Los Gatan 12 15 2021 by Weeklys

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remembering john brezzo

vol . I, no. 15 : december 15-21 , 2021 : losgatan.com

: wildcats play fast p10 : calendar p14 : ny times crossword puzzle p17 Drew Penner/Los Gatan

SUPERVISORS ADOPT NEW DISTRICT BOUNDARIES Los Gatos moving to District 5, excluding local supervisorial candidate

Ristow named vice mayor, Sayoc lauded for leading town in 2021

Jana Kadah, Reporter

After hundreds of hours of fierce debate and controversy, Santa Clara County supervisors finalized new district boundaries. The board of supervisors voted 3-2 on Dec. 7 to advance a variation of the Yellow Map, known as draft 90195, introduced by Supervisor Cindy Chavez. Supervisors Mike Wasserman and Joe Simitian dissented. The map received its final approval on the supervisors’ Dec. 14 consent agenda, with the same 3-2 vote. The 90195 Map, like the Yellow Map, creates a “majority-minority” Asian-Pacific Islander district in District 3 and maintains a high Latino influence district in District 2. It removes Los Gatos and Almaden Valley from District 1 and places them in District 5, a move that has been contested by conservative voices in the county. They argued it would dilute conservative power in District 1. ➝ Redistricting, 6

NEWLY APPOINTED MAYOR RENNIE OUTLINES VISION FOR UPCOMING TENURE Drew Penner, Reporter

Council Chambers were brimming as residents turned out Tuesday night for the ceremonial handoff of mayor and vice mayor duties. And as Rob Rennie, who’s been vice mayor for the past year, took the gavel from now-former mayor Marico Sayoc, he commended her for her leadership. “Thanks for your personal sacrifices to get us through the year,” he said, lauding her efforts to push Los Gatos to become a more inclusive community. “For many, Marico remained a ➝ Mayor, 6

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WE WON! Claudia Yore (center) shrieks with glee as fellow Los Gatos resident Heather Stinger (left) runs to hug her, after they were announced the first winners of Garth Brooks tickets during a promotion Dec. 11.

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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.

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VOL.1 NO.15 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor and Publisher Lee May General Manager Erik Chalhoub Managing Editor Lori Lieneke Advertising Director Phaedra Strecher Production Manager Katie Lauer Drew Penner Reporters Emanuel Lee Juan Reyes Sports writers Judy Peterson Contributor Serenity Polizzi Carrie Bonato Account Executives Marie Hicks Subscriptions

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LAWSUIT OF OFFICER IN SJSU ARREST VIDEO THROWN OUT Judge says officer’s wrongful-dismissal allegation is ‘insufficient’ Drew Penner, Reporter

On Dec. 9, a U.S. Northern District judge rejected the wrongful-dismissal lawsuit of a former Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police officer who was the subject of a controversial body camera video depicting a bloody use-of-force incident while employed at San Jose State University. Johnathon Silva was hired by Los Gatos in September 2018 after successfully emerging from an SJSU internal affairs probe into that 2016 arrest. He says the Town moved to fire him after that video became public and community pressure against him mounted. “Silva alleges that Defendants terminated his employment in response to public pressure,” Judge Edward J. Davila said in his order. “This allegation, without more, is insufficient to state a cognizable substantive due process claim.” Davila explained in the relevant case law, Engquist vs. Oregon Department of Agriculture, the fired plaintiff couldn’t get a job despite submitting about 200 job applications—and yet that still wasn’t enough to show the violation of the right to future work. In fact, the employee would have to show “stigmatizing actions” would make it “virtually impossible” to get another job in his field, Davila added. “Silva does not allege that Defendants took any stigmatizing action, much less action akin to ‘blacklisting’ him from working as a police officer,” he said. “There are no factual allegations from which to reasonably infer Defendants’ actions ‘destroyed’ his freedom to take advantage of other employment opportunities.” So, Silva’s due-process claim “fails to satisfy the standard articulated in

NEWS

Engquist” and his complaint can’t be tweaked and resubmitted to the court “because allowing for further amendment would be futile,” Davila ordered. Suzanne Solomon, a lawyer for Los Gatos with San Francisco-based Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, declined to comment on the decision.

‘Silva alleges that Defendants terminated his employment in response to public pressure. This allegation, without more, is insufficient to state a cognizable substantive due process claim.’ Judge Edward J. Davil In the 2016 use-of-force video, Silva is seen bloodying a man suspected of masturbating to porn. The suspect ended up with a broken eye socket and fractured ribs, and was

OMICRON ARRIVES IN COUNTY Infected patient recently returned from out-of-state travel Staff Report

Santa Clara County has received its first report of a case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, county officials said. The case was reported Dec. 9 involving someone who was fully vaccinated but had not received a booster. The person had recently returned from traveling out of the state and is currently in isolation, according to the county.

