AFTER 8% RAISE GETS APPROVED, SOME QUESTIONS EMERGE ABOUT LGSUHSD SUPE’S CREDENTIALS
Clause quietly altered in Sanderson’s contract as teachers share leadership concerns
Drew Penner, Editor
On Sept. 24, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Board of Trustees approved an 8% raise for Superintendent BIll W. Sanderson, jumping to a base salary of $308,448—$28,448 more than his initial annual rate of $280,000 in 2022.
His new pay package was approved unanimously, with trustees—still basking in the honeymoon period with their relatively new leader—expressing confidence in his ability to continue to steer the district in positive directions.
But tension has arisen in various quarters, and some parents and teachers have raised questions about whether Sanderson really had all the credentials he was supposed to when he landed the job in the first place.
For example, during the meeting, Alicia de Fuentes, the
Superintendent, 10
Company’s CEO and president come along for the ride through the Santa Cruz Mountains
Drew Penner, Editor
On Sept. 27, Eric W. Thornburg loaded up into a passenger van with his coworkers and headed out on a field trip into the Santa Cruz Mountains just above Lexington Reservoir. The Saratoga resident just happens to be the CEO of SJW Group, a utility company that clocked net income of $32.4 million in just the first six months of 2024.
➝ Watershed, 6
mariah
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cabinetry. Primary suite with a freshly remodeled bathroom & walk-in closet High ceilings & high-end custom finishes throughout. Two outdoor living rooms for entertaining, antique stone hot tub, raised planters for a garden, and tons of usable lawn. 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.
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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 & access to exterior. Separate family room with fireplace & built-in cabinetry. Primary suite with a freshly remodeled bathroom & walk-in closet. High ceilings & high-end custom finishes throughout. Two outdoor living rooms for entertaining, antique stone hot tub, raised planters for a garden, and tons of usable lawn. 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.
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5 YEARS IN, A-LISTERS CAN’T HELP BUT FALL FOR FLOR DE MARIA
Los Gatos designer has proven knack for handcrafted footwear
Staff Report
Los Gatos fancy footwear designer Flor de Maria Rivera continues to add to the list of celebrities who’ve rocked items from her eponymous line on key runways and at massive social engagements.
And we’re talking la crème de la crème: Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Camila Cabello, Rita Ora and Carrie Underwood have all been spotted wearing the luxury shoes over just the past few months.
One of the most noteworthy splashes occurred when Mariah Carey opted for crystal-embellished shoes for her residency at the Dolby Theater at MGM Hotels.
Flor de Maria is no stranger in New York or LA, but she is proud to call Los Gatos home.
Her unique designs unabashedly exude femininity.
Each pair of shoes is handcrafted and features intricate embellishments, making them the perfect choice for bold fashion statements, the Latina business owner says.
“I am beyond thrilled that Mariah Carey chose to wear Flor de Maria shoes for her Las Vegas residency,” Rivera said in a release. “She embodies the essence of elegance and strength, and I believe our designs perfectly complement her artistry. It is an honor to see my creations worn by such an iconic performer.”
Singer Rita Ora wore Flor de Maria’s Black Berta platform heels to Disney’s post-Emmys celebration on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles.
And on Oct. 3, Carrie Underwood donned Flor de Maria’s Flocci pumps for an American Idol promo.
“As a both Carrie fan and American Idol fan, this moment is so special and brought back so many wonderful memories,” Rivera said on Instagram. “Four years ago, Carrie Underwood wore our CARRIE sandals at the Country Music Awards when our brand was just start-
ing out, and that moment is something I will cherish forever. In fact when I found out she wore my shoes again, that’s that very memory that came to mind.
“What a beautiful full circle moment as we celebrate five amazing years this month.”
LOS GATOS MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SAN JOSE
Staff Report
A 42-year-old Los Gatos man was arrested for sexual assault in San Jose.
On June 10, around 4:15pm, San Jose Police Department patrol officers responded to a report of a sexual assault in the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers determined a victim had been sexually assaulted during a massage session at the work-
place, which took place in a separated area from the rest of the business occurring on the premises.
Detectives from the San José Police Department Sexual Assault Investigations Unit identified the suspect as Los Gatos resident Phillip Silva. Later, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Sept. 26, SAIU Detectives located and arrested Silva in San José, with the assistance of patrol officers. He was
booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of sexual assault.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Low #4500 of the San José Police Sexual Assault Investigations Unit via email: 4500@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4102.
Crime tips can be submitted anonymously by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at 408-947-STOP, or at www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.
Courtesy of Flor de Maria
GLITZY Mariah Carey chose to wear Flor de Maria shoes for her Las Vegas residency.
SJ WATER EMPLOYEES TAKE FIELD TRIP
Watershed, from page 1
He was joined by Tanya Moniz-Witten, president of SJ Water Co., and several employees from different arms of the multi-pronged organization.
The goal was to give workers an on-the-ground look at the life-sustaining system they use to bring drinking water to local dining tables—a way to bring spreadsheets and data points to life.
What better way to do that than to head up into the Santa Cruz Mountains for an overview of the watershed that supplies Los Gatos and the surrounding areas with drinking water.
This is not foreign territory for Moniz-Witten.
“I do a weekly day in the field,” she said, explaining this helps her stay on top of the vast, technical organism she runs.
We spilled out of the bus onto flat terrain, where one of our tour guides welcomed us onto the terrain.
Jared Lewis, manager of environ -
mental planning and natural resources told the employees the watershed is a kind of natural basin that collects water and directs it down Los Gatos Creek.
“Think of it as a bathtub,” he said.
We did just have Watershed Month,” Director of Operations and Treatment
Colby Sneed added, referencing the corporate initiative that hopefully meant much of what would be said on the tour would be reinforcement not new information for the team members.
We began to descend along a dirt road below towering trees.
We arrived at a “balloon dam,” where water gets bypassed in order to maintain habitat, and which can be deflated or inflated depending on whether the water company wants more or less liquid to bypass the intake point located here.
Sneed pointed to a piece of equipment that beams information back to base about the state of the intake, meaning a human isn’t always required to come out to take readings anymore.
gas emissions and contributing to the California Public Utilities Commission’s Environmental and Social Justice Action Plan.
