Los Gatan 12 22 2021

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@losgatan

holiday poem

vol . I , no. 16 : december 22-28 , 2021 : losgatan.com

: wrestler aims for title p10 : calendar p13 : ny times crossword puzzle p17

HOUSING DENSITY TOPS QUESTIONS IN GENERAL PLAN UPDATE

PROPERTY VALUES CONTINUE RISE, DESPITE PANDEMIC WOES

Judy Peterson

P4

Los Gatos grows at county average; Monte Sereno outpacing most

Study session highlights Los Gatos’ growth plans

Staff Report

Drew Penner, Reporter

As Council members discussed the emerging General Plan and Housing Element documents, during a special session Dec. 7, they appeared hyper-aware they were dealing with one of the most sensitive subjects for many locals. Officials looked at how the Town might alter its plans now that SB9 has become law, since this changes rules around subdividing certain properties. Local planners say they’ve been pondering how updated requirements could eliminate the need to rezone existing low-density residential areas, since Sacramento “has already effectively done that for us,” as staff put it in their report. The General Plan Advisory Committee has already spent two-and-a-half years considering how to formulate the community’s new General Plan, which is to guide the growth of Los Gatos until 2040. Jennifer Armer, Los Gatos’ planning manager, said the Town has also been looking at how to best plan for the up➝ Development, 12

Monte Sereno’s property values grew at a rate higher than the county’s average in 2020, according to the 2021-22 Assessor’s Annual Report released by Santa Clara County Tax Assessor Larry Stone’s office on Dec. 13. The city assessment roll grew by 5.63% to $2,565,909,567, the third highest rate in the county, according to the report. Los Gatos, meanwhile, grew by 4.33% to $15,551,682,700, the report showed. The 2021-22 Santa Clara County assessment roll, including all real and business property, grew by $25.4 billion to ➝ Assessment, 12

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GINGER CREATIONS Nine-year-old Naho (right) and her brother, 13-year-old Yutaro, had fun making gingerbread houses at LGS Recreation’s annual children’s holiday activity. Children participating in the activity were focused on frosting and candies but were more than happy to talk about their requests to Santa Claus. To see their responses, and to read letters from St. Mary’s School students, turn to page 6.

LGSubs.com


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compass.com

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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Los Gatos is home for the holidays.

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VOL.1 NO.16 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

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

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Our Holiday Poem

was the night before Christmas in the Almond Grove And Santa was dispensing goodness from his trove, He’d invested in GameStop stock early in the year So this year, there would definitely be some extra cheer.

When it comes to culture, we’re nothing like Muskogee Thanks to Teri Hope, Jonathan Knowles and Michael Jacobi. Chef Kinch grabbed three stars after two take-out years, We eat well in Los Gatos, have no fears.

Los Gatos had a restored historic cinema gifted, you bet. As far as the price goes, that’s as good as it Goetz. With parklets and outdoor seats, Santa Cruz Ave. was remade, We strolled down the middle of the street for the Promenade.

Brothers Matulich steamed on and Alex Hult immersed. At this point in the poem, we’re running out of verse. Shoutout to friends Carol Jeans, Lisa Sgarlato and Bill Lister Being there when it counts makes a difference, yes mister.

Catherine Somers, Randi Chen and the Chamber crew, Worked hard to keep establishments vital for me and you. It’s hard to see small businesses replaced by a “for lease” sign, Like CB Hannegan’s—where we had many a good time.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, good will and good cheer. From all of us at the Los Gatan, have a Happy New Year!

The North 40 took shape, yes it’s a little more dense, Which seemed to get some nostalgic citizens tense. With the crisis in housing, people need places to live We’re a global center now, and something’s gotta give. The Town Council took steps to be, for everyone, inclusive With rainbow crosswalks and gender neutral language usage. Disruptive opponents went too far and wasted everyone’s time, And don’t mess with one’s family, that’s over the line. Police Chief Decena signed out, and the town attorney split. With St. Laurel in charge, we needn’t worry about that Shinola. Travelin’ Ed Stahl turned 90, we’ll have whatever he’s drinking, Let’s start a new newspaper again, Roger Sanford was thinking.

DEATH NOTICES Drew Penner/Los Gatan

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.

OPINIONS

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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.

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Email your submissions to editor@losgatan.com Letters must include the writer’s name and hometown (for publication) and phone number (for verification).

Incorrect information appeared in the Dec. 15 edition of Los Gatan, in an obituary about developer John N. Brezzo. His son Steve is 52 and his daughter Susan is 53. We regret the error.

TO THE EDITOR

Submissions may be edited, and will be published as space permits. Letters are limited to 250 words, commentaries to 500 words.

No place for antiquated word

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.

CORRECTION

ABOUT THE BRASS The Merry Trombones performed at Town Plaza Park Monday afternoon adding to the Christmas spirit around town.

