the CCS A final. In the team’s second league meet against Homestead, Karly Frangieh, Zoe Frangieh, Katy Hawk, Ewan Lonergan and Taylor hit additional CCS qualifying times. Karly Frangieh nailed cutoff times in the 50 free, 100 free and 200 individual medley; Zoe Frangieh in the 100 breaststroke; Hawk in the 100 butterfly; Lonergan in the 100 breast and 200IM; and Taylor in the 200IM and 500 free. Karly Frangieh’s 100 free time of 52.77 seconds is good enough for CIF state consideration. Ava Lavosky was the highest-placing Los Gatos girl in the dive competition against Palo Alto, while Maddie Wong was second overall in the Homestead meet. Coaches Mike Berwald and Karla Albright have teamed together for over a decade now to give Los Gatos divers a chance to compete and improve.

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That was an exceptional start for the season and we’re moving along in the right direction.

FANTASTIC 4 Los Gatos swimmers Lily van Putten, Riley Sullivan, Jackie King and Zoe Frangieh have put up fast times and are part of the Wildcats girls team that has several individuals who have hit CCS qualifying times.

OPENING DAY CELEBRATION Jonathan Natividad

More than 400 families celebrate the start of Little League season

One could feel the excitement as families and players started to filter into Baggerly Field on March 12 to celebrate Los Gatos Little League’s first Opening Day since 2019. The ceremony was canceled in March 2020 due to the pandemic as well as in 2021, but nobody was thinking about the past on this sun-drenched day. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Los Gatos has one of if not the strongest baseball communities in the Bay Area, as the Little League organization has enjoyed partnerships with local businesses and the Los Gatos High baseball program. Speaking of the high school program, the ceremony kicked off with a “player tunnel” made up of the entire baseball program from Los Gatos High led by coach Justin Oliver. As teams were announced, the Little Leaguers ran through the tunnel as they were cheered on by the high school players. The league has 490 players, 43 teams ranging from Tee Ball to Juniors, and players aged 5 through 15. As all of the teams were announced and made their way to the field, two of LGLL’s 2021 post-season teams were honored, including the District 12 Minor Tournament of Champions Reds managed by Rob Caruso and assisted by Tom Willerer. The Reds went 9-1 in the regular season and undefeated through the playoffs and Tournament of Champions. Next to be honored were the 2021 Los Gatos 11U All-Star team, managed by C.T. Kalin, assisted by coaches Elliot Carlisle and Tom McNeil. The 11U all-stars were District 12 Champions, Section 5 Champions and finished 3rd in the Northern California Regional tournament. Further reinforcing the community theme of the event, special guests who were introduced along the first base line included District 12 representatives Jenice Condie and Dan

HAPPY TIMES Players from the Raptors team mingle on the field after doing the chicken dance during the Los Gatos Little League Opening Day celebration on March 12.

Campagnolo, President of Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Mike Wasserman, Los Gatos Vice Mayor Maria Ristow, Councilmember Marico Sayoc, Los Gatos Police Chief Jamie Field, Sgt. Bill Hoyt, Monte Sereno Town Manager Steve Leonardis and Monte Sereno Mayor Pro-Tempore Bryan Mekechuk. One of the highlights of the ceremony came when Encore, the a capella choir from R.J. Fisher Middle School led by Corey Miller, performed their rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Everybody, from the special guests to all the families in attendance gave a huge ovation as the group hit the last note. The Opening Day ceremonies were

followed by 22 games from all divisions, including Tee Ball, Single A and Double A teams. In addition to the baseball games, three bounce houses past center field provided hours of entertainment for the hundreds of kids in attendance. And not too far away, the league hosted picture day for all 43 teams. But based on the lines at the snack shack, it looked like the real star of the day were the Icees, hamburgers and hot dogs. It’s baseball season again in Los Gatos. More information on how to join Los Gatos Little League can be found at www.lgll.org

Jim Mort

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Chad Kutting, Special to the Los Gatan

BALL PLAYER A Los Gatos Little League player leans over the fence during festivities for the Opening Day celebration on March 12 at Baggerly Field at Blossom Hill Park.