SJ Water officials declined to discuss the impact of PFAS on the Los Gatos Creek watershed with the Los Gatan. Just before clambering up the intake, we got an overview of the mix of water in this particular corner of SJW Group’s water portfolio.
First of all, half of the water sent to taps is imported—sold to SJ Water by Valley Water, the regional water distributor.
About 40% comes from groundwater—and is much cheaper than purchasing product (though they have to pay for treatment chemicals).
Sneed said he doesn’t feel Valley Water sets their prices in a way that incentivizes the utility too heavily in one particular direction.
Finally, one-tenth of the local water mix comes from surface water.
Our guides explained how the balloon dam is lowered in times of stormy weather, allowing chocolate milk-esque waves to pass by the intake.
We got to see how leaves and other debris is kept out of the stream sent to the Montevina Treatment Plant.
At the end of the tour, we headed across Highway 17 to a picnic area near two lakes that essentially serve as back-up water sources—one containing 80 million gallons, the other with 50 million gallons.
SJ Water employees are allowed to reserve the shaded, relaxed space. One said they recently held a gathering at the location.
Totran Mai, 39, is a GIS manager for SJ Water and group subsidiary Texas Water.
“I think it’s incredible to see that this is part of our system,” she said. “I signed up for the tour to see what our other colleagues are doing.”
crease in administration costs during that time period.
This year, SJW Group plans to spend $332 million on capital projects. It says it’s investing more than $1.6 billion over the next five years “to build and maintain its water and wastewater operations, including approximately $230 million to install treatment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—known as forever chemicals.
The company has proposed a threeyear $540 million capital expenditure program focused on treating PFAS in drinking water, reducing greenhouse
Mai said it was pretty interesting to see how other departments are using their maps.
“—otherwise I’m at my desk in the database all day,” she added.
Thornburg, the CEO, was pleased to see the employees connecting with the environment they’ve been tasked with managing.
“When we get people out into nature like this, there’s something magic that happens,” he said, characterizing water work as much more than a typical 9-to5. “They take pride in giving back and maintaining the forest. I love to see people really switched-on by what they do.”
Drew Penner / Los Gatan
OVERVIEW San Jose Water employees recently had the chance to get out into the landscape to check out the watershed.
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TASTY FUNDRAISER IN SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Superb ‘Star Chefs’ Fundraiser Supports Momentum For Health
Laura Ness, Contributor Saratoga resident and Momentum for Health Board Chair Kathryn Williams graciously opened her home and redwood-ringed yard to welcome guests for the eighth annual Star Chefs Fundraiser on a perfect end-of-September afternoon.
“Mental health is a critically important cause, and Momentum (for Health) has been providing vital supportive services in Silicon Valley for more than 40 years,” said Williams, before turning the podium over to the auctioneer for the evening, Monica Kibbe, who helped the event raise over $210K.
Chair of the Star Chefs event, Brenda Hammond, who opened Restaurant James Randall in Los Gatos in 2006, later selling it to son Ross and his wife Briana, who transformed it into Oak & Rye, knew she and Williams needed to pick a worthy cause.
“This event started in 2009, but it’s the first one we’ve had since the pandemic,” Hammond said. “When Kathy and I talked about a beneficiary, it seemed obvious that mental health was the timely choice.”
Star Chefs pits food and beverage pairings against one another for three awards: People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice and Chef’s Choice.
This year’s judges included Chef Jarad Gallagher (BROMA), Moe Rubenzahl (philanthropist and food blogger), Erica Lockheimer (a vice president at LinkedIn and founder of @humanizeher), Linda Zavoral (food writer for the Mercury News ), and myself. We had the not-as-easy-as-itsounds task of tasting all ten food and beverage combinations and rating them on a scale from 0 to 15.
Judge’s Choice was awarded to Chef Patrick Capurro of Be.Steak.A for his corn-studded agnolotti and scallop dish, dusted with huitlacoche and accented by corn pavlova. Grgich Chardonnay proved a fine, and refined, pairing.
Second place on the Judge’s hit parade was the Plumed Horse pairing of Chef Peter Armellino’s stracciatella tart with English peas and Burgundy truffles, with an exquisite gin gimlet,
created by Sommelier and Beverage Director Chris Ward, who topped it off with drops of exotic lime oil. Men’s cologne should smell this good.
Voted third place by the judges was the Orchard City Kitchen pork rillette dish by Executive Chef Mike Maybeck and Sous Chef JR Salvador, served with fennel slaw, candy-striped fig and a tangy cherry compote made with 2021 Joyce Pinot Noir, with which the dish was paired. This garnered my top vote for creativity and complexity.
But who cares what the judges think? It’s the People’s Choice that counts in these matters, and I don’t dispute the electorate, whether we are using beans or paper ballots. (We tried using coffee beans in cups to tally votes, but in the end, simple math won out.) The winner was Jackie’s Place in San Jose, for Chef Jackie Jackson’s sumptuous fried grits topped with plump cajun shrimp, andouille sau -
sage and bacon, paired with a Peach 76, a summery spin on a French 75 made with Zen Ona lemon vodka and peach schnapps, topped with brut Champagne. Judging by the number of people who hung out there for a good part of the afternoon, this dish was a crowd-pleaser.
Chef’s Choice was the Bywater’s watermelon and corn poke with sesame tahini sauce by Chef Ricky Nguyen, refreshingly paired with a Sante Adairius session beer made in Santa Cruz.
Some of the simplest dishes rocked it, including Chef Jacob Farleigh’s scallop ceviche with Andy’s Orchard pluots and nectarines, topped with toasted quinoa, and paired with a Remy cognac and Cointreau Sidecar. Definitely must visit Silos in Morgan Hill.
Chef Marcelino Hernandez of Asa Los Gatos served up soft housemade white corn tortillas topped with indulgent braised pork belly, a nice match for the 2021 Testaros -
sa Fogstone Pinot Noir that Irena Gumbert was pouring.
Oak & Rye went straight to the heart of all those attendees missing the Sunday football game with a margarita pizza served hot from Chef Ross Hanson’s mobile oven paired with Mic Czech, a Czech style pilsner from Narrative Fermentations. Seriously, how could that miss?
