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vol . 5 , no. 17 : december 24-30, 2025 : losgatan.com

fatal tesla crash p5 : charitable cookies p7 : boys soccer p8 : ny times crossword P9 Faizi Samadani / Los Gatan

AMID STRIDENT DISAGREEMENT, COUNCIL VOTES TO ADVANCE PRIDE FLAG PLAN Mary Badame is the lone vote against Rob Moore’s first regularagenda item as mayor Drew Penner, Editor

After years of avoiding the issue, Los Gatos is moving forward with a policy that could allow a rainbow flag to fly above Town Hall within months. High school students and members of the LGBT+ community faced off with senior citizens and religious adherents Dec. 16 at Council, as Los Gatos considered whether a “Progress Pride Flag” should flutter above its civic buildings (which would make it the 12th municipality in Santa Clara County to take such action). Ken Windham (who told this reporter he’s a resident of “None of your business”), argued that displaying a 49ers or Baltimore Colts flag on your vehicle—or slapping a sticker on your bumper—is one thing, but raising a Pride Flag at Town Hall may invite demands from Nazis (or “Save the Dolphins” / “Save the Turtles” activists) to elevate their insignia. “You’re opening the door to ➝ Flag, 4

RESILIENCE Lisa and Eric Hoffner, owners of Peacock Tree Farm, say despite challenges with hiring workers this season, it’s been a pretty great year, thanks to good weather and consistent demand.

ARTIFICIAL TREE INDUSTRY NO MATCH FOR LOCAL FARMERS Christmas tree growers stand their groundin the face of Americans warming to artificial ones Faizi Samadani, Contributor

The mountains of Los Gatos have housed several Christmas Tree Farms for decades.

It can be tricky to keep the business afloat when sales are concentrated around one month each year, particularly given the rise in popularity of artificial trees. So, how have these family farms been able to maintain such a loyal customer base? And will there eventually be a change in trend, or is this industry

resilient enough to persevere through anything? According to the American Christmas Tree Association, more than 80% of American families will put up a fake tree this year. But here in Los Gatos, our local Christmas tree farms aren’t deterred by statistics. There are other trendlines ➝ Trees, 6

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VOL.5 NO.17 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor & Publisher

EDITORIAL

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STUDENTS SHARE STRONG VIEWS ON PRIDE FLAG ITEM

complete chaos,” he said, during public comment for the first regular-agenda item of Rob Moore’s mayoral career. “If that’s what you wanna do, you can.” The Progress Pride Flag, which was designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, adds a chevron on one side of the classic rainbow Pride Flag, to celebrate transgender people, people who died of AIDS and (with a brown stripe) people of color. While the Bay Area served as the setting for the genesis of much of the gay rights movement, Los Gatos has a solid contingent of older, more conservative, residents, people from a variety of faith traditions and Republican voters—particularly now with the rightward tilt of Silicon Valley in the Donald Trump Second Term era. And the town has a fraught recent history with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights advocacy. Councilmember Rob Rennie recalled how, a few years back when Marico Sayoc was mayor, there was such opposition to even discussing the possibility of raising the Pride Flag that the issue never made it to the full Council. Instead, Los Gatos voted to put rainbow stripes on a pair of local crosswalks on East Main Street, which sparked significant pushback from some quarters. A pair of dueling rallies were held in the wake of that decision—and various confrontations: a smaller “love” walk attended by Proud Boys, Christians, Trump supporters and anti-abortion campaigners; and an “anti-hate” march attended by thousands that focused on a message of unity. And those differing opinions were on full display, Tuesday night. “To be honest, I’m frustrated,” said Nova Jayaraj, a Los Gatos High School student, speaking stridently in support of raising the rainbow flag. “This policy isn’t revolutionary.” She said choosing to support the LBGT+ community with a flag-raising shouldn’t be a tough decision. “For a place built on community, I expect you to keep building on that goal,” she said. “Being gay or transgendered is not a choice.” At this, laughter erupted from parts of the audience. But she continued in a determined tone. “This is our town, too,” she said, adding there are many who are paying close attention to those who push back against flying the Pride Flag. “That decision will not be forgotten.” Louisa Horwath, a young Los Gatos-Saratoga Youth Advocacy member in a Stanford hoodie, is one who will be watching how the debate concludes this time. “I’m going to be honest here, being in this room scares me,” she said, during public comment, while expressing support for a flag-raising. Horwath said she doesn’t get how putting up the Pride Flag would