in the hospital for more than a week, according to KQED. It was released under new police transparency laws. Silva was found to have used excessive force, which put other officers and the public in danger. He was fired, but that decision was overturned on appeal. Silva was cleared by LGMSPD in the violent 2019 arrest of a different man, who claimed to have a brain tumor. In that video, released by Los Gatos police, Silva can be seen apparently preventing the suspect from recording their interaction. On July 11, 2019, Silva was told he was being fired, according to his lawsuit. Silva’s complaint claimed he was to be terminated from the Los Gatos department “based solely on public pressure” and was found to be “above average” for patrol stops. Los Gatos “was made aware of each and every component” of the contentious SJSU arrest, when he was preparing to work in the community, the suit stated. Meanwhile, Los Gatos claimed its former chief, Peter Decena couldn’t be sued because of “qualified immunity.” Town lawyers argued Silva failed to assert Los Gatos officials did anything unconstitutional, adding if the video led to his termination, the blame falls on him. Mike McGill, Silva’s attorney, did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit dismissal. The case, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Dec. 9 approving Pfizer booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds, is prompting county public health officials to encourage those who haven't gotten vaccinated or a booster shot to do so. “Although there are still many unknowns about this variant, we strongly recommend getting vaccinated and getting your booster if you haven't already to help guard against Omicron,” Dr. Sara Cody, the county's director of public health, said in a statement. Appointments are available at county clinics by visiting sccfreevax.org and people can also find appointments at myturn.ca.gov or by checking with their doctor or local pharmacies. Copyright © 2021 Bay City News, Inc.

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LOS GATOS REMOVED FROM SOUTH COUNTY DISTRICT

Redistricting, from page 1

San Jose city councilmember Johnny Khamis who represented the Almaden area and Los Gatos Vice Mayor Rob Rennie. In an earlier interview, Rennie said he would consider staying in the race if he can remain in Los Gatos. He said it would be bad form to leave the town before his term is out. “It’s disappointing to be kind of tossed out of the race,” Rennie said, noting he may wait to run for a supervisor seat in his new district in 2024. Opponents argued that Chavez should have been barred from voting on the maps because of alleged conflicts of interest, citing her participation in a fundraiser for District 1 candidate Rich Constantine, mayor of Morgan Hill. They also pointed to her previous employment with the South Bay Labor Council and Working Partnerships USA, which had participated in creating the Yellow Map.

Chavez told supervisors the 90195 Map was an improvement of the Yellow Map because it reduces population imbalance in districts, provides better representation to historically marginalized communities in county politics and keeps district boundaries compact and clear. The map unites the Evergreen area in southeast San Jose, doesn’t split the Willow Glen neighborhood and uses the Capitol Expressway and the Guadalupe Expressway as natural district boundaries. Wasserman, who is not seeking reelection in District 1, instead advocated for the EE 2.0 Map, which was discarded at the November meeting. He continued to argue that it was worthy of consideration because it had the lowest deviation of any of the maps at 1.2 percent. The state guideline is 10 percent. Per state law, the board must adopt an updated map by Dec. 15, and be

County of Santa Clara

The Yellow Map was advanced by a coalition of local civil rights and labor groups. The endorsed map also has a deviation of 4.1 percent, which means it has relatively the same amount of people living in each of the county’s five districts. Like all maps before the board, it splits San Jose into each of the five districts because of its high population and large city limits. The Yellow Map, previously known as the Unity Map, had gone through several variations. At the Dec. 8 board meeting, supervisors considered nine different maps. Supervisors Otto Lee, Susan Ellenberg and Chavez voted in favor of the 90195 Map. The map has prompted legal questions from opponents because it would exclude two District 1 candidates from running in that district—former

REDISTRICTING The 90195 Map, introduced by Supervisor Cindy Chavez, was endorsed by the Santa Clara County Supervisors. in place before the next election cycle, so that candidates and voters know in which district they reside. The new boundaries will take effect Jan. 13. Copyright © 2021 Bay City News, Inc.

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

RENNIE SUMMARIZES AREAS OF FOCUS IN 2022

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Mayor, from page 1

beacon of safety, hope and happiness.” After a brief public comment period, the proceedings kicked off with a series of commission appointments. Maureen Cappon-Javey, a member of the Arts and Culture Commission, said she looks forward to working with two incumbents and two new members named during the evening to that commission. “I think what happened tonight was: Los Gatos showed its true character,” she said. “For a little town of 33,000 people, we are mighty.” She was referring to the show of support for Mayor Sayoc, evident through the white “anti-hate” T-shirts, enthusiastic clapping and an emotional address. A year-in-review presentation (sans intended 10,000 Maniacs soundtrack, due to a technical glitch) highlighted the ribbon-cuttings Sayoc officiated, marches she spoke at and intergovernmental successes she achieved. She thanked Town staff for their tireless work during a difficult year. “They have continued to provide service to this town with professionalism, with grace,” said Sayoc, whose council

term ends in 2022. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working in partnership with each and every one of you.” Sayoc said she’s happy the community has remained in such a solid financial position, and for the ways the community retained its spirit despite Covid-19 restrictions. When looking back to the thousands of people who streamed into the streets for a recent “anti-hate” march—in the wake of disruptive council meetings where she and her family were verbally targeted during public comment periods due to her inclusivity policies—she was brought to tears. “November 14—it will be etched in my memory and my heart,” she said. “You gave this Filipina joy to be serving.” She thanked her fellow council members and noted the incoming mayor, Rennie, was the first vice president of Silicon Valley Clean Energy. As he took over, he read from several pages of prepared notes, reviving his “areas of focus” from his previous turn as mayor, four years ago: emergency preparedness, business and community vitality, seniors and seniors’ services,

TAKING THE HELM Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman (left) swears in Maria Ristow as Los Gatos’ vice mayor and Rob Rennie as mayor during a meeting of the Town Council on Dec. 14. environmental issues, financial sustainability, and traffic. “It’s a great honor to serve as mayor of this great town,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to do this year.” Los Gatos has already been making great strides preparing for disasters, according to Rennie. Rennie said he’ll work to improve life for seniors during his tenure, including making sure they can continue to afford to live in Los Gatos. “Part of the diversity of our community is being pushed out where only the

wealthy can afford to live here,” he said. He selected Councilmember Maria Ristow to serve as Vice Mayor. “Maria’s very thoughtful,” he said. “She’s the kind of person we need on the leader track.” Ristow said she admires Sayoc and has found it fulfilling to have gotten the chance to work alongside her. “Marico’s been a heroine,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to serve everybody here.”

