Los Gatan November 27 2024 by Weeklys

TOWN WON’T WEIGH IN ON USE OF LOCAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT TRUMP 2.0 POLICIES

Councilmember makes emotional plea, motion fails for lack of a second

Drew Penner, Editor

Though the regularly scheduled Nov. 19 Council meeting lasted for more than three hours—after a special study session—it was an item that wasn’t on the agenda that defined the evening.

An attempt by Councilmember Rob Moore to prevent the Town from using resources to deport residents, relocate homeless people, block abortions or target gay, lesbian and transgender community members, among other things, failed to make it to a council vote.

The issue was a main focus of Verbal Communications, with some residents expressing concern that such a move would fuel division or prevent local

THE ‘EYES’ HAVE IT: JIM BARTH NAMED GRAND MARSHAL

Parade honors Lions volunteer who helps those with sight, hearing challenges

Judy Peterson, Contributor When the 68th annual Los Gatos Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade steps-off on Dec. 7, all eyes will be on Grand Marshal Jim Barth, who was chosen for his contributions to the town’s youth.

Barth is the immediate past president of the Los Gatos Lions Club and led the recent revival of the Lions-affiliated Leo club at Los Gatos High School; he’s also helping launch a new club at Fisher Middle School.

More than 50 kids are active in the two clubs.

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DINAH’S EVENT LOG

’Tis the season to count your many blessings

Dinah Cotton, Contributor

We live in a unique and beautiful area, with some really wonderful people.

Be sure—during the holidays—to take time to count your blessings. Here are some community updates and fun things to do…

PEDRO’S IS BACK, and you will not believe the transformation. Dress up, get out the diamonds, this is the place to see and to be seen. The lighting is soft and flattering, as showcased during their Grand Opening, Thursday. Try a Smoking Oaxaca Old Fashioned with the Zucchini “Caesar” Salad. Pedro’s Cocina & Cocktails is located at 316 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Update on Bear Creek Redwood Preserve: Midpen’s board endorsed the plan to maintain the stables. Friends of Bear Creek Stables, a nonprofit, will be allowed to preserve and improve equestrian trail access, provide affordable public horse boarding and continue with educational programs.

VASONA PARK Valley Water has completed the repair of the deteriorated section of the retaining walls along Los Gatos Creek. And this area is now open. Get out between the cloudbursts and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. It will help you digest the upcoming feasts and decrease your time on devices.

GRAND MARSHAL

Parade, from page 1

Turkeys do trot. And over 20,000 trotters will be doing so on Thanksgiving morning, continuing a 20-year tradition. It’s happening on Nov. 28, at 7am, at 11 S. First St., San Jose. It’s the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation Annual Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Run/Walk ($55). You may register up to 8:30am on the day of the race.

Start “Turkey Day” off on the right foot by celebrating generosity and wellness with a diverse group of runners and walkers committed to investing in their communities. All event proceeds are donated to four local charities. People of all fitness levels are invited—and there will even be a costume contest. Trot on!

Nov. 29, 6-9pm in Saratoga Village, you can attend a “Wine Stroll Experience.” The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is promising an unforgettable evening of wine tasting hosted by House Family Vineyards and Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Stroll through Historic Saratoga Village. Pre-event tickets are $60.

Participants include 3P Wine Co., Baccarossa, Cinnabar Winery, Cooper-Garrod, Vineyards at Garrod Farms, David Bruce Winery, Domaine Eden, El Vaquero Winery, Fest Wine Co., Gali Vineyards, House Family Vineyards, Kathryn Kennedy Winery, Lago Lomita Vineyards, Left Bend Winery, Monroy Wines, Roudon-Smith, Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards, Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vidovich Vineyards.

“Leo stands for leadership, experience and opportunity,” Barth said. “We’re helping to build leaders for tomorrow by teaching teens how to run a meeting, and how to plan and do a service project. They’ve been active at St Luke’s, where they’ve packaged meals for the homeless and they also did a drive for the House of Hope food pantry.”

In addition, Barth serves as the chairman of the Lions Club’s sight, hearing and diabetes committee that sends volunteers to Los Gatos elementary schools and Fisher Middle School to test students’ vision and hearing.

“We test about 1,500 pre-K, second, fifth and eighth-graders annually,” Barth said. “We have very sophisticated equipment.”

Next spring, Barth will be out and about town for White Cane Days, a Li-

Monday Monthly Morning Movie (MMMM) at CineLux Los Gatos Theatre, 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave., on Monday Dec. 2, 9:45am. “Wicked,” yes, Wicked the movie, comes to Los Gatos. $10 includes movie, coffee and a pastry. The primary purpose of MMMM is to provide community socialization for older adults. Any profits go to LG Thrives to support future events and work toward a new community center. For more information or to pre-buy tickets go to losgatosthrives.org Tom Picraux told me tickets are going fast.

