Los Gatan January 14, 2026 by Weeklys

@losgatan

vol . 5 , no. 20 : january 14-20, 2026 : losgatan.com

o'connor trial p6 : homebuilding in mexico p10 : mayor's message p11 : bettina's of lg to close p12 Faizi Samadani /Los Gatan

THE WILDCATS CONTINUE TO TAKE OPPONENTS TO THE MAT LGHS wrestling team is as solid as ever

LOCAL PERSIAN COMMUNITY REACTS TO THE PROTESTS IN IRAN New owner of boutique Manaz plans to change shop’s name to Melodie

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor Faizi Samadani, Contributor

When the the talented trio of Luke Schoch, Michael Terrell and Wesley Hayden burst onto the scene last year as freshmen, they provided a clear glimpse into the future of the Los Gatos High School wrestling program. True to form, the trio have done nothing to suggest a sophomore slump is anywhere near the horizon. All three wrestlers entered the week ranked in the top 15 in the state in their respective weight classes—Terrell is No. 9 in the 144-pound weight class, Schoch is No. 12 at 126 pounds and Hayden is No. 13 at 150. “They train so hard at perfecting wrestling,” Varela said. “I commend them on how hard they train. They’re all in, they do everything the right way, they listen to me, but most importantly, they’re good people. I’m proud to have them on the team.” T he Wildcats have won the SCVAL De Anza Division championship in every season since Varela became the LGHS coach starting in the 2018-2019 school year. Although Varela values victories on the scoreboard, it’s the process of daily improvement that really resonates with him. “My highlights aren’t really the wins and losses,” he said. “It’s watching the kids come together, compete well, rooting for each other, training together and sacrificing for each other—those are my highlights. I’m loving where we are as a team; we’re doing ➝ Wrestling, 8

In February 1979, the Shah of Iran was overthrown by the Iranian Revolution, which installed Islamic leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, leading many Persians to migrate outside of their homeland. The largest subculture of Persians outside of Iran is in Los Angeles, but the Bay Area has a high concentration, too. With the latest protests and the potential for another revolution happening in Iran now, the Los Gatan reached out to local Persian business owners to get their take on the situation. In 2008, Melody Derakshandeh moved to America from the Netherlands, after her family migrated there from Iran. With a rich love for fashion, Derakshandeh long had an affinity for opening her own store. And last month, that dream became a reality. She’s now the owner of clothing boutique Manaz on Main Street. ➝ Iran, 7

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CHANGES Melody Derakshandeh, the new owner of Manaz, plans to rebrand the store as “Melodie,” shortly.

LGSubs.com

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VOL.5 NO.20 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor & Publisher

EDITORIAL

January january 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

editor@losgatan.com

Drew Penner Managing Editor Emanuel Lee Sports Editor Faizi Samadani, Dinah Cotton, Jonathan Natividad Contributors

ADVERTISING advertising@losgatan.com

Kate Kauffman Senior Account Executive Tiffany Birch Account Executive

PRODUCTION Cindy Couling Director of Creative Services Deb Fischer Creative Services Production Manager Zk Bradley Editorial Production Manager Haley Tweedell Assistant Editorial Production Manager Saoirse Alesandro Editorial Production Designer Jen Meyer, Jackie Mujica, Elena Razgonov, Rowdy Tompkins, Graphic Designers

sustainable clothing

Moon Zooom vintage clothing store

WEEKLYS Mike Lyon Digital Media Sonia Chavez Accounts Receivables Warren Giancaterino Information Technology

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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.

Building Our Future, Together. Your shared goals strengthen our community, and we’re here to support you every step.

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.

REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Publisher will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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January janua ry 14-2 0, 2026 : losgata n.co m

UPCOMING EVENTS TO CURE YOUR WINTER BLUES Courtesy of NUMU

Fundraiser at Los Gatos Theatre to support mental health of Indigenous people Dinah Cotton, Contributor

The CineLux Theater at 43 N. Santa Cruz Ave. will host comedian Mark Lundholm Jan. 17, from 11am-1pm, for a live comedy fundraiser in support of a nonprofit created to boost mental health and preserve traditional practices of Indigenous people. Admission is just $40. A signed book will also be given out. Lundholm is internationally acclaimed for presenting laughter that heals, offers hope and will hit home to anyone who has a funny bone in their body. This comedy show is a fundraiser for We are Cornsilk (EIN:33-3380025) and its program Breathe in Yosemite (BiY). WAC offers peer-based mental health events and workshops from the Indigenous way of being. BiY offers an annual retreat for people interested in 12-step recovery.

Window Wonderland winners

If you had the chance to wander through downtown between those pelting rainstorms this holiday, you may have admired the window displays. I especially liked “Beyond Text,” with the chandelier. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce just announced the Winter Wonderland Winning Windows. Voters picked two local favorites: Best Window Display - Friends of Los Gatos Library, honored for its standout decorated window painting of Charlie Brown and friends dancing around a Christmas tree. Best Outdoor Display - Gardenia, recognized for the most festive and creative outdoor presentation. The front garden here is worth a look. This year's event featured 33 participating businesses and generated strong local engagement.