Chef Jonathan Toste of Flowers Saratoga presented a flower-topped duck salad with rice cracker, candied bacon and a fabulous peanut sauce that would make a killer lettuce wrap. Hero Ranch Kitchen’s Chef Jose Mendoza served a tasty crispy sushi bite topped with sriracha aioli, paired with a Brassfield Sauv Blanc. A thinner fried rice cake would have allowed the ahi to really shine. Every dish was creative and delicious, and the cocktails and wine created contagious conviviality, leading to meaningful conversation about a topic that impacts us all.
Laura Ness / Los Gatan
DELECTABLE Like Beer & Pizza: Jon Berkland of Native Fermentations and Chef Ross Hanson of Oak & Rye
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HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT GETS PAY HIKE, FACES CRITICISM
Superintendent, from page 1
Saratoga Music Boosters president, said she doesn’t believe Sanderson followed all the terms of his contract.
“The reason I’m here today is to see accountability and transparency,” she said. “Given the time restriction, I’ll make sure my ask is front and center. I’ll ask that you do not extend the contract to the superintendent. I ask that he is not awarded a pay raise. I ask that we do not grow the District office. And I ask we find a leader who is able to execute their duties as indicated in the hiring contract.”
Sanderson declined to comment on his relationship with the Saratoga Music Boosters, a tax-exempt organization that had $2.83 million in expenses in 2023, according to ProPublica.
A December 2022 Change.org petition critical of Sanderson’s communications with the Saratoga High School music department gathered 2,359 signatures.
Another, started May of this year, titled, “End Dysfunctional Leadership, Pay our Teachers & Maintain our School Programs & Traditions,” has racked-up more than 1,000, including 72 this week.
The latest battle relates to what opponents say is a serious breach of ethics, but which the District characteriz-
es as a minor oversight in an obscure part of Sanderson’s original contract.
It all boils down to Clause 31 and whether or not Sanderson falsely represented that he had or would acquire a teaching certificate.
On June 28, 2022, the board was presented with the inaugural contract for Sanderson.
Clause 31 reads, the “Superintendent shall maintain in full force and effect all credentials required to teach and to serve as an educational administrator in the State of California.”
In fact, Section 35028 of the California Education Code clearly states, “A person shall not be eligible to hold a position as city superintendent, district superintendent, deputy superintendent, associate superintendent, or assistant superintendent of schools unless the person is the holder of both a valid school administration certificate and a valid teacher’s certificate, unless the person is employed as a deputy, associate, or assistant superintendent in a purely clerical capacity.”
The very next rule (Section 35029) provides that “A local governing board may waive any credential requirement for the chief administrative officer of the school district under its jurisdiction. Any individual serving as the
a temporary teaching certificate prior to teaching in the San Francisco Unified School District, but that he didn’t get a permanent one, deciding instead to go after an administrative credential.
As of Oct. 8 there did not appear to be any teaching credential on file.
Dr. Diane Siri, of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, said most California superintendents have a valid Administrative Services Credential, but many don’t have current teaching credentials.
chief administrative officer of a school district who does not hold a credential may be required by the local governing board to pursue a program of in-service training conducted pursuant to guidelines approved by the commission.”
Katherine Tseng, who was president of the board at the time, reported Sanderson was selected after a rigorous and extensive search conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, according to meeting minutes.
The motion to contract with Sanderson was put forward by David Guidry and seconded by Cynthia Chang—and carried unanimously.
It’s not that Sanderson doesn’t have experience teaching.
He received a science teaching certification in South Carolina in 1988, but this expired at the end of June, 2008.
According to publicly available records, Sanderson was credentialed in Georgia, but faced a suspension from Feb. 25 to March 25, 2005. His “educational leadership” certificate for the state lapsed on June 30, 2005.
California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing shows a valid Administrative Services Credential, which was issued in 2004 and expires in 2029.
Sanderson told the Los Gatan he got
“California Education Code allows boards to waive credentials,” Bill Sanderson has the necessary valid Administrative Services Credential that was verified over two years ago when he was hired as the Superintendent of Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. Many superintendents come up through the business, Human Resources, counseling, or pupil personnel services track and have never taught. Mr Sanderson has a successful record of teaching and administrative experience from the San Francisco Unified School District and South Carolina.” The board did their due diligence by visiting SFUSD, where they talked with officials there, and also did an external background check, she added.
“Bill Sanderson not only meets the requirements for the Superintendent position, but he exceeds the qualifications of many current superintendents,” Siri said.
When Sanderson arrived, he stepped into a district that had just been rocked by sex abuse scandals and pandemic upheaval.
With Sanderson’s new contract, the board quietly updated Clause 31—something that was not highlighted by staff. It now reads, “Superintendent currently holds an Administrative Services Credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and will maintain this credential. The District Board of Education hereby through Board action to approve this Employment Agreement waives any credential requirement for the Superintendent, also known as the Chief Administrative Officer of the School District, pursuant to Education Code section 35029, which states the following regarding this waiver: ‘A local governing board may waive any credential requirement for the chief administrative officer of the school district under its jurisdiction.’”
Misty Davies, the current LGSUHSD
LGSUHSD meeting Screenshot
AT THE BOARD During the LGSUHSD meeting Sept. 24, teachers and parents shared their frustrations; trustees voted unanimously to approve an 8% raise for the superintendent.
board president, said, after moving out west, Sanderson taught for a year before moving into administration.
“It is not uncommon for districts to hire a Superintendent with an active administrative credential while waiving the requirement for a teaching credential,” Davies said in a statement. “Superintendent Sanderson has been such a positive addition to this community and we are grateful for his work to advance our district.”
The Los Gatan asked Sanderson about the Clause 31 discrepancy directly.
“I cannot explain that. That was three years ago,” he said. “The board has addressed that now.”
He says he never misrepresented that he had an active teaching certificate.
Peter Hertan, who was on the school board at the time Sanderson’s first contract was signed, said he recalls HYA confirming the required paperwork was all good to go.
“We did extensive background checks,” he said, adding SFUSD even tried to retain Sanderson by offering him a big raise. “I have observed that Bill is a very ethical, strong leader.”
