Los Gatan March 13 2024

VINTNER'S 2021 CROP MARKS 25TH HARVEST FOR WINEMAKER

Bill Brosseau: ‘farming is essentially gambling.’

Laura Ness, Contributor

When Bill Brosseau graduated from UC Davis, he moved down to the Novitiate in Los Gatos, the home of Testarossa Winery. Just two years later he replaced founding winemaker Ed Kurtzman, becoming the force behind the juggernaut success of the brand named for proprietor Rob Jensen’s once flaming red hair.

Testarossa is the result of a winemaking hobby that began in a garage in 1993 and grew into a life-changing business endeavor for Jensen and his wife Diana. Their high-tech careers put them in the right circles to acquire both a taste for fine wine and helpful relationships. Jesuit connections from Santa Clara University, where they met as electrical engineering majors, led them to acquiring the lease on the old Novitiate property, which had most recently been occupied by Mirassou Winery.

The Jensen’s have overseen an ongoing overhaul of the old facility, including updating the charming cellars for the many public and private events they

➝ Vintage, 4

TOWN MANAGER ANNOUNCES UPCOMING DEPARTURE

Prevetti led LG out of pandemic, looks ahead to new chapter

Drew Penner, Editor

The Town of Los Gatos announced March 6 Town Manager Laurel Prevetti will step down at the end of June. She was named to the position more than eight years ago, in 2015, after serving as Assistant Town Manager for 15 months. She guided the Town through a series of key initiatives, including the hiring of police chiefs Peter Decena and Jamie Field, the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, and the certification of the 2040 General Plan in 2022.

➝ Manager, 6

AMONG VINES Winemaker Bill Brosseau looks back on his 25th harvest, which he says will be hard to beat.

Courtesy of Testarossa

T H E LISTER & WENSTRAND T E A M

PriceReduced

3,585 sq. ft Living Space | ± 9,583 sq. ft Lot

4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Bathrooms | ± 3,585 sq. ft Living Space | ± 9,583 sq. ft Lot Offered at $4,750,000

Offered at $4,750,000

at $4,750,000

Exquisitely remodeled traditional home located in the Glen Ridge neighborho od in downtown Los Gatos. Modern interior. Formal living room with fireplace & bay window. Gourmet chef's kitchen with cherry cabinets, slab granite counters, glass tiled backsplash, S ub-Zero refrigerator, 6-burner gas range/oven, two sinks, center island with built-in china cabinets & table, breakfast nook. Spacious family room with French doors to exterior. Three bedrooms including a 2nd primary suite on the first floor. Bathrooms with double sinks, heated floors, tile & marble surfaces. Primary suite on upper level with sitting area, bay window, office nook, private deck. Romantic bathroom with oversized tub, separate vanities, large stall walk-in closet, two separate closets, mirrored closet doors. Lower level media room with built-ins & bay window.

Exquisitely remodeled traditional home located in the Glen Ridge neighborhood in downtown Los Gatos. Modern interior. Formal living room with fireplace & bay window. Gourmet chef's kitchen with cherry cabinets, slab granite counters, glass tiled backsplash, Sub-Zero refrigerator, 6-burner gas range/oven, two sinks, center island with built-in china cabinets & table, breakfast nook. Spacious family room with French doors to exterior. Three bedrooms including a 2nd primary suite on the first floor. Bathrooms with double sinks, heated floors, tile & marble surfaces. Primary suite on upper level with sitting area, bay window, office nook, private deck. Romantic bathroom with oversized tub, separate vanities, large stall shower, walk-in closet, two separate closets, mirrored closet doors. Lower level media room with built-ins & bay window. High ceilings, hardwood floors, electric skylights, closet built-ins, & plantation shutters throughout. Large lot, outdoor kitchen, spacious decks, mature landscaping, paver driveway, oversized 2+ car garage. Close proximity and strolling distance to downtown Los Gatos & Bachman Park. Daves Ave Elementary, Raymond J Fisher Middle, and Los Gatos High School.

Exquisitely remodeled traditional home located in the Glen Ridge neighborhood in downtown Los Gatos. Modern interior. Formal living room with fireplace & bay window. Gourmet chef's kitchen with cherry cabinets, slab granite counters, glass tiled backsplash, Sub-Zero refrigerator, 6-burner gas range/oven, two sinks, center island with built-in china cabinets & table, breakfast nook. Spacious family room with French doors to exterior. Three bedrooms including a 2nd primary suite on the first floor. Bathrooms with double sinks, heated floors, tile & marble surfaces. Primary suite on upper level with sitting area, bay window, office nook, private deck. Romantic bathroom with oversized tub, separate vanities, large stall shower, walk-in closet, two separate closets, mirrored closet doors. Lower level media room with built-ins & bay window. High ceilings, hardwood floors, electric skylights, closet built-ins, & plantation shutters throughout. Large lot, outdoor kitchen, spacious decks, mature landscaping, paver driveway, oversized 2+ car garage. Close proximity and strolling distance to downtown Los Gatos & Bachman Park. Daves Ave Elementary, Raymond J Fisher Middle, and Los Gatos High School.