Mark your calendars

Later this month, Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19. Then, on to Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

Embracing stillness

The Community School of Music and Arts presents an exhibition offering a deliberate return to stillness “Svara (स्वर) of Silence” by three Bay Area artists: Ria Sharma, Saranya Chandrasekaran and Meghna Sharma. Artist reception on Saturday, Jan. 17, 4-6pm, at Mohr Gallery CSMA Mountain View. The evening will begin with a 15-minute live Indian classical music, followed by a brief artist introduction, drinks and snacks. Dress code: Creative, fusion or traditional.

ARCHIVAL Dinah Cotton will be at NUMU on Friday to present about the history of newspapers in Los Gatos.

LG museum is happening

Notable experts who’ve spoken recently at NUMU include Will Whitney, general manager of the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (spoke at the first talk), Douglas Sporleder, retired chief of Santa Clara County Fire Department,John Lochner, former Los Gatos Council member and mayor (he spoke about the town’s history). Roland Hsu, the director of research of the Chinese Railroad Workers Project at Stanford University, spoke about train history. Bill Wulf and Alan Feinberg, both local history buffs, have spoken as part of previous programs. And there are plenty of good ones coming up this year.

The Los Gatan at NUMU

On Jan. 16, at 11am - NUMU will hold its “Los Gatos Newspapers History

Tour” talk, where I will join Kimberly Snyder, to discuss the early newspaper wars—up to today's issues of the Los Gatan. You will be asked to “edit” your own front page. Feb. 27, 11am - “John Steinbeck History Tour” talk, featuring guest speaker, Peter Van Coutren, archivist, Martha Heasley, of the Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies, San Jose State University. March 12, 11am - “History of the Carnegie Library in Los Gatos,” with guest speaker, Shawnte Santos, Los Gatos Library. April 16, 11am & May 21, 11am - “Los Gatos in the 1960s,” in collaboration with the “I Know a Place" exhibit. The talks will feature guests speaking about the local arts and fashion scenes. June 18, 2pm (please note the different time) - “Talk of the Town: True Crime of Old Los Gatos.”

July 16, 11am - “Mtn. Charley: The Man, the Myth, the Legend,” featuring local history expert, Bill Wulf.

CORRECTIONS In last week's article about events at New Museum Los Gatos we incorrectly identified Cheryl Huguenor, who works in tours and visitor services for the institution, as Kimberly Snyder, the executive director, in a photo caption. Last week’s article about the Shannon O’Connor trial included incorrect information about her charges. After being indicted by a grand jury, she now faces 63 offenses. We regret the errors.

January 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

A S S I S T E D L I V I N G & M E M O RY C A R E

Chef Demo

& W I N E PA I R I N G

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21ST • 4PM Join us as our Executive Chef prepares a seasonal pasta dish, thoughtfully paired with curated wines and handcrafted mocktails — indulge your senses and discover the art of flavor pairing. While you’re here, tour our brand-new community and experience the personalized care, engaging activities, and elevated surroundings that make Ivy Park at Los Gatos truly exceptional.

CALL TO R SVP 4 0 8 .6 8 4 .5 5 6 1 4 0 0 B L O S S O M H I L L R D · L O S G AT O S , C A 9 5 0 3 2

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WITNESSES SAY O’CONNOR’S ACTIONS HAD LONG-LASTING IMPACTS Drew Penner / Los Gatan

Court hears LG mom told kids she had psychic ability Drew Penner, Editor

Unlike the days where Shannon O’Connor refused to show up to her various court appearances, now that her trial is underway, she’s been on her best behavior. On Jan. 8, the incarcerated defendant— who’s accused of hosting dangerous parties for teens, furnishing them with alcohol and encouraging them to have sex with one another while she milled about—arrived at the Santa Clara County Superior Court with a relatively relaxed demeanor. In somewhat of a shift from the librarian-style outfit of earlier in the week, she was sporting a loose ponytail—styled to the right—and wore a grey cheetah print sweater. It didn’t come off as a high-end designer fit, but rather, something you might order on Amazon or grab from Target. All week, the court heard from witnesses who shared how O’Connor used her wealth—such as the basketball court, the pool and the hot tub in her backyard (at the house where she lived with tech executive husband Robert Amaral)—to become deeply ingrained in the worlds of middle school and high school kids, and how she’d altered the course of their lives. Following a grand jury indictment, O’Connor is now accused of 63 offenses, including multiple counts of child endangerment and furnishing alcohol for a minor. Jane Doe 3 testified that, at one of the parties, she was so drunk there was a risk she could’ve drowned while in the hot tub—where she was engaging in sexual activity with a boy. She said her memory was blurry about the situation, but added she believes O’Connor was around. “She definitely did see part of it,” the witness stated. At the time—as another boy-and-girl pair was also engaging in sexual activity in the pool—she says she wouldn’t have been bothered if O’Connor watched what was occurring. “I wouldn’t have really cared if she was there or not,” the witness stated. Her tone seemed to catch the deputy district attorney a little off-guard, but the prosecutor quickly followed-up with, “So, that’s how much sex was normalized?” Defense lawyer Stephen Prekoski lodged a “leading non-question” objection to this retort, which was sustained by the judge. But at another point, the overall picture was painted quite vividly with this question. “Do you think you were sexually groomed by Ms. O’Connor,” the prosecutor asked. “Yes,” Jane Doe 3 replied. “I would say that she did.” The witness said O’Connor’s attitudes

