@losgatan
vol . I , no. 23 : february 9-15 , 2022 : losgatan.com
crayon initiative P12 : marketplace for giving p13 : calendar p14 : ny times crossword puzzle p17 Drew Penner/Los Gatan
FIREFIGHTERS LOOK FORWARD TO A LIFE OF SERVICE Graduates to serve Los Gatos and beyond
Report shows enrollment at Los Gatos, Saratoga schools on downward trend
Drew Penner, Reporter
On Feb. 4, around the corner from weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s Sunnyvale campus, as contractors put the finishing touches on a blocky beige dual-hotel complex nearby, and directly across from Chinese search engine Baidu’s Silicon Valley HQ, a group of 13 firefighters were about to be minted. In one of their final moments at the academy—now prepared to protect South Bay residents in their darkest hours—they gazed at a black-and-white photo of firefighters in days gone by and joked that one of their instructors looked like the man in the framed print leaning against an ancient firefighting contraption. It was a moment of levity to savor, ahead of a well-deserved, but serious, graduation ceremony—as the future lifeblood of the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and Gilroy Fire Department were dispatched into the wider world. It was the second such event that day Phan Ngo, Sunnyvale DPS’s chief, attended, since two ➝ Firefighters, 6
FEWER STUDENTS COULD LEAD TO CHANGES AT HIGH SCHOOLS
Judy Peterson, Reporter
A new report says declining enrollments at local elementary and middle schools may mean changes are coming to Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools. The 2021-22 Demographics & Enrollment Projections Report by the consulting firm SchoolWorks was discussed by the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 11. “Where the declines are really seen is when you look at all the feeder districts and the number of students that ➝ School, 8
Subscribe to receive Los Gatan home delivery every week.
READY TO WORK Firefighter Ryan Bockholt is headed to the Shannon Fire Station in Los Gatos. He joined other fire academy graduates during a ceremony in Sunnyvale on Feb. 4.
LGSubs.com
THH T TH EEE BBBIIILLLLLL LLIISSSTTTEEERRRTTETEAA EMM AM
BIBLLIL ST ERRRRTTTTEETEA EEHBEEBBI IL L LILISIISST AEAM M I LL LL TTEEE A R T HTT H ETHTH AMM 15400 1540015400
Call Me to
VE
I T C A
Bathrooms BathroomsBathrooms Discuss Your Next Move in 8 2022 99 8 99 15400 15400 8 99 15400 15400 15400 15400 ie s on lorBathrooms Bathrooms 15400 Suview Drive, Los Gatos Bathrooms Bathrooms Bathrooms ie interior. s on lor Bathrooms 6 Bedrooms ie| 5sBathrooms | Gym/Office finterior. on8 99 8lor 99 ± 7,460 sq. ft Living Space | ± 8 99 99 888 99 99 7.673 Acres doors to interior. f ie s onOffered lor at $6,995,000 ie sente on lor doors to interior. f ie s on lor ieie ssson on lor ie on lor lor interior. f interior. i ith ente doors interior. Exquisite gated private estate withto spectacular views on interior. interior. doors to f di i ith 7.6 glorious acres. Wonderful great room with custom f fff ente doors ente to room with double fireplace. Formal dining French doors i Beautiful remodeled baths. di doors to doors to doors doors to icourtyard forith ith to iexterior. Interior entertaining. Newly enteto d ente i Beautiful remodeled baths. ente ente di remodeled i gourmet ithchef ’s kitchen with top of the line di and re d spacious dining area – great for hosting and i i and ith iifinishes ith Beautiful remodeled baths. di dith di entertaining. d a and di i Beautiful remodeled rt di re d Beautiful remodeled i baths. Two offices/dens. Beautiful remodeled baths. and re d ii i private Beautiful remodeled baths. Beautiful remodeled baths. Beautiful remodeled remodeledSauna. baths. baths. Indoor traditional a bathroom. rt d Beautiful rt dheating, crown moulding, new ceiling fans, and d dadRadiant ontrolled bathroom. Indoor traditional Sauna. and rethroughout. d Au recessed lighting apartment and re pairSauna. d with living bathroom. and re and and re re Indoor ddd traditional room, bedroom and bathroom. Indoor traditional a kitchen, rt ontrolled ontrolled a controlled rt Temperature wine cellar. Loggias and rtrt bathroom. aaa Sauna. rt Indoor traditional Sauna. ound verandas with amazing views of the city and verdant bathroom. Indoor traditional Sauna. bathroom. Indoor Indoor traditional traditional Sauna. Sauna. bathroom. traditional Sauna. bathroom. Indoor traditional Sauna. ontrolled ound onderful si Outdoor kitchen. 3 car garage. hillsides. In-ground pool/spa. ound ontrolled ontrolled ontrolled onderful simotor out ofontrolled . statand fenced Estate includes court, onderful si vineyard, orchard out of . level statliving with gorgeous views ound garden. Wonderful single ine ard o out . stat ound ound ound ineof ard osi out of every window! onderful https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive ound ine ard o onderful si https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive onderful si si onderful out of . stat https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive out of stat out .. ..ostat stat onderful outof of https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive stat si ine ard ine ard ine ine ard ardout ooo of https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive . stat https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suview-Drive
ine ard o https://beyondre.marketing/15400-Suvie
BILL LISTER 1 Large Team
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
BILL LISTER
2
T H E
L I S T E R
T E A M
EXCELLENT AGENTS | UNPARALLELED RESULTS
BILL LISTER
I T ' S S I M P L E R E A L L Y, I T ' S A L L I N T H E N A M E . . . L I S T E R
T H E L I S T E R T E A M A resultsB oriented approach matched ILL TEE R R with strong IB L L| LUINISP AST E X C E L L E Nskills A GEEand A LEL EAL M ED RESU L T Smade H SST T TE negotiating effective marketing has BBIITILLHLTTLLEL LLNILIITSIISS S TTERE ERERTR R LL T E A M B R B ILister LRLLL LETTY,NTEIIETETSRRS T E R Bill national Real Estate leader. TCTH IAa T ELE A M EH L T GL |S UT N P AA RIAA L LTEH L EE DNRAE SU I T ' S SE IXT M P L LEEEE N ELIA LSS 'R A LE N M E L. .T. SL I S T E R H I S T M M EXCELLENT AGENTS | UNPARALLELED RESULTS T H E L I S T E R T E A M CC N G N NN DDTRRH EEE XXX C EIEE L EEE N T AA G EEE N N TT SSAS|L| U |LUU N P P AAA AAA LLcall EEE LLIL EE E D R EEE SSU SU LLAL TTM T SS S TLL'LSL SN ITTM PA LG R ET Y, IPT 'RR SR LLL N NU E... LISTER Give him a today! I ETX 'S P LT Eoriented IT EE SNUALM S T E R strong C ESLILM EN AR G EE A N LT LS Y,| U N'approach PS A A RL AL L L IEN L ET DHRmatched T SE . . . L I with A results I T ' S S I M P L E Y,Y,IIT HH NN MM IT IT ' S' S S IS M IM PP LL E E RRR EEE AAA LLLLL Y, ITT ' 'SS' S408.892.9300 AAA LLLLL IIN INN TTT H EEEN AAA M EEE . .. ... .. L . LL IISIST STT EEE RRR
2021 #1 Small Team 1 Large Team in the Los Gatos Office 1 Large 1 Large Team Team Top 1Producer on the 11Large Large Team LargeTeam Team 1 LargeWSJ Team 2011-2020 List results with strong negotiating has made T'S A SIM P L E R E Aoriented Lskills L Y, I T ' S and A L approach L I effective N T H E N Amatched M E .marketing .. LISTER A results oriented approach matched with strong AIresults results oriented approach matched with 408.892.9300 cell negotiating skills and effective marketing hasstrong made A oriented approach matched with strong A Aresults results oriented oriented approach approach matched matched with with strong strong Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. negotiating skills and effective marketing has made negotiating skills and effective marketing has A results oriented approach matched with strong blister@cbnorcal.com Bill Lister aeffective Real leader. © 1 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed tonational Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.Estate An Equalhas Opportunity Company.made Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a negotiating skills and effective marketing has made negotiating negotiating skills skills and and effective marketing marketing has made made Subsidiary of NRTwww.BillLister.com LLC. All rights reserved. This information was supplied byBill Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information to be correct but leader. hasleader. not verified this made information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to Bill Lister a national Real Estate negotiating skills and effective marketing has Bill Lister a national Estate leader. Give him aReal call today! Lister aIndependent national Real Estate Bill Bill Lister Lister anational national Real Real Estate Estate leader. B I L L L I S E R Give him a call today! their own satisfaction. Real Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage area Contractor Sales Associates and areT not leader. employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304. Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. Give him a call today! CalBre# 01179611 408.892.9300 TGive Hhim E him L Icall S T E R T E A M 408.892.9300 a today! call today! Give him aacall call today! Give Give him a today! 408.892.9300 Give408.892.9300 him a call today! 408.892.9300 E X C E L L E N T408.892.9300 A G408.892.9300 ENTS | UNPARALLELED RESULTS 1 Large Team 408.892.9300
