Los Gatan 5-3-2023

LOS GATOS HIGH STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE AT CARNEGIE HALL

Nearly 200 perform in New York

Drew Penner, Reporter

It’s featured the Beatles, John Philip Sousa, Led Zeppelin and Booker T. Washington, and on April 14, around 185 Los Gatos High School students joined the ranks of people who have graced the stage at Carnegie Hall, during the 2023 Harmonic Convergence Concert.

The Italian Renaissance Revival building at West 57th Street in New York is one of America’s most beloved instructions, known for its prestige and fantastic acoustics.

“There were in awe, just from the scale of the building,” said Maricel Riley, LGHS’s choir director, recalling the reactions of her young singers. “When you snap your finger, like that, the sound just reverberates all the way to the back of the room.”

The trip was a marker of reawakening for a music program that was decimated by the realities of the pandemic.

“Online learning was very difficult,” Riley said, adding she’s relieved to have students singing in-person again. “There’s really no equivalent.”

As kids have returned to

➝ Perform, 6

GROUP AWARDED $6.3M GRANT TO IMPROVE LOCAL WATERSHED

Funding intended to benefit habitat of Los Gatos Creek

Staff Report

The Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative was awarded a $6,336,790 Cal Fire Forest Health Grant to continue work in the watershed, incorporating new treatment areas with Aldercroft Heights Firewise and Lupin Lodge, the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council announced May 2.

This forest health project focuses on creating ecosystem resilience, mitigating the risk of, and reducing the severity of potential wildfire, while enhancing the safety of the surrounding communities, according to ➝ Watershed, 6

women in business inside : rancho rinconada p16 : upcoming events p18 : ny times crossword puzzle p21

PATH TO HEALTH Visit Health Chief Executive Officer Olympia Bliss (right) and Chief Development Officer Emily Oestreicher cut the ribbon April 27 to celebrate the organization’s new recovery center at 16400 Lark Ave., Suite 240 in Los Gatos. Visit Health Recovery’s first residential rehabilitation facility and outpatient clinic in Los Gatos will host counseling sessions, group meetings and classes, with the mission to provide customized care and treatment to address the mental, physical and spiritual problems that accompany addiction.

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VOL.2

COMMUNITY POOLED RESOURCES TO BUILD ENTRANCE WALL

Drew Penner, Reporter

Dan Pulcrano

Executive Editor & 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

Jeffrey P. Blum, Alan Feinberg

Contributors

Kate Kauffman

Senior Account Executive

Serenity Polizzi, Eric Bocanegra, Carrie Bonato

Account Executives

WEEKLYS

Stephen Buel

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Mike Lyon

Digital Media

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Accounts Receivables

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WHO WE ARE

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All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Publisher will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis.

On April 25, Los Gatos residents gathered to cheer on the completion of a wall meant to welcome people to downtown.

“It just seemed like a no-brainer,” said Darin Devincenzi, co-owner of Double D’s Sports Grille, about the initiative to create a short, curved wall segment mirroring the one recently erected across the street. “It makes it just look like there’s a gateway. It looks like there’s an entrance.”

The project emerged as Double D’s was drawing up plans for its outdoor gazebo eating area.

However, the restaurant didn’t qualify for funding under the Town’s outdoor dining program, because it didn’t extend into the street.

But the owners realized locals and visitors had taken, in European fashion, to eating in the open air.

“We saw how popular it was,” he said, recalling how he thought, “‘Why don’t we try to build an outdoor gazebo out here on our own?’”

Including an entrance wall would add around $50,000 to the cost, he knew, and there would be no help coming from the Town.

Luckily, plenty of locals wanted to see a matching wall on their corner of the N. Santa Cruz Avenue / Los Gatos-Saratoga Road intersection.

“All the sudden, 40 people did it,” he said. “It sort of surprised me, but not really. Because people love this town.”

Daphne and Ron Watson said they were glad to support the wall project.

After all, they’ve been expecting to become the latest Los Gatos residents, as they’ve been going through the process to have their property officially annexed into the town.

“At the last Council meeting they agreed to move us forward,” he said. “We feel we’re one step closer to being part of the town.”

Before the end of the evening, Mayor Maria Ristow swung by to meet the couple.

“Welcome,” she said.

HOSPITALS MAINTAINED SAFETY STANDARDS DESPITE PANDEMIC CHALLENGES

Good Sam improves to join El Camino’s hospitals with an ‘A’ grade

Drew Penner, Reporter

Despite hospital-acquired infections shooting up as much as 60% nationally during the pandemic, local facilities have managed to maintain safety standards, according to a consumer watchdog organization.

Good Samaritan Hospital of San Jose jumped from years of getting a “C” grade, to joining El Camino’s facilities in Mountain View and Los Gatos, which once again both made the “A” grade.

This performance, revealed in a survey released May 3 by The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit focused on health industry transparency, came despite CLABSI bloodstream infections rising 44% in Californian health care institutions—from 2021 to 2023—and MRSA transmissions jumping by one-third across the state during the same period.

“This safety grade is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our nurses, physicians and all the team members at both our hospitals,” El Camino Health CEO Dan Woods said in a release. “Safety and quality are at the heart of everything we do.”

The review probed a wide range of areas, from infection rates to surgery complications to preventable errors to staffing rosters, providing context behind the quarter of patients who, according to a January New England Journal of Medicine study, may leave hospitals with some sort of injury or sickness.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade relies on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data as well as volunteer surveys completed by health care facility officials, in a bid to help patients steer clear of places they’ll be more likely to get bedsores, break a hip in a fall, or end up with gas bubbles in their blood.

The Spring 2023 results provide a lens into how hospitals weathered the

onslaught of novel coronavirus cases, as the data was collected during 2022.

It compares outcomes to the Fall 2022 report, which used information collected pertaining to the 2020 year— representing the year the Covid-19 began to tear through America.

The survey did not show an increase in pathogens being passed on during surgery and suggested a slight decrease in people becoming infected with C. difficile while in the hospital.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center once again got a “C” grade, although it didn’t dip back down to the “F” it earned for Spring 2020 or even the “D” it got in Spring 2022.

O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, a 358-bed acute care facility, also ended up with another “C,” the same score it got last fall.

The Kaiser Foundation hospital in Santa Clara maintained its “A”-level performance—a streak since before the pandemic—however its San Jose location dropped, this time, from an “A” to a “B.”

Meanwhile, Regional Medical Center of San Jose didn’t manage to improve upon the “B” it received in Fall 2022, however, that was still better than the “C” grade it went into the pandemic with.

PULL THE CURTAIN BACK

The public gathers in front of Double D’s Sports Grille at the corner of N. Santa Cruz Avenue and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road to celebrate the completion of a wall April 25 marking the entrance to downtown.

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

GRANTS TOTAL $13.8M IN TWO YEARS

Watershed, from page 1

the council. The new funding round serves to protect sensitive native and endemic species and habitats, and protect the drinking water in Lexington and Elsman reservoirs which supply more than 100,000 residents.

The original group was awarded a $7,500,000 Forest Health Grant in 2021. It was originally formed in 2020, and now includes San Jose Water, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Santa Clara FireSafe Council, Santa Clara County Parks, Lupin Lodge and Aldercroft Heights Firewise.

The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council will serve as the grant recipient and administrator for Phase Two of the collab-

orative’s latest implementation of forest health and wildfire mitigation treatments, covering 841 new acres in the Los Gatos Creek Watershed and incorporating Aldercroft Heights Firewise and Lupin Lodge in the treatment areas. This brings total funding for the LGCWC’s Forest Health Grant projects to $13,836,790.

