Los Gatan 2-1-2023

LOS GATOS APPROVES

DRAFT OF HOUSING ELEMENT

Council agrees more work needs to be done

Drew Penner, Reporter

Though Los Gatos Town Council members acknowledged there were still months worth of improvements ahead to get a final version prepared, in a special meeting held Monday, they voted to deem the current Draft Housing Element good enough to send over to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

The decision—a 4-0 vote with Vice Mayor Mary Badame abstaining—came just a day before the deadline.

“This is a living document,” said Mayor Maria Ristow, “— and an ongoing process.”

The resolution, moved by Councilmember Rob Moore and seconded by Ristow, represents Los Gatos’ roadmap for responding to the governor’s call for help building 3.5 million homes over the next few years.

It acknowledges the state was second last in hous-

➝ Housing, 6

LONGHORNS CHEER TEAM

‘JAMZ’ IT Squad wins national competition

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

When the Los Gatos Longhorns Cheer team didn’t place in a Pop Warner competition at the beginning of the season last September, members of the team weren’t satisfied.

“We were all bummed out about it and that’s when we decided to extend the season,” Longhorns coach Cheryl Stollman said. “We felt there was unfinished business and we weren’t ready for the season to end.”

The Longhorns decided to extend their competition season, with the goal to qualify for the JAMZ Cheer and Dance Youth Nationals Jan. 20-21 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

➝ Longhorns, 15

police reports p8 : upcoming events p12 : los gatos soccer p14 : ny times crossword puzzle p17

JOYFUL TIME The Longhorns Cheer team won first place in the Division 10, Level One, Medium Squad category in the JAMZ Youth Nationals competition Jan. 21 in Las Vegas.

Cheryl Stollman

Tastefully remodeled home located in a private location with gorgeous ocean views. The chef’s kitchen boasts custom wood cabinets, waterfall & slab Cambria Quartz counters, ceramic tiled subway backsplash, Porcelain tiled floors, eat in kitchen. Open and spacious kitchen/family room with fireplace. Huge primary suite with fireplace, large walk-in closet, newly remodeled bath, jetted tub, stall shower, skylight, Porcelain tiled floors. Updated half bath. 4th bed/den/ office (no closet). Lower level provides 2 bedrooms, full bathroom, mud room, laundry, office desk. Features include wood floors, crown moulding, recessed lighting. Large entertainer’s yard with outdoor kitchen. Fabulous landscaping and complete privacy.

Dan Pulcrano

Executive Editor & Publisher

Lee May

General Manager

Erik Chalhoub

Managing Editor

Lori Lieneke

Advertising Director

Phaedra Strecher

Editorial Production Manager

Drew Penner Reporter

Emanuel Lee, Juan Reyes

Sports Writers

Judy Peterson

Contributor

Kate Kauffman

Senior Account Executive

Serenity Polizzi, Eric Bocanegra, Carrie Bonato

Account Executives

Alicia Trujillo

Subscriptions

WEEKLYS

Stephen Buel

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Mike Lyon

Digital Media

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

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

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 NOTICE

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.

DEVELOPER EXCITED TO GET THREE DAVID KINCH RESTAURANT CONCEPTS

The news rippled out across the Bay Area—and beyond—when lauded restaurateur David Kinch announced he would be moving on from his Michelin-starred restaurant Manresa in Los Gatos.

But now, one of the developers behind the North 40 mixed-use project in Los Gatos says he’s thrilled the culinary wiz will be launching three different food and beverage operations as part of Phase 1 at that site.

“The most important thing for us is that they’re local,” said Don Capobres, CEO of Harmonie Park Development, noting Kinch has been consulting on the retail portion of the North 40 for quite some time already. “To be around that creativity and knowledge has been really beneficial to us as we try to finalize the concepts.”

On Jan. 11, Harmonie Park Development announced it had inked a 7,100-square-foot lease deal for a section of the property called The Junc-

tion with MB Partners, the company Kinch runs alongside baker Avery Ruzicka and entrepreneur Andrew Burnham.

“The Junction offers the vibe we seek as we selectively grow our brand,” Ruzicka said in a statement. “We look forward to expanding our service to the residents of Los Gatos and beyond in this exciting new location that will showcase authentic, independent purveyors who are similarly dedicated to quality and experience.”

