Los Gatan September 13 2023

EDUCATING THE YOUNGER GENERATION PART OF THIS YEAR’S 9/11 MEMORIAL

Flight 93 passengers from Los Gatos lauded in Sunday evening program

Drew Penner, Reporter

In On That Day: the definitive timeline of 9/11, author William M. Arkin notes that at 9:36am on Sept. 11, 2001, Lt. Col. Kevin Nasypany directed fighter jets based out of Langley go straight to Washington to be available to intercept incoming threats.

By this time, both of the World Trade Center buildings had been struck by aircraft and two additional planes had been hijacked, including United Airlines Flight 93, with Los Gatos High School graduates Todd Beamer and Mark Bingham on board.

“Shortly afterward, Lt. Col. Nasypany discovers, to his surprise, that the Langley-based fighters have not headed north as the scramble order had instructed but instead went east over the ocean,” Arkin wrote. “His response is emotional: ‘I don’t

Memorial, 4

TOWN REACHES COMPROMISE WITH GUN LOBBY AFTER FACING LEGAL THREAT

Town to allow guns in churches, on public transit and some civic buildings

Drew Penner, Reporter Town Attorney Gabrielle Whelan said Sept. 5 in her closed session report that the Town Council had met in private to discuss a legal threat from the gun lobby, which asked Los Gatos to delay enforcing its new concealed carry ordinance on public transit, in places of worship and in civic buildings where government business doesn’t occur.

Konstadinos T. Moros, of Michel & Associates, which rep➝ Gun, 6

receive

ALWAYS REMEMBER Boy Scouts of America Troop 539 participated in the color guard during the 9/11 memorial held at the Flame of Liberty monument in Los Gatos Sunday.

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VOL.3 NO.2

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LOS GATOS REMEMBERS 9/11

Memorial, from page 1

care how many windows you break,’ he says he ordered the unit. ‘Damn it… OK. Push them back.’”

But they didn’t make it back—at least not in time to stop American Airlines Flight 77, which accelerated to 530 mph, clipped five lamp posts and hit a portable generator before slamming into the Pentagon, killing 125 people—including 70 civilians.

The Langley F-16s were still about 100-150 miles away from the Pentagon at the time, and the passengers of Flight 93 were already considering storming the cockpit.

At 9:48am, flight attendant CeeCee Lyles left a message for her husband, telling him about the hijacking.

“We’ve turned around, and I’ve heard that there’s planes that’s been, been flown into the World Trade Center,” she said. “I hope to be able to see your face again.”

At the very same moment, NORAD commander Ralph Edward "Ed" Eberhart decides against ordering hijacked planes to be shot down, for the third time.

Dozens of nuclear weapons had been loaded onto bombers in Louisiana, North Dakota and Missouri, with ballistic missile silos and Trident submarine crews on alert, as defense officials imagined a new Cold War may have just started.

At 9:53am, the National Security Agency intercepts a phone call from an Osama bin Laden operative in Afghanistan to a former Soviet Republic of Georgia number, noting he’s heard “good news” and that there might soon be more to share.

A minute later, President George W. Bush makes a two-minute phone call to an unidentified person.

Meanwhile, Flight 93 passenger Honor Elizabeth Wainio was speaking with her stepmother on the ground, telling her other passengers had begun mounting their counter-terrorism operation.

“I have to go,” she said. “I love you. Goodbye.”

At the time this call was made, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was still out of communication following the Pentagon attack and some authorities worried the Sears Tower in Chicago could still be hit by another aircraft.

The South Tower collapsed at 9:59am, a minute after Lebanese hijacker pilot Ziad Jarrah began to roll Flight 93 from right to left to try to knock the passengers off balance.

“The cockpit voice recorder captures the sounds of loud thumps, crashes, shouts, and breaking glasses and plates,” the book notes, adding someone was heard yelling, “Stop him!”

At 9:59am Eberhart, the NORAD commander, declared an Air Defense Emergency, the highest air defense alert that provides the authority for scrambled air defense assets to shoot down hijacked planes after NORAD receives “White House interest,” Arkin wrote.

Questions would linger about whether an order to shoot down planes was actually given by Bush, or if his authority was usurped by Vice President Dick Cheney, who was not part of the military chain-of-command.

This point was rendered less significant due to the actions of the passengers of Flight 93, as the executive branch initially thought its order took down the hijacked aircraft.

George Sikich, a Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos member, recalled how his wife Nancy Pearson called him that day while he was on the Bay Bridge to tell him New York had been attacked.

He’d been on his way to a boat show.

“This is something that always should be remembered,” he said. “What people did was remarkable.”

