Los Gatan August 2 2023

COUNTY AGREES TO RAISES FOR 12K WORKERS

Officials and largest union reach tentative three-year contract

Barry Holtzclaw, Reporter

Santa Clara County government’s largest union, Service Employees International Union Local 521, representing more than 12,000 workers, announced July 28 it had reached a tentative agreement on a labor contract providing an effective 13% in wage increases over three years.

The announcement came more than a month after the previous contract expired, when union members voted to authorize a strike, if necessary.

The county workers represented by the union will receive a 5% increase in their 2023-24 pay, followed by 4% raises in 2024-25 and 4% in 2025-26.

The tentative agreement averts a strike, which was authorized by Santa Clara County members in mid-June.

Santa Clara County members represented by SEIU Local 521 will vote to ratify the new agreement in the next two weeks, followed by a formal ratification vote by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

The union represents emergency dispatchers, social workers, county hospital staff, and

➝ SEIU, 10

on the early July 27 evening.

NEW DIGS

Drew Penner, Reporter

Connie Binning moved to California from Minnesota in the 1960s, settling first in Santa Rosa, and, a few years later, moving her family to Los Gatos.

“Back then I used to drive the truck in to Rural Supply and buy hay for my daughter’s horse,” she said. “Now it’s a brewery.”

Binning was speaking, June 30, during the grand opening for the Walnut Grove se-

➝ Walnut Grove, 4

local scene p12 : upcoming events p14 : police blotter p15 : ny times crossword puzzle p17

ACOUSTIC SET Chain of Fools performs in the park outside Montebello Market

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

Call Me to Discuss Your Next Move in 2023

Quiet & serene, this park like setting is tucked away from the street. This gated property is located in the heart of Portola Valley with a unique welcoming feeling. Chef’s kitchen with Calcutta marble, custom cabinets & commercial grade appliances. Formal living room with fireplace and access to exterior second living room. Separate family room with fireplace, builtin cabinetry, and access to exterior. Primary suite with a freshly remodeled bathroom & walk-in closet. Wonderfully high ceilings and high end custom finishes throughout. Two outdoor living rooms for entertaining, antique stone hot tub, raised planters for a garden, tons of usable lawn, and a playground for the young at heart. On cooler nights, there is a spacious theater that insures many hours of entertainment. No detail was ignored, this home speaks of quality and a comfortable elegance. Two potential pool sights, photo is a rendition.

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VOL.2 NO.48

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

RESIDENTS PRAISE PROJECT

nior rental apartments, an affordable housing project located on the Phase 1 portion of the North 40 mixed-use project on Walker Street near the intersection of Highways 17 and 85.

The Eden Housing project, which provides homes for seniors earning 3050% of area median income, began welcoming residents Jan. 27 and is now fully leased.

Binning shared how she got to watch her children grow up in Los Gatos.

“There weren’t any trendy restaurants or wine bars then,” she said. “Mountain Charley's was the restaurant of choice for the steaks and the great music. It’s a lot different now. There’s a lot more people here. It’s still a great place to live.”

Her grandchildren and sons-in-law were enrolled in educational institutions in Los Gatos and Saratoga.

Binning was living downtown and she was starting to feel the pressure of the Silicon Valley rental market.

“I had a nice apartment,” she said. “But the rent was really far more than I could really manage easily.”

A newspaper article about the North 40 caught her eye and she decided to put in an application for the Walnut Grove multi-story complex under development.

“It looked really good, but I thought, This is a lot of paperwork,” she recalled.

“So, I called my daughter, and she took off the afternoon from work and came down the hill and helped me.”

Binning knew there would be more people interested than there were homes available, so she put it out of her mind.

“I kept looking around at other apartments and I found out they were even more expensive than the one I had. And, low-and-behold, I was out shopping one afternoon late in the day, and I got a text.”

It directed her to her email, where she learned she’d been picked.

“I think it was in less than two weeks I moved in here,” she said. “I couldn’t pack fast enough. It happened so quickly.”

Binning has already signed up for the Renters Advantage program where she works with a coach to better manage her budget and for Eden Savers, another service that assists with financial planning.

“My apartment is wonderful,” she said. “I enjoy the sunset every night. We have a garden. We have bluebirds in our birdhouses. And I feel like this is more than just a place to live. And I didn’t expect that. In fact, it almost tears me up.”

