Los Gatan May 29 2024

WHAT A SHOEBOX FULL OF OLD PAPERS TAUGHT ME ABOUT MY GRANDPARENTS

After father’s death, writer reflects on legacy of family, Italian community

Lisa Traylor Scott, Contributor

When I was a child in the 70s, Los Gatos was filled with Italians. I remember seeing the older women walking in town, dragging behind them their wire utility carts filled with groceries down Santa Cruz Avenue. My grandparents, Adam and Albina Contardo, were part of this community, having immigrated to Los Gatos from northern Italy in the 20s.

My grandfather, a talented stone mason from Tolmezzo, built many of the walls around Los Gatos, including one that still stands on Alpine Avenue, as well as another near Pine Avenue on Los Gatos Boulevard. He also helped build the barbeque pits and several fireplaces that were once at Oak Meadow Park as well as the brickwork surrounding them. Family lore is that my grandfather did stonework for John Steinbeck at his home in Los Gatos, off of Daves Avenue, where the

➝ Family’s Legacy, 10

PLANS UNVEILED: 7 NEW CAPITAL PROJECTS, TAX MEASURE VOTE

Council moves forward with levy pitch; looks at list of CIP projects

Drew Penner, Editor

In order to finalize the budget for the upcoming year, the Town of Los Gatos needs to solve a variety of puzzles.

And on May 21, at their regularly-scheduled meeting, Council members had a hand in fitting pieces—of various shapes and sizes—into place.

This included aiming to complete the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) picture.

With nine items having been closed-out over the last year, and $7 million in new funding (plus $25.7 million to be carried forward), staff had pitched

➝ Council, 9

HEROICS Arizona junior Tommy Splaine, a 2021 LGHS graduate, is congratulated by teammates after his walkoff single

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

THE BILLLISTER TEAM

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

THE BILLLISTER TEAM

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

Bill Lister

1077 PORTOLA ROAD, PORTOLA VALLEY

1077 PORTOLA ROAD, PORTOLA VALLEY

1077 PORTOLA ROAD, PORTOLA VALLEY

1077 PORTOLA ROAD, PORTOLA VALLEY

5 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths & 1 Half Bath | ± 3,600 sq. ft Living Space | ± 1.229 Acre Lot

5 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths & 1 Half Bath | ± 3,600 sq. ft Living Space | ± 1.229 Acre Lot Offered at $4,295,000

Offered at $4,295,000

Offered at $4,295,000

Offered at $4,295,000

Quiet & serene, this park like setting is tucked away from the street. This gated property is located in the heart of Portola Valley with a unique welcoming feeling. Chef's kitchen with Calcutta marble, custom cabinets & commercial grade appliances. Formal living room with fireplace and access to exterior second living room. Separate family room with fireplace, built-in

Quiet & serene, this park like setting is tucked away from the street. This gated property is located in the heart of Portola Valley with a unique welcoming feeling. Chef's kitchen with Calcutta marble, custom cabinets & commercial grade appliances Formal living room with fireplace and access to exterior second living room. Separate family room with fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and access to exterior. Primary suite with a freshly remodeled bathroom & walk-in closet. Wonderfully high ceilings and high end custom finishes throughout. Two outdoor living rooms for entertaining, antique stone hot tub, raised planters for a garden, tons of usable lawn, and a playground for the young at heart. On cooler nights, there is a spacious theater that insures many hours of entertainment. No detail was ignored, this home speaks of quality and a comfortable elegance.

Quiet & serene, this park like setting is tucked away from the street. This gated property is located in the heart of Portola Valley with a unique welcoming feeling. Chef's kitchen with Calcutta marble, custom cabinets & commercial grade appliances. Formal living room with fireplace and access to exterior second living room. Separate family room with fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and access to exterior. Primary suite with a freshly remodeled bathroom & walk-in closet. Wonderfully high ceilings and high end custom finishes throughout. Two outdoor living rooms for entertaining, antique stone hot tub, raised planters for a garden, tons of usable lawn, and a playground for the young at heart. On cooler nights, there is a spacious theater that insures many hours of entertainment. No detail was ignored, this home speaks of quality and a comfortable elegance.

the young at heart. On cooler nights, there is a spacious theater that insures many hours of entertainment. No detail was ignored, this home speaks of quality and a comfortable elegance.

Quiet & serene, this park like setting is tucked away from the street. This gated property is located in the heart of Portola Valley with a unique welcoming feeling. Chef's kitchen with Calcutta marble, custom cabinets & commercial grade appliances Formal living room with fireplace and access to exterior second living room. Separate family room with fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and access to exterior. Primary suite with a freshly remodeled bathroom & walk-in closet. Wonderfully high ceilings and high end custom finishes throughout. Two outdoor living rooms for entertaining, antique stone hot tub, raised planters for a garden, tons of usable lawn, and a playground for the young at heart. On cooler nights, there is a spacious theater that insures many hours of entertainment. No detail was ignored, this home speaks of quality and a comfortable elegance.

