Los Gatan September 20 2023

TWO HOUSING PROJECTS RAISE LOCAL HACKLES

Plans seek to capitalize on new State laws

Drew Penner, Reporter

The stage has been set for the next phase of residential development reticence in Los Gatos as two new housing projects have officially entered the arena: a blocky apartment complex and a traditional suburban cul-de-sac.

The developers behind both say they qualify for fast-tracking under new State laws SB 330 and the “builder’s remedy.”

And both have already begun to drive significant opposition from local residents—before they’ve even been submitted as formal applications.

“We need to have more reasonable and guided—and affordable—housing that satisfies the needs of older adults and lower-income people in town,” said Councilmember Matthew Hudes in an interview with the Los Gatan at the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. Sept. 7. “How did we get where we are?”

Hudes was referencing a message he e-blasted out that morning, in which he lambasted Town officials for what he called “wasted time and money” (for their “extensive effort” to include the public in crafting the 2040 General Plan and ➝ Housing, 6

AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR RURAL SUPPLY AS BUILDING IS UP FOR SALE

Business has been in same location since 1967

Drew Penner, Reporter

The future of long-standing Los Gatos hardware store Rural Supply is uncertain as the building is now for sale.

Co-owner Ken Nelson says after operating in the same South Santa Cruz Avenue storefront since 1967, their lease has run out and they’re not sure what the future holds.

“It’s all I know,” he said. “At this point, it’s all in the air.”

On Sept. 6, S&T Group of Marcus & Millichap sent out an email featuring the ➝ Rural, 6

Subscribe to receive Los Gatan home delivery every week.

LGSubs.com

CO-OWNERS Tim (left) and Ken Nelson say they aren’t sure what will happen with their Rural Supply business now that the building has gone on the real estate market.

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

Call Me to Discuss Your Next Move in 2023

Beautiful gated Kennedy Estate home located in a quiet & serene location. Tastefully updated & expanded. Gourmet chef’s kitchen with center island, marble countertops, veggie sink, SubZero refrigerator, induction cook top, built-in oven, microwave, pantry. Spacious family room with high ceilings & fireplace. Dining room & living room with fireplace. Separate office. First floor primary suite with huge walk-in closet & fireplace. Romantic primary bath with double vanities, floating tub, large shower, heated floors. Two laundry rooms. Upper level with open loft/den, 4 bedrooms (one primary suite), full bathroom. Recessed lighting, ceiling fans, custom built-ins throughout. Wood floors & high-end custom carpets. 2 car garage & full bathroom with exterior access. Many opportunities to build a pool, sport court, or guest house/ADU. Los Gatos Schools. Close to downtown Los Gatos, all major shopping & commute routes.

CONSIDERING A GAS FIREPLACE INSERT?

While traditional fireplaces are beautiful, they are inefficient and can steal heat from your home instead of adding to it. A gas, wood, pellet, or electric insert can transform an open wood burning fireplace into a beautiful heater for your home. Gas inserts are a popular option in this area. They are efficient and clean burning, while still providing cozy ambiance.

ADVANTAGES

Gas inserts are designed to fit neatly into your existing fireplace and add to your homes decor. There are nearly endless design options, from traditional to contemporary. The radiant heat from a gas insert is like heat from the sun: it warms the objects in your room, so even when its off the room stays warm for a long time. Most models are also equipped

with an integrated fan to help circulate the warm air. Gas inserts are a completely sealed system, so theres no risk of emissions coming into your room. With a gas insert you can start a fire with the press of a button, for nearly instant heat!

SIZE

Bring a few photos and some measurements into your local fireplace store and have an industry professional help you pick the right size insert. While in the showroom you can look at displays and make choices about which design options you like. Once you have the options narrowed down, a professional installer will come to your home for a site check. They will take measurements to guarantee the insert will fit and look beautiful.

PROJECT COST

Different options for brand and design, and variables with installation make it so there is a wide range of cost for getting an insert. Your local fireplace store will be able to give you specific pricing, so that you know exactly how much the project will be before you commit to moving forward.

RETAILER

There are many decisions to be made when choosing an insert. These decisions can be made easier by working with a great local retailer. The best stores will have knowledgeable, experienced staff who can help walk you through the project. They’ll also be able to connect you with a qualified,

experienced installer. The store you choose to do business with will help you with post-installation service and answer any questions that come up. A high-quality insert is built to last 20-25 years, so the folks you choose to work with are people you’ll be connected to for years to come.

Please consider choosing Woodstove & Sun to help you with your fireplace needs. We offer gas, wood, pellet and electric stoves, fireplaces and inserts. Our showroom is located at 510 Soquel Ave in Santa Cruz. Please call, email or stop by! Our friendly staff will be happy to help you and answer any further questions you may have to begin this process. We can be reached at (831) 425-5123 and woodstoveandsun@gmail.com. ■

Indoor Living

Fireplaces, Inserts & Stoves

Woodstove & Sun has been proudly serving the Central Coast since 1982. Providing top quality products and customer service to the Central Coast, we now offer one stop shopping to perfect your outdoor living space too!

