Los Gatan 10 20 2021

Page 1

@losgatan

vol . I, no. 7 : october 20-26, 2021 : losgatan.com

local scene p 8 : accordion player gets gift p 12 : o’connor arrested p 14 : calendar of events p 15 Judy Peterson

MANDATORY WATER SAVING PLAN TO BE UNVEILED

Restraining order partially-granted against Jeffrey Scott

Goal to cut usage by 15 percent has not been reached

Drew Penner, Reporter

Judy Peterson, Reporter

The warnings have been coming for months: residents and businesses need to conserve water because Santa Clara County is in an “extreme and exceptional” drought. It’s why residents have been asked to use 15 percent less water than they did in 2019 but that goal remains elusive. Valley Water says water use dropped by nine percent county-wide in August, while San Jose Water saw an eight percent drop. Valley Water, formerly known as the Santa Clara Valley Water District, is a wholesaler that sells water directly to retailers like San Jose Water. San Jose Water, in turn, delivers water to one million customers in the greater San Jose area, including Los Gatos. San Jose Water has scheduled a virtual public hearing for Oct. 28 at 3pm, when details of a mandatory conservation plan will be announced. The plan will outline information on water allocations, drought ➝ Water, 6

LOCAL LEADERS STAND WITH MAYOR AFTER SIDEWALK RANT

CONSERVATION TOOLS Los Gatos Library Director Ryan Baker is shown here with one of the energyand water-saving toolkits that’s available for checkout. The kits contain many items people can keep, including a low-flow shower head.

Leaders from around Silicon Valley are rallying to the side of Los Gatos Mayor Marico Sayoc, as video emerged of an activist launching a barrage of anti-LGBTQ and anti-Black Lives Matter insults at her from outside her house, telling her, “You need to leave this town.” In a letter to Town Manager Laurel Prevetti Oct. 14, Assemblymember Evan Low and Senator Dave Cortese inquired about the measures Los Gatos has in place to protect elected officials from bullying and harassment. “We are going through a generational crisis and our residents deserve bold leadership to keep residents and our public servants safe,” they wrote. “We offer our services to support you as you take swift action in addressing the escalating tensions at recent Town Council meetings.” The letter of support was sent the same day as a restraining order was partially granted by Santa Clara County Judge Carol Overton against the mayor’s husband, Jeffrey Scott, ➝ Mayor, 4


NEWS

VOL.1 NO.7 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor and Publisher Lee May General Manager

LOS GATOS PASSES NO-PICKETING ORDINANCE

Lori Lieneke Advertising Director

Protesters target mayor and vice mayor’s house during Zoom council meeting

Phaedra Strecher Production Manager

Drew Penner, Reporter

Erik Chalhoub Managing Editor

Katie Lauer Drew Penner Reporters Emanuel Lee Juan Reyes Sports writers Judy Peterson Contributor Serenity Polizzi Carrie Bonato Account Executives Marie Hicks Subscriptions

WEEKLYS Stephen Buel Director of Strategic Initiatives Mike Lyon Digital Media Harry Allison Production Director Sonia Chavez Accounts Receivables Warren Giancaterino Information Technology

DEATH NOTICES

er lawful demonstrations,” he wrote. “Ordinances similar to this have been adopted by many cities in the state of California and around the country and have withstood legal challenge.” One public commenter was immediately muted when it became clear she was about to start talking about the mayor’s husband confronting protesters at the previous meeting. Angelica Ramos-Allen, president of the National Women's Political Caucus of Silicon Valley, said she supported such picketing in front of residences, and noted other municipalities had enacted similar ordinances. Councilmember Maria Ristow moved approval of the emergency measure. “I know that nobody should be terrorized in their own home,” she said. “No one’s family should be subjected to that.” Councilmember Mary Badame seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously. According to Sgt. David Nylander with the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, no arrests were made following the protest at Sayoc’s home. Town of Los Gatos

Death notices with basic information that are submitted to editor@losgatan.com may be published on a space-available basis only. To place a paid, unedited obituary with a photo, call 707.353.1148 or email LifeTributes@Weeklys.com.

Tuesday night’s once-again all-digital Council meeting was a parade of residents, elected officials and non-governmental organization representatives expressing solidarity with Mayor Marico Sayoc’s family—in the face of recent disruptive attendee behavior—and speaking in support of public decorum. A staffer from Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s office invoked Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg address on the federal lawmaker’s behalf; a representative from the City of San Jose shared a letter signed by 19 local legislators condemning divisive language; Assemblymember Evan Low told Mayor Sayoc “You are beautiful” and urged her to “Stay strong,” as protesters chanted outside her house. Later, Vice Mayor Rob Rennie said protesters had shown up outside his home, too. “I’m hoping the police are following that,” he said.

Sayoc urged officials to text each other with details about the crowd’s location. “We want to make sure everyone is safe tonight,” Sayoc said, before moving into the emergency resolution. That resolution was a late addition to Council’s agenda, drawn up to outlaw “targeted picketing” at local homes. “The Mayor has requested that the Town Council consider the adoption of an ordinance prohibiting targeted picketing within 300 feet of the residence of a particular person,” Town Attorney Robert Schultz wrote in an Oct. 18 report. “Picketing activity that is targeted at a particular residence may harass and intimidate such occupants, is inherently and unreasonably offensive to and intrusive upon the right to privacy in the home, and may cause the occupants of such home to experience great emotional distress.” This sort of protesting creates a “captive audience” since occupants of a residence can’t easily go somewhere else to get away from the messaging, he added. “Adopting this ordinance will protect residents from being individually targeted while not prohibiting oth-

OPINIONS

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

Commentaries and letters to the editor on our Opinion pages reflect the opinions of the authors. We welcome letters to the editor and commentaries on all topics of local interest.

2

Email your submissions to editor@losgatan.com Letters must include the writer’s name and hometown (for publication) and phone number (for verification). Submissions may be edited, and will be published as space permits. Letters are limited to 250 words, commentaries to 500 words.

CORRECTIONS We strive to avoid errors in news and ads. Mistakes sometimes occur. To report errors, call or email; corrections will appear in the next edition and online.

WHO WE ARE Los Gatan is published Wednesdays by Weeklys. Contents copyright ©2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without written permission.

ZOOM The Los Gatos Town Council returned to a virtual format Oct. 19 following disruptive attendee behavior during recent in-person meetings.


Lisa Sgarlato

Transistions Made Easy

16052 Robinwood Lane, Los Gatos $2,400,000 | 16052Robinwood.com 4 Bed | 4 Bath | 3600 Sq Ft | 1.8 Acre Lot Spectacular Monterey Bay views from every angle! Beautiful flooring, Pella windows & skylights. Formal living room with vaulted cedar ceiling and fireplace with custom mantel. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, center island, breakfast bar, sub-zero refrigerator, and walk-in pantry. Sunroom dining overlooking the pool and views. Spa-like master suite with fireplace, jacuzzi, walk-in closet, and balcony. Office area, family room, laundry room, amazing storage, central heat & air, high-speed internet, wired for audio and video. eparate 740 sq ft aprartment above 900 sq ft garage. Private knoll top setting on nearly 2 acres with gated entry. Ultimate entertainment home with pool, hot tub and decks featuring stunning canyon and coast views. Los Gatos schools.