MB Partners is planning to open a French and Italian “Mentone” restaurant, similar to the one Kinch opened in Aptos, as well as a second Manresa Bread bakery.

The first location is known for its lines that can stretch out the door onto North Santa Cruz Avenue.

The company has also promised a third option for future North 40 residents and visitors, although what it will be remains a mystery—for now.

Capobres says they had original-

ly tapped Kinch’s expertise for what to do with the ground-floor retail space below Eden Housing’s affordable multi-family structure, called the Market Hall.

“We engaged them to help us come up with ideas on what we could do with Market Hall,” he said. “We worked together on that for literally years.”

Capobres cautions that there’s still plenty more hurdles to clear.

“They’ve got to get building permits from the Town of Los Gatos,” he said. “We’re both pretty confident that we’re going to be able to get to a final lease sometime next year.”

And the economic climate isn’t exactly the most favorable at the moment.

“There are some headwinds, for sure,” he said. “I’m just super excited that we’re able to take the next step forward.”

In addition, Harmonie Park continues to make progress on plans for Market Hall, which Capobres envisions as offering a variety of food and beverage options, similar to departments at a grocery store.

“It’s a big space, and you can kind of mix and match (grocery and food and beverage),” he said. “We’re still intending to do that.”

Drew Penner, Reporter

THE JUNCTION Work continues on the North 40 property in Los Gatos.

Drew Penner/Los Gatan

14 8 41 C l a r a S t reet , L os Gat os

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,336± SF Interior | 26,846± SF Lot

Beautiful home with estate potential in the highly desirable Rinconada Hills Country Club Neighborhood

AT A GLANCE:

• Beautiful, light-filled single story Ranch-style home updated throughout with fabulous estate potential and expansion.

• Flexible and spacious open floor plan features elegant formal living room and elegant formal dining room.

• Stainless steel appliances include a newer professional Thermador oven/range with 4 burners and griddle and newer Thermador professional hood, built-in KitchenAid fridge and newer Bosch dishwasher.

• 2,336 +/- square feet on a spectacular and rare 26,846 +/- square foot lot.

LIST PRICE $3,489,000

• Bedroom wing features a beautifully appointed light and airy primary suite retreat and two additional spacious bedrooms.

• Magical wrap-around grounds feature multiple venues for family fun and California entertaining.

• Phenomenal location within minutes to lively downtown Los Gatos shopping, trails, dining, wineries and freeways for easy commute access.

• Daves Avenue Elementary School, Fisher Middle School, and Los Gatos High School (buyer to verify)

CAROL JEANS

REALTOR®, Founding Member

• Ranked Top 1.5% of Realtors Nationwide, Real Trends 2022

• Top 300 Real Estate Agents California, Real Trends 2022

• Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents in Northern California, Real Estate Executive Magazine

• America’s Best Realtors, Newsweek 2020

• 2018 Joanne Knapp Community Service Award Recipient

• More than $1 billion in sales

• 80% of clients are either repeat clients or referrals

• 30+ years of market knowledge

• Founding Member of Sereno

• Focused on the quality of the client’s experience

• Chair, Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation, Los Gatos

You really can’t do better. It’s not just that Carol is always prepared and is the consummate professional, most of all it’s that she cares. She knows the market and explains it well. If you’re a seller she knows how to maximize the value of your home. If you’re a buyer she reads that market better than anyone and knows what it will take. Making an offer is a very nuanced process, and no one knows the nuances better than Carol Jeans. If you go with someone else you will be missing out.

DAVID L. | LOS GATOS

• Board Member, Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation

Courtesy of Belmont Village Los Gatos

Students take on ‘Kindness Challenge’

On Jan. 23, Belmont Village Los Gatos hosted select students at the Union School District to take part in “The Great Kindness Challenge” where together, students and residents participated in art projects, games, singing, storytelling and interactions focusing on being kind and what it means to be kind. “The Great Kindness Challenge” is presented by Kids for Peace, co-founded in 2006 by Danielle Gram, a high school honors student, and Jill McManigal, a mother and former elementary school teacher. What started organically as a neighborhood group of kids wanting to make the world a better place has grown into an interconnected network of young peacebuilders worldwide.

