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vol . I , no. 46 : July 20-26, 2022 : losgatan.com
all stars advance p8 : permIt problems p10 : upcomIng events p14 : ny tImes crossword puzzle p17 Contributed
NEW MUSEUM ANNOUNCES THE LARGEST DONATION IN ITS HISTORY
REC CENTER GETS SUPPORT FOR UPGRADES FOCUSING ON SENIORS County’s $250K grant to go toward improvements
Mike and Alyce Parsons gift museum $1 million
Staff Report Staff Report
New Museum Los Gatos announced July 11 that it received an unprecedented $1 million gift—the largest donation in the history of the organization. The gift was made by Los Gatos philanthropists and longtime NUMU supporters Mike and Alyce Parsons. The donation will establish the “Mike and Alyce Parsons Art Endowment,” and the interest from the endowment will generate income for the museum forever, as the principal will remain untouched. “We are honored to be a part of the Parsons’ incredible legacy,” said NUMU Board President Jan Schwartz. “Thanks to Mike and Alyce’s sustained generosity, our museum will continue to grow and meet the needs of the Los Gatos community and beyond. We are extremely grateful for this level of visionary support.” ➝ NUMU, 6
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recently approved a one-time grant for the Town of Los Gatos to help uapgrade senior-serving facilities. The funds, part of the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, will be used for ADA-related improvements to the Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center, originally built in the late 1970s. “The older adult population of Los Gatos, and Santa Clara County as a whole, is projected ➝ Senior, 6
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LEGACY Alyce and Mike Parsons donated $1 million to New Museum Los Gatos— the largest gift in the museum’s history.
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VOL.1 NO.46 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor and Publisher Lee May General Manager Erik Chalhoub Managing Editor Lori Lieneke Advertising Director Phaedra Strecher Editorial Production Manager Drew Penner Reporter Emanuel Lee Juan Reyes Sports Writers Judy Peterson Contributor Serenity Polizzi Eric Bocanegra Carrie Bonato Account Executives Marie Hicks Subscriptions
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CHEZ PHILIPPE OPENS San Jose residents Junsik Kim (from left), 31, Jasmine Lee, 25, and Sangjae Bae, 33, enjoy French fare at new Los Gatos restaurant Chez Philippe on Bastille Day, July 14. Bae says it reminds him of tourism and work visits to Nice, Bordeaux and Paris. The restaurant is located at 34 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
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NOMINATION PERIOD OPENS FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION Candidates have until Aug. 12 to file Staff Report
The nominations period opened on July 18 for candidates who want to run for local offices in the Nov. 8 election. The period closes at 5pm Aug. 12, according to a press release from the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office, but it can be extended to Aug. 17, for contests in which an eligible incumbent officeholder does not file. The registrar’s office is providing candidates with both in-person and online support options for issuing and filing nomination documents during the nominations period. Filing forms can be found online at sccvote.sccgov. org/candidates-measures. Filled out forms can be submitted at the registrar’s office in person by appointment; walk-in at the registrar’s
office; video conference and secured OneDrive folder; or by USPS mail, says the press release. Candidates are encouraged to make an appointment and begin the nomination filing process as early as possible to ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time. “We expect an overwhelming number of candidate filings this November,” said Registrar of Voters Shannon Bushey. “We strongly encourage all candidates to file as early as possible. Our Candidate Services Division can provide you with all the resources you need to file successfully.” Candidates must pay all required filing fees prior to issuance of nomination documents and, if applicable, pay any candidate statement deposits at the time nomination documents are filed, says the press release. Candidates are encouraged to file originally signed nomination doc-
uments, including a Declaration of Candidacy and nomination signatures, together in one packet with the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters’ office, Candidate Services Division no later than 5pm on Friday, Aug. 12, (or by Wednesday, Aug. 17, if an eligible incumbent does not file) to qualify as a candidate. The following local offices are currently in the nominations period for Los Gatos voters in the Nov. 8 election: Los Gatos Town Council (three seats), Los Gatos-Saratoga Union (three seats), Loma Prieta Joint Union (three full-term seats, one short-term seat), Los Gatos Union (three seats) and Santa Clara Valley Water District 7. For information, contact the Candidate Services Division at 408.299.8639; or contact the Registrar of Voters’ Office at 408.299.8683, toll-free at 866.430.8683, or visit sccvote.org.
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LONGTIME MUSEUM SUPPORTERS GIVE GIFT NUMU, from page 1 The Parsons have been ardent supporters of the museum for years. Their favorite program is NUMU’s Santa Clara County-wide juried exhibition of high school art, ArtNow, initiated 11 years ago. “The entries are spectacular,” Mike Parsons said. “Many students have gone on to prestigious colleges, some focusing on art. Students come back to us saying they were motivated by the program to pursue further study in art. This has been very gratifying to see.”
Mike also served on NUMU’s Board of Directors from 2006 to 2018 and as board president in 2012. “Those years were exciting times in the evolution of the museum,” he said. “We went from the old firehouse on the corner of Tait and Main to our current location alongside the town offices and library. The museum is blooming.” The Parsons continue to support NUMU because they believe the museum is an important part of the culture and history of the local community.