With that, she swallowed the lump in her throat and continued explaining what she meant.

“I feel that if I got in any kind of a bind, any kind of trouble—and maybe

my family were out of town—that I would have somebody here that would have my back,” she said. “It’s really a great place to live.”

Andrea Osgood, Eden Housing’s chief of real estate development, was touched by the speech and says it’s stories like this that drive home the necessity of their 100% affordable housing communities.

“We know that affordable housing is needed everywhere,” she said, noting Eden’s now built more than 11,000 homes across California over the last 55 years. “We’re going to keep doing that.”

The building features 49 low-income units and one manager unit. Net rent ranges from $948 to $1,580.

Resident Leah Johnson told the crowd at the ribbon-cutting, including Mayor Maria Ristow and other dignitaries, that she thinks planners really nailed it in terms of designing a facility that works for handicapped seniors like her, as well as for older adults, in general.

“The hallways in the building all have grab bars, because even seniors who aren’t handicapped can get a little unsteady on their feet,” she said. “So that was a very thoughtful design.”

In her opinion, the horticulture on the terrace rivals what she’s enjoyed on visits to a Stanford Hospital site.

Plus, she notes, there’s even a community garden.

“Many of us have already planted tomatoes, and basil, and rosemary, and other herbs, and plants and flowers,” she said. “You know, it’s a really good opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and to commune with your fellow residents.”

Walnut Grove, from page 1

NEW DEVELOPMENT Located near the intersection of Highways 17 and 85 in Los Gatos, the Walnut Grove community provides 50 apartment homes for seniors.

REPORT SAYS CSU SYSTEM FAILED TO

ADDRESS HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS

San Jose State responds to report

Barry Holtzclaw, Reporter

The California State Auditor released a report recently that found the CSU system routinely failed to address sexual harassment allegations across some of its 23 campuses, including San José State.

The auditor's report on CSU reviewed multiple alleged cases of sexual harassment and several investigations to determine that, in some cases, universities improperly closed cases and failed to provide adequate discipline or take action against offenders. This comes on the heels of a year-long independent investigation ordered by the CSU Board of Trustees to review the system’s Title IX practices.

SJSU didn’t waste any time responding to the independent report that cited decades of failures by the California State University system in handling complaints of gender discrimination and sexual misconduct.

The report by Seattle law firm Cozen O’Connor singled out San José State as just one of four universities in the CSU system where separate offices for handling Title IX and “DHR”— Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation—complaints have hampered enforcement efforts.

San José State President Cynthia Teniente-Matson announced that “We have decided to bring two closely related functions together under a single administrative umbrella.”

“Our Title IX office and our Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation (DHR) function will be aligned to streamline processes and create more consistency,” she said.

The independent report concluded: “There is still significant work to be done to ensure that the CSU's universities are welcoming environments for students, faculty and staff, free of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct.”

“What we heard at many CSU universities were deeply held feelings of anger, grief and pain,” the report stated. “Across all constituencies, we heard grave disappointment and sorrow in what many viewed as institutional betrayal.

“Although San José State has invested heavily in growing its Title IX and Gender Equity Office,” continued the report, “some members of the San José State community continue to express distrust and skepticism about the Title IX function.”

The report recommended that SJSU needs to change its institutional approach to complaints about misconduct and discrimination, in a way “that goes beyond mere legal compli-

ance and focuses on evidence-based effective prevention work.”

The report also said San José State’s “high volume of cases” put special pressure on efforts to protect faculty, staff and students from misconduct and discrimination.

The Title IX and Gender Equity Office at San José State reported the volume of complaints in 2023-23 grew 27% over 2021-22, when it received a total of 256 complaints. As of May 9, San José State’s Title IX investigators were actively investigating 15 formal complaints.

The university’s Interim Title IX and Gender Equity Officer told the Cozen O’Connor investigators that at any given time, it is monitoring approximately 200 cases and providing support for student, faculty and staff complainants and respondents.

Teniente-Mason said she was “encouraged” by the report’s criticisms, as a basis for reform.

“Our campus has implemented many of the recommendations in the Cozen campus-specific report and our work continues, including improving efficiencies in response to reporting, investigations, and resolutions, as well as continued investments in training, professional development and continuous learning for staff and leaders,” the San José State president said.