“The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Mission and Vision Statements both include the mandate to protect and enhance California’s rich natural resources,” Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit Chief George Huang stated in a press release. “The Santa Clara Unit is very pleased to support these goals through a continued part-

CONDUCTORS DESCRIBE EXPERIENCE

Perform, from page 1

classes and practice sessions in the music building, the volunteers have begun to build the various ensembles back up from scratch, while the Wildcat Foundation has continued to seek donations from community members.

Los Gatos Music Boosters helps fund items, like instruments and scores, that are beyond what can be purchased via elementary and high school budgets.

Sasha Shkolnik and Simona Freeman recently decided to take on a co-presidentship of the group, something that hadn’t been seen since a husband and wife filled the role, years ago.

“We thought we could make a difference together,” said Freeman, who says it was Shkolnik who reached out to her with the idea. “We’ve been trying to focus on building our community.”

Riley said the duo has put a lot of effort into their twice-monthly newsletters and have helped galvanize parent support for the program.

“The best part is they are really good with communication with the parent community,” Riley said. “I feel we have this great thing going.”

And there’s a lot to do.

After all, the high school alone has three concert bands, a jazz band, a marching band, a color guard, a winter percussion program, two orchestra classes, three choir classes, an AP music theory class and an introduction to music theory class.

“Before AI takes over, we would like our kids to learn the art,” Shkolnik said, pointing to the benefits of music studies. “It forms a well-rounded adult.”

Riley says the program can help instill a sense of purpose and belonging in students.

“They’re part of something that they love to do,” she said. “They’re into it. It’s also a means of expressing themselves. And they come to terms with their emotions.”

Participating in a choir, for example, is about more than just singing, she notes.

“Music is self-expression,” she said. “It’s so important for the soul.”

Parents were responsible for footing the bill for the New York foray, although some financial assistance was made available to some students who wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise, Freeman said.

When 207 Los Gatos community members, including 21 adult chaperones, touched down in New York, April 11, it was about much more than exploring the Big Apple and performing a few pieces.

It was an opportunity for students from across the country to come together in a way that hasn’t been possible for a good chunk of the past three years.

That’s because Carnegie Hall was to be filled with the sounds of three mass student choirs belting out notes under

nership with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council and the many stakeholders involved with this Forest Health Program grant.”

The goals of the funding include:

• Protect upper watersheds where important regional water supplies originate.

• Promote the long-term storage of carbon and reduce the severity of potential wildfire, thereby increasing community and forest ecosystem protection.

• Establish healthy, resilient fire-adapted ecosystems to protect and conserve natural resources.

“We thank Cal Fire for this new award and the confidence they have in the collaborative’s work over the last 18 months,” stated Seth Schalet, chief executive officer of the Santa Clara FireSafe Council. “This new funding enables the

collaborative to expand its footprint, treating 841 new acers in sensitive ecosystems at risk for wildfire. With our existing partners, and our new Phase Two partners, each with a deep commitment to the Los Gatos Creek Watershed and experience serving the local community, we look forward to enhancing forest resiliency and helping keep communities safer from wildfire.”

The Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative Forest Health Grant is a collaboration between these public and private entities, and is a part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment.

The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2029.

the direction of principal conductors Andrew Clark, Rollo Dilworth and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu.

The Los Gatos Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Los Gatos High School Orchestra were also slated to perform.

On April 13, after a couple days of sightseeing, the band and orchestra received a clinic in a studio from conductors to hone their craft and took part in a rehearsal.

The next morning, as the musicians got a break to do more tourism-related activities, the choir members had a cueto-cue practice.

Of three singing collectives, Los Gatos would be part of the “grandioso” group.

Seeing about 300 students take the stage at the same time was impressive, recalled Shkolnik.

“It was quite remarkable to hear and see,” she said.

At one point, all the other students sat down and just the Los Gatos singers were left standing, with Riley guiding their voices.

“When I was little, in 3rd grade, my only dream I had was to sing in a choir,” she said, sharing her appreciation for what the students were feeling at that moment. “When they started singing you could tell they were having a good time.

“I know that they were proud of their performance.”

This was Riley’s first time conducting at Carnegie Hall.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said, noting that the frequency management in the building is so good that if you removed a candy wrapper, the noise would be

heard on the other side of the room. “It was surreal.”

Shkolnik said her 14-year-old son Jacob, a trumpet player, was thrilled with the experience.

“‘Mom, I took a picture from the stage of Carnegie Hall,’” she remembers him telling her, adding she was a little nervous for him—but not too much. “I knew he was going to be great.”

The high school’s band director, Ken Nakamoto, led them through three songs.

And Armeen Ghafourpour, LGHS’s orchestra director, conducted another three pieces.

At the very end, Los Gatos students joined with the other signers to debut “To Repair,” a piece touching on the legacy of slavery in America by Wondemagegnehu, who conducted.

After the finale, Riley was pretty beat, but some of the parents headed down to Times Square and Rockefeller Center to shop and get one last New York excursion in, before heading back to Silicon Valley the next day.

Riley says the trip helped inspire confidence in the students.

“They were really proud of their work, because they did really, really well,” she said, adding this has had a lasting effect on their abilities back in Los Gatos. “They take pride in their performance.”

Riley admits she’s been a bit of a “zombie” the last couple weeks, after the heights of the big New York trip.

But now that she feels human again, she’s already begun to dream bigger.

“Looking ahead in the future,” she said, “maybe we’re ready for an international performance tour.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Whether it’s a trip to the local coffeehouse that brews your morning cup just right, or dinner at your favorite downtown restaurant, it’s difficult to go a day in Los Gatos without noticing the amazing impact women in business have in our community.

From architects, to non-profit leaders and fitness aficionados, Los Gatos is full of innovative female entrepreneurs investing in themselves, their passions and their communities. In doing so, they help to make Los Gatos the culturally vibrant, dynamic place that it is.

To put together our inaugural Women In Business profiles this year, we connected with the ladies behind some of our favorite local establishments to find out what motivates them, how they found success, and what they love about their careers.

Each woman on the list is a pioneer in her own right—exemplifying determination, creative and professional expertise. Meet the women behind the businesses and learn about all the ways they’re helping Los Gatos residents live healthier, happier and fuller lives.

Amy

Bagel Bar is about to celebrate their 5th birthday in Campbell, Ca. Owner, Amy Elrite, started Bagel Bar in 2017 while working out of a commercial kitchen, she then worked to open the storefront in May 2018. Bagel Bar is a bagel shop specializing in handcrafted bagels with exclusive flavors, fun colors, unique bagel sandwiches, and creative catering. All of the bagels are made in house from scratch, in the traditional boil and bake style. They call it “New York inspired, Cali-Styled.”

Amy has also completed the process of franchising her bagel business and Bagel Bar franchise opportunities are now available nationwide.

Amy

Aelita Leto is a classically trained Feng Shui Master. Since 1989 she has studied, taught and worked with internationally recognized masters in architecture, design, the mantic arts and Feng Shui.

Aelita’s practice attracts private clients, public organizations and businesses seeking advice on how to enhance their spaces, achieve harmony and enjoy success.

Aelita brings structure and order to an art form that is both spatial and multidimensional. She has strong people skills and close personal relationships. For nearly three decades, her practice, based on an ancient art, has grown successfully by word of mouth.

Carol Jeans is a prominent figure in the real estate industry, known for her passion for industry excellence and community building and support. She has raised the standard of the real estate profession through her commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation.

As a founding member of Christie’s International Real Estate-Sereno - the largest independent brokerage firm in Northern California - Carol plays a key role in shaping the company’s values and mission. Widely respected for her industry knowledge and delivering exceptional results for her clients, Carol’s dedication to her craft is evident in her attention to detail, going the extra mile, and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing market.