“This endowment helps to ensure that the museum is around for future generations,” Mike Parson said. “This is a good way for Los Gatans to help support this important cultural cornerstone.” While the Parsons’ gift will make a substantial impact on NUMU’s long term financial health, there remains a need for additional funding for day-to-day activities at the Museum. As NUMU takes on larger exhibition and programming initiatives, includ-
ing art therapy for youth, exhibitions featuring emerging artists, and stewarding the Town’s collection of historic artifacts, there is still a great need for support to continue to make these initiatives possible and sustainable. “Imagine the transformational impact subsequent large gifts can have on the lives of Los Gatos residents today and into the future,” NUMU Executive Director Ami Davis said. “This is only the beginning. NUMU is on track to being an indispensable destination for arts and culture in Los Gatos and throughout the Bay Area thanks to this incredible investment in our future.” To inquire about donating, contact Davis at ed@numulosgatos.org.
Contributed
TOWN’S SENIOR POPULATION GROWS
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Senior, from page 1
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to increase significantly by 2030,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who proposed the allocation. “As we look for opportunities to support and provide older adults and seniors with programs and services that meet their needs, it’s important that senior centers be both safe and accessible.” The Adult Recreation Center, located next to the Town’s Civic Center and library, once housed various Town operations. The two-story building is currently home to Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation (LGS Recreation) and is the Town’s older adult services and activities hub through the LGS Recreation 55 Plus Program. The 55 Plus Program provides services to Los Gatos older adults such as continuing education opportunities, health services and nutrition referrals, counseling, and volunteer and socialization opportunities. Programming is divided into weekly and monthly activities, as well as annual events. According to county officials, the number of older adults in Los Gatos grew by approximately 30% since 2010, and is now over a third of the total population of the town. “The Adult Recreation Center is the primary location for senior services in Los Gatos,” said Mayor Rob Rennie. “The Town is committing its own General Fund resources towards these projects and appreciates the partnership with the County.” A recent ADA audit of the Center
showed that it comes up short on several fronts, including the restrooms and flooring. Due to complications with plumbing, HVAC and the elevators, a brand-new, gender-neutral restroom will have to be built in the space where the break room currently exists. In addition, the flooring of the Center has reached the end of its useful life. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 30 million falls are reported by older adults, of which 32,000 result in deaths. Replacing the flooring of the multi-purpose room in the Center to remove irregularities in the surface that may cause tripping will help minimize the risk of falls. “The Adult Recreation Center serves as the primary community center for older adults in Los Gatos,” said Nancy Rollet, executive director of LGS Recreation. “Many of our members rely on mobility devices and greatly appreciate seeing their safety needs addressed in meaningful ways.” The total budget for LGS Adult Recreation Center infrastructure improvements is more than $500,000. The Town of Los Gatos received a federal Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $140,000. The County grant, sponsored by Simitian, is $250,000. The remainder of the cost will be absorbed by the Town’s budget. “We at the County are always on the lookout for effective ways to join forces with our local government partners in
SOCIAL HUB The Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center is due for a variety of upgrades. the towns and cities,” Simitian said. “Meeting the needs of older adults is not something a single entity or organization can do alone. It will take our joint efforts to ensure older adults
are taken care of in the communities where they live. This combination of funding sources is a great reminder that we can do so much more if everybody does their part.”
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SPORTS
LOS GATOS TOPS IN THE SECTION Submitted
12U All Stars advance to NorCal/State
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Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor
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It’s truly a special time for Los Gatos Little League baseball, especially for the 12U All Star team. It beat Aptos 4-3 to win the Section 5 Tournament on July 18 at Pajaro Valley Little League Field in Watsonville. Los Gatos advances to the NorCal/ State Tournament and plays the Section 4 winner on July 23 at 2pm. The roster includes Connor Boese, Lucas Bottoms, Grant Browder, Ryan Carlisle, Cruz Catipon, Colton Kalin, Skyler Levine, T.J. Lombardi, Kyle Matar, Timmy McNeil, Brixton Mentz-Bonnifield, Jimmy Mort, Drew Oppenheimer and Aarav Chugh. The team is managed by CT Kalin with assistant coaches Elliot Carlisle and Tom McNeil. This is primarily the same team that as 11-year-olds reached the NorCal/State level a year ago. “It’s a really special thing,” Kalin said. “It’s a special group of kids who work really hard and get along really well. It makes our jobs easier than how a lot of managers and coaches have it.” Los Gatos ran the table, defeating Moreland 16-2, Santa Teresa 5-1 and Aptos by scores of 9-1 and 4-3 to cap an impressive tournament run. “At the end of the day the team did what it always did and held strong,” Kalin said. “They just handle the pressure very well and never stop fighting.” Of that, there is no doubt. Los Gatos had to play well to knock off a strong Aptos squad for the second time in as many meetings. Bottoms pitched 5 ⅓ strong innings, Oppenheimer hit a home run and McNeil closed things out by recording back-to-back strikeouts to clinch the outcome. Los Gatos never trailed, but the title game was a riveting, white-knuckle contest, similar to the team’s nail-biting 3-1 win over Almaden in the District 12 championship game on June 30. Los Gatos scored the first two runs
CHAMPS AGAIN The Los Gatos 12U All Star team celebrates after beating Aptos 4-3 to capture the Section 5 Tournament at Pajaro Valley Little League Field in Watsonville on July 18.