You can support Los Gatos Music and Arts on #GivingTuesday: Dec. 3, a global day dedicated to giving back. givingtuesday.org

THE SPA 25-YEAR 100 S. Santa Cruz Ave. Dec. 5, 3:30pm. Tickets are $20. All ticket proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Join the Celebration of 25 years, Mayor Mary Badame will ribbon-cut. Please call The Spa for tickets: 408-354-5901.

Also on Dec. 5, LA VIE MD, will hold a grand re-opening at 652 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Suite A, at 5pm. The open house goes from 4-7pm. There will be plenty of festivities, including food and drink. Take a look at non-surgical cosmetic services, with Dr. Neetu Nebhawani.

VILLA MONTALVO THEATRICS

Head to Saratoga to catch “A Christmas Carol,” by Silicon Valley Shakespeare’s roving production group, from Dec. 5-21. Show starts at 8pm, with matinees at 2pm on Dec. 8 and 21 only. Tickets: $42-$75. This event is partnered with Family Giving Tree to provide families in need with gifts this holiday season. You are also invited to bring new and

ons program that supports the San Josebased Vista Vision Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as the Lions Eye Foundation in San Francisco.

“White cane days is an opportunity for Lions clubs to talk about vision initiatives,” Barth said. “We sit in front of grocery stores and the post office and try to raise a little bit of money for those causes.”

Barth also has a time-consuming hobby: he has a vineyard in his backyard, where he grows enough grapes to bottle 12-13 cases of Merlot and Petit Verdot annually.

“It’s a nice hobby,” he said.

Barth, who is a retired tech CFO, moved to Monte Sereno in 1981. He and his wife Dru (the 1999 parade grand marshal) have three sons.

“Beginning in the mid-80s, I coached my sons’ Little League teams,” he said.

some exciting new dishes yet kept “generational favorites.”

unwrapped gift items from the list on the Montalvo Arts Center website. LOS GATOS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Dec. 6, 5-7pm. With: Fisher Middle School Chamber Strings, winter wonderland light show, snow flurries, story walk. The tree lighting is at 6pm. There will be an encore of Fisher Middle School Chamber Strings and a visit from Santa.

HOLIDAY TROLLEY at Town Center Plaza, Dec. 6 & Dec. 13-14, 5-9pm,

“Before that I was president of the American Youth Soccer Organization for about four years.”

Long-time friend Phil Knopf had high praise for Barth, singling out his work with the Pony League for 13-14 year olds. It’s now known as Junior Little League.

“Jim was the first person who brought stability to the Pony program when he stayed on as president even after his kids moved on,” Knopf said. “The long hours Jim’s put into the community for the last 40 years have set an exemplary example for us all, especially the town’s youth.”

Reflecting on his commitment to the community, Barth observed that “it gives us purpose in our lives and it helps us to leave the community and the world better than when we found it.”

Photo by Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

MENU MASTER The new Pedro’s Cocina & Cocktails Executive Chef Julio Aguilera at their Grand Opening. He’s created

Courtesy of Carol Musser

LOCAL VISIONARY Los Gatos Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade Grand Marshal Jim Barth supports youth programs in the community.

➝ Dinah’s Event Log, 6

•

STIFLED BY SILENCE

Emotional Plea, from page 1

officials from working hand-in-hand with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to root out gangs, while others said it would be a bad sign if Council wasn’t even willing to discuss issues causing serious worries among a sizable portion of residents.

Then, during “Council and Manager Matters,” after reporting she’d attended the reopening of the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, a ribbon-cutting at Coup de Thai and met with the executive director of the West Valley Solid Waste Management Authority (among other responsibilities), Mayor Mary Badame revealed she’d decided against agendizing Moore’s resolution.

“I did not support the proposal for the following reasons,” she said. “I found it to be a repetition of a prior resolution from 2017. I found it to be redundant and overreaching of Senate Bill 54 (a State law preventing resources going to mass deportations). I felt there’s potential unenforceable provisions regarding scope and enforcement. Insulating Los Gatos from consequences of an election is not within our role as Council members.

“I also believe in good governance and being open and transparent. So, I therefore made the call that Councilmember Moore bring forward to the full Council…so that we can all discuss it and see if there’s a second…And with that, I turn to Councilmember Moore, respectfully so.”

Moore laid out his thinking behind the resolution.

“I genuinely wish that I did not feel compelled to introduce this resolution,” he said. “I know this is a heavy topic…I feel obligated to bring this resolution, though, in response to the concerns of many Los Gatos community members I have heard. In the wake of the results of the recent election, I have had numerous residents—many, many people—reach out—especially women, residents of racial minority groups, LGBTQ residents and immigrant residents—share that they are scared.

“They are hurting, and they would like their Town government to demonstrate that we are supporting them.

Unfortunately, I believe that some of these fears are well-founded, as the new administration has recently stated their plan to declare a National State

of Emergency to conduct mass deportations in cities and towns around the country—and their plan to force homeless people into tent cities.”

Moore referred back to one public commenter, a health care practitioner, who shared a story about a gay person who said they didn’t feel comfortable holding hands with their significant other at the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market.