He believes the people making an issue of Sanderson’s credentials have an ax to grind.
“This is all b******,” he said. “There
Adare critics of Bill’s decisions. Those critical voices are not from the school board, nor from the leadership of the District.”
But for these critics, the lack of a teaching credential is just one more example of a growing divide between a bloating administrative office and the ever-increasing workload for frontline teachers and support staff.
Earlier in the Sept. 24 meeting, a student representative shared how a teacher-advisor mentioned things are more difficult now that the number of full-time employees dropped by a dozen people since 2022-23.
Mike Davey, a Saratoga High School social studies teacher, said because a counseling position was cut, he’s now dealing with 50 additional hours of work on his plate—writing 26 college recommendations.
“All of this goes back to, we’re a Basic Aid district,” he said, referring to how schools are funded by local property taxes, not the attendance formula that serves much of the rest of California.
“We have funding that isn’t continuing to increase. That should be spent on (educating students). Not cutting teachers, at least.”
During public comment, Jen Young, president of Los Gatos Saratoga High School District Teachers Association,
questioned the fairness of across-theboard 8% raises. She said some bargaining units needed more than that in order to make a living wage, and rejected the notion that the superintendent should get an around-$23,000 pay hike.
“I find it very concerning that there’s a new clause in this contract that waives Ed Code 35028 requirement that a superintendent holds an administrative credential and a teaching credential,” she said. “Yet this change was not mentioned at all in the oral summary on the board agenda, even though all of the other changes were described in detail in that summary. This feels like a baitand-switch, and it is not in the interest of transparency.”
Tseng told the Los Gatan it’s normal for superintendents to come from other backgrounds besides teaching. She also suggested that some of the frustrations are coming from parents and teachers who dislike changes to California’s rules that administrators are simply implementing.
Trustee Theresa Ann Bond, who was also on the school board when Sanderson was hired, said in an interview that she’s been really impressed with how much the new superintendent has accomplished—including overseeing the completion of a strategic plan, the
nearly-doubling of the parcel tax and delivering 8% raises for staff.
“Those are major accomplishments,” she said. “It’s very important for everybody to have the entire perspective.”The Los Gatan also asked Sanderson why his teaching credential was suspended back in 2005 in Georgia.
“I’m an openly gay man, and being openly gay in education leadership has not always been easy—especially in the Deep South,” was his reply.
Asked if he believed any of the current animosity towards his leadership style is coming from a similar place, he responded, “Homophobia is homophobia.”
SUPERINTENDENT Bill Sanderson.
MISSION: SERVICE
SPEAKING UP Maj. Gen. Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army (Ret.) serves as president of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation. Here he’s pictured addressing an audience of about 1,500 at the dedication of The Flame of Liberty Memorial.
Boot camp to benevolence:
What lies behind the building of bridges
Ellen Manzo, Contributor
Have you heard the saying, “There are two types of people in this world, the givers and the takers?” Givers, characterized by their willingness to support and help others, do so without expecting anything in return. Takers focus more on personal gain, sometimes at the expense of others.
I sport a multi-decade career in corporate America and consider myself to have given back throughout my adult life. Over the last 16 years, I have volunteered primarily to support America's service members and veterans, including a dozen years devoted to the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation. That involvement plus exposure to seven WWII veterans in my family have enabled me to see patterns. In short, I have become amazed at the collective of givers in the military veteran circle who have bridged duty to community and service beyond service. I recently embarked on a quest to find out what inspires these individuals to dedicate their valuable, irrevocable time to transform from grit to grace, fighting for a cause one moment, connecting with donors and beneficiaries the next.
4 PROFILES OF SERVICE
Major General Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army (Ret.) is a highly decorated twostar general who fought in Vietnam and was wounded multiple times. Despite his near-death experiences, he went on to serve in the military for 35 years. He assisted with peacekeeping operations in Sarajevo and battled the very violent drug wars in Columbia, and then he reported to the Pentagon for his four-year final assignment. Following retirement, General Hillhouse led multiple veterans-related nonprofits including assuming the responsibilities of president for the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, to which he has devoted time and effort for over a decade.
Duino Giordano retired as chief master sergeant following a 30-year career with the Air National Guard. He also had a 34-year career with the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, where he advanced to the rank of captain. Post-retirement, Capt. Giordano volunteers his time to the American Red Cross as a post-disaster responder, a position that requires extended travel for weeks to support disaster relief. He supports the Los Gatos Community Foundation and is a Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation board member.
Colonel Raymond Watts, U.S. Army (Ret.) joined the California Army National Guard, where he held positions of increasing responsibility over a 37-year career—culminating as a brigade commander. Col. Watts had assignments in Baghdad, Iraq, and was responsible for the Strategic Plans Directorate in Sacramento, supporting missions in Ukraine and Nigeria. Amazon presently benefits from Col. Watts's expertise, as he works there full-time. COL Watts volunteers as president of the Military Officers Association of America's Silicon Valley Chapter (MOAA), and previously led the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County as president.
Colonel Raymond Powell, USAF (Ret.) is a 35-year veteran of the US Air Force. He was deployed to the Philippines, Japan, Germany and Qatar, and had combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. COL Powell worked three tours of duty in the Pentagon as the US air attaché to Vietnam and as the US senior defense official, and defense attaché to Australia. Today, Col. Powell is the founder and director of “SeaLight,” a maritime transparency project of Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. Col. Powell "gives back" as the treasurer for MOAA's Silicon Valley Chapter and is the Commander of American Legion Post 375 in Palo Alto. I asked these four, “Why do you volunteer your retirement hours?" Kent Hillhouse replied, "Having been close to soldiers for 35 years of service, I feel it is only natural to maintain contact with soldiers and veterans now that I am retired.”
Duino Giordano responded, “Our country and my community have always been great to me and my family, so I try to show my appreciation by giving back.”
Colonels Watts and Powell work full-time, so volunteer hours are at a premium. Col. Watts aligns well with MOAA's motto: Never stop serving “Volunteering for MOAA provides a sense of purpose and allows me to serve a cause larger than myself while positively impacting the community. Continued service has had a positive effect on me and my mental health by enabling social connections and opportunities to stay active and engaged."