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‘Brilliant’ businessman who developed swaths of Silicon Valley dies Courtesy of Brezzo family

John N. Brezzo shared outdoor passion with youth, built affordable housing

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Drew Penner, Reporter

Condominium and apartment developer John N. Brezzo, who built wide swaths of the Silicon Valley and founded the First Community Housing affordable housing corporation, died on Dec. 4. He was 79. He is survived by his children Susan, 54, Steven, 53, Pietro, 44, and Marley, 41. Brezzo studied at San Francisco State University in the 1960s and received his City Planning master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He went on to work in San Jose’s planning department where he was known as a staunch advocate for the City. It was an era of transforming farmland into suburbia. He had a particularly heated showdown with Charles W. Davidson, a San Jose State grad who went from working in the railyards to becoming one of the Bay Area’s most prominent developers. “‘I need you on my side,’” Davidson told him afterwards, according to Brezzo’s son, Pietro J. Brezzo. “Chuck was already a very successful developer in San Jose and the South Bay.” Brezzo decided to leave his urban planning gig to join forces with Davidson. So began the DKB Homes partnership, along with Donald S. Kavanagh, that would result in tens of thousands of residential units from Napa, to Gonzales, to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, over the decades. “He was involved in a lot of developments around the South Bay,” his son said. “He obviously impacted Los Gatos.” When Brezzo made the switch, he was working primarily on commission and had to borrow money from Davidson to pay his bills. “He did it right when Silicon Valley started to grow,” his son said. “Timing is everything.” The South Bay had a smattering of technology companies at the time, mainly connected to the defense industry. But that began to change rapidly. “He was trying to figure out how to

John N. Brezzo

let this Valley expand,” he said, adding there was a need for quality housing, as people poured in. “When this economy boomed in the ‘80s and ‘90s, he provided that for people.” Brezzo met his wife Bonnie, a Cupertino High School alumna—whose father worked at the Moffett Field Naval Base and whose mother was employed at Lockheed Martin—on a blind date. When they married in 1976, Brezzo inherited two children, Susan and Steven, from her first marriage. They raised their children in Willow Glen, at first, and then later, in Almaden. “He was a loving dad, but he kept himself very busy,” Pietro said. “We kind of watched his success more than being involved in it.” Pietro remembers his dad attending soccer games, and beaming with pride while recording his Country School of Almaden theater performances on one of the first handheld VHS recorders. His own journey into real estate began in high school—but not at the behest of his father. “He never wanted me to follow in his footsteps, just because he knew what

the pressures were and what the risks were,” he said. “It’s just kind of how it worked out.” Pietro began in construction while attending high school. Later, he became a building superintendent, before moving into property management. “It’s not my passion,” Pietro admits. “But I do it because—like my dad did— it needs to get done.” It was this attitude that led the senior Brezzo to team up with David Neale to start First Housing Services, which later became First Community Housing—a public benefit corporation set up to construct modestly-priced residences. Brezzo turned to Richard Conniff, a banker he’d made friends with on a Rotary ski trip to Vale, Colo., when rounding out the company. “He asked me to join the board of First Community Housing to see if I could use my financial expertise there,” Conniff recalled. “He was a terrific guy.” As they sought to build affordable units that maintained high architectural standards, Brezzo was outspoken and direct, but fun, as he quickly got ahold of particulars, according to Conniff.

“He was a very brilliant businessman,” he said. “We now have, oh, 1,400 or 1,500 units for housing over 3,000 people—and we have a very active pipeline of new projects.” Brezzo was proud of that legacy. “I would never have a conversation with him without him asking how First Community Housing was doing,” Conniff said. “It’s a complex business, and it’s very hard to do inside a non-profit corporation, because you essentially don’t have a lot of money to work with.” They became close personal friends, dining together with their families at restaurants like Steamer’s Grillhouse and Dio Deka in Los Gatos. When Conniff started a bank in San Jose in 2005, Brezzo came on board as a founder and helped him raise the necessary capital. The Rotary Club of San Jose member also teamed up with the Rotary Club of Los Gatos to run a fishing program for underprivileged students. Organizers would stock Hellyer County Park with fish before children were bussed in from all over the Bay Area, his son remembers. “He wanted to share how much he loved fishing with all the other kids,” Pietro said. “He knew a lot of kids didn’t get to fish, when you don’t live near a lake.” This service passion went back to his days as a Boy Scout, Pietro said, adding his dad would clean a couple hundred fish each day, so participants could bring some home with them. While Brezzo brought his own kids on trips around the world with him, his son remembers a closer-to-home adventure as one of his fondest memories. Rising at the crack of dawn in the Butte Sink, at a duck club near Colusa, they’d set out hunting together, before coming in to eat breakfast. “Spending time with my dad,” Pietro said, “That’s what I’m going to miss the most.” Brezzo was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in March. He died Dec. 4, following complications with treatment. “He actually didn’t like a lot of press,” Pietro said. “He often did things, but he never did them for the accolades.” The family plans to hold a small private service in January.