The report also said San José State’s

anonymous online reporting form, as written, requires responses to certain sections and asks for detailed information such that “it might discourage a complainant from completing the form.”

“There is no clear statement about when and how to report, whether responsible employees are required to report, how to submit the online complaint form, or where one might go if they have questions,” the investigators said.

At the same time, the investigators said they found no concerns about timeliness, responsiveness or communications from San José State’s Title IX and Gender Equity Office.

In addition, they said, “Throughout this assessment, and across these leadership transitions, we have observed a commitment from the university to improving the Title IX and DHR functions.”

The California Legislature’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee called for a special state audit last summer after multiple reports showed poor responses to sexual harassment complaints from faculty, administrators and students.

The committee requested access to sexual harassment complaints against employees at the chancellor’s office, San José State, Fresno State and Sonoma State campuses where there had been publicly reported allegations of misconduct.

The auditor’s report found that from 2018 to 2022, the system received 1,251 sexual harassment reports against CSU employees across the 23 campuses. The audit cautioned that “the data from the chancellor’s office is “unreliable and inconsistent.”

EdSource contributed to this report.

What we heard at many CSU universities were deeply held feelings of anger, grief and pain. Across all constituencies, we heard grave disappointment and sorrow in what many viewed as institutional betrayal.

Cozen O’Connor report

Taylor Swift concerts bring cultural earthquake to Silicon Valley

Drew Penner, Reporter

Silicon Valley has played host to many tectonic cultural forces over the decades—from the introduction of the personal computer to the way search engines and social media companies altered the way humans navigate through the world.

In a way, these technological advances allowed old and young alike to survive a period of tremendous restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic in relative comfort—with nearly every song in existence at your fingertips, and the ability to comment on them endlessly with friends who may live across town, or on the other side of the country.

But the live, amplified spectacle—its modern form owing quite a debt to groups like the Grateful Dead, who trace their origins to the region—became like a figment of the imagination for the youth of today, thanks to lockdowns meant to keep a communicable disease at bay.

There is perhaps no more powerful cultural queen than the woman born in West Reading, Penn. in 1989. Taylor Swift and Drake recently had quite the

high-profile battle for the crown of top pop artist, after Swift became the first artist in history to take over the Billboard’s entire top 10 when her album Midnights was released, last year.

And according to a 2023 YouGov poll, 98% of people in America know who Taylor Swift is—only Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake scored higher.

And yet, she hasn’t toured since the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018.

So, her two-day reemergence with The Eras Tour at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara was always going to cause a cultural earthquake. And it did—even at the highest levels of government, as a controversy raised questions on Capitol Hill about how to fix abuses in the ticketing industry.

In spite of the significance, 21-yearold Fernando Escobedo, who came down from Contra Costa County to work the event, said the fans who showed up Friday were well-behaved.

“There were no stabbings,” he said, referring to a crime committed during a soccer game held at the venue earlier in the month. “I mean, it was a Taylor Swift concert.”

Escobedo recalled how an army of people put down boards to protect the grass and made other preparations, beginning several days earlier.

He was assigned to the check-in booth until around 9pm. Some people tried to bribe their way in.

“One of my buddies was offered $1,000,” he said, explaining this was for a group of about eight girls.

Considering the cheapest ticket he saw for sale that day was priced at $690, that wasn’t even a good deal.

“One person bought tickets right in front of us for $2,000,” he added.

Someone came from Texas to see the Swift spectacle, he noted.

And there was a daughter-and-mother whose tickets for the first show (purchased through an authorized vendor) worked, but when they checked their additional set, for Saturday (which they’d purchased via Facebook Marketplace), they discovered these were fakes.

Was it worth the hype?

“I think it was,” Escobedo said, noting that he’d managed to sneak a peek on a bathroom break. “You just hear it and feel the love for Taylor.”

Escobedo was particularly impressed by the bracelets that added an interactive visual component to the show.

“When the beat was dropping or when she was singing you could see a bunch of light,” he said. “It was just like a bunch of flashlights were going off.”

Lindsay Stuart, 32, came down from Lake Tahoe with her husband.

They weren’t part of the Levi’s Stadium crowd. Instead they attended a sanctioned watch party at a hotel, starting around 4pm.

“We went to the Hilton tailgate,” she said. “It was way less crowded than anticipated.”

They’d experienced the sheer madness of the inaugural Eras date in the Phoenix area.