The word “gotten.” Perhaps too critical, I am a physician (not an English major), 75 years old (not a 21-year-old English major), but to see the word “gotten” in your publication—what? No one uses this antiquated word. Get smart. Terry Sullivan, MD Los Gatos


Happy New Year! CAROL’S YEAR TO DATE SALES | THIKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING IN 2022? PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL! “‘Hope’” is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops - at all” – Emily Dickinson LD

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18601 RANCHO LAS CIMAS SARATOGA

20020 SPAICH COURT SARATOGA

14760 LIVE OAK LANE SARATOGA

381 PENNSYLVANIA AVE LOS GATOS

17391 HIGH STREET LOS GATOS

LIST PRICE $7,499,000

LIST PRICE $6,499,000

LIST PRICE $6,298,000

LIST PRICE $6,598,000

LIST PRICE $5,998,000

SOLD FOR $7,500,000

SOLD FOR $7,000,000

SOLD FOR $7,000,000

SOLD FOR $6,650,000

SOLD FOR $6,370,000

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15806 HIDDEN HILL ROAD LOS GATOS

16250 MATILIJA DRIVE LOS GATOS

21051 BANK MILL LANE SARATOGA

1340 RIDLEY WAY SAN JOSE *Represented Buyer

941 VALENCIA AVENUE MOUNTAIN VIEW

LIST PRICE $5,749,000

LIST PRICE $3,998,000

LIST PRICE $3,249,000

LIST PRICE $3,499,000

LIST PRICE $2,998,000

SOLD FOR $5,800,000

SOLD FOR $4,100,000

SOLD FOR $3,800,000

SOLD FOR $3,499,000

SOLD FOR $3,300,000

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15375 WINCHESTER BLVD MONTE SERENO

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1694 LUPTON AVENUE SAN JOSE *Represented Buyer

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201 LOMA ALTA AVENUE LOS GATOS

1655 VIA CAMPAGNA SAN JOSE

2280 LANSFORD AVENUE SAN JOSE *Represented Buyer

LIST PRICE $2,788,000

LIST PRICE $2,849,000

LIST PRICE $2,898,000

LIST PRICE $1,999,998

LIST PRICE $1,975,000

SOLD FOR $3,200,000

SOLD FOR $3,100,000

SOLD FOR $3,100,000

SOLD FOR $2,425,000

SOLD FOR $2,225,000

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1000 WILLOW GLEN WAY SAN JOSE

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109 STRATHMOOR DRIVE BERKLEY *Represented Buyer

6056 PIETZ COURT SAN JOSE

46 W. JULIAN STREET #231 SAN JOSE

LIST PRICE $1,849,000

LIST PRICE $1,998,000

LIST PRICE $1,198,000

LIST PRICE $1,349,000

SOLD FOR $2,150,000

SOLD FOR $2,100,000

SOLD FOR $1,325,000

SOLD FOR $1,300,000

CAROL JEANS

REALTOR®, Founding Member 408.313.0067 carol@sereno.com CarolJeans.com DRE 01117857 Unprecedented Knowledge of the Local Market and Community

• Ranked Top 1% of Realtors in Northern California Real Trends 2021 • Top 250 Real Estate Agents Real Trends Wall Street Journal • Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents in Northern California Real Estate Executive Magazine • America’s Best Realtors Newsweek 2020 • 2018 Joanne Knapp Community Service Award Recipient

13861 RIVER RANCH CIRCLE SARATOGA LIST PRICE $3,398,000

• More than $1 billion in sales • 80% of clients are either former clients or referrals • 30 years of market knowledge • Founding member of Sereno focused on the quality of the client’s experience • Chair 1% For Good Sereno Los Gatos • Board Member Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation • Luxury Real Estate Specialist

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Have Los Gatos kids been naughty or nice this year? Nicole Adam

Local students write letters to Santa, make gingerbread houses Judy Peterson, Reporter

Letters to Santa are a long-time tradition, with wee little ones usually telling the big guy they’ve been “good boys and girls this year.” Occasionally, a child will admit they’ve been both naughty and nice, which is what 5-year-old Jefferson, Emmett and Blake, and 6-year-old Logan said in their letters to Santa. The letters, a few of which say “the darndest things,” were written by members of Nicole Adam’s kindergarten class at St. Mary’s School in Los Gatos.

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is kindergarten. For Christmas I would like an Xbox. Thank you, Logan Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is Christmas. For Christmas, I would like a DJ Cat. Thank you, Blake

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is kindergarten. For Christmas I would like a Slurpee machine. Thank you, Emmett Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Jaws. Thank you, Saint

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Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is I got my shot. For Christmas I would like a kit about the Holy family. Thank you, Charlotte

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Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is kindergarten. For Christmas I would like a Barbie Dreamhouse. Thank you, Everley

DEAR SANTA Since her students are just learning their ABCs, St. Mary’s kindergarten teacher Nicole Adam created a form for the children to fill out with their requests to Santa Claus. Charlotte, pictured here, is hoping for a Holy family kit.