Sikich was one of many who attended the 9/11 memorial held at the Flame of Liberty monument in Los

Gatos Sunday evening, which highlighted, among other things, the bravery of Beamer and Bingham.

“I had one friend die who was in the Trade Towers,” Sikich said. “He was a bond trader.”

The event was a good way to look back on that tragic day, he added.

“It was very moving,” Sikich said. “It was short and to the point.”

Parks Commissioner Matt Ober said the permanence of the Flame of Liberty memorial means Los Gatos marks the deaths of the victims all year, not just on the 11th day of September.

“I think it is an honor and a tribute to those who’ve fallen on a terrible day,” he said of the ceremony.

Rob Stephenson, board director of the Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation, said he was glad the event had such a meaningful effect.

“This was our generation’s Pearl Harbor,” he said. “We have an entire generation now that are adults and weren’t alive when it happened.”

Colin Kennedy, 12, certainly wasn’t even a twinkle in his mother’s eye back in 2001. He served as the commander of the color guard for this year’s memorial, joining other Boy Scouts of America Troop 539 volunteers.

Kennedy said it was quite similar to the one he’d helped out with in 2021.

“It was great to be here,” he said. “It’s less about the event and more about remembering.”

Lt. Col. Walker Pearce-Pearcy, who flies C-5 cargo airplanes out of Travis Air Force Base, was responsible for organizing the ceremony.

“I think it really highlighted the important aspects of remembering that day,” he said, adding it was great to see the youth participate. “Just having them involved is what we’re here to do.”

Retired Maj. Gen. Kent Hillhouse said the program was designed to honor heroes and support victims, and to reflect on the contributions of Bingham and Beamer.

“We had some great speakers,” he said. “I told the mayor if I knew her speech was going to be so impactful, I would have brought a box of tissues.”

Mayor Maria Ristow noted her own daughter—who was one year old on Sept. 11, 2001—is now 23.

“I also wanted to honor the families,” she said. “Those families still have this gaping hole.”

Ristow said it’s important to reinforce American values like integrity, inclusion and putting others above yourself.

“We don’t need another tragedy to remember our values,” she said. “We need to not let petty differences be divisive.”

I told the mayor if I knew her speech was going to be so impactful, I would have brought a box of tissues.

Retired Maj. Gen. Kent Hillhouse

SEPT. 3

• A man was arrested for driving with a suspended license on Cherry Blossom Lane and Shannon Road at 1:32pm.

• A man reportedly stole eight bottles of liquor from a store on Blossom Hill Road at 2:51pm.

• A man was reportedly pushing a shopping cart in the road and yelling at people on Union Avenue at 4:11pm.

• A man was reportedly “yelling sexual comments at passersby and was seen huffing out of a balloon” on Oka Road at 5:31pm.

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a substance similar to toluene on the 14700 block of Oka Road at 5:56pm.

POLICE BLOTTER

SEPT. 4

• A man was arrested for battery on the 100 block of Riviera Drive at 11:04am.

• A caller reported a group of children for “yelling and screaming” at Bachman Park at 10:25pm.

SEPT. 5

• A woman was arrested for an outside warrant on Los Gatos Boulevard and Lark Avenue at 2:54am.

SEPT. 6

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia on the 200 block of Garden Lane at 7:32pm.

TOWN FACES LEGAL PRESSURE

Gun, from page 1

resents the California Rifle & Pistol Association, told the Los Gatan they came up with a compromise where the firm agreed not to sue over a location-based hidden gun ban in some places—including the Los Gatos Library and the Civic Center—as long as the Town allows firearms in the other areas.

“I realize there’s a difference of opinion here,” Moros said, when asked if he really thinks guns should be allowed in religious gathering spaces. “I carry at my church."

It’s all part of the fallout from the landmark Supreme Court decision N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which forced jurisdictions across America to recognize the right to obtain a license to carry a firearm for self-defense.

In an Aug. 4 letter to Whelan, Moros said it makes sense to let people carry in churches, synagogues and other such locations.

“The fact that places of worship have been frequent targets of attack should lead any sane person to desire more law-abiding people to carry within them,” he wrote. “Many houses

SEPT. 7

• A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Bicknell Road and Via de Tresoros at 2:12am.

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia on Los Gatos Boulevard and Spencer Avenue at 3:29am.

• A woman was arrested on a bench warrant on the 15500 block of Union Avenue at 7:47pm.

SEPT. 8

• A man was arrested on an outside warrant on Charter Oaks Drive at 2:53am.

SEPT. 9

• A skimming device was reportedly found on an ATM on N. Santa Cruz Avenue.

• A man was arrested for vandalism after reportedly spray painting a bridge’s pillar on Los Gatos Boulevard and Los Gatos Saratoga Road.