“I really do think that we have the power to help change that narrative,” Moore said. “I believe that agendizing this resolution provides the Council, and the community, the opportunity to discuss how best to respond to proposed federal policies—which I do not think is a controversial idea.”

There was a pause, when no one stepped into the void to quickly second the motion.

So, Moore spoke up, again.

“I’m just going to add one last comment,” he said. “There is an individual on my street who is undocumented, who specifically requested that the Town of Los Gatos do something to protect them. I would be absolutely devastated, personally, to return to that individual and, when they ask, what did the Town Council decide to do to protect them, I would have to tell them that we were not even willing to have a conversation about it. I understand if it’s not something that you all want to take up, but I really feel that our residents deserve this conversation.”

This did not win over his fellow Council members, and the attempt at further protecting the Town against Trump administration policies died.

Next, new Town Manager Chris Constantin thanked the community for a warm reception, and congratulated Interim Town Manager Katy Nomura on a job well done after former town manager Laurel Prevetti retired.

And with that, Badame closed the meeting.

“I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving,” she said. “Peace and joy to all.”

In an interview, Moore said he was surprised to be left out in the cold in regards to his motion.

“I had hoped this resolution would be an opportunity for the Town Council to show unity and solidarity with

the people in our community who have very real fears about what is to come,” he said, noting he believes he is still in line to become Vice Mayor.

The Los Gatan asked Moore why he thought mentioning his resolution would aim to protect an undocumented resident from deportation impacts could be persuasive, despite the already cold reception to his proposal.

“I had hoped that providing an example of an individual in our community who is at risk of being hurt by new federal policies would help people feel more compassionate toward people who are in the very difficult circumstance of being undocumented,” he said. “I spoke to people of a variety of backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ+ people and residents of color who were asking for the Town of Los Gatos to explicitly demonstrate its support for them.”

During his Verbal Communications comments, Jeffrey Suzuki, president of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition, said he’d been hearing people in town suggesting Moore’s resolution was about political grandstanding—something he disagrees with.

In an interview, he gave kudos to Badame for providing Moore the space to make his case. However he said it was a mistake not to agendize the motion immediately, pointing to other times when Council has passed similar resolutions.

“The reality is that many community members look toward their local representatives to stand by them through thick and thin, and there are moments when public statements are a critical part of demonstrating their commitment and resolve,” he said.

He said he was “impressed” to hear Moore share his desire to protect his undocumented neighbor.

“It is an audacious statement that cuts straight to the root of the issue,” he said. “He reminded everyone that undocumented folks are not an abstraction—they are actual people who are present as members in our community. For as long as I can remember, there has been a relentless dehumanization of undocumented people in the United States. Their mere existence is often considered criminal by default, which is accompanied by many moralistic judgments and stereotypes. To challenge that perception publicly is bold, and I’m glad to see Moore be so candid in sharing his perspective. Conversations regarding undocumented immigrants often ignore the fact that they often have temporary-stay paperwork under pending review, or are seeking asylum.”

’TIS THE SEASON

Dinah’s Event Log, from page 4

Photos by Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

SEE & BE SEEN The new horseshoe bar at Pedro’s opens up to a high ceiling with stained glass windows.

➝ Dinah’s Event Log, 9

OUT ON THE TOWN (L-R)

Zee Ouellette, Sue Tuttle, Julie Thomas and Pam Allison admiring the recently installed lighted sculpture at Town Plaza Park during their monthly get-together.

SNORING KILLS

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A FORTUNATE LIFE

Reflections on gratitude and growth this Thanksgiving

Jeffrey P. Blum, Contributor

As Thanksgiving arrives, I reflect on the many things I am thankful for. I’ve managed to survive to age 73. Along the way, I’ve had many fortunate things occur. Of course, there have been horrible times too, such as when my father was killed in a car accident while I was on my honeymoon. However, overall, I’ve led a life filled with great happiness and luck.

During my lifeguard tenure, I taught swimming lessons to young children. One time, a 3-year-old boy, who I was teaching, asked me to take him off the three-meter diving board. His mother was all for it. I was too chicken to let the boy, or his mother, know that although I was a member of my high school swim team, I was terrified of the diving board (let alone a three-meter one). I held the boy’s hand as we climbed the ladder, and then, still holding his hand, we jumped. Fortunately, neither one of us was hurt. Occasionally I jokingly speculate that this episode turned the boy into an Olympic diver.

Each year our swimming club held a show, which was attended by several thousand people. The highlight was a clown diving routine, which included performing many maneuvers that are dubious even for skilled divers. Foolishly, I participated. Once again, luckily, I performed this risky endeavor without injury. Young people do crazy things, and I was no exception.

officer let me go with a warning. That episode sobered me up quickly. Once again, thankfully, I escaped disaster. Things to be thankful for come in big and small packages. For me, the big ones include being lucky to have been raised by caring parents who emphasized the importance of education and who let me and my friends consume large amounts of hotdogs, salami and Yoo-hoo chocolate drink.

I am thankful that my daughters avoided major mishaps while growing up. And I feel fortunate that they continue to thrive today.