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is kindergarten. For Christmas I would like Hot Wheels. Thank you, James

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is my birthday. For Christmas I would like a stuffed fox. Thank you, Emery

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is I got a little boy. For Christmas I would like a Pikachu. Thank you, Leo

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is kindergarten. For Christmas I would like a nerf gun. Thank you, Hero

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is my birthday doghouse. For Christmas I would like Jaws. Thank you, Diego

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is my bird. For Christmas I would like a dog. Thank you, Beck

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is my birthday dolls. For Christmas I would like dolls. Thank you, Cadence

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is math. For Christmas I would like Legos and chocolate. Thank you, Emma

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is I got to play with my toys. For Christmas I would like a baby toy. Thank you, Grey

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is my birthday. For Christmas I would like a teddy bear. Thank you, Rhett

Dear Santa, My favorite thing that happened this year is kindergarten. For Christmas I would like a Barbie Dreamhouse. Thank you, Gwen

We also bring holiday greetings from youngsters who participated in LGS Recreation’s Gingerbread House workshop. Children participating in the fun activity were focused on frosting and candies but were more than happy to talk about their requests to Santa Claus. Thirteen-year-old Yutaro, who attends Fisher Middle School, says he’s not too old to believe that Santa will be bringing him an Apple Watch. His sister, 9-year-old Blossom Hill student Naho, would like an Instax camera that comes in “five trending colors,” including lavender and light pink. Three-year-old Shane is hoping for a toy train, his mother saying, “I think he’s going to get it.” Did you know there’s an actual gingerbread man story? Three-yearold Folake Phillips’ mother signed up for the class because he likes the story about the ginger man trying to escape “from everyone who’s trying to eat him.” Hayden, 6, attends Saratoga’s Foothill Elementary and is hoping for some pointe shoes. “I watched ballerinas and I really like it,” she said. Her sister, 8-year-old Camille, pointed out that their aunt “designs costumes for professional ballerinas,” keeping it all in the family. Speaking of family, a pottery wheel tops Camille’s list because she “really wants to make vases for my grandma.” Pokemon, Beyblade spinning top toys and new-fangled “Light Up Blocks” rounded out the hoped-for gifts that elves will stuff into Santa’s sleigh as he jingles his way around the world.


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7


Drew Penner / Los Gatan

MALL SHOOTING CAUSES CHAOS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

DEC. 13

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Drew Penner, Reporter

8

DEC. 12

• A caller reported they were hit with a stick by a store employee for over-paying for a product on the 200 block of East Main Street at 11:08pm.

Police: No suspects or victim located

Police said Tuesday they still had not located a suspect or a victim in a shooting at one of the main regional malls serving South Bay holiday shoppers. The San Jose Police Department received several calls about gunfire that occurred before 6pm at Westfield Oakridge, 925 Blossom Hill Road, just three miles from Los Gatos. Authorities blocked freeway traffic from accessing the neighborhood and dispatched an all-hands-on-deck response. Cassie Flores, 17, said it had been a normal weekday inside Journeys, the youth clothing and footwear store where she was working. Suddenly she saw people outside their doors start running. “We all just panicked,” she said. “I got really scared.” The co-workers headed for the back of the store. “We were in the restroom,” she said, adding the situation was particularly difficult for her friend, who has anxiety. A man who only wanted to identify himself as Jess, said he had come to the mall because his daughter was stuck inside the movie theater. His wife had received an alert message on her phone about the shooting, so they were worried. But she’d texted to say she was OK and not to worry about her. His daughter, a high school sophomore, hid behind the movie screen with fellow moviegoers, he added. “I’m relieved,” he said. Police believe at least one film continued playing, despite the chaotic circumstances. San Jose Fire Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff ’s Office, California Highway Patrol and Santa Clara County Emergency Medical Services personnel had all headed to the scene.

POLICE BLOTTER

PRESS CONFERENCE San Jose Police Sgt. Christian Camarillo speaks to reporters as the search for a victim and suspect continues.

Investigators combed through the location’s more than one million square feet of space, as customers sheltered in place, thinking the shooter could still be inside. They didn’t locate a victim. Anthony Majano, 21, was at the register in the Women’s section of H&M when the shooting happened. “We heard like four fast pops,” he said, thinking back to the gunfire he at first thought could have been a car noise, or an item crashing down. “I seen people ducking.” Store staff guided customers to the stockroom, locked the doors and did a headcount to make sure all employees were accounted for. “At first, in the back it was super frantic,” he said. “We tried our best to calm people down.” They remained in place for about an hour before being allowed to exit the mall. Majano stayed in the parking lot, waiting until he could get his vehicle from the parking garage. With the news that police no longer considered the situation an active shooter response, he said wasn’t worried any more. “I feel a bit more calm,” he said. “I no longer feel too anxious about it.” Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call San Jose Police Department’s detective bureau at 408277-3835.

• A truck driving slowly through Vasona Oaks Drive was reported as suspicious at 9:14am. • A bicycle was stolen on High School Court. • A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance and a fictitious check on the 200 block of Los Gatos-Saratoga Road at 4:23pm. • A man was reportedly soliciting for a charity on Karl Avenue at 4:44pm. • Someone stole a laptop from a vehicle parked on the 14100 block of Blossom Hill Road by smashing the window around 5:30pm.

DEC. 14

• A male suspect took two Amazon boxes and one Macy’s box from a porch on Blanchard Drive. However, the boxes were filled with rocks, so the caller suspected “he will quickly dispose of them.” The person was later suspected in another package theft on the same street the next day. • A suspect stole mail from a mailbox on Lansberry Court. • A vehicle was burglarized on Escobar Avenue, and later on La Rinconada Drive.