Drew Penner / Los Gatan

Flag, from page 1

RAISING HIS VOICE Alexander Sanchez-Silva, a high school junior, was one of the most animated public commenters of the night. affect those who oppose it. Jeffrey Suzuki, the president of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition, who is now about a decade beyond his own graduation day at Los Gatos High School, lauded the high schoolers who stepped up to speak. “You’re the best!” he said, adding, “This is a historic decision before us today.” One LGBT+ community member who spoke during public comment about how unwelcoming the town can be for gay and transgender youth, opted not to provide a name when asked by the Los Gatan afterwards. Debbi Wilson, a 72-year-old “Bapti-costal” believer from Morgan Hill, told Council it’s not just LBGT+ people who’ve been discriminated against. “Christians are one of the most persecuted groups,” she said, adding that some perpetrators of mass violence have struggled with gender identity issues. “Shooters were actually transgender.” Afterwards, when the Los Gatan asked her why on earth she thought this line of argument would be an effective tack in her effort to win over people who might be on the fence about a flag-raising, her answer was simple: “You can never go wrong with the truth.” Wilson told Council if they’re going to let the gay community have a flag-raising, they should also be willing to raise a Christianity-themed flag. “Raise the ‘Appeal to Heaven’ flag,” she said, stating that George Washington went into battle with that one. “We won

a war we never should have won, because God was on our side.” She was referring to the Pine Tree Flag that references a quote by John Locke, in which the 17th century philosopher rejects the theory of the divine right of kings. Los Gatos resident Riley Pereyra, a regional manager at the Ethos retail shop on North Santa Cruz Avenue, said flying two large rainbow flags in the window has been a “fantastic experience” for the business. “I’m sure you’d want to have a community where people feel welcome and included and safe,” he said, adding there have been a couple vocal dissenters—but nothing too challenging. “Overwhelmingly, it is positive.” Los Gatos resident Chris Wiley said establishing a flag policy for the benefit of a single group does a disservice to other special interests. “I think we need to talk about other flags,” she said, bringing up the recent antisemitic attack in Australia and suggesting the community might want to consider flying the Israeli flag—or a flag for people with autism, or for veterans (who, she said, had to fight hard to build the Flame of Liberty Memorial outside the Civic Center). “I’m very serious.” Though staff said only three members of Council had asked for the Pride Flag-related agenda item to come forward, right out of the gate Councilmember Matthew Hudes set the potential policy on a strong footing by voicing his support of it. “Look, I start with Los Gatos being a

welcoming and inviting community,” he said. “We should find a way to fly this flag next June.” He said he heard loud-and-clear that being gay is not an ideology and not selected the way “other abhorrent ideologies” can be. But, he added, it’s important to proceed in a careful manner. “I think there’s a little more work to be done,” he said, asking for a review of what neighboring communities have done. One of the most animated speakers of the night was Alexander Sanchez-Silva, a LGHS junior, who lives in Los Gatos. “Really this debate has turned into a weapon,” he said. “Gay people are not a pawn in any agenda.” He pooh-poohed the “slippery slope” arguments being made by some, who claim flying a rainbow flag will allow neo-Nazis and other hate groups to take over the flagpole. As is his style, Councilmember Rennie engaged in deliberative thinking in real time. “For me this is not a no-brainer,” he said. “It’s a difficult subject.” But he added, Sanchez-Silva’s speech made an impression on him. “He said, to be discussing whether we put the flag (up) or not…it’s a disservice to gay people,” he began. “And I think that’s a good point.” On the other hand, he wondered aloud, how do you support the LGBT+ community without making other groups feel like they’re receiving second-class treatment? He explicitly referenced how many Jews feel afraid due to antisemitism around the world. “Of course, there are Palestinians that are feeling murdered,” he said, adding his wife grew up in Ukraine, and so he can understand there could be a desire to take public actions in support of that nation. “There’s been many people raped and murdered by the Russians.” Then again, taking a pro-Ukraine stance with visible symbols could make local Russians feel unwelcome, he continued. Rennie emphasized that he has family and friends who are gay, and say he understands the value of raising the rainbow flag in at least some venues. “But is it right for us in Los Gatos?” he questioned. “I’m hesitant to rush into just doing the Pride Flag.” He suggested sending the issue back to the Policy Committee to work out the details, but found no takers for this approach. Mary Badame made it clear that she doesn’t support moving forward with a rainbow flag-raising. “The current Town flag policy has worked well,” she said. “I’m supporting neutrality at this point.” In the end, Council voted to direct staff to move forward with a flag policy update, as well as a separate resolution to fly the pride flag in June. The motion passed 4-1, with Badame opposed. The matter is set to return to Council early next year.