Garth Brooks’ star power harnessed for Vets Memorial fundraiser Country music fans from around the South Bay descended on Los Gatos Saturday in an attempt to win a coveted place in the audience at an intimate performance by an industry stalwart. Mari Sharp, 52, arrived from east San Jose, in an attempt to accomplish something a friend of hers had already succeeded at—winning tickets to the Dec. 16 Garth Brooks show at Club Rodeo in San Jose. “I saw him in 1991 when he was just coming out at the Saddle Rack,” she said. “He’s a legend.” Earlier this year, Brooks had to cancel a stadium tour due to Coivd-19 restrictions. So, in the fall, he turned around and started booking himself into tiny clubs instead, in part because it would be easier to make sure everyone in attendance is vaccinated. KRTY, the commercial country radio station that broadcasts from Blackberry Hill above Los Gatos, is in charge of promoting the San Jose show. The catch is the 700 tickets for the show aren’t for sale. Country lovers can only get their hands on one through giveaways. Sharp says even though her son’s turning 20 on Thursday, she’ll happily forgo a celebration for him that evening, if it means she can catch Brooks in the flesh. “I’d bring my daughter,” she said, while standing in line next in the park by the Town of Los Gatos administrative building. “Everybody wants to go to Garth.” As KRTY was trying to figure out how best to distribute the valuable tickets, it just so happened Los Gatos’ Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation was trying to do its own outreach. Rob Stephenson, a foundation board member, explained the organization got in touch with the station, seeking to place ads, only to have KRTY pitch them on the Garth Brooks promotion partnership. “We probably have similar demographics,” Stephenson notes, adding he appreciates the country music star’s

HOURS-LONG WAIT Les and Marcie Acevedo stood first in line to attempt to win tickets to an upcoming Garth Brooks show, thanks to Les holding the place for more than four hours. Mike Makowski was just behind them. While they had a jar out to collect donations and were selling refreshments, the foundation wasn’t after an immediate cash infusion, Hillhouse explained. “We may make 500 bucks,” he said, adding the cards people were filling out at an additional giveaway booth were even more important. “We stay in touch with them.” Les Acevedo says he’d already hit the restroom, so if he wins he “won’t crap his pants,” and he says he feels Brooks would be a gentleman if his wife were ever pulled up on stage. “I know he wouldn’t do anything dumb on stage with her,” he said. “I’d like to say I wouldn’t freak out or anything.” “But you probably would,” Marcie replied. At noon KRTY’s promotional reps opened the floodgates and would-be concertgoers began furiously scribbling their information on entry forms. In the end, it was a pair of friends from Los Gatos who were the first winners. Heather Stinger, 47, began scream-

ing as she hugged Claudia Yore, 49. “We’ve been trying so hard,” she said. “It’s been a full-time job.” “I’m shaking,” Yore said, jumping up and down. “We’ve been trying all week.” Hillhouse says he considers the KRTY partnership a success. “Veterans do seem to like country and western music—a lot of other people do, too,” he said, adding these days he prefers to listen in the car, instead of at a concert. Hillhouse says when he visits the VA hospital he’s reminded of the legacy of America’s wars. “Some lost limbs; some are blinded,” he said. “They’re doing the same things their fathers and grandfathers did.” He’s looking forward to the day when the foundation can balance the memorial’s books, and says he’s glad they could harness Brooks’ star power for the task. “We’re getting money to hopefully pay this thing off,” he said, reflecting on the results of the Dive Bar Tour. “Garth Brooks does this to support small communities like Los Gatos.”

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Drew Penner, Reporter

innovative pandemic performance plan. “He just wants to play these small-town venues.” Ed Biery, 58, of Fremont, was also in line waiting to put his name in the draw. “Right now, the Garth Brooks song is on the radio, and you can call in and win tickets that way,” he said, as “Good Ride Cowboy” blared from a portable speaker. “I’ve been caller 11 out of 12.” He didn’t get through, again. “Garth Brooks is on my bucket list,” he said. “It was the last concert that my brother and sister went to before my sister passed away.” As a veteran, Biery likes how the KRTY is helping promote the veterans’ foundation and their The Flame of Liberty Memorial fundraising effort. “They’re still trying to pay off the memorial,” he said. “I bought the shirt and then I donated some money.” First in line was Les Acevedo, 40, who arrived at 7:30am from San Jose so his wife Marcie could sleep in. Mike Makowski of Campbell arrived shortly afterwards, around 8am. “You just never know what to expect,” said the 55-year-old veteran. “It’s a crapshoot.” One thing Makowski likes about Brooks is that he retired and then got back into the game. “What you see is what you get with him,” he said. “It’s sort of like the human story. It’s about sadness, but it’s also about happiness.” The Acevedos share the same favorite Brooks song, “The Dance.” Retired Major General Kent Hillhouse, who served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and worked in the Pentagon from 19962001, said he likes that one too. The track, part of Brooks initial mainstream breakthrough, includes the lyrics, “And now I'm glad I didn't know / The way it all would end, the way it all would go / Our lives are better left to chance / I could have missed the pain / But I'd have had to miss the dance.” Hillhouse doesn’t know what Brooks had in mind exactly, but says it resonates with people who’ve served in the military. “It’s kind of like going off to war, and then coming home,” he said. “That’s how veterans view it, at least.”