DEC. 15

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia and running a red light on Highway 9 and Massol Avenue at 12:05am. • A credit card was stolen from a mailbox on Riviera Drive, with the suspect later making purchases in San Jose with it. • A home was burglarized on Rose Avenue. • An unknown suspect attempted

to break into two mailboxes on Wood Drive.

DEC. 16

• A man and a woman paid for several bags of groceries, but not all of them, at a business on the 15500 block of Union Avenue at 1am. • A woman was arrested for trespassing after being found in a home’s “man cave” on Clifton Avenue at 9:02am. • A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on the first block of Clifton Avenue at 9:32am.

DEC. 17

• A vehicle drove by several times playing loud music on Towne Terrace and University Avenue at 1:10am. • Tools were stolen from a business on East Main Street. • A dog was reported for barking at least 30 minutes on University Avenue at 7:27am. Another caller reported a dog barking for a half hour on Massol Avenue at 9:47am. • A bicyclist suffered minor injuries after being hit by a vehicle on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road and Massol Avenue at 3:58pm. • A man was reportedly walking on the shoulder of Kennedy and Forrester roads wearing all black and carrying a flashlight at 7:57pm.

DEC. 18

• Someone stole mail from a vehicle parked on Via Encantada. • A bicycle was reported stolen in front of a house on Kavin Lane. • Two vehicles were rummaged through on Vineland Avenue. • A woman was arrested for altering a vehicle’s registration and providing false identification to a police officer on the 500 block of University Avenue at 1:36pm. • A home was burglarized on Sierra Azule at 9:51pm. Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.


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9


SPORTS

DANIIL GORSHKOV HAS RAPID ASCENT ON THE MAT

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Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

10

It’s hard to fathom that Daniil Gorshkov only started wrestling in his sophomore year. Despite getting a very late start into the sport, the Los Gatos High senior is a contender to win league and section titles and contend for a top-10 finish in the state meet this season. Gorshkov was the only Los Gatos wrestler to win his weight class (170 pounds) in the team’s season-opening Chukchansi Invitational tournament at Madera South High on Dec. 3-4. He wasn’t challenged in four matches, winning his first and last contests via pinfall, which book-ended a pair of majority decision victories. Teammate E.J. Parco—who is ranked second in the section and 13th in the state at 132 pounds—also had a great result, competing up a weight class and finishing second at 140 pounds to the state’s top-ranked wrestler in that division, Kimo Leia of Selma, 5-4. The Wildcats’ Peter Bowen also went up a weight class and took fourth at 134. Anthony Pavlov-Ramirez went 5-1 to take third place at 145, and Sergiy Nyzhnyk also had a solid thirdplace showing by winning five of six matches in the 182-pound bracket. “We basically took eight guys and six medaled,” said Wildcats coach Greg Varela, whose team left for Reno on Dec. 16 to compete in the Tournament of Champions, one of the most competitive events in the nation. “That was huge, we had some big wins and it was a confidence booster.” Coming up on three decades as a wrestling coach, Varela knows what he’s doing. He took only two starters to the Webber Lawson Tournament at Fremont High the following weekend, knowing the grind that was to come. Starting in mid-December, all the top squads in the Central Coast Section embark on a brutal stretch that doesn’t culminate until the CIF State

Championships in the last weekend of February. After the Reno TOC, Los Gatos basically has a dual meet and tournament every week for the next six weeks. As such, Varela has to find a way to get his starters an occasional break. “We wanted to give them a weekend off (from Webber Lawson) where they didn’t have to maintain weight so much,” he said. “Let them rest their bodies and not let them have to be so disciplined because January is going to be a tough month. There’s just no way around that.” Gorshkov is ready for the grind, especially after a club tournament season in which he competed in several national tournaments throughout the country which has prepared him to go out with a bang in his senior year. As a sophomore, Gorshkov took seventh in the Santa Clara Valley League Finals at 160 pounds. In the Covid spring season, Gorshkov was in the same boat as everyone else, limited to a couple of dual meets. But the absence of a full season whetted his appetite further to continue to work hard and improve. “During the Covid lockdown when we couldn’t do anything, I realized wrestling was something I wanted to do beyond high school,” he said. “I started to become a fan of wrestling and then the entire last club season I went through a bunch of national tournaments, which really showed me where I’m at and made me tougher.” Gorshkov is currently ranked second in the section and 20th in the state, though it seemed like he hinted that he was under ranked in the state. “My goal this year is to win CCS and be in the state semifinals for a top three, four finish,” he said. “I expect a lot out of myself, but I also want to have fun because when I’m out there on the mat, I’m doing what I enjoy the most.” Despite winning his weight class at the Chukchansi Invitational, Gorshkov said he took equal—and perhaps greater—joy in being at the tournament with all of his teammates. After

File photo

Los Gatos wrestler aims for league, CCS titles

STRENGTH ON STRENGTH Wildcats senior Daniil Gorshkov, seen here carrying teammate Anthony Pavlov-Ramirez in practice earlier this season, went 4-0 to win the 170pound division in the Chukchansi Invite on Dec. 3-4.