COL Powell cites the benefit to society: "In today's highly polarized civic and political culture, a strong veteran's community still has the capacity to draw our fragmented society together and remind us of our long-held national ideals."
HOW IT SHAKES OUT
Military careers do not rank high on the pay scale compared to corporate careers. Yet the risks are far more significant than with any corporate pursuit. America's soldiers make a profound “blank check” commitment to the United States upon enlisting, putting everything on the line, including their lives.
Most military members view the decision to join the armed forces as a “calling with a mission”—an alternative to securing a “job.” Whether veterans are in civilian employment roles, working as contractors, or volunteering with a veteran's organization, continuing to serve helps them preserve that sense of purpose.
The military often becomes a significant part of one's identity and community. Those with a military background share a common language and experience that creates a natural connection and bond. Furthermore, continuing to serve allows retirees to stay connected, maintaining part of their identity.
Retired military and first responder personnel possess skills that are invaluable in many roles, including those that uniquely support related fields, such as defense contracting, training, or (as in Captain Giordano's case) disaster recovery. Some veterans desire to mentor the next generation by providing helpful insights learned from their experiences.
Veterans have a strong sense of commitment to their country. Their devotion to veterans’ causes is a natural extension of their unwavering dedication to their communities, which makes a positive impact beyond the call of duty.
Life is all about choices, and fortunately, for America’s communities— and our country's sake—many veterans believe that the mission continues.
Ellen Manzo’s career in sales and marketing with Fortune 100 companies led her to New York, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Texas, Tokyo and Paris, including as a regional director for the Asia Pacific region at AT&T. Ellen has never served in the armed forces, though she had plenty of exposure to it, thanks to stories told to her by her WWII veteran father and her six uncles (one of whom was killed in action). She would go on to visit military bases to serve steak dinners as a way of expressing gratitude to America's service members. She is a co-founding board member of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation.
Memorial and Support Foundation
LIVES
Stacey Matt Sellin
July 19, 1953 – September 30, 2024
Stacey Matt Sellin passed away on September 30, 2024, surrounded by his family. A contrarian (and proud of it), his wry sense of humor and genuine curiosity about the world attracted many to his company. Stacey was born on July 19, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan to Alfred Jack Sellin and Mary (Seltzer) Sellin. He joked that he emerged wearing a suit and tie. Stacey grew up with siblings Scott, Audrey, and Robin, as well as a large group of friends that he maintained throughout his life. In school, he discovered a love of math, science, and music; he fondly remembered his years playing trumpet and trombone in band. Stacey graduated from Henry Ford High School in 1971 and was Pre-med at the University of Michigan until he decided to move to Los Angeles to live with his Aunt Ann and Uncle Phil.
The move west was fortuitous, because in 1974, Stacey met the love of his life, Barbara Thompson. They were engaged seven days after their first date, and remained devoted to each other through 46 years of marriage. Stacey served briefly in the U.S. Navy; upon discharge in 1976, he and Barbie moved to Santa Clara County and he began his career as an electrical engineer. They made their home in Los Gatos, where they raised their children and turned their house into a de-facto gathering place for an expansive social circle. Stacey was deeply devoted to his family—a sturdy, supportive presence, but also a jokester who invented silly games for his kids. His love of cooking, history, and travel opened not only his life but the lives of those fortunate enough to be swept along in his enthusiastic wake.
Stacey was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and his daughter, Shelby; he is survived by his children, Chelsea and Adam, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, Aunt Ann, and an untold number of friends. Internment at Los Gatos Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The link is: https://www.parkinson.org /
LIVES
Don Earl McCleve, M.D.
March 4, 1930 – September 28, 2024
Don Earl McCleve, M.D., (94), of Monte Sereno, passed away on September 28, 2024 in Bellingham, Washington, at the home of his oldest son, Todd. He was happily married for sixty years to Beverly Stern McCleve before her passing in 2020.
Originally from Holbrook, Arizona, he moved to California to attend Stanford University and Stanford Medical School, becoming an ear, nose, and throat doctor and surgeon. He was a member of the Los Gatos Rotary and president of the Stanford Alumni Association for his class. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a dedicated supporter of San Jose Symphony. A highlight in his life was conducting the symphony in a private concert.
Don was passionate about fly-fishing, classical music, and the natural world. He voraciously studied astronomy, art, history, and science. He was generous and supportive of his children and many others. Beloved for their friendliness and enthusiasm, he and Beverly will be greatly missed by all who knew them.
Don is survived by children Todd McCleve (Jennifer), Bryan McCleve M.D. (Olya), Robin Berger M.D. (Bret), John McCleve D.D.S. (Carolyn), Alyson Broberg (Craig), and Sharon Peterson (David), as well as nineteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10 am and a memorial will be held at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints at 15985 Rose Ave, Los Gatos, followed by interment at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Symphony San Jose or to Smile Train.
FREE ADS FOR YOUR EVENT
SPORTS
LOS GATOS THE FRONTRUNNER TO WIN SCVAL DE ANZA TITLE
Wildcats outlast Los Altos in OT in battle for 1st place
Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor
With the 2024 boys water polo season recently passing the halfway point, Los Gatos High coach Davor Koret feels the same way about his team now as he did before the year started.
“I’m personally not worried where we land [in the Central Coast Section playoffs],” he said. “I truly believe we can beat any team in the CCS, including Sacred Heart Prep, even though they’re a couple of levels above us and other solid teams such as St. Francis, Menlo, Bellarmine and Santa Cruz.”
A year ago, the Wildcats (12-2 overall, 7-0 league) made program history by earning their first win in the CCS Open Division playoffs, resulting in an automatic berth to the CIF NorCal Regional tournament.
This season, they’re looking to take it one step further by reaching an Open Division final and win a game in NorCals. The key, Koret said, will come down to the team’s mentality.
“One thing we’re definitely going to focus on in the second round of league play–in addition to tactics–is to change the mentality and thinking process from, ‘Let’s not lose to let’s go out there and win the game,’” Koret said. “Because right now we have a good problem. We’re undefeated in league, we haven't lost a regular-season league game since 2022, and we’re afraid. I think we’re playing with fear of what will happen if we lose instead of let’s go out there and take it. I think that mentality changed in overtime. Some things clicked and the boys stepped up and shut them down.”