High ceilings, hardwood floors, electric skylights, closet built-ins, & plantation shutters throughout. Large lot, outdoor kitchen, spacious decks, mature landscaping, paver driveway, oversized 2+ car garage. Close proximity and strolling distance to downtown Los Gatos & Bachman Park. Daves Ave Elementary, Raymond J Fisher Middle, and Los Gatos High School.

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SCAMMERS DUPE PG&E CUSTOMERS

82 reports of fraud out of Los Gatos in 2023

Josué Monroy,

Reporter

The power company is raising the alarm about a seemingly ever-present danger that has nothing to do with arcing, downed wires or electricity surges, but sparked nearly seven-dozen reports in Los Gatos last year.

Pacific Gas & Electric, Co. says it counted 43,000 customers being fleeced across California in 2023—for a total take of $875,000. The scammers impersonated PG&E employees and processed fraudulent payments, with the average victim losing $785.

“Scammers will attempt to create a sense of urgency by threatening immediate disconnection of your utility services if you don’t make immediate payment,” said Matt Foley, lead custom scam investigator for PG&E.

San Jose topped the list for the state with 1,498 scam reports last

WEATHER BRINGS TASTY REWARDS

Vintage, from page 1

host. They’ve also recently engineered a major upgrade to the outdoor space, which is more welcoming and weather-proof than ever.

Learning from each vintage, Brosseau has consistently honed his winemaking regimen, working closely with the many vineyards Testarossa has brought into their portfolio. The high scores from wine critics validate a winning approach that has earned the company a sterling reputation and an ardent following of wine club members. Grape sources range from the Russian River to the Santa Rita Hills, with a strong concentration in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Vineyards are the critical ingredients for any winemaking endeavor. For Bill Brosseau, excellence in the glass begins with fastidious farming. He grew up on his parent’s vineyard in the eastern part of Monterey County, in what is called the Chalone AVA (American Viticultural Area), near

Pinnacles National Park. Jon and Jan Brosseau acquired the land near the famed Chalone Vineyard, in the mid 1970s, and planted their first grapes in 1980.

The Brosseau Vineyard is typically the first property from which Testarossa brings in fruit, earning it a reputation as the “most blessed” vineyard in the Testarossa portfolio. At the beginning of each harvest season, the Jensens invite the community for the annual Blessing of the Grapes.

The 2021 harvest was blessed, indeed. Brosseau says it is literally the best vintage he’s ever seen. “That was my 25th harvest, and it was perfect and special in every aspect,” he said. “The weather was ideal; the ripening was even; and the quality was exceptional. I may never see one like that again.”

Not that he ever expects two harvests to be exactly alike. “There are no 3D-printed wines here. We have

➝ Vintage, 12

year. San Francisco follows with 1,145 and Fresno with 1,065 reports. This doesn't even include other scams that don’t get reported.

Los Gatos had 82 utility scams reported in 2023, Saratoga had 37, and for Campbell it was 55.

On the Central Coast, Santa Cruz residents were the second-most swindled group with 192 reported scams in 2023. Watsonville residents reported 75 incidents.

PG&E said that this year marked an all-time high for scams. However, still more go unreported.

So far in 2024, customers have flagged 2,500 attempts in the month of January alone—with the tricksters making off with $67,000 from customers who thought they were paying their utility bills.

Company investigators say scammers are using pretty sophisticated techniques, such as creating authentic-looking 800 numbers that show up on your phone’s screen. Customers who’ve tried calling back have found the number doesn’t connect them to the utility.

If you think you are being scammed, contact PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM.

HAVING A LOOK Brosseau peers through one of the winery’s reds.

Courtesy of Testarossa

CUSTOMERS TARGETED Thousands of people around the region were contacted last year by people pretending to be utility company officials.

Drew Penner / Los Gatan

How dependent are you on your cellphone?

Robert Lloyd, 66, with his bird Elvis (on Main Street)

"When I am with someone, I try not to use it at all."

Mahesh Seth, 76, retired (at Hwy 9 and Santa Cruz Ave.)

"I turn my phone off at night."

Aileen Larson, 55, small business owner (at Black Cat Hats) "I put my phone down when I am at the gym.”

Vida Eliasieh, 49, visual artist (at Azuca) "I feel like I am addicted. It is my weakness."

Interview

Your Hearing Checklist:

When you sit around the dinner table, do you have to work hard to follow the conversation?

Can you hear the person across from you or next to you but not when someone further away says something?

If you don’t catch it, and the conversation moves on, do you feel left behind?