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AN ARTIST’S REMEDY: JOHN ROBERT PECK STARTS PAINTING THE THREE CHARITIES Dinah Cotton, Contributor

“The Three Charities”

The subject for this mural is “The Three Charities,” emphasizing Hope’s ideas of “Stronger Together.” Here’s what Peck shared with Teri about the theme: The Three Charities AKA “The Three Graces” are derived from Greek mythology and have been depicted in various forms by many of the great masters during the French Renaissance (during the 13-16 centuries), he explained. Peck's inspiration for Main Street comes from a painting of The Three Charities by Sandro Botticelli called “La Primavera” that was made in the late 1470s. This work is a large panel painting in tempera paint. Botticelli is also well known for his work “The Birth of Venus.” The Three Charities—Aglaea, Euphrosyne, and Thalia (the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome) represent the timeless symbols of Joy, Grace and Good Cheer. Peck, per Teri, feels “It’s befitting the warm spirit of the coffeehouse.” And I add Teri Hope, whom he sometimes professionally refers to as “St. Teri” has created a place where patrons are welcomed and not bothered. The mural of the “Three Graces” / ”Stronger Together” is meant to enhance the recovery of LGCRC.

The artist

John Peck is a renowned realist painter and instructor based in Los Gatos. He is known for his classical portraiture and figure drawing. Peck graduated from the Florence Academy of Art, in Florence, Italy. He teaches portrait and fig-

THE THREE CHARITIES The temporary painting planned for Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. is inspired by Sandro Botticelli’s classic piece “La Primavera.” Circa late-1470s. Courtesy of John Robert Peck

The car crashing into the roasting portion of Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. was quite the shock. At the time, the Christmas decorations were up, the holiday merchandise was out, and—luckily, it being Thanksgiving—the shop was empty. (No staff; no coffee drinkers; the roaster was off ). The crash demolished the large plateglass windows, the furniture, the counter, the large coffee pots, the piano and everything on its way to rest alongside the roaster. What had been here for more than 43 years was gone, in an instant. After the crash, the wood barricade went up quickly, and the clean-up began. Though the initial cleanup is nearly complete, the plywood will stay up until repairs are completed. A large commercially produced plastic mural was put over the plywood facade at LGCRC, just prior to the Children’s Christmas/Holidays Parade. Some folks would leave it at that. Not Teri Hope, founder and now-part-owner of LGCRC. That commercial-Christmas-style plastic mural was just a temporary solution. John Robert Peck, who has been offering drawing classes at LGCRC for many years, agreed to paint a mural here. This work is in process off site. Peck is creating a mural that is fitting for the facade of this coffee house.The only stipulation Hope put onto Peck, a classically trained artist, is, “The town would not appreciate any nudes.” (Peck is known for his realistic nude drawings, in the classical manner.) “John (Peck) and I know each other through the Los Gatos artists community going back to more than 25 years ago,” Hope told me in a text. She added “This was around the time when John (Peck)

reached out to me to ask if he could use the coffee house after hours for life drawing classes. I said yes, under one condition—that I could take classes too, which I did for many years.” Hope went on, “I have a secret life-long passion for portrait drawing and John (Peck) was the best instructor I ever had. John (Peck) has an exquisite method of teaching by gently suggesting techniques to improve each student's work-very subtle.”

Submitted

“Stronger Together” mural has begun materializing for damaged coffee shop

ART-IN-PROGRESS John Robert Peck has already begun working on the mural off-site. ure drawing at Stanford University, the Triton Museum of Art and the Pacific Art League. Peck offered to paint a mural for the LGCRC mural for the price of materials. Ev-

ery Tuesday evening he offers a class to selected students, who work with charcoal. Peck’s classes continue to this day—they started back up on Dec. 8, skipping just one week due to the car accident.