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Numbers 01079009 and 01272467. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

408.396.7231 lisa.sgarlato@compass.com LisaSgarlato.com DRE 01342694

3


LEADERS EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR MAYOR SAYOC

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

Mayor, from page 1

4

following his verbal outburst outside of Council Chambers, Oct. 5, where he stood up to anti-mask activists who’d made personal comments about their son during public comment period. A boisterous, name-calling, proTrump group of community members have been escalating their vicious anti-Sayoc campaign the past several months. They oppose initiatives that promote gay and transgender acceptance in community spaces, the introduction of diversity curriculum into schools and the use of public money for pro-inclusivity ceremonies and symbol. Many believe Donald Trump is the rightful president. On Oct. 13, Cyndi Sheehan, 44, filed a restraining order against Scott. She also checked the box that says, “I fear for my physical safety (and that of others, if applicable).” And she sought protection for her 45-year-old husband and her 15-yearold son. “Jeffrey Scott is well connected,” she wrote. “I fear he will retaliate by attacking my family as well as myself.” The judge ordered Scott to stay 300 yards away from Sheehan and her family members, and 20 feet away during Council meetings or other community events. Scott is not allowed to possess any firearms while the order is in place. It is set to expire Jan. 4, 2022. When filing for the order, Sheehan wrote that she never met Scott before his Oct. 5 outburst outside Council chambers and stated she believes he wasn’t arrested because he’s the mayor’s husband. “I am an opinionated community activist and parent, a Conservative, who uses my civil right to speak publicly,” she wrote in the civil harassment restraining order request. “I have never threatened anyone with violence, but I have been attacked several times for my political opinion and strong stance.” She pointed to a January 2021 series of events that led to her employer firing her. Anonymous high school students called her boss at the real estate brokerage where she worked and she was removed from her position, she said in the court filing. “That was the THIRD time that I have been fired from a brokerage due to my political beliefs, while in every

instance I was attacked and had video proof to back it up,” she told the court [emphasis in original]. Footage posted in early January on social media—days before the Jan. 6 breaching of the Capitol by pro-Trump protesters in Washington D.C.—shows Sheehan aggressively throwing a beverage container at one or more people on a downtown Los Gatos street. In a video taken at the same location Sheehan posted to her YouTube channel Jan. 2, a white female smacks Sheehan’s megaphone before an Asian male jumps into the fight. Sheehan starts hitting him with a pro-Trump flag, and a white man throws the Asian male to the ground. YouTube flagged this video as “age-restricted” for possibly being “inappropriate'' for some users. That means it can only be viewed on the company’s platform, not when shared more broadly. A member of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition (LGARC), who declined to give their name for fear of retaliation, said they are concerned about Sheehan. Multiple teens of minority background have alleged that Sheehan has harassed them, the coalition member said. The source also mentioned an incident in which Sheehan threw a beverage container at one of their members, although it was unclear if they were referring to that January incident or not. YouTube removed the commentary video Sheehan posted that captured her making personal attacks against the mayor’s family, including their son, during the Oct. 5 Council meeting— which sparked the reaction from Scott. It was deleted “for violating YouTube’s policy on harassment and bullying,” the San Bruno-based company said. In an interview with the Los Gatan, Cupertino Mayor Darcy Paul said he found the public comment discourse “troubling” and shared his support of the mayor. “As a society, each of us has difficult work to do in getting the best out of everyone,” he said. “For my counterpart Mayor Sayoc, I wish her and her family well." It’s important to be able to share your views, but basic behavioral norms have to be observed, too, Paul says. “Getting along and respecting each

other's opinions are bedrocks of our system,” he said. “I hope that we can get back to fostering those practices across the board.” Paul adds he hopes local parents will put their differences aside so their kids can live in a happier and more peaceful world. “We are weaker when the fabric of our free and open society is unable to handle the vigor of an exchange of ideas, but we are also weaker when we gratuitously attack others with the intent of harming them or their loved ones,” he said. “I extend my heartfelt and sincere hope that we can work together to enjoy the privilege of knowing and working together with a wide array of neighbors.” Sayoc is the executive director of Counseling and Support Services for Youth, an organization that partners with Bay Area schools to provide mental health services to students free of charge. She previously served as Chief Impact Officer for at-risk youth service provider Unity Care, which recently had five of its San Jose foster home licenses revoked by the Department of Social Services, according to a Bay Area News Group report. Sheehan posted a video Monday to her YouTube channel that depicts a different woman approaching the mayor’s house with a piece of paper in her hand; it was supposedly Sheehan’s third attempt to serve Scott with court documents. After knocking on the door, the woman walks back down the steps and erupts into a tirade. “I will kill you—said the mayor’s husband,” she shouted provocatively. In the Los Gatan’s audio recording of the Oct. 5 incident, the mayor’s husband appears to say no such thing. The woman outside Sayoc’s home repeated the claim multiple times. “Mayor Sayoc, I’m so sorry for what you have caused all of us—the pain of LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter and Critical Race Theory—in our town—that’s bulls***,” she said, her voice rising to a piercing tone. “You don’t belong in this town, you aggressors.” A video obtained by the Los Gatan shot from behind a front door screen and Halloween caution tape (that says “KEEP OUT” and “BEWARE” with a skull and bones in between), the would-be document server appeared to be a middle-aged woman.

Flanked by a white dog, the dark-haired activist was outfitted in a dark coat and a dark hat, as she stood on the sidewalk shouting across the white picket fence. “F*** LGBTQ,” she said. “It’s a terrorist organization and has infiltrated our country with the help of Biden and Soros and John Kerry—and the Heinz family. We know all about you Mayor Sayoc. You need to leave this town. We don’t want you here.” In the version of the encounter Sheehan posted, a female police officer is seen arriving within a couple minutes. “Officer, I appreciate you,” the anti-Sayoc activist said, adding she sympathizes with the department’s staffing challenges in its dispatch center and shares frustrations over the more than $1 million in unfilled public safety positions remaining in the General Fund during the pandemic. “They want to take their money and not give it to you, right?” The female officer asks if the activist had said anything the Sayoc family might have taken as threatening. The protester admitted to using provocative language, but claimed to have been quoting Scott. The woman told the officer she believes she would’ve been arrested immediately if she’d yelled the things Scott did Oct. 5. “I’m sorry that you guys are going through this,” the female officer said, before the protester walked away. The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department said they were aware of the incidents and were investigating, but declined to comment further. In Low and Cortese’s letter to Town Manager Prevetti, the pair called the recent spate of anti-Sayoc attacks “abhorrent.” “Bullying, harassment and intimidation at public meetings are absolutely unacceptable on their own, but we were horrified to learn that the Mayor—the only person of color on the Town Council—and her family have also been targeted away from Town property,” they wrote. “This is especially alarming in light of the spike in hate crimes targeting Asian American and Pacific Islanders during the pandemic. It is incumbent on the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department to take meaningful steps in creating safe spaces for the public and elected officials.”


THE BILL LISTER TEAM

THE BILL LISTER TEAM B ILL LL LI ISST TE E RR TTEEAAMM T H EET HBE I L 15400

V CTI

15400

A VE

99 Bathrooms Call Me to Discuss Your Next Move in8 2021

CTI

A

Bathrooms

VE

I T C A

ie s on interior.

ie s on 15400 8 99 lor Bathrooms interior. 15659 LINDA AVE, LOS GATOS lor f

4 Beds | 3.5 Baths

8 99 ± 2,242 sq. ftdoors LivingtoSpace | ± 8,001 sq. ft Lot f ente on lorat $2,650,000 doors to ie siOffered ith interior. ente di i ith fWelcome to this charming home located in a fabulous neighborhood. Formal entry with volume i to Beautiful remodeled baths. doors di ceilings. Formal dining room. Living room with gas d ente Beautiful remodeled baths. i stone surfaced fireplace. Gourmet chef's kitchen with and d i cabinets, ith re d white granite counters, gas cooktop, di rt appliances, and breakfast bar. Informal and restainless d a steel ibathroom. Beautiful remodeled baths. Indoor traditional Sauna. a rt eat-in area. Open family room with Anderson slider d backyard. 3 bedrooms and 2 updated tiled baths on bathroom.toIndoor traditional Sauna. ontrolled