THE BILL LISTER TEAM

2023 International President's Premier, Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide

Bill Lister 2023 International President's Premier, Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide #1 Small Team in the Los Gatos Office

#1 Small Team in the Los Gatos Office

Voted 2023 Best Real Estate Agent of LG Top Producer on the 2011-2023 WSJ List 408.892.9300 | Cell BLister@cbnorcal.com www.BillLister.com DRE# 01179611

Voted 2023 Best Real Estate Agent of LG Top Producer on the 2011-2023 WSJ List 408.892.9300 | Cell BLister@cbnorcal.com www.BillLister.com DRE# 01179611

the 2011-2023 WSJ List 408.892.9300 | Cell BLister@cbnorcal.com www.BillLister.com

A results oriented approach matched with strong negotiating skills and effective marketing has made

A results oriented approach matched with strong negotiating skills and effective marketing has made Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. Give him a call today!

DRE# 01179611

Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. Give him a call today!

A results oriented approach matched with strong negotiating skills and effective marketing has made Bill Lister a national Real Estate

a playground for the young at heart. On cooler nights, there is a spacious theater that insures many hours of entertainment. No detail was ignored, this home speaks of quality and a comfortable elegance.

Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor & Publisher

Lee May General Manager

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DEBATERS AWARDED FOR RHETORICAL SKILLS

Staff Report

Students from Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools’ Speech and Debate Teams have been quite convincing, making their points successfully against students from other public— and private—schools. These efforts have led to placements in top tournaments and invitations to national competitions.

At the California High School Speech Association State Championship, April 12-14, in Clovis, California:

• Alix Kerebel, semifinalist in Congressional Debate, LGHS senior

• Cameron Nguyen, 3rd in Original Prose and Poetry Speech, SHS senior

• Devika Nair, semifinalist in Original Advocacy, SHS freshman

At the State Qualification/League Finals Tournament, March 3-4:

• Timothy Leung and Kinnera Potluri, 2nd in Duo Interpretation Speech, SHS juniors

• Kinnera Potluri, 2nd place in Humorous Interpretation Speech, SHS junior

At Tournament of Champions, a national high school speech and debate contest at the University of Kentucky, April 20-22:

• Zachary Benitez, quarterfinalist in Original Oratory, LGHS senior

• Leonardo Jia and Ashish Goswami, semifinalist in Public Forum Gold, SHS juniors

• Alix Kerebel, semifinalist in Congressional Debate, LGHS senior

• Kinnera Potluri & Timothy Leung, 3rd, Finalist in DUO Interpretation, SHS juniors

• Timothy Leung, 4th, finalist, in Program Oral Interpretation, SHS junior

These students qualified by winning two bids after advancing to late elimination rounds at highly competitive tournaments (incl. Stanford, Martin

Luther King Jr. and Berkeley):

• Ovee Dharwadkar, Dramatic Interpretation and Original Oratory Speech, SHS freshman

• Preksha Jain, Original Oratory Speech, SHS freshman

• Skyler Mao (junior) and Anthony Luo (sophomore), Public Forum Gold Debate, S HS

• Anagha Vitaldevara, Dramatic Interpretation, SHS sophomore

The National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC) is an annual national tournament that will host some of the best competitors from around the country this May in Nebraska. Featuring competitions in humor, drama, and informative, to name a few, students qualify after attaining two bids after advancing to late elimination rounds at local and state-level tournaments. Join us in congratulating the qualifiers:

• Timothy Leung in Duo Interpretation and Program Oral Interpretation and Speech, Saratoga HS Junior

• Cameron Nguyen, Humorous Interpretation Speech, Saratoga HS Senior

• Kinnera Potluri in Duo Interpretation and Humorous Interpretation Speech, Saratoga HS Junior

• Anagha Vitaldevara, Dramatic Interpretation, Saratoga HS Sophomore

The 2024 National Speech & Debate Tournament (NSDA) will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, June 16-21. Los Gatos High School will send senior Zachary Benitez for Original Oratory and senior Alix Kerebel for Congressional Debate. Saratoga High School will send junior Timothy Leung, who auto-qualified as a semifinalist in Program Oral Interpretation at the 2023 NSDA Tournament, sophomore Anagha Vitaldevara, who placed 3rd in Dramatic Interpretation at the California Coast District Tournament, junior Leonardo Jia and junior Ashish Goswami , who qualified in Public Forum through the Last Chance Qualifier, and senior Cameron Nguyen, who was selected as an atlarge coach entry for Prose Reading. Both the Los Gatos and Saratoga High School Speech and Debate Teams are an after-school, extra-curricular activity designed to build communication skills. Practices are held during the week where students develop their public speaking, debating, and acting skills.