all, it had been two years since the team got to compete at a tournament together. “Just being there with my teammates and coaches and being able to watch and help each other out in the matches was a real positive experience,” he said. Born and raised in Russia, Gorshkov’s family immigrated to the U.S. the summer before his freshman year. Having competed in judo for a couple of years, Gorshkov had no intention of doing wrestling once he enrolled at Los Gatos. However, after hearing about a judo group on campus, Gorshkov went in search of the individuals only to end up in the school’s wrestling room. Gorshkov and Varela had a short conversation which eventually led to Gorshkov trying out for the team. “He never left and those other (judo) guys moved on,” Varela said. “So it was kind of a fluke we ran into each other, but he ended up staying and we’re glad

to have him. Daniil didn’t make CCS as a sophomore and since then has put in the time in practice, weight-lifting and has been a sponge and a real student of the sport. Now here we are 2 ½ years later and he’s ranked in CCS, winning tournaments and now looking to wrestle in college.” So much so that Gorshkov isn’t applying to any colleges that don't have a wrestling program. “I want to keep going with this because I think I still have a lot to improve on and can get better,” he said. Gorshkov said he likes to keep the pace of a match up and always has a goal to be superior physically at the end of a match compared to his opponent. “Our conditioning here is great with coach Greg,” he said. “So I’m usually feeling really good at the end of the match when the other guy is tired. I love everything about wrestling. It gives me a purpose, it gave me friends, mentors, the feeling of victory.”


Submitted

Mitty High freshman excels on the course and track Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

A little over a year ago, Aydon Stefanopoulas had a mental breakthrough. Competing in national cross country and track races but not coming up with top finishes in his age group, the Los Gatos resident and Mitty High freshman realized he had to go all into a sport that requires nothing less than a supreme effort. “I realized if you’re not working your hardest, what’s the point of doing it at all,” he said. “You better be the best and give your best for a sport; otherwise, there is no point in doing it.” Stefanopoulas’ renewed focus has resulted in the 15-year-old having the best stretch of results in his burgeoning running career. His latest accomplishment came in the form of an eighth-place finish in the USATF Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships in Paris, Kentucky on Dec. 11. Competing in the 15-16 year old championship race division, Stefanopoulas finished the 3.1-mile course in 17 minutes, 46 seconds. For his efforts, Stefanopoulas—a member of the Los Gatos Track Club (LGTC)—earned All America honors. Stefanopoulas and his fellow competitors were literally caked in mud afterward, as the area had been hit with inclement weather the previous week (including tornadoes in the southern part of the state). Usually, runners go into a race with the goal to hit a personal-record (PR). That simply wasn’t realistic with the tough conditions present. “I usually run two minutes faster for that distance, but the weather was absolutely horrendous,” he said. “During my race, there was no rain but the course had already been trampled (from previous races in other age groups), so no space was untouched. It was muddy and the ground was uneven everywhere.” Despite the less than ideal conditions, Stefanopoulas was somewhat content with his performance, knowing it continued a trend of solid racing. The Junior Olympic Nationals followed the Central Coast Section

HE’S FAST Los Gatos resident and Mitty High freshman Aydon Stefanopoulas had an incredible cross country season, taking third in his division in the CCS Championships, 22nd at state and an eighth-place showing in his age group at the USATF Junior Olympic Nationals.

‘You better be the best and give your best for a sport; otherwise, there is no point in doing it.’ Aydon Stefanopoulas

Championships and CIF State Championships in November. In the CCS Division II race at the famed 2.95-mile Crystal Springs Course in Belmont, Stefanopoulas placed sixth in 15:57.9 (5:24-mile pace), the 22nd best overall time among all five divisions and second best among all freshmen in the race. In the State Meet at a much faster Wood-

ward Park 3.0-mile course in Fresno, Stefanopoulas went 15:53.5, taking 22nd place in the Division II field. Results aside, what encourages Stefanopoulas the most is he felt like he could’ve done better at both CCS and state, and he’s primed to learn something from those races. “At state I felt good, but I went out too hard,” he said. “It’s taken me a

while to realize you don’t have to go out leading the race. You can follow the leaders and then pass them later.” Stefanopoulas’ favorite moment of the cross country season was the third West Catholic League meet of the season in which he took third place with a PR of 15:51.2 at Crystal Springs. In the process, he bested all but one of Bellarmine’s top runners. Bellarmine is a perennial power and for Stefanopoulas to beat most of the upperclassmen from the other WCAL schools was impressive to say the least. “That was a nice highlight because older kids from other schools don’t often like this freshman coming along into a top placing,” he said. “It was a nice feeling because I was putting in the work and now getting the results. It showed what could happen if I was disciplined in my training.” Having grown up in Los Gatos, Stefanopoulas said it was a tough decision to enroll at Mitty, as most of his friends attend Los Gatos High. However, he still trains with some of them during LGTC workouts, and credits coach Glenn “Willie” Harmatz for being a great influence in his running career. “Willie is a phenomenal coach and I wouldn’t have any other coach in the world to push me,” he said. “He pushes you to your potential, it’s amazing.” Stefanopoulas grew up playing soccer, but when he was 6 or 7, he suffered a broken femur. Out for six months, Stefanopoulas returned to play for the youth soccer team. “I wasn’t very good, but I realized I loved running up and down the field,” he said. So much so that the soccer coach gave Stefanopoulas the nickname “gazelle” at the end of the season team banquet. A short time later, Stefanopoulas asked his mom if there was a sport that strictly involved running, and of course she answered in the affirmative. Stefanopoulas got his start with a small local run club before switching to LGTC a little over four years ago. In addition to Stefanopoulas’ accomplishment, the LGTC 13-14 year old girls team of Kylie Hoornaert, Lola Herning, Shea Elmore, Sabrina Zanetto and Tatum Pyle turned in a terrific performance. Herning took third in 16:52, and Hoornaert was 18th in 16:17.