As I consider some of the things that happened in my life for which I should be thankful, some events come to mind.

When I was in my late teens, I saved a 6-year-old boy from drowning while I worked as a lifeguard. Thankfully, a doctor was on hand to assist me while I gave the boy mouth to mouth resuscitation. I am also thankful that I was the lifeguard on duty when the near drowning incident occurred, since some of my lifeguard colleagues were known to doze off while on duty at times.

As if more examples of my own ill-advised behavior are needed, I can point to the post-water polo game drinking incident. There were 16 lifeguards altogether on our club’s staff, and occasionally we would play water polo games against lifeguards from other clubs. After the games, we’d go to a bar for drinks and rabble rousing. One time, after consuming eight beers in a short period of time, I got in my car to drive home. On the way, I got lost and drove the wrong way down a one-way street. I was pulled over by a police officer. In those days, police were far more lenient about drinking and driving than they are today. The police

I am also thankful that, following my divorce after 18-and-a-half years of marriage, I met Lissa (my significant other). Luckily, I was wise enough in this instance to recognize a great person. This insight helped me overcome the fact that she had pets. The backstory is that my family had a checkered past when it came to raising pets (“checkered” is not intended as a reference to Richard Nixon’s dog, Checkers). One time, my mother decided to spray-paint our parrot’s cage to make it more attractive. Of course, the parrot ate the paint and died. Some things to be thankful for are obvious choices: good health, a loving family and a second chance at love. But life's tapestry is woven with more than just the big threads. The near-drownings, the questionable diving decisions—even the shameful DUI incident that could have proved fatal—these too, shaped who I am today. They serve as reminders of my resilience, the value of taking calculated risks (within reason!) and the importance of appreciating the gift of each new day.

Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Blum

AQUATIC SHOW Clown diving routine at Parkwood Pool in Great Neck, New York, where Jeffrey Blum worked in his younger years.

PARENTS The author’s mother and father. While his dad would die in a car accident, Blum says, overall, he has plenty to be grateful for.

’TIS THE SEASON

Dinah’s Event Log, from page 6 and Dec. 15, 1-5pm. Complimentary hopon, hop-off service. Shop, hop-on, and hop-off repeat. Find the route map at the Chamber of Commerce website.

FANTASY OF LIGHTS Vasona Park Dec. 8, drive-thru Dec. 10-Jan. 5. HOLIDAY HERITAGE TEA

Happening at the Ainsley Carriage House, 300 Grant St., Campbell. Dec. 6-8 and 13-15, at 12pm. Reservations required. Pre-event tickets are $65 (general) $60 (member price).

The 68th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY PARADE

Happening Dec. 7, 11am. Rain or shine. Get your spot along the route early, as many streets downtown will be closed. Parade@lgsrecreation.org for a mwap or with any questions. Usually ends around 3:30pm

SANTA VISITS Old Town Dec. 12-14, 4-7pm and Dec. 15, 1-4pm. Parents, this is a great photo op. Donations welcome, to benefit Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. Mrs. Claus approves.

LOS GATOS HOLIDAY MARKET at Town Civic Center Lawn Dec. 14-15, 10am-4pm, rain or shine. Live music, gourmet foods with fine wines, regional and local artists. Find unique holiday gifts here and support Live Oak Senior Nutrition & Services Center, Approved by Santa.

NUTCRACKER at the McAfee Center. Dec. 16-19. Tickets: /LosGatosBallet.org

Soon, Mayor Mary Badame will term out of the mayor role, and Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes is expected to be termedin to the job. A chief ribbon-cutter changing of the guard, amongst other things.

ANTICIPATION At the grand reopening for Pedro's, Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes looks forward to becoming our new mayor.

LIVES

Rita Ragozzino Baum

Rita Ragozzino Baum of Los Gatos, California passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 92. She died peacefully in her own bed, with loving family members nearby.

Devoted mother, grandmother, writer, gardener, artist, philanthropist, and champion for the elderly, Rita’s natural radiance was as pure as sunlight. She was honest, loving, and sincere—a perennial optimist who saw the good side of every situation. Her diminutive stature belied her powerful impact. She was a delicate bird who learned to soar with eagles.

Rita Virginia Ragozzino was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 12, 1932, the daughter of John Ragozzino and Emma Monetti, who immigrated from Naples, Italy. John was a tailor, who made a name for himself as a designer of costumes for the New York theater, including a stint with the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. When Rita was three years old, John moved his family to San Francisco. He purchased a large house that spanned an entire block of Lombard Street, not far from the Marina. Rita was the youngest of nine brothers and sisters, who all preceded her in death. With her passing, an enduring legacy draws to a close.

As a young woman, Rita worked in her father’s shop, helping him with his business of making costumes for San Francisco’s

March 12, 1932 – November 5, 2024

theater and opera companies, as well as producing fine suits and dresses for men and women. She attended San Mateo High School, San Jose State University, and Arizona State University, where she earned a master’s degree in gerontology.