W W W.BIL L L IS TE R.C OM
© ©2022 1 Coldwell RealBanker EstateReal All Rights Coldwell toto Coldwell Banker Real EstateOpportunity Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. EachBrokerage Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage I T is' Satrademark Sa Iregistered M licensed Ptrademark L trademark E toRColdwell Elicensed A L Banker L Y, IReal T ' Estate S Banker A LLC. L LReal N T H E An NAn AM E .Equal . . LHousing ICompany. S T Opportunity. E REqual Housing ®Banker® © 1Banker Coldwell LLC.Reserved. All Reserved. RightsColdwel Reserved. Coldwell Banker® isregistered licensed Coldwell LLC.LLC. Equal Opportunity Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is OwnedOffice by a is Owned by a Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLCLLC. AllEstate Rights Banker is registered AnIEstate Equal Company. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Office is Owned by a Office Subsidiary Subsidiary ofLLC. NRT LLC.ofAllreserved. rights reserved. This information was supplied byother Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes thiscorrect information correct but has verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for investigate its accuracy. Buyers should investigate Subsidiary NRT LLC. All rights reserved. This information was supplied byregistered Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes information totonot bebecorrect but hasinformation not not verified thisassumes information and responsibility assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to these issues to © 1 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a of NRT All rights This information was supplied by Seller and/or sources. Broker believes this nformation to be but has verified this and no legal for its accuracy. Buyers should these issues to their own © © 1 1 Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Real Real Estate Estate LLC. LLC. All All Rights Rights Reserved. Reserved. Coldwell Coldwell Banker® Banker® is is a a registered registered trademark trademark licensed licensed to to Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Real Real Estate Estate LLC. LLC. An An Equal Equal Opportunity Opportunity Company. Company. Equal Equal Housing Housing Opportunity. Opportunity. Each Each Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Residential Residential Brokerage Brokerage Office Office is is Owned Owned by by a a © their1 own Coldwell Banker Real Estate EstateRealAgents LLC. Allaffiliated Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed toContractor Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An employees Equal ofOpportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Residential Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is Owned by a their own satisfaction. Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage areIndependent Independent Contractor Sales Associates andand arenot not employees Coldwell Banker Realstrong Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage orBrokerage NRT LLC. CalBRE License #toOffice 01908304. satisfaction. Real withwas Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Sales Associates are not of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker orOffice NRTthese LLC. CalBRE # 01908304. A results oriented approach matched Subsidiary NRT LLC. rights reserved. This information was supplied Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information correct but verified this information and assumes nono legal responsibility forforColdwell accuracy. Buyers should investigate issues ©Subsidiary 1 ofColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC. This All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® isand/or aand/or registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate AnColdwell Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Banker Brokerage isthese Owned bytoa License Subsidiary ofofofNRT NRT LLC. LLC. AllAllrights All rights rights reserved. reserved. This This information information was supplied supplied bybybyby Seller Seller other sources. sources. Broker Broker believes believes this thisinformation information tototonot bebe becorrect correct but but has has not not verified verified this this information information and and assumes assumes no legal legal responsibility responsibility for itsitsitsaccuracy. accuracy. Buyers Buyersshould investigate investigate issues issues to satisfaction Real Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are other Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are employees ofhas Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential NRT LC. CalBRE License #should 01908304. Subsidiary NRT LLC. All reserved. information was supplied Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes thisAssociates information toLLC. benot correct but has not verified thiswith information and assumes no Brokerage legal responsibility fororResidential its accuracy. Buyersthese should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Real Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales and are employees Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage NRT LLC. CalBRE License 01908304. Subsidiary ofsatisfaction. NRT LLC.Real AllReal rights reserved. information was supplied byResidential Seller and/or other are sources. Broker believes thisSales information toAssociates be correct but has not verified this information andEstate assumes legal responsibility for Banker itsBrokerage accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issuesLicense to # 01908304. their theirown own satisfaction. Real Estate Estate Agents AgentsThis affiliated affiliated with withColdwell Coldwell Banker Banker Residential Brokerage Brokerage areIndependent Independent Contractor Contractor SalesAssociates Associates and and are arenot notemployees employees ofofofColdwell Coldwell Banker Banker Real Real Estate LLC, LLC,no Coldwell Coldwell Banker Banker Residential Residential Brokerage ororNRT NRTLLC. LLC. CalBRE CalBRE License License ###01908304. 01908304. their own satisfaction. Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE negotiating skills and effective has made their own satisfaction. Real Estate Agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are Independent Contractor Sales Associates and are not employeesmarketing of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License # 01908304.
Bill Lister a national Real Estate leader. Give him a call today! 408.892.9300
WW W. B I LLLI STER. COM WWW.BILLLISTER.COM WWW.BILLLISTER.C OM WW W. BILLLISTE R. C OM WWW. BILLLISTE R. C OM WWW.B W W.B R.COM W I LILLLISTE L L I S TER.CO M
© 1 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office Subsidiary of NRT LLC. All rights reserved. This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investiga
SALE PENDING
Access thousands of new listings before anyone else, only at compass.com.
Therese Swan 408.656.8240 DRE 01355719
Robert Gosalvez 408.313.8870 DRE 01272788
SALE PENDING
Rouzbeh Mokhtari 669.300.7992 DRE 02095775
103 Seaborg Place. Santa Cruz 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1459 Sq Ft | $1,450,000 compass.com Sebastian Frey 408.548.7348 DRE 01369847
1932 Bird Avenue, San Jose 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1460 Sq Ft | $1,375,000 compass.com
865 Oak Park Drive, Morgan Hill 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1887 Sq Ft | $1,115,000 compass.com
4634 Japonica Way, San Jose 3 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1306 Sq Ft | $1,098,000 compass.com
Nevis & Ardizzone Team 408.827.3100 DRE 70010073
Rhonda Hansen 408.718.1782 DRE 01267948
Takami Hamadani 408.582.3777 DRE 01383562
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
16803 Farley Road, Los Gatos 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1290 Sq Ft | $1,600,000 compass.com
SALE PENDING
5821 Chambertin Drive, San Jose 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1756 Sq Ft | $1,650,000 compass.com
SALE PENDING
SALE PENDING
SALE PENDING
Get a head start to finding your home.
3
VOL.1 NO.23 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor and Publisher Lee May General Manager
Judge: ‘This is a very extraordinary case’
Erik Chalhoub Managing Editor
Drew Penner, Reporter
Lori Lieneke Advertising Director Phaedra Strecher Editorial Production Manager Drew Penner Reporter Emanuel Lee Juan Reyes Sports Writers Judy Peterson Contributor Serenity Polizzi Carrie Bonato Account Executives Marie Hicks Subscriptions
WEEKLYS Stephen Buel Director of Strategic Initiatives Mike Lyon Digital Media Harry Allison Production Director Sonia Chavez Accounts Receivables Warren Giancaterino Information Technology
DEATH NOTICES Death notices with basic information that are submitted to editor@losgatan.com may be published on a space-available basis only. To place a paid, unedited obituary with a photo, call 707.353.1148 or email LifeTributes@Weeklys.com.