TESLA DRIVER DIES IN FIERY CRASH IN LOS GATOS EARLY FRIDAY MORNING Incident occurred along northbound Highway 17, before Lark Avenue Drew Penner, Editor

Around 12:30am on Friday, one person died when a Tesla Model 3 drove down the right embankment of northbound Highway 17 just before Lark Avenue and slammed into a tree, according to authorities. “The Tesla caught fire and became fully

engulfed with the driver inside,” said Officer Alicia Moreno, of the San Jose California Highway Patrol office. “It is unknown if at the time of the crash the Tesla’s autonomous capabilities were activated, or if alcohol or drugs were a factor. And this crash is still under investigation.” Officers took measurements, looked for evidence and had the vehicle towed to where investigators could have a better look at it, she added. “We look in-depth, because somebody lost their life,” she said. “It is our respon-

sibility to make sure we document and make sure we collect all the information we can.” The vehicle was completely burnt, Moreno added. “Whatever is available from Tesla, we’ll try to obtain,” she said. The driver’s identity and location of residence were not released by press time.

Driver Identified

The identity of the 49-year-old San Jose man who died in a Dec. 14 solo

Highway 17 crash on the opposite side of the Santa Cruz Mountains has been released. Authorities say Brian Keith Crocker was driving a black 2025 Toyota Tacoma southbound on Highway 17 around 10:30am when the vehicle left the roadway. The CHP is reminding drivers to travel at safe speeds for current road conditions, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts at all times and never drive while impaired.

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Christmas tree farmers say they offer more than just a product Trees, from page 1

Castle Rock Ranch

Joe Dickson bought Castle Rock Ranch in 2010 from the Whalen family, who’d owned it since the mid 1940s. Previously, Emmit Whalen purchased it, but died in the 70s. Dickson bought it from son Bob Whalen, who passed away a few years ago. “I've known Bob Whalen my whole life, because he was our tractor man, and working at this farm was one of my first jobs at the age of 12,” Dickson said. “Working for him, we developed a lifelong friendship and he became like a father figure to me and he never had any kids, and in 2010 he offered to sell me this place. He died in 2022, and I took care of his wife until she passed in November of 2024— until she passed after suffering from dementia. It's 14 acres with roughly 5,0007,000 trees planted on the farm.” Wife Angie Dickson works at Castle Rock State Park next door. They have a good relationship with the park. And they say the last 15 years have been phenomenal. It's been a lifelong dream for them to live on Skyline Boulevard and run a Christmas tree business, after all. They say it’s a blast, as they’re now on the third and fourth generation of customers coming to the farm. “I think overall people like a fresh tree,” he said. “It's a tradition for the family.” He says they were truly honored to get to take over the business. And, he adds that they plan on continuing it. They say, after putting in a lot of effort to improve the property, they’ve actually seen a steady increase in sales.

Summit Christmas Tree Farm

The first tree at Summit Christmas Tree Farm was planted in 1966 by Debbie Livingstone's father. And now, her two sons maintain the location. “It's been in the family since then, and I've always been a part of it,” she said, in an interview last week. “Well, we were open this season and we closed last Wednesday. A lot of

people come early—like Thanksgiving weekend mostly—which is the bulk of the sales. It seems silly to be open just for 10 people. They're really open for less than three weeks, though the land is taken care of the whole year.” The Livingstones rent the property and don't own it. Livingstone and her husband live in Groveland, near Yosemite. “Emotionally, I've done it my entire life because my father planted my first farms up there. But financially, we had other jobs, so it wasn't our only income.” She put her kids into it, since they were very young—showing them all about shearing and planting. Almost like something sacred. Livingstone says some of the tree farms have trouble surviving, because it's hard to find help. That makes it difficult. But, it's expensive to live in the area. If you hire someone for the Christmas rush, it’s probably not going to turn into a full-time year-round job. The Livingstones say the industry is full of unique challenges like this. But they also note that they will sometimes work together to overcome them. For example, Kelly Patchen, of Patchen Farms, called Livingstone because she needed some extra help at one point.

Patchen Farms

Kelly Patchen says the big difference this year was that people wanted to come by earlier. Typically it's pretty quiet the week before Thanksgiving, she says. But this season, that wasn’t the case. And that’s good news. “We need to save trees for next year because we're all sold out,” she said, adding they’re not just focused on selling a product, but also providing something more intangible. “We've been doing this for 57 years…We're all about the experience for the tradition.” They added a pumpkin patch a few years ago. That’s open on the weekends, providing an alternative to corporate stores, or patches by the Pacific Ocean. “It was absolutely amazing, as the third year I was doing it,” she said, noting she plans to continue doing this into the future. The rest of the year the property is closed to the public as the trees and property are tended to.