HALL OF JUSTICE The criminal trial for Shannon O’Connor continues in Santa Clara County Superior Court, in San Jose, this week. about sex stuck with her for about a year or two after their closeness. But the overall effects have lasted much longer, as—in a 180 from what life was like in the defendant’s orbit—she says she now plans to wait until marriage to have sex again. The defense tried to poke holes in Jane Doe 3’s account of events. “I’m sure that you can tell that it’s very, very important the very specifics about your time in the hot tub,” he said. “You describe yourself as drunk.” He asked her if—as she sat at the witness stand—if she had an actual memory of that incident she could still bring back up. “I don’t,” she admitted. However, she added—though the precise recollection may have faded—she trusts her earlier testimony about the incident, where she described O’Connor being present for at least part of the time she was in the hot tub. “I’m not attacking your honesty,” the defense lawyer said, before asking for

clarification about how it could be that she’d testified a boy and a girl hooked up, though she’d also said they weren’t in a relationship. “I’m old and I’m unhip and I’m not versed in the ins-and-outs of the relationships of 14-year-old children.” She explained to him that just because teens had sex at one point or another doesn’t mean they were in an ongoing “relationship.” The next witness, Jane Doe 7, testified that Snapchat played a major role in O’Connor’s outreach to the children. She said O’Connor was one of her Snapchat Best Friends for quite a long time—and frequently her “#1 Bestie.” “Have you ever been friends with another parent on Snapchat?” the prosecutor asked. “Absolutely not,” she replied. Jane Doe 7 recalled how O’Connor would give her rides home, and how they would sometimes sit and talk for hours, after pulling up in the driveway. “I confided in her,” she said, bursting into quiet tears.

She testified that details of her sexual relationship with her boyfriend would often get back to the defendant. “Was it kind of like having a third person in a relationship?” the prosecutor asked. “Absolutely,” the witness replied. Jane Doe 7 also testified that O’Connor claimed to have psychic abilities, and even shared her dreams with the kids. One time, something similar to what took place in one of these dreams—which were at least sometimes sexual—actually ended up happening, the witness said, adding this lent credence to them, though her rational mind knew this didn’t exactly make sense. The dream about which Jane Doe 7 said she has the clearest memory was the one where O’Connor told them she’d dreamed about a boy and a girl having sexual relations above Los Gatos, atop Mt. Umunhum. The witness said she was around 14 years old at the time. The trial is continuing this week.

January january 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

‘WE HAVEN'T HEARD FROM OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS’ “Manaz was an existing business for 26 years and she was ready to retire,” she said. Derakshandeh was a customer of Manaz who became an acquaintance of the prior owner. She recalled how she grew up in Europe—and shared how the thought of going into the small-business world came about. “I ended up in law school,” she said. “And I was so ready to retire (from) the corporate world”. Melody’s husband, Daryoush Derakshandeh, says that she’s always been one of those people who gets stopped by folks on the street who want to ask her about clothing. Melody comments that her love for fashion has always been in her blood. “I just picked my mom up from the airport and I said, ‘Mom, I've always loved fashion.’ She said, ‘You did. Like, from the age of three and four,’ I used to go dress up and just be in the mirror and just, like, match shoes.” Being raised by Persian parents, Derakshandeh says she always wanted to have a higher education which led her to receive her law degree. She remembers that they weren't always so supportive about her going into the fashion world. Manaz, she says she has plans to change the name of the store to her first name, Melodie. Derakshandeh plans to keep some of the same inventory, but adds she’ll travel overseas to bring in much more, especially from Milan, Italy. She hopes that will allow her to carry forward the strong legacy left by the prior owner. Derakshandeh says Los Gatos is a sizable Persian community here. “To start, I'm very heartbroken what's going on in Iran; we haven't heard from our families and friends for over days,” she said, noting the internet was shut down by the government there. “I just want their voice to be heard. I want the international community to step in and help Iran. I want us to help Iran, and we just want Iran voices to be heard internationally, and be free…So they could come here; you could go there. Like normal relations.” Daryoush, Masood’s father, left Iran in 1984. "I was in the military in army aviation—I'm a pilot,” he said. “And I had a problem with the system. All of my experience was about the flight, and teaching the flight also.” He felt like the Islamic regime wanted to “destroy” the country, so he emigrated, he added. “I did not want to follow them, and they

Faizi Samadani / Los Gatan

Iran, from page 1

COUPLE Petals Creamery Co-owner Nathan Gaudreau, pictured with his wife Parya Gaudreau, who’s been an optometrist at “Site for Sore Eyes” for 13 years in downtown Los Gatos. wanted to get rid of me,” he said. “I left the country."