• A woman reportedly stole a ring worth $6,000 at a store on N. Santa Cruz Avenue.

• A caller reported a group of children for “being loud” and “yelling profanity” at Bachman Park at 9:17pm.

Information is compiled from public records released by the Los GatosMonte Sereno Police Department.

The fact that places of worship have been frequent targets of attack should lead any sane person to desire more law-abiding people to carry within them.

of worship of all denominations are in fact moving towards more lawful carry to protect their congregants.”

Moreover, he told the Los Gatan, the rigors involved in getting concealed-carry certified—which includes a psychological evaluation in Santa Clara County—mean this is a subset of the population who are willing to jump through legal hoops.

“You’re pretty much showing that you have a predisposition to following the law,” he said. “They almost never commit crimes.”

The legal pressure follows an ordinance-passing process that left both gun rights and gun reform advocates interviewed by the Los Gatan at the time satisfied—as the Town Attorney said she used a conservative approach in coming up with the details.

Michel & Associates, which also represents the Second Amendment Foundation, says the original ordinance was not an acceptable compromise.

Moros said the way it was written, concealed carriers passing through some Los Gatos parks might run afoul of it, as would the ones who rely on public

Konstadinos T. Moros

transit, “—granted I don’t know how common that is in wealthy Los Gatos.”

He said they got most of what they wanted in a negotiation with the City of Glendale, although he couldn’t discuss the details as the settlement hadn’t been finalized.

And banning concealed carry in schools was just “silly,” he added— suggesting this is something that may have been included to score political points—since guns are already banned there by state and federal laws.

Michel & Associates has a lawsuit ready to go for when Sacramento finishes its “sensitive places” gun ban.

And if they lose that fight, Moros says Los Gatos is welcome to dust its ordinance off and put it in place.

Mayor Maria Ristow said she’s glad the Town was able to at least keep something in place, as the court battles play out.

“I am proud that Los Gatos is one

of the very few municipalities with a sensitive places ordinance,” she said. “Given pending legal challenges locally and at the state level, we did have to make a couple of changes, but we have an ordinance that is legally-defensible and protects our residents.”

CORRECTION

The article, “Wildcats aim high once again,” published in last week's edition, incorrectly stated Los Gatos High girls water polo player Abby Lockman suffered a concussion last season.

GUEST VIEW MY DISNEYLANDTHEMED VISION FOR LGS REC’S FACILITY

Jeffrey P. Blum , Contributor

First, the disclaimer. While I am the chairperson of the Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC), I write this article on my own behalf.

Second, hopefully, my colleagues on CHSSC and the Los Gatos Town Council will not decide to oust me or demote me after reading this article (although sometimes I wonder whether my significant other would like this ouster or demotion to occur).

Now, on to the heart of the matter.

Next week, I will embark on a trip to Disneyland with my daughter and son-in-law and my two grandsons, ages 4 and 2. Please take me seriously when I state this, I view the trip as a working volunteer endeavor that is intended to explore how best to incorporate the “Happiest Place on Earth” mindset into design plans for the remodel of the facility occupied by LGS Recreation.

Thanks to a recently approved Los Gatos Town Council vote, $866,000 in American Recovery Plan Act funds, along with other possible funds (with the goal of spending about $1 million altogether) are to be used to improve and reconfigure the LGS facility. One goal being considered is to give space in the building for nonprofit organizations to operate services for seniors, and make the space feel more comfortable, hospitable and pleasing.

What better place to focus on these goals of making the LGS Rec facility more attractive to residents than by considering the Disneyland model? So, here I go.

Ever the planner, I’ve done my preparation for this field trip to Disneyland. I’ve decided to focus on the following areas:

Thematic cohesion: Can we make the remodeled LGS Rec facility have different thematic zones catering to different interests? Disneyland has its futuristic Tomorrow Land and its adventurous Frontierland, for example.

Immersive Storytelling: What are the captivating narratives the updated LGS Rec facility can provide? Should the facility include interactive exhibits, educational programs and environments that entertain, educate and inspire?

Cutting-Edge Technology: Disneyland is known for its ability to incorporate state-of-the-art technology into the visitor’s experience. Our reconfigured and newly improved LGS Rec facility can include interactive displays, augmented reality experiences and virtual reality attractions, to enhance the facility’s appeal.

Exceptional Guest Services: To attain a high level of customer service, the LGS Rec project should invest in intensive staff training to ensure that visitors are more likely to return to the facility. Maybe a churros booth would work, too. I’m taking under advisement whether staff members need to wear Mickey Mouse ears or dress up like Goofy and Daffy Duck, however.