She was blown away that Swift would sing more than 40 songs in a single concert.

“Taylor Swift for president!” she exclaimed.

Reed Bowman, 18, didn’t have a ticket for Friday night, either.

But the San Carlos resident showed up in Santa Clara with two friends anyways.

“We were outside of the concert,” he said. “It was pretty chill.”

Unfortunately, there were announcements playing on a loop, likely as a deterrent to exterior spectators.

“They had them blaring constantly,” he said, but added, “We could hear her voice.”

And their crew was forced to stand back 500 feet.

“Other than that, it was a good concert,” he said. “Solid.”

Jana Morales, 19, took the bus from Santa Cruz with her younger sister.

The trip over the Santa Cruz Mountains on the Highway 17 express wasn’t too bad, she recalled.

The challenge came in trying to find a rideshare driver willing to bring them from the station.

Morales described how everything came alive when Swift appeared.

“You could feel everything moving,” she said. “It was just really amazing.”

This was a big moment for Morales.

“I’ve been a fan of hers since I was 11,” she said. “I wanted to see her.”

As awesome as being part of the effervescent crowd itself was, Morales mused, there was something even more magical about stepping outside the stadium to search for their parents—who were on their way to whisk them back to Santa Cruz—and looking back at the fantastic, shimmering scene they’d been lucky enough to have been part of.

POP ICON Taylor Swift performs the first of two nights of her Eras tour concert on July 28 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

Jasmeet Sidhu/Special to Bay City News

GUEST VIEW

The worry wart surfaces

Jeffrey P. Blum , Contributor

Most conscientious attorneys are worry warts/party poopers. We’re paid to consider all potential scenarios. Thus, it came as no shock to me that I reacted first with pleasant surprise and then with concern when I heard that the State of California had awarded LGS Recreation $1 million for its 55-plus program. Perhaps it was my knowledge of the back stories, or it was my occupationally ingrained reticence to fully embrace any good news. In either event, it exists. Call me a worry wart or a party pooper if you must.

The first back story from my perspective began about two years ago, when the Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC), of which I am a member, determined there were numerous deficiencies in the delivery of senior services in Los Gatos. Our report prompted the town council to provide $500,000 in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds to improving older adult services. These funds were disbursed to several organizations, including LGS Recreation. Furthermore, it led to the creation of a Senior Services Committee to do a more thorough

investigation of older adult services in our community and determine long term, how to enhance and solidify older adult services in Los Gatos. In addition to conducting a survey, they explored what other similarly situated communities were doing to help older adults.

Their report created a Road Map for improving older adult services. CHSSC is charged with implementing this Road Map.

The second back story stems from the fact that LGS Recreation operates via a joint powers agency arrangement with local school districts. The local school districts oversee the 55plus program, possibly to its detriment since the primary focus of the school districts is on the youth of these communities.

The third back story is that tensions between LGS Recreation and the town needed repairing. The tensions resulted in charges and counter charges. To summarize, LGS Recreation felt and perhaps still feels underappreciated, and felt singled out for extra work to justify its request for town funds. On the other side, some believed LGS Recreation was not fulfilling its commitments to the town. Much of this conflict arose against the

UNION REPRESENTS THOUSANDS

SEIU, from page 1

parks and roads workers, among others.

In addition to the general wage increase, which the union said represents the biggest raises in two decades, the labor agreement also includes a $1,200 one-time lump sum payment, equity raises, and additional wage gains for positions.

The union negotiators had also sought improved working conditions

they said were exacerbated by hundreds of vacancies.

“Securing pathways to expanding public service and care for the most vulnerable in our community was a major priority for our union members,” said Riko Mendez, SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer.

“This deal includes financial commitments that will begin to over -

backdrop of the pandemic; a period that was difficult for the parties, as well as for nearly everyone else. The tensions were recently reduced somewhat and the town council’s funding for the fiscal year to LGS Recreation for its 55-plus program was completed, albeit at a level below what LGS Recreation had requested.

With these back stories, some wondered whether LGS Recreation would continue to deliver older adult services to the community.

Then, we learned about the $1 million grant from California to LGS Recreation, specifically targeted for its 55-plus program. While this is great news for LGS Recreation and for the town as it likely means LGS Recreation will continue to deliver 55-plus services for the next four years (the $1 million is to be disbursed over four years) and it should lead to even better relations between the town and LGS Recreation, it leaves some issues unresolved. Here’s where my worry wart/party pooper persona kicks in.