Petals Creamery

Another new Persian business owner in town is Nathan Gaudreau. He co-owns the ice cream shop Petals Creamery in the heart of downtown, which opened last year. Gaudreau says the first six months since opening have been overwhelmingly positive. It took nearly two-and-a-half years to open the business due to the fallout from the Covid era, the need to get permits and await the arrival of equipment from Italy. Most of the food and beverages sold in their shop are on the sweet side. But recently, they integrated savory items such as “Noon Panir Sabzi,” which is a feta cheese and bread dish, which comes with greens, walnuts and sour cherry, and is recognized as a classic Persian appetizer (though some like it as a full meal). They’re planning more such items this coming year such as “Salad Olivieh,” another Persian hallmark. He is half Persian. His wife Parya— who’s worked as an optometrist at Site for Sore Eyes, a few stores down, for the last 13 years—is full Persian. Both grew up in America. When she was younger, Parya would go to Iran each summer to visit family. “My heart is with the people of Iran,

for sure,” she said. “We have family there, both in Tehran and Mashhad, and I went there many times as a child. I traveled there almost every summer up until probably I turned 18. So for me, I've been waiting for the people to have what they deserve, which is freedom. What the hell? Is that a lot to ask for?” They've spoken with lawyers to see if they can visit Iran with their kids one day, though the hoops involved make it close to impossible. Parya says part of the process is the request for husband Nathan to convert his religious beliefs to Islam, in order to be granted entry.

In Sunnyvale

Arman Rahbar works at Chelokababi Persian Cuisine in Sunnyvale full-time and is the grandson of the original owners. On their menu is Chelow Kabab, which consists of grilled lamb or beef skewers, saffron-flavored rice with a side of tomato, raw onion and fresh greens. Passed down three generations—initially from husband and wife Mohammad and Ashraf Rahbar—the restaurant is currently run by their children and grandchildren They opened in 1979, at the time of the Iranian Revolution. The Rahbar family was notified by a friend that there was a falafel shop for

sale, and they thought it could be a good spot for a restaurant. “My grandparents purchased the falafel place and got a minimal amount of customers,” Arman Rahbar says. “One day, my grandmother made food in the back, and customers asked what the food was. And she told them it was her food she cooked for herself. And the guest said, ‘That looks better than the stuff you guys are serving,’” This exchange resulted in an epiphany which led them to the realization that they should begin serving Persian food. And the rest was history. Mohammed passed away about 30 years ago, and Ashraf passed away just two years ago. “I wish I could say that they came to the U.S. with a vision of sharing the love and joy of Persian food,” he said. “But in reality, it was a means of survival.” It’s a tale that's far too common for not only Persian Americans, but immigrants from around the world who fled their homeland and were forced to find a way to make it in the United States. In relation to the current state of Iran today, Rahbar says that he sees the light at the end of the tunnel. “If I have an opportunity to speak to the Iranian crowd,” he said, “I would just say, ‘Let's continue to support each other.’”

Jan uary 14-2 0, 202 january 2026 6 : losgata n.co m

SPORTS

FUTURE IS NOW The sophomore trio of Wesley Hayden, Michael Terrell and Luke Schoch are all ranked in the top 15 in the state in their respective weight classes.

HAYDEN AND TERRELL REBOOT IN TIME FOR RENO

Wrestling, from page 1

great. But if you ask me what I love about this team, it’s watching them before practice, before matches, and seeing them help each other with technique. It’s a brotherhood.” The top individual performances so far this season came from Hayden and Terrell in the prestigious Reno Tour-

nament of Champions in mid-December. After a somewhat disappointing fifth-place finish in the season-opening Robert Arballo Tournament, Hayden rebounded with an eighth-place podium finish at Reno TOC, one of the toughest competitions in the country.

“Wesley is finding his groove,” Varela said. “He had a slow start and didn’t wrestle his best at Robert Arballo, but then he figured things out. If you’re having an off-day and take fifth at one of the toughest tournaments in the state, you’re doing pretty good. And then him

bouncing back at Reno TOCs—which is ranked as one of the top five tournaments in the country—I’m super happy with his progress.” Terrell also came close to placing at Reno—though unofficially, he did finish in the top eight from Varela’s standpoint. “Michael Terrell had a great tournament at Reno TOC,” Varela said. “He loses to the No. 1-ranked guy in the state at 144 pounds, then wrestles all the way back into the blood round (consolation

January january 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

Jonathan Natividad

SPORTS

STALWARTS Los Gatos High School seniors Joseph Pavlov Ramirez and Lucas Pannell have been instrumental to the program’s success.

match to place in a tournament), and has the lead by two points with 18 seconds left. There was some confusion with the (scorer’s) table and how the scoring went. When it was all said and done, they took away four points from him. And he eventually ended up losing in overtime. When I reviewed the tape later in the day, it was just a complete error, a mistake. First time seeing something like that in 23 years of coaching. There’s a first time for everything, I guess.”

Varela was proud of how Terrell responded after getting short-changed. “‘It was a tough, tough time for him, but he just smiled and shook his head, as if to say, ‘Well, I guess that happens in life,’” Varela said. “It’s deceiving to say he didn’t place in Reno because he did, and I’m excited to see how he does as we go into the second stretch of the season.” Four-year starters Joseph Pavlov Ramirez (No. 17 at 138 pounds) and Lucas Pannell (No. 14 at 165) have

made immense contributions to the program over the last handful of years, helping the team win crucial matches in the CCS Northern Regional and Masters Championships. Hayden’s younger brother, Lucius, has competed well and is ranked No. 20 at 175 pounds. Los Gatos suffered a huge loss when three-time State placer Antonio Rodriguez graduated early and moved to Arizona in mid-December to start training with the Arizona State

University wrestling team, the program he signed with in November. Despite Rodriguez’s departure, the Wildcats know they have to move forward—one of the defining traits of high-caliber teams. “You look at the sophomores after their great freshmen year, and as soon as it was over, it’s, OK, that’s in the past, we’re at ground zero, let’s move forward,” Varela said. “The expectations are great, and we’re going right back to business to start taking on the next thing.”