first and levelre (1 bed d no closet). Hardwood floors Master suite with sitting area, trey athroughout. rt ound gas fireplace, separate office. bathroom. Indoorand traditional Sauna.Spacious ound ceiling, onderful si shower, double sinks, and bath with large walk-in ontrolled onderful si of Recessed lighting. . Large stat detached walk-inout closet. out of . stat garage with 1/2 bath, gas heater, and barn doors. ine ard o ine Beautiful ard oound mature landscaping, sitting area with gas https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive onderful si https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive fireplace. Alta Vista Elementary, Union Middle, Leigh out of . stat High School. ine ard o https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive

ontrolled

BILL LISTER T H E

B I TLELA M L I S T E R

L I S T E R

EXCELLENT AGENTS | UNPARALLELED RESULTS

T H E

L I S T E R

T E A M

2020 #1 Large Team I T ' S S I M P L E R E A LELXY,CI ET L' SL EA N L LT I A ET N . .P. AL R RE L E D R E S U L T S EH NL S A| M U ENI ATLELE 1 Large Team B NIG TL L SI ST R in the Los Gatos Office T H E L I S T E R T E A M I T ' S S I approach M P L E R E A L Lmatched Y, I T ' S A L L with IN TH E NAME... LISTER A results oriented strong EXCELLENT AGENTS | UNPARALLELED RESULTS 1 Large Top Producer onnegotiating theTeam skills and effective marketing has made A results matched with strong ' S S I Moriented P L E RReal E A L L Y,Estate Iapproach T ' S A L L leader. IN TH E NAME... LIS TER 2011-2020 WSJ List Bill Lister aI Tnational negotiating skills and effective marketing has made A results oriented approach matched with strong 408.892.9300 cell Ahim results approach matched with strong Give a oriented calla today! Bill Lister national Real Estate leader. negotiating skills andeffective effective marketing has made blister@cbnorcal.com 408.892.9300 negotiating skills and marketing has made Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. www.BillLister.com Give him a call today! Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. CalBre# 01179611 408.892.9300 Give him calltoday! today! Give him aa call © 1 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a 408.892.9300 Subsidiary of NRT LLC. All rights reserved. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to 408.892.9300

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

BILL LISTER 1 Large Team

their own satisfaction. Real Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304. © ©2021 1 Coldwell RealEstate EstateLLCLLC. All Rights Reserved. is atrademark registeredlicensed trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker EstateOpportunity LLC. An Equal Equal Opportunity Company. Equal HousingBanker Opportunity. EachBrokerage ColdwellOffice Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Coldwell Banker Banker Real All Rights Reserved. ColdwelColdwell Banker®Banker® is registered to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real An Equal Company. Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Residential is Owned by a Subsidiary Subsidiary of ©NRT LLC. All rights reserved. This information supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information be correct notOpportunity verified thisCompany. information assumes no legal Each responsibility for its Residential accuracy. Brokerage Buyers investigate 1 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rightswas Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker RealtoEstate LLC. butAnhas Equal Equaland Housing Opportunity. Coldwell Banker Officeshould is Owned by a these issues to of NRT LLC. All rights reserved. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this nformation to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own Subsidiary ofReal NRTEstate LLC. AllAgents rights reserved. was supplied by SellerBrokerage and/or other Broker Contractor believes this Sales information to be and correctarebutnot hasemployees not verified ofthisColdwell information and assumes no legal for its accuracy. Buyers should these issues to # 01908304. their own satisfaction. affiliatedThis withinformation Coldwell Banker Residential are sources. Independent Associates Banker Real Estate LLC,responsibility Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRTinvestigate LLC. CalBRE License satisfactiontheir Realown Estate Agents affiliated withAgents Coldwell Banker with Residential are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are notAssociates employeesand of Coldwell Banker Realof Estate LLC,Banker ColdwellRealBanker Brokerage LC. CalBRE Licenseor#NRT 01908304. satisfaction. Real Estate affiliated ColdwellBrokerage Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales are not employees Coldwell EstateResidential LLC, Coldwell BankerNRT Residential Brokerage LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304.

W W W. BILLLISTE R. C OM WWW.BILLLISTER.COM WWW.BILLLISTER.COM WW W. B I LLLI STER. C OM

5


WATER CONSERVATION TOOLKITS ARE AVAILABLE

THEN AND NOW Contrasting views of Lexington Reservoir show the drought’s impact and explain why San Jose Water is implementing a new, mandatory water conservation program later this month.

San Jose Water is asking its customers to voluntarily limit outdoor watering to two days per week, spokesperson Liann Walborsky said in an email. “It’s a severe drought and we all need to do what we can since we don’t know what the winter will bring,” she said. The town, meantime, has established a “Drought Ready LG” web page at losgatosCA.gov that has a drought calculator. The calculator asks questions about your home, then identifies things you can do to improve water efficiency. The laundry section, for instance, notes that in many homes “washing laundry accounts for nearly 25 percent of indoor use,” so people are encouraged to only wash full loads “for maximum water and energy efficiency.” The drought page also promotes a “Home Energy Saving Toolkit” that includes free energy and water conservation items. On the water side, there are low flow showerheads, faucet aerators and toilet leak detector tablets. “You drop the tablets into your toilet and if there’s a leak the dye changes color,” Library Director Ryan Baker

said. “There’s also a plastic bag that measures water flow and a measuring gauge that allows you to measure how much you’re wasting when you have a drip. Everything in the kit is simple to use and install—there’s nothing that’s not DIY.”

The Los Gatos Library has four toolkits people can checkout, Baker said. Valley’s Water’s water-saving tip page, which includes information about landscaping rebates, is at watersavings.org.

Erik Chalhoub

6

surcharges and an appeals process. “This plan is different from the one used in the previous drought from 2015-2017,” the hearing’s registration page says. To register, visit sjwater.com. The impact of the drought is evident in photos of local reservoirs. For example, Lexington Reservoir was at just 18.8 percent capacity on Oct. 15. Lexington is just one example of how reservoirs across the state are drying up. “San Luis Reservoir (near Los Banos) is nearly empty and elk are walking on the reservoir’s bed,” said Valley Water Vice Chair Gary Kremen. Kremen represents Valley Water District 7, which includes Los Gatos. Valley Water supplies took a big hit when the federal government ordered Anderson Reservoir in Morgan Hill to be drained while Anderson Dam undergoes a seismic retrofit. Work on the 10-year project began in June and means Anderson is nearly empty. “I’m calling on the federal government to allow us to store more water at Anderson,” Kremen said. “We’re in a tough situation—the first well in the county ran dry last week in (San Jose’s) Coyote Valley. We’re in a world of hurt. Next year could be grim.” He said there are things people can do now to start conserving, such as “taking a shower with someone.” “More than 27 percent of our water is used by residents for ornamental landscaping, so people could cut back on that,” Kremen said. “Businesses use 31 percent, indoor residential is 27 percent and agriculture is eight percent.” He said, too, that restaurants need to “do the right thing” by bringing back the 2015 rule of only serving water when customers ask for it. That’s already happening in Los Gatos, with the town council voting in August to adopt an emergency drought ordinance. “In our emergency ordinance, customers have to request their water at restaurants,” Mayor Marico Sayoc said in an email. The ordinance also limits landscape watering to three days per week before 9am or after 5pm.

Courtesy of Valley Water

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

Water, from page 1

REDUCED The fountain in the Town Plaza is on a limited operating schedule due to the drought.