DRAFT PLAN HEADS TO SACRAMENTO

Housing, from page 1

ing-units-per-capita in 2018 and makes the case for how the 1,993 homes (2,312 if the buffer’s factored in) the Town is set to allow by 2031 goes far enough to pitching in to the herculean task of righting the ship.

This comes in the wake of a review of the draft that was more favorable than some had expected, but more critical than others had hoped.

The all-important letter from HCD, which arrived Jan 12, set forth a number of changes Los Gatos would need to make to its Housing Element before it could be certified.

Much of the bad marks had to do with areas where Los Gatos didn’t go far enough to show how it would fix its decades-old problem with economic and racial segregation.

HCD did not respond to a request for an interview about its assessment for this article.

During the meeting, staff argued that because it managed to improve one of the highlighted sections—the sites inventory, which outlines places Los Gatos has targeted for residential growth—that would be enough to put the document in “substantial compliance,” even if it would still have to beef up the racial justice section later on.

The resolution states the Housing Element is good to go (for the most

part) because staff revised it to assume properties will be developed at the minimum density level and added two additional sites to the inventory.

Lee Quintana, who worked on the plan as part of the Housing Element Advisory Board, urged Council not to adopt the Housing Element.

“The changes are going to be more than just a few and more than minor,” she said. “I’m still very confused by this whole process.”

Jak Van Nada of the Los Gatos Community Alliance, which spearheaded the referendum on the 2040 General Plan that HCD said it needed more information about written into the Housing Element, also urged Council not to forward the document to Sacramento.

“If the Housing Element is already in compliance, why is there a need to keep working on it?” he asked. “The HCD letter says it does not comply with the law.”

Councilmember Rob Rennie said staff wasn’t asking Council to find the Housing Element was in “compliance” but just “substantial compliance,” a distinction Councilmember Matthew Hudes wanted more information on.

Town Attorney Gabrielle Whelan said, in many cases, HCD’s critiques were about pushing for Los Gatos to

introduce steps it’s already taking, or for tweaks to existing programs.

Staff was planning to tell a more comprehensive narrative in a future version of the Housing Element that would likely assuage the governmental concerns that Los Gatos hadn’t even done the bare minimum.

For example, the State agency wanted more information about how the Town would monitor the production of below-market-rate affordable housing, she noted.

Ristow’s initial assessment was that there didn’t seem to be much support on Council for passing a document that definitely wasn’t up to snuff.

But as Rennie dissected various points of contention about the Element—and learned more about the consequences of not passing something by the end of the month—support for going with the current iteration (at least for the time being) grew.

If Council rejected the current draft, staff said it would be possible to return with an updated document sometime in April.

That would mean developers could have projects approved “by-right” in that time; but they’d have to promise to build 10% “low income” or 100% “moderate income” units—a heavy lift in an expensive area like Los Gatos, staff said.

And Los Gatos would be on the hook for attorney’s fees if someone sued the Town for having an illegal Housing Element and won, the Town Attorney stated.

“I’m very uncomfortable about being in the position that we’re in…I don’t think we’re doing the best for the residents of Los Gatos,” Hudes said. “At this point, I think it would be best to adopt a Housing Element and use all efforts possible to address every single item in the HCD letter to bring it into compliance.”

Council discussed raising the maximum density on the North 40 mixeduse development to 40 units-per-acre, a move suggested by HCD, but in the end Moore didn’t try to include this in his motion.

Rennie checked with staff to see if Los Gatos had gone far enough to address HCD’s concerns that the SB9 figure of 96 units in the plan was reasonable.

Staff replied that it was confident it could justify the assertion that these lot-splits would materialize, despite the poor take-up on the housing type, thus far.

Once again, like with a similar vote on the trajectory of the Housing Element process, in December, few people appeared in person or spoke remotely to oppose or support the plan.

The vote stood out in another way, too: Unlike during General Plan discussions, in contrast with last year, when Hudes and Badame appeared to move in lock-step opposition to any efforts to push for growth, here Badame chose to abstain, even as Hudes supported the Housing Element approval.

ROBBERY, SHOOTING SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Five men have been arrested following an armed robbery and shooting that injured an employee of a camera store in Campbell on Jan. 25, police said.