Entertainment and Events: We love Disneyland’s shows, parades and events, such as its Pirates of the Caribbean ride/show and its nightly fireworks displays. The LGS Rec plan should consider creating a calendar of entertainment and events featuring local talent, cultural celebrations and seasonal festivities to foster community cohesiveness. To get the ball rolling, I might consider, if asked, to reprise and expand upon my brief channeling of Bruce Springsteen, first revealed at the Rotary Roast and Toast event honoring our outgoing President, Mike Norcia, although I’d probably do better at singing an Elvis song.

Inclusive Design: The LGS Rec facility should be designed so that everyone can use the facility safely and comfortably, incorporating accessible pathways, sensory friendly areas and accommodating facilities.

Sustainable Practices: The revised facility should be designed with eco-consciousness in mind by incorporating green spaces, renewable energy sources and efficient waste management systems.

Conclusion: The plan to improve the LGS Rec facility is an ambitious one. It offers an opportunity for our town to create a magical place for our residents to visit, such as what Disneyland offers to its visitors. I hope that my Disneyland trip will enhance my knowledge base so that I may offer concrete ideas for the LGS Rec project. If all goes well, perhaps I will be asked to sing at the new facility’s opening. I’ve already selected the song I’d sing. Yup, you guessed it: “It’s a small world.” If my Disneyland remodel game plan approach to this LGS Rec project doesn’t get me in trouble, I’m pretty sure the suggestion of singing that song will.

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

SPORTS Thomas does it all

pass to Scott Garwood in the nonleague tilt with Grant.

Thomas had one reception for six yards, one rush for nine yards, an interception he returned 35 yards, 13 tackles, and returned two punts and three kickoffs. His kickoff return ability is all the more impressive because kickoff returns are viewed as one of the game’s most dangerous plays, which is a big reason why the NFL has implemented drastic rule changes to kickoff returns over the last couple of years, reasoning that it will reduce injuries, especially concusssions.

It’s no wonder then that Thomas with all the pounding his body takes on Friday nights doesn’t feel fully recovered until Monday.

“My body is busted up because I try to leave it all on the field,” he said. “I sacrifice my body for my teammates. I’m definitely sore on Saturday and even Sunday so I do a lot of cold tubs and stretch out and roll out [foam roller] as much as possible.”

As a junior last year, Thomas earned De Anza Division MVP honors, a huge accomplishment considering in most years the league’s top award goes to a senior. But Thomas’ overwhelming impact could not be denied, and he’ll be among the short list of candidates for the Peninsula Athletic League De Anza Division MVP this season.

crowd,” he said. “Coach always believes in me to be a deep ball threat. He says Jaylen is going to beat his guy 1-on-1 so quarterback, you know your read before the snap and throw it to Jaylen [if the opportunity presents itself].”

Los Gatos actually fell behind by 20 points in the third quarter vs. Liberty before a furious rally gave it a one-point victory. Boxer Kopcsak-Yeung, who finished with 122 yards rushing on 20 carries, rushed for his third TD of the game with approximately two minutes remaining to account for the winning score.

Thomas was tremendously impactful in several areas of the game vs. Liberty, recording eight tackles, including one for loss, and totaling 90 yards on two punt returns. Through it all, Thomas plays with an optimal mindset. Wildcats coach Mark Krail said Thomas is simply a joy to coach.

“Positive attitude, hard working, team leader,” Krail said. “His future is bright and he’ll definitely be playing football after high school.”

Thomas comes from an athletic family. His parents both played sports at San Jose State University, his dad football and his mom softball. Both of Thomas’ older sisters are currently playing softball at SJSU as well. Thomas’ dad Shawn is a receiver-defensive backs coach at Los Gatos, meaning the two get to spend extra quality time together, something Jaylen cherishes.

LGHS senior is a true playmaker

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

When it comes to describing athletes, the terms Swiss Army Knife, versatile and jack of all trades are thrown around way too often.

But if there is anyone who has earned to be called by those monikers, it’s Jaylen Thomas. The Los Gatos High senior extraordinaire displayed his magnificent skills once again in the Wildcats’ 22-21 loss to

Grant High-Sacramento on Sept. 8.

In typical Thomas fashion, the 6-foot, 175-pounder all but cleaned up the trash in the bleachers afterwards. Thomas is the ultimate difference-maker, playing wide receiver and safety but is also the team’s punter, punt returner and primary kickoff returner.

For good measure, Los Gatos (2-1) usually scripts a play or two into the game and utilizes Thomas’ arm, either off the snap or as an option pass. And his ability to pass was on full display when he threw a 56-yard touchdown

Though limited receiving-wise against Grant, Thomas had a couple of huge games on the offensive side before that. In a season-opening 4514 win over Soquel, Thomas had five catches for 84 yards and two TDs, including a highlight-reel one-handed grab.