Gas, Electric, Wood & Pellet

Outdoor Living

Fireplaces, Fire Tables & Fire Pits, Kitchens, Grills, Furniture, Pizza Ovens, Kit Pergolas & Umbrellas

VOL.3 NO.3

POLICE BLOTTER

Dan Pulcrano

Executive Editor & Publisher

Lee May

General Manager

EDITORIAL

editor@losgatan.com

Erik Chalhoub

Managing Editor

Drew Penner

Reporter

Emanuel Lee

Sports Editor

Jeffrey P. Blum, Alan Feinberg

Contributors

ADVERTISING

advertising@losgatan.com

Kate Kauffman

Senior Account Executive

Serenity Polizzi, Eric Bocanegra, Carrie Bonato

Account Executives

PRODUCTION

Sean George Production Manager

Hon Truong

Graphic Designer

WEEKLYS

Stephen Buel Director of Strategic Initiatives

Mike Lyon

Digital Media

Sonia Chavez

Accounts Receivables

Warren Giancaterino

Information Technology

LEGAL ADS

legals@losgatan.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

subscriptions@losgatan.com

DEATH NOTICES

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

OPINIONS

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. Email your submissions to editor@losgatan.com

september 20-26, 2023 : losgatan.com

SEPT. 10

• A woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Los Gatos Boulevard and Stacia Street at 12:50am.

• A caller said their neighbor reportedly refused to remove road cones from the street on Caldwell Avenue.

• A person reportedly broke their neighbor’s balcony gate on Bicknell Road.

SEPT. 11

• A man was arrested for threatening to commit a crime on the 15500 block of Flintridge Drive at 8:46am.

• Cash was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle on N. Santa Cruz Avenue.

• Someone siphoned fuel from a vehicle on Holly Hill Way.

• A caller said a man, who was reportedly living out of his ve -

hicle on Garden Lane and Oakdale Drive for a couple of days, “crossed the line” when he used a bucket to relieve himself.

SEPT. 12

• A man was arrested for violating a court order for domestic violence on the 15500 block of Flintridge Drive at 3:08am.

• A man reportedly locked himself inside a bathroom on Pollard Road.

• An unknown suspect stole a case of cigarettes from a vehicle on N. Santa Cruz Avenue.

• A woman reportedly stole a pair of shoes on Carlester Drive.

• A phone and wallet were reported stolen from a vehicle on Sund Avenue.

• A man was arrested for driving with a suspended license on S. Winchester and Hacienda avenues at 4:45pm.

SEPT. 13

• A man was arrested for injuring an older adult on the 15800 block of Shannon Road at 5:30pm.

SEPT. 16

• A caller thought a van was suspicious because it kept traveling through the neighborhood at Grandview Avenue and Saratoga Los Gatos Road every Friday morning for weeks.

• A caller reported multiple people were being loud at a party on Blossom Hill Road at 10:04pm.

• A man was arrested on an outside warrant on S. Bascom Avenue and White Oaks at 11:34am.

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

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

CORRECTIONS

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

WHO WE ARE

Los Gatan is published Wednesdays by Weeklys. Contents copyright ©2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without written permission.

REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING

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.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CIRCLE OF RED MEMBERS WORK TOGETHER

Silicon Valley Circle of Red members gathered on Sept. 14 at the home of Lisa Matar in Monte Sereno. The members stood together in support of Go Red for

Women, the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative to increase women’s heart health awareness. Pictured, from left to right, the

Silicon Valley Circle of Red leadership team: Sydene Kober, Co-Chair Anita Del Grande and Membership Co-Chairs Laura Harris and Carol Wallace.

GATHERING Co-Chair Marie LoPresto is shown with event host Lisa Matar.

Photos by Trisha Leeper

STRONG CUSTOMER BASE

Rural, from page 1

7,151-square-foot listing, noting its position in the “Heart of Downtown Los Gatos.”

It also noted the mixed-use development proposed for the United States Post Office site across the street as another bullet point of interest.

Nelson says they’d been in talks to renew their lease for the last couple of months, but talks broke down over several of the particulars, including the price.

“We were caught flat-footed,” he said. “We’re just very challenged by this.”

And moving would be a “monumental undertaking,” according to Nelson. He said he found out about the sale when someone sent him the listing.

Marcus & Millichap Senior VP J.J.

Taughinbaugh says they’ve kept Rural Supply in the loop about the property, and notes it’s possible the business could continue in the same location.

Taughinbaugh says after the property owner’s husband died, she decided she wasn’t interested in holding onto the investment any longer.