Ducky Grabill Grabill Ducky Ducky TOP PRODUCING AGENT IN L O S G A T O S Grabill | OV ER 10 0 MIL L I O N IN S A L E S IN 2 0 21 Ducky Ducky Grabill Grabill T O P P R O D U C I N G A G E N T I N L O S G AT O S | O V E R 10 0 M I L L I O N I N S A L E S I N 2 0 21 NG

LE SA

T OI P P R O D U C I N G A G E N T I N L O S G A T O S | O V E R 1 0 0 M I L L I O N I N S A L E S I N 2 0 2 1 NG END I TNDOEPP TPORPO D PR UO CD I NUGC IANGGE N AG T EI N TL IONS LGOAST O GS A T| OOSV |E R O V1E0 R0 1M0I0L LMI O I LNL IIO NNS IANL ES SA LI N E S2 I0N2 12 0 2 1 G PE SAL N

I ND E G G IENP DIN L D NA N PES PE E E L L SA SA

16830 FARLE Y RD, LOS GATOS 3 B E D S | 2 B AT H S | 1, 6 7 7 S Q F T L I V I N G | 9 , 3 8 0 S Q F T L O T | 2 - C A R G A R A G E

16830 FARLE Y RD, LOS GATOS

Located on a quiet street and large lot, this beautiful home has been completely renovated and expanded to perfection! Enjoy updated recessed lighting, crown molding, and handscraped engineered hardwood flooring throughout. The open-concept family/dining/kitchen opens out to the backyard for 3 B Eand D Sentertaining. | 2 B A T HRecently S | 1 , 6remodeled, 7 7 S Q F TtheLdesigner I V I N G kitchen | 9 , 3 8features 0 S Q Fa Tbreakfast L O T |nook, 2 - Cisland, A R Gwine A R Afridge, G E marble backsplash, easy indoor-outdoor living double oven, andBmore. updates glass and sinks. Backyard Located on a farmhouse quiet and large has lighting, 3 Bstreet E D Ssink, | 2 Alot, T this HPrimary S beautiful | 1 bedroom , 6 7home 7 Sbath Q F been T L Icompletely V Iinclude N G | arenovated 9seamless , 3 8 0 and S Qexpanded Fshower T L O to T perfection! | granite 2 - C Avanity REnjoy Gwith Aupdated R double A G Erecessed retreatsmolding, feature outdoor kitchen and TV, professional landscaping, and gazebo. Great Los Gatos location walkable to top schools, Whole Foods and crown and handscraped engineered hardwood flooring throughout. The open-concept family/dining/kitchen opens out to the backyard for Locatedeasy on aindoor-outdoor quiet street and large lot, this beautiful home has been completely renovated anda expanded to perfection! Enjoy updated recessed lighting, Lunardi's, and popular Vasona Park. living and entertaining. Recently remodeled, the designer kitchen features breakfast nook, island, wine fridge, marble backsplash, 3 B E D3S B| E2D B S A| T2H S B A| T1H, 6S 7 |7 1S, 6Q7F7T SLQI V F ITN LGI V| I9N, G 3 8|0 9S, 3Q8F0T SLQOFTT | L2O- T C A| R2 -GCAARRAG GA ER A G E crown molding, andfarmhouse handscraped hardwood flooring throughout. The open-concept family/dining/kitchen out to sinks. the backyard double oven, sink,engineered and more. Primary bedroom bath updates include seamless glass shower and granite vanityopens with double Backyard for OFFERED AT $2,349,000 | a16830FARLEY.COM Located Located on a quiet on street a quiet and street large and lot, large this beautiful lot, this beautiful home has home been has completely been completely renovated renovated and expanded and expanded to perfection! to perfection! Enjoy updated Enjoy updated recessed recessed lighting, lighting, easy indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. Recently remodeled, the designer kitchen features a breakfast nook, island, wine fridge, marble backsplash, retreats feature outdoor kitchen and TV, professional landscaping, and gazebo. Great Los Gatos location walkable to top schools, Whole Foods and crown molding, crownfarmhouse molding, and and handscraped engineered hardwood hardwood flooring throughout. throughout. The open-concept The open-concept family/dining/kitchen family/dining/kitchen opens out opens to the out backyard to thesinks. backyard for Backyard for double oven, sink, andengineered more. bedroom bathflooring updates include a seamless glass shower and granite vanity with double Lunardi's, andhandscraped popular Vasona Park. Primary

DUCKY GRABILL RANKED INa TOP 1% INtowine NORTHERN CALIFORNIA easy indoor-outdoor easy indoor-outdoor living and living entertaining. andTV, entertaining. RecentlyRecently remodeled, remodeled, the designer the designer kitchen features kitchen features a breakfast breakfast nook, island, nook, island, winemarble fridge, backsplash, marble retreats feature outdoor kitchen and professional landscaping, and gazebo. Los Gatos location walkable top fridge, schools, Whole Foodsbacksplash, and OFFERED AT $2,349,000 | Great 16830FARLEY.COM Top 100 Real Estate Agents San Jose Magazine/Business REALTOR® double oven, double farmhouse oven, farmhouse sink, and sink, more. and Primary more. Primary bedroom bedroom bath updates bath updates include include a seamless a seamless glass shower glass shower and granite and vanity granite with vanity double with sinks. double Backyard sinks.Journal Backyard Lunardi's, and popular Vasona Park. retreats retreats feature outdoor feature outdoor kitchen and kitchen TV, and professional TV, professional landscaping, landscaping, and gazebo. and gazebo. Great Los Great Gatos Loslocation Gatos location walkablewalkable to top schools, to top schools, Whole Foods Wholeand Foods and OFFERED AT $2,349,000 | 16830FARLEY.COM DUCKY GRABILL RANKED IN TOP 1% IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 408.761.4073 | DuckyGrabill.com Lunardi's, Lunardi's, and popular and popular Vasona Vasona Park. Park. This information was supplied by third party sources. Sales Associate believes this information is correct but has not verified this inforTop 100 Real Estate Agents San Jose Magazine/Business Journal ducky@sereno.com | DRE 01018603 REALTOR® and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should verify accuracy and investigate to Buyer’s own satisfaction. OFFERED OFFERED AT $2,349,000 AT $2,349,000 | 16830FARLEY.COM |mation 16830FARLEY.COM

DUCKY GRABILL 408.761.4073 | DuckyGrabill.com REALTOR® DUCKY DUCKY GRABILL GRABILL ducky@sereno.com | DRE 01018603

REALTOR® REALTOR® 408.761.4073 | DuckyGrabill.com ducky@sereno.com || DuckyGrabill.com DRE 01018603 408.761.4073 408.761.4073 | DuckyGrabill.com ducky@sereno.com ducky@sereno.com | DRE 01018603 | DRE 01018603

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

16830 FARLE Y RD, LOS GATOS 16830 16830 FARLE FARLE Y RD, Y RD, LOSLOS GATOS GATOS

RANKED IN TOP 1% IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Top 100 Real Estate Agents San Jose Magazine/Business Journal RANKED RANKED IN TOP IN1% TOPIN1% NORTHERN IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA This information was supplied by third party sources. Sales Associate believes this information is correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should verify accuracy and investigate to Buyer’s own satisfaction.

Top 100Top Real100 Estate RealAgents Estate San Agents Jose San Magazine/Business Jose Magazine/Business Journal Journal

This information was supplied by third party sources. Sales Associate believes this information is correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should verify accuracy and investigate to Buyer’s own satisfaction.

This information This was information supplied by was third supplied party sources. by third party Sales sources. AssociateSales believes Associate this information believes this is correct information but has is correct not verified but has thisnot inforverified this information and assumes mationno and legal assumes responsibility no legalfor responsibility its accuracy. forBuyer its accuracy. should verify Buyeraccuracy should verify and investigate accuracy and to Buyer’s investigate ownto satisfaction. Buyer’s own satisfaction.

7


Drew Penner/Los Gatan

COMMUNITY MEETING OCT. 20 ON NORTH 40 PHASE II

LOCAL SCENE

Over the past six months, the developers behind the Los Gatos North 40 project have been considering what Phase II could look like, while evaluating what would make most sense to build. The team shared two different concepts with the Town officials and local residents: one that’s almost entirely residential; and another that offers a mix of uses (including some additional housing). “After years of listening and actively engaging the community for the past six months, the North 40 team understands from community feedback that the mixed-used concept is the alternative that should be pursued for Phase II,” said Birgit Johnston, a spokesperson for Harmonie Park Development. “We would like to share with you the rationale for this direction, provide more details on the concept and hear your thoughts.” The meeting will be held over Zoom on Oct. 20 at 6pm. To access the meeting, visit bit.ly/3BVHkbl. Meeting ID: 850 4238 9550. Passcode: 784843.