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LOS GATOS RESIDENT STEFANOPOULAS ON A GOOD RUN

11


PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD ENDS IN JANUARY

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Development, from page 1

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coming eight-year Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Housing Element cycle. “The update and review process was conducted with an understanding that the next housing element—an eightyear Housing Element—would likely have to provide room for 2,000 additional housing units,” Armer said. “The staff report provides some additional alternatives, taking this direction from Council members.” One of those ideas is to keep “low density” and “medium density” regulations at the same density rate as under the last General Plan, making changes elsewhere. Another alternative would be to remove density from the “office professional” and “service commercial” sections of town, according to Armer. Los Gatos could also get rid of “community commercial” and just keep “neighborhood commercial,” she said. “Any of these kinds of options can be presented to Planning Commission and then to Town Council for consideration,” she said. “There are more choices. This is not a done deal. There’s still opportunities to provide comments.” Councilmember Rob Rennie, who is now mayor, started with a question about a table with two columns, one about “residential capacity,” and one with “potential eligible units” for the Housing Element. “Why do we have units included in the General Plan that can’t be used for Housing Element?” he asked. Armer explained that some additional housing can be included in General Plan projections, since that’s expected to be approved before the Housing Element, plus, the two documents have different timescales. “We include projects that are already approved, including some that are likely to receive building permits before the Housing Element is adopted and certified—and therefore would not count towards the RHNA allocation for this next eight-year cycle,” she said. “We have a set number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that we are predicting will be approved annually, and since this is a 20-year plan, only eight-yearsworth of those would be included.” Rennie noted the State expects Los Gatos to plan to house people of different income levels. “I’m trying to understand, if we happen to have some housing that’s

built affordably, or comes up to an affordable number, but if it’s not income restricted, can we count it towards our ‘affordable’—with ADUs being an example of that?” Joel Paulson, Los Gatos’ community development director, said the Town has been allowed to chalk up all ADUs as affordable, so far, although that could change. “In our current cycle we actually are allowed to count all of our ADUs as ‘moderate income,’ even though they are not deed-restricted,” he said. “We will be going through a similar effort to see what categories we can apply ADUs to in the next cycle.” Councilmember Matthew Hudes drew attention to the proposed density increase for single-family-dwelling zones— from 0-5 units to 1-12—and wondered why the Town was moving forward with this if the Housing Element won’t be approved until afterwards. “It looks to me like ‘cart before the horse,’” he said, drawing attention to the way in which SB9 might cause homeowners to put carriage houses on their properties, resulting in unexpected additional units. “I think that it could be premature to enact the General Plan when it doesn’t analyze the impact of a law that’s already in effect in January 1st, 2022.” Paulson said Council members will have ample time to get guidance from the State about these issues before they vote on the General Plan. “There is a lot of background work that needs to be done, a lot of conversation about site selection,” he said. “Whether it’s the existing General Plan numbers, or we get to the point where we have an adopted General Plan— those numbers can be changed and we can reanalyze that.” It was Councilmember Mary Badame who brought forward what is apparently the biggest lightning rod of growth discussions, digging into just how planners came up with the almost 3,000 housing units Los Gatos officials are currently looking at allowing. “Where did the assumption of 2,929 housing units come from?” Badame asked. “What basis do we have for that assumption?” Armer said the calculation is based on expected housing units that would come via redevelopment of existing parcels, assuming “typical” density