Do you find you forget things that were just said?

Do you occasionally miss parts of words?

HOMAGE TO HITCHCOCK Emma Rozeboom in a blue chiffon dress during Christina Cree's fashion show at the 2nd Annual Scotts Valley Alfred Hitchcock Festival Saturday. The collection channeled the energy of Edith Head’s historic silver screen costumes.

TOP LOCAL CIVIL SERVANT RESIGNING

Manager, from page 1

“I’ve been in local government for about 38 years and I absolutely love it,” she told the Los Gatan in a telephone interview late on Wednesday afternoon. “But I know there’s other things out there in life.”

Mayor Mary Badame said Prevetti was instrumental in helping her transition to her current role.

“The tenure of Town Manager Laurel Prevetti paralleled my decade in public service as both an appointed and elected official,” she said, adding she was always willing to provide guidance on short notice. “As a source of inspiration, she worked tirelessly to bring out the best in her team while fostering a collaborative culture and congenial environment.”

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Lin said Prevetti has been a key to promoting the health of the local business community.

“The Chamber is proud to have a very strong partnership with the Town of Los Gatos, and that includes with the Town Manager,” Lin said in an interview. “We’re so sad to hear of her departure and wish her all the best in her future.”

Lin is relatively new in the role, but says she was able to quickly develop a rapport with Prevetti, including during quarterly meetings.

“It’s been nothing but positive,” she said. “She’s always interested in hearing what we have to say.”

Before joining the Town, Prevetti worked for the City of San Jose in senior planning department roles. She’s also served as an adjunct faculty at San Jose State University and volunteers with local non-profits.

Los Gatos operates under what’s called a “strong manager” or “council/ manager” form of government, where a nonpartisan official runs the Town in partnership with the policy leadership of the Council, represented by a rotating mayor.

But Prevetti prefers to rule from behind the scenes.

She recently turned-down the Los Gatan’s offer of a sit-down interview for a profile feature, suggesting instead that the glory and credit be focused on the mayor.

Last year, it was Councilmember Maria Ristow’s turn as the top elected official. She appeared visibly shaken as she spoke with the Los Gatan while grab-

bing on coffee at Los Gatos Roasting Co. on the way to her 3 o’clock with Prevetti.

“It was inspiring,” she said, reflecting on what it was like to see Town Manager Prevetti in action. “She leads with compassion, intelligence and professionalism. While I worked with her, I was inside the office, and could see the incredibly supportive collegial environment that exists in the Town offices.”

It was impressive to watch Prevetti mentor at least five new directors while keeping the Town running, she shared.

“Under her leadership I think she has made Los Gatos a better town, made me a better Council member— and me a better person,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what she does in her next chapter.”

Prevetti says she’s planning on spending more time on her musical pursuits and working with nonprofits.

Indeed, Prevetti was just in Rio de Janeiro with some fellow drummers.

“I’m taking a class with a group of people on Saturdays,” she said, recalling her excitement at watching the technical proficiency of the samba players while in Brazil.

When asked about the challenges

of navigating through the pandemic years, she credited her team for their contributions.

“All of the town departments really rallied,” she said. “I’m very proud of the work that we were able to do to maintain safety.

“We basically did not miss a beat. We still paved the streets and cleaned the parks.”

In recent years, Prevetti has rubbed some people the wrong way with a leadership style that can be rigid at times. Others—concerned about the potential for residential development that could change the character of the quaint, upscale locale—have accused her of being too quick to follow the State’s direction on housing policy.

Jeffrey Blum, a Community Health and Senior Services Commission member, said with the 2023 departure of Assistant Town Manager Arn Andrews—Prevetti’s second-in-command, who took a lateral move to the City of Mountain View last year—it’s time to examine the reasons for turnover at Town Hall.

“It appears to me that the Town staff is overworked and spread too thin, thus making the Town Manager job considerably more difficult,” he said. “What might help ease the burden somewhat is for the Town to hire a separate coordinator, to oversee senior services—as

our commission has recommended. As to Laurel’s particular situation, I come from the perspective of being a longtime volunteer who values collaborative problem-solving. I sometimes felt that Laurel made my job more frustrating and difficult, due to her desire to control the process. I know that I am not alone in feeling this.”

At Council March 5, Wayne Heimsoth raised questions about staff first telling him, a few months back, the Town had no plans to terminate the lease for a building veterans groups he represents have their eye on, then changing course just weeks later.

But perhaps the greatest frustrations have been around housing. Many local residents have chosen to blame Prevetti’s leadership for the dozen or so housing projects seeking to bypass local development rules because Los Gatos has failed to get its Housing Element certified.

In fact, Councilmember Matthew Hudes, who is now Vice Mayor, voted against a 5% raise for Prevetti (to $289,572 annually) in December (though everyone else was in support). Hudes has repeatedly criticized the Town for focusing on the General Plan ahead of the Housing Element.