But, he stresses, the Nelson brothers could negotiate a lease with the new owner.

“There’s nothing more I would love to see than to keep the history of this town in-tact,” he said, acknowledging the business has been a big part of Los Gatos community life. “Rural Supply has been there at that location for a long period of time.”

The business is one of two Ace Hardware locations in Los Gatos.

A LOOK AT THE PROPOSALS

Housing, from page 1

Housing Element) and for following the State’s lead in “pushing for more housing.”

The email also derided the two newest projects, which hadn’t even been “deemed submitted” as pre-applications yet.

It would be another week before 220 Belgatos Road cleared that bar, followed by 14849 Los Gatos Blvd. the following day.

In that time, plenty of local residents had shared their concerns about emerging projects with municipal officials, including during a Town meeting, where Los Gatos folk took notes about the limited weapons in their arsenal to fight back.

During the joint Planning Commission and Town Council study session, Sept. 12, residents requested answers about 220 Belgatos Road and 14849 Los Gatos Blvd., but Town staff kept things vague.

After all, the meeting was focused on educating the public about the nuances of the growing slew of new housing laws and wasn’t a forum to discuss specific developments.

Doctor behind seven-story apartment plan

The two latest projects bear similarities in some ways.

In others, they couldn’t be more different.

Silicon Valley Properties LP’s “Los Gatos Blvd. Apartments” (alternately, “The Boulevard Villas”) is a small tower aimed for a stone’s throw from Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Anderson Architects, Inc. design stops short of weaving in the sense of flow revealed recently for the 405 Alberto Way four-story mixed-use proposal.

The proposed 132 rental units—including 27 affordable to “lower income” households (20%)—are on a plot that’s still relatively rustic.

The plan is to demolish 1920s vintage structures (there’s currently a single-family residence, a cottage and a detached garage on the 0.9-acre site), eliminate trees and raise seven stories.

The project—which totals 255,362 square feet, including three levels of underground parking—is just what the doctor ordered, as far as some housing advocates are concerned.

The developer says the Town doesn’t

Given that it’s located at the southern end of town, it’s catered to mountain folk over the years, in addition to other shoppers.

Zack Hart, 46, is one of them.

“You gotta service all the people that are do-it-yourselfers,” he said on a Tuesday afternoon after leaving the store. “You never know when you’re gonna need parts.”

He held a small brown bag containing washers he planned to use to install some chrome on a 1946 Lincoln Continental.

Instead of shopping at another hardware store, he came here because of the convenience, he noted.

Debbie Lockett, another Santa Cruz Mountains resident, said she’s frequented Rural Supply for three decades.

Earlier in the day, she picked up some roof repair materials to fix damage done in last winter’s storms.

“They’re really helpful,” she said.

“It’ll be sad to see if it goes away, but not surprising, I guess.”

Inside Rural Supply, Nelson yells towards his brother Tim, who now coowns the company.

“Tim, let’s put all the green totes upstairs,” he said.

There’ve been plenty of changes to the business over the years, but they managed to survive the rise of the big box retailers.

“Our emphasis has always been on basic hardware,” he said, adding they used to have a warehouse next door, before that building (the current home of Hapa’s Brewing Co.) was sold in 2012.

Nelson says he understands why the owner would want to sell, as land prices downtown have continued to increase.

“The property values have just gone up so high,” he said, but adds they’re still hopeful they can work out a deal.

“We’re sure trying.”

have much choice in the matter, anyhow.

“This project is being processed pursuant to the builder’s remedy,” reads the letter from the applicant, referencing the provision which prevents towns from denying projects based on zoning if they haven't adopted a Housing Element that’s up to snuff. “As such, the project should require no density bonus, incentives or concessions, waivers or reductions of development standards, or reduced parking ratios given that it may not be disapproved even if it is inconsistent with both the zoning ordinance and general plan land use designation. However, given that the project will include sufficient affordable housing to qualify for the benefits of the Density Bonus Law…the applicant reserves the right to seek any such benefits depending on the City’s feedback on and handling of the project.”

Town Manager Laurel Prevetti told the Los Gatan while the project is within the North 40 Specific Plan Area, it’s separate from the other North 40 Phase II SB 330 pre-application.

North 40 officials say the land was owned by former Los Gatos mayor Brent Ventura and later sold to Ali Moayed, who currently owns it through his Silicon Valley Properties limited partnership.

Back in March 2008, Moayed was sentenced to a year in jail after pleading guilty to one count of felony elder abuse and one count of felony insurance fraud.

Moayed was put on probation for

three years, ordered to pay $50,000 to the California Medical Board for investigative costs and $15,000 to Medi-Cal in restitution, and told to complete 100 hours of community service.

He ultimately served just one month in jail, he told the Los Gatan.

Then, in 2019, Moayed was charged with eight felonies related to his work at the Los Gatos Urgent Care Clinic along with his wife Dr. Farzaneh Tabrizi.