Four years is a long time, but what happens after that? That was question one.

How will this infusion of funds alter the town council’s thinking when decisions need to be made about fund-

ing LGS Recreation for the next fiscal year? That was question two.

How might LGS Recreation utilize this money to help CHSSC with implementation of the Senior Service Committee Road Map? That was question three, although it is up to LGS Recreation, not CHSSC, to decide how to spend these funds.

The structural format by which LGS Recreation operates with the school districts still exists and presumably will continue to exist for the foreseeable future. Can this arrangement continue without unduly complicating the relationship between the town and LGS Recreation and without impairing the delivery of services to older adults? That was question four.

It's never fun being known as a worry wart or party pooper. In my case, it’s unavoidable, due to my position on the CHSSC and my attorney background. However, the fact that I feel compelled to be a worry wart/party pooper doesn’t prevent me from congratulating LGS Recreation for a job well done in successfully seeking out this funding, nor does it stop me from hoping that LGS Recreation continues to help CHSSC in implementing the Senior Service Committee’s Road Map.

come staffing shortages, increase educational resources and expands equity for lower-wage earners who are made up of most women of color,” said Mendez in a statement.

He praised union negotiators for standing firm “in demanding a fair contract, new gains and protections for our members and families in Santa Clara County.”

“We still have work to do to grow our way out of the short staffing and turnover exacerbated by the pandemic, but because of the resiliency and commitment of frontline county workers, we secured one of the best deals in the

history of Santa Clara County,” he said.

County Executive James Williams called the agreement a “win-win for our employees and for the community that relies on the high-quality care and excellent services we offer to Santa Clara County residents.”

“SEIU represents more than half the County workforce—public servants who show their commitment every day to serving and caring for our diverse community,” he said.

“This tentative agreement takes care of our dedicated staff and ensures that the County will be able to continue offering critical public services.”

Jeffrey P. Blum is a family law mediator who lives in Los Gatos. He can be reached at blumesq@aol.com.

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LOCAL SCENE

ALAMITOS VINEYARDS RECOGNIZED AS TOP NEW WINERY IN THE NATION

The Wineries of Santa Clara Valley announced that one of its member wineries, Alamitos Vineyards, 23505 Alamitos Road in San Jose, has been voted the Best New Winery Experience in the nation by USA Today.

Despite being open less than three years, Alamitos Vineyards has quickly become known for its award-winning wines and vineyard scenery offering visitors views of Quicksilver Park and the Almaden Reservoir.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication of owners Shaun Coleman and Chris Maune, the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley stated in a press release. From their experienced winemaker George Troquato to their vineyard crew and staff, each member plays a role in producing the best possible wines and experience.

“We are thrilled to see one of our newer, up-and-coming wineries recognized at a national level,” said Kim Engelhardt, president of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley association. “Shaun, Chris and their team have put in the work creating their amazing place and fully deserve this honor. We raise a glass to this acknowledgment and all their future successes.”

Alamitos Vineyards produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Touriga, Pinot Noir and Rosé. They are open for reservation-only tastings.

➝ AlamitosVineyards.com.

RESEARCHER TO DISCUSS EATING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Ulka Agarwal, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and plantbased nutrition researcher who studies the effects of food on health and wellness, will discuss how plant-based nutrition affects depression and mental well-being.

The conversation will be held Aug. 10 from 5-6pm at the Los Gatos Library Tech Lab, 100 Villa Ave.

The event will also feature a drawing for prizes such as a cookbook and vegan chocolate.

Plant-Based Advocates is partnering with Los Gatos Library on a series of programs focused on reducing reliance on meat and dairy. PBA promotes a shift to plant-based diets for health, environment, animals and social equity.

FILM FESTIVAL SHOWCASES WORK BY SUMMER CAMPERS

KCAT TV & Media is holding a mini-film festival featuring the KCAT Summer Media Camp movie creators.

Throughout the summer, campers and counselors from diverse backgrounds and abilities with varied interests in acting and filmmaking come together to embark on a multimedia journey. Every week, campers create their own live TV show, produce commercials, record podcasts and participate in producing a short movie.