Carol’s desire to make a positive impact is reflected in her work as Chair of Sereno’s philanthropic arm “1% For Good”, by improving the communities in which she lives and works.

LETTER

TRY BIKING FOR A CHANGE

You should bike short distances instead of driving because it is more environmentally friendly, is more cost effective, and is a great way to get some exercise.

Cars emit approximately three billion metric tons of carbon dioxide a year worldwide. Biking instead of driving will decrease pollution and reduce your carbon footprint. In these times where the globe is rapidly heating up, you can do your part to help the environment.

Biking is an amazing way to improve your cardiovascular health, build muscle and burn calories. The link between regular exercise and health benefits are well studied. Exercise lowers your risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and is also known to improve mental health.

Why not get some exercise while you run errands? A bike is more cost effective than a car. It does not need to be filled up with gas, and you wont need to pay for parking. Bikes are also cheaper to maintain than cars, and repairs won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Try biking for a change, your wallet will thank you.

In some cases, biking can be more convenient than driving. For example, the school traffic in Los Gatos is absolutely horrendous. In my experience, biking to school is faster because you can go past the traffic. You don’t have to worry about parking or gas. Biking is also a great time to clear your head or listen to music, and is a relaxing way to start the day.

In conclusion, if you bike instead of drive, you will enjoy several benefits to your health, your wallet, and the planet. Even though biking is generally slower than driving, it is worth it to take a few more minutes and it can even be more convenient in some cases.

Kaylee Johnson Los Gatos

COUNTY TO USE DRONES TO REDUCE MOSQUITO POPULATION

Unmanned aircraft to apply larvicides in wetlands and other non-residential areas

Staff Report

The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District this week will begin using unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, to control mosquito larvae along San Francisco Bay and help prevent West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases.

The district received approval from the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors on April 18 to use the drones for applying larvicide in non-residential areas.

According to the district, marshland and other remote, non-residential areas in Santa Clara County can serve as breeding habitat for mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases once they mature. Some mosquitoes found in the Bay Area can fly up to 25 miles once they become adults.

The county’s move to drones for eliminating larval mosquitoes is part of a trend among California vector control agencies.

“The Vector Control District’s new drone program will protect not only public health but also our staff and the surrounding environment,” said Edgar Nolasco, director of the county’s Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency. “Applying larvicide with drones is precise and effective and minimizes disruption to the ecosystem along the bay.”

After an exceptionally rainy winter,

Santa Clara County has a surplus of stagnant water, creating ample breeding sources for mosquitoes. As a result, the district strongly encourages residents to eliminate any sources of stagnant water on their properties.

“Mosquito control is a community effort,” Nolasco said. “To protect yourselves and your neighbors from mosquito-borne diseases, we encourage you to regularly check your property for sources of standing water and remove them.”

To eliminate mosquito-breeding sources:

• Inspect for standing water on a weekly basis.

• Drain or turn over anything that can hold water, such as flowerpots, planter bases, pet dishes, buckets and old tires.

• Clean items such as bird baths and pet bowls once a week to remove mosquito eggs.

• Clear debris from rain gutters on a regular basis to allow water to flow.

• Properly screen rain barrels, cisterns and irrigation drains to prevent mosquito access.

• Fix leaky water faucets and broken sprinkler heads and avoid overwatering lawns and plants.

• Ensure swimming pool water levels are adequate for proper circulation and filtration.

For free assistance with mosquito control or other vectors, call the district office at 408.918.4770, email vectorinfo@cep.sccgov.org, or submit an online service request at bit.ly/3NvQFze.

Residents can also request free mosquitofish, which eat mosquito larvae, to place in neglected pools or spas, ornamental ponds, water troughs and other artificial bodies of water. For information on the county’s mosquitofish program, visit sccvector.org/mosquitofish.

WEBSITE LETS COUNTY RESIDENTS REPORT ILLEGAL DUMP SITES

Reports have resulted in 200-plus cleanups

Bay City News

Santa Clara County is reminding residents about a six-month-old website where people can report illegal dumping.

The site, www.cleanupscc.org, was launched last November using a $2 million grant from CalRecycle, the state agency that oversees waste management and recycling.

Since its inception, citizen reports to the site have resulted in 200 cleanups that collected 30 tons of solid

waste, 200 pounds of recyclable material, 52 tires, 20 mattresses, 613 bulky items such as furniture and appliances and 344 pounds of electronic waste, according to county officials.

“Keeping our community clean is a collective effort, and now, we’re very excited to let the public know that they have a way to report spots anywhere in the county that have become magnets for trash and dumping,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.

The program is managed by the county’s Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency and directs San Jose Conservation Corps crews to trash-pile cleanup sites four days a week, but is

not used to clear homeless encampments, according to county officials.

Before the website launched, illegal dumping sites were identified by various local government agencies or by Conservation Corps crews out in the field.

The program will end in April 2024 and so far has spent about 28% of its budget, county officials said in a news release Friday.

“Litter on the ground harms the environment and impacts public health— and it hurts community morale,” said state Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, who helped secure funding for the program.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

Mosquito control is a community effort. To protect yourselves and your neighbors from mosquito-borne diseases, we encourage you to regularly check your property for sources of standing water and remove them.

Edgar Nolasco

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Cindy J. Ahola

CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER COMMUNITY CYCLES OF CALIFORNIA

Growing up in the Midwest, I was surrounded by strong women who ran households, family farms, and held jobs to support their families. I’ve been driven to be a leader for women ever since. Now, as a self-proclaimed California Girl, I’m doing just that… After years of working in education and service organizations, I felt compelled to impact my community more deeply. That’s why, five years ago, I co-founded a nonprofit. Community Cycles of California is a nonprofit employment social enterprise. That means when you purchase a bike or repair service with us, you help lift our neighbors out of poverty. You provide job training for adults with barriers to the workforce, and you provide bikes and repair services to thousands of our neighbors in need. What you get when you shop with us: Quality refurbished bicycles, repair services and a sense of well-being. What you give when you shop with us: A job that pays a living wage, bicycles and repairs to families in need, and independence on wheels.

I am proud of my achievement, and of the work we do. Join me in elevating the lives of our neighbors and have fun riding a bike while you do it!

Cindy J. Ahola

(408) 657-9092

• Cindy@communitycyclesca.org

• www.communitycyclesca.org

Folake Phillips

FOUNDER

AWỌ

A Yoruba princess from Osun State in Nigeria, Folake Phillips founded AWO in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police and the Black Lives Matter protests during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

Raised in Nigeria with deep Yoruba cultural roots and educated at Coventry University in the UK with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Management, Folake is a Christian and a community organizer. Her career in Nigeria encompassed marketing, strategy and hospitality with multinational clients, as well as organizing and managing symposiums, seminars and leadership training.

AWO is a nonprofit on a mission to create engaging opportunities for historical stories to be shared and expressed, which were previously untold or misrepresented. Folake enjoys international travel, meeting people from different cultural backgrounds and many types of cuisine.

Folake Phillips

(408) 601- 0364

• folake@awocenter.org

• awocenter.org

1484 Pollard Rd, Suite 242, Los Gatos, CA 95032

After spending more than 20 years as a global sales and marketing senior executive, Denise Morales-Thornberry retired from the tech industry in 2021. For over two decades, the Thornberrys traveled the world learning about wine, and experiencing food and culture, internationally. Now Denise is bringing her passion for wine and food pairings to Los Gatos.