However, pro-housing advocates

Drew Penner / Los Gatan

BEHIND -THE- SCENES Prevetti, in pink, as the contentious discussion about housing development plans plays out before her at Council, March 5.

➝ Manager, 13

LOS GATOS GIRLS LAX ON THE ATTACK

Wildcats poised to dominate SCVAL

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

In the brief three-year history of the Central Coast Section girls lacrosse playoff tournament, Los Gatos High has reached the semifinals twice and the quarterfinal round once.

Simply put, the Wildcats are one of the top programs in the section and coach Tes Hayton is optimistic they can win another league championship. Despite graduating 10 seniors off last year’s team most of whom either started or played significant minutes Los Gatos has replenished its roster nicely.

“This season I’m very happy with the talent we have,” Hayton said. “It’s a very cohesive roster already, and we have quite a bit of talent off the bench, as well.”

The Wildcats opened the season with a riveting 12-11 win over Stevenson on March 4, rallying from a three-goal deficit at the start of the fourth quarter. Scarlett Roberts scored five goals, Brooke Hanson had three goals and Macy Dennon two in leading the way.

Hayton usually mixes and matches personnel early in the season to find the best lineup for the team and see what works best. Los Gatos trailed Stevenson 9-6 after three quarters, but outscored its opponent 6-2 in the final period for the comeback win.

many goals from one person, it means not everyone is doing their job. On the field at any given moment, there should be seven players that can score, because we have our midfielders going up and on the attack.”

Some of the key midfielders include Dennon, Aubrey Salud, Julia Kennedy, Wylloh Roberts and Kirra Bannon. Top defenders include Agata Fin, Avelene Celinsky and Teagan Fogerty, who along with Salud earned Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division First Team honors in 2023.

Stella Boyd and Elodie Douglas provide quality play, as does returning senior goalie Kate Braidish, whose athleticism and instincts in the goal area make her a difference-maker. Braidish had a breakout junior season last year and made a couple of incredible saves in the season-opener.

“Kate really grew into her role last year and, in fact, grew in that Stevenson game,” Hayton said. “I think our defense wasn’t getting it all together, so a few goals did get through. By the fourth quarter, we got our mojo together and she wasn’t letting anything through.”

“We did a lot of moving around of players to assess where everyone is at,” Hayton said. “And each quarter it changed up a little bit. By the fourth quarter we had locked it in.”

The Wildcats have a potent set of attackers in Roberts, Hanson, Ashley Gold, Maia Bernholz and Alexandra Giddings. Roberts excels in juking defenders in the open field, puts herself in the optimum position to score and has a knack for being able to score.

Hayton prefers for the team to have balanced scoring, as it often means the team is moving the ball around efficiently.

“We try to spread the scoring and assists out,” she said. “When I see too

Los Gatos has dominated the SCVAL De Anza for the past five years, including undefeated campaigns in the last two seasons. The Wildcats are rarely challenged in De Anza Division play, forcing Hayton to schedule tough non-league opponents like Stevenson, Menlo School and Mitty, so the team can stay sharp.

The ‘Cats lost to Mitty 13-12 on March 11, dropping their record to 1-1. As usual, the top teams in the section are St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart Prep. The next tier includes teams such as St. Francis and Los Gatos. Hayton is excited about this year’s group and how it has already developed chemistry early in the season.

“I’ve been blessed with a lot of new talent which is going to give me quite a deep bench and quite a versatile team,” she said. “The upperclassmen are playing all over the field, and I’m moving them around a lot. We’ve got a very athletic team, so I'm very happy.”

READY TO GO The Los Gatos High girls lacrosse team gets pumped-up in pregame introductions in its non-league clash with Mitty High on March 11. The Wildcats lost a close one: 13-12.

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THE CURE FOR ‘RESTING BRUNCH FACE?’

CRUCIAL DEETS

160 W Main Street, Los Gatos 669.297.8888

Tuesday - Sunday 8am–3pm breakingdawnbrunch.com

distinguished by a crisp and harmonious design.

My return visit gave me a chance to try two signature dishes—the “Fo Sizzle” and the “RBF” (Resting Brunch Face). The RBF, a pandan waffle with juicy fried chicken, was an impressive melange of flavors. The waffle, with the sweet, aromatic essence of pandan, offers a unique twist to the dish, pairing perfectly with the crispy, savory crunch of the fried chicken.

Breaking Dawn launches with harmonious blend of culture and community

Chip DeVille, Contributor

New eatery Breaking Dawn is boldly challenging the conventional boundaries of early dining. This innovative eatery artfully melts cultural flavors, captivating the palate and enriching the now-mainstream brunch concept.