OPINIONS
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
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.
4
WOMAN ACCUSED OF HOLDING TEEN SEX PARTIES DENIED BAIL
Email your submissions to editor@losgatan.com 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 ©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form prohibited without written permission.
The defense for the woman accused of throwing parties for teens in her Los Gatos mansion was dealt a huge blow during a bail hearing Feb. 3, not only because she was denied bail, but also due to the judge tipping his hand about how strong he believes the evidence against her is. Because, if the investigation done by the District Attorney’s office proves accurate, Shannon O’Connor (aka Shannon Bruga) facilitated sexual assault, tried to intimidate a potential witness from lockup, and conspired with her tech executive husband to hide assets so they can’t go toward restitution, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Johnny C. Gogo said. O’Connor faces 39 criminal charges and up to 20 years behind bars. “The court does find a high likelihood that these charges will be found to be true after a jury trial,” Gogo said. “This is a very extraordinary case.” About 10 youth and five adults attended the hearing to argue against her release. The judge noted additional participants joined the meeting via the Microsoft Teams video streaming platform. Five people spoke at the hearing to describe the harm they say O’Connor inflicted on them and their families. This was on top of several others who shared testimony at a bail hearing in January. The speakers have been anonymized in order to hide the identity of minor victims. “Your honor, I’m Jane Doe 6,” began the first of the day, stating she never got drunk at any of the parties. “I was left extremely discomforted and confused.” Her observations made her realize O’Connor was far from normal, she said, as she requested Gogo deny bail. “She will not change,” Jane Doe 6 said. “I pray that she finds herself and comes to terms with the facts of the matter.” Next up was the father of Jane Doe 4, who urged the judge to carefully consider the words of the accusers.
Shannon O’Connor (aka Shannon Bruga)
“They do not want what happened to them to happen to other teenagers,” he said. “What if Ms. O’Connor is released (on) bail and does it again?” With multiple victims willing to travel across state lines to argue against her release, it’s clear people are concerned she’s dangerous, he added. “I’m begging you not to grant bail and keep Ms. O’Connor in jail,” he said, starting to cry while at the podium. Just prior to the hearing, O’Connor’s lawyer, Brian Madden, filed a motion arguing his client should be freed because the offenses in question aren’t “violent” crimes. Speaking in a firm, almost angry, tone, Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Wise fired back. “In this case the defendant orchestrated every single gathering,” she said, arguing the child endangerment did rise to the level of violence. “There was harassment that occurred prior to her even being in custody in this case. “She is a danger to current victims. She is a danger to future victims.” Madden tried to get Gogo to see it his way, noting O’Connor faces 12 felony child endangerment charges, alongside 27 misdemeanors. “We can never lose sight of that,” he said. “I think we need to try to keep things in perspective.” They weren’t technically violent crimes either, he added. “We do not get to pick what violent crimes are,” he said, adding Covid-19 has made it difficult to access his client while she’s in custody. “Ms. O’Connor is in lockdown in Elmwood (Correctional Facility).”
He said the judge could order O’Connor on electronic monitoring and prohibit her from using electronics. “I believe there is a clear solution that will address the court’s concerns,” he said. “In my judgement she is constitutionally entitled to bail.” He suggested it be set around $600,000. Plus, Madden said, he’d be willing to agree to any conditions that would get her out of jail, “—and I mean any.” The judge said his reading of California’s bail case law requires him to consider the facts as presented, and in this case that includes the 8.5-page document developed by DA’s Office investigator Christina Hanks. He would also factor in witness testimony, he added. It’s clear that O’Connor knew if she was found out she could end up in jail, Gogo said, adding he was struck by how she’s accused of lying to police on multiple occasions—even after one child became injured while hanging out with her. Plus, her jailhouse phone call to dissuade victim testimony was just wrong, he ruled. “The court does find that that incident was an attempt to interfere,” he said, adding O’Connor’s attempt— along with Amaral—to obfuscate her true wealth was stunning. And ultimately, he went with the prosecution on the violence point. “The court does agree that there was violence inflicted on some of the minors here,” he said. Plus, the sex that happened under her watch was “arguably” sexual assault, given how drunk the teens were, meaning they wouldn’t necessarily have been able to consent to the acts, he added. At least one victim was digitally penetrated against her will, according to the DA’s office, he noted. The victims, who were ages 13-15, were going through a “very precious time” of their lives, the judge pointed out. “The lies and manipulation have affected the minor victims,” he said. “Alright, the court has made its decision. “The court will issue no bail.” O’Connor will now remain behind bars, awaiting her plea hearing, which is scheduled for April 11 at 9am.
Ducky Grabill Real Esate WHO YOU WORK WITH MAT TERS | OVER 118 MILLION IN SALES IN 2021
S JU
T
S LI
D
TE
126 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, LOS GATOS Stylishly remodeled Victorian-style home offers all the charms of downtown Los Gatos living just steps away from top restaurants and shopping. Inviting two front living spaces feature hardwood floors, crown molding and detailed door casings, large single hung windows, built-in speakers, and Lutron light controls throughout. The updated kitchen is perfect space for a break from downtown eating, featuring quartz counters and tile backsplash, skylight, island, and a large walk-in pantry. 2 large bedrooms on the main level share a full bath. Lower level bedroom suite showcases a luxuriously remodeled Carrara marble tile bathroom, walk-in closet and access to huge basement storage. Tranquil backyard features a paver patio and professional landscaping, while the multi-use detached garage can be easily arranged as an office or studio with large glass sliding doors and covered overhang. Enjoy downtown living in this stylish historic house filled with charming details and modern touches.
OFFERED AT $2,450,000 | VIRTUAL TOUR WWW.126UNIVERSITYAVE.COM
DUCKY GRABILL
REALTOR®, Founding Member 408.761.4073 | DuckyGrabill.com ducky@sereno.com | DRE 01018603
RANKED IN TOP 1% IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Top 100 Real Estate Agents San Jose Magazine/Business Journal This information was supplied by third party sources. Sales Associate believes this information is correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should verify accuracy and investigate to Buyer’s own satisfaction.