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ST. PATRICK'S PARTY WITH THE MOFO'S

HORTICULTURE Tony Tomeo

ROTATION IMPROVES VEGETABLE GARDEN PRODUCTION

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Ton y Tomeo, Contributor

Vegetable plants are mostly unnaturally productive. Extensive breeding compels them to yield fruits and vegetative parts that are bigger, better and more abundant than what their ancestors produced. Increased production increases their reliance on resources. Without crop rotation, some sorts of vegetable plants noticeably deplete some of what they need. Rotation, which is the same as crop rotation or garden rotation, is a technique of growing vegetables where different types of vegetables grew previously. In other words, one type of vegetable does not grow in any one place for too long. Some vegetables may produce well in some types of soil for a few years. More consumptive types prefer annual rotation. This technique disrupts the depletion of particular nutrients that particular types of plants crave. It also allows for replenishment of depleted nutrients in the absences of plants that cause such depletion. Furthermore, some soil borne pathogens find this active cycling to be disruptive. Eventually, plants that cycled out can cycle back into a particular situation. Tomato plants are particularly consumptive, so appreciate rotation in many types of soils. Eggplant and pepper are related to tomatoes, so crave many of the same resources, even if they are less consumptive. Therefore, they should not cycle directly into soil relinquished by tomatoes. Unrelated vegetables, such as squash, corn or bean, are more appropriate. Warm season vegetables that are now returning to the garden might appreciate rotation. A bit of research to determine appropriate placement for them may significantly enhance production. It helps to know which vegetables are related, such as mustard, collard, kale, radish and turnip (of Cruciferae Family), or squash and melon (of Cucubitaceae Family). Because corn is so high, it should

ROTATE SEASONALLY Summer squash are consumptive vegetables.

grow to the north of a vegetable garden. Unfortunately, rotation may dictate that it grows to the east for a while, or only in portions of the northern edge that it avoided for a while. Pole beans that like to climb wire fences may sometimes need reassignment to different portions of their fence. Peas should follow their example since they are related.

Highlight: mustard A few species of mustard came to naturalize in California, and for a few distinct reasons. Some likely grew first as greens in the gardens of the original Spanish Missions. At least one species also provided culinary and medicinal mustard seed. The more prolific types became cover crops and fodder for livestock. Later in history, mustard seed provided oil. According to legend, Spanish Missionaries established the route of El Camino Real with mustard. After sporadically dropping seed as they traveled between Missions, they could follow the bright yellow bloom by the next winter, and find greens to eat. El Camino Real became worn enough to navigate before the mustard dispersed too extensively to assist. Most but not all species of mustard that are naturalized locally are of the genus Brassica. Wild turnip and wild radish provide similar greens, but are generally more likely to bloom pale pink or pale white, rather than bright yellow. Garden varieties of mustard, which are available as seed or in cell packs, provide delightfully tender new leaves with mild flavor. Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

LOCAL SCENE

HIGHWAY 17 LANE CLOSURES SCHEDULED

Caltrans is planning lane closures for sections of Highway 17 on March 16 and 17. The closures will take place from Santa Cruz Avenue to Hebard Road in Los Gatos. Caltrans maintenance crews will perform a biological survey along the area. The lane closures are as follows: • March 16 from 10am to 2pm: Southbound Highway 17 from Bear Creek to Hebard Road, and northbound from Hebard Road to Bear Creek • March 17 from 10am to 2pm: Northbound Highway 17 from Hebard Road to Santa Cruz Avenue For 24/7 traffic updates, visit 511.org