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

RECALL ELECTION CERTIFIED

8

The Sept. 14 California Gubernatorial Recall Election has been certified in Santa Clara County, Registrar of Voters Shannon Bushey announced Oct. 14. The majority of voters within Los Gatos voted against the recall, according to county election data, with precincts reporting between 57-74 percent of voters choosing “no.” Republican Larry Elder was also voted as the top candidate within all Los Gatos precincts. “The Gubernatorial Recall Election was scheduled with only 70 days to conduct the election, instead of the typical six-month timeframe,” Bushey said. “Volunteers and staff worked hard to conduct an efficient election.” The final turnout for the election totaled 638,555 ballots cast, representing 63.04 percent of the 1,012,905 registered voters. Gov. Gavin Newsom retained his office as more than 50

FINISHING TOUCHES A worker smooths a concrete walkway to a housing unit under construction at the North 40 development in northern Los Gatos. The developer will hold a virtual meeting Oct. 20 to gather input on the project’s next phase.

percent of votes casted in California were against the recall. Countywide, about 73 percent of voters rejected the recall. For information, visit sccvote.org

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE WORK BEGINS The Town of Los Gatos has begun the update process for the 2023–2031 Housing Element of the General Plan, and the public is invited to participate. The Housing Element is a plan for housing the Town’s present and future residents. This meeting is being held to provide an opportunity for the public and the Housing Element Advisory Board to discuss the Housing Element update, major elements of the work plan and priorities. The meeting will take place virtually on Oct. 21 at 7pm. For information, visit LosGatosCA.gov/ HousingElementUpdate

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AT BELGATOS PARK The Parks Commission and Town of Los Gatos staff will host “Park for Parks” at Belgatos Park, 330 Belgatos Road, on Oct. 23 from 10am to 1pm. The event will feature guided bird watching, instructor-led mountain biking, trail running clinics, interactive booths and more. Alex Lucero and the Live Again Band will perform throughout the event. For information, visit losgatosca.gov/2408/Events

STREET WORK WRAPPING UP All rubber cape seal and slurry seal work on Los Gatos streets for the year was completed on Oct. 12, town officials reported. Work that remains includes permanent striping and raising/adjusting of utilities to grade.

Along Winchester Boulevard from Blossom Hill Road to Albright Way, where new Class IV bikeways with green bollards will be installed, the town is allowing the contractor to install permanent striping from 9pm to 5am through Oct. 22. Nearby residents should anticipate minimal noise interruptions, according to town officials.

LOCAL STUDENT NAMED TO DEAN'S LIST AT PALMER COLLEGE Teneal Mofford of Los Gatos has been named to the summer 2021 quarter Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic's West campus in San Jose. Palmer College of Chiropractic has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose; and Port Orange, Fla.


Wellness Wednesday Yoga at 1440

Tapas & Tunes at 1440

Saturday Supper at 1440

Connect, Learn & Become Inspired with 1440 Community Events Reconnect with yourself, friends and loved ones in the redwoods with 1440 Multiversity Community Events, presenting new learning opportunities to explore our 75-acre campus in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Immersive educational experiences including Mindful Movie nights, live music under the stars and delicious globally inspired meals comprise just a sample of our day guest learning offerings, inviting you to re-energize in the fresh mountain air at 1440. Wellness Wednesday Yoga:

Enjoy a signature yoga class, refuel with a seasonal house-made juice blend formulated by our 1440 campus nutritionist, and cool down with an optional redwood nature walk on the 1440 campus. Offered select Wednesdays.

$ 75

Saturday Supper: Join us for

a Chef’s Open House & Garden Tour at the 1440 Teaching Kitchen before indulging in a multi-course dinner menu at Kitchen Table. Relax into the evening with a 1440 Signature Class or Mindful Movie designed to educate and inspire. Offered select Saturdays.

$ 55

Tapas & Tunes: Tour Joanie’s

Garden before beginning your culinary adventure at Kitchen Table sampling a variety of sustainable food favorites from around the world. After, relax at Common Grounds Patio by the fire pits and enjoy live music. Offered select Fridays.

$ 35

$ 10

Mindful Movie Night: Attend an

inspired evening that begins with live music on the patio, before the doors to the Redwood Auditorium open for a thought-provoking movie that will leave you feeling inspired to enrich the world. Offered select Saturdays.

Sunday Family Meal: Choose

between breakfast or lunch at Kitchen Table and participate in an engaging 1440 Signature Class. You also have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive 1440 Larder Bag – filled with housemade pantry treats – to bring the flavors of 1440 home. Offered select Sundays.

Learn more and register at 1440.org/LG Please note that advanced registration is required, and tickets tend to sell out early

1440 Multiversity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic campus – all ticket purchases help feed families in our community and support our 1440 grant and scholarship program fostering the 1440 vision of creating hope for living well.

SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA | 1440.ORG/LG | (844) 544-1440

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

$ 40

9


SPORTS

ON A GOOD RUN

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

Emanuel Lee, Sports Reporter

10

Los Gatos High cross country standouts Shea Elmore and Sophie Tau can be in the middle of a hard workout when they suddenly start busting out in laughter. In a sport as difficult as running—where one has to continually push their physical limits—keeping things loose and fun is essential to success. “Sophie and I are always laughing constantly with each other and at each other,” said Elmore, the top freshman sensation who has four first-place finishes, a second and a third in six races this season. “It’s super great when we’re doing fast intervals that sometimes we can start laughing even when we’re breathing heavily. It keeps all the hard training fun.” Tau is the Wildcats’ No. 2 runner and like Elmore has been remarkably consistent this season. The junior has a first, two seconds, a pair of fourths and an eighth-place finish out of six races. Tau has made steady improvement since her freshman year, consistently running times two to three minutes faster this season. “Mainly it’s my mindset because I don’t think I was as serious about running as I am now,” she said. “We have a good team that motivates me and I genuinely like running now.” Indeed, Los Gatos is not only the top-ranked team in the Central Coast Section, but in Northern California, according to crosscountryexpress. com. The Wildcats have a crop of talented freshmen including Tatum Pyle and Sarina Salzer-Swartz, who finished eighth and ninth, respectively, in the second league meet of the season on Oct. 5. Senior Fiona Herron finished 14th and was the team’s fifth and final scoring runner as Los Gatos totaled a low of 38 points to best Los Altos by 13 positions. Sophomores Abigail

Zolla (23rd) and Kate Herron (27th) provided strong support in a field of 94 runners. “Everyone on the team enjoys each other's company, and we all really love running and that plays a big role (in the team’s success),” Tau said. “We motivate and inspire each other, and we’re close knit. Shea has played a big role in my improvement. She’s so fast and I look up to her so much.” Elmore echoed similar sentiments: “It’s super fun being on this team and I love going to practices. It’s probably one of the best parts of my day.” Elmore entered high school with a strong running resume, so it’s not a surprise to see her winning races. However, Elmore said she’s been pleasantly surprised in how she’s performed against ultra-tough competition. The Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s De Anza Division is one of the toughest in the CCS, and boasts one of the best individuals in Palo Alto High junior Elizabeth Fetter. In the first league meet of the season on Sept. 21 at Baylands, Elmore edged Fetter by half a second over the 3.1mile course. The two were hip on hip virtually the entire way, with Elmore barely outkicking Fetter in the final 10 meters. “I’ve actually had that happen (near photo finish) a bunch of times in my races in the past, and it’s always fun when it happens,” Elmore said. “I usually have a really good kick, and it comes down to the lean at the finish line and I love that.” Elmore went sub-12 minutes at the season-opening 2.0-mile Firebird Invitational and established a season-best time of 17:57.6 over 3.1 miles at the first league meet on Sept. 21. Elmore has a goal to win league and CCS titles, both as an individual and the team. Her future in the sport was cemented at an early age. Elmore started doing the mile run in the fifth grade, when she clocked in at 6 minutes, 35 seconds. It was at that point when she