of the game only to see Aptos respond with two runs its next time up to bat. But Oppenheimer’s two-run shot in the fourth inning gave Los Gatos a lead it would not relinquish. McNeil doubled in the third and came around to score on Bottoms’ triple down the right-field line. Matar had a double, while Chugh and Mort also had hits. “Top to bottom, the team is really good and things played out the way we had hoped it would,” Kalin said. “I felt like they handled the situation well because they've been through it before.” Outside of the championship contest, the Santa Teresa game was one to remember. Santa Teresa took a 1-0
lead in the fourth inning, but all things considered, Los Gatos escaped unscathed. Santa Teresa loaded the bases with no outs when Los Gatos threw out Santa Teresa baserunners at home plate on back-to-back plays before Mentz-Bonnifield recorded a strikeout to get the team out of a huge jam. It was a momentous occasion, as Los Gatos got the equalizer in the top of the fifth inning via a two-out double from Colton Kalin, scoring Oppenheimer. Neither team scored in the sixth, forcing extra innings. Los Gatos pulled away in the seventh. Matar hit a leadoff double and scored on a Kalin hit. McNeil followed
with a run-scoring single, and Mentz-Bonnifield roped a RBI double. He came home moments later on a Lombardi single. A year ago, Los Gatos had to travel to Turlock for the NorCal/State Tournament. This year, their drive is considerably shorter. Watsonville isn’t exactly a stone’s throw away from Los Gatos, but relatively close considering teams often have to travel around two hours to play in the NorCal/State level. “We’re back in the same place where we just played Sectionals, so it’s almost like a little home field advantage, which is nice,” Kalin said.
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The ‘Wild’ tale of a woman placed at-risk due to sketchy paperwork Drew Penner, Reporter
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The office of Harry Ryan was the place Jack London penned his seminal novel “Call of the Wild,” about a dog that’s taken from the Santa Clara Valley to the Klondike, where he befriends wolves and leads a sled team. Ryan, who met London through trade union activism, chose to name his 140-acre mountain ranch—in the Lexington Hills—after the classic American work of fiction. Over the years it morphed from a retreat called “Call of the Wild Ranch and Sawmill” to the site of seasonal residences called “Call of the Wild Summer Resort & Subdivision.” It fell into disrepair and was abandoned following the onset of the Great Depression.
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Sidney French bought a place in the Call of the Wild area with her boyfriend in 1989, the week before calamity struck. On July 21, she turns 69. “We lost our house to the Loma Prieta earthquake,” she said, explaining four homes in the neighborhood were destroyed. In the aftermath, she fell into the job of organizing a group water system. “I was charged with investigating all the easements and permits,” she said. “You have to jump through these hoops.” That’s how she came across some weird discrepancies with official records, and also when she started to feel the friction with Santa Clara County. “I was getting all this pushback,” she said. There was one house that jumped out at her—22150 Mineral Springs. It was built by Charles R. Cheatham, and didn’t appear to have a required geological study. “I never saw the septic plan, because there was no septic plan,” she said. “Somehow it all happened magically because the building official gave him a Certificate of Occupancy.” The house was sucking from the water line of a second house, which she would later purchase, after giving up on re-
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
Resident who uncovered questionable permits fighting to keep home building the one destroyed in the quake. She lives alone now at 22155 Mineral Springs Way, which no longer has liquid siphoned off, since the house across the road was finally forced to get its own intake. Digging through the bureaucracy French’s problems with the County have only worsened over the years. The more digging she does, the more problems she uncovers. She says it feels as if she’s aged a half-decade in the past year, trying to wade through the bureaucratic mire. That’s because the house she lives in is falling apart, and the County refuses to let her work on it. The front wall is currently being stabilized by two-by-fours. During the storm that sparked the CZU Lightning Complex fire in 2020, a bolt of lightning struck a tree near her house, sending a 35-foot section right onto her roof. She’s up against the clock, as the twoyear deadline to access insurance funds for repairs approaches. Deanne Everton, the executive director of Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley, said their organization tried to help with other repairs, but was told to stop until paperwork problems could be cleared up. French was kicked off her insurance earlier this year because she couldn’t get a permit to remove a rickety deck. The County sent the Los Gatan a document that claims French’s house was “rebuilt without permits” and says she’ll be on the hook for up to $3,500 per day in penalties for each of eight violations. The letter, signed by Code Enforcement Program Manager James Stephens, threatens to prosecute French in criminal court and set a July 15 deadline. “I cry all the time,” French said. “Where am I gonna go? This is my investment.” She’s the one who’s been taking the initiative to sort out problems created by building authorities with some whiteout and the stroke of a writing utensil. Literally. The County’s records for the parcels in question are a mess of unsigned permits and lines through addresses that can’t seem to agree with one another. For example, there are two slightly dif-
IN NEED OF REPAIR Sidney French said questionable permits surrounding her Lexington Hills home have put her at odds with Santa Clara County building officials.
ferent versions of a document addressed to the County’s Chief Building Official, dated July 12, 1984. And Building Violation Log 97051, from 1997, claims that 22155 Mineral Spring Way (where French now lives) “was rebuilt w/o permits.” It also states that “orig. cabin was demoed.” Just down the hill from French’s house are the remains of another structure that was destroyed in the Lexington Fire; she wonders if this confused inspector Michael Harrison when he visited the property on March 10 that year—or if he was thinking of the newer 22150 property across the road that was built from scratch by Cheatham. These days, French is employed parttime doing office and real estate research, and gets a small amount of income from Social Security. It costs her $400 a month to keep her house warm in winter with her 1964 plug-in 5,000-watt electric heater. “At some point I don’t want to have to
work,” she said, adding it’s hard to dedicate herself to making a living given the hassles brought on by the County’s series of paperwork snafus. “I spend all my time on the computer trying to deal with this.” ‘Bunch of mistakes’ Barry Mangan is a 73-year-old lawyer who gave up the “bad habit” of litigation 20 years ago. He met French at Calvary Church in Los Gatos, and although he’s semi-retired, he offered to try to help her rectify her property issues. Now, his dining room table is submerged in papers—search records, parcel maps and letters—as he attempts to assist French in getting Santa Clara County’s attention. “They have taken a very rigid administrative approach,” he said. “They have just circled the wagons and taken a position in complete opposition to the facts.” Had French not done all that water rights research after the earthquake, she wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, Mangan points out.