January 14-2 0, 2026 : losgata n.co m janua

BUILDING HOUSES AND SETTING UP SOLAR POWER Courtesy of Pete Taylor

Illuminating homes south of the border meant to supplement Mexican literacy efforts Drew Penner, Editor

OUTREACH A group from Los Gatos is planning to head down to the northern portion of Baja on another humanitarian mission this Easter. “In the early days, back in the 2000-6 time frame, it wasn’t always that the people that we were building the house for owned it,” he said, adding that created issues, since the family they were trying to help could be forced off the land—and then the home could be rented out to someone else. The Los Gatos United Methodist Church team works with their contacts in Mexico to decide who should get the next homes and solar systems. “Every month we have an interaction with the folks from Mexico,” Taylor said. “We go down there and we see the same faces.” Taylor typically focuses on the plumbing and electrical systems. Often, the family will improve upon the home afterwards—such as in the case of one family that had just arrived in Baja from Oaxaca. “This family took the house that we built for them; they subsequently added on to it with a structure of equal size. They then enclosed their lot in fencing and began to create pens for chickens, for turkeys, for crops that they were going to consume,” he said, explaining how the Los Gatos assistance can turn into lasting relationships. “I went down to their place, and they had slaughtered one of their turkeys—and

Courtesy of Pete Taylor

In the span of 24 years, a group from Los Gatos that rallies helpful high schoolers to assist impoverished families in the northern Mexican province of Baja California Norte has built more than 50 houses and installed upwards of 100 micro solar power systems. Retired eye doctor Pete Taylor, 68, who’s been helping with the trips for years, says the relationships they’ve built over the years with the local community—such as with Antonio Dueñas, pastor at Iglesias de Cristo, in Punta Colonet— has turned their outreach efforts into a well-oiled machine. “These kids in Mexico have learned a lot of helpful skills—and then employ those things in the community and don’t rely on us. It’s just great,” Taylor said, during a December interview in Los Gatos. “The kids from here get to meet the kids from there. And then they just kind of launch things on their own. Wonderful stuff to have them do that.” The Silicon Valley side of things is organized through the Los Gatos United Methodist Church. “I got involved with this because my son—when he was a freshman in high school—he got invited to go down,” Taylor said, of the first home-building foray he chaperoned, 18 years ago. “They needed parent supervision.” He says it was such a positive experience, he hasn’t looked back. “We always go to the same area,” he said. “It’s probably two hours south of Ensenada.” He recalls how their fledgling program progressed right alongside the development of that region of Mexico. “But back in those days it was really, really rough, and conditions were poor,” he said. “What we’ve seen over the last 15 years is a nice change in the area. And we’ve innovated. Because we came up with Lighting for Literacy.” He’s talking about how, around 2012, they began setting up solar systems for poor residents there in Mexico, an initiative that’s been supported enthusiastically by Los Gatos Morning Rotary. “A number of us that had been doing this for many years realized there was a problem with how off-grid houses were lit,” he said, adding a house they built in 2008 burned down a couple years later. “We wanted to find a way to provide them with lighting that was safer.” Another thing they’ve updated: Now, the home recipient must actually own the land on which the structure is being built. They learned that one the hard way.

IMPROVEMENTS Pete Taylor says it’s been gratifying to see how Mexican residents have been able to benefit from the efforts of Los Gatos high school students, Silicon Valley Christians and Rotary donors. made a turkey meal with homemade tortillas and homemade molle.” They’d even upgraded their solar system over time, he added. The group plans to return to Punta Colonet this spring over Easter (April 4-11). “We’re expecting male and female participants from Los Gatos United Method-

ist Church as well as from the wider community,” he said, adding this may include teachers from Fisher Middle School, as well as members of Los Gatos Rotary and Los Gatos Morning Rotary. To donate contact Erik Eastland: doublee7300@gmail.com

January january 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

GUEST VIEW

WHY LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS THE ANTIDOTE TO DESPAIR Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