Rita carried her Italian heritage like a torch, a light that spanned two continents and illuminated every aspect of her character. She loved to tell the story of Genaro, her grandfather, who left the safe haven of his homeland in Naples to start an opera company in the New World. Genaro’s bold venture set an example of tenacity and resourcefulness that has influenced the Ragozzino family for six generations. Rita’s brothers and sisters founded many successful businesses throughout the Bay Area. The Ragozzinos brought the entire world into their orbit and raised dozens of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Rita adored her brothers and sisters, and they doted on her.

In 1958, Rita married Frederic (Ted) Baum of Salem, Oregon, a pediatrician and public health official. He courted her with Gatsby-like panache, and gradually won the heart not only of Rita, but of her protective family. When Ted took a job in Phoenix, Rita left the Bay Area and her beloved siblings to raise her three children, Edward, David and Daphne, in the Valley of the Sun. They built a home in the Arcadia district, a lush suburban enclave near Camelback Mountain. Rita volunteered for the March of Dimes and other nonprofit organizations, beginning a lifetime of philanthropy, fundraising, and public service. She produced dozens of oil paintings during this period, primarily landscapes and still-lifes that expressed her tranquil view of the world.

Rita and Ted were happily married for many years. When the marriage ended in 1976, Rita began a new chapter as a single mother. In the span of just a few years, she transformed her life from homemaker to executive, moved back to the Bay Area, purchased a home in Los Gatos, and put her master’s degree to work. For eight years she worked at the Visiting Nurses Association, then accepted the role of Director of In-Home Services for the Council on Aging of Santa Clara County. After retiring in 2015, she continued her work for the elderly as a private conservator, handling the medical needs and financial wellbeing of seniors who could no longer care for themselves.

All her life, Rita gave to others—first

to her children, then later to the many people she helped as an ombudsman and conservator. As a dedicated philanthropist with a love of reading, writing, and the arts, she devoted much of her free time to raising funds for local non-profit institutions. She played a major role in the construction of a new public library in Los Gatos, personally securing a large contribution from Steve Wozniak. She served on the Art’s Council and co-founded the Young Writers Workshop, where hundreds of children discovered their innate potential as creative writers. Rita taught from experience. For seven years she published a popular column, “Aging Without Limits,” which was syndicated among several local newspapers. She also wrote fiction, poetry, memoir, and drama. Her crowning achievement was a fulllength musical, “Angels Don’t Cry,” with original music by her son, Eddie, which was televised by a local theater group at West Valley College.

In 2016, the Town of Los Gatos honored Rita as a Senior of Distinction for her decades of selfless devotion to these many cultural, civic, and artistic endeavors. Rita was also a long-time member of the Sierra Club, a tireless hiker who participated in weekly treks in the Santa Cruz Mountains and other wilderness areas. For her, nature was God’s handiwork, and she felt privileged to inhabit his garden.

For many years, Rita attended Price of Peace Lutheran Church in Saratoga. Her Christian faith was important to her throughout her life and a comfort to her in the months and weeks leading up to her death. In her final years, she resided at Belmont Village in San Jose, where she continued to shine her bright light and enthusiasm on the residents and staff.

Rita (Nonna) is lovingly remembered by her three children: Edward Baum, David Baum (Susie), and Daphne Baum Small (Tim), and four grandchildren: Matthew Baum, Emily Baum, Julianna Small Nicolai (Chase), and Johnathan Small.

Rita’s family and friends will gather on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11 AM for a memorial service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Saratoga (12770 Saratoga Avenue). Donations to the following organizations on behalf of Rita Baum are gratefully appreciated: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (https://www.propeace.org/)

The Friends of Los Gatos Library (https://friendsoflglibrary.org/)

THE LOST PETROLEUM WELLS OF LOS GATOS

A sprawling oil field once dominated the landscape south of town’s borders

Alan Feinberg, Contributor

Have you ever wondered how the infamous U-shaped stretch of Highway 17 known as Big Moody Curve got its name? There isn’t much to say about early settler D. B. Moody, who owned the property. But what happened there is one of the most obscure and fascinating stories in early Los Gatos history.

In November 1861, lumberjacks working in a sawmill in the ravine nicknamed Moody Gulch noticed large pools of oil floating in the creek. Oil had been discovered in Pennsylvania just a few years beforehand, and fortune seekers who missed the Gold Rush went into a frenzy after a news story about the local find appeared in the San Jose Mercury-Herald.

In April 1865, the newly formed Santa Clara Petroleum Company began drilling in the gulch. However, it was the Shaw & Weldon Petroleum

was reported to have gushed up to 85 feet in the air. The most productive well produced more than 100 barrels a day, making it one of the more successful oil wells in the entire state of California at that time.

In 1878, the Pacific Coast Oil Company sank a highly profitable well and laid a two and a half mile pipeline to a new platform next to the South Pacific Coast Railroad tracks. Their oil was pumped into a large holding tank and was barreled for transportation by rail to a refinery on Alameda Point. A railway station named Oil City was established with the expectation that a boomtown would emerge on the site. It was renamed Oleoso (Spanish for “oily”) but never became more than a freight stop.