CELEBRATING ANIMALS ON NATIONAL PET MONTH

Oh, how we love our Los Gatos animals

Dinah Cotton, Contributor

Did you know May is National Pet Month? To celebrate this month dedicated to our extra family members, you could get your pet a pet—and a rescued one is best. You could post more photos and videos of them online, or buy them presents. I headed around town to survey the pets landscape.

WORKING ANIMALS

In addition to fresh flowers from Corralitos, at Bunches, at 12 N. Santa Cruz Ave., you’ll find Pete the female duck, who’s been living here for over 20 years. Camila Velasco explained Pete’s story. “We used to bring in ducks and chicks for Easter,” she said, adding that, one year, she and a coworker convinced the business owner to let them adopt a duck. “We named her Pete before she started laying eggs. The name stuck.”

Across the street, at The Yellow Brick Road on 59 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Riley the 13-year-old golden retriever, was taking a nap near the entrance and did not bother to get up to greet me. He performed his one-eye-open security check and allowed me to enter.

LOS GATOS’ PET SHOPS

Further down Santa Cruz Avenue, just across Highway 9, is Petco. The store offers grooming, live fish, birds, small animals, bearded dragon lizards, python snakes and everything that you might need to keep these animals happy in your home.

At 514 N. Santa Cruz Ave., is Pet People. I caught up with General Manager Martin Tuttle, just as he was exiting the premises. “We participate and support local schools and churches with their fundraisers,” he told me. “We also work with the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, who rehabilitate injured found wild animals then release them back to nature.”

Pet Food Express, at 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., with its dog washing stations, community visiting vet and medications, also works with local shelters and rescues for pet adoption.

Los Gatos Birdwatcher at Kings Court, 792 Blossom Hill Rd., is a store for nature lovers. It’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you can’t have a pet for one reason or another. They’ll show you how to attract birds and lead you on free Saturday birdwatching walks. A parting thought: If you are lucky enough to have a pet that can be chipped, please chip them. This will help identify your pets for return if they ever get lost. We give our animals a piece of our hearts, and they give us unconditional love back.

CHILL GUARD At The Yellow Brick Road, Riley, a golden retriever, finds a tranquil space en route to Oz.

BLIND WATERFOWL Pete the duck is a beloved member of the Bunches family.

Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

SPORTS

ALUMNI REPORT: TOMMY SPLAINE COMES UP CLUTCH

2021 LGHS grad shines on the field for Arizona

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Tommy Splaine was on the receiving end of not one but two Gatorade showers in the aftermath of the University of Arizona baseball team’s riveting 4-3 win over USC in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game on May 25 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Splaine’s one-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning scored pinch runner Emilio Corona from second base, setting off a wild celebration. A day after the victory, Arizona (36-21) was awarded one of the 16 hosting regional spots in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Perhaps more impressive than Splaine’s hit itself was that he hardly broke sentence as he was dunked with back-to-back Gatorade showers by his

teammates during an on-field postgame interview.

“It means everything,” Splaine, a 2021 Los Gatos High graduate, said on azdesertswarm.com. “I grew up an Arizona fan, diehard. Diehard Pac-12 fan. So this is a really big one for Arizona.”

A 6-foot-5, 207-pound junior catcher/first baseman, Splaine earned praise from Arizona coach Chip Hale.

“If he was a professional, I’d say he’s a consummate professional because he has not let any of his struggles at the plate affect him on defense,” Hale said. “That’s why he’s out there. He holds down that infield, and I’m just so happy that it was him that got the winning hit tonight.”

Admittedly, Splaine’s season hasn’t gone the way he’d liked from an offensive standpoint, as he entered the USC game with a career-low .231 batting average. However, Splaine

picked the right time to find his swing, as he’s hit safely in four of his past five games, going 6-for-18 in that stretch.

Despite striking out in his first two at-bats vs. USC, Splaine responded well, singling in his final two at-bats.

Splaine had a hand in the Wildcats scoring all four of their runs in the final three innings. He led off the bottom of the eighth inning with a single and eventually came around to score to cut their deficit to 3-2.

An inning later, as he approached the plate with an opportunity for a walk-off victory, Splaine delivered, depositing a sharp single to left field. After a standout career at Los Gatos High, Splaine made an immediate impact at Arizona, starting 47 games as a true freshman.

He finished the 2022 season with a .271 average and 29 runs scored, 20

walks, seven doubles, three triples, two home runs and 24 RBIs.

SPLASH SENSATION

Another 2022 LGHS graduate, Zoe Frangieh, has made an impact at the Division I level. Frangieh had a terrific 2024 water polo season playing 2-meter defense for Arizona State, appearing in every game for the second straight year.

