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vol . 5 , no. 34 : april 22-28, 2026 : losgatan.com
mayor's sustainability message p6 : police blotter p9 : pacific clinics p10 : baseball p12 Amanda Senior/Los Gatan
MAN ACCUSED OF PHOTOGRAPHING TWEEN GIRLS HIT WITH 6 COUNTS Investigation sparked by incident outside of Van Meter Elementary Drew Penner, Editor
A man who was arrested last August near Louise Van Meter Elementary School on suspicion of acting inappropriately around children—and then released—turned himself in to Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police this afternoon after a warrant was issued for his capture. John Alan Hale is facing six counts of annoying or molesting a minor. Each carries a potential fine of up to $5,000 or a county jail term of up to a year (or both). The accusations against Hale have not been proven in court. “Today’s arrest stems from an investigation conducted by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department in partnership with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office related to an incident that occurred on the morning of August 28, 2025,” a spokesperson for LGMSPD wrote on Instagram. The Los Gatan was there that morning, around 8am, as police began to piece together the story. Officers had received a report of a fight along Los Gatos Boulevard between Nino and Spencer avenues. “Upon arrival, officers learned that the altercation involved an individual who had reportedly been seen filming juveniles with his cellular phone,” the spokesperson wrote in last Wednesday’s social media post. “That individual was identified as Suspect Hale.” ➝ Arrest, 8
EXPRESSION Sriya Venkatesan kicked off the Inaugural Multicultural Celebration at the Los Gatos Civic Center, performing Sri Chakra Raja, a dance in the Bharatanatyam style.
YOUTH COMMISSION HOSTS FIRST MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION Art, music and dance shared by groups from across the Bay Area Amanda Senior, Contributor
Drums, flutes, and cymbals filled the air as a small crowd gathered on the Los Gatos Library’s front lawn to watch a solo dancer perform the Bharatanatyam, a classic southern Indian dance style accompanied by Carnatic music.
Dancing barefoot in the grass, Sriya Venkatesan’s ankles chimed with bells as she moved through graceful, geometric positions, telling the story of a Hindu goddess. The crowd watched, captivated by her dramatic facial expressions. “Traditionally the dance was performed in temples, so ankle bells carried the rhythm to the back of the room. The eye make-up is dramatic. You want everyone to notice your expres-
sions,” Venkatesan said, referring to her black lined eyes and ruby rouged lips. Venkatesan has performed at many multicultural events. “I’ve never seen Azerbaijan culture shared before,” the Pleasanton dancer said. “Their dances were enjoyable to watch.” Arnav Singhal was one of five Youth Commissioners on the Community Outreach adhoc. ➝ Fair, 4
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