Multiple oil companies continued drilling in Moody Gulch and the surrounding area throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to a story in the Los Gatos Mail News on Dec. 16, 1920, the Trigonia Oil Company’s wells “are producing at the highest capacity” yielding up to 50 barrels a day with a net income of almost $120,000 per year ($1.9 million in today’s dollars.) Another story in the same newspaper boasted that “there is no doubt California will someday excel by far the famed Pennsylvania petroleum region… and Santa Clara County will beat the State”. The last oil company in Moody Gulch closed in 1938. Although later attempts to extract oil failed to produce profitable quantities, it is estimated that nearly 4.5 million gallons of oil were extracted in the 77 years that companies operated in the gulch area.

Company that actually struck oil five years later. Their wells weren’t profitable and both companies went bankrupt after only a few years. But that didn’t dampen “oil fever” in Los Gatos. A sprawling oil field was soon established in and around Moody Gulch. Prospectors and speculators filed mining claims there for oil and either drilled wells or sold their claims for a profit. Multiple wells were drilled in the oil field throughout the 1860s and ‘70s. In 1865, one well struck a large quantity of oil which

Realignment and widening of Highway 17 involved filling in a large portion of Moody Gulch. Any wells that remained were capped, and all traces of the oil fields were buried forever under tons of earth bringing to an end this long forgotten period in Los Gatos history.

Alan Feinberg is a local historian and founder of the LOST Gatos Project www. lostgatos.com. His mission is to generate enthusiasm among Los Gatos residents for remembering and preserving our town’s unique character and historic treasures before they’re lost forever. For more Los Gatos history, download the free mobile app Discover LOST Gatos and take a self-guided walking tour through our historic downtown.

ROUGHNECKS IN LOS GATOS Oil company workers and their canine companion pose for this rare photo (date unknown).

Fictitious Business Name Statements

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #711255

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Base, 1346 The Alameda Ste 7218, San Jose, CA, 95126, Bay Area Social Empowerment. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 11/17/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Michele Huntzinger. President. #6463104. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/18/2024. (pub LG 11/27, 12/04, 12/11, 12/18/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #711385

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Rajbhog Thali, 1028 E. El Camino Real, Guru Ji Sada Sahay, Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant has not yet began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Dinesh Kumar. CEO. #6350467. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/21/2024. (pub LG 11/27, 12/04, 12/11, 12/18/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710626

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Travel Genius Coaching, 4194 Mystic Ct., San Jose, CA, 95124, Dreams Delivered Travel, LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 10/13/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/ Lisa Danielle Stenfort. Member. #201822210143. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 10/24/2024. (pub LG 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710417

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Barona Herb, 5426 Duesenberg Dr., San Jose, CA, 95123, Barona Herb 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/Shabnam Kianpour. CEO. #202464211868. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 10/18/2024. (pub LG 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2024)

File Number: FBN710710. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Gold’s Gym Hamilton , 1570 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose, CA 95023. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, GGNorCal LLC, P.O. BOX 1913, Aptos, California 95001. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/27/2024 and 10/28/2024 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. GGNorCal LLC, Article/Reg # 202358810432, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Martina Solbes /s/ Member. (Pub LGN: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2024)

File Number: FBN710511 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Follmar Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 14511 S. Bascom Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Follmar Dental Corporation, 14511 S. Bascom Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 10/22/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Follmar Dental Corporation, Article/ Reg # 1194021, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Troy S. Follmar, D.D.S. /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710812

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Milpitas Guitar Lessons, 1955 Everglades Dr., Milpitas,

PUBLIC NOTICES

CA, 95035, Dangerous Grooves LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 08/20/2024. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Philip Johnson. Owner. #202463316089. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/01/2024. (pub LG 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710674

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Jaws Dental Lab, 1610 Westwood Dr., Suite 1, San Jose, CA, 95125. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. 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/John Alan Wareham. President. #6428604. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 10/25/2024. (pub LG 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710211

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: J&B Cleaning Services, 4325 Renaissance Dr., APT 222, San Jose, CA, 95134, Ma Rubi Moralez. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 06/01/2023. /s/Ma Rubi Moralez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 10/08/2024. (pub LG 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710826

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Code 2 Learn, 2. Dreamz Interior Exquisites, 3339 Michelangelo Dr., San Jose, CA, 95135, Rizwan Ghaffar, Sarah Farooq. This business is being conducted by a Married Couple. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 03/30/2024. /s/Rizwan Ghaffar. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/01/2024. (pub LG 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

File Number: FBN710875. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: THE ROCCA GROUP LLC, ROCCA AUDIOVISUAL, ROCCA AUDIOVISUAL SUBCONTRACTING, ROCCA AUDIO VISUAL , 45274 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, THE ROCCA GROUP LLC, 45274 Industrial Drive, Fremont, CA 94538. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/01/2019 and 11/04/2024 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. THE ROCCA GROUP LLC, Article/Reg # 201920510816, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Jessica Rocca /s/ Member. (Pub LGN: 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710959