The robbery was reported shortly before 11am at San Jose Camera & Video, located at 1600 S. Winchester Blvd., where five suspects stole thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment and then shot an employee who had followed them outside as they fled, according to Campbell Police.

The employee was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

Investigators notified other law enforcement agencies in the region about the theft and the five suspects were located later in the day by Oakland Police.

Oakland residents Orlando Oliva, 22, Paris Williams, 22, Darrin Bedford, 23, Kenneth Martin, 23, and Freddy McCardie, 21, were arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery with a firearm, kidnapping and conspiracy, Campbell Police said.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

JAN. 22

• A vehicle was reported stolen on Winchester Circle.

JAN. 23

• A caller reported he got pushed by his boss during an argument on the 15500 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 9am.

• Two men reportedly stole items from a store on the 15500 block of Union Avenue.

JAN. 24

• A man was reportedly taking all the books from a book station on Los Gatos Boulevard and Loma Alta Avenue.

POLICE BLOTTER

• An unknown suspect stole a vehicle’s catalytic converter on Blossom Hill Road.

• A desk was reported stolen on Winchester Circle.

• Someone smashed an office’s window on University Avenue.

• A vehicle reported stolen the day before was found on Los Gatos Boulevard.

• A man, wearing camouflage clothing, was reportedly walking on the side of the road at Blossom Hill Road and Union Avenue at 6:50pm. A caller thought he was difficult to spot for motorists.

JAN. 25

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on the 15300 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 4:05am.

• A vehicle was reportedly burglarized on Pine Wood Lane.

• Someone stole a vehicle’s catalytic converter on Shannon Road.

• A caller said they have kept a log of dates and times their neighbor’s dog has barked on Bungalow Terrace.

• A man was arrested for battery on the first block of High School Court at 6:52pm.

JAN. 26

• A man was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance on the 15300 block of Los Gatos Boulevard at 4:53am.

• A caller reported they were attacked by a person they knew on the Forbes Mill footbridge at 1:56pm.

JAN. 27

• A man was arrested for tampering with a vehicle on the 500 block of University Avenue at 5:42am.

• A customer reportedly got mad about their order being late and

punched holes in a business’ bathroom wall on N. Santa Cruz Avenue.

• A man wearing a trench coat was reported as suspicious because he appeared “altered and hobbling around” on S. Santa Cruz Avenue at 4:02pm.

JAN. 28

• A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and obstructing an officer on University and Lark avenues at 12:29am.

• A man reportedly urinated on a car in front of a house on Oak Park Drive at 11:43am.

• A woman reportedly urinated in a parking spot on Weldwood Court at 5:58pm.

• A man was arrested for being in possession of unlawful paraphernalia and disorderly conduct on the first block of N. Santa Cruz Avenue at 10:57pm.

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

MAN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A DEPUTY

Bay City News

A man suspected of attempting to kill a sheriff's deputy in Santa Clara County was taken into custody on Jan. 30, the Sheriff's Office announced.

Emmanuel Diaz Ramos, 41, was located at the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell and was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara Jail.

On Jan. 28 around 8am, a sheriff's deputy made a traffic stop in the area of Rutland and Parkmoor avenues in San Jose. During the stop, the driver— later identified as Ramos—allegedly fled on foot from the deputy.

According to the Sheriff's Department, the deputy chased Ramos, who then allegedly brandished a loaded semi-automatic firearm and stated, “I'm going to shoot you.”

A struggle over the firearm ensued and the deputy was able to regain control of the firearm, the Sheriff's Department said. Ramos fled to his car and drove off at a high rate of speed.

An arrest warrant was issued for Ramos and on Jan. 30 he was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder on a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, vehicle theft, resisting arrest, criminal threats and being a felon in possession

SUSPECT Emmanuel Diaz Ramos has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a sheriff’s deputy on Jan. 30.

of a loaded firearm and ammunition.

“I'm very grateful our deputy was able to defend himself against this vicious attack so he could return home to his family that evening,” said Sheriff Robert Jonsen in a statement. “This is the grim reality of the dangers our deputies face when putting on the badge every day in order to protect and serve the community in Santa Clara County.”