Frangieh finished with 17 goals, eight steals and five assists for a Sun Devils team that went 23-8 and won the fifthplace game in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament, arguably the toughest conference in the nation. Frangieh tallied a career-high four goals and added two assists in a win over Ottawa on March 30, one of six multi-goal games she registered this past season.

Mike Christy/Arizona Athletics

EYES HAVE IT Tommy Splaine, seen here making a putout in Arizona’s game against Stanford in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals on May 24, delivered the game-winning hit the next day in the championship.

Partnering with you never stops.

Imagine a true partnership with your personal doctor. As a member of Los Gatos Concierge Medicine, you’ll experience:

•In-depth appointments that focus on your goals for sleep, diet, fitness, mental health and social support.

• Easy access to your care team, even on weekends and holidays.

• Coordinated care with specialists at Sutter and beyond.

Explore more membership benefits by calling 408-523-3344 or emailing ConciergeMedicineLosGatos@sutterhealth.org.

sutterhealth.org/concierge-medicine

Left to right:

DOUG SOUVIGNIER, M.D.

KRISTIN WELTER, M.D.

NANCY TIBBS, M.D.

GUEST VIEW

HELP US CRAFT A COMMUNITY CENTER THAT ROCKS

Jeffrey P. Blum, Contributor

Ever feel like Los Gatos is missing a certain...spark? Do you observe, as I and many others have, that our town revolves around adorable boutiques, great restaurants, and cozy coffee houses but lacks a central hub for community gatherings and connections? Fret no more. The Los Gatos Foundation for Older Adults to Thrive (yes, it is a mouthful) is on a mission to rectify this situation.

Many of you already know about us from the well-attended, and tremendously successful Monday morning gathering to view the Fall Guy movie featuring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. We recently held this event at the Los Gatos Theatre. We plan on holding more Monday morning movie get togethers there, featuring great movies, coffee, and a pastry, all for the low price of $10.

Imagine a brand-new community center where toddlers can unleash their inner Picasso talents, teens can jam to their favorite tunes, and seasoned citizens can swap stories about the good old days (rather than being stuck at home, yelling at the neighbor kids to keep the music down or get off their lawn). This new project is not a mirage, it’s the vision for our very own community center!

But here’s the thing: to make this vision a reality, we need your help. We’re doing a needs/wants assessment, so we require your brilliant ideas and insightful opinions.

SURVEY SAYS...

Think of yourself as an oracle, wielding the power to shape the future of Los Gatos. We’ve put together a short—and oh-so-sweet—survey (it’ll take less time than the wait time at your morning coffee queue at Los Gatos Roasting Company, Great Bear Coffee, the Purple Onion, Peet’s, or Starbucks). You can find this survey at: LGCommunityCenter.org

This survey is your chance to tell us what kind of magic you want sprinkled into a new community haven.

DIGGING DEEPER: THE LOS GATOS MASONIC CENTER WORKSHOP

For those who crave a deeper dive (and maybe some free food – we won’t judge!), we’re hosting a focus groupstyle workshop on June 20, at the Los Gatos Masonic Center located at 131 E Main Street, from 5pm-8pm (with time to socialize afterwards)

This is your chance to unleash your inner architect (or interior designer, or social butterfly spirit) and brainstorm alongside your neighbors.

WHY ALL AGES MATTER

A community is a beautiful tapestry woven from threads of all ages. We want a center that caters to the finger-painting set, the book club enthusiasts, and everyone in between. From our field trips to other towns and cities, including Los Altos, Mountain View, Saratoga, Palo Alto, and Morgan Hill we’ve learned that they boast community centers with beautiful architecture. They are also bustling hubs of activity, offering pottery classes, ping pong tables, game rooms, daycare facilities, exercise classes, dining/major event rooms, dance classes, bocce ball courts, pool tables, computer rooms, technological state of the art meeting rooms and pickleball courts. The options for a community center are nearly endless. Los Gatos deserves a space like these other community centers have.

THE TAKEAWAY

So, ditch Netflix, put on your thinking caps, bring your needs/wants assessment ideas, and dust off your social butterfly wings. Let’s get together (all ages welcome!) and design a community center that will make Los Gatos the envy of the entire Bay Area. Remember, the survey is a breeze at LGCommunityCenter.org, and the workshop is on June 20th at the Los Gatos Masonic Center, with food to fuel your creative genius.

Because let’s face it, a community center built by the community is a

community center for the community. That’s a recipe for success (and maybe even some epic community cook-offs in the center’s future kitchen – just a thought).

Los Gatos deserves a center that reflects the vibrant spirit of our town. Imagine a space that fosters creativity, connection and maybe even a healthy dose of friendly com -

petition during a community pingpong or chess tournament. This center can be a hub for local organizations, a launchpad for budding artists, and a haven for anyone looking to escape the monotony of the everyday.