Denise believes that most foods are better with wine, and most wines are better with food. At The Tasting House, guests come to experience beautiful wines paired with exquisite morsels of gourmet food. Named the Best New Restaurant in Los Gatos and Silicon Valley in 2022 by Metro Silicon Valley readers, the casually elegant bistro offers over 65 wines by the glass, more than 500 by the bottle, and a Cheese Shop, which features artisanal cheeses from across the globe.

(408)

•

Jeanette Blacy

BLACY’S VAULT

For Jeanette Blacy, the jewelry business is in her DNA. A third-generation jeweler with a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, Blacy was introduced to the industry by her mother when she was young. The rest is history. A powerful aesthetic guides her when she designs and recommends jewelry. “How things go together is everything,” she says. “It has to flow and fit someone’s lifestyle. There’s no sense in owning jewelry that you don’t wear!” Jeanette has owned four jewelry stores and gem labs throughout the Bay Area, and Blacy’s Vault of LG is celebrating 20 years here in Los Gatos. She is proud to fulfill her client’s dreams while being in her beautiful hometown of Los Gatos.

Jeanette

(408) 354-9500

• jeanette@blacys.com

•  blacysvault.com

51 University Ave Suite B, Los Gatos, CA 95030

’CATS LOOK TO GET BATS ON TRACK

Los Gatos softball aims for deep CCS run

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Even if the Los Gatos High softball team doesn’t repeat as Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division champions this season, there’s a nice silver lining that awaits: a more

favorable path to a Central Coast Section playoff championship.

Placed in the vaunted Open Division last season, the Wildcats had to play a tough Aragon-San Mateo squad and lost, 8-0. However, if they don’t end up winning the De Anza this year, they’ll most likely be placed in the Division II or III bracket once the field is announced on the evening of May 15.

Los Gatos saw its repeat title bid take a hit amid a host of physical and mental errors in a 3-2 loss to Milpitas on April 27. That dropped the Wildcats to 6-3 in division play, while league-leader Milpitas improved to 8-2. Wilcox entered the week in second at 6-2.

However, if Los Gatos wins out and Wilcox beats Milpitas in the league-finale on May 11, those three teams

could finish in a three-way tie for the championship. However things shake out, Wildcats coach Randy Frey is intent on getting the team’s hitting back in rhythm.

Los Gatos was limited to five hits in the Milpitas game and has scored a grand total of five runs in its three league defeats.

“We’ve shown earlier in the year we can hit, so I don’t know what to attribute the drought to right now,” Frey said. “But we have to get it back before CCS. We have to figure out a way to score some runs. … Instead of hitting off a machine [in practice], we’ll hit off live pitching or something. We need to do something. If we can get to the point where we can score five or six runs, I think we’re going to be really hard to beat. And we have the talent to do it.”

That’s because the Wildcats have one of the best players in the area in senior Anna Bean. Despite taking the loss on record, the Los Gatos ace was strong in the circle yet again. She scattered five hits over her full six innings, allowing three runs but just one earned.

The senior right-hander does a nice job of hitting her spots and has a high velocity fastball. She’s also the team’s most potent power hitter, ranking in the top three on the team in every key statistical offensive category, including hits, RBIs and slugging percentage.

Bean is also the only player on the team who has hit a home run this season, with three. Freshman shortstop Grace Tucker was hitting a team-best .370 with eight stolen bases entering the Milpitas contest, Sydney Bacheller had a .475 on-base percentage and leadoff hitter Alexa Musser had five doubles.

Frey said he was pleased with the comeback efforts of players like Addie Sorto and Annika Norquist, who were both hitting around .100 through the first 10 games before turning it on. Sorto went 2-for-3 with a walk vs. Milpitas.

“Now she’s over .300 and has really been coming along hitting the ball,” Frey said.

A physical team, Los Gatos will no doubt be a major player come playoff time, especially if it’s slotted into the Division II or III bracket.

EXCITED Lily Young and Addie Sorto celebrate after the Los Gatos softball team scored a run during their SCVAL De Anza Division game against Milpitas on April 27. The Wildcats lost, 3-2.

Jonathan Natividad

WILDCATS NAIL PERFORMANCES

Track, swim athletes excel

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

The Los Gatos High boys and girls track and field teams both finished runner-up to Los Altos in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division Finals on April 27 at Gunn High. Qualifiers advance to the SCVAL Championship Finals on May 6 at Los Gatos High. From there, athletes look to qualify for the Central Coast Section Semifinals on May 13 and then the CCS Finals on May 20.

It should be a particularly exciting stretch for several Los Gatos athletes who are projected to be in contention to win a CCS title and advance to the CIF State Championships. Entering the week, the Los Gatos boys 4x400 meter relay team of Levi Romero, Wil

Brennan, Brady Kamali and Jake Bohane had the top time in the section at 3 minutes, 17.94 seconds.

That ranks No. 5 in the State. The quartet established that time which is nearly 3 ½ seconds faster than the No. 2 mark in the section at the CCS Top 8 Invitational on April 21. Romero and Brennan are ranked 1-2 in the open 400, with times of 48.20 and 48.57, respectively.

Kamali has the section’s No. 6 time in 49.62 and also is tied for sixth in the high jump at 6 feet, 2 inches. Aydon Stefanopoulos has the No. 3 time in the 1600 (4:12.41), No. 4 mark in the 800 (1:56.16) and No. 5 time in the 3200 (9:08.99).

Several Los Gatos girls are also having fine seasons, including Nicole Steiner, who has the top mark in the shot put at 41 feet, 11 ¾ inches, which

ranks No 6 in the state. Katie Steiner has the section’s No. 4 mark in 38-1. Hannah Slover, the defending state champion in the high jump, has the section’s No. 2 mark at 5-7.

Abigail Lo has the No. 3 mark in the triple jump (37-5 ½) and has cleared 5-2 in the high jump, an automatic CCS qualifying mark. Vanessa Leathem has the No. 7 mark in the long jump at 17-4. Sophie Tau is having a strong senior season in the distance events. She has the No. 7 time in the 3200 (10:48.45) and No. 9 time in the 1600 (4:57.73).

The 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams also have top-10 marks, with Emma Arbitaylo and Jeanette Li being the mainstays in the 4x100 and Arbitaylo and Janie Marie Vidovich being two of the four mainstays in the 4x400.

Swimming/Diving

Los Gatos fared well in the SCVAL De Anza Division Finals on April 28, setting itself up for some fast times and great performances in the Central Coast Section Championships May 5-6 at Hollister High.

Everyone mentioned have hit CCS qualifying times, but State Consideration Qualifying (SCQ) are noted. On the boys side, Ewan Lonergan won the 100-yard breaststroke in 56.78 seconds and took sixth in the 100 butterfly in a SCQ time of 51.79. The 200-medley relay team of Joshua Naim, Lonergan, Tyler Newton and Connor Sullivan finished fifth but in a SCQ time of 1 minute, 37.21 seconds, well under the CCS cutoff of 1:45.99. Naim was fifth in the 100 backstroke in 56.59, Sullivan was seventh in the 200 free in 1:47.02 and Ryan Madsen placed seventh in the 500 free in 4:51.21.

Mathijs Dirven, Naim, Lonergan and Sullivan finished third in the 400 free relay in 3:16.93. Santiago Jackson, Oren Kagel, Alex Marozas and Newton took fifth in the 200 free relay in 1:30.90. The girls team delivered some spectacular results, with Karly Frangieh winning the 200 free in a SCQ time of 1:51.72 while also taking fourth in the 100 back in 59.36.