Rob Moore, Mayor of Los Gatos

At a time when it’s easy to feel discouraged by the state of the world, our local community is where I find the most hope. For those I haven’t yet met, my name is Rob Moore, and I have the immense privilege of serving as the new mayor of Los Gatos. I’ve been on the Town Council for the past three years, and I was recently appointed by my colleagues to take on the important role of mayor. This column is the first of what will be regular articles I share with you during my time as mayor. I believe communication is one of my most important responsibilities. That’s why I plan to share updates not only through my monthly newsletter and social media, but also here in the newspaper, a place our community has come to stay informed for generations. In future columns, I’ ll write about key issues in Los Gatos like housing, the budget and traffic, as well as some of my personal priorities, such as supporting young people and improving street safety. But as we begin a new year, I want to focus on a less tangible, but equally important topic: hope. Despite the divisiveness of our national politics, I rarely feel hopeless when engaging in local politics. Sometimes I feel frustrated or worried, but most often, I feel quite optimistic about our future. Part of my job as mayor is to be a steward of that optimism and to remind us why local engagement matters so much. Despair often comes from a sense that change is impossible. One of the fundamental truths I have learned during my time in public service is that here in Los Gatos, change is almost always possible. We may not control every force that shapes our town—from state housing mandates to overreach from the federal government—but we do control how we respond, prioritize resources, and care for people living in our community. When the world feels heavy, I encourage you to turn your attention to causes on which you can make a direct impact. Here are three reasons why I believe that local involvement is such a powerful antidote to despair. First, local change is tangible. When I was elected in 2022, one of my early goals was to improve pedestrian safety. Within weeks, I worked with Town staff to adjust intersection signal timing for traffic lights in Los Gatos, so pedestrians crossing the street get a five-second head-start before the light turns green. It was a small change, but when you walk on our streets, you feel it immediately. When Congress passes a law, the impact can often feel distant and abstract. When the

TAKING THE RUDDER Los Gatos Mayor Rob Moore, pictured here at his swearing-in, which took place in front of a very packed Los Gatos Council Chambers, in December. Town of Los Gatos fills a pothole, approves a new business, or improves an intersection, you can see the result that same day. Second, the Town of Los Gatos depends on its residents. Most of the time, our best ideas don’t originate behind a desk or podiums – they come from you. From public comments to emails, neighborhood conversations to volunteer service, residents shape what the Town Council prioritizes and how we act. Moreover, whether the issue is emergency preparedness or keeping public spaces clean, the Town of Los Gatos relies on volunteers to execute our collective priorities. Third, local government is small by design. The Los Gatos Town Council has five members. That fosters consensus building, persuasion, and accountability. If a Councilmember can convince just two colleagues that an idea is worth pursuing, it can move

forward. And because our budget is modest compared to larger governments, we can act nimbly, so even small investments can make a meaningful difference. Getting involved looks different for everyone and doesn’t have to be a big commitment. As a resident, there are many meaningful ways to serve, and you may be surprised by just how rewarding it feels. If you’re looking for places to start, here are just a few ideas: • Join a service club like Rotary, Morning Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions or the Los Gatos History Club • Volunteer with or financially support a local nonprofit or community organization • Serve on a Town Commission or provide comments at Town meetings • Join a congregation or volunteer for a faith ministry

• Support a political cause, organization, or campaign • Mentor a young person or support our schools • Volunteer with an emergency preparedness program like CERT or DART • Shop locally and attend community events I’ve found that when people engage locally, they tend to feel more connected, more empowered, and more hopeful. During my swearing-in ceremony, I shared a belief that guides my public service: the future of Los Gatos will not be written by any one mayor, council, or moment. It is written every day—by all of us, together. As we begin this new year, I invite you to join me in strengthening our town through service and community. There is so much good happening in Los Gatos. I see it every day, and it gives me great hope for what lies ahead.

Jan ja nua uary ry 14-2 0, 2026 : losgata n.co m Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

BETTINA’S OF LOS GATOS: GOING SKIING N. Santa Cruz Ave shop closing, will maintain an online presence Dinah Cotton, Contributor

Trunk shows

“When I moved here, (offering trunk shows) they got too big,” she said. “And my husband was like, Just get a store. So, that is how we started, 24 years ago.” Like many in this area, Robidoux start-

FUTURE PLANS Leslie Robidoux, creator of Bettina's of Los Gatos, is looking forward to ski slopes and golf courses. She’ll be emptying out her location along North Santa Cruz Avenue all month.

ed out in the computer world. “I always love to dress people,” she said. “As an executive, I would dress all my co-workers. It was my passion.”

Drew Penner / Los Gatan

After 24 years of dressing the “who’s who” of Los Gatos, and other Bay Area locales, Leslie Robidoux is closing her brick-and-mortar storefront. Last week, I dropped by Bettina's of Los Gatos for a quick chat with its creator and owner Robidoux. At press time “STORE CLOSING SALE” banners were in the windows, and what little merchandise remained, was flying out the door. Robidoux, the youngest of six children stated, “I was really a tomboy, and I didn’t want to go to the mall with mom. I went; she dragged me. I wanted to play with my brothers. But yeah, that is how it started. And I just fell in love with it. It became natural to me and I’m pretty good at it.” Her upscale clientele will tell you the same—she is pretty good at it. Bettina, anglicized as Betty, was Robidoux's Italian mother’s first name. As a child, Robidoux’s mom would take her shopping at the South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa. “My Italian mother would drag me through the Plaza,” she recalled. “Mom taught me how to dress. My whole life I loved to dress.” The shopping-with-mom days also helped to foster her excellent fashion sense. Robidoux continued, “I used to have these trunk shows with my friends,” she said. “I’d have clothes—and this woman embellished her pants—and then one would make jewelry, and we’d have these little parties.” Trunk shows are a special limited time retail event where collections of attire (clothing, accessories, shoes, and even jewelry) are brought directly to clients, usually in trunks. Clients might try on items at these shows and purchase directly or order a custom outfit. The designer offering the trunk show is able to put together collections for individuals, or at parties, creating collections that would fit the lifestyles of those attending. Robidoux has been able to carry quality merchandise at Bettina’s location and will continue to bring well-known brands in her trunks to private homes.