Breaking Dawn brings weekend energy all week. Open Tuesday-Sunday, it offers a unique fusion of Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican and American cuisines, complemented by creative cocktails and music from a live DJ.

The grand opening, in mid-February, was an event marked by a harmonious blend of culture, community and tasty food. Clear skies held—a welcome

break from the relentless rain—setting the perfect stage. Distinguished guests including the mayor and members of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce were in attendance. Traditional drummers were accompanied by a spectacle of lion-dragon dancers.

As the celebration continued, guests were treated to sample-sized plates showcasing the restaurant’s diverse menu, along with rich Vietnamese coffee and a variety of signature cocktails. It was a taste of what makes Breaking Dawn stand apart.

One week after the celebration, I had the pleasure of speaking with Liz Truong, the visionary restaurateur behind Breaking Dawn. With decades of experience in the fast-casual dining sector, Truong has ventured into uncharted territory with Breaking Dawn.

The restaurant holds a special place

in Liz’s story, as it’s her first venture into this particular style of restaurant. The name “Breaking Dawn” serves multiple purposes: it not only signifies the start of the day, but carries personal significance reflecting her children, as well. The golden pig in the restaurant’s logo nods to her daughter, born in the year of the golden pig—a symbol of luck and prosperity. Additionally, the menu pays tribute to her firstborn son, incorporating and elevating some of his favorite dishes. In every aspect, Breaking Dawn stands as a testament to Liz’s personal and professional evolution, making the dining experience unique, intimate and meaningful.

The interior of this historic building—once a bank and later various eateries—has undergone a stunning transformation. It’s unrecognizable from its past lives. Now, it’s a place

The Fo Sizzle was a definite standout feature and was recommended by several staff members. A delectable platter served with a choice of three proteins: Beef, Chicken or Shrimp. Opting for the beef, I was presented with a sizzling cast iron plate showcasing a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg, alongside succulent roasted tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, tangy pickled onions and a sprinkle of fresh scallions. While the dish stands out on its own, it’s further enhanced by a freshly-baked baguette, which I used to soak-up every last bit of sauce.

Breaking Dawn is full of youth and serves as a breath of fresh air for Los Gatos. They’re giving the brunch scene a rebellious makeover, maintaining a vibe that’s laid-back, yet pulsating with fun. The restaurant has turned the concept of brunch on its head, marrying the rich, diverse flavors of Asian cuisine with a spirited—almost cheeky—approach to the first meal of the day.

It’s a spot where traditional breakfast meets a twist of classy irreverence—more than just a remedy for the morning blues. It is not just a restaurant; it’s a hub for food enthusiasts, and those looking to shake off the remnants of last night. They’ve built an environment where good food, good drinks and good vibes blend seamlessly, offering a unique take on brunch that’s as memorable as it is flavorsome.

GREEN BREAKFAST After spending decades in the fast-casual sector, Liz Truong decided to develop a brunch concept called Breaking Dawn that blends Vietnamese, Korean, Mexican and American cuisines.

Chip DeVille

Town of Los Gatos

ORDINANCE 2354

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DESIGNATING THE TOWN COUNCIL TO HEAR APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL

WHEREAS, the Town is required to designate an appeal body to hear appeals from decisions of the Building Official;

WHEREAS, in 1991, the Town established a Building Board of Appeals;

WHEREAS, due to a lack of appeals since the Building Board of Appeals was established, the Town Council has rescinded the enabling resolutions establishing a Building Board of Appeals;

WHEREAS, California Building Code Section 1.8.8 authorizes city councils to assume the duties of a Building Board of Appeals;

WHEREAS, the Town Council has opted to assume the duties of a Building Board of Appeals; and

WHEREAS, Town Code

Section 29.50.755 lists the Town Council duties;

WHEREAS, the proposed ordinance will revised the listed duties of the Town Council to add hearing appeals from decisions of the Building Official;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos as follows:

SECTION I. Section 29.20.755, “Town Council,” of the Town Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 29.20.755. Town Council.

The Town Council:

(1) May initiate and refer general plan amendments and specific plans or amendments to the Planning Commission for recommendation.

(2) Hears and determines Planning Commission recommendations for the adoption or amendment of the general plan or any specific plans and conditional use permits for establishments selling alcoholic beverages for on premises consumption (excluding restaurants) and

for retail sales of firearms, ammunition and/or destructive devices.

(3) Adopts ordinances.

(4) May initiate and refer zone changes and amendments to this chapter to the Planning Commission for recommendation.

Nonsubstantive ordinance amendments may, but need not be, referred to the Planning Commission.

(5) Hears appeals from decisions of the Building Official.

(6) Hears appeals from decisions of the Planning Commission.

(7) Determines whether to extend suspension under section 29.80.285.

(8) Determines applications for permits for signs on public property, including but not limited to community-oriented bulletin boards and kiosks.