On Aug. 14 at 10am, their mini-movies will be viewable by the public for the first time at the Los Gatos CineLux

Theatre, 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave.

Film festival attendees will enjoy a “red carpet” lobby greeting with photo opportunities. Concessions will be available for purchase in the theater. Each movie runs 8-14 minutes long.

The KCAT camp staff will emcee and introduce each film, give some behind-the-scenes insight, and introduce all of the campers who contributed to the film.

KCAT TV's in-person video production camps is for 9- to 14-year-olds. Each camper has hands-on experience in scriptwriting, acting, directing, on-location filming and cinematography, post-production editing and more. ➝ kcat.org/filmfestival.

NEW ADA DOCK EXPANDS BOAT RENTALS AT VASONA LAKE

Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation celebrated the county’s first ADA accessible boat dock with a

ADA-compliant kayak self-launching structure at Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos.

The addition, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 29, is set to expand boat rentals and provide enhancements to the lake through services offered by Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation (LGSR).

The construction of an accessible route from the parking lot to the boat dock area, coupled with the replacement of existing docks with a new ADA-compliant docks and a new ADA-compliant kayak self-launching structure, marks a milestone for inclusivity. Working closely with Norcal Spinal Cord Injury Foundation, Sandis, Guerra Construction Group, the transformation better serves boaters of all abilities, the County stated in a press release.

The online registration is now open for the Adaptive Kayaking Program, offered in partnership with LGSR. To secure a spot and confirm dates, online reservations are recommended, as

TOP SPOT Alamitos Vineyards in San Jose was voted the Best New Winery Experience in the nation by USA Today.

walk-ins are subject to availability. Reservations can be made at tinyurl. com/t32tnzcr.

The kayak self-launching structure consists of features such as a transfer bench and railing to assist individuals with arm strength. A new set of portable lifts will support boaters with reduced arm strength in and out of kayaks.

Additionally, the kayaks feature raised backrests, and paddles with side supports. The kayaks are designed for two people, and at least one person must be 18 years or older and not be disabled.

SUPERIOR COURT RELEASES ONLINE CIVIL GRAND JURY COMPLAINT FORM

The Santa Clara County Superior Court recently launched an online Civil Grand Jury Complaint Form.

The form is now available in more than 100 languages and compatible with various browsers and device types.

“The Santa Clara County Court is committed to providing equal opportunities for all members of our community to participate fully in the justice system. The limitations of language options and accessibility have often hindered those who are non-native English speakers or have limited proficiency in the language,” said Presiding Judge, Hon. Beth McGowen. “Language should never be a barrier to seeking justice and addressing important issues. We invite individuals

to utilize this tool and play an active role in addressing critical issues within our community.”

To access the online Civil Grand Jury Complaint Form, visit scscourt.org/ general_info/cgi/cgi_complaint.asp.

‘AMERICAN PICKERS’ FILMING IN CALIFORNIA

Antique collectors are encouraged to dust off their collections and share their stories with the crew from the “American Pickers” TV show.

The History Channel series is filming in California in September, and is

looking for collectors to apply for the chance to be featured on the show. The series explores the world of antique “picking,” following skilled pickers in the business as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

The show’s producers are looking for leads. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to

americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646.493.2184.

The Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public.

DODD RECOGNIZED AT GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Connor Dodd of Los Gatos was among 205 students from Genesee Community College who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2023 semester.

Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York.

LOCALS NAMED TO TUFTS UNIVERSITY DEAN'S LIST

Four students from Los Gatos— Sami Hakkarainen, Anjali Satish, Liam Strand and Michael Zhou— were named to the Dean’s List at Tufts University for the Spring 2023 semester.

To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.4 or greater.

Tufts University has campuses in Boston, Medford/Somerville and Grafton, Mass., and in Talloires, France.

ACCESSIBLE A new ADA boat dock has been installed at Vasona Lake County Park.

2023 : losgatan.com

CALENDAR

For more events, visit the online calendar at losgatan.com/events-calendar

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Since 1988, Music in the Park has been a free public summer concert series held on Sunday afternoons, from 5-7pm on the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn, 110 E Main St. This year’s lineup is as follows: Aug. 6: Aardvark. Aug. 13: Ruth Gerson. Aug. 20: Tortilla Soup. Aug. 27: Andre Thierry. ➝ LosGatosCA.gov/MIP.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The Campbell Summer Concert series runs weekly on Thursday nights through Aug. 3.