He pled no contest to one count of presenting (back in 2013) a fraudulent insurance claim exceeding $950, for which he was fined $2,000, and the rest were dismissed.

The money for the new development didn’t come from illegal billing, he stressed.

“Nothing was ill-gotten,” he said. “The facts are set.”

Moayed says he’s committed to helping the Town fulfill the strict obligation placed upon it by the State to build significantly more housing than it has in the past.

“That’s the number one goal,” he said. “It’s tough to find a place to live around here.”

The Moayed Family Foundation, Inc., his philanthropic organization with $1.5 million in assets, provides some short-term housing assistance and meals to help immigrants get on their feet in America.

➝ Housing, 6

USING THE ‘BUILDER’S REMEDY’

Housing, from page 6

When asked if he views the Los Gatos affordable housing project through the same humanitarian lens, Moayed replied that, no, he sees them as completely separate initiatives. And he says he’s OK with the fact that he likely won’t win over the naysayers who think what he’s proposing isn’t appropriate for the community.

“I’m not going to change anyone’s mind,” he said. “They’re entitled to their opinion. I’m entitled to mine.”

Moayed’s also gearing up for a fight with the feds. He says he was overcharged on his taxes and is set to take the commissioner of the IRS to trial on Jan. 8. How California’s new housing laws encourage additional affordable housing

Robson Homes, 220 Belgatos Road’s developer, is proposing 30 two-story single-family residences on a 4.4-acre Union School District field.

The plan features 24 market rate homes, (17 four-bedroom, four-anda-half-bath and seven five-and-a-half bath homes; seven detached market-rate ADUs and two attached market-rate junior ADUs).

The market-rate units would come with a two-car garage.

The plan includes six below-market-rate duplexes, each with a garage that fits a single vehicle.

“Because the (Town) has not yet adopted a substantially compliant… Housing Element and the Project is a housing development project that will provide 20 percent of its units for lower income households, the Project is protected by the Builder’s Remedy,” wrote the developer’s representative Bryan W. Wenter, of Miller Starr Regalia, adding Los Gatos “cannot lawfully require the Project to obtain a General Plan amendment or rezoning, nor can it disapprove the Project for not seeking and obtaining a General Plan amendment or rezoning.”

Los Gatos contends the fact it “adopted” a Housing Element it said was “substantially compliant” back in January (even though the State later disagreed) protects it from these sorts of claims.

“Urgent information” about the project was posted to a telephone pole near Belgatos Park along with a printout of a Belwood Homes Association newsletter page urging neighbors to “get organized.”

While some spoke in support at a special USD meeting Aug. 25, casting it as a helpful source of ongoing revenue to help address the District’s financial woes, others said they were concerned with increased traffic, pedestrian safety, privacy and a lack of transparency, according to meeting minutes.

The field needs more than $2 million in repairs. As the land is valued at $23.2 million, the deal is structured to generate $1.15 million in revenue for the district each year, according to a board report.

The homeowners association said more than 75 neighbors showed up for the exchange agreement vote, which was passed 3-2 (Vickie Brown, Doug Evans and Thomas Rossmeissl in support; Sheila Billings and Jennifer Petroff against).

The district’s superintendent Carrie Andrews said California’s education funding model disadvantages USD.

“Union School District is the lowest funded per student in Santa Clara County,” she said. “We believe our students deserve access to exceptional programs regardless of the inadequate funding model and because of that, we must evaluate all opportunities and partnerships.”

An administrator at one of the (non-USD) schools located next to the empty field approached by the Los Gatan Sept. 7 said she wasn’t happy about the plan.

“We don’t like it either,” she said.

Back in July, Robson Homes President Mark Robson told Terra Realty Advisors, Inc. another option might be possible: to request a General Plan amendment to change the land use designation and secure a density bonus to achieve 27 lots (including two below-market-rate).

“A General Plan Amendment is discretionary and the process is lengthy, perhaps resulting in more BMRs or denial,” he wrote. “We do not think the additional risk and uncertainty of this entitlement path is worthwhile.”

They went the SB 330 / Builder’s Remedy route instead.

So, in this case at least, new State laws managed to generate a housing plan with more lower-income homes than otherwise might’ve been proposed.

JOIN US at St. Mary’s 17th Annual HARVEST MARKET on

Thursday, October 5th

11am - 4pm (Free entry) & 5pm - 9pm ($20 at the door)

Howley Hall 219 Bean Avenue, Los Gatos

Over 20 specialty vendors will showcase their items that make wonderful gifts...there is decor for the home, gourmet foods, jewelry, handbags, clothing and accessories!

| Enjoy music, appetizers and beverages during the evening session | Check us out!