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
UNCLEAR Sidney French shows a permit from 1984, where a building official crossed off and changed the address of the home. Such alterations are common in the home’s permit history. Carskadon to do the official Building Permit Record Search for the new house across the street at “22150 Call of the Wild Rd.” But that also turned up 39726 and 40740—as well as 40047. “I’m going, ‘Wait a minute; that isn’t right,’” she said, recalling what she told the building department Oct. 18 that year while piecing things together. “’There’s a bunch of mistakes on this.’” French says the woman who was assisting her said she’d have to escalate the matter to her boss—Thomas Shih. So, on Oct. 19, 1990, the whited-out Permit 40047 emerges, as does the Certificate of Occupancy for 22150. French says she launched a separate California Public Records Act request this year in hopes of helping County officials locate the originals, so they could rely on their own documentation, not her copies. “While Ms. French has made several duplicative CPRA requests to the County, we have provided her with all responsive documents and have so informed her,” a spokesperson told the Los Gatan in a statement. “Although Ms. French asserts that the County possesses additional documents, staff has been unable to locate any such documents and has repeatedly responded to her requests with that information.” The County did not make anyone available for an interview, and maintains it’s French who is in violation of the Building Code, referring mainly to her efforts to patch-up her house after natural disasters. French says she’s only out of compliance because the County is so dead-set on covering its tracks. A rep for Supervisor Joe Simitian said he was unavailable for an interview
and declined to provide a statement. The County told the Los Gatan it met with French on multiple occasions to come up with a solution. French says it was just once. “She’s going to lose the house, that’s what’s going to happen,” Mangan said, adding it’s all because the County won’t fess up to the permit-fudging of the ‘80s and ‘90s. “When I say misappropriating, I mean it. They took permits that belong to the cabin.” Mangan says there’s a simple solution—return the permits to French’s file, stop pretending her home was rebuilt and issue some kind of variance for the new house at 22150. Web of permits Charles Cheatham claims inspector Winston Chew stood him up twice while he was attempting to bring power to the cabin at 22155. So, he says, he went over Chew’s head and got Shih to push the permit through. It’s unclear what permit this story relates to. Cheatham thinks the episode took place around 1982; he swears he only ever pulled one permit for the cabin. There’s a permit French uncovered last year for her house showing electrical wiring and service work was approved in 1979, before Cheatham bought it. Cheatham got a permit on Dec. 12, 1983 for the property across the street (Permit 39726) to repair a damaged floor under an “existing residence.” And on Feb. 15, 1984, he got a “supplemental permit” connected to Permit 39726 for a “complete re-wire” job—
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“Sidney was lucky to have obtained permits before they were altered, because she was doing work on a Red Cross grant,” he said. “That all had to do with the reconstruction of the water system.” This has led to a scenario where the Los Gatan has been able to get copies of documents the County says it’s no longer able to locate. “The problem is they don’t want to admit that one of their own was in cahoots with Cheatham, the developer,” he said, referring to a new house that was built across the road from where French’s place. “They used rebuild permits to hide the fact that there were no permits whatsoever for the house.” The smoking gun, he says, is in a pair of 1990 letters sent by chief building official Thomas Shih to Bob Melnikoff at the Los Gatos office of Fox & Carskadon, a real estate firm later acquired by Coldwell Banker. The Oct. 12, 1990 “Building Permit Record Search” for “22150 Call of the Wild Rd.” lists Permits 39726, 40047 and 40740, for foundation, “Remodel,” and addition work, respectively. Just a week later, on Oct. 19, Shih sent over a revised building permit search for the same property. But the description on Permit 40047 has been changed from “Interior Remodel” to “Re-build Residence.” Here’s how it went down, according to French. She’d already been to the County office and copied two permits (39726 and 40740) connected to the cabin, which Richard Vaughan had acquired from Cheatham in 1987. Meanwhile, she’d asked Fox &
which French also only discovered last year, during her public records hunt. The scene was set for Chew’s arrival on the property of the new house at 22150. He issued a Stop Work order for the dwelling that had popped up illegally. “I’m busted,” Cheatham remembers thinking. “The reality is, I couldn’t argue with it.” The two-story building was “new from ground up,” records the order, dated Feb. 16, 1984. Cheatham says he first tried to play down the violations, claiming he’d only made minor changes to an existing structure. Cheatham says he was forced to get two extra permits and was so mad he went down to the County office and complained—and ended up getting his money back. After Chew issued the Stop Work order, Cheatham had his engineer, Jim Riley, write a letter to Shih, saying foundations, plumbing, framing, roofing, electrical and other work had all been completed to code. A handwritten addition by Riley in the left margin lists permits 39726 and 40740. This July 12, 1984 engineering approval, for 22155 Mineral Springs Road, seems to refer to the cabin French now lives in. The permit connected to it is 40740: another permit (approved a day earlier) with a “5” apparently written over the “0” at the end. And it references 40047, the third permit. 40047 was approved Feb. 28, 1984, and is clearly for “22150” (although initially listed as “Mineral Springs,” which was crossed out with “Call of the Wild” written above). It’s also the permit that was initially for an “Interior Remodel,” then later whited-out to morph into a “Re-Build Residence” permit. Cheatham remembers how he directed his engineer to get around the Stop Work order, back in 1984. “Jim Riley hooked me up with somebody to draw up a set of plans, and then took the plans in and applied for a permit to, I assume…build the whole house,” he said. On July 27, 1984, Shih signed off on the Certificate of Occupancy for “22150 Mineral Springs,” with Permit 44047 listed on the crucial document. Cheatham told the Los Gatan he has no idea how the alterations and mistakes on the paperwork came to be. He admits he did some work he never got permits for, but he says, at the end of the day, the County put its stamp of approval on both of these Call of the Wild residences. And the reality that the County is relying on a questionable violation notice to threaten French with thousands of dollars in fines doesn’t make sense to him. “They will not stick to the facts,” he said. “She’s getting railroaded by the County.”