However, Thomas counts his electrifying 71-yard TD reception in a riveting 35-34 win over Liberty-Brentwood as his top highlight thus far. It came on a straight go route down the left side and accouned for the opening score of the game, staking the Wildcats to a 7-0 lead.

“It’s always nice to set the tone as the away team and you quiet the home

After all, Jaylen said it was mostly his father’s doing for him to start playing Pop Warner Football at age 5.

“He’s still my coach and has been my coach all my life from Pop Warner,” Jaylen said. “He’s always had my back and I feel like we’ve been a great duo.”

In fact, it was Thomas’ bond he had with his former Pop Warner Longhorns teammates many of whom are his teammates currently that convinced him to attend Los Gatos rather than enroll and play for a West Catholic Athletic League school.

“That was the reason. The couple of years there, we grew a bond on the Longhorns and I decided I wanted to go to Los Gatos with my friends and play with them,” Thomas said.

Jonathan Natividad

GETTING IT DONE Los Gatos High senior Jaylen Thomas plays wide receiver, safety, punter, returns punts and kickoffs and is also utilized as a passing threat for his dynamic playmaking ability.

WILDCATS AIM TO COME UP ACES AGAIN

Girls tennis team coming off title season

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

The Los Gatos High girls tennis team rebounded from a tough 2021 season to win the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s El Camino Division championship last year.

Having been promoted to the upper De Anza Division this season, the Wildcats know their task for an upper-tier finish will be considerably tougher. After all, the De Anza is arguably the best girls tennis league in the Central Coast Section, boasting last year’s championship finalists Monta Vista and Cupertino as members. However, Los Gatos coach Justin Stenger said the team is up for the challenge.

“I’m confident the girls will rise to the challenge, I am,” he said. “The El Camino is competitive, the De Anza is a different

monster, we know that. We’re focusing on one match at a time and improving every time we get out on the court.”

Los Gatos has a bona-fide ace at the top of the singles lineup in sophomore Kayla Mitchell, who earned the No. 4 seed in last year’s CCS singles tournament but fell in her opening match. As someone who plays year-round, Mitchell comes back having improved her array of skills.

“Kayla is just an outstanding talent,” Stenger said. “She has all the shots and best of all she doesn’t have any fear she’ll take on anybody. Kayla has a great attitude, a positive attitude at all times and really embodies and it might be cliche but very important what all tennis coaches preach about. It's the next ball and whatever happened on the last point, erase it and just get to and focus on the next point. And she’s just really fun to watch.”

The Wildcats also have a strong play-

er at the No. 2 singles slot in junior co-captain Yasmina Ikkawi, a returning standout. Stenger said Ikkawi possesses powerful groundstrokes and likes to finish things fast.

“Which is fun,” he said. “I really enjoy watching Yasmina play because it’s highrisk, high-reward.”

Sophomore Valeriya Marinicheva plays No. 3 singles and has a solid game that should result in multiple victories this season, while senior Natalia Figueroa will be part of a rotation of players who will see time at the No. 4 singles position.

Co-captain Nitya Jhamb and sophomore Kaley Do had what Stenger called “the match of the day” when they won their No. 1 doubles match in the team’s season-opening 5-2 loss to St. Francis on Sept. 6.

“They’re a real bright spot for us and played really fantastic tennis which ended in a 10-point tiebreaker,” Stenger said.

Sisters Zoe and Maya Swanson played No. 2 doubles vs. St. Francis and will be big contributors this season, Stenger said. Zoe is a senior and Maya a sophomore, and not surprisingly they display tremendous chemistry on the court.

Sophomore Anya Chauhan and junior Yilin Fang played No. 3 doubles vs. St. Francis and going forward Stenger said assembling the best doubles teams and giving the team the best lineup to win is on him.

“It’s up to me to find the right combinations, the right pairings, the right spots for all of them,” he said. “That’s what we’re working on now. I’m going to put them in the right position to be successful, and I hope what we’re doing in practice is harder than what they see on Tuesdays and Thursdays [in league matches].”

Junior Kiana Behnami filled in at the No. 3 singles spot vs. St. Francis, and Stenger said he admires her mental grit and mindset.

“She brings an attitude to our team, a toughness, an aggressiveness that I like all of our players to play with,” Stenger said. “She will step up and play wherever is asked of her.”

Seniors Eesha Chugh, Sophia Cuevas and Cameron Onufer also are on the roster and fill valuable roles, giving the team depth and quality of play. Stenger is back coaching at Los Gatos after a brief two-year stint as a teacher and coach at Mountain View High. He last coached the girls and boys tennis teams at Los Gatos in the Covid-shortened spring 2021 season. Now that Stenger has returned, he is as energized as ever to see young student-athletes achieve their potential, on and off the court.