Koret was referring to an impressive 15-12 overtime win over Los Altos High on Oct. 1 in a battle for first place in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division. After a strong start, Los Gatos faded in the second half before unleashing a dominant overtime period, outscoring the Eagles 3-0 in the extra session to put the game away.
Sophomore Richard Runge scored
six goals, while Ryan Madsen and Mathijs Dirven had four goals each to pace the Wildcats, who never trailed. Runge stood tall, scoring twice in the third quarter immediately after a Los Altos goal.
“Like everyone else, there are definitely things Richard needs to improve, but one thing he has is the fire in his eyes,” Koret said. "He’s always pumped up to play and is our defensive mastermind. He’s the one who takes care of the middle on defense and it’s such a plus to have him on our team.”
Madsen’s standout sophomore season in 2023 has propelled him into becoming a tour de force in the pool this year. An absolute load to handle once he positions himself in front of the opponent’s cage, Madsen was the
focal point of Los Altos’ defense but still managed to score four goals.
Since opponents have two to three defenders in Madsen’s vicinity, it opens up prime scoring chances for Los Gatos’ wing players and drivers.
Madsen also drew four exclusions, giving the Wildcats plenty of opportunities with the man advantage.
“Ryan has grown so much from last year,” Koret said. “He’s the person that is going to get double-teamed against every single team we play this year. Los Altos crowded the middle which didn't allow Ryan to do what he usually does, but even with that he made an impact.”
Madsen also plays a significant role on defense. Oftentimes matching up with the opposing team’s most dan -
gerous player, Madsen communicates effectively to get his teammates in the right position.
“You could hear Ryan coordinating the whole defense,” Koret said. “He’s staying in the middle and redirecting every single player where to go and what to do.”
Dirven has been an offensive juggernaut this season, tallying a teambest 53 goals through the Los Altos match. One of the fastest swimmers in the CCS, Dirven won every swim-off against Los Altos, a microcosm of the entire season.
“He’s maybe lost one or a couple of sprints the whole way,” Koret said. “His swimming ability is incredible. He’s been our offensive power and his intensity is always there. When he’s
Jonathan Natividad
SHOTMAKER Richard Runge unleashes a shot to score one of his six goals in the Wildcats’ 15-12 overtime win over Los Altos High on Oct. 1.
up to his level offensively, not many defenses can stop that guy.”
Jacob Weber and Henry Bakota are returning starters who have improved as well. Weber, a senior driver, provides solid play at both ends of the pool for the duration of the game.
“Jacob is one of those guys who is in there for the full four quarters,” Koret said. “I like his willingness to make things work, and we’ll need all of his experience and skill in this second part of the season.”
Bakota’s excellent passing and decision-making has proved instrumental for the team in several ways.
“Henry’s confidence has gone up tremendously and I’m very happy for him,” Koret said. “He’s making crucial decisions in situations such as on the 6-on-5, so he’s stepped up big time.”
Senior Fred Hobson has emerged as a top-notch goalie, following a recent trend within the program.
“I don’t know what it is with goalies to be honest with you, but the last few years our goalies have stepped up in their senior year,” Koret said. “At first, he was indecisive whether he was going to play the season or not. Then he joined us in summer practice, stayed the whole way, kept healthy, kept up the schoolwork, and he’s doing really, really well. His passing and communication has been really good this season.”
Nowhere was that more apparent than in the Los Altos match, when Hobson made a spectacular save before delivering a length of the pool pass that led to a breakaway goal for Dirven midway through the second quarter. Colin Murphy and Tripp Thomas provide the team with quality depth, with Murphy making ample contributions against Los Altos.
“Colin played very solidly offensively and defensively,” Koret said. “He kept driving and tried to find the mismatch, and I don’t think he allowed any goals [guarding] the hole set.”
Los Gatos has several barometer type matches remaining, including ones against St. Francis, Santa Cruz, Bellarmine and a second league contest with Los Altos. How the Wildcats fare in those games will provide a telltale sign if they’re ready to reach their first-ever Open Division final and win a game in NorCals.
“I believe we still haven’t hit our peak yet,” Koret said. “We are working really hard to fix some of the small things. And if we do, I do believe we can achieve and fulfill all of our goals.”
Summons
SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW), CITACIÓN (DERECHO FAMILIAR)
NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SVETLANA GRISHINA
You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.
Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.
Petitioner’s name is (Nombre del Demandante): Yurii Morozov
CASE NUMBER: (Número del Caso): 24FL002986
Electronically filed by Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Clara, on 9/4/2024 4:36 AM
Reviewed By: F. Samonte
Case #24FL00286
Env. #16488980
You have 30 days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.
If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.
For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org) or by contacting your local bar association.
NOTICE - RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.
FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.
Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petition para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo. Sí no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.
Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.
AVISO - LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte de otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.
EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.