(9) Determines mobile home park conversion permit applications.

(10) Appoints Historic Preservation Committee members.

(11) Determines requests for reasonable accommodation when action is not required of the Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, or the Planning Director.

(Ord. No. 1316, § 5.60.300, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1328, 8-2-76; Ord. No. 1375, 11-21-77; Ord. No. 1758, § VIII, 8-1-88; Ord. No. 1762, § II, 9-19-88; Ord. No. 2220, § I(Exh. A), 10-7-13; Ord. No. 2222, § II(Exh. A), 10-21-13; Ord. No. 2304 , § II, 2-18-20)

SECTION II. Severability.

In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction holds any Section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase in this Ordinance unconstitutional, preempted, or otherwise invalid, the invalid portion shall be severed from this Section and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Section. The Town hereby declares that it would have adopted each Section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase in this Section irrespective of the fact that any one or more Sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases in this Section might be declared unconstitutional, preempted, or otherwise invalid.

SECTION III. CEQA.

Adopting this Ordinance is not a project subject to CEQA because it can be seen with certainty that it will not impact the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).

SECTION IV. Publication.

In accordance with Section

PUBLIC NOTICES

63937 of the Government Code of the State of California, this Ordinance takes effect 30 days from the date of its passage. The Town Council hereby directs the City Clerk to cause this Ordinance or a summary thereof to be published or posted in accordance with Section 36933 pf the Government Code of the State of California.

SECTION V. Effective Date. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos on the 20th day of February, 2024, and adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos at its regular meeting on the 5th day of March, 2024, by the following vote:

COUNCIL MEMBERS:

AYES: Maria Ristow, Rob Rennie, Rob Moore, Matthew Hudes, Mayor Mary Badame

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: None

Wendy Wood

Los Gatos Town Clerk

Published: 03/13/2024 (Pub LGN 3/13)

Town of Los Gatos

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 2353

TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING CHAPTER 29, “ZONING REGULATIONS,” OF THE TOWN CODE TO DEFINE “BY RIGHT APPROVALS” AND AMEND THE HOUSING ELEMENT OVERLAY ZONE (HEOZ), DIVISION 5 OF ARTICLE VIII, “OVERLAY ZONES AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION”

Notice is hereby given that at its meeting of Tuesday, February 20, 2024, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos introduced the Ordinance titled above and adopted this ordinance on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, by the following vote:

Ayes: Maria Ristow, Rob Moore, Rob Rennie, Matthew Hudes, Mayor Mary Badame

Nays: None

Abstain: None

Recused: None

The following is a summary of the Ordinance: This Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos amends Chapter 29 “Zoning Regulations” to define “by right approvals” and amend the Housing Element Overlay Zone, Division 5 of Article VIII (Overlay Zones and Historic Preservation). The Town received comments from the State Housing Community Development Department (HCD) requiring amendments to the Town’s adopted HEOZ Ordinance to include by right approval requirements pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2, subdivision (h) and (i), as well as the minimum density requirements of Government Code section 65583.2, subdivision (h). The proposed amendments includes a definition of “by right approval” from the State Government Code. The Ordinance also provides clarification on which regulations apply to “by right” and “non by right” residential development in the HEOZ. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared and certified for the 2040 General Plan Update on June 30, 2022, which included the proposed Zoning Code amendments. Please note that the above is a summary of the Ordinance. To obtain a full understanding of the Ordinance it should be read in its entirety. A copy of the full text of the Ordinance is available in the Town Clerk’s office at Los Gatos Town Hall, 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

Wendy Wood Los Gatos Town Clerk Published: 03/13/2024 (Pub LGN 3/13)

Fictitious Business Name

Statements

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT #703052

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Direct Motor Buy, 2. Direct Buy Motors, 1859 W San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA, 95128, Majid Rafipour. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 12/03/2013. /s/Majid Rafipour. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/09/2024. (pub LG 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/13/2024)

File Number: FBN703005

The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: My Pretty Pet Store, 858 Civic Center Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, #202460512963 California.

Pet Supply Distributors, LLC, 858 Civic Center Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A and 02/08/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Moises A Rodriguez, Manager. Pet Supply Distributors, LLC. (Pub LGN 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #703150

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AFM Painting And Construction, 1009 E. Capitol Espwy, #430, San Jose, CA, 95121, Aldo Figueroa Mendoza. This business is owned by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/ Aldo Figueroa Mendoza. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/12/2024. (pub Metro 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/13/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #703187

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Han Tang Acupuncture, 3571 Homestead Rd Suite 1, Santa Clara, CA, 95051 Xinglin Acupuncture Center Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 11/01/2023. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Xiaokai. Owner. #5958918. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/13/2024. (pub LG 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/13/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #703287

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Manman Photo, 1883 Agnew Rd Unit 345, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, Shuo Tang. This business is being conducted

by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 02/15/2024. /s/Shuo Tang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/15/2024. (pub Metro 02/21, 02/28, 03/06, 03/13/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT #703023

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Acoustic Specialties, 12350 Foothill Ave., San Martin, CA, 95046, Diamond Beach Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/11/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Vincent J. Bjurman. President. #2148372. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/08/2024. (pub LG 02/28, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #703428

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Soled’ Co., 200 Hollis Ave Apt 56, Campbell, CA, 95008, Dunn Daryl Zape. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/01/2024.