Robert Eliason

Elmore, Tau keep things fast and fun

THEY’RE FAST Shea Elmore and Sophie Tau are the top runners for a Los Gatos High girls cross country team that is ranked No. 1 in the Central Coast Section and Northern California. joined a running club. The next year, she lowered her time in the mile to 5:55. As a seventh grader, she hit 5:15. Both of Elmore’s parents are runners and she would tag along with them on runs starting in elementary school. “I never liked being left home so I would force myself to go along with them,” she said. Tau realized she was faster than most of her peers while in grade school, when, during games of tag, teachers and fellow students would comment on her speed. Still, she was a bit intimidated at first upon meeting Elmore, knowing the times the freshman had posted. “I heard about her crazy fast times and was amazed,” Tau said. “But we

only needed to do one run together to connect. She’s a very fun person to be around so we’re all lucky to have her on the team.” Whenever a workout or race gets tough, Tau reminds herself how good she will feel after completing them. “There’s always going to be that looming desire to stop, especially if you’re not having a good run,” she said. “So it’s nice to be able to think about how I will feel after finishing. I also remind myself I need to finish and do my role on the team because every person matters for points.” Like Elmore, Tau got into running at an early age, entering her first San Jose Turkey Trot 5K when she was 8 or 9 years old. She’s finished the Turkey Trot every year since.


RIPP’S PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF Robert Eliason

Los Gatos High senior to play at Boise State Emanuel Lee, Sports Reporter

ALWAYS IN PURSUIT Wildcats senior Jake Ripp has been an impact player on both offense and defense as a tight end and linebacker, respectively.

‘I learned resilience through this.’ Jake Ripp This summer, Ripp either did a private workout in front of coaches or a camp at the following universities: UC Davis, San Jose State, Sacramento State, Cal, UCLA, Boise State and Arizona. Sometimes, the camps and workouts would fall on consecutive days, making the process draining at times. “I learned resilience through this,” he said. “A lot of times I’d have to fly in at night, wake up early the next morning, go to camp and then get ready for another camp the next day. You learn to deal with stress just knowing these things happen for a reason.”

RIPP EFFECT Los Gatos High senior linebacker and tight end Jake Ripp had a whirlwind summer participating in college camps and workouts which resulted in him accepting an offer to play at Boise State.

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

fensive linemen off me, so I don’t have a lot of pressure on me to make a play.” Ripp said the key to the team’s success is everyone is sticking to their role and not trying to play hero ball. “I just stick to my keys and do what I’ve been coached up to do, and not get caught up in everything the offense throws at you,” he said. “It’s all about being in proper alignment and doing your assignment—that is what our coaches always teach us.” In addition to being a standout linebacker, Ripp has made a huge impact on the offensive side of the ball as well. He’s been a major weapon in the red zone, as six of his 13 catches have been for touchdowns. But as a tight end, he takes the most pride in physically dominating his opponents. “Having a pancake block is always super fun and satisfying,” he said. “There’s not as much glory as scoring a touchdown, but you can’t beat the feeling of delivering a pancake block, then helping the guy up, say good play and do it again. I love it.”

Jake Ripp via Boise State athletics

When Jake Ripp was attending a half-dozen football camps and doing solo workouts in front of college coaches this past summer, he didn’t have to look far for advice. His mom, Katy, played college and professional volleyball and knew everything her son was going through. Katy traveled with Jake on the whirlwind recruiting process and was there every step of the way. “We’d get sick of each other at times, but it was awesome having her by my side,” said Jake, a senior linebacker and tight end for a Los Gatos High team that entered the week at 8-0 overall and 4-0 in the Santa Clara Valley League’s De Anza Division. “My mom would give me advice and help me a lot through the entire process. She was really helpful in the stressful moments when I got worked up over some things.” Ripp did a combination of camps and workouts and came out of it with a handful of athletic scholarship packages. But once Boise State offered, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder couldn’t refuse, giving a verbal commitment to the school in the first week of August. Turns out, Katy was overjoyed her son had chosen to be a Bronco. “Her best friend’s nephew is a starting safety there and doing great,” Jake said. “We’re family friends with them and my mom wanted me to check out Boise State in my freshman year.” Ripp is an integral part of a Los Gatos squad that ranks among the best in the entire Bay Area. The team’s defense has been particularly stingy, allowing just 10 points per game, including three consecutive shutouts in league play. Ripp credited his fellow linebackers and defensive linemen including Bennett Grado, Nicolas Ramos, Andrew Rogers, Tate Schweitzer, Trent Steiner and Jack Saul for allowing him free rein to make plays. “We all play well together, and it’s awesome to be a part of that,” he said. “We have a lot of tough and fast D linemen who have been getting the of-

11


Article inspires generational transfer of musical instrument Contributed

Boy gifted with Italianmade antique accordion

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

Drew Penner, Reporter

12

When Virginia Primon was a shy teenager in the 1950s, playing accordion was something that got her onto a community float, to serenade people along the streets of San Jose during a community parade. After going to college to become a teacher, she just didn’t have time for it anymore. And it was really too heavy for her anyways. “I loved playing accordion,” said Primon, who now lives in Los Gatos and will celebrate her 80th birthday later this month. “I’ve turned to playing the piano now.” She’d begun getting rid of her old sheet music, while the antique accordion languished in storage. But when Primon picked up the Sept. 29 issue of the Los Gatan and read the story of Colin Kennedy, the 11-year-old local boy who was recently honored with a scholarship by the prestigious Cotati Accordion Festival, she knew it was time to give her treasured item a reprise. “I read about Colin Kennedy in the Los Gatos paper today. I have an accordion that I think he should have,” she wrote to Michael Zampiceni, Kennedy’s teacher. “I played it when I was a young woman, then it became too heavy for me and I could no longer play it.” Dallape is a genuine Italian accordion manufacturer which has been in the business since 1876. Its models can fetch thousands of dollars on the used market. The accordion weighs about 25 pounds—much heavier than the Scandalli model Kennedy currently plays, which is just 15 pounds. When Zampiceni reached Colin’s mother Natasha Lyukevich, she understood the weight of what this meant for her son. “This gift is a great honor, inspiration, and responsibility for Colin,” she said. “Colin will have to grow into it.” They drove across town to Primon’s home to go pick it up. “I was just blown away by it,” Kennedy said. “Then, she started telling us

‘BLOWN AWAY’ Colin Kennedy holds a 1950s-era Dallape accordion donated to him by Virginia Primon. about the accordion.” Primon’s mother paid about $1,000 for the instrument back when she lived in the Rose Garden area of San Jose, she explains. “She never should have got it because it was way too heavy,” Primon said, adding it was her accordion teacher who’d talked her parents into the Italian brand. “It meant a lot to me.” Primon studied at the Figone Accordion School under Lou Figone and Angelo Sparacino, who were known around the region for regular performances on “The Italian Hour,” and other radio shows—like the “Farm

Report” in Watsonville. “I loved it,” Primon said, looking back to her younger years. “I belonged to the accordion band.” Lyukevich said her son was excited to be recognized for his musical passion. She knows this is the beginning of a new journey—restoring an antique. “It needs to air out,” she said, adding it exudes history and soul. “It definitely feels like it needs to be brought back to life.” Colin couldn’t be happier about this chance to delve into Italian history, second-hand. “Not only did she give us this accor-

dion, but she also gave us this folder with all this old sheet music,” he said, adding one was actually by his teacher’s father—who composed the song he performed recently in Cotati. “It’s just amazing.” Colin said he just wants to be the best accordion player he can be, and says the first step to nursing the Dallape back to health will be to let his teacher examine the priceless possession. “I’m really looking forward to playing it,” he said. “My focus right now isn’t on expanding my horizons—it’s on refining my skills.”