Lone Star (1982) and Skyline Ranch Tree Farm (1958)

A change in the economy is what owner of Lone Star and Skyline Ranch Tree Farm Donna Ducca blames for the slight decline in sales they saw this year. Potential customers are being a little more conservative with their spending, she says. “They're a little more leary about spending money, and they're not as happy as I've seen them,” she said, noting the artificial tree industry pitches their product as something that lasts more than a

Faizi Samadani / Los Gatan

the industry is following: Renting live, potted trees, which can be returned, or reused for many years. There are around 350 million Christmas trees growing in the United States, and only about 10% of those get sold. Plus, 80% of artificial trees come from China. So what happens when tariffs are thrown into the mix? And what happens when those fake trees aren’t purchased? Sure it may be difficult, at first, to imagine how an industry with such a concentrated selling-cycle can be financially stable. But, our Los Gatos-area farms prove that it's more than possible. To help us understand the economics of the sector, a few evergreen growers were kind enough to take time out of their extremely busy season for a chat.

BY THE PERSIMMONS Lisa and Eric Hoffner say they’re not too worried about the rise of the artificial Christmas tree industry. They’ve had their hands full since before Thanksgiving this season.

single year. “We are a renewable crop, and we sell a live tree. They don't always understand, even after the tree is gone, it goes in the mulch, or we can replant it. People have a hard time understanding that we're farmers. We're just local small-selling farms.” But some people do return, once they realize their fake plastic trees ultimately find a forever home in a landfill somewhere. There's not really much to distinguish the two farms other than the location. Skyline attracts bigger parties, as well as families and friends getting together to have a picnic. “It's not just about getting a tree, it's about seeing people connect and be happy,” she said. “It's about connecting with nature.” In the end, Ducca says, to drive incentive, she needs people to become more aware of the overall environmental impact of artificial trees, compared to natural trees.

Peacock Tree Farm

Great weather and consistency of sales were the highlights of the season at Peacock Tree Farm for owners Lisa and Eric Hoffner. They take appointments as early as before Thanksgiving, due to high demand. And they’re not too worried about the rise of the artificial tree industry. They acquired the farm in 1999. Mr. Peacock, who started the agricul-

tural operation, had originally planted 60,000 trees, they were told. A couple thousand are planted each season. The Hoffners had been in South Africa for a year. And when they came back, they were looking for a home. They came upon this Santa Cruz Mountains spot and decided to purchase it. Looking back, they say they have no regrets. The only setback, this year, was that it was harder to hire, they say, echoing the human resources challenges described by Summit Christmas Tree Farm. The Hoffners say they make sure to employ local people and donate to charities like the Wildlife Conservation Network and Words and Deeds, a California nonprofit that honors the legacy of former ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi attack. A year ago, the Los Gatan sat down with three Christmas tree farms to find how they’d fared after Covid. Our article covered how this industry offers a valuable real-world experience for those who may have felt disconnected during the pandemic, despite the rise of telecommunications technologies like Zoom meetings. This niche industry continues to maintain its prominence in Los Gatos life. Despite the growth of artificial tree sales, our Christmas tree farms have been resilient.

D dec ec e mbe r 2 4- 30, 2 0 2 5 : los gatan.com

7 Contributed

HOLIDAY HIT - Sweet Sensations founder, Avani Thakur, sells holiday cookies and lemon bars at Christmas at Saint Francis on December 5, 2025, where the student-run nonprofit sold out and raised nearly $500 in one evening.

SUGAR COOKIES CREATE SWEET SOCIAL IMPACT Staff Report

On a chilly Friday evening at Saint Francis High School’s 11th annual Christmas At Our House event, word spread quickly across the quad about the trays of sugar cookies and lemon bars that were selling out. Families went from booth to booth, supporting local small businesses, but among nearly 30 vendors, one stood out—not for its size or spectacle, but for its story. Sweet Sensations, a 501(c)3 nonprofit bakery licensed by the Santa Clara Health County, is founded and run by Los Gatos 16-year-old Avani Thakur. At Christmas with Saint Francis, they sold out before the night was even over, raising close to $500 in one single night, with every dollar donated to The Hunger Project: an international nonprofit working to end world hunger. Founded one year ago in Los Gatos, Sweet Sensations donates 100% of its profits to The Hunger Project, turning home-baked goods into tangible impact. To date, this bakery has raised close to $1,000, an impressive accomplishment for a student-run nonprofit operated by an ambitious