➝ downtowncampbell.com/ event/2023/summer-concerts.

FOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Ulka Agarwal, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and plantbased nutrition researcher who studies the effects of food on health and wellness, will discuss how plant-based nutrition affects depression and mental well-being on Aug. 10 from 5-6pm at the Los Gatos Library Tech Lab, 100 Villa Ave.

DRUMMING AND STORYTELLING SHOWCASE

To celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day and to promote inclusion, equity, transformative action and unity throughout Los Gatos, San Jose and the Bay Area, AWỌ is bringing back the HUEmanity Salons Series program titled “Drums of the World” on Aug. 27. Scheduled workshops include making musical percussion instruments, drum playing and use of traditional African fabrics for collage creations. “Drums in the World” will be Aug. 27 at Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos from 1-4pm. Those interested in attending can register for free at tinyurl.com/2x2ryus5. For information, email askawo@awocenter.org or call 408.601.0364.

WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN MEETING

A public outreach meeting for the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be held Aug. 30 from 6-7:30pm at the Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. By having this strategic plan for all local agencies, they are able to prioritize forest health projects, shaded fuel breaks, escape routes, and public education campaigns. The CWPP aims to further wildfire preparedness initiatives throughout the county, and provide support for residents seeking resources to be better prepared for wildfire.

➝ sccfiresafe.org/cwpp.

LIVE JAZZ MUSIC

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

ENTERTAINMENT AT GARDINO’S

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

➝ bit.ly/3OSvPHS.

ONGOING

Los Gatos Farmers Market

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

➝ cafarmersmkts.com/losgatosfarmers-market.

Campbell Farmers Market

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

➝ uvfm.org/campbell-sundays.

The Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos

The club meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at Double D's, 354 N. Santa Cruz Ave. First two Thursdays of the month feature guest speakers.

➝ lgkiwanisgives.org.

Rotary Club of Los Gatos

The Rotary Club of Los Gatos meets Tuesdays from noon to 1:30pm at Shir Hadash Synagogue, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane.

➝ losgatosrotary.org.

The Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club

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

Los Gatos Lions Club

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

FOOD AND MOOD Dr. Ulka Agarwal will discuss how plant-based nutrition affects depression and mental well-being on Aug. 10 at the Los Gatos Library.

POLICE BLOTTER

JULY 23

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance and unlawful paraphernalia on Bascom Avenue at 12:18am.

• A suspect was arrested for trespassing on Belgatos Lane at 11:31am.

• A suspect was reportedly stealing rocks in front of a business on Los Gatos Boulevard.

• A man reportedly tried to push a shopping cart into a vehicle on Los Gatos Boulevard at 8:35pm.

• A group of children were reportedly throwing objects at vehicles driving on Old Blossom Hill and Short roads at 8:57pm.

• A caller reported some children “being loud” at a park on Granada Way at 10:59pm.

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a stolen vehicle on Highways 9 and 17 at 11:59pm.

JULY 24

• Battery was reported on Los Gatos Boulevard at 4:25am.

• Petty theft was reported at a business on Pollard Road.

• A man wearing all black clothing was reportedly dancing in the middle of the street and stopping traffic on W. Main Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 4:36pm.

• A caller reported “loud music and drunk kids by the pool screaming” on Bicknell Road at 9:11pm.

JULY 25

• An unknown suspect broke the window of a vehicle parked on Glen Ridge Avenue.

• Someone stole speakers from a vehicle parked on Belblossom Way.

JULY 26

• A man was arrested after he was reportedly standing in the middle of an intersection waving his arms on N. Santa Cruz Avenue and Blossom Hill Road at 6:57am.

• A man was arrested for presenting an officer with unlawful registration on Winchester Boulevard and Camden Avenue at 11:46am.

• A mailbox was reportedly broken into on Lora Drive.

JULY 27

• A caller reported three juveniles were talking and “being loud” on Oak Rim Way at 4:29am.

• A woman was arrested for driving with a suspended license on Union Avenue and Los Gatos-Almaden Road at 9:27pm.

• A person was reportedly in a pool on Belwood Gateway after it closed at 10:45pm.

JULY 28

• Four juveniles reportedly pounded on a home’s door and ran away on Longridge Road at 3:23am.