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

Santa Clara County Sheriff

Lucy Wedemeyer Broker

lucy@serenogroup.com

408-891-6861

DRE# 00640875

Keith Andry Associate/Broker

408-891-4151

keith@serenogroup.com

DRE# 01470

Extraordinary marketing expertise fueled with contagious enthusiasm de�nes Lucy Wedemeyer as a “RockStar” Real Estate Broker

She’s one of the most recognized and highly respected Realtors in the Bay Area, consistently awarded Top 1% distinction Keith Andry with a BS in Finance joined his Award-Winning Mother-in-Law in 2000.

As founding members of SERENO, they’ve curated an extensive network of professionals as an integral part of enhancing clients properties for market. Both exude unsurpassed pro-active visions as Brokers and Certi�ed Negotiation Experts; re�ective of 90% referral business as they strive to exceed expectations to accomplish client’s goals and dreams.

PELLERIN INTRODUCES FIRST BILL

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-28) introduced her first bill on Jan. 25, leaning on her almost three decade career as Santa Cruz County Clerk/Registrar of Voters.

AB 292 would amend the Elections Code to update the format of No Party Preference (NPP) notices and applications for partisan ballots, and add a write-in section for the office of President of the United States on NPP ballots.

“Many No Party Preference voters show up to vote on Election Day or open their ballots and are shocked to find no option to vote for President,” Pellerin said. “AB 292 will give voters who are not registered with a political party an option to vote for a presidential candidate if the party allows NPP voters to vote in their party’s primary. We must do whatever we can to make it easier for people to vote and increase voter turnout.”

This bill requires that the notices sent to each NPP voter contain a list of political parties that have authorized crossover voting, and next to each political party’s name, a box to mark indicating that the voter wishes to vote that party’s ballot. AB 292 maintains all previously provided ways of requesting a partisan ballot and adds the option to request one through text message if the county has established a system for processing such a request.

In the event that an NPP voter fails to request a partisan ballot for a presidential primary election, AB 292 would require a write-in space for President of the United States. If the voter writes in the name of a candidate who is not nominated by a party that authorizes crossover voting, the vote for that candidate shall not be counted.

Pellerin represents the 28th Assembly District, which includes Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Lexington Hills and portions of Campbell and Saratoga.

FREE TALK BY FOOD EMPOWERMENT PROJECT SCHEDULED

Plant-Based Advocates is partnering with the Los Gatos Library for a

LOCAL SCENE

series of programs focused on reducing reliance on meat and dairy. PBA promotes a shift to plant-based diets for health, environment, animals and social equity.

On Feb. 6 at 4pm, Lauren Ornelas, president of the Food Empowerment Project, will discuss the power of food choices to create social change.

Food Empowerment Project is a vegan group founded by women of color working to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of our food choices.

Ornelas will highlight the depletion of natural resources, the unavailability of healthy foods in low-income areas, inequitable working conditions for marginalized people, and how to buy chocolate that is genuinely free of child labor.

➝ losgatosca.libcal.com/ event/9959403.

HUGHES NAMED TO DEAN'S LIST AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY

Haley Hughes of Monte Sereno was named to the Dean’s List at Miami University for the 2022-23 fall semester.

Miami University students who are ranked in the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within their division for the fall semester 2022-23 have been named to the Dean's list recognizing academic performance. Hughes is earning a B.S. in Kinesiology & Health.

Miami University is a public university located in Oxford, Ohio.

HANSEN HONORED AT JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

Los Gatos resident Sarah Hansen was named to the Dean’s List at James Madi-

son University for the fall 2022 semester. Students who earn Dean’s List honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899.

Hansen is majoring in Engineering. James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.

EMERY MAKES DEAN'S LIST AT PALMER COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC

John Emery of Los Gatos has been named to the fall 2022 quarter Dean's List at Palmer College of Chiropractic's West Campus in San Jose.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose; and Port Orange, Fla.

ELECTION Assemblymember Gail Pellerin has introduced a bill that would update the format of No Party Preference notices and applications for partisan ballots.

HORTICULTURE

WINTER BLOOM MIGHT BE SCARCE

Tony Tomeo, Contributor

Oregon gardens get to display superior peony bloom for spring and summer. That is one of several advantages of winter chill. Some plant species appreciate a bit more chill than they can get here. It enhances their performance. However, chill also limits winter bloom. Not many plants want to bloom while the weather is cool, and pollinators are less active.