“It took me two years being away from this place to realize how special it truly is,” he said. “The school, the town, the people.”

Stenger feels particularly grateful he gets to coach seniors like Jhamb, Chugh and Figueroa, who were freshmen when he last coached the team in the 2020-2021 school year.

“To see them now as seniors and see the growth they’ve made, not just as tennis players but as people, is just crazy,” he said. “It’s amazing to see how much they grow and change in a few years.”

TALENTED Yasmina Ikkawi prepares to serve in the Golden State Classic Tournament at Menlo School on Sept. 8. Ikkawi is one of the Wildcats’ top returners along with Kayla Mitchell.

Jonathan Natividad

LOCAL SCENE

SCHOOL DISTRICT AWARDED FOR SERVING HEALTHY MEALS

The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District was awarded $180,018 through a state and federal grant that recognizes the district’s Food Service department for the nutritional quality of the school meals, practices in the cafeteria, and student and community engagement.

Awarded $55,218 from the California Department of Education’s School Food Best Practice Funding grant, the district received funding for procuring California-grown whole or minimally processed foods and freshly preparing meals in the school cafeteria. These grant funds will help offset the cost of cafeteria staff at each school.

With a grant of $124,800 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Meals Incentives for Schools, the district was awarded funds for making improvements to the nutritional quality of the school meals. While the grant funding will go toward equipment and supplies, nutritional software, and staff training at both Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools, a large portion of the grant will additionally support the transformation of the Los Gatos High School snack shack into a preparation area and extra serving line to allow for increased space and more efficient morning and lunch time service.

“Our cafeterias not only provide fresh, made-from-scratch meals for our students and staff, they collaborate with our science electives and focus on student health and well-being,”

Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson said. “These grant funds will allow us to expand our current model, focus on training our skilled cafeteria staff, and build upon the excellent work taking place in our food service department.”

The grants were obtained in collaboration with the district’s partnership with Chef Paul Boundas and Country House Kitchens.

The School Food Best Practices Funding grant provides districts with state funds to implement any of the school food best practices as part of serving reimbursable meals through the National School Lunch Program.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has established the Healthy Meal

Incentives Initiative to improve the nutritional quality of school meals for small and/or rural school districts, helping to support improving the nutritional quality of meals and modernizing operations.

COLLEGE OF ADAPTIVE ARTS HOSTING ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) will present the keynote speech at the College of Adaptive Arts Annual Celebration of Inclusive Collegiate Partnerships, taking place Sept. 17 from 2-4:30pm at West Valley College in Saratoga.

Cortese, along with West Valley College Chancellor Brad Davis and College of Adaptive Arts students AJ Vanderpan and 2020 Valedictorian Oliver Motiee, will give personal testimonials on how College of Adaptive Arts has impacted their own lives and the community.

The event, which serves as the largest fundraiser for College of Adaptive Arts, will also feature student performances as well as student-led campus tours.

“We have been working hard to identify more viable, sustainable funding streams for our organization to bring this model to full operational fruition,” CAA co-founder DeAnna Pursai said. “We rely on our donors to help keep our programs running so that we can continue to offer lifelong education for adults with special needs which have been aged out of traditional post-secondary educational programs.”

Cortese recently helped secure a state investment of more than $2 million for CAA and noted that its model is one he would like to see adopted onto other college campuses.

“The College of the Adaptive Arts is an inclusive model that uplifts people with differing abilities and provides them a genuine experience in higher education and then entering the workforce,” he said. “This program, located at Saratoga's West Valley College, originally started as a 12-person class

and has blossomed into a national collegiate model which now serves over 224 students and benefits all higher education. The program also develops a caring community and builds confidence among its students. I’d love to see it scaled across California, and across the world.”

College of Adaptive Arts, a Bay Area-based educational nonprofit, provides collegiate education to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It serves more than 224 adult students across nine states.

The organization was co-founded by Dr. Pamela Lindsay and DeAnna Pursai in 2009 after both witnessing loved ones with special needs become sidelined once they exited the public school system. The organization is the first of its kind to receive state authorization to provide these services to the many adults in California and beyond who need them.

For information and tickets to the fundraiser, visit tinyurl.com/yyvmydfn.

GIRL SCOUTS RETIRE US FLAGS

A Flag Retirement Ceremony was conducted by Los Gatos Girl Scout Troop 60731 on the evening of Sept. 1 at a campsite at Sanborn Park in Saratoga.

The Seventh Grade Cadets and one Junior performed the ceremony which was held to properly dispose of United States Flags that are no longer in a fit condition to display.