Let’s show the rest of the Bay Area that Los Gatos has spark, and really rocks.

Courtesy of Pam Allison

SPARKLING Fat Willy’s Antiques’ windows, at 14 N Santa Cruz Ave., are scrubbed by landlord Emily Bonasera.

1/8TH-CENT SALES TAX PROPOSAL

Council from page 1

seven new projects (for a total of 65).

This list featured Blossom Hill Road traffic-calming improvements at the high end (a grant-funded, $800,000 plan), to Overlook Road tree work at the low end ($40,000).

Staff also proposed storm drainage mapping ($450,000), roof repairs for the Town Manager Office ($80,000) and sport court surfacing ($100,000), among other renovations.

In a report, staff said the Town continues to struggle to find a reliable source of revenue for the CIP.

“This year, the challenge is increasingly evident as the five-year CIP shows very little fund balance remaining in year five,” it reads. “The proposed five-year CIP reflects $10.1 million in ongoing Gas Tax dedicated sources to help fund the proposed $53.7 million of planned capital improvements.”

Outgoing Town Manager Laurel Prevetti, who announced she would be staying through the summer as the search continues for her replacement, presided over a process that seeks to balance Los Gatos’ budget by maintaining a 4.6% vacancy rate.

The meeting followed the May 13 Finance Commission meeting, where polling by Gene Bregman and Associates about a possible 1/8 th-cent sales tax increase was discussed.

And it arrived on the heels of a message sent to the Town by Finance Commission Chair Phil Koen.

“A concern of the Commission was the lack of transparency regarding the use of the sales tax proceeds,” he stated. “Because of this lack of transparency, the Finance Commission recommended if the Town Council wished to proceed with a 1/8 sales tax increase, the use of proceeds should be tied to specific needs so voters clearly understood how the proceeds would be spent. By doing this, however, the sales tax measure would have to be a specific sales tax requiring two-thirds vote to pass as opposed to a general sales tax.”

Bergman & Associates found 92% of people polled rate Los Gatos as a “Good” or “Excellent” place to live, with 8% saying “Only Fair.”

When considering “very serious is-

sues/problems” in town, “High cost of living” came in at the top, with 60% of people noting this issue, followed by “Traffic congestion” at 45%, “Need for more affordable housing” at 42%, “Need for more programs to protect against wildfires” at 31% and “Need to maintain police and emergency public safety programs” at 24%.

The majority of respondents said they were supportive of an 1/8 th cent sales tax increase, however none of the “Very Important Problems That Could Be Addressed by a Sales Tax” reached the 2/3rds threshold needed for a specific tax.

The Finance Commission looked at the City of Merced’s successful ballot measure, which renewed an existing .5% sales tax, which uses 95% of the revenue for police and fire protection and 5% for road and street maintenance. It passed with 68.5% support.

Councilmember Rob Moore said he did not prefer the specific tax option.

“—just because I think it seems unlikely to pass,” he said, questioning whether members of the Finance Commission would help campaign for a tax if a specific levy is proposed.

Councilmember Rob Rennie said if the Town goes with a general tax, members of the Finance Commission might campaign against it.

Mayor Mary Badame said she wasn’t a fan of the survey methodology.

“The questions that were asked led the responders to respond the way that they did,” she said. “They thought it was going towards police and fire services, not that it might go into a General Fund…or even wildfire management. So, to me, there’s a problem with the poll.”

Ultimately, Council 4-1 for the specific tax option, with Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes opposed.

Councilmember Rennie proposed directing new tax revenue to three specific areas the poll identified as popular—fire safety programs and emergency services; improving traffic flow; and policing. This passed unanimously.

The vote to increase the agreement with NBS Government Finance Group to $105,000 (an increase of $60,400) passed 4-1 with Vice Mayor Hudes opposed.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

“Do you garden? If so, what are you growing?”

Dinah Cotton, Contributor

This time of year, Los Gatans are out in their gardens, enjoying the spring weather and growing tomatoes of many exotic varieties.

Once you get used to a tomato you’ve raised, it is so disappointing to bite into one from a store and find it has no taste.

And don’t get me started about how homegrown Myers lemons are unbeatable.

Today we hear from locals about their gardening proclivities…

“Oh yes. I garden—and organically—for years. I grow sixfoot-tall tomatoes of all varieties. Sometimes I use grow bags.”

Thomas Bloink, Washington D.C., 67 California Cranial Institute, Los Gatos

“I enjoy my parents’ garden: eggplants, tomatoes, chilies, bitter melons and snap peas.”

Tina Mistry, 28 Office manager, California Cranial Institute

“I do not have a garden. I would like to have one.”

Lucia Rasmussen, 26, Barista Asked at N. Santa Cruz Ave. and Highway 9

“Yes we do. Mostly succulents.”