high school junior balancing academics and extracurriculars. “I wanted to create something that combined two of my biggest passions: baking and service,” Thakur said. “I began baking during the COVID-19 pandemic, but food has always been central to my family. My great-grandmother in India cooked everything from scratch in her tiny, lively kitchen, and she was known across town for all her delicious creations. I carried that same spirit forward during the pandemic, sharing baked treats with neighbors and realizing how food could connect people.” Unlike a traditional bakery, though, Sweet Sensations is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a community-building platform. In addition to selling a diverse variety of sweet treats, from traditional chocolate chip cookies to birthday cakes to cookie bars, this initiative also promotes green kitchen products through its Sustainably Sweet program. Thakur also publishes regular blog posts—including recipes, restaurant reviews, and reflections on food, culture and service, on their very own Sweet Chronicles. They have also gained traction on Instagram (with over 30,000 views) through behind-the-scenes updates, recipes and milestones, building a community of over 200 members.

Contributed

Los Gatos teen raises nearly $1,000 for hunger relief

FOR A CAUSE Lemon bars and packaged festive sugar cookies decorated like candy canes, stockings, and snowflakes sit on display at the Sweet Sensations booth.

D ecemb dece mbeerr 224-30, 4-30, 22025 025 :: losgata losgatan.co n.com m

Jonathan Natividad / Los Gatan

SPORTS

BACK STOPPER The Wildcats’ Aiden Kenny is expected to make some dynamic saves as one of the two goalkeepers on the team this season. Jonathan Natividad / Los Gatan

WILDCAT BOYS SOCCER TEAM PREPARE FOR ANOTHER SEASON IN THE DE ANZA Max Lees the top returner of squad that reached CCS semis Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

POSSESSION Wildcats senior Max Lees controls the ball during their non-league match against Leigh High School on Dec. 8.

The year before Joel Fumia took over the reins of the Los Gatos High School boys soccer program, the Wildcats finished 2-8-1 in the SCVAL De Anza Division, a last-place finish that earned them a demotion to the SCVAL’s lower El Camino Division. In three seasons with Fumia at the helm, Los Gatos has reached the Central Coast Section playoff semifinals and finals while earning its way back to the ultra-competitive De Anza Division. Expectations have risen for the program, a testament to how far the Wildcats have

come in a relatively short time. “Overall, I feel good about the team,” Fumia said. “It should hopefully be a good season for us. We are a young team, but we are pretty talented and probably a little more talented than last year's team.” Los Gatos returns all-league forward Max Lees, a four-year varsity player who is dangerous in 1-v-1 situations, on set pieces and in the open field. “Not to put too much pressure on Max, but we expect him to have a great year,” Fumia said. “He’s already having a good year. He’s been sharp so far, he’s our captain and obviously a big part of our team.” If Los Gatos can consistently get the ball to the opposing third of the field, they’ll be in good shape. That’s because

Lees, Cristian Zisa and freshman Samuel Olivella have a knack for creating scoring opportunities with their playmaking ability. “Our front three is obviously a strength,” Fumia said. “We feel really good about our front line and the speed and pace at which they play.” Los Gatos has been particularly strong at goalkeeper the last few years, and this season is no exception. In Aiden Kenney and Callan Robison, the Wildcats have two capable difference-makers as the last line of defense. Senior Atsuya Kashima leads the midfield, both with his skill and experience in specific game situations. Kashima was on the team as a sophomore, but elected to skip the high school season as a junior. It’s safe to say Fumia is pleased to have Kashima back on the team. “Atsuya is another leader and probably our best midfielder,” Fumia said. Fumia’s nephew, William, has also been solid in the midfield. Fumia has been pleased with the improvement of the backline. Hugo Baring and Max Wendt play the center back positions, while Toma Raux-Moriwaki and Brooks Moseley are the right and left backs, respectively. “The backline is a work in progress,” Fumia said. “That’s our most thin position, the center backs. But we’ve figured out a back four that we feel good about. They’re doing well so far.” As a testament to the incoming talent, Fumia is carrying three freshmen—Moseley, Olivella and Benny Wendt—on the team after having just one freshman on the roster the previous three years combined. Fumia thinks the freshmen are ready to contribute; otherwise, he would place them on the junior varsity squad where they could play the entire game. “These freshmen are expected to make an impact and play minutes,” Fumia said. “We have a good combination of talented young players and some returning guys who have been a part of some achieving teams the last couple of years.” The Wildcats have posted some nice results so far, earning victories over Westmont and Willow Glen mixed in with a loss to a very tough Leigh team. “The non-league preseason is sort of a discovery period, and you’re trying to figure out what you have,” Fumia said. “Which new guys are coming up and who’s going to step up and perform? You’re constantly evaluating and trying to figure out your best 11 players and lineups.” Last season, Los Gatos finished 5-7-2 in the De Anza Division, a respectable mark in one of the toughest leagues in the CCS. “The league is really tough,” Fumia said. “It’s hard to win the league, but the goal is always to get to the playoffs. If we can challenge for the top of the league, it’s a bonus. But that’s a huge, tall order because of the quality of teams like Mountain View and Los Altos, who are always good.”