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,582 SF Living | 4,070 SF Lot | 1- Car Detached Garage
5
ACADEMY GRADUATES HEADING TO FIRE STATIONS
6
future firefighters completed their Alameda County Sheriff ’s Office training hours earlier, he told the Los Gatan. Sunnyvale’s public safety officers are trained to respond to fire, police and ambulance matters, so those recruits will now begin the grueling, nerve-testing 16-week training challenge these grads just completed, he explained. In his remarks, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein thanked the instructors who guided these future firefighters through the seemingly-endless rigors, then turned to the graduating class of 2021-22 to thank them for undergoing the difficult trials. “It has not been easy I’m sure,” he said. “Cherish this day. “It really is an important milestone in your life.” After all, their talents have immense value to the Bay Area locales they will look after, he continued. “Public safety probably has the most direct contact with our residents,” he said. “Ultimately you are the main point of contact of how people feel about their community.” While the training may have proved demanding, the work is just beginning, Klein said of the students who will now be expected to run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out. “To the graduates of the joint fire academy—be careful out there,” he said. Chief Ngo stepped up to the podium and assessed the situation in the engine bay, as graduates sat motionless on bleachers in rapt attention. “Are you guys happy?” he began. “Yes sir!” came the collective response. “Are you guys excited?” Ngo went on. “Yes sir!” once again. “Because you guys look really serious,” he said, lightening the mood considerably. Welcoming a new team to the firefighting game is one of the biggest honors a chief can have, he said. “What we do is unique; what we do has great value to the communities we serve,” he said. “Just go out there, and just do it.” Appearing by video-link, Acting SCCFD Chief Brian Glass reminded the students that even though they were about to be split up to different departments, they’re all playing on the same
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Firefighters, from page 1
NEW FIREFIGHTERS Fire academy graduates will join the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and Gilroy Fire Department. team. Firefighting isn’t exactly an easy job, but it is worth it, he opined. “The toll can be immense,” he said. “The reward is unmatched.” That could mean missing special family occasions or rendering assistance to those who don’t appreciate their contributions, but putting your life on the line to save another is the one of the greatest gifts you can give, he added. Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Brad Barberi recalled how a trip to a Saratoga fire station hooked him into a life of dousing flames. “It wasn’t the fire engines or the tools that made me want to do the job,” he said. “It was the enthusiasm the firefighters had for the job. They showed me this is truly one of the best jobs in the world.” For the first time in his life he felt like he was standing where he belonged. “This was the career I desired,” he said. “I was not going to let anything get in the way of that.” The trainees were treated to a video
that captured highlights from their several-month professional quest. Students dash into a scenario reaching upwards of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit; they maneuver through heavy smoke; they deploy a stretcher on a mountainside. The novice Santa Clara County firefighters will cycle through different stations to continue skilling-up. After the ceremony, as coffee mugs with a specially-designed Class of 2021-22 logo were being gifted to superiors, Ryan Bockholt, 24—who’s headed to the Shannon Fire Station in Los Gatos—took a moment to describe how the aftermath of a skateboarding accident set him on this path. He remembers being in the emergency room and hearing a radio report of another rescue. A victim nearly drowned. “They were doing CPR and they got pulses back after defibrillation,” he said, adding emergency responders were assisting the patient right outside the room where he was being treated.
“I saw the team of firefighters and paramedics with this person who was dead in the bottom of a swimming pool. They brought him back to life.” Bockholt says the most exciting moment of his training was the “confidence course” where students had to navigate a maze of hazards in full gear with their mask blacked out. The Foster City native credits his mom, his sister, his brother and his dad for supporting him along his path. “I’m excited,” he said. “I’m honored to be in the position to serve the community of Los Gatos.” Wyatt Hansen, 26, will first join the Redwood Fire Station on Madrone Drive. Having grown up in San Jose, he understands the special place this particular Santa Cruz Mountains outpost has in the psyche of South Bay residents. “I’ve driven Highway 17 pretty much my entire life,” he said. “Being able to serve that community—and be at that station—is something I’m looking forward to.”
Fall head over heels in love with
At Loma Clara Senior Living, we are redefining senior living. Our meticulously designed assisted living and memory care community has so much to offer. If you’re looking for a community that will put you first, provide you with a worry-free lifestyle and treat you like a VIP, look no further. Ask us about our apartments, starting at $4,395.
Call (833) 272-8887 or visit our website to schedule a personalized tour and enjoy dinner for two on us. Los Gatan 1/3 Page Ad February 9, 2022 16515 Butterfield Blvd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037 • LomaClaraSeniorLiving.com License #435202665
WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
Shower, wash hands & dishes in hot water - instantly Reduce your water costs by up to 15,000 gal. per year No new pipes, no breaking into walls, no hassle Whole-house system from $495 – in about an hour
BOOK A FREE ASSESSMENT NOW www.InstantHotWaterSystems.com SPRING SPECIAL: Mention This Ad for $30 Off Our Brand New for 2022 LifeSync or DemandSync Upgrade!
YOUR COMPLETE SATISFACTION IS OUR GOAL!
Call Today: 1-888-987-2580
Locally Owned and Operated. Insured and Bonded. License exempt by authority of California BPC section 7048.
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
TIRED OF WAITING ENDLESSLY...... FOR YOUR HOT WATER?
7
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Capture the essence of a departed family member with an obituary in the Los Gatan. Your tribute will appear perpetually on our website, and that of our partner, Legacy.com. We can write a tribute that embodies the spirit of the deceased, or publish one you provide.
8
Call or email for details: Lynda at 707.353.1148 or LifeTributes@Weeklys.com
SUPERINTENDENT: PLAN NEEDED TO ADDRESS ISSUE School, from page 1 they’re going to be feeding into your high schools,” SchoolWorks president Ken Reynolds said. “When we look at our eighth-graders, seventh-graders, sixth-graders, we’re going to start seeing some smaller classes coming in.” Currently, 2,107 students attend LGHS and 1,227 students attend SHS; the combined enrollment is 3,334. Going forward, Reynolds’ report predicts combined enrollment will drop to 2,927 in 2024-25, with LGHS dropping to about 1,865 students and SHS dropping to about 1,062 students. The district’s combined enrollment peaked at 3,534 in 2019-20, dropping to 3,457 in 2020-21, Reynolds said. Superintendent Michael Grove noted that SchoolWorks is “very confident” in their projections for the next three years. “We’re in declining enrollment right now,” Grove said. “So, we need to have some conversations about what’s our strategy to deal with this.” Grove expects the school district to hold community meetings to discuss the issue beginning next year. He’d like to see a long range plan developed rather than “pretending it won’t happen.”
‘We’re in declining enrollment right now. So, we need to have some conversations about what’s our strategy to deal with this.’ Superintendent Michael Grove “A district has four choices when you’re facing this sort of imbalance between two schools, with one school getting particularly small,” Grove said. “One is you just accept it and allow that school to be a very small school;
Judy Peterson
Remember Someone Special
SCHOOL IN SESSION A school consultant’s report says enrollment at Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools is dropping and will continue to fall over the next several years. The schools’ combined enrollment this school year is 3,334 but the new report says that figure could drop to under 3,000 by 2024-25. two is you consider closing a school if it were to get that small; three would be re-drawing a boundary to better balance the enrollment or four is to use more of a market-based approach and allow the smaller school to develop some programs and actively recruit students from the other attendance area.” Trustee Peter Hertan suggested that Saratoga’s robotics and music arts programs are examples of programs that might attract LGHS students to Saratoga. And Trustee Cynthia Chang pointed out that changes to state housing laws could upend enrollment projections altogether. For instance, SB 9 allows property owners to split a single family parcel. “I think because the state law now trumps the local control that could potentially add more students to both our high schools,” Chang said. In a separate interview, Grove cautioned that “none of this imminent… but we need to start having the conversations and think about what are the various ways we could address this.” Previously, Grove was an assistant superintendent at the San Dieguito
Union High School District in San Diego County. The district has four comprehensive high schools that use a market-based approach to attract students. “Each school offered generally the same academic courses but there were differences in electives, there were differences in bell schedules, there were differences in cultural aspects that they tried to emphasize,” Grove said. “Each school hosted a night where they basically marketed themselves: here’s what makes us unique and here’s what we’re all about, and if you feel like you’re the right fit for our school then choose us. We worked really hard to make it not competitive—it was really about who we are as a school and what we are all about, so students and families could find the school that was the best fit for them.” Grove does not believe closing Saratoga High or changing school boundaries are viable options. But if the decline in enrollment continues, he expects the bottom line to be that “any student in our district can attend either one of our high schools.”
POLICE BLOTTER Arnold Breit
JAN. 31
• No injuries were reported after a vehicle overturned on Montclair Road in the early morning hours. • A woman was arrested for obstructing a peace officer and driving under the influence of alcohol on the 200 block of Montclair Road at 12:29am.
• A man was arrested for indecent exposure on the 100 block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 4:31pm. • A man went through an unlocked vehicle parked on N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 8:31pm, and was sitting in the backseat with a “peace sign.”
FEB. 1
• A man was arrested for obstructing a peace officer on the first block of University Avenue at 10:15am. • A man was reportedly trying door handles of various vehicles parked on W. Main Street at 1:35pm. • A caller thought a man, who had “false front teeth,” was suspicious because he was going door-todoor selling magazines on Bancroft Avenue at 4:49pm. • A person was racing up and down the street on a dirt bike on San Benito Avenue and Andrews Street at 5:17pm.