Clinton Hickey, 27 Treat dispenser, Pet People

“Yes, I garden at our Sonora place. I love bulbs and all flowers—especially roses. Also: veggies, tomatoes, strawberries, herbs. We have lemons galore this year.”

Susan Hulse, 68 Hospice aide, asked at Starbucks on N. Santa Cruz Ave.

No one mentioned zucchini (and as you may know, when it comes in, it really comes in).

But there are plenty of delivery options for that summer squash—zucchini bread, baked and stuffed zucchini, parmesan zucchini.

Hey, here’s a good idea: get together with your gardening neighbors and grow different veggies to swap.

ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS HELPED SHAPE TOWN’S PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE

Family’s Legacy, from page 1

Grapes of Wrath writer lived during World War II. I also remember hearing my mother say that he worked for Alfred Hitchcock when he remodeled his newly acquired Scotts Valley vacation home.

My grandfather built the family residence on the property adjacent to where Safeway stands today in downtown Los Gatos. They moved the house up Winchester Boulevard across from Daves Avenue in 1960, and my entrepreneurial grandparents built the commercial building which sits at 464-468 North Santa Cruz Avenue.

When my father passed away last summer, I found myself with the tedious chore of digging through piles of old paperwork, but my heart stopped when I opened a shoebox filled with folded and crumbling typewritten legal documents, dated to the 60s and 70s. Here, in this mess of paperwork, was the history of my family’s building on Santa Cruz Avenue – receipts from its construction as well as the leases for the businesses that occupied it.

In the yellowed papers, I found my grandparents’ scrawled signatures on a contract with Knopf Brothers General Contractors dated Feb. 10, 1961, to construct the building for $24,997. Lee H. Evans, a contractor located on Mozart Avenue, did the paving for $1,375, and Cacitti and Cacitti, who did much of the concrete work around Los Gatos and San Jose, laid the sidewalks for $227.

I was a little disappointed most of the leases had only the tenants’ names on them and, curious as to the types of businesses that occupied the building over the years, I embarked on a journey to locate the tenants or their heirs to inquire about the names of the businesses and any memories they may have.

One agreement, dated Sept. 1, 1972, was signed by Wayne Willyard. I finally located the tenant’s daughter in Roseville. She wrote to me to tell me the business was called R&W Upholstery and was located “behind the Baskin Robbins ice cream store.” So, it turns out “31 Flavors”” was one of my grandparents’ first tenants—the lease signed Jan. 10, 1962. They rented the front store for many years before moving to the adjacent property where T-Birds Pizza is today.

Writer reminisces about an elderly Italian man ordering prosciutto at Polly Prim Bakery, connects with the Roseville-based daughter of family’s former tenant

Another lease, this one dated March 23, 1972, was for a business named Lumpy’s Hot Dogs, whose owner operated hot dog restaurants in San Francisco, Redwood City and Palo Alto. Although I asked in a Los Gatos Facebook group, nobody seemed to remember this establishment.

In the late 70s and early 80s, the Wine Press Deli served the best sandwiches in town. I worked there for many years and remember the long line of customers that, at lunchtime on summer days, extended out the door— all the way out to Santa Cruz Avenue. What made the sandwiches so incredible were the hot, fresh-baked French rolls that arrived every morning from Polly Prim Bakery uptown. The featured sandwich was the “grinder,” which included a mixture of Italian meats and cheeses and a special herbal salad dressing.

One sandwich, named for a man who came in daily and asked for a unique combination of ingredients, was called the “Ron’s Irregular” and included roast beef, thousand island dressing, and coleslaw. The Wine Press also had a large deli case filled with every Italian and American lunchmeat and cheese imaginable. I remember one elderly Italian man who came in every evening wearing a suit, tie and fedora hat. He spoke broken English and specifically ordered four, paper-thin slices of Italian pro-

sciutto. When I showed him the cut meat, he inspected each slice carefully, and then said with a flip of his hand, “Eh –give me one more!”

When the Wine Press went out of business, Steve’s Deli briefly took over, followed by Jenny’s Deli, but neither had the success of the Wine Press. Next to the deli in the front space was, for many years, a tile store that imported high-end tile from Italy before Yummy Yogurt and Yogurt Delight took over the space.

But back to the shoebox in my parent’s home last July. In it, I also found several of my mother’s handwritten ledgers with names of businesses from the 1990s. Many may remember the comic book and baseball trading card stores called Collector’s Corner and Batattitudes which attracted collectors of all ages who browsed the racks of vintage collectables. Today, Rosy Yogurt and Lonado Nail Salon are in the front and middle spaces. Nuvoux, the Salon

Courtesy of Lisa Traylor Scott

ARCHIVAL Elsie Contardo Traylor, in front of the house the writer’s grandfather built at 466 N. Santa Cruz Ave.—before they moved it up Winchester—where the family’s commercial building now stands.