Katy Hawk was fourth in the 200 free in 1:54.45, a SCQ mark. She also placed third in the 100 butterfly in 58.49. Lily van Putten was fourth in the same race, finishing in 59.58. Freshman Kiana Koechlin was fourth in the 200 individual medley in 2:08.97 and fifth in the 100 free in 54.53.

Karissa Elliott took fourth in the 100 free in 25.31. Elliott, Hawk, Koechlin and Frangieh won the 400 free relay in a SCQ time of 3:37.48, and the quartet of Hawk, Koechlin, Frangieh and Ava Taylor nailed a SCQ time of 1:39.84 to take second in the 200 free relay race. Taylor finished second in the 500 free in 5:14.07 and second in the 100 breaststroke in 1:07.31, while Sarah Schaevitz, Vanessa Lee, van Putten and Elliott finished fourth in the 200 medley relay in 1:54.70. In the 1-meter diving competition, Maddy Wong placed second with 452.60 points, and Ava Lazovsky was fourth with 430.85 points. On the boys side, Parsa Nolan hit a CCS qualifying mark, totaling 370.85 points to finish sixth.

HE’S FAST Wildcats sophomore Aydon Stefanopoulos is congratulated by family and friends after winning the 3200-meter run in a PR of 9 minutes, 8.99 seconds in the CCS Top 8 Meet on April 21.

Jonathan Natividad

LOCAL SCENE

SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR STATE, NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

Several students of Los Gatos and Saratoga High School’s Speech and Debate Team have qualified for well-renowned state and national tournaments taking place this spring. Competing against both public and private school students, all competitors have placed in the top of their local and regional events in order to advance.

In addition, Saratoga High School’s Speech and Debate Coach Steve Clemmons was inducted into the California High School Speech Association Hall of Fame. Clemmons has been coaching Speech and Debate at Saratoga High School since 2009.

The following students placed in the Tournament of Champions, held at the University of Kentucky on April 15-17:

• Timothy Leung (Saratoga High School), fifth place Finalist in Dramatic Interpretation and eighth place Semifinalist in Program Oral Interpretation Speech,

• Kinnera Potluri (Saratoga High School), 10th place Semifinalist, Humorous Interpretation Speech

• Cameron Nguyen (Saratoga High School), 14th place in Humorous Interpretation Speech

• Leonardo Jia and Ashish Goswami (Saratoga High School), Octofinalist in Public Forum Gold Debate

• Arnav Garg (Saratoga High School), Top 20 Speakers Award and Octofinalist in Lincoln Douglas Debate

• Zachary Benitez (Los Gatos High School), Quarterfinalist, Original Oratory

With more than 300 schools throughout the state participating, the California High School Speech Association State Championship took place April 21-23 in Carlsbad. Local students placing were:

• Timothy Leung (Saratoga High School), first place State Champion in Program Oral Interpretation Speech

• Kinnera Potluri (Saratoga High School), sixth place State Finalist in Humorous Interpretation Speech

• Zachary Benitez (Los Gatos High School), Semifinalist, Original Oratory

• Alix Kerebel (Los Gatos High School), 10th place State Finalist, Congress

• Cameron Nguyen (Saratoga High School), qualifier in Humorous Interpretation Speech

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

Local qualifiers are:

• Timothy Leung (Saratoga High School) in Program Oral Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation Speech

• Kinnera Potluri (Saratoga High School) in Humorous Interpretation Speech

• Zachary Benitez (Los Gatos High School) in Original Oratory

The National Catholic League Grand National Tournament will be held over Memorial Day Weekend in Louisville, Ky.

Local qualifiers are:

• Skyler Mao and Anthony Luo (Saratoga High School) in Public Forum Debate

• Arjun Raje and Vidur Sanghi (Saratoga High School) in Public Forum Debate

The 2023 National Speech & Debate Tournament will be held at Phoenix, Ariz. from June 11-16. With less than 4% of student members qualifying to compete in this national tournament, Saratoga High School will send Kinnera Potluri and Timothy Leung.

Both the Los Gatos and Saratoga High School Speech and Debate Teams are an after-school, extra-curricular activity designed to build communication skills. Practices are held during the week where students develop their public speaking, debating and acting skills.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FREE DENTAL CLINIC

The Santa Clara County Dental Foundation is sponsoring Silicon Valley Healthy Smiles, which is a free dental clinic May 20-21 at the San Jose Convention Center.

Dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMTs, interpreters and community volunteers are needed to help with this undertaking.

“We’ll have 100 dental chairs set up for patients, which allows us to see thousands of people for cleanings, extractions, cavities and other simple procedures,” Dr. Lotus Mahon said. “But we need hundreds of volunteers to make it happen.”

Mahon is a Los Gatos resident and member of the Santa Clara County Dental Foundation.

She said donations are needed, too, since the clinic costs approximately $400,000 to stage.

“We’ve raised about $300,000 so far,” she said. “Our generous donors recognize that this is a critical service since so many people don’t have access to affordable dental care.”

Volunteers and donors can visit SCCDF.org/SVHS for information.

EMERY AWARDED DEGREE FROM PALMER COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC

John Emery of Los Gatos graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic's West Campus in San Jose on March 24.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose; and Port Orange, Fla.

TOP COMPETITORS Los Gatos High School Speech and Debate students are pictured after a local tournament: Anna Maria Panagopoulos (from left), Zachary Benitez, Manav Thakkar, Arman Dehkordi and Alix Kerebel.

Courtesy of Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Keni Colgan

I’ve always been involved in sports, from softball to soccer, volleyball to cycling, and ultimately, gymnastics. As a 7-year-old, I was jumping, doing flips and twistsI felt like superwoman!

When I discovered Pilates in 2004 by taking Mat classes, I immediately realized the precision each movement requires, which reminded me of gymnastics.

I completed my Pilates education through Balanced Body at the Center of Balance with Tom McCook, and opened my studio here in Los Gatos. My ultimate goal is to contribute in a significant way to help adults manage a healthy, active lifestyle.

Keni Colgan

(650) 218-9865

• pilateswithkeni@gmail.com

• PilatesWithKeni.com

15466 Los Gatos Blvd., Suite 202, Los Gatos, CA

Kristi Pearce-Percy

CUSCHIERI HORTON ARCHITECTS

Kim

Richman

Kim’s outstanding achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has been recognized as one of the leading 100 real estate agents in the Bay Area and one of America’s Best Real Estate Agents by RealTrends. It’s the experience that makes the difference!

Kim

Richman

(408) 406-9533

• kim.richman@compass.com

• kimrichmanteam.com

I have a passion for Philanthropy, and growing up in the Bay Area (Los Gatos), I’ve always felt it critical to give back to the community that raised me. My focus is to mentor and elevate, promoting confidence and paying it forward.

I heard a quote once, “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers.”

Kristi Pearce-Percy

(408) 371-8200 x1100

• kristi@charch.com

• www.charch.com

20 S. Santa Cruz Avenue, Suite 108, Los Gatos, CA 95030

With 90% referral business, both as Brokers and Certified Negotiation Experts, along with Lucy’s design expertise in upgrading and curating functionality, her listings have that extra advantage in elevated value; achieving the highest and best pricing in the market!

For more than 22 years Keith Andry, Lucy’s favorite son-in-law, has been part of Lucy’s team as they continue helping Buyers and Sellers from Menlo Park to Morgan Hill and beyond, and have recently attained REALTRENDS designation of Top 1.5% Realtors Nationwide!

Married 44 years to the late Legendary Los Gatos High School Football coach Charlie Wedemeyer, whose world-renowned battle with ALS has been captured in books and award-winning films and documentaries, Lucy continues to share their powerful story of hope and faith as a motivational speaker to inspire others. She works tirelessly with the ALS Association as an Advisory Trustee, counseling patients and families all over the world with her encouraging words; “Cherish each other and treasure each day” for none of us have the promise of tomorrow!