That is one of several advantages of mild winter weather. It allows flowers that bloom for autumn to bloom a bit later. It allows a few of the flowers that bloom for spring to bloom a bit earlier. There is not much time between the last flowers of autumn and the first flowers of spring. Winter bloom is not as important here as where winters are longer and chillier.

Even if less important here, reliable winter bloom might be a bit more challenging. Some plants that bloom for winter in other climates might be hesitant to bloom for winter locally. After all, they prefer to bloom while the weather is cool. Mild chill might be unsatisfactory. Cool season annuals are unpredictable, but are likely the most reliable for winter bloom.

Of the popular cool season annuals, cyclamen is actually perennial. If not removed at the end of its season, it goes dormant for summer, and regenerates for subsequent winters. It does not bloom as profusely as it originally did, but adds color to mixed small perennials or ground covers that do not bloom for winter. Some types of primrose are also perennial.

A few perennials bloom sporadically and randomly throughout the year, including winter. African daisy and euryops daisy typically do not bloom as much as they do during warm weather, but can. Euryops daisy may actually bloom best during winter. Bird of Paradise flowers mature so slowly that those that begin during autumn might finish through winter.

Witch hazel, daphne, heather, mahonia and winter jasmine bloom for winter, but perhaps not as impressively as for other climates. Some camellia bloom abundantly while others bloom sporadically.

CALENDAR

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

CIOPPINO DINNER

The Los Gatos Lions Club Annual Club Cioppino Dinner will be held on Feb. 4 from 6-10pm at St. Mary's Church, Howley Hall, 219 Bean St. in Los Gatos. The four-course dinner features wine on the table and no host bar available. Proceeds benefit Los Gatos Lions Club charities for sight, scholarships and community programs for all ages.

➝ wklys.us/LionsDinner.

CRAB FEST

Bergenia may bloom later here than for other climates. Forsythia and some spring bulbs, especially daffodil, bloom so early that they seem to bloom for winter.

Highlight: sweet box

Floral fragrance is likely the primary asset of sweet box, Sarcococca ruscifolia. However, the splendidly glossy and evergreen foliage is as appealing as that of any of the various boxwoods. It is darker and richer green, with orderly arrangement on nimble and arching stems. Individual leaves are small but larger than boxwood leaves, and with pointier tips.

Sweet box blooms during winter, with deliciously fragrant but tiny pale white flowers that are not much to see. They are unlikely to get credit for their impressive fragrance without close investigation for its source. Vigorous plants may produce a few rich maroon berries that contrast delightfully with the rich green foliage. Cut stems work well with cut flowers.

Because it is naturally an understory species, sweet box not only tolerates partial shade, but actually prefers it. Harsh exposure fades its foliage. The dense foliage on wiry stems adapts to low hedging. It is better with alternating cane pruning to remove old stems and promote fresh basal growth. Overgrown specimens respond quite favorably to coppicing. They grow to three feet high.

Rotary Club of Los Gatos’ Annual Crab Fest will take place Saturday, Feb. 4 at 5pm at Saint Andrews Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave. The fundraising event includes all you can eat crab, and pasta, soup, salad, bread, and dessert. Go to losgatosrotary.org for more information, to bid on the auction, or to buy tickets.

VALENTINE’S FUN RUN/WALK

Campbell's 46th annual Valentine 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Feb. 11 at 9am at Campbell Park. The 5K & 10K Run/Walk is $45 for adults and $25 ages 20 and under.

➝ downtowncampbell.com.

TERRA FIRMA ART EXHIBIT

New Museum Los Gatos presents “Terra Firma,” an art exhibition about our relationship to the land, on view through March 19. “Terra Firma,” a group show organized by guest curator Marianne K. McGrath, brings together work by 15 artists, working in diverse media including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, installation and sound.

➝ numulosgatos.org.

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. For information, visit 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.

Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com.

SEASONAL COLOR Some camellia bloom sporadically for winter.

BRADY KAMALI KNOWS HOW TO FINISH

LG forward has 9 of team’s 16 goals

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

After winning its season-opener on Dec. 3, the Los Gatos High boys soccer team lost its next three matches, the last of which came in a Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division opener to Saratoga High, 2-0, on Dec. 15.