would apply and factoring in the percentage of owners who would choose to build on their property. The original document had a typo, and “hillside residential” would have just 116—not 166. But Badame was not nitpicking. She was focused on the trendlines for overall growth. “So, if this is an assumption, it could be wrong,” she said. “It could even be higher than that. Am I correct?” Armer said the Town’s used figures provided by consultants—including an economic development subconsultant—and was developed based on growth projections and density updates. “We actually have a letter from the Los Gatos Community Alliance, and they’re reporting potential for development of 74,007 units,” Badame replied. Armer said that figure assumes every parcel would redevelop to the maximum extent, and that the Town doesn’t believe that will happen. Then-mayor Marico Sayoc noted there were 42 attendees mid-meeting, and according to YouTube’s public view count, just 24 people had streamed it there, by Dec. 20. Councilmember Maria Ristow, who is now vice mayor, thanked staff for putting together the presentation, and noted she was on the General Plan Advisory Committee with Badame. “It was interesting to watch how the process unfolded—going in knowing that we had a huge amount of housing to prepare for based on the fact that pretty much none of the cities in Silicon Valley have built to keep up with where we need to be,” she said, reflecting on the State housing-build requirements. “We finally all got these huge numbers and we had to suddenly think about a very different way to build, as opposed to, ‘Oh there’s a vacant lot here, a vacant lot there.’” To Ristow, the question is: how do you redevelop a mostly-built-out town? “There wasn’t a specific number that the GPAC was working toward,” she said. “It was more of a process of, ‘Here’s a location that makes sense to add density (to); here’s a location where we could build more housing.’ And as we worked through the process…this is where we came out.” The public review period on the draft Environmental Impact Report closes at 5pm on Friday, Jan. 7. The Planning Commission is expected to take up the Draft 2040 General Plan early next year. Staff hopes to bring the 2040 General Plan to Council in April.

NEW CONSTRUCTION DECLINES, BUT STILL DRIVES GROWTH Assessment, from page 1 a record $576.9 billion, a 4.6 percent increase over the prior year, according to Stone. The annual assessment roll reflects the total net assessed value of all real and business property in the county as of Jan. 1, 2021. “Looking forward to the next lien date, Jan. 1, 2022, the outlook for a robust recovery appears extremely promising,” Stone wrote in the report. “The pandemic will likely remain an obstacle, but vaccination rates in Santa Clara County are the best in the nation, our business and community leadership has demonstrated a strong and solid commitment to our success.” The largest drivers of growth this year were changes of ownership and new construction, contributing $14 billion and $6.69 billion, respectively, he wrote. However, new construction declined by 21 percent over the previous year, due to work stoppages and labor and material shortages brought on by the pandemic. The report provides an executive summary, in addition to detailed countywide information about Santa Clara County’s Assessment Roll, and compares this year’s assessment roll to prior year assessment information. It also provides a snapshot of the market value of transactions between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020, a year heavily impacted by Covid-19. In addition to comparing the 20212022 assessment year to the prior year, the report contains charts chronicling the economic boom that has occurred over the past 10 years. Additionally, the report provides assessment roll data about each of the county’s 15 cities and the unincorporated portions of the county. It contains assessment data summarized by the type of properties and their assessed values separated, not only by city, but also by school districts. Finally, the report provides a comparison of Santa Clara County’s roll data to other Bay Area counties and California’s largest counties. “The Annual Report, initially published in 1999, has become an increasingly popular and useful tool for citizens and policymakers,” Stone said. The Assessor’s Annual Report is available online at sccassessor.org.


CALENDAR

John Michael Band will perform dance rock hits at Number 1 Broadway, 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), on Dec. 23. Doors open at 6pm, with music starting at 8:30pm. → number1broadway.com

CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY DJ Vision 1 will be spinning tunes at a Christmas-themed event at Number 1 Broadway, 102 South Santa Cruz Ave. #B (Upstairs), on Dec. 24. Doors open at 6pm, with music starting at 8:30pm. → number1broadway.com

NYE AT CARDIFF LOUNGE Cardiff & Cocktails, 260 E Campbell Ave. in Campbell, presents NYE2022 featuring the sounds of DJ, Producer & Remixer Julius Papp, Mr. V and DJ Rated R. The event takes place Dec. 31 at 9pm.

MYSTERY LOVERS BOOK CLUB The Los Gatos Library’s Mystery Lovers Book Club meets the first Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is Jan. 5 at 5pm on Zoom. The group will discuss “The Girls in the Garden” by Lisa Jewell. → losgatosca.libcal.com/ event/8582029

LOS GATOS FARMERS MARKET The Los Gatos Certified Farmers’ Market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables from Santa Clara County yearround. More than 40 local farmers and food producers sell their wares Sundays from 9am to 1pm at Town Park Plaza on Main Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue. → cafarmersmkts.com/losgatosfarmers-market

CAMPBELL FARMERS MARKET The Downtown Campbell Farmers Market is held Sundays, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm. → uvfm.org/campbell-sundays

THE KIWANIS CLUB OF LOS GATOS

The club meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at 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.

THE LOS GATOS MORNING ROTARY CLUB The Club meets every Wednesday morning 7:30-8:30am at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. Program includes featured guest speakers.

LOS GATOS LIONS CLUB The Los Gatos Lions Club meets every Wednesday. A breakfast meeting is held at Moore Buick, 15500 Los Gatos Blvd., at 8am and a noon meeting at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, with a guest speaker. The club has been active since 1946.

PUBLIC MEETINGS Town Council The Los Gatos Town Council meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. → 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. → losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission Santa Clara County Supervisors The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meets virtually on Tuesdays at 9am. → bit.ly/3oy2Zmq

losgatan.com

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JOHN MICHAEL BAND

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With a mission to raise funds for education, CineLux Theatres is providing private screenings of the family film “Sing 2” on Dec. 22. At these benefit screenings, moviegoers at the CineLux Plaza Theatre in Campbell will be supporting the Los Gatos Education Foundation. LGEF raises funds that ensure the children of Los Gatos Union School District receive high-quality programs and resources vital to their education. There are five matinee performances available and tickets are available at Eventbrite.com (search “LGEF”). One hundred percent of ticket sales will benefit the foundation.