Lucy Wedemeyer (408) 891-6861 • lucy@sereno.com • lucyandkeith.com Lucy Wedemeyer REALTOR LUCY WEDEMEYER AND KEITH ANDRY REAL ESTATE

STUDIO OWNER AND INSTRUCTOR PILATES WITH KENI

I am the Principal and Owner of a local Architecture firm that specializes in Medical, Commercial & Retail Design. I’m also the founder of WHYB (We Have Your Back), a kindness campaign dedicated to paying it forward with kindness. And I’m serving as Vice-President on the Board of KCAT (www.kcat.org), a non-profit in Los Gatos.

SHADE IMPOSES LIMITATIONS ON GARDENING

Tony Tomeo, Contributor

Home gardens are becoming shadier. Modern homes are taller to fit closer together. Modern fences are taller to compensate. Densely evergreen trees and large shrubbery compensate more. Taller homes and fences, and denser vegetation, shade more of their smaller modern parcels. Not much sunlight can reach the soil of modern home gardens.

Portions of a garden that are too shady for gardening are not necessarily useless. During warm weather, patios, sheds and workspaces are cooler with shade. Koi generally prefer shade to sun exposure most of the time. Compost piles and woodpiles need no sunlight. Such utilization of shady areas leaves more sunny areas available for actual gardening.

Deciduous trees that let warming sunlight through for winter are less practical nowadays. They do not always obscure undesirable scenery as trees in modern landscapes should. Warming winter sunlight is not so useful to energy efficient modern homes anyway. It is useful for gardening, though. That is why smaller evergreen trees are now more practical.

Such trees or large shrubbery can do what they must without creating too much shade. If they get only high enough to hide nearby windows, they should not shade solar panels. Nor should they fill eavestroughs with debris. Perhaps more importantly, they allow more sunlight through than larger trees would. Lower vegetation appreciates what it can get.

Some plants tolerate more shade than others. Some of the most tolerant are understory species. They naturally live within the partial shade of larger plants. Many have big dark green leaves to maximize sunlight absorption. Fern are familiar shade tolerant plants, but have finely textured foliage. Coleus and hosta have exquisitely colorful variegation.

Because most plants enjoy sunlight, the selection of plants for shade is lim-

ited. Rhododendron and azalea have a reputation for tolerance of shade. However, too much shade inhibits their blooms. Camellia and hydrangea tolerate a bit more shade, with less inhibition. Cast iron plant is a famously shade tolerant foliar perennial. Kaffir lily tolerates almost as much shade, and blooms splendidly.

Highlight: Kaffir lily

Kaffir lily, Clivia miniata, and lily of the Nile seem to be similar but are very different. Both develop densely evergreen mounds of arched strap shaped leaves. Both bloom with many funnel shaped flowers in spherical umbels on upright stems. Even their thick and rubbery rhizomes and roots are similar. However, they are related neither to each other nor to lilies.

Kaffir lily bloom is rich orange, fiery orangish red or yellow. This is opposite of the pastel blue or white floral color range of lily of the Nile. While lily of the Nile requires abundant sunlight, Kaffir lily tolerates significant shade. Kaffir lily leaves and bloom are more stout and less pliable than those of lily of the Nile. Kaffir lily foliage is generally darker green.

Individual leaves of Kaffir lily can be three inches wide and about a foot and a half long. Mounding growth of old colonies can get more than two feet high. Bloom hovers barely above the foliage. A few round and bright red berries can develop after bloom. Individual seeds within each berry may be genetically variable. All parts of Kaffir lily, particularly the rhizomes, are toxic.

A rewarding challenge

Jeffrey P. Blum, Contributor

Timing is everything, right? Somehow, in some way, I find myself serving as the chairperson of the Community Health and Senior Services Commission as it undertakes monumental tasks.

These tasks include implementing the Senior Services Committee’s incredibly comprehensive road map for improving older adult services in Los Gatos, creating a road map for the improvement of mental health and substance abuse services in town based upon the report our commission created last year after conducting an investigation, and evaluating Los Gatos Recreation’s 55plus program’s funding requirements/ requests. It’s a fun and challenging time to be involved with our commission.

When I discuss my role as chairperson with friends and colleagues, including fellow commissioners, they combine their “Better you than me” comments about my timing, with commiserative remarks and knowing smirks about my unenviable position. But I persevere, knowing it will all be worth it in the end if we can make Los Gatos, which has an ever-growing older adult population (currently more than 20% and expected to grow to approximately 30% or more in the next decade), a better and safer place to live.

I take solace in the fact that there are incredible people working with me on the tasks before our commission. I also remind myself how much I am learning from my term as chairperson and more generally, through my service on the commission. Although at 72, how much more learning do I need to do?

Am I having fun yet in my role as chairperson? It depends upon your definition of the word “fun.” I ride my Peloton bike for crazy amounts of miles every morning, in addition to partaking in other forms of exercise. Is it enjoyable? It’s difficult at times but also rewarding, so in that sense, it is enjoyable. The same goes with my work on the commission; it is challenging and rewarding.

Perhaps the most challenging item for our commission is the implementation of the road map for improving older adult services. This is being accomplished largely through our task forces.

Each such task force is comprised of commissioners and citizens. The task forces are based upon one of the seven goals for improving older adult services in the town. By way of example, we’re working on a governance framework to resolve the issue of having a fragmented approach in town to the delivery of older adult services. We’re also developing accountability policies to determine how older adult service providers can best help with implementing the Senior Services Committee’s Road Map.

Other goals include creating a more attractive or new physical facility in town for older adults, which our commission is involved in as a liaison/helper to the 501c3 organization to be created, improving communication and engagement, such as through the HUB, which is a resource for older adults, and reviewing how best to improve transportation and housing issues for older adults.

Our concurrent work to improve mental health and substance abuse services in Los Gatos, appears to have already met with some success, as we will hopefully soon have a navigator person situated in town once per week for several hours, to help people find and access care, such as local support groups, treatment centers, and obtain assistance with transportation and funding issues.

Our commission’s third major piece of work comes courtesy of our town council, which asked us to evaluate and report to them on Los Gatos Recreation’s 55plus program in terms of their funding requests and the services we hope they can deliver for the funds received.

I encourage others to join this Community Health and Senior Services Commission’s journey, as a member of one of our task forces, a member of our commission, or as a volunteer in one of our many projects we pursue in furtherance of implementing the road map’s goals.

If timing is everything, now could not be a better time to get involved with what we are striving to do to make Los Gatos a better place to live. You might even gain some rewarding enjoyment at the same time. If you are interested, contact me at blumesq@aol.com.

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

SPLASH OF COLOR Kaffir lily brightens a shady situation.

Jeffrey P. Blum is a family law mediator who lives in Los Gatos.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Melissa Franco

BLONDING AND COLOR SPECIALIST

EMBER ROSE SALON

Melissa Franco entered beauty school at age 16, and while in the formal assisting program she discovered her love for science and how it relates to hair. A very curious person, she immediately dives into learning all that she possibly can.

Melissa worked at a salon in Los Gatos for 9 years, and while she loved being an educator there, the pandemic changed so many things for everyone. In 2015 she was approached by someone looking to open a salon, and who trusted her to run it. The plan fell through after 500+ hours of leg work, but given that experience, she knew what it would take in both cost and effort. Following the pandemic with the industry in shambles, she decided it was the time to jump. Melissa opened Ember Rose Salon and enjoys working with her staff and clients.