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

Radio station teams up with foundation for promotion

SPORTS

WILDCATS LOOK TO PLAY FAST, PHYSICAL AND TENACIOUS Jonathan Natividad

Los Gatos boys soccer plans to contend for league title

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Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Frank Marotti Jr. had beads of sweat draped on his forehead on a frigid 45-degree night—and he wasn’t even playing. To say the Los Gatos High boys soccer coach gets into the Wildcats’ games would be an understatement. The players seem to take after his high intensity approach and it shows in their play, especially in a 1-1 draw with Watsonville High on Dec. 9 in the Homestead Tournament. The host Wildcats played hard, played fast and displayed tenaciousness for every 50-50 ball against a team that has traditionally been one of the Central Coast Section’s best programs. “It was a back and forth game, and Watsonville no doubt is a good team,” Marotti said. “We did our job tonight and I really feel like the seniors and upperclassmen stepped up and got us hyped for the game.” Los Gatos looked as if it was headed its way to victory until the Wildcatz scored a goal in second half stoppage time, leaving the Wildcats a bit sick in their stomach. “I felt like our boys did their job and deserved the win, but that’s soccer,” Marotti said. “That’s the way it goes sometimes. Hey, if we get another goal next time maybe we can make sure to solidify the win next time.” Of course, there is an outside chance the teams could meet again in the Central Coast Section playoffs in a match that can be dubbed Battle of the Wildcats(z) II should they both go on to have strong league seasons. Both schools have large enrollments and could be placed in the same division for CCS should they get there.

PUMPED UP Kai Perez celebrates with Matthew Chase and Mathew Harrison after Perez scored the Wildcats’ lone goal in a 1-1 draw with Watsonville High on Dec. 9.

Los Gatos seems poised to contend for a Santa Clara Valley League De Anza Division championship. Marotti believes the talent, skill and will to win is there, so he’s expecting the team to be in the race for the title in the final week of the league season in February. “That’s always our goal, to win a league championship,” he said. “I love the culture here and love what we’re (including coach Alex Saunders) doing. It's been a long journey here to get the culture where it is. I love the energy and effort level they put up tonight. If they’re going to fight like

that all year, everybody better watch out for us.” The Wildcats are supremely balanced, with solid players at every position. However, they know who to get the ball to when they’re on the attack. Center forward Kai Perez scored the team’s lone goal against Watsonville, getting into the penalty area after receiving a nice pass from Andrew Dillehay, who won a 50-50 ball on the left flank. Perez created a couple of other solid scoring chances with his ability to dribble and gain separation.

“He should be an all-CCS forward as far as I’m concerned,” Marotti said. Center back Sam Pearman leads a strong backline and like many of his teammates are adept at blocking shots from reaching the goal, which they did against Watsonville. Goalkeeper Luke Lennox is a converted field player but looks like he’s been playing the position for several years. “He made some big saves and will be important for us all season,” Marotti said. Jonathan Charles also provided some stellar defensive play, on two occasions blasting balls away after Watsonville entered the 18-yard box. Perhaps no other players represent the team better than Isaac and Samuel Tamayo-Sarver, who are often the smallest athletes on the field but whatever they lack in size they make up for with hustle and effort. The Wildcatz controlled the Wildcats in the first half, with the latter unable to generate much offensively. However, Los Gatos was a different team coming out of the locker room after the halftime break. For the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Wildcats controlled the possession and took it to Watsonville, who committed two glaring turnovers deep on its own end, one of which led to the Los Gatos goal. “We made our adjustments at halftime and the boys did their job,” Marotti said. “Between coach Alex and I we told the guys they were letting Watsonville take the game to us and we just wanted to make sure to try to grab the momentum. We wanted more possessions so we dropped our backline off a little bit and made sure the midfielders were finding good space and just started going away from the things that weren’t working in the first half. When we simplify the game, we’re a really good team.”

SCVAL, PAL SET FOR FOOTBALL-ONLY MERGER David Rogers

Los Gatos High to be a part of 32-team super league Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

POWER LEAGUE The Los Gatos and Wilcox football teams could be a part of a 32-team super league next year if the merger between the Santa Clara Valley and Peninsula Athletic League is consummated. no problem at all, that it would encourage them to come out for football,” said Los Gatos High coach Mark Krail, who is on a subcommittee to help hammer out the final details for the proposal to be finalized. “It’s a struggle and I guess a sign of the times for certain areas to maintain or get their numbers up.” Krail is optimistic the new football super league will kick off in 2022. “I wouldn’t say it’s a slam dunk yet because you never know what can happen when people put hard and fast absolute things on the board,” he said. “You could be faced with something that breaks the deal, but big steps have been taken for this to make it a go. I think it’s a very real possibility we could be playing in this new league in August.” Central Coast Section Commissioner David Grissom said he applauds the two leagues for working on this football merger. “I really admire them for the stance they’re taking in order to support

the more struggling programs in our section,” he said. “I think there’s a real desire for schools to have football to be a real viable option for kids.” Although the final details still need to be hashed out, the SCVAL would most likely abandon offering football as a sport to its member schools to clear the way for them to make the move to another league—in this case, the PAL. Interestingly enough, the two leagues already have this relationship for the sport of lacrosse, where one league doesn’t sponsor a sport so its charter member schools can join a supplemental league for that particular sport. For football, the SCVAL would fall under the umbrella of the PAL. “This allows us to do all of this in a timely manner,” Krail said. For the initial year, the new super league would break down into two sixteam A divisions (Bay and De Anza), two six-team B divisions (Ocean and El Camino) and one eight-team C division (Lake). Automatic CCS qualifiers

would go as such: four each from the Bay and De Anza, two each from the Ocean and El Camino and one from the Lake. What does this mean for Los Gatos’ powerhouse program? Not much, at least not in the short term. The SCVAL De Anza Division currently has seven teams; that number would be reduced by one for the initial year of the merger. There was talk of creating one eight-team, super A division taking the top four from the Bay and the De Anza and combining them into one. “I think that’s been tabled for now in the interests of getting this passed and moving this forward quickly,” said Krail, who was scheduled to do a Zoom call with fellow SCVAL representatives Monday afternoon followed by a physical meeting with PAL reps in San Mateo. “There are concerns out there with certain schools that we hope are not deal breakers. They’re legitimate concerns, but I think we can work these things out and this is going to happen in 2022.”