The United States Flag Code states that such flags should be destroyed in a “dignified way, preferably by burning.” As flags today are often made of fabric other than cotton, burning is not recommended. The Girl Scouts performed flag folding and held the “Retirement Ceremony” while family and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) observed.

The flags used in this ceremony will be donated to the American Legion where they will be disposed of in a ceremony held on Flag Day, June 14.

The flags were donated by members of the DAR.

The DAR encourages respect for

FRESHLY PREPARED Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District was awarded a grant for the nutritional quality of its school meals.

Courtesy of Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

the flag of the United States. Materials related to the country’s flag can be useful for students and others who are studying the history of the United States Flag.

The DAR has flyers available to distribute to institutions, businesses and individuals regarding how to display and take care of the flag. Contact Regent Sue Ross at slross12711@gmail. com for information.

OKTOBERFEST BENEFITS KCAT

KCAT Public TV & Radio invites the public to kick off the fall season at OktoberFest Los Gatos on Oct. 1 from 12:30-6:30pm on the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn.

The free family-friendly event benefits KCAT, the local public TV and radio station.

Festivities include:

• Community tapping of the keg

• German music and games provided by The AlpineSound

• Authentic German fare

• Festival main tent

• Beer and wine garden

• Corn hole, lawn games, beer pong, Plinko and more On the Saturday night before the event will be the launch of KCAT and SASCC’s new Los Gatos Celebrity Bingo for cash prizes. It will be held in the Oktoberfest tent from 6-8pm. Snacks and treats will be available for purchase on-site. Eventgoers are also welcome to bring their own picnic and refreshments.

For information and tickets, visit kcat.org/oktoberfestlosgatos.

COUNTY HEALTHCARE PATIENTS TO RECEIVE REFUNDS

About 43,000 former patients of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) will soon receive notice of possible billing corrections and refunds as part of a settlement between Santa Clara County and some past patients of the public hospital system.

The county said in a news release Aug. 14 that the billing corrections and refunds are “corrective actions” regarding the county's Healthcare Access Program (HAP).

County officials noted three SCVH

patients incurred bills ranging from $8,000 to $35,000 between 2013 and 2017, and their bills were sent to collections.

“At the time of their hospitalization, one petitioner was uninsured, a single mother of two children, and a fulltime student; another was uninsured and spoke primarily Spanish; and the third was unemployed and unhoused,” the county said.

This led to a lawsuit that alleged the county did not inform the three patients enough about HAP and its discount payment policies. Doing so would have enabled them to apply for bill discounts and financial assistance.

As part of the settlement, patients whose bills were sent to collections between Oct. 28, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2021, will be given a chance to get their bills re-reviewed for full or partial discounts.

“Individuals who receive this notice will have 65 days to complete and return a form indicating their interest to apply. Individuals will then have an additional 150 days to complete their application by submitting documents to verify their information,” county officials said.

Patients may also qualify for various financial aid programs and refunds, and have their court rulings corrected.

Santa Clara County officials also said SCVH patient notices now include full details about free and discounted payments. Information about HAP assistance is advertised in seven non-English languages, and its details are also sent to patients at the time of service or mailed to patients within a few days after discharge.

“The County will also continue to assist patients with financial assistance applications and applications for government-sponsored health coverage such as Medi-Cal. Additionally, patients may apply for financial assistance at any time during the course of the collections process,” according to county officials.

Those who have received a notice about the settlement may contact SCVH at 408.494.7850. Patients may also reach out to the Health Consumer Alliance at 888.804.3536 to receive free assistance on refund qualifications.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

RESPECTING THE FLAG Members of Los Gatos Girl Scout Troop 60731 and members of the Los Gatos Daughters of the American Revolution held a U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony on Sept. 1 in Saratoga.

DISCOVER LOST GATOS

Lost stories of local schools

Alan Feinberg, Contributor

As a new school year begins, let’s take a look at what a typical school day was like in our community years ago. You’ll be astonished by how much has changed!

In 1863, a one-room schoolhouse was built to accommodate 25 or more students from the small rural community that emerged around Forbes Mill. Children from age 6 to 16 were all taught together. They learned at their own pace, and the teacher was solely responsible for deciding when a student was ready to be promoted to the next grade level. School lasted until the eighth grade. There was no such thing as high school.

Teachers were paid directly by the parents and were highly respected members of the community. Female teachers or “schoolmarms” were required to remain single since it was thought that a married woman’s full-time job was taking care of her family.

The school bell rang promptly at 8am. As children entered the front door, they were expected to “mind their manners” and either bow or curtsy to the teacher. Older children arrived earlier for chores such as sweeping the floor, stacking firewood, or filling pails of water for hand washing.