POETRY CONTEST NOW OPEN Poets of all ages are encouraged to enter the Los Gatos Poetry Contest hosted by Los Gatos Poet Laureate Jen Siraganian. Individuals who live, work or attend school in Los Gatos are eligible to submit one entry. First, second and third place winners will be selected in each of the following age categories: Youth (ages 0-12), Teens (13-18) and Adults (19-plus). The winners will be invited to read their entry at an April National Poetry Month event held at Los Gatos Library. Prizes include gift certificates and products from local businesses. Submissions must be received by 5pm on April 1. Winners will be notified by mid-April. For information, email poet@losgatosca.gov

NEW BUSINESSES MARK OPENING The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce recently held ribbon cutting events to celebrate the opening of new businesses and organizations. Xandra Swimwear, 11 ½ N. Santa Cruz Ave., celebrated its grand opening on March 12. Founded by Alexandra Tozi, Xandra Swimwear features swimwear pieces from all over the world, offering a variety of designer

swimsuits for women, men and children. On March 13, theCoderSchool, 14103 Winchester Blvd., Suite E in Los Gatos, marked its grand opening. The after school program is designed to teach children to code, offering yearround, weekly coding classes for kids, both in-person and remote. The chamber is also gearing up to celebrate the newly remodeled The Club at Los Gatos, on April 1 at 5:30pm. The Club features group classes, indoor cycling, pilates, pool and hot tub, personal training, a cafe and more.

YOUTH COMMISSION APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED The Town of Los Gatos is accepting applications for the Youth Commission, available to students entering grades 8-12 for the 2022-23 school year. The purpose of the Youth Commission is to foster and encourage civic and neighborhood pride and a sense of identity through the knowledge, understanding and increased involvement of the Town's youth in the Town's present and future municipal affairs. The deadline to apply is 4pm on May 6. Interviews are scheduled on May 16 at 4pm. For information, visit losgatosca. gov/287/Youth-Commission.

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM OPEN FOR IMMIGRANTS The County of Santa Clara is offering the New Americans Fellowship program to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, U and T nonimmigrant visa holders, VAWA recipients, Temporary Protected Status holders, asylees and refugees who live, work or go to school in Santa Clara County. The New Americans Fellowship (NAF), a 10-week leadership program that runs from June through August, offers a stipend of up to $10,000. The application is available at sccoir. org/naf and is due on March 31. Fellows receive mentoring and career pipeline support from county leaders and from various county departments.

SISTER OF LOCAL REALTOR ESCAPES UKRAINE, NOW STUCK IN TIJUANA Contributed

Los Gatos resident working to bring sister to US Drew Penner, Reporter

REFUGEE Elena Kramerova, the sister of a long-time Los Gatos resident, has escaped Ukraine, but is now trying to reach the United States from Tijuana, Mexico.

At one point, Kramerova even had to hoof it. “She walked 16 kilometers with a little tiny dog that she didn’t want to leave alone,” Kramer Rahmil said. Once Kramerova got to Poland, she was offered a free hotel room. Then she flew to Mexico City. Mexican airline Volaris wouldn’t let the woman travel with the dog she’d saved from Vladimir Putin’s invasion, but luckily American Airlines was able to get them to Tijuana, Kramer Rahmil said. But now, she’s stuck in a place that feels like a warzone in its own way. “America is not accepting them as refugees,” Kramer Rahmil. “I didn’t want her to be in the detention camp, because she doesn’t see well.” She’s working with an attorney to get her sister a temporary B-1 visa. The State Department has said there are temporary visas for migrants available at U.S. consulates around the world, including in Tijuana, but Kramer Rahmil says they haven’t had any luck yet. She paused her interview with the Los Gatan, Friday, to take a call from her lawyer. The news: there were no border officials on staff who could help, for now, although she remained positive about the chance that might change. “Hopefully things will be under control,” she said. “The refugee crisis is horrible. These people need help.”