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LOCAL SCENE
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Los Gatos-based Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno has hired Shawna Borg, former Compass Regional Executive, as Vice President of Operations. “Having Shawna as part of our firm is a significant benefit to our ongoing operational efficiency and positive agent experience,” said Ryan Iwanaga, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer. “By leveraging her talents at prior firms, Shawna has earned a great deal of respect with some of the most impressive real estate agents on the Peninsula. We are fortunate to be aligning with her at this exciting stage of our firm given the opportunity we see to capture increasing market share throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.” As Vice President of Operations, Borg will lead the organization in continuing to strengthen its operation and infrastructure across the region. “I strive to tap into the talent and energy of our existing people and operations and empower each department for successful growth. Bringing our teams together that work with our agents and platforms every day will help us align with passion and purpose to deliver meaningful support for everyone at Sereno,” Borg said. Sereno partnered with Christie’s International Real Estate in February, giving the firm access to a luxury brokerage network with affiliates in almost 50 nations and territories. The firm is also opening a new office in Menlo Park this month, anchored by a group of previous Compass agents who completed almost $250 million in sales last year. “We are thrilled to have Shawna as part of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno,” said Chris Trapani, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Her experience, knowledge and passion for our industry will greatly benefit our organization and our agents. During a time when other firms are scaling back resources, we are proud of the responsible way in which we continue to approach the
Contributed
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SERENO WELCOMES SHAWNA BORG
of the public time limited parking stalls. Business employees parking in a Timed Zone are limited to the posted time limits and restrictions within that zone and lot. Enforcement is now underway in the municipal parking lots with written warnings followed by parking citations. Beginning Aug. 1, citations will be issued and fines levied. Downtown business employees without an employee parking permit are encouraged to register for a complimentary permit at their earliest convenience. To register for a Downtown Employee Parking Permit or for information about parking, visit losgatosca.gov/2025/Parking-Traffic.
PETERSEN MAKES DEAN'S LIST AT RIT Jayse Petersen of Los Gatos was named to the Dean's List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the Spring 2022 Semester. Petersen is in the physics program. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean's List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete,” “D” or “F;” and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours. Founded in 1829, RIT is located in Rochester, NY.
LOCALS RECOGNIZED BY UNIVERSITY OF UTAH NEW HIRE Shawna Borg has joined Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno as Vice President of Operations.
business. It has paved the way for sustained reinvestment and success.”
DOWNTOWN PARKING SIGNAGE INSTALLED T he Town of Los Gatos recently installed Downtown Employee Permit Parking signage and stall mark-
ings in the downtown municipal parking lots. Downtown business employees with a valid Downtown Employee Parking Permit can immediately begin using the designated employee spaces. Downtown employee permits are valid all-day in any designated employee parking stall only. Employee permits do not extend the time limit in any
Eight Los Gatos residents were among the more than 8,900 students named to the University of Utah’s Spring 2022 Dean's List. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in at least 12 graded credit hours during any one term. The local students are: Jacob Michael Ballou, Andrew Charles Herbert, Claire Ann Kennedy, Kaylee Rose Kennedy, Grace Kathleen Lynch, Emma Kristine Miller, Nicolo Jones Pastrone and Griffin R Wheeler.
Contributed
HORTICULTURE
Toxic plants in home gardens Ton y Tomeo, Contributor
Oleander that inhabits freeway medians is poisonous enough to be hazardous. Two tons of Buick cruising at 65 miles per hour past such oleander has more potential to be hazardous. The risk associated with toxic plants within freeway medians is as limited as their accessibility. Remarkably durable and resilient oleander is therefore quite practical. Realistically, established oleander is quite practical for many landscapes. (Oleander leaf scorch limits the practicality of new installation though.) It is not the sort of vegetation that is appealing for consumption. Caustic sap should deter anyone who tries. It is poisonous primarily to curious young children or chewing dogs. It is generally safe in their absence. Foxglove, angel's trumpet, castor bean, nightshade and poison hemlock are significantly more hazardous because they are easier to consume. The seeds of castor bean and the fruits of nightshade actually seem to be edible. Poison hemlock sometimes mingles with foraged greens. Many diverse toxic plants exhibit hazardously appealing characteristics. Some toxic plants are appealing enough to come indoors, where cats who never venture outdoors might take an interest in them. Dumb cane
JULY 10
• Three juveniles were reportedly shooting vehicles with water guns on Garden Hill Drive and Lark Avenue at 3:43pm. • Someone stole items from an unlocked vehicle parked on Union Avenue. • A man and a woman were arrested for vehicle theft and being in possession of a controlled substance on Los Gatos Boulevard and Samaritan Drive at 9:52pm.