Facebook #HarvestMarketLosGatos

Instagram @harvestmarketatthefair

SPORTS

CHANG INSPIRES ON, OFF THE COURSE

LGHS senior rises above adversity

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

For Los Gatos High senior Kylie Chang, golf runs in her family.

The Wildcats’ No. 1 player grew up around the game because her parents and her older brother all play the sport. But it’s Kylie who may have bragging rights when it comes to the links.

“I’d like to say I have my dad beat, but sometimes it switches off,” she said. “It is a big competition between dad and I.”

Chang displayed course awareness and skills in her freshman year, when she earned a spot in the varsity starting lineup. Now in the twilight of her high school career, Chang is cherishing each moment she’s at practice or in a match, knowing this season could be her last.

“I’m getting a little sad especially because it’s senior season,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed being able to hang out with teammates and build the team dynamic and camaraderie. We’ve had a lot of emerging players this year, and that’s great because it gives the senior players a chance to work on their mentorship skills to help build a strong program for the future.”

Chang is part of a Los Gatos squad that returned all but one starter from the 2022 team that won the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division championship. That got the Wildcats promoted to the upper De Anza Division this season.

The team’s No. 2 player, Sami Hull, along with Emilia Orendain, Monika Snell, Sophia Li, Cadie Ho and Olivia Li, were all either starters or saw varsity action last season. Other notable players on this year’s team include Juliet Bolger, Chloe Fink, Kali Anderson, Olivia Velton, Nika Panagiotopoulos and Capri Parson.

Through the team’s first three matches, the highlight was Chang shooting a 38 to earn medalist honors

against Lynbrook. Chang said she’s happy with the improvements she’s made in her game since her freshman season.

“I would say I really improved my short game and consistency overall,” she said.

Chang has also gotten stronger mentally, which has boosted her ability to shoot low on the course. After underperforming in the Central Coast

Section Finals at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey last year, Chang used the opportunity as a learning experience instead of getting down on herself.

“We fought the elements for sure let’s say,” she said. “We played in torrential rain and even though I didn’t shoot the score I wanted, it made me reflect more on tournament golf and I appreciated the experience. It’s always

fun playing a new course and those are always some of my best times.”

During the run of play, Chang uses her positive outlook and experience to rebound from a bad hole or shot.

“I really enjoy bouncing back and fighting through those tough moments,” she said. “They’re the most important and honestly that’s when I truly enjoy golf the most, is coming back from a bad shot and saving par.”

In terms of her shotmaking, Chang receives an absolute thrill when she hits the ball with precision.

“I love hitting iron shots or wedges. Flushing the perfect iron is almost addicting,” she said. “The opportunity to hit the perfect shot, that’s what keeps me coming back.”

As much as she loves being challenged on the golf course, Chang takes the same approach off the course, whether it’s academics or volunteering. She has a 4.3 GPA and taken a total of 14 AP/Honors classes.

Passionate about pediatric cancer research, Chang said she does fundraising work serving on the Make-AWish Greater Bay Area Youth Board and is part of a new ambassador program where she attends and takes part in speaking events.

Earlier this year, Chang helped organize a Make-A-Wish golf tournament and raffle at La Rinconada which raised close to $14,000. Those funds helped send a cancer patient to Disney World. Chang knows the tremendous and lasting impact of being on the receiving end of a wish.

“The cause is really important to me because I’m a Make-A-Wish recipient myself,” she said.

Chang was diagnosed with cancer at age 5 and ultimately had surgery and later 15 months of chemotherapy treatments. It’s been five years since Chang has been off the treatments and she is now stable with no residual effects. In the way she approaches everyday tasks, Chang doesn’t take things for granted.

For her Make-A-Wish, Chang and her family were granted a trip to New York City in the summer of 2022.

“That was a full circle moment because I first started showing symptoms when I was 5 on a family trip in New York,” she said. “So coming back was such a positive and fantastic experience.”

Jonathan Natividad

TOP GOLFER Los Gatos High senior Kylie Chang is the No. 1 player on the girls golf team, a 4.3 GPA student and looks to qualify later in the season for the CCS tournament for the second straight year.

SPORTS STEFANOPOULOS GETS FASTER

LGHS junior dazzles on the course

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Aydon Stefanopoulos might’ve not gotten the time he wanted in the Woodbridge Classic one of the largest and most prestigious high school cross country invitationals in the country but it doesn’t mean the Los Gatos High junior had a terribly disappointing race.

Far from it. Stefanopoulos entered the boys sweepstakes race in Irvine on Sept. 16 the premier event in the Classic with an aim to finish sub 14 minutes on the 3.0-mile course. While his result of 14 minutes, 23.6 seconds was far off his goal time, it was good for 30th place out of 267 competitors, and best among all runners from the Central Coast Section.

The latest result simply affirmed the Los Gatos running ace is on track for a special and potentially historic season. Prior to the Woodbridge Classic, Stefanopoulos won the competitive Ed Sias Invitational on Sept. 9 and three days later took first to capture the Lynbrook Center Meet.