POLICE BLOTTER Arnold Breit

OCT. 10

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia on the 500 block of Blossom Hill Road at 1:27am. • A Las Astas Drive resident reported that a Porsche sped by her house at “80 mph” at 3:43pm. It was later placed into a “racing trailer.” • Police received a report of a battery on the 100 block of North Santa Cruz Avenue at 9:30pm.

OCT. 11

• A truck was reported stolen on Lark Avenue and South Turner Street. • No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision on Los Gatos Boulevard and Lark Avenue at 6:10pm.

OCT. 12

• Police received a report of mailbox theft on Oakhurst Drive. • A vehicle was burglarized in a parking lot on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road.

• A motorcyclist’s arm was broken after they were struck by a vehicle on Los Gatos Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road at 11:25am. • A vehicle was burglarized on Park Avenue and West Main Street.

OCT. 15

• Someone broke a window of a business on the first block of University Avenue.

OCT. 16

• A vehicle was reported stolen on the 100 block of North Santa Cruz Avenue.

• A person reported that, for the past month, their neighbor on Los Gatos-Almaden Road has been idling their motorcycle for 20 to 30 minutes every morning before taking off.

• A driver of a minivan crashed into a business on the 100 block of Los Gatos-Saratoga Road at 7:19pm, causing major damage to the building. No injuries were reported.

• No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle collision on Los Gatos Boulevard and Nino Avenue at 4:39pm.

• Four suspects stole six packs of alcohol from a business on the 15500 block of Union Avenue at 7:59pm.

• A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle parked on Las Astas Drive.

• Live Oak Manor Park was vandalized with graffiti.

OCT. 14

• Minor injuries were reported in a vehicle collision on Lark Avenue and Los Gatos Boulevard at 7:38am.

Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.

FIRST FRIDAYS

Beta Space: Trevor Paglen Opening Celebration

Friday, November 5 | Free admission 6–9pm Attend the opening celebration of Beta Space: Trevor Paglen, featuring the artist’s first sound commission—There Will Come Soft Rains (2021), installed in SJMA’s historic clocktower and resounding into the streets of downtown San José. Late nite bites + cash bar at el cafecito by Mezcal. 110 South Market Street

New Hours: Fri–Sun, 11am–6pm

Image: Interior view of the Museum’s Nels Johnson Century Tower Clock, the site of the sound installation, high above downtown San José since 1908. Installation will sound on the hour daily between 8am and 8pm.

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

• A stolen vehicle was recovered on University Avenue and Andrews Street at 5:17am.

13


SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM IN LOS GATOS Join us as a charter subscriber!

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

14

Ada County Sheriff ’s Office releases details of monthslong investigation Drew Penner, Reporter

The woman who threw alcoholfueled parties for teens at her Los Gatos mansion, where sex was encouraged, arrived back in Santa Clara County yesterday after being extradited from Idaho, authorities said. Shannon O’Connor is scheduled to be arraigned today at 1:30pm. On Oct. 9 police in Star, Idaho, arrested O’Connor (aka Shannon Bruga) at her new home there, on the 39-charge California warrant, which includes sexual battery and child endangerment. She was booked into the Ada County Jail on a $900,000 bond. The sexual activity she allowed to go on during the pandemic-era parties was “sometimes non-consensual,” according to prosecutors, who claim she even watched on some occasions. Detectives in the Ada County Sheriff ’s Office (ACSO) began their investigation earlier this summer after hearing from a local family that O'Connor was considering relocating to Treasure Valley. Investigators feared O’Connor might be throwing parties in Ada County, too. According to Sheriff ’s Office officials, the reporting family originally connected with O’Connor over the internet and later met her in the Boise area this spring, when she was house-hunting in Idaho. When the family learned about the California sexual abuse investigation, looking into reports she bought teens vodka and other alcohol, gave them condoms, and discouraged them from telling their parents about the parties, they tried to sever ties, authorities said. They told detectives that’s when O’Connor started harassing them. The Idaho investigation was still underway when Santa Clara prosecutors issued the arrest warrant. “When ACSO detectives went to Bruga’s house to arrest her…there

were 10 underage boys and two girls at her home–most of whom spent the night there,” an ACSO release reads. “Detectives contacted the parents of those teens and later released them.” Deputies declared O’Connor’s two teenage sons to be in “imminent danger” and placed them in the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. O’Connor has not been charged in Idaho and was released from ACSO custody Tuesday morning, Patrick Orr, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed. Anyone with information is asked to call 208.577.3704 or send an email to ahagemanturner@adacounty.id.gov.

Shannon O’Connor

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

lgsubs.com

WOMAN ACCUSED OF THROWING ALCOHOL-FUELED PARTIES FOR TEENS ARRESTED IN IDAHO

O’CONNOR’S HOUSE Investigators say Shannon O’Connor was holding alcohol-fueled sex parties for teens at this home on Arroyo Del Rancho Road in Los Gatos.


CALENDAR

The Los Gatos Library will host a virtual Arabic-English bilingual storytime on Oct. 21 at 11am. → facebook.com/losgatoslibrary

STOMPBOX Stompbox, performing mashups and medleys, will perform at Number 1 Broadway, 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), on Oct. 22. Doors open at 7pm, with music starting at 9pm. → number1broadway.com/events/ stompbox-2

HIROSHIMA Asian-influenced Jazz band Hiroshima will perform at Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road in Saratoga, on Oct. 22 at 7:30pm. Their sound is described as falling somewhere between R&B, pop, world music, salsa and jazz, while integrating Japanese instruments and musical traditions. Tickets are $72 for premier, or $67 for reserved. → bit.ly/3n6ZRLD

SHIFT / WORK New Museum Los Gatos is partnering with the San Jose Woman’s Club to present SHIFT / work in support of its current exhibition, Sawyer Rose: Carrying Stones. Rose will lead the conversation and explore the question: How much work do you actually do in a day? The in-person event takes place Oct. 23 from 1-2pm at 106 East Main St. General admission is $10, or free for NUMU members. → numulosgatos.org/events/ october-shift/work

ELECTRIC X Electric X, performing dance, pop and rock hits, will perform at Number 1 Broadway, 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), on Oct. 23. Doors open at 7pm, with music starting at 9pm. → number1broadway.com/events/ electric-x-7

THE KIWANIS CLUB OF LOS GATOS The club meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at Flights Restaurant, 165 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road #5306. First two Thursdays of the month feature guest speakers.

BLUES JAM Little Lou's BBQ, 2455 S. Winchester Blvd. in Campbell, hosts the Blues Jam on Thursdays from 6-9pm. → littlelousbbq.com/calender

PUBLIC MEETINGS Town Council The Los Gatos Town Council meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Next meeting: Nov. 2. → losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council Planning Commission The Los Gatos Planning Commission meets virtually on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Next meeting: Oct. 27. → losgatosca.gov/189/ Planning-Commission 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. Next meeting: Oct. 26. → bit.ly/3DaJRi9 Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees The board meets monthly at either 6:30pm or 4pm. Next meeting: Nov. 18. For a schedule, visit bit.ly/3oywlRA Other Town commissions The Town of Los Gatos has various committees that serve as advisory bodies for the Town Council. For information and a schedule of meetings, visit losgatosca.gov/12/ Boards-Commissions-Committees

You’ve Worked Hard, Now It’s Your Money’s Turn Get to Know Us Special Rate

$50K | 24 Months | 4% APY Fixed Income Paid Monthly Best Rate: 6.5% APY | $250K | 48 Months Complimentary self-directed retirement account ($800+ value) for tax-deferred/tax-free (IRA/Roth) investments Visit us at www.stadiacapitalgroup.com to get started today.