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All signs seem to point to the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League and Peninsula Athletic League completing a football-only merger starting in the fall 2022 season. Last week, the Board of Managers from both leagues signed off on the proposal, which would combine the 18 schools from the PAL and 14 from the SCVAL that would make it the largest football “super” league in the Central Coast Section, eclipsing the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s 29 football-playing schools. The PCAL, of course, is still the largest league in the CCS offering all sports to its 35 member schools. However, this proposed merger would make it the largest football league in the section. The biggest reason behind the merger is simple: competitive equity to aid struggling programs that are in danger of dropping football altogether. This past season, the SCVAL had two schools—Saratoga and Monta Vista from its El Camino B division— that had to forfeit games at the end of the season because they didn’t have enough players. The PAL is in the same boat, as some of its schools are having issues with a lack of numbers. South San Francisco couldn’t field a squad this season for that reason and Mills—a team in the PAL’s Lake C division—didn’t compete in the Covid spring season and went 0-8 this fall. Coaches, athletic directors and administration see the merger as a vital and necessary step to help provide hope and competitive equity for the most struggling programs, which have been characterized by a lack of participation for several years. Additionally, those same teams often don’t have junior varsity programs, as is the case with Saratoga and Monta Vista. A JV, frosh-soph or freshmen team serve as a barometer for a program, and schools without at least one of those will be hard-pressed to field a healthy varsity squad. “Our hope is if we can create a schedule and division where a school can look and realistically say we can compete in eight to nine games with

File photo

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE MEETING SCHEDULED

LOCAL SCENE

The Town of Los Gatos is starting to update the 2023–2031 Housing Element of the General Plan, and the public is invited to participate. The Town’s Housing Element is a strategic plan for housing the Town’s present and future residents. A virtual meeting will take place Dec. 16 at 7pm to provide an opportunity for the public and the Housing Element Advisory Board to discuss the Housing Element update, key issues and opportunities.

→ sccfreevax.org

ALL-ELECTRIC HEATING FOR NEW BUILDINGS NOW REQUIRED IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS

For information on how to access the meeting, visit bit.ly/3s6NBPt

GIRLS ON THE RUN SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

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Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley is looking for volunteer coaches for next year’s events. The nonprofit provides after-school fitness programs for girls in grades 3-8. Girls on the Run has provided programming to 20,000 girls since 2002 in the Silicon Valley area, according to the organization. Girls on the Run plans to relaunch in-person events including the annual 5K in Vasona Park, which will take place in May. The 2022 season runs from March 14 to May 21. Registration for the program opens Dec. 18. Girls on the Run will also hold a virtual trivia night on Dec. 16 from 5:307pm to raise funds for the program. Tickets are $20 per person, or $60 for a team (up to four players).

→ gotrsv.org

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA RECOGNIZED IN LOS GATOS Dec. 18 is National Wreaths Across America Day, and in recognition, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos Almaden Road, at 11am. Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. The annual wreath-laying effort began in 1992 at

Vaccinations in Santa Clara County are available for people ages 5 and up and boosters are available for ages 16 and up.

RESPECT FOR THE FALLEN Wreaths Across America returns to Los Gatos Memorial Park on Dec. 18.

Arlington National Cemetery, and has grown to more than 2,500 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Wreaths Across America Los Gatos is an outdoors event staged under a large canopy. → waalosgatos.org

MOLAEI EARNS SCHOLARSHIP AT BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY Jasmyn Molaei of Los Gatos was among more than 660 students who earned scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. Molaei, a graduate of Westmont High School majoring in acting (BFA), earned the Joseph & Berneice Smith Scholarship. Baldwin Wallace University, an independent, coeducational university of 3,500 students, is located in Berea, Ohio.

PFIZER BOOSTERS AUTHORIZED FOR TEENS The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control authorized a single-dose Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine booster for adolescents ages 16 and 17 on Dec. 9. This age group can receive a booster at least six months after the completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only authorized and recommended booster for this age group. Since Pfizer’s vaccine and booster are the only shots authorized for children under the age of 18, “mixing and matching” vaccines and boosters is not encouraged for 16- and 17-year-olds. “It is important that we continue to take preventative measures, such as testing, universal masking, vaccinations, and boosters to keep our students, teachers and staff safe,” said Mary Ann Dewan, County Superintendent of Schools. “Those eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination and booster are encouraged to get them as soon as possible.”