The Ed Sias Invite separated the boys varsity runners into two divisions, a large school and small school division. Both fields were highly competitive, featuring some of the Bay Area’s top runners. Stefanopoulos won the large school race in 10:08 on the 2.0-mile course in Hidden Valley Park in Martinez.

Stefanopoulos decided to utilize a different tactic for the race, gunning it from the start. As a result, he led wire to wire, holding off a fast-charging runner from College Park High. Stefanopoulos usually likes to sit in or just off the lead pack before unleashing his superior kick in the final 800 meters.

This time, it was someone else who was coming on strong at the end.

“I decided to try something new to lead from the start and it didn’t work out for me,” Stefanopoulos said, referring to running a positive split [the second mile being slower than the first mile]. “But you come out stronger with every failure.”

Stefanopoulos covered the first mile in 4:50 and the second mile in 5:18, running a positive split rather than the desired negative split.

“I got through in 4:50 and didn’t feel great,” he said. “My goal was to hold it and that’s what I did.”

Fellow Los Gatos High junior Ben Klarich finished seventh in 10:38 and senior Jensen Bidmead was 21st in 10:58. Juniors Cooper Codding and Adam Wang have also been terrific in solidifying the Wildcats’ top five scoring runners.

Even though Stefanopoulos is faster, he said his teammates provide competition which makes training fun.

“Ben and Jensen have been running so consistently,” he said. “They’re both great athletes, and I train with them a lot of time, really. They’re getting better, their form looks great, and they’re great athletes. Keep an eye out for them.”

Stefanopoulos is coming off a stellar track and field season last spring, when he established himself as the top dis-

tance runner in the CCS, finishing fourth in the 3200 meter run and eighth in the 1600 meters in the CIF State Championships.

Running tends to be specialized and some athletes are stronger in cross country while others are faster on the track. It’s rare to have a runner who is a potential contender to win state titles in both disciplines, but that’s exactly the position Stefanopoulos has put himself in.

“It definitely gives me a little bit of confidence [going forward],” he said. “There’s still some people that can beat me, obviously, but making State [in cross country and possibly winning it] is a little more realistic knowing the times I’ve run and what I should be doing.”

Stefanopoulos placed fifth in the Division II race in last year’s CIF State Cross Country Championships, one of the toughest divisions out of the five. The top three finishers from that race all graduated, leaving Ventura’s Anthony Fast Horse who finished second in the Woodbridge in a blistering time of

13:48 as the top D-II state-finishing returner for 2023 with Stefanopoulos behind him.

Stefanopoulos said he’s basically on the same training program as last year, which gives him great encouragement because he’s doing less volume than most of the other elite distance runners.

“I’m in the low to mid 30s [miles per week],” he said. “But this year I’m beating all my previous times and doing the exact same work. I know my body, I’m developing and once I start going up in mileage, I’ll have a lot more in my wheelhouse.”

Stefanopoulos said he needs to improve his overall endurance the final mile of a 3.0-mile race is where state races are often decided and his ability to attack and gain time on the hills.

“I think my endurance is good, but I don't think it’s good enough yet to be competing for the top spot at State,” he said. “But I’ll work to get there.”

The Los Gatos girls team has also had a solid season, including an impressive showing at the Firebird Invitational at Fremont High on Sept. 7. In an utter display of dominance, the Wildcats took the first six spots. Shea Elmore won in 13:14, while Elise Greenstreet, Sarina Salzer-Swartz, Taylor Chesarek, Tatum Pyle and Zoe Williamson finished in that order.

Erika Snell took 12th, meaning Los Gatos had its entire seven-member squad in the top 12.

FAST Los Gatos High junior Aydon Stefanopoulos entered the week with the top 3.0-mile time in the Central Coast Section, having clocked a 14:23.6 at the prestigious Woodbridge Classic in Irvine on Sept. 16.

LOCAL SCENE

SEMPERVIRENS FUND PURCHASES CASTLE ROCK HOLLOW

Sempervirens Fund recently announced its purchase of Castle Rock Hollow to preserve the 51-acre property, which shares a boundary with Sempervirens Fund’s former Castle Rock West property that was recently added to Castle Rock State Park in Los Gatos.

The Castle Rock Hollow property, acquired by Sempervirens Fund from landowner Jim White for $1.3 million, is the largest remaining private landholding within the natural western boundary of Castle Rock State Park. Sempervirens Fund plans to eventually transfer the land to California State Parks to expand Castle Rock State Park, as they recently did when they added 222 acres to the park in August.