The Wildcats haven’t lost since. They entered the week 7-3-3 overall and 4-1-2 in league and in a virtual tie atop the division standings with Fremont High of Sunnyvale. The team has received tremendous play from every position on the field, none better than up top from Brady Kamali.

The 6-foot-2, 170-pound senior has scored nine of the team’s 16 goals entering this week’s action, which speaks volumes because unless a team has a legitimate scorer, it can’t expect to accumulate victories. Draws, yes, but wins, no.

So, having a legitimate sniper on the team like the Wildcats have in Kamali can’t be overemphasized in its importance and value. Most of Kamali’s goals have come off set pieces, or aggressively fighting for a loose ball in the penalty area and emerging out of a scrum to get the ball in the net.

“Brady is one of the top players I foresee in the league,” Fumia said after Kamali scored two goals in a 3-2 win over Fremont on Jan. 5. “He’s got pace, he’s strong, he can strike the ball and he’s good in the air.”

Kamali scored the team’s lone goal in the rematch with Fremont on Jan. 26, a 1-1 draw. It came off you guessed it a set piece from Matt Chase, whose corner kick landed in the 18-yard box, where Kamali came out of a scrum to score.

It’s been quite a turnaround for the Wildcats, who went 2-8-1 in the tougher SCVAL De Anza Division last year. After the Saratoga match, the team knew it had to start playing better or it would translate into another frustrating season.

“We were quite disappointed after that loss, but we knew we brought it upon ourselves,” Kamali said. “We didn’t play a great game and knew we had

more to show the league. After that, we were ready to prove ourselves.”

The Wildcats started to trust each other more, leading to increased cohesiveness on the field.

“Once we had a lot of trust, we were able to bounce back,” Kamali said. “Just giving each other feedback which helped us build our chemistry.”

That has been evident on the pitch, as the team generally plays in sync, connecting on passes, communicating and being dangerous on set pieces. With his athleticism and frame, Kamali literally

soars above opposing players on headers. It’s not just his height, though, that makes him a potent offensive player.

Kamali has tremendous speed, which shows in games when he blows by a defender on the flanks. Kamali was a member of the Los Gatos 4x400 meter relay team that won the Central Coast Section championship last year in a blazing-fast 3 minutes, 20.74 seconds.

Kamali can’t wait for the track and field season to start as he and two other relay members, Wil Brennan and Levi Romero, return.

“We’ve already been doing a little bit of [training] stuff, so we’re trying to find that one more guy,” he said.

Kamali wasn’t always physically athletic he worked for it. In his freshman year, Kamali said in his estimation he was around 130 pounds. But Kamali hit a growth spurt going into his sophomore year, which was followed by some dedicated strength-training, especially during the Covid lockdown period.

“The summer [in 2020] I definitely sprouted up for sure,” he said. “I started hitting the gym regularly. It was a big motivation knowing that it could benefit me in both sports being able to push people off the ball and in track to have the strength to keep going when you feel the need to collapse.”

For now, Kamali and his teammates have unfinished business against Saratoga, who they play in the league-finale at home on Feb. 14. Due to a quirky aspect in the league schedule, the teams will have gone exactly two months in between the first and second matches.

“I’ve been looking forward to Feb. 14 since the day we lost to Saratoga,” Kamali said. “Especially because we have a chance of winning league. I’m really looking forward to that night. It’ll be Senior Night, our last game, and it’s time to leave it all on the table. If we can win league, what more can we hope for?”

Kamali said outside of the team-bonding activities and spending more time together off the field, the arrival of coach Joel Fumia has infused an added boost and structure into the program.

“It’s been a huge difference,” he said. “I think as a team we have a lot more trust and faith in Joel as a coach, and we’ve really bonded with him and believe in him and his tactics and are able to execute them on the field.”

Kamali has utilized his size and speed to score goals, but an underrated part of his game is simply his willingness to compete for 50-50 balls or gain possession among a bunch of players in tight quarters. Kamali also gets fouled a lot in open space, partly because that’s the only way for opponents to stop him.