New buildings in unincorporated parts of Santa Clara County will be required to install all-electric appliances and heating systems, as well as include infrastructure for charging electric vehicles, in accordance with a new county ordinance. According to the ordinance, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors at its Dec. 7 meeting, all new construction will be required to use electricity and not natural gas for water heating, space heating, cooking, clothes drying, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and decorative appliances. New dwellings are also required to have wiring installed that will facilitate installation of battery storage for additional resiliency, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. High-rise residential, non-residential, and hotel/motel buildings will also be required to have a solar panel system installed. The ordinance will take effect as early as Feb. 14, and applies to all building uses with limited exceptions for: • Junior Accessory Dwelling Units that are contained entirely within a single-family residence that has existing infrastructure such as natural gas piping • Hospitals and correctional facilities • Buildings in which all-electric appliances are not feasible Any exempted building will be required to be pre-wired for transition to all-electric in the future. Requirements for electric vehicle infrastructure range from a minimum of two EV outlets for single-family homes and townhouses to high-capacity charging systems and parking lot spaces reserved for charging use in larger non-residential projects.

POLICE BLOTTER

• A woman was arrested for being in possession of burglary tools and receiving known stolen property on the 600 block of North Santa Cruz Avenue at 12:15am. • A caller reported a man got off the bus and went into a store on the 200 block of East Main Street, with his face “completely covered by bandages” at 1:29pm. • A man was reportedly going door to door on Los Gatos Boulevard at 2:11pm, wanting to play music and “not taking no for an answer.” • A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on Town Terrace and University Avenue at 4:33pm.

DEC. 6

• An unknown suspect stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked on Hubbell Way. • A man was arrested for burglary on the 100 block of Harding Avenue at 4:32am. • A man was arrested for burglary on Los Gatos Boulevard and Highway 9 at 4:32am. • A truck was stolen on Garden Hill Drive. • A woman was arrested for disorderly conduct on Bascom and Hamilton avenues at 2:30pm. • A caller reported a bouncer at a nightclub on North Santa Cruz Avenue shoved him off his mobility device at 4:29pm.

DEC. 7

• A pair of earrings was reported stolen on North Santa Cruz Avenue. • A man was arrested for child abuse on the 15400 block of Via Vaquero at 4:20pm.

DEC. 8

• A man reportedly defecated behind a bench on Winchester Boulevard. • Mailboxes were reported burglarized on One Oak Lane. • An unknown suspect smashed a window of a vehicle parked on University Avenue and stole a purse. • A bicycle was reported stolen on High School Court.

• A caller reported that two men stole packages from a porch on Blossom Hill Road. • An unknown suspect stole a vacuum from an unlocked vehicle parked on Whitney Avenue. • A man was arrested for disorderly conduct on the 400 block of University Avenue at 10:39pm.

DEC. 9

• An unknown suspect stole tools from unlocked vehicles parked on Belglen Way and Lynn Avenue. • A caller reported their bedroom window had been smashed on Carlton Avenue.

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DEC. 10

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on the 15100 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 3:54am. • A business was burglarized on Village Lane. • A cell phone was reported stolen on the 14500 block of Clearview Drive. • An unlocked vehicle was rummaged through on Potomac Drive. • A vehicle was reported stolen from a parking lot on Elm Street. • Unknown suspects threw beer bottles through the rear window of a vehicle on Glen Ridge Avenue. • A vehicle was stolen on Via Palomino, and the insurance company later reported it was involved in a crash in Oakland. • A vehicle was burglarized on Village Lane and the 100 block of Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. • A woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run on the 200 block of Winchester Circle at 10:48pm.

DEC. 11

• Police cited a man for “smoking crack” at Town Plaza Park at 11:57am. • A home was burglarized on Hernandez Avenue. • A business was burglarized on the 1400 block of Pollard Road. Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.

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DEC. 5

KID DYNAMITE Kid Dynamite will perform rock hits at Number 1 Broadway, 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), on Dec. 16. Doors open at 6pm, with music starting at 8:30pm. → number1broadway.com

WREATH-MAKING CLASS

LOS GATOS LIONS CLUB

To register, visit losgatosca.libcal.com/ event/8553673

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.

NUTCRACKER

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Los Gatos Ballet’s “Nutcracker” returns in person to McAfee Performing Arts, 20300 Herriman Ave. in Saratoga. Showtimes are Dec. 17 at 7:30pm, Dec. 18 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Dec. 19 at 2pm. Admission is $28-$58.

Town Council The Los Gatos Town Council meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. → losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council

→ losgatosballet.org/nutcracker

NUMBER 1 BROADWAY’S HOLIDAY PARTY DJ Cris Campos will start spinning tunes at 7:00 pm and BentPeter will take the stage at 9pm at Number 1 Broadway, 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), on Dec. 18. → number1broadway.com

FRESH VEGGIES Farmers markets are held in downtown Los Gatos and Campbell every Sunday.

CAMPBELL FARMERS MARKET

CARRIAGE RIDES

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

Horse-drawn carriages ride through the streets of Los Gatos will delight riders with lights, sights and sounds of a small town. Rides begin at Town Plaza.

→ uvfm.org/campbell-sundays

LOS GATOS FARMERS MARKET d ece mb er 15 -2 1, 20 21 : losgatan.com

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.

The Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave., will host an in-person wreath-making class on Dec. 17 at 5pm in the conference room. Registration is required, as space is limited.

File photo

CALENDAR

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/ losgatos-farmers-market

losgatan.com

LG GIVES The Los Gatos service clubs, Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation, Live Oak Nutrition Center and the Los Gatos Chamber have joined together for this project for all Los Gatos seniors. Seniors are invited to enjoy a holiday meal at the Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church St., on Dec. 22 from 11am to 1pm. Drive-thru holiday gift bags will include a meal, juice, seasonal greenery and holiday treats. Those who would like to donate or volunteer are encouraged to call the chamber at 408.354.9300.