The Town of Los Gatos has partnered with Santa Clara County Public Health to provide a Covid-19 testing site on Dec. 23 from 9:30am to 4pm at the Adult Recreation Center, 208 East Main St. Health insurance is not required. To make an appointment, visit scl. fulgentgenetics.com/appointment.

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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Attendees participate in a Tai Chi class at the Live Oak

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ADMIN OFFICES, LIBRARY CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS

Senior Nutrition & Service Center recently. A committee is working on improving services for the senior population in Los Gatos.

Town of Los Gatos administrative offices will be closed Dec. 23-Jan. 2. The library will be closed Dec. 2426 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

service groups, county representatives and more. Spearheaded by the Town Council and the Community Health & Senior Services Commission, the effort will be coordinated by Assistant Town Manager Arn Andrews and Tom Picraux as chair of the committee. The initial plan is to reach out to as many people as possible for ideas and solutions. The Town of Los Gatos will be conducting a survey that will be targeting seniors and their needs. There will be a concentrated effort to get the word out and do as many in-person meetings and gatherings as possible, according to the committee. These meetings will take place in January. Then, in Febru-

The Town of Los Gatos has put together a committee for Senior Services that has one task: enrich the lives of the senior citizen population by “Re-Imagining Senior Services in Los Gatos.” The committee is made up of representatives from community service organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, the Town Council, local senior

CLARK INDUCTED INTO THE HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI Morgan Clark of Los Gatos was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Clark was initiated at Clemson University. Clark is among 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.

OMICRON BEGINNING TO SPREAD IN COUNTY

COVID-19 TESTING SITE IN LOS GATOS FOR A DAY

​​LOS GATOS AIMS TO REIMAGINE SENIOR SERVICES

Judy Peterson/File photo

CINELUX THEATRES TEAMS UP WITH EDUCATION FOUNDATION

LOCAL SCENE

ary, there will be a ‘kickoff ’ reception to garner interest about the responses and receive more suggestions from the public. For information, contact Nancy Pearson (committee member) at kiwanislosgatos@gmail.com or Arn Andrews (staff liaison) at aandrews@ losgatosca.gov. The Senior Services Committee members are George Rossmann, Arshia Mathur, Matthew Hudes, Rob Rennie, Nancy Pearson, Catherine Somers, Kathy Mlinarich, Lisa Lenoci, Tom Picraux (chair), Maureen Heath (vice-chair), Diana Miller and Grace Benlice.

The County of Santa Clara is urging everyone eligible to obtain a booster shot as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 continues to spread. Booster shots are available, through appointments and drop-in availability, at many pharmacies, clinics and mass vaccination locations throughout the county. Everyone 16 and older who is six months out from their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months out from their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is eligible for a Covid-19 booster shot. Currently, 44% of eligible county residents have received a booster, and approximately 250,000 residents who are 50 years and over have yet to get their booster shot. There have now been 10 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant reported to the county’s Public Health Department and the Omicron variant has been detected in all four wastewater treatment facilities in Santa Clara County. Vaccinations are no-cost to the public, insurance is not required, and there are no immigration requirements. To find a booster shot appointment or drop-in booster location, visit sccfreevax.org.


Reimagine home for the holidays. We offer a variety of services, including Assisted Living and Memory Care. We work hard to ensure comfort and security while providing around-the-clock care, research-based programming, community support groups and so much more. Your loved one deserves the best care, and supporting individuals living with dementia is what we do with love and passion!

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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.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM IN LOS GATOS Join us as a charter subscriber! The team that launched the original Los Gatos Weekly has come together once again to give the town the quality of journalism it needs. News about local people, school sports and vital community issues will fill the pages of thislocal publication –and a live web site. Los Gatos deserves real reporting.

Call or email for details: Lynda at 707.353.1148 or LifeTributes@Weeklys.com

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REAL ESTATE

HOME OF THE WEEK

Alta Realty Group

OAK HILL WAY This Los Gatos home is close to downtown.

18

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Find us on Facebook, Instagram, doorsteps and newsTwitter, racks doorsteps and news around town allracks aroundall town

This craftsman built in 1908 is nestled in nature but within walking distance to downtown Los Gatos. Located at 15 Oak Hill Way, the 2,067-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The living room is outfitted with the original hardwood flooring, along with beamed ceilings, a fireplace and the original mission-style windows. The main floor has a bedroom with an

attached bath, and a second bedroom with a half-bath. Another bedroom with a full bath is upstairs. A separate studio cottage is also on the property, with a clawfoot tub, built-in window seat and kitchen. The property also includes a storage shed, brick patio and deck. The home is listed at $2.5 million by Alta Realty Group. For information, visit bit.ly/3Eejfgt Alta Realty Group

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HISTORIC HOME WITH RUSTIC CHARM

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INSIDE The original hardwood flooring remains in the living room.


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CONSTRUCTION

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