• A man was arrested for disorderly conduct on Blossom Hill Road at 9:15am.

• A man who knocked on a home’s door on Blossom Hill Road just to say hello was reported as suspicious at 1:38pm.

• Two women reportedly took photos of a garage on Heintz Court.

JULY 29

• A scooter was reported stolen on Riviera Drive.

• A caller reported someone “destroyed” their garden hose on Weldwood Court.

• A man was arrested for battery on the 300 block of Pinehurst Avenue at 10:54am.

• A man was arrested for battery on Los Gatos Boulevard at 7:21pm.

• Multiple callers reported children “being loud” at Bachman Park at 10:38pm.

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

PALM TREES ARE SPECIALIZED TREES

Tony Tomeo, Contributor

A tree is a woody perennial plant with a single tall trunk and branches. Banana trees and tree ferns lack both branches and wood. Arboriform yuccas develop branches but are not woody. Palm trees are no better. Some develop a few trunks but without branches. Doum palms that develop branches are extremely rare in California. No palm is actually woody.

Palms are trees only because of their size and form. In other words, most are big and tall. The most compact of palms are no smaller than Japanese maples, which are also trees. Realistically though, palms are merely large to very large perennials. They are monocots like grass, bamboo or cordyline. Some horticulturists classify them as herbaceous trees.

Only California fan palm is native to California, and only to remote desert oases. All other palms are exotic. Spanish Missionaries imported date palms to produce dates within arid regions. Only a few other palms were similarly utilitarian. The majority are desirable only for their distinctive form, texture and evergreen foliage. They are genuinely ornamentals.

All palms are evergreen. Fan palms produce rounded palmate leaves on sturdy petioles. Feather palms produce elongated pinnately compound leaves on sturdy rachises. Many fan palms also produce wicked teeth on their petioles. Many feather palms also produce dangerously sharp spines on the bases of their rachises. Even lush palms can be mean.

Not many palms get big enough to provide much shade. Many types are shady in groups, though. Without branches, palms are not conducive to containment or redirection. Some eventually grow tall enough to shade neighboring gardens instead. Unfortunately, palms that encroach too closely to high voltage cables require removal. They do not go around.

Palm trunks do not widen as their canopies grow higher above. Palms with plump trunks grow at ground level for several years before they can launch. Their single terminal buds must first grow as wide as their mature trunks will ever get. Their foliar canopies likewise grow no broader than they were when they launched. They only grow higher.

REAL ESTATE HOME OF THE WEEK

Most large palms develop distended basal adventitious roots that can get quite wide, though.

Highlight: Mexican fan palm

California fan palm is the only palm that is actually native to remote regions of California. However, Mexican fan palm, Washingtonia robusta, is much more common. Technically, its native range is not far away. It had been the most popular of palms prior to the 1990s. It is more adaptable to more populous climates. Also, it naturalizes within some regions.

Mexican fan palms grow vigorously while young. Growth decelerates with maturity. Very old trees can grow very slowly without completely stagnating. Wild specimens may have potential to survive for a few centuries with such slow growth. Cultivation and irrigation of home gardens may limit this potential. Few local specimens are more than a century old.

Mexican fan palms are taller and slimmer than California fan palms. Their trunks lean as prevailing wind blows them. They easily grow 50 feet tall, and eventually get to 100 feet tall. Such tall and leaning trunks can suspend their canopies over adjacent gardens. Their pleated and palmate leaves are about three feet wide, on petioles with nasty teeth.

TOUCH THE SKY

True to the name of the street it sits on, this Los Gatos home has 11 skylights sprinkled throughout.

Located at 14720 Sky Lane, the 3,474-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

The home features cathedral ceilings, as well as a kitchen with gas range and hood, granite countertops, and a sliding glass door to the expansive deck.

The property includes a pool and spa surrounded by pavers and a twocar garage with a carport and four parking spots around the circular driveway. An ADU is fully wired with electricity.

The home, built in 1966, is listed at $2,989,000 by Intero Real Estate Services. For information, visit tinyurl. com/4bewk78p.

SKY LANE This Los Gatos home is surrounded by mountain views.

INSIDE The kitchen features a sliding glass door to the deck.

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

EVERGREEN Many palms have palmate leaf form.

Contributed

Colin Currie

Eunice Kim

Matthew Strauss

BeibeiWang

Svet Stoyanov