Highlight: foxglove It is no coincidence that its generic name seems more pharmaceutical than horticultural. After all, the cardiac medication digitalis is an extract of foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. The plant is unfortunately very toxic. Because it naturalizes in several regions, it can be more hazardous than stan-
ANNUAL Foxglove is the source of digitalis. dardized medications. It can migrate undetected into home gardens. Otherwise, foxglove is a delightful warm season annual with a rustic or woodsy style. It is actually a biennial that generates basal foliar rosettes during its first season, and blooms during its second season. Although technically monocarpic (so should die after bloom), it can produce a few short pups to bloom later. Seedlings can appear in random situations. Plants from nurseries grew during a
POLICE BLOTTER
JULY 11
• A shirtless man was reportedly getting in and out of a vehicle, turning the radio “off and on,” and “walking back and forth” on Blossom Hill Road at 7:57am. • A vehicle reported stolen in Los Gatos was recovered in San Jose.
JULY 12
• A woman was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on the 16300 block of Englewood Drive at 12:01am.
• A man was arrested for vehicle theft on the 16300 block of Englewood Drive at 12:41am. • Someone stole a saw from a store on Los Gatos Boulevard at 3:38pm. • A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia and petty theft on Highway 17 at 3:58pm.
JULY 13
• An unknown man wearing a hoodie “banged” on a residence’s door
previous season, so are ready to bloom immediately for early summer. Their seedlings may grow through later summer and autumn, so they might bloom for the following summer. Floral stalks generally stand between three and six feet tall. The tubular and somewhat pendant flowers are mostly pinkish purple, pink or white. A few modern varieties bloom yellow or apricot. Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.
on Bella Vista Avenue before taking off at 8:51am. • A man was “screaming about Satan and profanities” on Garden Hill Drive at 1:16pm.
JULY 14
• A woman was reportedly charging at people on N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 7:31pm. Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
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• A vehicle was reported burglarized on Riviera Drive.
(Dieffenbachia) is a popular but very toxic houseplant. Mistletoe, although a parasitic and undesirable weed, is popular as cut foliage at Christmas. Its berries are very toxic. Poinsettia exudes caustic sap if disturbed. Some toxic plants are toxic only because they are allergens. They affect only those who are allergic to them. Most people are allergic to poison oak. Fewer are allergic to related plants, such as African sumac. Some people are more or less allergic to a few species of Grevillea or Primula. Reaction to such species can be comparable to that of poison oak. Too many toxic plants inhabit home gardens to list. Some are familiar fruit and vegetable plants, such as elderberry and potato. Some should be removed for the safety of children or pets. Selection of new plants can simply and conveniently omit any concerningly toxic plants. Generally though, with responsible interaction, most toxic plants are not too risky.
13
JOLLY 10K FUN RUN
Jonathan Natividad
CALENDAR
The Jolly 10K Fun Run will take place on July 24 at 8am. The course will travel up to the top of St. Joseph’s Hill, around to Lexington Dam and back along Los Gatos Creek trail. All profits from the event will go to the Homes of a Loving Father Dream Center. Runners are asked to meet at the Balzer Field parking lot on Miles Avenue in Los Gatos at 7:30am. ➝ visit jolly10k.com.
SARATOGA CAR SHOW WEEK Car Show Week returns to Saratoga, culminating with more than 200 classic cars gathering in Saratoga Village along Big Basin Way on July 24 from 10am to 4pm. Events run select days from July 16-24. ➝ visit saratogacarshow.com.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT The Community Emergency Response Team is hosting National Night Out on Aug. 2 from 5-8pm on Lyndon Avenue. The event, which promotes neighborhood safety, is an opportunity for neighbors to meet local police officers and firefighters and enjoy free food.
LIVE JAZZ MUSIC
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Live jazz performances at the Tasting House, 368 Village Lane, take place Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9pm, and Sundays from 11am-2pm.
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ENTERTAINMENT AT GARDINO’S Gardino’s, 51 N. Santa Cruz Ave., features entertainment four days a week. ➝ bit.ly/3OSvPHS.
THE PROMENADE Thursday evenings through Aug. 4, N. Santa Cruz Avenue will be closed for live music, dining and shopping for the return of The Promenade. July 21: Rusty Rock N' Roll, Mike Drew Band. July 28: Lavender Fields, FLO. Aug. 4: Alex Luceros, Given to Fly.
ADMIRE THE CLASSICS The dashboard of a 1964 Lincoln Continental is shown. It’s Car Show Week in Saratoga, culminating with more than 200 classic cars gathering in Saratoga Village along Big Basin Way on July 24 from 10am to 4pm.
LOS GATOS YOUTH THEATRE Los Gatos Youth Theatre is currently in the midst of its summer season. “Sound of Music - Youth Edition” runs July 14-17 and “Disney Freaky Friday A New Musical” from July 21-24. ➝ visit lgyt.net.
ONGOING Los Gatos Farmers Market The Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables from Santa Clara County yearround. More than 40 local farmers and food producers sell their wares Sundays from 9am to 1pm at Town Park Plaza on Main Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue. ➝ visit cafarmersmkts.com/losgatosfarmers-market. Campbell Farmers Market The Downtown Campbell Farmers Market is held Sundays, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm. For information, visit uvfm.org/campbell-sundays. The Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos The club meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at Double D's, 354 N. Santa Cruz Ave. First two
Thursdays of the month feature guest speakers. ➝ visit lgkiwanisgives.org. Rotary Club of Los Gatos The Rotary Club of Los Gatos meets Tuesdays from noon to 1:30pm at Shir Hadash Synagogue, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane. ➝ visit losgatosrotary.org. The Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club The Club meets every Wednesday morning 7:30-8:30am at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. Program includes featured guest speakers. Los Gatos Lions Club The Los Gatos Lions Club meets every Wednesday. A breakfast meeting is held at Moore Buick, 15500 Los Gatos Blvd., at 8am and a noon meeting at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, with a guest speaker. The club has been active since 1946.