Gee, you look good!

“I would just be honest to people and tell them (both men and women), I don’t like the way it looks,” Robidoux remembered. “And sometimes, I wasn’t the most popular person, but at the end of the day, they kept coming to me, because they liked the way I made them look; the right age, the right height, the right edge with the right coolness.” Robidoux added, “What is most rewarding for me, is when my customers—friends—come in to tell me how everybody told them how great they look. These people kept me going. Basically that is what I do for clients. They say, I would never (have) picked that out. I change them up, and they would come back in real happy.”

Future plans

Bettina’s final day is scheduled for Jan. 31, though the shop may be entirely empty before that date. After the door closes that final time, Robidoux and her husband, Ray, plan to head for the slopes and take a ski vacation in another state. “It’s been over 24 years, and I have made many friends and had a wonderful time,” she said. “The store doors will be closed soon, but we will continue to have our fabulous brands and style for men and women available to you via trunk

MOVING ONLINE Bettina’s last day in its physical location is Jan. 31. shows. It will be a one-on-one with me to pick your wardrobe and have it ready for the season at a great price. It will be in your closet before you know it. I have top brands cultivated, doing trunk shows out of the house or in private homes. Also offering one on one seasonal collections. It’s kinda going full-circle.” A personal shopper who makes house calls? After surviving the pandemic and working from home in sweats, today it is crucial to look good not only for oneself, but to go into the office with confidence in appropriate professional attire. I understand one should dress for the next position up when climbing

a corporate ladder. This is the ultimate service for a busy man or woman who needs to look professional. After vacation time, Robidoux plans to continue dressing others with an online presence. In my brief conversation with her she stated that skiing and golf are in her near future. I think that customers will seek out her expert wardrobe advice for years to come online. I probed a bit more about why she decided to close now. Here’s how she responded. “Twenty-four years is a long time—too many hours. Okay?” she said. “It’s time for me to have some fun.”

THE TOWN OF LG’S NEW EMERGENCY MANAGER SEEKS TO MITIGATE FIRE FEARS

January january 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

Chris Todd proposed three budget options at Council meeting in December Faizi Samadani, Contributor

About a year ago, the Town of Los Gatos hired Chris Todd as its “emergency manager”—a new role for the community that’s situated along the Santa Cruz Mountains. The hope is to implement safety measures, in order to save lives, property and wildlife in the event of a disaster. At the Dec. 16 Council meeting, Todd gave a presentation on his mitigation priorities, highlighting that a wildfire in the area would impact the entire community, beyond just the people in the mountains. Though daunting to see a map of potential fires taking over the Los Gatos mountains, being educated on these topics allows for some assurance for residents. In order to put out some fears, Todd emphasized that the plan is to educate, guide, reduce barriers to improvements and focus on code enforcement. Currently, many actions have been implemented from fire codes to evacuation models, and Todd has been looking at surrounding cities like Marin, Sonoma and North Tahoe Fund for tips. Three separate budgets were proposed, ranging from $1.1 million to as much as $3 million per year. As Todd went into the details of each, the biggest difference between them was the cost of each budget. They also showed how each major factor had been considered in a comprehensive fashion and developed over time. Vice Mayor Maria Ristow made a comment to Todd, questioning if all tasks could be accomplished, without the tremendous budget aside. “I’m thinking how much money we can put in, if the areas adjacent to us don’t do that,” Ristow alluded to Los Gatos’s proactive safety measures in contrast to neighboring towns like Saratoga and Campbell. Mayor Rob Moore asked Todd, if all went to plan, how far that would take Los Gatos. Todd’s answer was that it would just be a start, due to the significant amount of money involved, but noted there is an opportunity to secure grants. Town Manager Chris Constantin closed by explaining how fire safety is just the beginning of the emergency preparedness conversation, since there are other natural disasters to consider such as a potential flood.

Cutline: (Robidoux1) FUTURE PLANS Leslie Robidoux, creator of Bettina's of Los Gatos, is looking forward to ski slopes and golf courses. She’ll be emptying out her location along North Santa Cruz Avenue all month.

(Dina Cotton / Los Gatan)

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Janua ry 14-2 0, 2026 : losgata n.co m

PUBLIC NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statements STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME. FBN721117, filed on 11/07/2025. The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): Tradeline Partners, 108 Smith Creek Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95030. Filed in Santa Clara county on 11/07/2022 under file No. FBN690089. Full Name of Registrant (s): 1. Daniel J Linebarger, 108 Smith Creek Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95030 and Cynthia J Linebarger, 108 Smith Creek Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business was conducted by: A General Partnership. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Daniel J Linebarger /s/. Dated: November 7, 2025. (Pub LGN: 11/26, 12/03, 12/10, 12/17/2025, REPUB: LGN 01/07, 01/14, 01/21, 01/28/2026) 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 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) File Number: FBN721942. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. HALEY LOUYEH, 2910 Hidalgo Ct, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: An