Focus was on the Three Rs: Reading, ‘Rriting (with emphasis on penmanship) and ‘Rithmetic. Learning was taken very seriously. Discipline was strict and sometimes included corporal punishment or public shaming. Instead of written exams, students were called upon to recite their answers in front of the room.

In 1875, a larger one-room schoolhouse was constructed on what was then called School Street (now University Avenue). It was expanded to two rooms in 1881 and replaced in 1887 by the Victorian-style Central

School, which featured four classrooms with assigned teachers. There was also a recitation room where students would practice their elocution skills. Separate sinks were available for boys and girls, each with a linen towel, tin cup and comb chained to the faucet. There were boys and girls outhouses in back.

It was here that 24-year-old Miss Louise Van Meter began her teaching career in 1893. Rigorous teaching practices had been relaxed considerably by then, but her enlightened learning methods still caused quite a stir. Lulu—as she was affectionally called by parents—took the unusual step of decorating her austere classroom with window boxes and colorful student artwork. While other teachers insisted that their students work quietly at their desks, she believed that children learned by doing so she encouraged them to get out of their seats and work together. To teach them about nature, she had them care for her plants, her goldfish and a little yellow canary. She used an organ to accompany her students when they played singing games. If anyone felt sad, she let them sit on her knee on a rocking chair so she could comfort them. On cold days, she would heat some soup on the wood-burning stove.

Lulu taught first grade in Los Gatos for 35 years but her influence on elementary education extended far beyond the borders of our little town. Among her many innovations, Van Meter is credited with introducing the concept of kindergarten to the public school system. To reflect the admiration that Los Gatans held for their beloved teacher who instilled a lifelong love of learning among her students, the new Louise Van Meter Elementary School was dedicated in her honor when it opened in 1949.

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

STUDENT BODY One-room schoolhouse on School Street, 1875.

Photos by Discover LOST Gatos

Miss Louise Van Meter (1869-1948)

GROWING UP Victorian-style Central School, 1887. Replaced in 1922 by the mission-style grammar school (now Old Town).

CALENDAR

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

MARTIN SCORSESE FILM FESTIVAL

Pruneyard Cinemas, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 100 in Campbell, will host the Martin Scorsese Film Festival beginning Sept. 15, a cinematic celebration that pays homage to the filmmaker’s iconic works. The festival will present a series of screenings showcasing some of Scorsese's most influential films, culminating in the lead-up to the release of his upcoming “Killers of the Flower Moon” on Oct. 20. Tickets are available at PruneyardCinemas.com or at the box office.

ART & WINE FESTIVAL

Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos hosts their annual Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival: Fiesta de Artes on Sept. 16-17 from 10am to 6pm at the Los Gatos Town Center, 110 E. Main St. The festival features free concerts by local bands, hundreds of artists and local wines. All funds raised go back into the community through charities, youth groups and scholarships.

OKTOBERFEST LOS GATOS

KCAT Public TV & Radio invites the public to kick off the fall season at OktoberFest Los Gatos on Oct. 1 from 12:30-6:30pm on the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn. The free family-friendly event benefits KCAT, the local public TV and radio station.

➝ kcat.org/oktoberfestlosgatos.

FALL WINE WALK

Tickets are now on sale for the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Wine Walk. The walk takes place Oct. 14 from 1-4pm in downtown.

➝ losgatoschamber.com.

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.

Friends of Los Gatos Library Bookstore

The Friends of Los Gatos Library Bookstore is open Wednesday through

Sunday from 1-6pm at the library, 110 E. Main St. For information, email friendsoflglib@aol.com.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Town Council

The Los Gatos Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm.

➝ losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council.

Planning Commission

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

➝ losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission.

Santa Clara County Supervisors

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

➝ bit.ly/3oy2Zmq.

Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

The board meets every other Tuesday at 5pm.

➝ bit.ly/3DaJRi9.

ART FOR A CAUSE Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos’ Art & Wine Festival: Fiesta de Artes returns Sept. 16-17 at the Los Gatos Town Center.

Drew Penner/Los Gatan file

VINE TIME

420 HAMES RD. CORRALITOS 831.728.5172 | ALFAROWINE.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

File Number: FBN698454. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: BHB Property Management, 108 Oak Park Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, # C0822208 California. The Burton Company LTD, 108 Oak Park Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/01/2016 and 08/24/2023 is the file date.

Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Ronald Nguyen, Deputy, 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose, CA 95110. /s/ The Burton Company LTD. Robert Visalli, President. (Pub LG 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27)

September 16 - 17, 10am - 6pm

Civic Center Lawn, 110 E. Main Str eet

Excellent Local Wines - Top Ar tists - Best Local Bands