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PUBLIC NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statements File Number: FBN720861. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. SLATE LENDING, 16185 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 205, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, AVENDIA REAL ESTATE INC., 957 Alyssum Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/01/2025 and 10/29/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. AVENIDA REAL ESTATE INC., Article/Reg # 6276119, Above Entity was Formed in the State of DE. /s/ James Choe /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) File Number: FBN721318. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. TOFOO COM CHAY, 388 E. Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, TIFFY TIFFY KIM & MINH LY, LLC, 82 E. Virginia St, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 11/14/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. TIFFY KIM & MINH LY, LLC, Article/Reg #B20250365334, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Tiffy Kim Tran /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #720630 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Hillsdale Home, 318 Los Pinos Way, San Jose, CA, 95119, Hillsdale Manor LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 10/03/2025. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Rhonald S. Aranzaso. Owner. #B20250327312. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 10/21/2025. (pub LG 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721547 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Twinkle Again, 1713 Lundy Ave., San Jose, CA, 95131, Meesho Lights LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 11/01/2025. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Eric Michaud. Owner. #B20250372305. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/21/2025. (pub LG 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721548 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Sierra Tech Rentals, 1713 Lundy Ave., San Jose, CA, 95131, Meesho Lights LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 11/01/2025. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Eric Michaud. Owner. #B20250385438. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/21/2025. (pub LG 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #712637 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Sunkissed Co., 7160 Spumante Ct., Gilroy, CA, 95020, Lani Isabella Riggins. This business is being conducted by a Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Lani Isabella Riggins. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/25/2025. (pub LG 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) File Number: FBN720764. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. THE HAY BARN, 13760 Columbet Ave, San Martin, CA 95046. This business is conducted by: An Individual, MARC STUREMAN, 13760 Columbet Ave, San Martin, CA 95046. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 8/11/2009 and 10/27/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Marc B Stureman /s/. (Pub LGN: 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT # The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: The Alameda Motel, 1050 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126, Hemlata Corporation. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/11/1977. Above entity was formed in the state of

California. /s/Hemlata Roy. President. #C0823968. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/25/2025. (pub LG 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2025) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME #721249 The following person(s) / registrant(s) has / have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): Your Local Mystic, 4530 Jackson Dr., San Jose, CA, 95124, Briana Alexandra Perry. Filed in the Santa Clara County on 02/20/2025. under file No. 713886. This business was conducted by: An Individual. Filed on 11/13/2025. /s/ Briana Alexandra Perry. (pub dates: (12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #7720928 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Real Estate Mortgage Insurance Services, 2. REMIS, 2150 N First Street, San Jose, CA, 95131, Dannie Le. This business is owned by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/02/2024. /s/Dannie Le. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/03/2025. (pub LG 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721194 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Asociados Janitorial Jessi, 231 Dixon Landing Rd Apt 125, Milpitas, CA, 95035, Alejandro Sanchez Pastrana. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Alejandro Sanchez Pastrana. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/12/2025. (pub LG 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025) File Number: FBN721745. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. THE TANGIBLE FUTURIST, 17265 Buena Vista Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: An Individual, JENNIFER FERRELL LO, 17265 Buena Vista Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 12/02/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Jennifer Lo /s/. (Pub LGN: 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025) File Number: FBN721805. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. MARLAUS, 3141 Stevens Creek Blvd. #257, San Jose, CA 95117. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, MG RUIZ REALTY, INC., 1401 21st Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 12/04/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. MG RUIZ REALTY, INC, Article/Reg # B20250325227, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Maria Guadalupe Ruiz /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721512 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Brain & Behavior Clinic, 3964 Rivermark Plz., Santa Clara, CA, 95054, Jovian Lam. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/ Jovian Lam. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 11/20/2025. (pub Metro 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721799 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Valley Infectious Disease Associates Medical Travel Medicine Clinic A Medical Clinic, 14901 National Ave, Ste 202, Los Gatos, CA, 95032, Sumit K. Majumder M.D., Rachana Palnitkar. This business is being conducted by a General Partnership. Registrant has not yet begun transacting business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Sumit Majumder. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/04/2025. (pub Metro 12/17, 12, 24, 12/31/2025, 01/07/2026) File Number: FBN721901. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Slate Lending, 207 Vista Del Mar, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Avenida Real Estate Inc., 957 Alyssum Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/08/2025 and 12/09/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Avenida Real Estate Inc., Article/Reg # 6276119, Above Entity was Formed in the State of DE. /s/ James Choe /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 12/17, 12/24, 12/31, 01/07/2026)