PUBLIC MEETINGS Town Council The Los Gatos Town Council meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
➝ visit losgatosca.gov/16/TownCouncil. Planning Commission The Los Gatos Planning Commission meets virtually on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. ➝ visit losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission. Santa Clara County Supervisors The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meets virtually on Tuesdays at 9am. ➝ visit bit.ly/3oy2Zmq. Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District The board meets every other Tuesday at 5pm. ➝ visit bit.ly/3DaJRi9. Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees The board meets monthly at either 6:30pm or 4pm. visit bit.ly/3oywlRA. Other Town commissions The Town of Los Gatos has various committees that serve as advisory bodies for the Town Council. ➝ visit losgatosca.gov/12/BoardsCommissions-Committees.
LIVES
GUEST VIEW
KEEP LOS GATOS GREAT: A ROAD MAP Jeffrey P. Blum, Contributor
Jeffrey P. Blum is a family law mediator who lives in Los Gatos.
Son of Jennifer Bruner, Pat & Donna Doran
Kenneth “Ken” Clarence Bruner November 24, 1964 - April 19, 2022
I
T IS WITH deep sorrow and great joy we announce the passing over of our beloved Ken Bruner into the heavenly realms and loving arms of our glorious God. Ken was on a beautiful, lifelong journey of faith resulting in his conversion to Catholicism before his death. A passionate, expert, lifelong world traveler, Ken brought laughter and love to companions on his journeys throughout the world. A perfect son to all 3 of his mothers (fathers too). He was a loving brother, uncle and friend to many, especially traveling companions Lydia and Karen.
Subscriptions: lgsubs.com
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Unlike Stockton, Calif. and Detroit, Mich., Los Gatos is not considered a failed town. Quite the contrary, it is in fact a real success story. However, while they may still be perceived as poor places to live, Stockton and Detroit may not really be the failed towns they have the reputation of being. According to a recent book by Stanford University professor Michelle Wilde Anderson, “The Fight to Save Our Town,” these towns have become something of a success story. Once considered dead, they have recovered considerably. How did they become blighted and how did they recover? While Los Gatos is by no means like Stockton and Detroit, we can glean important information from their experiences. I like road maps (although driving wise I generally do not understand street maps) because I consider them great reference points for problem solving. I explain this all the time to my mediating clients as they struggle through completing their road maps. Professor Wilde Anderson’s book is a road map, as it explains how towns can become blighted and how they can recover and thrive. I recommend the book to those of us who are concerned about maintaining Los Gatos as one of the most desirable places on earth to live. “The Fight to Save Our Town” focuses on two other towns in addition to Stockton and Detroit, in explaining that the movement to defund government arising in the 1980s resulted from a major shift in how people viewed government. Remember President Reagan’s famous statement that “Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem”? This change in attitude, which to this day thrives in many parts of our country, resulted in cuts in taxes, which led to dramatic reductions in public services. Towns like Stockton and Detroit, which were not wealthy to begin with, declined dramatically. This diminution in livability occurred in wealthy communities such as Los Gatos too, albeit to a lesser extent. One might add to the mix here in California, the passage of Proposition 13, which substantially reduced tax revenues used to support governmental services. What saved these towns, and the two other locales profiled (Lawrence, Mass. and Josephine County, Ore.) and perhaps
even our town of Los Gatos, was community activists, who refused to let their towns diminish or die. Instead, they created organizations offering counseling to fill needs in the areas of medicine, legal services and education. They fought against evictions by buying properties and reinstating the residents in their homes. They implemented neighborhood watch groups to assist law enforcement in fighting crime. They raised money to support their endeavors. Here and elsewhere, through their activism, residents created momentum. As residents saw services improving, institutions recovering, and their towns raising their curb appeal to outsiders, more residents became civically involved. What the book highlights, however, is that the activism did not replace government or negate the need for government. On the contrary, the activism made town residents want more services from their government. The activists showed their town residents what is possible and where holes existed, which alerted the communities to what is possible and what should be done to improve their towns more. Professor Wilde Anderson cautions that too much or wrongheaded governmental intervention can worsen things. She provides examples of how this may occur, such as in Detroit, where people were displaced from their homes to build a shopping center. The major takeaway, however, is that the key to a successful town is civic engagement and building trust amongst residents, and amongst residents and government. We learn that exceptional people fight the difficult fight and persist, even when they encounter obstacles and sometimes fail. During my time as a Los Gatos Rotarian and member of the town’s Community Health and Senior Services Commission, I have been impressed by the ingenuity, creativity, persistence and dedication of the people in these organizations. Many others in the town work just as hard to keep Los Gatos thriving. It behooves all of us in Los Gatos to keep places like Stockton and Detroit in mind and remain civically engaged, so that we may avoid losing our way.