Individual, HALEH EBRAHIMI LOUYEH, 2910 Hidalgo Ct, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/09/2025 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/ Haleh Ebrahimi Louyeh /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14, 01/21/2026) File Number: FBN721640. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. LAMPROS, ROBERTS & WILSON, 235 West Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership, WILLIAM WILSON, 235 West Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030, JERRY ROBERTS, 235 West Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030, NICK LAMPROS, 235 West Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/01/2025 and 11/25/2025 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. /s/ William Wilson /s/. (Pub LGN: 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14, 01/21/2026) File Number: FBN722080. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. TDA CONSTRUCTION, 17539 Comanche Trail, Los Gatos, CA 95033. This business is conducted by: An Individual, TEUNIS AARNOUDSE, 17539 Comanche Trail, Los Gatos, CA 95033. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/15/2025 and 12/15/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Teunis Aarnoudse /s/. (Pub LGN: 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14, 01/21/2026) File Number: FBN721481. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. ARZ BIO-MEDICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES, PO Box 152, San Martin, CA 95046. This business is conducted by: An Individual, AHMAD ROUHIZADEH, PO Box 152, San Martin, CA 95046. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 11/19/2025 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/ Ahmad Rouhizadeh /s/. (Pub LGN: 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14, 01/21/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722177 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: The Liquor Barn, 13305 Sycamore Ave., San Martin, CA, 95046, The Liquor Store LLC. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 12/01/2025. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/ Yadwinder Singh. CFO. #BA20242027209. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/18/2025. (pub LG 01/07, 01/14, 01/21, 01/28/2026) File Number: FBN722546. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. BARNETT TAX SERVICES, 500 E. Calaveras Blvd., Suite #214, Milpitas, CA 95035. This business is conducted by: An Individual, LORI KANAWYER BARNETT, 500 E. Calaveras Blvd., #214, Milpitas, CA 95035. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/18/2025 and 01/05/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Lori Kanawyer Barnett /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME. FBN722426, filed on 12/29/2025. The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): WILLOW GLEN PAWS, 1247 Redondo Dr., San Jose, CA 95125. Filed in Santa Clara county on 12/26/2023 under file No. FBN701647. Full Name of Registrant (s): 1. SOUTH BAY MOBILE LTD, 1247 Redondo Dr., San Jose, CA 95125. This business was conducted by: A Corporation. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Steven Goldstone /s/ CEO. Dated: December 29, 2025. (Pub LGN: 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026) STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME. FBN722427, filed on 12/29/2025. The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): APPLE BLOSSOMS CHEF SERVICES, 477 Orto St., San Jose, CA 95125. Filed in Santa Clara county on 08/23/2024 under file No. FBN708822. Full Name of Registrant (s): 1. SOUTH BAY MOBILE, LTD, 1247 Redondo Dr, San Jose, CA 95125. This business was conducted by: A Corporation. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Steven Goldstone /s/ CEO. Dated: December 29, 2025. (Pub LGN: 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026)

File Number: FBN722429. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. APPLE BLOSSOMS CULINARY SERVICES, 1247 Redondo Dr., San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: An Individual, EMILY BOLMEN, 1247 Redondo Dr, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/29/2025 and 12/29/2025 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. /s/ Emily Bolmen /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026) File Number: FBN722428. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. WILLOW GLEN PAWS, 1247 Redondo Dr, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: An Individual, REBECCA GOLDSTONE, 1247 Redondo Dr, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/26/2025 and 12/29/2025 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. /s/ Rebecca Goldstone /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026) File Number: FBN722434. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. RECOR COMMERCIAL CALIFORNIA, 481 N Santa Cruz Ave #162, Los Gatos, CA 95033. This business is conducted by: An Individual, STEVEN DOUGLAS MAXSON, 481 N Santa Cruz Ave #162, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 12/29/2025 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. /s/ Steven Douglas Maxson /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722599 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MLB Consulting Specialist, 4876 Poston Drive, San Jose, CA, 95136, Manuel L. Barrios. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Manuel Barrios. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/07/2026. (pub LG 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #721762 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: San Jose Contract Enforcement Group, 1177 Branham Lane #1029, San Jose, CA, 95118, Xtreme Junk Pros LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 12/02/2025. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Ernest Daniel Estrada. Managing Member. #B20250394713. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/02/2025. (pub LG 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, 02/04/2026)

Name Changes 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) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 25CV482342. Notice of Petition of Lanette Evonne Vanessa Cariglio. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Lanette Evonne Vanessa Cariglio filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Lanette Evonne Vanessa Cariglio to Proposed name: Alice Lanette Vanessa Cariglio. 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

legals@losgatan.com 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 17, 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 18, 2025. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court, Filed by /s/ D. Bueno /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14, 01/21/2026) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 25CV482944. Notice of Petition of Rohan Desai. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Rohan Desai filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Rohan Desai to Proposed name: Rohan Alaksh Desai. 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 24, 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 23, 2025. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court, Filed by /s/ TB T. Belloncle /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 12/31/2025, 01/07, 01/14, 01/21/2026)

Two Easy Steps To Keeping Your Business Name Up To Date 1

File Fictitious Business Name paperwork with the clerk of the county

Use your mobile phone or scanner and this QR code to upload the document and publish your statement in a newspaper of general circulation

Note: If you filed your fictitious business name more than five years ago, you must file a renewal and re-publish to remain compliant.

January 14- 2 0, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

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