FEB. 2
• Two unknown suspects stole mail on University Avenue. • A vehicle was broken into near the intersection of Chirco Drive and Los Gatos Boulevard.
• Three women and a man were arrested for organized retail theft on the first block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 5:33pm. • A vehicle was burglarized on N. Santa Cruz Avenue.
FEB. 4
• A home was burglarized on Ridgecrest Avenue. • A caller reported three men had machetes in their waistbands on N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 9:43pm.
FEB. 5
• A bicycle was reported stolen on High School Court. • A woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and petty theft on the 600 block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 8:49am. • A man was arrested for being in possession of known stolen property and unlawful paraphernalia on the 15500 block of Union Avenue at 9:43pm. • A woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on the 200 block of S. Winchester Boulevard at 10:29pm. Information is compiled from public records released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
FEB. 3
• A man was arrested for battery on the 16600 block of Lark Avenue at 11:42am.
losgatan.com
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
• A caller reported a motorcyclist was doing wheelies in a nonstreet-legal dirt bike on N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 2:19pm.
9
SPORTS
AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM MAKES GRAND RETURN Juan Reyes/Los Gatan
Chuck Robbins of Los Gatos joins star-studded lineup
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Juan Reyes, Sports Reporter
10
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am made its grand return to the Central Coast last weekend, featuring some of the best professional golfers from around the world. Tom Hoge was one of seven players who had at least a share of the lead in the final round. He made two tough birdie putts on the 11th and 14th to stay in the game. Hoge made the biggest putt of his career, a 20-foot birdie on the par-3 17th, that carried him to a 4-under 68 and a two-shot victory over Jordan Spieth. Hoge finished at 19-under 268 and earned $1,566,000 for his first win on the PGA Tour after making 203 career starts. Also making the return were celebrities and spectators, who were left out of the fun in last year’s event due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Amateurs competing in the tournament included Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins of Los Gatos, who was paired with Maverick McNealy. The four-day tournament began Feb. 3 with play on Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore course. The final round was Feb. 6 at Pebble Beach Golf Links. “There is always considerable excitement around the tournament but with the spectators and celebrities on hiatus last year, the buzz is even greater with their return for 2022,” said Steve John, CEO of Monterey Peninsula Foundation. “It promises to be memorable for the players, fans, volunteers and the deserving charities that will benefit.” The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which is hosted by Monterey Peninsula Foundation, featured United States Ryder Cup teammates Patrick Cantlay, Jordan Spieth and Daniel Berger. Other top professionals include Matt Fitzpatrick, Kevin Kisner, Justin Rose and Maverick McNealy, the
SAND TRAP Professional golfer Jordan Spieth hits out of the bunker on the 17th hole at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Feb. 6. Stanford graduate who was runner-up to Berger in 2021. Julian Silva made his first trip to Pebble Beach and traveled more than two hours from Santa Maria. “It’s a beautiful course, beautiful layout and AT&T put together a really good event,” he said. “Everybody seemed to get along well and the restrictions weren’t as bad. A real good time today.” One of the biggest celebrities that made their tournament debut was Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, a Mexican professional boxer who has won multiple world championships in four weight classes from light-middleweight to light heavyweight. “I saw him and I was like ‘Oh, wow. There he is,’” Silva said. “I follow him on social media and I see some of his videos when he goes out golfing. Seeing him in person was a real treat.” Silva’s wife, Leslie, got a chance to take a photo with Alvarez’s wife, Fer-
nanda Gómez, who is a social media influencer and model. “[Gómez] was being really friendly, so I went up to her and I asked her in Spanish if it was OK if I could bother her with a photo,” she said. “It was a good experience and it was good to see her in the crowd. She was in the crowd just like all of us, which was pretty cool.” Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo said the AT&T Pro-Am is a premier golf event in a county that is 60% Latino. “It’s outstanding to see the best pound for pound boxer today and the beloved Mexican sports legend Canelo Alvarez participate in this year’s tournament,” Alejo said. “He has a great golf game and is sure to attract more Latino fans to the annual event and to the sport of golf. We welcome Canelo any time to Monterey County.” Other celebrities that made their tournament debut include Mia
Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, who was the first player in Major League Baseball history to win Most Valuable Player awards and World Series titles with different teams before the age of 30. Lukas Nelson, country rock musician and son of Willie Nelson; ScHool Boy Q, American rapper and songwriter from South Central Los Angeles; and Scott Eastwood, actor and producer were also first timers to the event. Returning favorites in the celebrity field included Bill Murray, Macklemore, Don Cheadle, Josh Duhamel, Kira Dixon, Huey Lewis, Ray Romano, Alfonso Ribeiro, Darius Rucker and Jake Owen. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen along with former NFL stars Larry Fitzgerald and Alex Smith also hit the links.
HUGHES NAMED TO DEAN'S LIST AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY
RAPAL NAMED TO WPI DEAN’S LIST
Haley Hughes of Monte Sereno was named to the Dean’s List at Miami University for the 2021-22 fall semester. Miami University students who are ranked in the top 20% of undergraduate students within their division for the fall semester 2021-22 have been named to the Dean’s List recognizing academic performance. Hughes is earning a B.S. in Kinesiology & Health in Public Health. Miami University is a public university located in Oxford, Ohio.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) announced that Jamie Rapal of Los Gatos, a member of the class of 2025 majoring in Computer Science (BS), was named to the university's Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2021 semester. The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average. Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.
FABELA COMPLETES INTENSIVE RESEARCH PROJECT LOS GATANS RECOGNIZED BY UNIVERSITY OF UTAH Alessandra Fabela of Los Gatos, a member of the class of 2023 majoring in Electrical & Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), was a member of a student team that recently completed a research project titled “State-Backed Disinformation on Social Media.” At WPI, all undergraduates are required to complete a research-driven, professional-level project that applies science and technology to address an important societal need or issue. About two-thirds of students complete a project at one of the university’s 50-plus off-campus project centers, which are located around the world. “The WPI project-based curriculum's focus on global studies brings students out of the classroom and their comfort zones and into the global community to apply their knowledge and to solve problems,” said Kent Rissmiller, a professor of Integrative & Global Studies and associate dean of The Global School. “Students are immersed in all aspects of a different culture, from the way people live and work to the values they hold to the foods they eat—all valuable perspectives for surviving and thriving in today’s global marketplace. They also learn the meaning and magic of teamwork; make a real and meaningful difference in their host community; and gain a competitive edge for any resume, or graduate or professional school application.” WPI is based in Worcester, Mass.
Seven Los Gatos residents joined more than 9,600 students to be named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List at the University of Utah. The students are: • Grace Lynch, whose major is Nursing. • Jason Howard, whose major is Electrical Engineering. • Jacob Ballou, whose major is Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. • Isaac Glover, whose major is Pre Computer Science. • Claire Kennedy, whose major is Business Administration. • Emma Miller, whose major is Theater. • Nathan Murthy, whose major is Pre Business.
DIY ENERGY SAVING TOOLKITS Do-It-Yourself Energy Saving Toolkits available from Silicon Valley Clean Energy can help keep heating costs from rising during the winter. Toolkits include weatherstripping to help prevent heat loss at windows and doors, a Kill-A-Watt meter to let you monitor your home’s overall energy use, and more tools. Stop by the Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave. to check one out for free with a library membership. For information, visit svcleanenergy. org/diy-toolkits.