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The sister of a long-time Los Gatos resident made it out of Kyiv, Ukraine, on the last train to Lviv, but is now stuck in Tijuana, Mexico. Laura Kramer Rahmil, the former vice chair of the Town’s Community Health and Senior Services Commission, said in contrast to President Joe Biden’s claims of support for Ukrainians already in America, she’s having difficulty finding a legal way to get the 55-year-old Elena Kramerova into the country. “Right now, I’m in the process of helping a number of families,” said Kramer Rahmil, who founded Remark International Realty. “I’m not getting anywhere.” Kramer Rahmil has reached out to senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein, as well as Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, about the logjam. She’s worried because her sister is nearly-blind, and speaks just Ukrainian and Russian. The story is all-too familiar for Kramer Rahmil, a Jewish woman who came to America as a political refugee in 1980 with only $4 in her pocket. She started as a bank teller in Chicago, and made such an impression her boss offered her the chance to go back to school. After getting an MBA from Northwestern University she worked for a company that processed spices and oregano from Mexico. She also got her real estate license and started a consultancy. Meanwhile, her sister became a successful businesswoman in Ukraine’s capital city. “She had a store where she would sell expensive leather goods,” Kramer Rahmil said. “She had two apartments in Ukraine.” Kramerova had no intention of leaving Ukraine, until the bombs started flying. “When the war started, I told my nephew, ‘We need to get her out,’” Kramer Rahmil said, adding her sister left on Feb. 24, the day the war began. “We were able to get her on the very last train from Kyiv to Lviv.”

LIVES

REAL ESTATE

HOME OF THE WEEK

Intero Real Estate Services

Dr. Donald Christopher Brennan January 21, 1945 - December 16, 2021

Throughout his life, Donald was an avid sports fan, particularly when it came to the San Jose Sharks, the 49ers, the Cal Bears and Georgetown Hoyas. One of Donald’s boasts in life was having set foot in all 50 states, a testament to his deep and enduring love of travel. He renewed friendships and met many new friends on trips to Ireland, Mexico, France, Peru, Britain, Russia, and Spain. He proudly kept a map of the world on his wall adorned with pins marking all the places he’d visited. Yet “Papa Don” was decidedly happiest teasing the grandkids and enjoying the love of his family and the company of friends during the many weeks spent beside the glistening Pacific waters at Monterey Dunes. Donald is survived and incredibly loved by his wife of 50 years, Flora (known by many as “Sam”); daughters Kelly Brennan Brown (Robert) of San Anselmo, CA, and Megan Hann Baldwin (Andrew) of Bend, OR; and grandchildren Gemma Anne Brown, Brennan Robert Brown, and Alexander Christopher Baldwin. He was preceded in death by his mother Susan McWilliams Brennan of County Derry, Northern Ireland, and father Christopher Brennan of County Westmeath, Ireland, and his sister Anne O’Reilly of North Bellmore, NY. After a few delays, including Omicron cancellation, we will finally gather to celebrate his life and to share memories and moments of our time with one of the best, on April 30 at 2PM at Saratoga Foothill Club.

LESTER LANE The large front yard is accented by a white picket fence.

HOME WITH MODERN TOUCHES A white picket fence fronts the yard of this remodeled home in Los Gatos. Located at 147 Lester Lane, the 1,296-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The open floor plan features a lightfilled kitchen with quartz countertops, a five-burner gas cooktop, double oven and more. There are also multiple dining spaces, a living room with skylight and wood-burning fireplace. The home, built in 1958, is equipped

with remodeled bathrooms, new interior paint, refinished hardwood flooring and more, as well as central heat and air conditioning, and built-in wood cabinetry. The backyard is lined with mature trees surrounding an expansive flagstone patio. The home is listed at $1,898,000 by Intero Real Estate Services. For information, visit bit.ly/34DqaEe. Intero Real Estate Services