He was a generous, kind and compassionate man, especially to the poor and needy. He was a lover of all of God’s creatures especially Blue Footed Boobies of the Galapagos and the Cormorants of China. A wise, intelligent man whom we expected would be a Jeopardy champion one day like Ken Jennings & James H. Ken is survived by mothers Jennifer Bruner and Donna Doran, father Patrick Doran, brother Cary Bruner, brother Todd Bruner and wife Linda Rios, niece Sydney Bruner, and nephew Maddox Bruner. He is predeceased by mother Wanda Bruner, fathers Orville Bruner and Donald Rice, and brother Jay Bruner. He is held in special fond memory by companions Lydia Mangiardi and Karen VornKahl. We all adored him. He is no longer where he was before; he is now wherever we are. Praise God! Ken “…competed well… finished the race… kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7, NAB) Mass of Celebration at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 219 Bean Avenue, Los Gatos CA 95030. Saturday, July 23, 2022. Music begins at 11 AM. Mass begins 11:30 AM PDT. Fr. Rick Rodoni and Fr. Biju Daniel Varghese will be concelebrating. Music by David Coldren & Sharon Kaye. Reception immediately following in Hoffman Center, Catered by Gunther’s Catering Mass live streamed at www.viewlogies.ne t/darling-fischer/C5FSINuh2?pin=920969 Questions: email: toscad@gmail. com Please put “Ken” in the subject line. Please add memories of Ken at his memorial page: https://www.lastingmemories.com/ken-bruner-1 In lieu of flowers, Ken would want you to pray for someone, forgive someone, tell someone you love them.
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REAL ESTATE
HOME OF THE WEEK
Compass
MARCHMONT DRIVE A pool and spa are among the many amenities of the back yard.
RESORT-LIKE QUALITIES This updated property in Los Gatos features a resort-like yard. Located at 16722 Marchmont Drive, the 4,404-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The living room is outfitted with a tiered chandelier and fireplace, opening to the dining room. The all-white kitchen is equipped with quartz counters, a breakfast island and counter seating, as well as ap-
pliances such as a Wolf gas range with griddle and pot filler, two dishwasher drawers and a sub-zero refrigerator. The yard features a heated loggia, fireplace, pool and spa, along with a kitchen that includes a refrigerator and sink. The home, built in 2006, is listed at $4,875,000 by Compass. For information, visit bit.ly/39FejaK.
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Compass
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INSIDE The living room features a fireplace and tiered chandelier.
SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM IN LOS GATOS Join us as a charter subscriber! The team that launched the original Los Gatos Weekly has come together once again to give the town the quality of journalism it needs. News about local people, school sports and vital community issues will fill the pages of thislocal publication –and a live web site. Los Gatos deserves real reporting.
lgsubs.com
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To advertise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323 Eric Bocanegra 408.200.1309
Jesse’s General Quality House Cleaning Landscaping & Masonry I use plant-based cleaning products and top of the line equipment. I am vaccinated for COVID-19 and follow all proper protocols for your safety.
I specialize in homes! References and insured. Lic # 108576
Call or Text Kristina: 650-703-5179
Clean Sweep House Cleaning
Premium service and resonable rates Call today for a free estimate! 25+ years of experience, references, bonded and insured.
Pavers and concrete Patios Landscape design Yard work Improvements and installation
408-608-9335
CLUTTERBUG
clutterbug.net
Got Piano?
4736 Scotts Valley Dr, Ste B scottsvalleychiropractic.com
15% OFF
Alvarado Landscaping
Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates.
unlicensed operator
Give me a call or text at 408.431.6640
losgatan.com
In these times, expert travel advice is needed more than ever. We do the planning so you can enjoy the trip! We’ve been serving Los Gatos for 60 years.
Over 40 years experience to serve you. New construction Remodels Water heaters Repipes and repairs
Your Gutter & Copperworks Expert Are you looking for a way to control the rain that falls on your home or business? We do more than just gutter and downspout installations and repairs. Give us a call!
(831) 345-3490 slvraingutters.com
Give us a call at 831.610.8147 or email hwy9plumbing@gmail.com
56 N Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos • 408.354.6531
Tree cut service. Concrete. Fences Maintenance. Clean up & hauling.
(831) 818-4324
The Rodino Realty Group
Order online: wklys.co/lgtshirt
Lic # 1045811
Lic. #813878
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Lic# 258540
All I need to know is the city you want to move to.
Interior and Exterior
Bonded/Insured/PL, PD/CA Lic. #550327
Only one per client. Offer does not include diagnosis fee. Does not apply to major equipment replacement or accessories. Valid through Dec 31, 2022
408-868-5500
Third generation chiropractor, established in 1976
Rick Doscher (831) 335-9084
Your Entire Repair Bill
Let me find you a real estate broker out of the area or out of state. I will do the leg work. I will also give you a $100 gift certificate when you purchase through my referral!
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
I have 48 years experience in the piano business as a PTG Registered Craftsman serving the Bay Area.
Valley Heating, Moon Painting Scotts Valley Cooling, Interior and exterior. Pressure washing Chiropractic Electrical and Call Saul: Dr. Paige Thibodeau, D.C. (831) 331-0111 Solar 831.438.0308
Mention LOS GATAN for
Broker, Jeanne Jensen Shada 831.438.2208 4615 Scotts Valley Dr, Suite B DRE #00606749
Housing too expensive here? Now with working in place, you can live where you want for much less and keep your job.
Give me a call for a free piano refinishing estimate.
831-252-5353
The Home of Old Fashioned Service Since 1962.
We have been providing quality service and meeting your real estate needs in both sales and property management since 1977.
Scotts Valley Property Management I buy and sell quality used pianos or can place pianos on consignment.
Window Got Washing Shirt? “You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
408-354-8903
Call Rich at 408.260.2740. No text
Doscher Painting
Looking to Move from the Bay Area?
469 N. Santa Cruz Ave Across from Safeway
Feeling Overwhelmed? Call Christy Best at 831-247-0988
(831) 239-4645
Professional Alterations for Men and Women
Careful Management
Affordable Rates
Organizing challenges of any kind. Home or office. Relocations, downsizing. Nonjudgemental.
cleansweep1989@gmail.com
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