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Alliance Automotive, 2. Alliance Auto, 3. Alliance Auto Repair, 4. Alliance Automotive Repair, 5. Alliance Auto Service, 6. Alliance Automotive Service, 2100 Stone Ave., San Jose, CA, 95125. This business is being conducted by an Corporation. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 11/06/2024. /s/Dieu Nguyen. CEO. #6434865. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/07/2024. (pub LG 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710982

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Everest Embroidery, 341 Robbonwood Ave., San Jose, CA, 95125, Jesus Pedro Vazquez Paz. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 11/01/2024. /s/Jesus Pedro Vazquez Paz. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/08/2024. (pub LG 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

File Number: FBN710911 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: ALMA’S HAIR DESIGN , 18 N 1st St, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, ALMA DELIA HELLESOE, 4922 Polar Ter, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/05/2024 and 11/06/2024 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/ Alma Hellesoe /s/ Member. (Pub LGN: 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

File Number: FBN710938 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. MULBERRY PRINTS, 2. MULBERRY, 3. MULBERRY DESIGNS, 4. MULBERRY LABELS, 5. MULBERRY HOME , 2599 Louis Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Mulberry Prints LLC, 2599 Louis Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 11/06/2024 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. MULBERRY PRINTS LLC, Article/Reg # 202464417758, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Jennifer Chien /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #711051

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: A L K Auto Sales, 2071 Ringwood Ave., San Jose, CA, 95131, Hisham A Zoaby. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 11/12/2024. /s/Hisham Zoaby. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/12/2024. (pub LG 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710350

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Gracies Barkcuterie & Treats, 2. Gracies Treats 735 Georgetown Place, Gilroy, CA, 95020, Charcuterie Guys LLC. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 10/15/2024. /s/Agustin Frank Gutierrrez. Owner. #202463018739. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 10/16/2024. (pub LG 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #711090

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Success Brand, 2275 South Bascom Avenue Apt 112, Campbell, CA, 95008, Nigel Quintero Ayala. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/ Nigel Quintero Ayala. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/13/2024. (pub LG 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

File Number: FBN710925. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: LIGHT UP INSURANCE AGENCY, 1102 Bird Ave Ste 20, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, LIGHT UP INSURANCE SERVICES INC, 1102 Bird Ave Ste 20, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/06/2024 and 11/06/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. LIGHT UP INSURANCE SERVICES INC, Article/Reg # 6440125, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Tingting Pan /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

File Number: FBN710994. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Westside Real Estate Team , 10080 N. Wolfe Road, Suite SWS-200, Cupertino, CA 95014. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Moriah Beth Larson, 2132 Sunny Vista Drive, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and

11/08/2024 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. /s/ Moriah Larson /s/. (Pub LGN: 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #711130

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: My Goodies, 418 Fontanelle Dr., San Jose, CA, 95111, Danielle Rikki Perez. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Daneille Rikki Perez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/14/2024. (pub LG 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #711174

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Ainalaiyn Daycare, 709 Santa Rita Street, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, Zhanna Atabekova. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Zhanna Atabekova. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/15/2024. (pub LG 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710840

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: J & J Painting, 5929 Southmont Ct., San Jose, CA, 95138, Kenneth Edward Dirubio. This business is being conducted by a Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 11/01/2024. /s/Kenneth E Dirubio. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/04/2024. (pub LG 11/20, 11/27, 12/04, 12/11/2024)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #710860

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: French Lessons, 14 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA, 95030, Susan Jean Sedgley. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 11/03/2024. /s/Susan Sedgley. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/04/2024. (pub LG 11/27, 12/04, 12/11, 12/18/2024)

File Number: FBN711143. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Tagmasters Registration Services, 2. Reg2Go Registration Services, 3. In & Out Registration Services, 4. Quickstop Registration Services, 5. Fastlane Registration Services; 858 Civic Center Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company. Instafile Registration Services, LLC, Article/Reg # 20246416629 California. 858 Civic Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95050. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A and 11/14/2024 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Cici Brandt; Managing Member. Instafile Registration Services, LLC. (Pub LGN 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18)

Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Cici Brandt; Managing Member. Instafile Registration Services, LLC. (Pub LGN 11/27, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18)

SPORTS PUBLIC NOTICES

Name Change

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME.

Case No. 24CV451191 . Notice of Petition of David Conti. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: David Conti filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Sophia Christine Conti to Proposed name: Gianna Christine Conti. 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: January 28, 2025, 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: November 7, 2024. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed by S. Gomez, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04/2024)

Town of Los Gatos

THE POWERFUL BEN KINCZEL

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 on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos introduced the Ordinance titled above. The adoption of this Ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., in person and via Teleconference.

The following is a summary of the Ordinance:

An Ordinance amending sections Chapter 29, “Zoning Regulations,” Article I, “In General,” Division 3, “Signs,” of the Town Code to regulate the size of temporary signs at intersections, clarify regulations applicable to temporary signs on private property, and prohibit temporary signage on public property.