GUEST VIEW Campus diversity should extend to choices in careers By Reya Kumar and Arvin Patel
Next to picking a college, picking a college major can be the most important and nerve-wracking decision facing a young person. Unfortunately, students often fail to recognize that a good education is about more than just the degree; it’s about exploring multiple disciplines, fi nding and being comfortable following your passion. Students recognize the value of education, but many feel they must quickly decide on a field of study, rather than taking time to explore and find what interests them. This leads to regrets. A recent study found that 82 percent of degree holders believe college was a good investment, but 61 percent said they would change their major if they could go back. Colleges don’t make the situation any easier. Students are often told to explore possible majors by taking introductory classes, requiring them to invest a full semester of their time and money in a field they may later discover they don’t enjoy. In addition, many introductory courses fail to properly characterize the many diverse courses associated with a given major, leading students to choose a path they later regret. This problem is especially acute for first generation Americans, and students who are the first ones in their family to attend college. Their lack of familiarity with college can increase their anxiety about picking the right degree and the right career path. Many default to the choices of their families, who assume that careers as doctors or lawyers are the best paths for success, whether or not they are the right choice for that person. The fact is that many of the best careers are now multidisciplinary. For example, in fields like technology, law degrees can be helpful in better understanding many issues like patents that are important to the company.Contrary to the beliefs of many students, a law degree can lead to a plethora of careers and does not presuppose that one be a lawyer. The best and most successful companies today are increasingly seeking di-
versity, not just in race and gender, but in backgrounds and expertise. Good corporate leaders want teams with free thinkers who can attack problems from different angles, and there are a variety of educational backgrounds that can help make that happen. To better prepare students for the modern workplace, colleges must begin making some changes. Many students don’t understand the myriad different options that a college major or an advanced degree could present to them. So, universities should start by having professors spend more time discussing the variety of career paths available in a given field. Introductory courses should include components that explain these choices, and what students can look forward to in future classes if they decide to pursue the major. Professors and colleges have a frequent and understandable bias toward leading students—particularly those in humanities—to careers in academia. There needs to be greater efforts to teach students about the diversity of careers and jobs available to them beyond their university walls. Colleges should also invest more of their resources into career advice and counseling. This should begin early, when high school students are exploring and applying to universities. This will allow young people to feel like they have a good handle on all the options available to them before being required to make choices that will stay with them for a lifetime. These approaches will do more than provide value to students, they would provide value to American society. We will be building a nation of young minds that are more open-ended about their future. College shouldn’t be about leading students down a path; it should be about presenting them with all the options. In doing that, we will be instilling students with more creativity—and that is a skill that is valuable in virtually every career path, and in life. Reya Kumar is a Los Gatos native and a sophomore at Tufts University. Arvin Patel is the Chief Operating Officer at Intellectual Ventures’ Invention Investment Fund.
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
LOCAL SCENE
11
Retired teacher gets hands-on with crayon charity Photo courtesy of Kathy Bays
Volunteer effort serves children in hospitals
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Drew Penner, Reporter
12
After Los Gatos resident Kathy Bays retired from a long career as a special education instructor and school administrator, she had some time to clean out the closets full of her kids’ old stuff. She ended up with two shoeboxes full of old crayons to get rid of. Bays remembered seeing something on TV about a nonprofit that gives new life to the pre-loved coloring utensil; a quick Google search turned up the website for an organization called the Crayon Initiative out in the East Bay suburbs. She shipped those first shoeboxes to the headquarters of the Danville nonprofit, which reformulates the waxy bits of refuse as brand new crayons and provides them to hospitals around the country free of charge. And when the organization’s founder, Bryan Ware, got in touch to see if she’d be interested in being the South Bay’s “crayon ambassador,” she jumped at the chance. Ware explains the 501(c)(3) sprung out of his early passion for art. “I would rather do the hands-on thing,” he said. “School was not my thing. That’s not how my brain works.” When he heard arts funding was being cut from education budgets across California, he tried to find out how he might be able to share his love of art with others. “That was an unacceptable thing,” he said. “Because that’s what kept me in school.” At that time, in 2011, his children were 5 and 7 years old, so he knew just how many crayon stubs get left behind. “Most restaurants were handing out crayons to kids,” he said, adding he started to wonder, What could we do with these free resources that they’re throwing away? The idea germinated in his head for the next couple years, and after some prodding from friends, he decided to take the leap and launch the organization. In January 2014 he received tax-exempt status, which was retroactively effective to May 22, 2013. The Crayon Initiative was born. Ware tapped into his background in packaging and supply chain manage-
CRAYON INITIATIVE Kathy Bays of Los Gatos pauses to smile for the camera while molding new crayons to be distributed to hospitals around the country.
ment—and his wife’s experience as a school teacher—to establish the nonprofit. He knew there could be challenges around how to target which schools were “needy” enough to receive donations, and he decided instead to target the healthcare field. A friend who was working as a child life specialist at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco said hospitalized kids could benefit from his idea. “I dug in and started to learn more about that,” he said, noting they began distributing recycled crayons to UCSF shortly afterwards. Ware had another friend who worked at toy-maker Mattel, which sponsors the children’s hospital at UCLA, located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. “Can you get me into that hospital?” he asked her. She told him to come up with a solid plan. And two months later they were able to work out the details. Soon the Crayon Initiative began to distribute crayons at John Muir Health Pediatric Specialty Clinic in Walnut Creek. The reason crayons are needed is
because child life specialists—who focus on making a kid’s hospital journey feel as normal as possible—generally receive a stipend from the hospital, since they can’t bill health insurance companies for their services, according to Ware. “They actually have to raise money in that department for supplies like crayons,” he said. “We don’t charge a penny to the hospital.” Fast-forward to today and the organization is sending crayons to 250 children’s care facilities across the country. The first three Los Gatos businesses Bays was able to convince to help wrangle crayons were Willow Street WoodFired Pizza, Double D’s Sports Grille and Campo Di Bocce. “Then I reached out to the Wooden Horse toy store,” she said. “I asked them if they were willing to be a collection spot.” The owner was enthusiastic about the idea, she says, adding the Los Gatos Library also offered to be a drop-off point. “It’s a win-win situation,” she said. “Everybody feels good about recycling. It’s pretty easy for them.” Next, she posted about the project
on NextDoor and the “Buy Nothing Los Gatos” Facebook group. She also connected with the local elementary schools. It was going gangbusters until Covid-19 hit and all the restaurants closed. But Bays says it’s picking up now. About every three weeks, Bays does the rounds to gather used crayons from the boxes she’s set out. Next she takes them to a post-secondary vocational program in Campbell, where the 18-22-year-old students help sort the crayons by color. Then, she loads up her minivan and drives the haul up to Danville. In the past, before the pandemic curtailed volunteer opportunities, she would even join other volunteers to help transform old crayons into new ones. “We pour the melted wax into the mold, pop them out and put them into boxes—eight to a box,” she said. “The crayons stay out of the landfill; they get to hospitalized children.” She’s even brought her neighbor, fellow Los Gatan Kathy Gazzarato, along to assist. “I’ve taken her up a couple times,” she said. “We’ll probably do it again when Covid lets us in again.” For Bays, it also provided a way to stay in touch with the Los Gatos education institutions and the Santa Clara County Office of Education, even in retirement. “The students are happy to see me,” she said. “And I connect with the local schools, the principals, the parents.” Her own daughter, Emily—whose crayons sparked this whole volunteer second-career—became a nurse and got a job in the emergency room at the Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. One day a child life specialist arrived to help a young injured patient who was soon to undergo a procedure. “She showed up with a box of Crayon Initiative crayons,” Bays said, describing how Emily came to realize the impact the Bay Area organization her mom helps has on hospitalized kids. “My daughter was like, ‘Oh my God!’ “It’s just such a positive thing.” For information about the Crayon Initiative, or details about how to donate to the organization, visit thecrayoninitiative.org.