/s/Dunn Darly Zape. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/22/2024. (pub LG 02/28, 03/06, 03/13, 03/20/2024)

File Number: FBN702666

The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Two Wheel Safety Training, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA 95020. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Two Wheel Safety Training, 3137 Diablo Ave, Hayward, CA 94545. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/26/2004 and 01/29/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Nina Khamphilath /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134.

Two Wheel Safety Training, Article/Reg # 2672372, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Joi Davis /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 03/06, 03/13, 03/20, 03/27/2024)

PUBLIC NOTICES

File Number: FBN703710

Fictitious Business Name Statements

File Number: FBN703499

The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Express Inc, 211 Hope St #390599, Mountain View, CA 94041. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Facepay Inc, 211 Hope St #390599, Mountain View, CA 94041. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1/1/2024 and 02/23/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Facepay Inc, Article/Reg # 3801068, Above Entity was Formed in the State of DE. /s/ Mark A Hale /s/ President/Founder. (Pub LGN: 03/13, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03/2024)

In the Santa Rita Hills, to the south, a warmer climate results in an earlier budbreak, leading to a much longer hang time. Buffeted by strong ocean winds during the summer, the wines typically have a distinctive green element. This particular wine serves up a lovely harmony of blueberry and blackberry pie, accented with tangy tarragon and rosemary.

The richest and most decadent of the 2021 Chardonnays is the 2021 Diana’s Chardonnay, carefully made from the best barrels from each vineyard. The combination of tropical and stone fruits is lip-smacking. The finish? Dreamy-creamy.

The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Harmonie Park Real Estate, 221 Bachman Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Alvin Don Capobres, 221 Bachman Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/13/2024 and 03/01/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Alvin Don Capobres /s/ (Pub LGN: 03/13, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03/2024)

Similarly, the 2021 Niclaire Pinot Noir, named for Rob and Diana’s two children, packs layer upon layer of blueberry, earth, black olive and blackberry into a bold and generous wine with plenty of complexity and horsepower. Brosseau explains that in the world of blending, knowing when you’ve added “just enough” to the mix is like creating the perfect dish, or the perfect musical composition.

File Number: FBN703592

Of all the wines from this vintage, those with the most aging potential are from the 2021 Brosseau Vineyard. Bristling with vivid lemon curd, stone, baked apple, lime pith and intense minerality, the 2021 Brosseau Chardonnay is like a horse warming up to its racing gait. The 2021 Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir, is tight and tense, but hints at decades of evolution.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

#703740

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Instavia, 16635 Jackson Oaks Drive, Siew Young Sim-Tang. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/ Siew Yong Sim-Tang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 03/04/2024. (pub LG 03/13, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03/2024)

Cutlines:

(among vines)

Merchandise, LLC, 1111 W El Camino Real Ste 133 #121, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Favored Merchandise LLC, 1111 W El Camino Real Ste 133 #121, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/01/2023 and 2/29/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Favored Merchandise LLC, Article/ Reg # 202354216902, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California /s/ Dominique Keyes /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 03/13, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03/2024)

LEAVING A LIQUID LEGACY

Vintage, from page 4

File Number: FBN703795

Perhaps 20 years from now, Brosseau will look back on 2021 and still declare it the best ever. Then again, perhaps a future vintage will prove even more stellar. Come what may, these 2021s will surely remain a vibrant hallmark of this man’s lasting legacy.

AMONG VINES Winemaker Bill Brosseau has now been involved with 25 harvests at award-winning local winery Testarossa. (Courtesy of Testarossa)

The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Sew Fresh 135 Riviera Dr Apt 307, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Hilary Siemer, 135 Riviera Dr Apt 307, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/18/2024 and 2/28/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Hilary Siemer /s/ (Pub LGN: 03/13, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03/2024)

HAVING A LOOK Brosseau peers through one of the winery’s reds. (Courtesy of Testarossa)

(wine interior photos)

File Number: FBN703641

The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Favored

LATEST HAUL Tasting Testarossa’s 2021 releases in Cellar 1, including: Chardonnays from Sierra Mar, Lone Oak, and Soberanes vineyards; Pinot Noirs from Sierra Mar, Garys’, Doctor’s, Tondre Grapefield and Sanford & Benedict vineyards; plus

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The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Caliprolandscapes, 91 Southsea Ct, SanJose, CA 95138. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Roberto Alejandro Valle, 91 Southsea Ct, San Jose, CA 95138. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/05/2024 and 03/05/2014 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Roberto Alejandro Valle /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/13, 03/20, 03/27, 04/03/2024)

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goalposts and boundaries, but the fun part is seeing the impact of the weather,” Brosseau asserts. “Each year, we are gambling: farming is essentially gambling. So far, it’s working.”