The name and address of the court are (El nombre y dirección de la corte son):
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA
201 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
The name, address, and telephone number of the
PUBLIC NOTICES
petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without and attorney, are (El nombre, direccion y numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son):
Yurii Morozov
21440 Shady Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95033 (510) 994 9226
Date (Fecha): Jun 10, 2021. Clerk, by (Secretario, por) /s/ F. Samonte, Deputy (Asistente). (Pub LGN 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16)
Fictitious Business Name Statements
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
#708668
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TD Future LLC, 1199 E Calaveras, Milpitas, CA, 95035. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 08/16/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Quoc Dung Lam. Manager. #202463212087. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/16/2024. (pub LG 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/09/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709324
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Advanced Building Matrix, 2182 Diana Pl., San Jose, CA, 95116, Thanh Dac Phung. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 01/11/2024. /s/Thanh Dac Phung. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/16/2024. (pub LG 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/09/2024)
File Number: FBN709200. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Born To Be Whole, LLC, P.O. Box 1999, Los Gatos, CA 95031. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Born To Be Whole, LLC, P.O. Box 1999, Los Gatos, CA 95031. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/02/2024 and 09/05/2024 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. Born To Be Whole, LLC, Article/Reg # 202463710874, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Margaret Beeuwsaert /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/9/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709378
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Able Builders, Inc., 387 Washington Drive, Milpitas, CA, 95035. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 09/10/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Paul Nhut Minh Nguyen. Manager. #6381874. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/12/2024. (pub LG 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/09/2024)
File Number: FBN709041 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: I3 Ventures , 15466 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 109-26, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Item America LLC, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 109-26, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/28/2024 and 08/29/2024 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. Item America LLC, Article/Reg # 201102610117, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Jumana Ghadiali /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/9/2024)
File Number: FBN709360. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Kat’s Shoppe of Tangled Ribbons , 2211 Gundersen Drive, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Katherine V. Pieri, 2211 Gundersen Drive, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/11/2024 and 09/11/2024 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/ Katherine Pieri /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/9/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709439
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Handheld Catering, 1725 De La Cruz Blvd., STE1, Santa Clara, CA, 95050, Culfornia Mobile Foods LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 09/13/2012. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Daniel Figone. Principal. #201218510066. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/13/2024. (pub LG 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/09/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709432
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Mandy Ding, 2026 Heather Glen Dr., San Jose, CA, 95130, Mengdi Ding. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 09/13/2024. /s/Mengdi Ding. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/13/2024. (pub LG 09/18, 09/25, 10/02, 10/09/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709497
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Ecopower Dynamics, Inc. 2. Apex Construction & Design, 3. Thekhomes, 4. Aduism, 5. Eco Design Builders, Inc, 6. Adu To The K, 7. K-Adu, 755 E Capitol Ave H201, Milpitas, CA, 95035, MSC General Construction, Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 07/22/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Sanghee Han. Director. #3930193. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/16/2024. (pub LG 09/25, 10/02, 10/09, 10/16/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709383
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: EZ Registration Hub, 1810 Hillsdale Ave STE1, San Jose, CA, 95124, Lopez Liliana. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 09/12/2024. /s/Liliana Lopez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/12/2024. (pub LG 09/25, 10/02, 10/09, 10/16/2024)
File Number: FBN709592 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. The Sandman Termite Company Inc, 2. The Building Company, 3. The Sandman Termite Company DBA The Building Company, 423 Perrymont Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, The Sandman Termite Company Inc, 423 Perrymont Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/03/1978 and 09/18/2024 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. The Sandman Termite Company Inc, Article/ Reg # C0835955, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Michael Anthony Spehar /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 09/25, 10/02, 10/9, 10/16/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709655
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Asian Ancient Acupuncture & Wellness Center, 21040 Homestead Rd., 102, Cupertino, CA, 95014, Caiping Tang. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 09/18/2024. s/Caiping Tang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/20/2024. (pub LG 09/25, 10/02, 10/09, 10/16/2024)
File Number: FBN709455. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Bristol Hospice - Bay Area , 333 W. Santa Clara St., Suite 1, San Jose, CA 95113. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Sojourn Hospice & Palliative Care - East Bay, LLC, 206 N 2100 W, Suite 202, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/16/2024 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. Sojourn Hospice & Palliative Care - East Bay, LLC, Article/Reg # 201413210413, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Alex Mauricio /s/ President & CEO. (Pub LGN: 09/25, 10/02, 10/9, 10/16/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709494
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lucy’s Fruits Inc., 1265 Manchester Dr #2, Santa Clara, CA, 95050. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 06/06/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Anselmo Gonzalez. Chief Executive Officer. #6243064. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/16/2024. (pub LG 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709814
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Geminii Esthetics, 866 Blossom Hill Rd., San Jose, CA, 95121, Vyonna Kay Gemette Lowe. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Vyonna Kay Gemette Lowe. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/24/2024. (pub LG 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
File Number: FBN709944. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: ECN Documentation Services , 14 Kent Court, San Jose, CA 95139. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, ECN Notary Services LLC, 14 Kent Court, San Jose, CA 95139. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/27/2024 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. ECN Notary Services LLC, Article/Reg # 201609710192, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Cory Nunez /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
File Number: FBN709534. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Kalia Dermatology & Laser Center, 15055 Los Gatos Blvd, Ste 100, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Forefront Dermatology - Pacific, P.C., 801 York Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 6/6/22 and 09/17/2024 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. Forefront Dermatology - Pacific, P.C., Article/Reg # 1904195, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Betsy Wernli /s/ CEO, CFO, Secretary. (Pub LGN: 10/02, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME.
FBN709701 , filed on 09/23/2024.
The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): Benchmark Appraisals , 371 Sobrato Dr., Campbell, CA 95008. Filed in Santa Clara county on 11/04/2022 under file No.FBN690050. Full Name of Registrant (s): Martha Renee Jennings, 371 Sobrato Dr., Campbell, CA 95008. This business was conducted by: An Individual. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Martha Renee Jennings /s/ Owner. Dated: September 23, 2024. (PUB LGN: 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709890
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. AATMA Yoga With Nanci, 2. Aum Yoga, 3. Aum Home, 261 Truckee Ln., San Jose, CA, 95136, Nanci Shakthi Nardona. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 04/23/2019. /s/Nanci Shakthi Nardona. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/26/2024. (pub LG 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709018
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Mad Raven Event Planning And Consulting, 2. Putrago Mobile Batenders, 3. Gemini Catering, 7821 Church St., Gilroy, CA, 95020, Ivan D Arevalo. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 06/01/2024. /s/Ivan D Arevalo. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/28/2024. (pub LG 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
File Number: FBN709779. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Tupolo Enterprise LLC, 1666 Klipspringer Drive, San Jose, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Tupolo Enterprise LLC, 1666 Klipspringer Drive, San Jose, CA 95124. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 9/11/2024 and 09/24/2024 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. Tupolo Enterprise LLC, Article/Reg # 202463612991, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Tony K Choi /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 10/02, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709918
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Vegetarian House Vegan Inc, 2. Vegetarian House Vegan, 520E Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95112. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 09/04/1998. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Thien Lu. CEO. #C2072972. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/27/2024. (pub LG 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME.
FBN709945, filed on 09/27/2024.