800-893-6184 Offer available to accredited investors only. Void where prohibited. Limited availability. Call for details.

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

VIRTUAL BILINGUAL STORYTIME

15


o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

Was your home built before 1970?

16

TrenchFree is the South Bay’s leader in nondisruptive “no-dig” replacement of water mains and sewer lines. A slow drain or unsatisfactory pressure may be a sign.

Home Networks Home Networks Security Cameras Home Networks Security Cameras Wi-Fi Upgrades Security Cameras Wi-Fi Upgrades Wi-Fi Upgrades

An experienced Silicon Valley IT manager will help An experienced Silicon Valley IT manager willright help you speed up slow connections, choose the you speed and up slow connections, choose the equipment sort through the ofright An experienced Silicon Valley ITchallenges manager will help equipment and sort through the challenges of keeping your home technology devices on-line and you speed up slow connections, choose the right keeping your home devices on-line and performing well. Asktechnology us aboutthe whole home audio equipment and sort through challenges of performing well. Asktoo. us Call about audio and smart lighting forwhole a free home consultation! keeping your home technology devices on-line and and smart lighting too. Call for a free consultation! performing well. Ask us about whole home audio

647-4687 and smart lighting too. Call408 for a free consultation!

www.doitforme.solutions 408 647-4687 www.doitforme.solutions Trusted • Owner operated • Locally-based 408 647-4687 www.doitforme.solutions Trusted • Owner operated • Locally-based Trusted • Owner operated • Locally-based


Part of the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (a21)

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

November 20 & 21, 2021 SaN JoSe CeNter for the PerformiNg artS SymPhoNy SiliCoN valley.org • 408-286-2600

17


REAL ESTATE

HOME OF THE WEEK

Sereno

18

HISTORIC HOME WITH MULTIPLE ADUS This property close to downtown Los Gatos includes an historic single-family home with two Accessory Dwelling Units onsite. Located at 39 Reservoir Road, each of the three homes has two bedrooms, one bathroom and a washer and dryer. The original two-story home was built between 1876-1888, and is in need of some TLC, a listing by Sereno states. Combined with the attached one-story ADU, the building is 2,100 square feet.

Sereno

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com

RESERVOIR ROAD Trees surround this historic property near downtown Los Gatos.

The detached home was built in the late 1980s, and features a large deck and two-vehicle garage. A variety of trees grow on the property, including plum, walnut, almond, oak, pine and others. The property is listed at $1,850,000 by Sereno. For information, visit bit.ly/3pdffZH

PLENTY OF ROOM Two ADUs are located on the property.


Quality House Cleaning

SERVICES DIRECTORY • Plant-based CleaningProducts • Top of the line equipment used • Vaccinated for COVID-19

I specialize in homes!

DONATION BUSINESS

HOUSE CLEANING

Quality House Cleaning Call or Text Kristina:

References • Insured • LIC#108576

HAULING HAULING

SANTOS HAULING SANTOS HAULING The ORIGINAL Santos Hauling The ORIGINAL since Santos 1998 Hauling

since 1998

831-246-4346 831-246-4346 dburjaconst@sbcglobal.net

Lic. #802148 dburjaconst@sbcglobal.net Lic. #802148

UNUSUAL UNUSUALBUILDS BUILDS • Tree• Tree Houses Houses • Van• Van Conversions Conversions • She• She Sheds Sheds • Dude Shacks • Dude Shacks MasterMaster Craftsman w/over 40yrs experience Craftsman w/over 40yrs experience

call Christopher 831.431.0828 call Christopher 831.431.0828

PAINTING Feeling Overwhelmed? PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Organizing challenges of any kind Home or Office Relocations/Downsizing Nonjudgmental

Christy Best 831 247-0988

LIC#108576

- Clean Ups - Clean Ups - Yard Work - Yard - TreeWork Trimming or Cutting - Tree Trimming or Cutting - Dirt Removal - Dirt Removal

- High Weed Cut High Weed Cut --Brush Cleaning Brush Oak Cleaning --Poison - Poison Oak Tear Off Tear Off - Demolition - Demolition Lowest Cost, Bonded, References

Lowest Cost, Bonded, References

FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES CALL MARIO OR J SANTOS

CALL MARIO OR J SANTOS 831-252-5353

831-252-5353 Lic. #76915

Lic. #76915

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

ESSENTIAL

HANDYMAN SERVICES

650-703-5179

cleansweep1989@gmail.com

LANDSCAPING

(831) 239-4645 (25+ YRS. EXP.)

ClutterBug.net

MOON PAINTING PAINTING

“You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows”

Randy Sauro 831-588-4243

Professional - Timely - Courteous

Providing quality service and meeting your real estate needs in both sales and property management since 1977

INTERIOR - EXTERIOR PRESSUREPAINTING MOON WASHING - EXTERIOR INTERIOR PRESSURE WASHING SAUL: 831-331-0111

Broker, Jeanne Jensen Shada

438-2208 PROFESSIONAL

4615 Scotts Valley Dr, Suite B DRE #00606749

SAUL: ANSWERS 831-331-0111 CROSSWORD

cleansweep1989@gmail.com A T W O Window O Cleaning D

R&R

SCOTTS VALLEY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

D R I N K I N

D A R E D N O T

L I E F

E T T A S

T W O E V E R S A N S S L I T A I G Y U M A M A L B L A M A A L A S T O N H A R E R I O

I O N S

L O L Z A D S T E S T S A P I A F R O U N C U T A P P I N G L O U D M O U T H C E D E A R P R O M L E A S R U T E R I N I B L E T K P O P N O T A T E D F I E S W E B D A S A N I L E T T E R REAL W O RESTATE D S Y O G A O R T I S O A K I N N O S P A T B L M I S I T D O U B L E C R O S S P E T E R R S O A R S T E A S E D I C E B F F J I N N T H R E E F E E T U N D E R W I M D S C U S T O M E R O D O M E M O T T A P E S R N A Housing C H O too expensive W H Ahere?E A P K Now E A withKworking I T in place F O you U Rcan B live A where L L S O U P P O P A W H E E L E you want for much less and KEEP YOURIJOB. N T H T W I T S N E E Z E S O Let D me OfindN you C aE real estate A Rbroker D E N

To adverstise call Serenity Polizzi A 408.200.1323

A

L O S G ATA N . C O M | S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 2 1

CONSTRUCTION Home Remodel Home Remodel Kitchen/Bath All Kitchen/Bath Home Repair All Home Services Repair Services

Insured

Call or Text Kristina: (25+ YRS. EXP.)

408.200.1323

DANIEL BURJA CONSTRUCTION DANIEL BURJA

CLUTTERBUG

(831) 239-4645 • • References

PLUMBING

ClutterBug.net

I specialize in homes!

FIND LOCAL SERVICES ALL IN ONE PLACE FROM A-Z

CONSTRUCTION

Christy Best 831 247-0988

• Plant-based CleaningProducts 650-703-5179 • Top of the line equipment used • Vaccinated for COVID-19

GUTTERS

CONSTRUCTION

Feeling Overwhelmed? Organizing challenges of any kind Home or Office Relocations/Downsizing Nonjudgmental ORGANIZER

LOOKING TO MOVE FROM THE BAY AREA? I

• Carpentry • Home Repair • Landscape

GREG EIMAN

831.588.1260

FIND LOCAL SERVICES ALL IN ONE PLACE FROM A-Z

408.200.1323 LANDSCAPING

R I E S T

out of the area in Ca. or out of state. No cost to you. This is part of my service. I will do the leg work. I will also give you a $100. gift certificate when you purchase through my referral. All I need to know is the city you want to move to.

To adverstise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323

33

o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6 : los gatan .co m

ASPHALT

CLUTTER BUG

19


20 o ctobe r 2 0 -2 6, 2 0 21 : losgatan.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.