Melissa Franco

(408) 402-3003

• melissa@emberrose.com

326 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Patti Rice

OWNER

THE SPA – LOS GATOS

Mistie Boulton

CO-OWNER/CEO

OREN’S HUMMUS LOS GATOS

CEO of Oren’s Hummus, Mistie helms a company dedicated to crafting high-quality, Israeli-inspired hummus & more. Her passion for healthy & delicious food led her to join the company in 2012 as Co-Owner/CEO. Since then, Oren’s Hummus has become a beloved Bay Area brand among health-conscious foodies and has expanded to several locations.

Under her leadership, Oren’s Hummus continues to innovate as an Employer of Choice, guided by the company Core Values of Team, Caring, Integrity and Growth, while maintaining commitments to sustainability and community.

Mistie prioritizes ethical business practices, such as minimizing waste and truly recognizing that people are what makes Oren’s Hummus special. She also founded EyeSpy CC in 2001, a restaurant & hospitality consultancy based in the Bay Area. Mistie’s dedication to helping restaurant operators and to social responsibility sets an inspiring example for entrepreneurs in the local food scene.

Mistie Boulton

(408) 344-6736

• mistie@orenshummus.com

• www.orenshummus.com

1 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

For over 20 years Patti Rice has led the staff at The Spa Los Gatos on a mission to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for the community while holding fast to a commitment to offer the most professional spa services and products. Her steadfast approach has carried this beloved Los Gatos business through the dot com bust and Covid, with The Spa still standing strong. Her passion is admired by employees and clients alike. You can often find her gracious smile at the front desk as she still tasks herself with being a part of every aspect of the business’ operations! Rita

American Cancer Society Discovery Shops help support the fight against cancer through the sale of high quality, gently used, donated household goods.

In addition to our mission, I like everything about working for Discovery Shops: Meeting and talking with wonderful people and helping them find just what they’re looking for - today’s fashion and great merchandise; and the fast-paced, challenging environment motivates me.

Even after 10 years, I continue to be impressed and touched by the outpouring of community support, compassion and care.

I have been described as “A bundle of energy who traveled the world and dreams in 5 languages,” quoting Judy Peterson.

Patti Rice

(408) 354-5901

• patti@thespaoflosgatos.com

• www.thespaoflosgatos.com

100 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030

(408) 354-5917

RANCHO RINCONADA DE LOS GATOS

While some believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, it’s actually just a minor Mexican holiday which commemorates their victory over an invading French army in 1862. In the U.S., the fifth of May is a popular occasion for celebrations of Mexican heritage and culture, so it’s the perfect time for a story about El Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos from which our town took its name.

After Mexico gained independence from Spain in September 1821, the former Spanish colony of Alta California became a Mexican province. To secure their presence, the new Mexican government offered large tracts of land to influential Spanish-speaking “Californios” who would agree to establish permanent settlements.

Friends José Maria Hernandez and Sebastian Fabian Peralta achieved

prominence by marrying twin sisters of the prosperous Cibrian family in 1830 and 1831, respectively. As a nod to their connections, Provincial Governor Juan B. Alvarado awarded 6,631 acres of land to the brothers-in-law in May 1840. The enormous grant included almost all of present day Los Gatos and Monte Sereno, together with about a third of Campbell and small sections of San Jose, Saratoga and unincorporated Santa Clara County. With their newfound status, the men would be referred to with the honorific title “Don” as a sign of respect.

Hernandez and Peralta named their rancho La Rinconada de Los Gatos (“the corner of the cats”) after the large population of mountain lions in the nearby hills as well as the “corner” formed by the steep ravine between El Sereno and El Sombroso mountains where Highway 17 is today. Los Gatos Creek flowed through

the center of their property (in what is now Vasona Park) which is where they built an adobe home.

We know very little about the life of Don José Maria Hernandez. Don Sebastian Fabian Peralta achieved some notoriety in San Jose as a regidor, a position akin to a city council member, and as majordomo (the highest ranking manager) of Mission Santa Clara. He was a widower by the time the adobe was finished, so he moved in with Hernandez and his wife Maria.

After Peralta remarried in 1846, he and his new wife moved to the Northerly portion of the rancho where they built a separate adobe. A third home was built for other members of the extended family on the Western edge next to the creek that runs along Quito Road. The first two houses are long gone, but portions of the third were eventually incorporated into another home.

With the cession of California to the United States following the Mexican–American War, the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo provided that all of the original Mexican land grants would be honored by the American government.

The rancho prospered at first, but the families’ stay was short-lived. Hernandez sold most of his share in 1852 after his wife died in childbirth. Peralta sold 2,000 acres to James Alexander Forbes the following year, and owned just 292 acres when he died in 1859. His remaining land was sold at public auction.

The brothers-in-law’s story has largely been forgotten, although there are streets named in their honor in the Glenridge neighborhood. All that remains of the original rancho is the name Los Gatos.

Content and photos from “Discover LOST Gatos” historical walking tours by Alan Feinberg, Peggy ConawayBergtold and Sandy Decker. Download the free mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Contact us at discoverLOSTgatos@gmail.com.

FAMILY HOME Hernandez and Peralta adobe, as painted by a subsequent owner.

PORTRAIT José Maria Hernandez is shown with his son Francisco, one of 13 children, circa 1855.

Alan Feinberg, Contributor

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Susan

Susan Testa opened Romantiques, an award winning lingerie and clothing boutique, during the summer of 1994 in her hometown of Los Gatos. From the beginning, the mission has been to curate and offer luxury products from independent designers while providing exceptional service. Susan is an expert in bra fitting, and customers come from near and far for this service alone.

In 2012, the Romantiques online shop, www.shopromantiques.com, opened and has been creating an online experience much like that of visiting in person. Customers can schedule virtual bra fittings, private online shopping appointments, and chat directly with Susan through the chat portal.

The entire Romantiques team is celebrating 29 years in business this summer.

(408) 395-7749

Suzanne

SuzannesVoice is a highly skilled voice-over artist with a passion for bringing scripts to life. Suzanne specializes in explainer videos, phone prompts, commercials, e-learning, audiobooks, and more.

Susan

• RomantiquesLingerie@yahoo.com

Testa

51 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Suzanne Davison

• www.ShopRomantiques.com

Valerie Adeva is VP of Admissions and Marketing for the Children’s Health of Northern California (CHONC) care facilities in Campbell and Saratoga.

It was her mother—a nurse and businesswoman that founded her own care home practice—that inspired Valerie to pursue a career in the industry. Today, Valerie is a leading respiratory care practitioner in the Bay Area and graduated with a master’s in healthcare administration.

As a Respiratory Care Practitioner, Valerie is able to work with children with advanced needs at CHONC. Every child should live at home. But when a child requires long-term subacute care, living at home is not always possible. Children recovering from catastrophic injuries or living with complex medical conditions require a dedicated support system that provides them (and their families) with a warm and comfortable home-like environment.

(408) 558-3640

Adeva

• Valerie.Adeva@CHONC.org

• www.CHONC.org

Childrens Recovery Center, 3777 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 884-8121

• suzannesvoicellc@gmail.com

Los Gatos, CA

Her voice is authentic, professional, articulate, and calming, making her the perfect fit for any project. Best of all, Suzanne offers her services at highly economical prices, making quality voice-over accessible to everyone. Whether you’re in need of a warm and reassuring tone or a confident and authoritative voice, Suzanne has the skills to deliver exactly what you need. Let SuzannesVoice be your Voice! Valerie

• www.suzannesvoice.com

Wendi Baker brings proven expertise in helping clients achieve maximum value on complex projects. She is well-versed in all aspects of development and has devoted her career to optimizing walkable, sustainable, mixed-use, for-sale and for-rent communities that prioritize smart growth principles.