SCORE IT Los Gatos High forward Brady Kamli entered the week having scored nine of the team’s 16 goals. The Wildcats are on a nine match unbeaten streak dating back to a 2-0 loss to Saratoga High on Dec. 15. The two teams play again on Feb. 14.

File photo

TEAM PERFORMS UNDER PRESSURE

Longhorns, from page 1

Their hard work paid off as they took first place in their classification, Division 10 (age group), Level One, Medium Squad (13-member max roster).

“We came together, showed a lot of teamwork, practiced a lot, showed a lot of dedication, and a lot of desire went into winning a national title,” Stollman said. “The girls really wanted that and so far it’s definitely the big-

gest accomplishment in the two years I’ve been here.”

The roster includes Abby Asko, Dezarey Ayala-Ibarra, Amelia Hambaz, Chloe Matar, Milla Salaz, Sofia Sanchez, Lexi Shanahan, Julie Sosa, Emmy Stollman, Hazel Thomas, Taylor Wilson and Thi Yonehiro. Stollman said assistant coach Dakota Wood was instrumental in the team winning at Nationals.

“We couldn’t have done it and had the season we had without her,” Stollman said. “She ran practices when I had to work and the girls love her. She’s amazing.”

To qualify for Nationals, Los Gatos had to take part in a regional competition in November, where it placed third. Depending on the category and division, some teams do several routines spread out over an entire week in a national competition.

But for the Longhorns, their result would be predicated on one performance, ratcheting up the pressure.

They came through when it counted the most, nailing their routine.

“They definitely went out there and killed it,” Stollman said. “We were sharp, clean and hit our jumps. They really performed that routine the best they’ve ever done it. Once they got out there and performed, they looked amazing. And to be honest, we weren’t even expecting to win. We kind of wanted to go out there for the experience and ended up taking first place out of 11 teams.”

Stollman said the team actually struggled in practice in certain areas, only to see it perform when the lights were brightest.

“We did struggle a lot in practice with stunting,” she said. “It was hard to get them stabilized and keep them up, but in the routine, they did all the stunts well.”

There’s always a layer of suspense when it comes to announcing the winner at cheer competitions. Once the Longhorns finished their routine, Stollman picked up the deduction sheets to see if the team had any points taken away for dropped stunts, improper tumbling, or any other rule violations.

As Stollman stared at the deduction sheet, she had to do a double take because there were zero deductions.

“I was thinking, ‘Wow that’s awesome,’” she said. “We didn’t do anything wrong. We’re in another room about an hour after they perform, and that’s when they do the awards ceremony. They start with sixth place and go through the order until they said, ‘first place, Longhorns,’ and we all just lost it and were screaming. We went up to the stage to get our medals and got a picture taken. It was just an amazing moment.”

Most of the cheer team members are 9- and 10-year-olds, and Stollman said she loved how they developed close bonds as the season progressed. Stollman’s first coaching stint started in the late 1990s with a different cheer organization. Stollman spent a long time away before her cousin who was the head coach of the Longhorns last year asked her to come help out for a couple of practices.

“And next thing you know I’m coming to all the practices,” she said. “I kind of got sucked back into it. You don’t do it so long and do it for one day and remember how much you loved it. So I decided to take on the team this season.”

PEAK PERFORMANCE The Longhorns Cheer team perform their routine at the JAMZ Youth Nationals on Jan. 21 in Las Vegas to capture first place in the Division 10, Level One, Medium Squad category.

Cheryl Stollman

REAL ESTATE HOME OF THE WEEK

ELEGANCE THROUGHOUT

This Craftsman-style home has what is described as an “understated” facade that shields the inside elegance. Located at 127 Harding Ave. in Los Gatos, the 3,956-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

The entry foyer is flanked by the dining room to the right and living room on the left. The kitchen is equipped with a newly installed JennAir oven and microwave, along with a

Subzero refrigerator, wine refrigerator and curved kitchen island. A new roof was installed in 2020. A wine room and barrel room are both temperature-controlled in the garage as well as a workout room. The property also includes an air-conditioned shed and a non-air-conditioned shed.

The home, built in 2004, is listed at $4,750,000 by Intero Real Estate Services. For information, visit bit.ly/3whav7x.

HARDING AVENUE This Craftsman-style home is for sale in Los Gatos.

INSIDE A curving island is part of the well-equipped kitchen.