Los Gatos’ giving place SCAN ME
Arjun Seshadri
Online marketplace connects residents to free services, items
alone, provide home repair, computer assistance and more. On cold nights, she cited as an example, the marketplace can provide an outlet for someone to donate warm coats and blankets to those in need. “The Giving Porch is a marketplace which is only about giving,” she said. “Any local business or individual who wants to give is welcome to post here. The goal of The Giving Porch is to promote giving and helping people in our community who are going through rough times due to Covid or just difficult times.” Users can also follow businesses of their choice to receive email notifications each time that business posts a new listing. The Giving Porch was made possible thanks to the Innovation Grant the Seshadris received in 2020 from the Town of Los Gatos. The grants were available to Los Gatos residents with ideas on how to improve their community. Seshadri said The Giving Porch already has a local nursing home interested in participating, as she works to spread the word of the new marketplace. The Giving Porch will also be present at the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce’s mixer at Campo di Bocce, 115 N. Santa Cruz Ave., on Feb. 16 at 5:30pm. “We hope that in the future, The Giving Porch will be an embodiment of our Los Gatos community which is known for giving and kindness to all,” Seshadri said.
Erik Chalhoub, Managing Editor
A Los Gatos mother-son duo have created an online marketplace they hope will encourage residents to give to people in need. The Giving Porch, founded by Los Gatos High School senior Arjun Seshadri and his mother Sruba, is designed to promote giving among businesses and individuals in the Los Gatos community, Sruba said. Businesses and residents can sign up for a free account on thegivingporch.com, where they can post services and items available to the public, pro bono.
The marketplace could not only be a place for material items but also a place where individuals can donate their time. The marketplace could not only be a place for material items, such as furniture, clothes, flowers and more, but also a place where individuals can donate their time. Seshadri said someone could offer to spend time with a senior living
The Giving Porch is now live. To create an account, visit thegivingporch.com.
Thursday,
FEBRUARY 17TH 7:30PM
Friday,
FEBRUARY 18TH 7:30PM
Saturday,
FEBRUARY 19TH 6:00PM & 8:30PM
HOSTED BY
DANIELLE
NICK
ARCE
LARSON
MEAN DAVE
JASON TOUPES
18+ EVENT FOR MATURE CONTENT | GET YOUR TICKETS AT PRUNEYARDCINEMAS.COM
CULINARY CINEMAS
JOIN US FOR A CULINARY ADVENTURE!
Throughout each film, a three-course meal will be delivered directly to your seat. Each course will be inspired by the film screening. Curated Cocktails will also be available for purchase.
MARCH 9TH
APRIL 6TH
MAY 4TH
TICKETS & SHOWTIMES: PRUNEYARDCINEMAS.COM
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Sruba Seshadri
13
CALENDAR Photo courtesy of Steinway Society
CHILDREN’S CRAFT KIT PICK-UP Starting Feb. 11, and continuing until the end of the month or until kits run out, families can pick up a craft kit for their child at the Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave. Because of limited quantities, the library is only able to give one craft kit per child.
RUSSIAN PIANIST PERFORMANCE
Town Council The Los Gatos Town Council meets virtually on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. → losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council
PERFORMER The Steinway Society will stream a live performance by pianist Vyacheslav Gryaznov on Feb. 12.
MONDAY MORNING BOOK CLUB The Los Gatos Library hosts the virtual Monday Morning Book Club discussion on the second Monday of every month at 11am. This month’s meeting is Feb. 14. → losgatosca.libcal.com/ event/8584480
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
MIXER AT CAMPO DI BOCCE
14
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce will present an evening of networking, Italian food and wine at the patio at Campo di Bocce, 115 N. Santa Cruz Ave., on Feb. 16 at 5:30pm. Admission is $15. → bit.ly/3ufh6Q4
ERIC HIMY PIANO RECITAL Los Gatos Community Concert Association presents a performance by pianist Eric Himy on Feb. 20 at 2:30pm at the Los Gatos High School Theater, 20 High School Court. Himy’s repertoire for solo piano con-
Los Gatos Lions Club The Los Gatos Lions Club meets every Wednesday. A breakfast meeting is held at Moore Buick, 15500 Los Gatos Blvd., at 8am and a noon meeting at Los Gatos Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, with a guest speaker. The club has been active since 1946.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Steinway Society will stream a live performance by Russian pianist Vyacheslav Gryaznov on Feb. 12 at 7:30pm. He has performed throughout the U.S., Russia and Europe, including Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie. Tickets are $40 per household. The link is live for 48 hours from the time of the live concert. Purchasers may choose to watch the event live or the recording afterward. → steinwaysociety.com
Lodge, 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. Program includes featured guest speakers.
sists of works from Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Gershwin and more. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 seniors and $5 students.
and food producers sell their wares Sundays from 9am to 1pm at Town Park Plaza on Main Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue.
→ lgcca.org
→ cafarmersmkts.com/losgatosfarmers-market
PRINCE TRIBUTE BAND
Campbell Farmers Market The Downtown Campbell Farmers Market is held Sundays, rain or shine, from 9am to 1pm.
On Feb. 25 at 8pm, Heritage Theatre, 1 W Campbell Ave. in Campbell, will present the Prince tribute band, Marshall Charloff and Purple Xperience. Since 2011, the Purple Xperience is a five-piece group hailing from Prince’s birthplace, Minneapolis, Minn. Individual tickets are $49 through the box office, or by phone at 408.866.2700. Tickets can also be purchased online at HeritageTheatre. org.
→ uvfm.org/campbell-sundays The Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos The club meets the first three Thursdays of the month at noon at Pedro's Restaurant, 316 N Santa Cruz Ave. First two Thursdays of the month feature guest speakers.
ONGOING
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.
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
The Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club The Club meets every Wednesday morning 7:30-8:30am at Los Gatos
Planning Commission The Los Gatos Planning Commission meets virtually on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. → losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission Santa Clara County Supervisors The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meets virtually on Tuesdays at 9am. → bit.ly/3oy2Zmq Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District The board meets every other Tuesday at 5pm. → bit.ly/3DaJRi9 Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees The board meets monthly at either 6:30pm or 4pm. → bit.ly/3oywlRA Other Town commissions The Town of Los Gatos has various committees that serve as advisory bodies for the Town Council. For information and a schedule of meetings, visit losgatosca.gov/12/ Boards-Commissions-Committees.
→ losgatosrotary.org
losgatan.com
Move Young, Age Well
. r e h t e g o T
99
$
mo
24 Hour Gym
20 off 2nd member
$
Reduce pain, lose weight, increase bone density, flexibility, core strength, balance and endurance. Los Gatos Bl. by Trader Joes
(408)358-4915
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
And
15
REAL ESTATE
HOME OF THE WEEK
Sereno
UNIVERSITY AVENUE This Los Gatos home is steps away from downtown.
UPDATED VICTORIAN HOME NEAR DOWNTOWN
This remodeled Victorian-style home features many unique details and modern touches. Located at 126 University Ave. in Los Gatos, the 1,582-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The two front living spaces feature hardwood floors, crown molding and
detailed door casings, large windows, built-in speakers and Lutron light controls throughout. The kitchen is equipped with quartz countertops, a skylight, island and walk-in pantry. The two bedrooms on the main level share a full bath. The lower-level bedroom suite features a remodeled Carrara marble tile bathroom, walk-in closet and access to basement storage. The backyard includes a paver patio. The home is listed at $2,450,000 by Sereno. For information, visit bit.ly/3Gsn7LV.
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Sereno
16
INSIDE The kitchen features quartz countertops with an island.
SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM IN LOS GATOS Join us as a charter subscriber! The team that launched the original Los Gatos Weekly has come together once again to give the town the quality of journalism it needs.
WE VOLUNTEER IN OUR COMMUNITIES & BEYOND WITH A COMMON GOAL OF HELPING KIDS & A COMMON DESIRE TO DO GOOD.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE.
News about local people, school sports and vital community issues will fill the pages of thislocal publication –and a live web site.
WWW.LGKIWANISGIVES.ORG WWW.LOSGATOSFIESTA.COM
CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING SPEAKERS
lgsubs.com
THURSDAYS AT NOON, PEDRO’S RESTAURANT 316 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Email kiwanislosgatos@gmail.com to RSVP 2/10: LOS GATOS MAYOR ROB RENNIE 3/3: LOS GATOS/ MONTE SERENO CHIEF OF POLICE FIELD 3/10: LOS GATOS TOWN MANAGER LAUREL PREVETTI
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Los Gatos deserves real reporting.