“Without protection, the property faced the potential sale and development for housing or marijuana farming, which would have had harmful impacts on the natural resources protected nearby,” said Sara Barth, executive director of Sempervirens Fund. “Acquiring the property holds significant importance for Sempervirens Fund, given the property’s considerable potential for outdoor recreation and the presence of second-growth redwoods and mature hardwoods like madrone, tan oak and Douglas fir.”

The property is adjacent to nearly 6,000 acres of protected land and supports native and rare species such as the San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, pileated woodpecker and the Santa Cruz black salamander. It is located at the headwaters of the San Lorenzo River—a designated critical habitat for the endangered coho salmon and Central Coast steelhead trout.

Prior to the 2020 CZU fire that ravaged the region, State Parks had expressed an interest in incorporating the Castle Rock Hollow property into their strategy to reroute the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail away from Highway 9. Under the future ownership of State Parks, the property could serve as a base for various recreational activities, including camping.

“Castle Rock State Park is the gateway to recreation in the Santa Cruz Mountains and securing properties within its borders is essential for its conservation and recreation future,” said Chris

Spohrer, the Santa Cruz District Superintendent of California State Parks.

“We are grateful to Sempervirens Fund for protecting Castle Rock Hollow and helping complete the western border of Castle Rock State Park. We will work closely with them on stewardship of its redwoods and San Lorenzo headwaters.”

The property also contains prehistoric cultural resources, with a meadow that suggests past Indigenous use, though further investigation is necessary to determine if there are any archaeological sites on the property.

LOCAL SEMIFINALISTS

NAMED IN NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Fifteen Los Gatos High School students were named semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

They are:

• Esha Bagora

• Yichen Dai

• Tanya Goel

• Dana R. Hathaway

• Katherine Herron

• Nitya S. Jhamb

• Shayla E. Kumaresan

• Claire Liu

• Elisa Pan

• Yonatan J. Ramon

• Ashir Rao

• Rithi Rao

• Benjamin Robison

• Elizabeth M. Snyder

• Gavin A. Tamasi

More than 16,000 students across the country were named semifinalists. These high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 320 business organizations and higher education institutions.

More than 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

To become a finalist, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.

LOS GATOS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS SHORT FILM CONTEST

Los Gatos High School senior Kian Egami was awarded Best Video in the 2023 Be-You-tiful Contest held by the Eating Disorders Resource Center, a local organization focused on creating awareness and promoting recovery for treatment of eating disorders.

Open to all middle and high school students in the Bay Area, Egami created “Help,” a public service announcement about the effects of social media on mental health and body image, especially for males.

Winners were selected in the video, art and essay/poetry categories.

Egami said that he has been making videos since middle school. An honorable mention winner at the 2022/2023 Los Gatos High School Film Festival, Egami added that he’s made short videos for Los Gatos High School’s soccer team and is currently in the production of a short film.

“Our students are incredibly talented and have so many opportunities to learn, create and expand their talents in our schools,” Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson said. “I’m thrilled for Kian’s recognition and hope his message resonates with and supports many other students regarding this important topic.”

Egami was recognized at the Sept. 12 Board of Trustees meeting.

The Eating Disorder Resource Center (EDRC) hosts this annual multimedia contest for students in grades 6 through 12 with the goal of providing students the opportunity to share their experiences with mental health and body image, and encouraging them to dispel misconceptions.

➝ Local Scene, 14

NATURAL RESOURCE Sempervirens Fund purchased Castle Rock Hollow to preserve the 51-acre property in Los Gatos.

Orenda Randuch

The road to recovery is a visit away.

At Visit Health Recovery, we are dedicated to holistic addiction treatment, empowering individuals to achieve lasting sobriety and well-being through our comprehensive Intensive Outpatient programming and our tranquil Residential Treatment Center.

Get help now. (650) 331-0134 visithealthrecovery.com

16400 Lark Ave., Suite 240 Los Gatos, CA 95032

COOL SEASON COLOR RETURNS SEASONALLY

Contributed finishes as color of the next season begins. That will become more likely later within the season.

Cool season color has a few designations. Winter commonly replaces cool season. Yet, it includes adjacent portions of autumn and spring. Bedding plants or annuals commonly replaces color. Yet, many are actually perennials, and none are limited to bedding. Large homogenous beds are passé anyway. Some perennials linger after their primary season.

Also, some species behave differently here than within other climates. Wax begonias are warm season color, but may dislike locally arid warmth. They perform better for spring or autumn than for summer here. Actually, they become as popular as summer ends as they are when winter ends. They bloom until frost, or continually and perennially without frost.

of cool season color. Pansy are a type of viola with fewer but bigger flowers. Various types of primrose are nearly as popular, and can bloom until summer heat. Iceland poppy can grow a bit later in autumn to bloom through winter. Sweet William is a perennial that blooms now until spring, and can resume next autumn. Ornamental cabbage is bold foliar cool season color.