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: 11/27/2024

(Pub LGN 11/27)

Town of Los Gatos

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE

TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING SECTIONS 14.40.010, “DEFINITIONS,” AND 14.40.015, “NONAPPLICABILITY,” OF ARTICLE IV, “PEDDLERS AND SOLICITORS,” OF CHAPTER 14, “LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS,” OF THE TOWN CODE AND REPLACING ARTICLE VII, “PUSHCARTS,” OF CHAPTER 14, “LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS,” WITH A NEW ARTICLE VII, “SIDEWALK VENDING” IN THE TOWN CODE

The following is a summary of the Ordinance:

An Ordinance amending sections 14.40.010, “Definitions,” and 14.40.015, “Nonapplicability,” of the Town Code and replacing Article VII, “Pushcarts,” of Chapter 14, “Licenses and Miscellaneous Business Regulations,” with “Sidewalk Vending” to rescind the existing pushcart ordinance, amend the existing peddler and solicitor ordinance to exclude sidewalk vendors from its provisions, and regulate sidewalk vendors in compliance with state law.

Wendy Wood

Los Gatos Town Clerk

Published: 11/27/2024

(Pub LGN 11/27)

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE

TITLE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDING SECTION 15.30.235, “ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN STREETS,” OF THE TOWN CODE ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS

The following is a summary of the Ordinance:

An Ordinance amending section 15.30.235 of the Town code to reduce the speed limit along Blossom Hill Road between Santa Cruz Avenue/Winchester Boulevard and Camino Del Cerro.

Wendy Wood

Los Gatos Town Clerk

Published: 11/27/24

(Pub LGN 11/27)

LGHS freshman takes 2nd place in powerlifting event

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor Ben Kinczel had every reason to be encouraged after finishing in second place in the USA Powerlifting California High School Open’s 75 kilogram (165 pound) division on Nov. 17 in Hayward.

After all, the 14-year-old Kinczel, a Los Gatos High School freshman, was competing in his first-ever powerlifting competition and finished as the runner-up—to an 18-year-old high school senior, no less.

“It wasn’t the highlight of my career, because I could’ve done better,” said Kinczel, whose finish earned him a berth in the High School Nationals in March. “But I still think I did pretty good and for this being my first competition, it was pretty fun.”

A powerlifting competition consists of three core lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift (performed in that order). Each athlete has three attempts in each exercise to lift as much weight as possible for one repetition. The winner of each weight class is the lifter with the highest total weight (sum of the best of each of the three lifts).

Kinczel’s lifts totaled 948 pounds–320 for the squat, 214 for the

bench press and 414 for the deadlift. Kinczel usually totals 1,005 pounds for his three lifts, but a couple of factors held his numbers down on competition day.

“In the week leading up to the competition, I didn’t eat as much food and did a bit more cardio, so I wouldn’t go overweight,” he said. “So, I wasn’t as strong as normal on competition day. Also, the weights and bars were different than the ones I train with. That makes a little difference.”

Kinczel was also red-lighted a handful of times, meaning he received a “no lift.” Power lifters receive a red light if they fail to lift with proper technique or err in following commands from the judges, such as when to start and stop the lift.

For Kinczel, it was the latter that proved to be his Achilles heel.

“For the squat, there’s a person in front of you, and they give you the command to start the lift and rack the weight,” Kinczel said. “And, I forgot to listen to the squat command. Next time, I’ll be better at listening to the commands, and that will help me to not fail some of my lifts.”

Kinczel plans on making dramatic gains in his bench press, which is the weakest of his three lifts. Kinczel chalks

Loren Kinczel

BIG LIFT Ben Kinczel flexes after finishing second in the USA Powerlifting California High School Open’s 75 kilogram (165 pound) division on Nov. 17 in Hayward.

up his superior lower body strength to tricking, a sport that combines martial arts and gymnastics.

In fact, Kinczel started to powerlift consistently in August 2023 to supplement his gains in tricking. Once he started to see incremental gains in powerlifting, Kinczel decided to switch his sport of focus.

“I started to develop more of a passion for powerlifting and have been consistently training ever since,” he said.

Kinczel, who doesn’t turn 15 until August, has a personal-best of 465 pounds in the deadlift, 335 in the squat and 235 in the bench press.

“One of my main goals is to break the deadlift record for 14-year-olds,” he said. “I’m going to try to somehow deadlift 700 pounds before I turn 15.”

Kinczel doesn’t have a private coach, but relies on his older brother for nutritional advice. He also looks to his father and sister for support.

“My dad inspired me to train consistently in powerlifting starting in August 2023,” Kinczel said. “He bought some equipment for our garage, and my siblings and we would work out there all the time.”

Nowadays, Kinczel usually trains in the LGHS weight room with a lot of his friends from the football team.

“Lifting with my friends is a lot of fun, and gives me another reason to do it,” he said. “It gives me motivation to finish strong.”