The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): Trusted Documentation , 14 Kent Court, San Jose, CA 95139. Filed in Santa Clara county on 08/19/2022 under file No.FBN687950. Full Name of Registrant (s): ECN Notary Services LLC, 14 Kent Court, San Jose, CA 95139. This business was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Cory Nunez /s/ Owner. Dated: September 27, 2024. (PUB LGN: 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
PUBLIC NOTICES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709695
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: As Ice Cream, 1535 Marburg Way, APt DE15, San Jose, CA, 95133, Avtar Singh Sangha. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 07/15/2017. /s/Avtar Singh Sangha. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/23/2024. (pub LG 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709889
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Kara Beauty Lash And Spa, 2398 Balme Dr., San Jose, CA, 95122, Tuyen Nguyen. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 12/19/2023. /s/Tuyen Nguyen. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/26/2024. (pub LG 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
File Number: FBN709961 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: A La Carte Realty Group, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd Ste 109375, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, A La Carte Way Corporation, 15466 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/30/2024 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. A La Carte Way Corporation, Article/ Reg # 6202922, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Bahar Hatami /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
File Number: FBN709591 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Second Story, 15 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, DJJ LG15 LLC, 2575 Maywood Ave, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/18/2024 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. DJJ LG15 LLC, Article/Reg # 202461012027, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Sammer Mitri /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
File Number: FBN709936. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Victoria Properties and Loans, 2. Victoria Capital Mortgage , 637 San Benito Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Victoria Properties and Loans, Inc, PO Box 878 Los Gatos, CA 95031. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/23/2024 and 09/27/2024 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. Victoria Properties and Loans, Inc., Article/Reg # 5178565, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ John Robert Elchinger /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709915
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Fitmama South Bay, 2. Fitmama Run Club, 3. Fitmama Run Clubs, 1332 Greenwich Ct., San Jose, CA, 95125, Katherine Valenzuela, Stacey Greenburg. This business is being conducted by a General Partnership. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 01/01/2024. /s/ Katherine Valenzuela. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/27/2024. (pub LG 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30/2024)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #709847
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Dragon Pony Acupuncture, 1054 Courtland Ave., Milpitas, CA, 95035, Derek K. Lavoie. This business is being conducted by an individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Derek K. Lavoie. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/25/2024. (pub LG 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
Name Changes
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 24CV446487. Notice of Petition of Janice Kay Freer. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Janice Kay Freer filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Janice Kay Freer to Proposed name: Janice Kay Andreetta. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: November 26, 2024, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate. The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the
legals@losgatan.com
following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan 107 Dakota Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: September 04, 2024. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed by S. Gomez, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 24CV444454. Notice of Petition of Alejandra G Ramos. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Alejandra G Ramos filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Alejandra G Ramos to Proposed name: Alejandra Guadalupe Ramos. The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: October 29, 2024, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate . The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan 107 Dakota Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: August 2, 2024. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed by D. Bueno, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 10/02, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23/2024)
THINKING ABOUT GETTING A NEW WOOD STOVE?
Amodern wood stove, insert, or fireplace is an excellent choice as a primary source of heat for your home.
Heating your home with a modern wood stove is both economical and eco-friendly, not to mention the bonus of coziness and beauty. While open, wood burning fireplaces do not generate a meaningful amount of heat, modern wood burning stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are intended to be used as the primary source of heat for your home. With overnight burn times and air controls, heating your home with wood is now simple and green.
ARE PEOPLE STILL ALLOWED TO HEAT WITH WOOD?
Yes! Because modern wood stoves are so clean burning and efficient, and because wood is a renewable fuel source, there’s even government incentives for investing in a wood stove or insert. There’s a federal tax credit for investing in a new wood stove or insert that began last year and goes through 2032. The Monterey Bay Air Resource District is also providing rebates for homeowners who replace their wood burning heating
devices with a cleaner wood burning home heating device option.
IS HEATING YOUR HOUSE WITH WOOD ECO-FRIENDLY?
Heating your home with a modern wood stove is eco-friendly. Wood is a renewable fuel source, locally sourced and carbon neutral. Efficiency and clean burning go hand in hand. The pollution controls are what make a modern wood stove a better and more efficient heater. A very old wood stove or open, wood burning fireplace can produce 100 grams of emissions per hour. Particulate emissions are fuel going up the chimney and polluting the air, instead of being turned into heat for your home. Modern wood fireplaces have pollution controls that burn those particulate emissions inside the stove, so that what’s coming out the chimney is mostly steam. All modern, EPA certified wood stoves emit less than 2 grams of emissions per hour.
PROJECT COST
Different options for brand and material, along with variables with installation make it so there is a wide range of cost for getting
a wood stove. Your local fireplace store will be able to give you specific pricing, so that you know exactly how much the project will be before you commit to moving forward. With the tax credit and Monterey Bay Air Resource District rebate that’s happening, now is a great time to invest.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Stop by your local fireplace store and have an industry professional help you pick the right wood stove for you. It’s good to be prepared with the approximate square footage of the space you’re heating. Photos are also helpful, especially if you’re interested in getting an insert. While in the showroom you can look at displays and make choices about which options will be best for you and your home. If you need an installer, a professional installer will then come to your home for a site check. They will put together your pipe list, make sure everything will fit and look nice, then give you an exact bid for installation.
RETAILER
There are many decisions to be made when choosing a fireplace. These decisions can be
made easier by working with a great local retailer. The best stores will have knowledgeable, experienced staff who can help walk you through the project. They’ll be able to provide technical advice, or connect you with a qualified, experienced installer if needed. The store you choose to do business with will help you with post-installation service and answer any questions that come up. A high-quality fireplace is built to last 20-25 years, so the folks you choose to work with are people you’ll be connected to for years to come.
Please consider choosing Woodstove and Sun to help you with your fireplace or outdoor living needs. We offer wood, gas, pellet, and electric stoves, fireplaces, and inserts, as well as Polywood outdoor furniture, kitchens, grills, fire pits, pizza ovens, and umbrellas.
Our showroom is located at 510 Soquel Ave in Santa Cruz. Please call, email or stop by! Our friendly staff will be happy to help you and answer any further questions you may have to begin this process. We can be reached at 831-425-5123 and woodstoveandsun@ gmail.com. ■