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME. FBN721792, filed on 12/04/2025. The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): NEKKO, 7397 Tulare Hills Dr., San Jose, CA 95139. Filed in Santa Clara county on 03/15/2021 under file No. FBN673374. Full Name of Registrant (s): 1. SYZEMORE CHRISTOPHER, 7397 Tulare Hills Dr., San Jose, CA 95139, 2. SYZEMORE HARUMI MASUI, 7397 Tulare Hills Dr., San Jose, CA 95139. This business was conducted by: A Married Couple. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Harumi Masui Syzemore /s/. Dated: December 4, 2025. (Pub LGN: 12/17, 12/24, 12/31, 01/07/2026) File Number: FBN721953. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. AMONG THE WILDFLOWERS DESIGNS, 1374 Stevens Court, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, NICOLE K. RASCO, 1374 Stevens Court, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/19/2025 and 12/10/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Nicole K. Rasco /s/. (Pub LGN: 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722058 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Home Helpers, 2. Home Helpers Of Santa Clara Valley, 3. Home Helpers Of Santa Clara, 4. Home Helpers Of Santa Clara County, 1155 Meridian Ave Suite 110, San Jose, CA, 95125, Pink Chicku LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 10/09/2015. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Ketan Shah. Owner. #201217010208. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/12/2025. (pub LG 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/08, 01/14/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721865 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Club Pilates Santa Teresa, 6057 Snell Ave., San Jose, CA, 95123, ST Core Corp. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Jeffrey S Casaw. President. #6390001. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/05/2025. (pub LG 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/08, 01/14/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721866 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Club Pilates Evergreen Valley, 4055 Evergreen Village Square, Suite 130, San Jose, CA, 95135, ST Core Corp. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 11/20/2025. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Jeffrey S Casaw. President. #6324168. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/05/2025. (pub LG 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/08, 01/14/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722133 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Amada Senior Care Alamitos, 16185 Los Gatos Blvd., Suite 205, Los Gatos, CA, 95032, Jean Marie LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Noel Monterastelli. Owner. #B20250049962. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/17/2025. (pub LG 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/08, 01/14/2026) File Number: FBN721946. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. WHISK AROMATICS, 481 N. Santa Cruz Ave, #184, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, AWAYDAY LLC, 481 N. Santa Cruz Ave, #184, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/21/2025 and 12/10/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. AWAYDAY LLC, Article/Reg # 201508410142, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Kathryn L Strahs /s/ Manager. (Pub LGN: 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14/2026) File Number: FBN722123. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Hauser, 207 Vista Del Mar, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Avenida Real Estate Inc., 957 Alyssum Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011. The registrant commenced to transact

legals@losgatan.com business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/16/2025 and 12/16/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Avenida Real Estate Inc., Article/Reg # 6276119, Above Entity was Formed in the State of DE. /s/ James Choe /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14/2026)

Name Changes AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 25CV479591. Notice of Petition of. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Dan Li filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Dan Li to Proposed name: Yee Lee. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: February 3, 2026, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate. The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan, 107 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: December 12, 2025. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court, Filed by /s/ TB T. Belloncle /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07/2026) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 25CV482045. Notice of Petition of Marisela Alejandra Gomez. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Marisela Alejandra Gomez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Marisela Alejandra Gomez to Proposed name: Sela Crow. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: March 10, 2026, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate. The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan, 107 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: December 15, 2025. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court, Filed by /s/ D. Bueno /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14/2026) AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 25CV474217. Notice of Petition of Haidong Zhang. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Haidong Zhang filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Haidong Zhang to Proposed name: Eric S.K.ZHANG. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: February 10, 2026, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate. The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan, 107 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: December 11, 2025. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court, Filed by /s/ TB T. Belloncle /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2025, 01/07/2026)

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