In exploring a selection of 2021 wines, the contrast from region to region, and vineyard to vineyard, showed how expertly Brosseau crafts each wine to reflect its source. Wine is all about the dirt that the vines sink their roots in, and how they translate that soil and the weather conditions into something unique.

aromas of sandalwood, tangerine peel and bay leaf, and flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, tobacco and cedar. The powdery tannins and lavish acidity create a memorable mouthfeel.

Deep, dark, earthy and exuberant, the 2021 Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir, a Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard that was once a broccoli field, reflects a highly fertile site that puts forth a full-throttle, dense and powerful wine.

The 2021 Lone Oak Vineyard Chardonnay marks the 11th year Brosseau sourced fruit from this Santa Lucia Highlands vineyard, planted in 1973 and, until recently, owned by Hahn Family Wines. This wine shows Gravenstein and Macintosh apple, along with lanolin and sage, and distinctive white fig. “Older vines show their true colors,” says Brosseau. “Each vine interprets the season in a different way. Younger vineyards tend to be more linear.”

The Sierra Mar Vineyard, also in the Santa Lucia Highlands, sits at a higher altitude than any other vineyard from which Testarossa sources. The increased UV light exposure results in smaller berries, and both the 2021 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir show considerable tension. Along with layers of fruit and spice, it is bolstered by a healthy dose of acidity and silky tannins throughout.

If you’re looking for a wine that holds your attention like a good novel, the multi-chaptered 2021 Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir is for you, with its

The Doctor’s Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Vineyards, like Lone Oak, was planted and farmed until this year by Hahn Family Wines. The Doctor’s Pinot Noir is always a favorite of Testarossa club members, thanks to its generosity of dark fruit. Primarily from 30-plusyear-old Calera clone vines, it exudes dried cherry, clove, pipe tobacco, dried currants and a medicinal edge, framed by utterly silky tannins. “The Calera clone has tiny berries with fewer seeds, so there is less harsh seed tannin here,” explains Brosseau. “The aromatics are just fantastic. I like a pinot noir that makes a connection with your nose.”

Brosseau is frequently asked what his favorite wine or vineyard is. For this particular vintage, he says he’s stoked about the 2021 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir, from the Santa Rita Hills AVA. He explains that the Santa Lucia Highlands enjoys a mild climate, with little delta between day and nighttime temperatures.

Come what may, these 2021s will surely remain a vibrant hallmark of this man’s expanding legacy.

LATEST HAUL Tasting Testarossa’s 2021 releases in Cellar 1, including: Chardonnays from Sierra Mar, Lone Oak, and Soberanes vineyards; Pinot Noirs from Sierra Mar, Garys’, Doctor’s, Tondre Grapefield and Sanford & Benedict vineyards; plus Diana’s Chardonnay and Niclaire Pinot Noir.

COMPROMISE STRUCK

Manager, from page 6

see a different picture, one where the Town has been hampered at every turn in its efforts to dish up a residential development plan of the sort the State would like to see (namely one that seeks to allow much more than the 1,993 bare-minimum number of units the Department of Housing and Community Development has set as the municipality’s baseline).

This was echoed at Council last week, when several public commenters came out to speak in support of small, multiunit developments—perhaps even beyond what Los Gatos could get away with promising to prepare for.

Ristow even pushed-back on those making the argument that Town officials haven’t done their part to get the Housing Element approved by Sacramento.

“If you want to talk about leadership—We had only about three members (of Council) from the start that have voted for some of the really important issues that were essential to getting this Housing Element moved forward,” she said, noting approving the specific sites where new housing can go, a story pole policy HCD wanted to see, creation of a Housing Element Overlay Zone and a specific rezoning directive were all steps fought by one or more Council members. “All four of those were steps that were absolutely essential. And it got us to where we are.”

Prevetti says it’s just something that every municipal manager has had to contend with in California.

“It’s always tough when someone else gives you a big number to plan for,” she said, cheering Council’s split-decision the night before to support a compromise plan to protect some lower-density areas from multifamily developments while allowing intensification in other sections of town. “I think we’re ready to get to the next step in the process.”

And as Prevetti—who has provided a detailed transition plan to Council— prepares to take the next big step in her life, she says she’s grateful for her time in office.

“What I really love about Los Gatos is its sense of community,” she said. “It’s just such a wonderful place to be.”

*With files from Dan Pulcrano