17
Services Directory CLEANING
Auto Body Fine Rug Repair Free towing and delivery Our services include dent removal, paint matching, mechanical repair, frame repair, alignment and adjustment.
Make your car look and run like new.
Auto Shield Collision Center Santa Clara autoshieldcollision.com 408-216-9904
Cleaning & Repair
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION 30 pt 2 pt
Home Repair & Remodeling
158 pt Starling Heavy on 131 with -50 tracking
specialize in cleaning pure silk rugs of any size. This process involves meticulous care and expertise. We specialize in cleaning Persian, Turkish, Afghan, Indian, and Oriental rugs of all shapes and sizes. Free pick up and delivery.
Real Wood Floors
54 pt Starling Heavy on 59 with -50 tracking
Starling Roman 28 on 41
74 years in business! We clean, restore and protect your fine rugs. Our experts
30 pt 2 pt
Daniel Burja Construction
dburjaconst@sbcglobal.net
831.246.4346 Lic. #802148
& Composite Flooring
18
Window Window Washing Washing
quality, please give us a call.
DONATION BUSINESS
Asphalt Services
831.419.2553 Lic # 956218
“You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
To adverstise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323
Josh Sladwick Engineering 831.566.3324 Santa Cruz, CA
losgatan.com
Carpentry Home Repair Landscape Contact Greg Eiman by calling 831.588.1260
Santos Hauling The Original Santos Hauling Since 1998
Find your treasure Cabanex Floors · 404 Queens Lane San Jose, CA 95112 cabanexfloorsinc.com
Voted #1 Thrift Store 3 years in a row!
The Abbot’s Thrift
The best thrift, antiques & collectibles
Asphalt Sealcoating Striping
Professional. Timely. Courteous.
HAULING
manufacturers and pass savings on
Unusual Builds?
“You “You rest rest and and relax, relax, and and I’ll I’ll clean clean your your windows.”— windows.”— Randy Randy Sauro Sauro
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
Balconies. Fences. Metal Doors. Railings. Stairways. Furniture. Please visit our gallery on the web at www.yeswelding.com/projects Email sales@yeswelding.com or call 408 887-3488 or 408 533-2858 Since 1990.
Donations Accepted Daily Mon-Sat: 9am-7pm Sun: Noon - 5pm 6164 Hwy 9 | Felton, CA 95018 (831) 335-0606
HANDYMAN
No Job Too Small Tree houses, van conversions, she-sheds and dude-shacks...
Lowest cost, bonded, references
Free Estimates Call Mario or J Santos
831-252-5353 Lic. #76915
Kittricks Hauling for over 4 SLV 0y ng
83
1. 4 1 9 . 0 0 70
“Your Service Network”
I’ve got you covered! Master craftsman with over 40 years of experience. Call Christopher 831.431.0828
We do it all! Yard and Tree Work. Demolition and clean ups. Re-roofing and tear off. Dirt and poison oak removal.
rs! ea
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
408-218-4990
Handyman Services
years. We buy direct from major
408 568-5475 408-857-4669
Professional service by an experienced, reliable specialist.
Ornamental Iron, Welding & Custom Metal Fabrication
to you. If you appreciate value and
Motorcycle Towing 25 Union Street San Jose, CA 95110 408-294-6644 martinousrugs.com
HANDYMAN
We’ve installed 4,224 floors in nine
Patching, sealing, striping
Martinous Rugs Inc.
CONSTRUCTION
Ser vi
AUTO REPAIR/TOWING
831.252.4557
Licensed & Unlicensed Professionals
To adverstise call Window Serenity Polizzi Washing 408.200.1323 “You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
To adverstise call Serenity Polizzi 408.200.1323
LANDSCAPING
Jesse’s General Quality House Cleaning Landscaping & Masonry I use plant-based cleaning products and top of the line equipment. I am vaccinated for COVID-19 and follow all proper protocols for your safety.
I specialize in homes! References and insured. Lic # 108576
Call or Text Kristina: 650-703-5179
Pavers and concrete Patios Landscape design Yard work Improvements and installation
House Cleaning
Premium service and resonable rates Call today for a free estimate! 25+ years of experience, references, bonded and insured.
408-608-9335
(831) 239-4645
Professional Alterations for Men and Women
Call Christy Best at 831-247-0988
CLUTTERBUG
HVAC clutterbug.net
PAINTING
(831) 331-0111
Doscher Painting Mention LOS GATAN for
15% OFF
Got Piano?
Only one per client. Offer does not include diagnosis fee. Does not apply to major equipment replacement or accessories. Valid through Dec 31, 2022
408-868-5500
Lic# 258540
LANDSCAPING
Alvarado Landscaping
Tree cut service. Concrete. Fences Maintenance. Clean up & hauling.
(831) 818-4324 unlicensed operator
Looking to Move from the Bay Area?
I buy and sell quality used pianos or can place pianos on consignment.
Satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates.
LOS GATAN GEAR
Window Got Washing Shirt? “You rest and relax, and I’ll clean your windows.”— Randy Sauro
We have been providing quality service and meeting your real estate needs in both sales and property management since 1977.
Scotts Valley Property Management Broker, Jeanne Jensen Shada 831.438.2208 4615 Scotts Valley Dr, Suite B DRE #00606749
Housing too expensive here? Now with working in place, you can live where you want for much less and keep your job. Let me find you a real estate broker out of the area or out of state. I will do the leg work. I will also give you a $100 gift certificate when you purchase through my referral!
All I need to know is the city you want to move to. The Rodino Realty Group Give me a call or text at 408.431.6640
R&R Window Cleaning 831 588-4243
Order online: wklys.co/lgtshirt
losgatan.com
Give me a call for a free piano refinishing estimate. I have 48 years experience in the piano business as a PTG Registered Craftsman serving the Bay Area.
Call Rich at 408.260.2740. No text
831.438.0308
4736 Scotts Valley Dr, Ste B scottsvalleychiropractic.com
Third generation chiropractor, established in 1976
Interior and Exterior
In these times, expert travel advice is needed more than ever. We do the planning so you can enjoy the trip! We’ve been serving Los Gatos for 60 years.
RAIN GUTTERS
Rick Doscher
(831) 335-9084 Bonded/Insured/PL, PD/CA Lic. #550327
Your Entire Repair Bill
Careful Management
408-354-8903
831-252-5353 Valley Heating, Cooling, Moon Painting Scotts Valley Electrical and Interior and exterior. Chiropractic Pressure washing Solar Dr. Paige Thibodeau, D.C. Call Saul:
The Home of Old Fashioned Service Since 1962.
REAL ESTATE
469 N. Santa Cruz Ave Across from Safeway
Feeling Overwhelmed? Organizing challenges of any kind. Home or office. Relocations, downsizing. Nonjudgemental.
cleansweep1989@gmail.com
Designer’s Tailoring
REAL ESTATE
Affordable Rates
ORGANIZER
Clean Sweep
PROFESSIONAL
PLUMBING
Over 40 years experience to serve you. New construction Remodels Water heaters Repipes and repairs
Your Gutter & Copperworks Expert Are you looking for a way to control the rain that falls on your home or business? We do more than just gutter and downspout installations and repairs. Give us a call!
(831) 345-3490 slvraingutters.com
Give us a call at 831.610.8147 or email hwy9plumbing@gmail.com
Lic # 1045811
Lic. #813878
losgatan.com
56 N Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos • 408.354.6531
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
HOUSE CLEANING
19
By February 20
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce 2022 Annual Awards Luncheon And a chance to meet elected officials, Supervisor Joe Simitian, Supervisor Mike Wasserman and Mayor Rob Rennie.
f e bruary 9- 15, 20 2 2 : losgatan.co m
Friday, March 25 at noon Loma Brewing Company 130 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
20
Scan the QR code to nominate
Tickets and information at losgatoschamber.com Sponsored by