AND NONO

and Albina

that’s owned and operated by Brent Hatfield, has occupied the end unit for over thirty years.

Los Gatos was—and still is—a very special community to live in. I now live in Atlanta, but whenever I’m in town, I go back to the building on Santa Cruz Avenue and touch the rockwork that my grandfather placed on the façade. He would drive around Lexington Reservoir and hunt for just the right stones for his projects. These stones represent my grandparents, Adam and Albina Contardo. And when I look at them, it feels like my grandparents are still a part of the Los Gatos they loved.

Ad

Photos: (Courtesy of Lisa Traylor Scott) (Mom)

ARCHIVAL Elsie Contardo

Traylor, in front of the house the writer’s grandfather built at 466 N. Santa Cruz Ave.—before they moved it up Winchester—where the family’s commercial building now stands.

(Noni and Nono)

NONI & NONO

Al

(Inside - two potential jump heads)

Clues to family’s legacy lead to hunt for building tenants

Italian immigrants helped shape town’s physical landscape

NONI

Adam

Contardo, in a photo taken in Los Gatos, dated Jan. 4, 1945.

Adam and

bina Contardo, in a photo taken in Los Gatos, dated Jan. 4, 1945.

AGING A bit of antique newsprint reveals lessons about family, and the history of the Italian community in Los Gatos.

Courtesy of Lisa Traylor Scott

Courtesy of Lisa Traylor Scott

PUBLIC NOTICES

Town of Los Gatos

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 2359

TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING CHAPTER 29, “ZONING REGULATIONS,” OF THE TOWN CODE REGARDING SENATE BILL (SB) 9 FOR MODIFIED DESIGN REVIEW STANDARDS AND OTHER CLARIFYING REVISIONS.

Notice is hereby given that at its meeting of Tuesday, May 7, 2024, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos introduced the Ordinance titled above and adopted this ordinance on Tuesday, May 21, 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:

An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos that amends Chapter 29 (Zoning Regulations) of the Town Code regarding Senate Bill (SB) 9. The amendments change the second-story step-back requirement, introduce prohibited exterior material and ground-mounted mechanical equipment screening provisions, amend the exclusion areas to align with State law, and other clarifying revisions as identified by staff. The proposed amendments to the Town Code are not considered a project under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act, and in accordance with Government Code Section 66411.7(n) and 66452.21(g), SB 9 Ordinances are not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. Town Code Amendment Application A-24-003. Project Location: Town wide. Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.

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: 05/29/2024 (Pub LGN 5/29)

Town of Los Gatos

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 2358

ONE 1355 CVC

TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING CHAPTER 29, “ZONING REGULATIONS,” ARTICLE I, “IN GENERAL,” DIVISION 3, “SIGNS,” OF THE TOWN CODE REGARDING SIGN REGULATIONS

Notice is hereby given that at its meeting of Tuesday, May 7, 2024, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos introduced the Ordinance titled above and adopted this ordinance on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, by the following vote:

Nays: None

Abstain: None

Recused: None

The following is a summary of the Ordinance: An Ordinance amending Chapter 29 (Zoning Regulations) of the Town Code regarding signs, including removing content-based regulations, prohibiting temporary signs in roadway medians and in the area between the paved road and the sidewalk, and requiring the removal of temporary signs.

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: 05/29/2024

(Pub LGN 5/29)

Administer Estate

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF David B. Hoyt. Case No. 24PR197182. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of (specify all names by which the decedent was known): David B. Hoyt. A Petition for Probate has been filed by Tiffany Hoyt in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The petition for probate requests that: Tiffany Hoyt be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 7/12/2024. Time: 9:01 AM. Dept: 1. Address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, 191 N. First Street, San Jose, California, 95113. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Jennifer E. Ramirez. 2021 The Alameda, Suite 225, San Jose, CA 95126, (408) 713-5444. (Pub LGN 5/22, 5/29, 6/5)

Fictitious Business Name Statements

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

#705500

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Made By Tiffany, 1434 Carnot Dr., San Jose, CA, 95126, Tiffany Ka-Yee Lau. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/28/2024. /s/Tiffany K Lau. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/26/2024. (pub LG 05/08, 05/15, 05/22, 05/29/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705509

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Skintamin Inc., 2551 Sierra Monte Way, San Jose, CA, 95116. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/22/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Marsha Nguyen. Owner. #6146718. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/26/2024. (pub LG 05/08, 05/15, 05/22, 05/29/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705777

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Uvasosos Enterprises, 9 Buena Monte Drive, San Jose, CA, 95120, Michael G Baer. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Michael G Baer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/03/2024. (pub LG 05/08, 05/15, 05/22, 05/29/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705709

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EZ Pro Service, 1825 Mandel Ct., San Jose, CA, 95131. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 03/25/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Thu Dinh. President. #6158093. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/02/2024. (pub LG 05/15, 05/22, 05/29, 06/05/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705812