To book a ride, visit bit.ly/3nKUFPj

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. Next meetings: Dec. 2, local architect Terry Martin on accessory dwelling units). Dec. 9: Author and retired Special Ops Game Warden Lt. John Nores on environmental and wildlife protection.

Planning Commission The Los Gatos Planning Commission meets virtually on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. → 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. → 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/ Boards-Commissions-Committees

December 17th-19th McAfee Center, Saratoga

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Remember Someone Special Capture the essence of a departed family member with an obituary in the Los Gatan. Your tribute will appear perpetually on our website, and that of our partner, Legacy.com. We can write a tribute that embodies the spirit of the deceased, or publish one you provide.

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This updated cottage just minutes from downtown features views of the valley and mountains. Located at 16891 Sheldon Road, the 1,370-square-foot home includes two bedrooms and one bathroom. Built in 1920, the home was remodeled in 2012. The kitchen is equipped with wood cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops, glass backsplash, built-in wine storage, skylights and glass door cabinetry. The living room features

a high wood-beamed and paneled ceiling, along with a wood-burning stove and loft area that can be used as a sleeping nook. Outside, a large deck is suitable for entertaining, along with a patio area and brick walkway. A two-car garage is also part of the home. The home is listed at $1,549,000 by Coldwell Banker Realty. For information, visit bit.ly/3dwaqnc Coldwell Banker Realty

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

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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

INSIDE A loft area can be used as a sleeping nook in the living room.

Quality House Cleaning

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

I specialize in homes!

30 pt 2 pt 158 pt Starling Heavy on 131 with -50 tracking

Real Wood Floors

DONATION BUSINESS

Quality House Cleaning Call or Text Kristina:

References • Insured • LIC#108576

We’ve installed 4,224 floors in nine

CONSTRUCTION

years. We buy direct from major

manufacturers and pass savings on to you. If you appreciate value and quality, please give us a call.

DANIEL BURJA CONSTRUCTION

Home Remodel

GUTTERS

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Cabanex Floors · 404 Queens Lane San Jose, CA 95112 cabanexfloorsinc.com

831-246-4346

dburjaconst@sbcglobal.net Lic. #802148

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Starling Roman 28 on 41

UNUSUAL BUILDS Ornamental Iron, Welding• Tree &Houses Custom • Van Conversions Metal Fabrication • She Sheds Balconies. Fences. Metal Doors. • Dude Shacks Railings. Stairways. Furniture. Please visit gallery on40yrs theexperience web Masterour Craftsman w/over at www.yeswelding.com/projects call Christopher 831.431.0828 Email sales@yeswelding.com or call 408 887-3488 or 408 533-2858 Since 1990.

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JESSE’S GENERAL Designer’s Tailoring LANDSCAPING & MASONRY Professional Alterations for Men & Women • Pavers PAINTING • Concrete PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • Patios • Yards & 469 N. Santa Cruz Ave | Los Gatos Design Across from Safeway SCOTTS VALLEY • Improvements & Installation PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ClutterBug.net

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Insured

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

HAULING HAULING

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

since 1998

- Clean Ups - High Weed Cut - Clean Ups High Weed Cut - Yard Work --Brush Cleaning - Yard Brush Oak Cleaning - TreeWork Trimming or --Poison Cutting - Tree Trimming or - Poison Oak Tear Off - Dirt Removal Cutting - Demolition Tear Off - Dirt Removal - 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

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650-703-5179

cleansweep1989@gmail.com

LANDSCAPING

(831) 239-4645

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408-608-9335 MOON PAINTING

408-354-8903

Providing quality service and meeting your real estate needs in both sales and property management since 1977 Broker, Jeanne Jensen Shada

INTERIOR - ORGANIZER EXTERIOR PRESSURE CLUTTERBUG WASHING

438-2208

4615 Scotts Valley Dr, Suite B DRE #00606749

SAUL: 831-331-0111 Feeling Overwhelmed?

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(25+ YRS. EXP.)

Window Washing

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“You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro

R I N K I N

E R&R Window Cleaning S S 831 588-4243 A Y

V A L I U M

L A S H

A L T A R

• Carpentry • Home Repair • Landscape

GREG EIMAN

831.588.1260

To adverstise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323

PROFESSIONAL

A CI hristy T S Best A P I A F R 831 E T247-0988 A P P I N G L .EnetA R E F AClutterBug C E D D S S R U T E R N A K P O P N O O T I PAINTING F I E S W E B T W O L E T T E R W O O N O R T I S E R S O S P A T INTERIOR - EXTERIORB N S D O U B L E C R PRESSURE I T R R S O A R WASHING G I C E B F F M A T H R E E F E E A L A W I M D S C SAUL: B I O 831-331-0111 D O M E M O M A R R N A C H O A I K E A K I T PLUMBING P O P O N E S O U P R E S N T H T W I I O T S O D O N C

MOON PAINTING

R O P I T

R O L O S T U T F A T E

T E S T O U N C U T U D M O U T H R O MREAL L ESTATE E A N I B L E T A T E D D A S A N I D S Y O G A A K I N N M I S I T S S P E T E T E A S E D J I N N U N D E R S T O M E R T A P E S W H A E A P O U R B A L L W H E E L I E S N E E Z E A R D E N

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

Kitchen/Bath

408 568-5475 All Home Repair 408-857-4669

Christy Best 831 247-0988

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

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