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onald Christopher Brennan passed away peacefully at home in Los Gatos surrounded by his family on December 16, 2021 after a very brief battle with an aggressive cancer. He was 76 years old. His parents moved to the United States from Ireland in the early 1930s, and quickly made a quintessentially American life for Donald, and his sister, Anne in Queens, NY. Donald’s love of hard study led him to Georgetown University (graduating 6/6/66) and then medical school at SUNY Downstate. Following his graduation, his internship introduced him to a young nurse, Flora Anne Nolan. They married in 1971. Donald and Flora’s path led west to UC Davis Medical Center and a home in Sacramento, then to San Jose, and, in 1987, they moved to their beloved town of Los Gatos, where they remained for the rest of Donald’s life for nearly 35 years. Donald practiced medicine, specializing in hematology and oncology, for Good Samaritan Hospital and San Jose Medical Group for over 30 years. He was adored by colleagues and patients for his knowledge, his kindness, and his quirky sense of humor. He retired in 2010. Doctor, traveler, historian, husband, father, Papa and friend, he was a man with many interests and talents. In retirement, he created beautiful landscape architecture in his home’s meadow. He was rightfully very proud of his perfectly proportioned stone map of all 50 American states fashioned from naturally occurring, state-shaped rocks he gathered on his many walks.

INSIDE The living room features a large skylight.

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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

Got Piano?

I buy and sell quality used pianos or can place pianos on consignment.

408-868-5500

Lic# 258540

LANDSCAPING

Alvarado Landscaping

Tree cut service. Concrete. Fences Maintenance. Clean up & hauling.

(831) 818-4324 unlicensed operator

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.

RAIN GUTTERS

Interior and Exterior Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates. 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

Window Got Washing Shirt? “You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro

Scotts Valley Property Management

Third generation chiropractor, established in 1976

Doscher Painting Rick Doscher (831) 335-9084

Your Entire Repair Bill

Looking to Move from the Bay Area?

LOS GATAN GEAR

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

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15% OFF

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

Assisted Living Designed for You at Loma Clara Senior Living

At Loma Clara Senior Living, our assisted living program captures all the fun and vibrancy of our community while providing exceptional support services when needed. Every resident at Loma Clara has a different lifestyle, and our priority is to accommodate individuals’ needs by providing top-notch services.

Call (844) 888-4070 or visit our website to schedule your personalized tour today. LomaClaraSeniorLiving.com

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License #435202665

Was your home Was your1970? home built before built before 1970? TrenchFree is the South Bay’s leader in nondisruptive “no-dig” replacement of TrenchFree is the South Bay’s leader in nondisruptive TrenchFree the South Bay’s leader in water mains andissewer lines. A and slow drain “no-dig” replacement of water mains sewer lines. nondisruptive “no-dig” replacement of orA unsatisfactory pressure may be sign. slow drain or unsatisfactory pressure mayabe a sign. water mains and sewer lines. A slow drain or unsatisfactory pressure may be a sign.

HomeHome Networks Networks Home Networks Security Cameras Security Cameras Security Cameras Wi-FiWi-Fi Upgrades Upgrades Wi-Fi Upgrades

An experienced Valley IT manager will AnSilicon experienced Silicon Valley IT help manager will help An Silicon Valley IT manager will help youexperienced speed upyou slow connections, choose the right An experienced Silicon Valley IT manager will help youthe speed speed up slow connections, choose right you speed up slow connections, choose the right equipment and sort through the challenges of up slow connections, choose the right equipment and sort equipment and sort through the challenges of equipment and sort technology through thedevices challenges ofdevices through challenges of keeping your on-line home technology keepingthe your home and on-line and keeping your home technology keeping your home technology devices on-line and devices on-line and performing well. Ask us about whole home performing well. Ask us about whole performing well. Ask us home about audio whole home audio performing well. Ask us about audio and smart lighting too. Call forhome a free consultation! and smart lighting too. Call forwhole a too. free consultation! and smart lighting Call foraudio a free consultation! and smart lighting too. Call for a free consultation!

408 647-4687 408 647-4687 www.doitforme.solutions 408 647-4687 www.doitforme.solutions

www.doitforme.solutions Trusted • Owner operated •operated Gilroy-based Trusted • Owner operated • Gilroy-based Trusted • Owner • Gilroy-based

Trusted • Owner operated • Gilroy-based