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Yahnco, 1201 Parkmoor Ave 1420, San Jose, CA, 95126, Michelle Ayon, Eddie Ayon. This business is being conducted by a Married Couple. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/27/2024. /s/Michelle Ayon. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/06/2024. (pub LG 05/15, 05/22, 05/29, 06/05/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705443

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Urbanworks, 1314 Hope Drive #102, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, One Source Solution LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/24/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/ Jimy Chang. CEO. #202461615537. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/24/2024. (pub LG 05/15, 05/22, 05/29, 06/05/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705706

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Flowersong Outdoor School, 172 W. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, Flowersong LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Elizabeth Binkley. LLC Member/Manager. #202461416948. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/02/2024. (pub LG 05/15, 05/22, 05/29, 06/05/2024)

File Number: FBN705287. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Bay Area Kids Dentistry, 991 Saratoga Ave, Suite 220, San Jose, CA 95129. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Brindha Subramanian, BDS-MS Dental Corporation(California), 21 Pilot Cir, Redwood City, CA 94065. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/11/2019 and 04/19/2024 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. Brindha Subramanian,BDS-MS Dental Corporation, Article/ Reg # 03092017, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Brindha Subramanian /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 05/15, 05/22, 05/29, 06/05/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #704699

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: The Handler, 112 Amanda Ln., Los Gatos, CA, 95032, Alex Nagi Alamul. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on. /s/ Alex Nagi Alamul. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/02/2024. (pub LG 05/15, 05/22, 05/29, 06/05/2024)

File Number: FBN705838. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: OOKA , 313 Llano De Los Robles Ave Unit 3, San Jose, CA 95136. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Avantrading LLC, 5201 Great American Pkwy Ste 320, Santa Clara, CA 95054. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 05/07/2024 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. Avantrading LLC, Article/Reg # 202358110401, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Yi Tian /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 05/22, 05/29, 06/05, 06/12/2024)

File Number: FBN706003. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Nematique , 172 Bersano Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030230. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership, Madhu Jain, 172 Bersano Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95030230 and Neelu Jain, 1344 Greenwood Road, Pleasanton, Cali 94566-. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/01/2024 and 05/14/2024 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/ Madhu Jain /s/. (Pub LGN: 05/22, 05/29, 06/05, 06/12/2024)

File Number: FBN706014. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Moore Preowned 644 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Moorevalue Corp, 644 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/22/2024 and 05/14/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Moorevalue Corp, Article/Reg # 528993, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ John Y Moore /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 05/22, 05/29, 06/05, 06/12/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705183

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: IVO Auto Service, 1105 E William St., San Jose, CA, 95116, Olivia Ponce, Vanessa Campuzano Ponce. This business is being conducted by a A General Partnership. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/ Vanessa Campuzano Ponce. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/16/2024. (pub LG 05/22, 05/29, 06/05, 06/12/2024)

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Fictitious Business Name Statements

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #706116

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: J And K Rentals, 15971 Quail Road, Los Gatos, CA, 95032, Donald C Wimberly. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/10/1992. /s/Donald C Wimberly. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/17/2024. (pub LG 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #706223

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Redmond Auto Services, 1331 Redmond Ave., San Jose, CA, 95120, Ben Talebi. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 09/18/2014. /s/ben Talebi. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/22/2024. (pub Metro 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

#705655

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Corvette Clinic, 1850 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA, 95128, Matthew John Rohr. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/01/2024. /s/Matthew John Rohr. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/10/2024. (pub LG 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #706282

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Samantha Lykins Esthetics, 14760 Elton Court, San Jose, CA, 95124, Samantha Anne Lykins. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began

business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/22/2024. /s/Samantha Anne Lykins. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/23/2024. (pub LG 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)

File Number: FBN705998 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Bloom Plaza Animal Hospital , 5647 Snell Avenue, San Jose, CA 95123. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, PetVet Care Centers (California), Inc., One Gorham Island Road, Suite 300, Westport, CT 06880. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/15/2019 and 05/14/2024 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. PetVet Care Centers (California), Inc, Article/Reg # 3819003, Above Entity was Formed in the State of Delaware. /s/ Adeline Park /s/ Vice President. (Pub LGN: 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #705973

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Emperial Security Services, 1 Vista Montana Apt 3432, San Jose, CA, 95134, Ernest Ogbonnaya. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/01/2024. s/Ernest Ogbonnaya. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/13/2024. (pub LG 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)

File Number: FBN706190. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: ECOSYNAPSE 16185 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 205, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Amanda Hendricks, 167 Villa Ave. Apt #10, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/11/2019 and 05/21/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Amanda Hendricks /s/. (Pub LGN: 05/29, 06/05, 06/12, 06/19/2024)