Highlight: wax begonia

Simplicity is a recurring theme among wax begonia, Begonia X semperflorens-cultorum. Floral color is white, pink or red. Foliar color is green, bronze or dark bronze. Each floral color combines with each foliar color. Variation within this simple color range is minimal. So is variation of foliar or floral form. Cultivars with slightly fluffier double bloom are rare.

Perfection eliminated the potential for improvement. Regardless of such simple variation, wax begonia is among the most popular annuals. Technically, it is perennial. It prefers warm weather. It remains available as cool season color after summer because it blooms until frost. Later, it can recover from minor frost. Without frost, it blooms all year.

Tony Tomeo, Contributor

Cool season vegetables are the first clue. Now that they are seasonal, cool season color is also seasonal. Both comply with similar schedules. Their cool season centers around winter, including portions of spring and autumn. Some prefer to start early. Some prefer a later start. They also finish at variable

times through spring. Some perform until summer.

Warm season color also complies with distinct schedules. Some might finish a bit earlier than their cool season replacements begin. Conversely, some could continue to perform a bit later than their replacement allows. It is gratifying when color of one season

HELP SUPPORT TRANSPLANT PATIENT

Local Scene, from page 12

AREA INFANT RECEIVES LIFESAVING TRANSPLANT

With the cost of a life-saving transplant often exceeding $800,000, most transplant families are unable to cover the financial burden. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses.

In Los Gatos, volunteers are raising

funds for COTA in honor of transplant patients such as local infant, Harley Reynolds.

Harley is the daughter of Sophia Rovai. Born in 2022, Harley was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia. The transplant team at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto performed a life-saving liver transplant on Aug. 16. Los Gatos volunteers are raising $50,000 for COTA to assist with transplant-related expenses.

Volunteers are needed for this COTA

Growth is slower during cool weather. Therefore, seed for cool season color should start early. For most, small plants, such as those from cell packs, are more efficient than seed. Cyclamen grow so slowly that they are only available in expensive four-inch pots. Some cool season color is better for autumn or spring. This includes marigold and snapdragon.

Pansy and viola are the most popular

community campaign. Individuals and groups interested should contact Community Coordinator Michele Diaz at helpinghandsforharley@gmail.com or 408.348.1393.

Harley’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. One hundred percent of all funds raised for COTA in honor of patients assist with transplant-related expenses.

Contributions may be sent to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 47403. Checks should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Harley’s Liver” written on the memo line. Secure credit card gifts are accepted online at COTAforHarleysLiver.com.

Mature wax begonia rarely grows higher or wider than a foot, with densely rounded form. Flowers are small but abundant. Both leaves and stems are succulent and tender, with a waxy sheen. Propagation is remarkably easy by cuttings or division. Consistent watering is very important. Partial shade is tolerable, but if too shady, can inhibit bloom somewhat.

CREWS BEGIN EVACUATION ROUTE PROJECT ON HIGHWAY 9

Firefighters have started work on an evacuation route hardening project on Highway 9 in Monte Sereno, according to the Santa Clara County Fire Department. The evacuation route hardening project will take place on the portion of the highway from Austin Way to Monte Sereno City Hall, the county fire department said on social media.

The project will take place from Tuesdays to Thursdays every week, 10am to 2:30pm, until Oct. 19, fire officials said.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

SIMPLICITY Wax begonia is potentially a perennial.

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

: losgatan.com

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, is hosting the Martin Scorsese Film Festival, 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.

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.

THE TEAL RUN

The Teal Run, supporting women affected by ovarian cancer, returns Oct. 1 at Campbell Park beginning at 9am. The community is invited to take part in the event that will have many activities in addition to the 5K run/walk/ stroll. There will be a survivor ceremony, art, face painting, photo booth, bubble show, kids fun run and more.

➝ thetealrun.org.

MYSTERY LOVERS BOOK CLUB

The Los Gatos Library’s Mystery Lover’s Book Club meets the first Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is Oct. 4 at 5pm in-person and on Zoom. The club will discuss “The Alienist” by Caleb Carr.

➝ losgatosca.libcal.com/event/10996889.

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.

BIERGARTEN OktoberFest Los Gatos returns Oct. 1 on the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn.

NFL is BACK

Showing all Mon, Thurs & Sun Games

•Full Bar/British Dishes/Specialty Pizzas

•Large Patio (available for events)

•28 TVs Showing Major Sports/Events

•DJs Fri & Sat Night

•Daily Specials and Happy Hour M-F, 3-7pm on Non-event Days SUNDAY

Downtown Britannia Arms · thebritsj.com 173 W Santa Clara St · 408.278.1400

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)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #698873

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Berryessa Music School, 1155 N Capitol Ave., San Jose, CA, 95132, ATG Education, Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 09/01/2023. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Younming Zhu. Chief Executive Officer. #3992745. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/07/2023. (pub Metro 09/20, 09/27, 10/04, 10/11/2023)