Her prior experience includes representing SummerHill Homes, one of the most well-respected home-building companies, where she led its East Bay development team in creating and managing a diverse pipeline portfolio of more than $1.5 billion. A sought-after speaker and panelist on real estate development, Wendi has served the community extensively in high-profile volunteer positions.

Wendi Baker

wendi@harmoniepark.com

• harmoniepark.com

221 Bachman Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Diana Schnabel-Arevalo

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JEWISH SILICON VALLEY, JCC LOS GATOS

I’ve proudly been part of this incredible community for over 15 years. From day-one this organization has continually invested in me both personally and professionally.

I have the privilege of leading our teams to support the needs of our community and help improve lives on a daily basis.

From helping kids with special needs feel safe and welcome at our camps and preschools, to adults of all ages feeling connected, and mentally and physically healthy at our fitness center or adult community groups - our team cares deeply about the people we serve and embodies the Jewish values of inclusion, kindness, and service into all we do.

Diana Schnabel-Arevalo

(408) 357-7429

• diana@jvalley.org

• www.jvalley.org

14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Serenity Polizzi

MARKETING CONSULTANT

LOS GATAN AND METRO PUBLISHING

EARTHQUAKE DRILL

On May 6, the Los Gatos Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will hold an earthquake drill from 10am to 2pm on Lyndon Avenue. No business operations will be affected.

➝ losgatosca.gov/128/CERT.

FINE ARTS SHOW

Serenity Polizzi is

a

Marketing Consultant for Los Gatan and Metro Publishing.

In her role with the independent newspaper company, the Business Analyst works closely with local small businesses, Los Gatos Rotary Club and Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, asking all of the important questions to hone in on a business’s best potential for success.

As a Motivational & Fitness Accountability Partner for SPENGA—Los Gatos’ leading gym featuring the best spin, strength training, and yoga workout in Los Gatos—Serenity motivates others to reach their potential for success, both personally and professionally.

Most of all, she engages with others beyond the surface level, sharing enthusiasm to build their dreams and live better by design, intention and solid planning.

Serenity Polizzi

(408) 200-1323

• serenity@losgatos.com

• losgatan.com Los Gatos, CA

More than 100 artists will descend on Saratoga May 6-7 for the Rotary Club of Saratoga’s annual Fine Arts Show. The event is free to the public and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Saratoga Rotary Foundation, which supports grants to local non-profit organizations and the club's youth and community service programs. The show will be held at West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave., from 10am to 5pm.

➝ saratogarotaryartshow.org.

SPRING FASHION SHOW

The Spring Fashion Show presented by the Los Gatos Chamber of Com-

merce will be held May 6 from 11am to 1:30pm at The Palms, 115 N. Santa Cruz Ave. The event features fashions from local boutiques, brunch and bottomless mimosas.

Tickets $85 each, and a table of four is $340.

➝ losgatoschamber.com.

LOS GATOS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

The Los Gatos High School Athletic Hall of Fame will hold its 18th Induction Ceremony on May 6 at La Rinconada Country Club. This year’s inductees are: Jack Anti (Class of 1931), Dick Whiteman (1951), Bob McArthur (1964), Jeff Robinson (1975), Karen Freedman Thompson (1978), A.J. Matthews (1982), Samantha Copenhaver Van Devender (1983), Virginia Fritsch (2003) and Kiko Alonso (2008). The reception begins at 5pm, followed by the dinner at 6:45pm and ceremony at 8pm.

➝ tinyurl.com/2023lghshalloffame.

BE PREPARED The Los Gatos Community Emergency Response Team will hold an earthquake drill on May 6.

‘MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE’ SCREENING BENEFIT

The Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation will host an evening at the CineLux Los Gatos Theatre on July 19 for the premier showing of the new movie “Mission: Impossible.” It will start at 7pm and the cost will be a $50 donation to the Veterans Foundation.

➝ bit.ly/4183sMr.

LIVE JAZZ MUSIC

Live jazz performances at the Tasting House, 368 Village Lane, take place Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9pm, and Sundays from 11am-2pm.

ENTERTAINMENT AT GARDINO’S

Gardino’s, 51 N. Santa Cruz Ave., features entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, along with Sunday afternoons.

➝ bit.ly/3OSvPHS.

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.

➝ cafarmersmkts.com/losgatosfarmers-market.

Campbell Farmers Market

The Downtown Campbell Farmers Market is held Sundays, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm.

➝ 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.

➝ 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. For information, 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 on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm.

➝ losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council.

Planning Commission

The Los Gatos Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm.

➝ losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission.

Santa Clara County Supervisors

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meets virtually on Tuesdays at 9am.

➝ bit.ly/3oy2Zmq.

Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

The board meets every other Tuesday at 5pm.

➝ bit.ly/3DaJRi9.

Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees

The board meets monthly at either 6:30pm or 4pm.

➝ bit.ly/3oywlRA.

Other Town commissions

The Town of Los Gatos has various committees that serve as advisory bodies for the Town Council.

➝ losgatosca.gov/12/BoardsCommissions-Committees.

Is Someone You Love Graduating In 2023?

Tell your 2023 grad just how proud you are of their accomplishment with a keepsake graduation ad & photo. They will treasure this for a lifetime.

We will run a 1/8 page color ad that includes their graduation photo in Los Gatan’s June 7 Graduation edition.

Cost is $89

Just email us the following information at Serenity@weeklys.com:

1. Graduate’s name & school graduating from

2. Photo (graduation photo or cute family photo of the graduate)

3. Text/Salutation (up to 22 max number of words)

4. Don’t forget to include the names of those extending their good wishes.

5. Please include your name, address & phone number so Serenity Polizzi can call you to confirm how you want the ad to look.

Once we recieve your email Serenity will then contact you to go over the information to refine it for you.

If you have any questions on this, please don’t hesitate to email us your contact phone number at Serenity@weeklys.com, as well.

UPDATED AMENITIES THROUGHOUT

This home is located within walking distance to downtown, trails and wineries.

Located at 163 Kimble Ave. in Los Gatos, the 4,273-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Built in 1988, the ground floor primary suite includes a remodeled ensuite with a Japanese-style soaking tub and waterfall spout, plus a stall shower with full body show heads.

The home features cathedral ceilings and hardwood floors throughout, along with multiple expansive decks. The kitchen is equipped with a gas Wolf range, Thermador refrigerator, leathered quartzite countertops and more.

The home is listed at $4.5 million by Intero Real Estate Services. For information, visit bit.ly/3NojfTg.

KIMBLE AVENUE This Los Gatos home features expansive decks that are accessible from all bedrooms.

INSIDE Cathedral ceilings and hardwood floors are staples of this home.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM IN LOS GATOS

Join us as a 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

Event Room Rental

Prices between $800 - $3,000

Accommodates 30 to 180 persons

Rental includes setup, tables, chairs, and tablecloths

Hotel Room Discounts offered Bar Service Available

Displays/Projector Available Bocce Ball Court

Outside catering required

LosGatosLodge.com

408.354.3300

50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd. at Hwy 17

Public Notice

Notice is hereby given

that on May 30, 2023, at 9:00 am, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in Department 6 of the Santa Clara County Superior, located at 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Petitioner Metro Publishing, Inc. intends to apply for an order, pursuant to California Government Code §§ 6000 and 6020, declaring Los Gatan to be a newspaper of general circulation for the County of Santa Clara, State of California. Remote appearance information can be found online at www.scscourt.org.

lgsubs.com