TOWN ATTORNEY FINDS THE INITIAL CONDITIONS FOR MOSQUE WERE DISCRIMINATORY
During fifth meeting, Los Gatos proposes even stricter rules for morning prayers
Drew Penner, Editor
If the West Valley Muslim Association had proposed a by-right high-density housing development (and it could have)—instead of a slight extension of hours—the build would’ve already been approved by now.
That's because, in California, certain housing projects receive an automatic green light if it takes the municipality more than five public meetings to take action.
And May 13 was the fifth hearing on the Conditional Use Permit modification request for the Los Gatos Islamic Center. It came and went without a decision, once again.
Instead of the current 10pm closing time, WVMA wants a 10:30pm operations cutoff, plus half an hour to vacate the premises (and 11:30pm, plus an extra half-hour for dispersal, during Ramadan—and not even that late when sunset is prior to 7:30pm).
They are agreeing to be bound by new morning hours limitations (being allowed to start arriving 1.5 hours before sunrise—so, about 5:50am this year, at the earliest).
“This has been a long, drawnout process for our community,” said WVMA founder Razi Mohiuddin after the Planning
KELSEY
ZHANG FINISHES PREP CAREER WITH A STATE RECORD
Saratoga senior wins 100 fly and 200 IM
Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor Kelsey Zhang doesn’t usually get too excited after winning a swimming race. After all, the Saratoga High School senior has notched hundreds of first-place finishes since she started swimming competitively at age 5. However, when Zhang won the girls 100-yard butterfly in the CIF State Championships at
the Clovis Olympic Swim Complex on May 16, she splashed the water in jubilation. Not only had Zhang taken first in the race, but she did so in a state-meet record time of 51.83 seconds. Considering that California boasts arguably the nation’s richest prep swimming talent, Zhang’s accomplishment spoke volumes. Zhang hadn’t gone sub 52-seconds all year, so she had reason to be excited. Initially, Zhang didn’t realize she had broken the state record.
“I didn’t hear (the announcer) because my ears were filled with water,” she said. “But then I saw the time and was excited for that of course. Going in I wanted to get as close to the record as I could, but I didn’t expect to break it.”
Earlier in the day, Zhang captured the first of her two individual race wins, besting the field in the 200-yard individual medley in 1:58.07. Zhang’s
ODESA-ORIGIN Kommuna Lux, who are set to play the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center on Sunday, was founded in Ukraine but play folk music from around the Eastern European region. They are raising money for the war effort against Russia, and to
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VENTURE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PREPARES TO MARK 50 YEARS IN LOS GATOS
Head of school Chris Rutz and senior pastor Tim Lundy share their vision
Faizi Samadani, Contributor
The bottom of Hicks road houses Venture Christian Academy and Church, where a Christ-centered preschool-to8th-grade school teaches a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum. As the educational institution began in 1977, they’ll be celebrating their 50th anniversary next year. Venture Christian Academy has a vision for all their students to become innovative leaders who glorify God. Though initially called Los Gatos Christian School, they adopted the moniker “Venture” more recently as part of their rebranding—to align with the church's name. A recent campaign was announced to build a 22,000-square-foot gymnasium, as well as an athletic field and an outdoor play area.
The curriculum
Before taking a role in Christian education and administration, Chris Rutz, the head of Venture Academy, worked in the public school system for eight years— teaching social studies. This year marks 30 years since Rutz started his career in education. He got his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Oregon. Shortly after, Rutz met his wife, then moved to Southern California where he got into Christian school leadership. “What I’ve always been drawn to are schools that really have a heart for making a big impact,” Rutz said. “As a Christian, I believe that our job is to share the love of God with the world around us. And that doesn’t mean always trying to preach a religious message to them. It means showing the love of Jesus to the people.” Rutz has been head of school at Venture for 18 months.
This year, Venture Academy enrolled 310 students. Rutz says they believe all learning is connected to how we understand the way that God made the world. “When we look at math, science, literature and history, we believe that God is the author of all things," said Rutz. “At Christmas time, our students designed Christmas ornaments, and they printed them through 3D-printing. Then they brought them to a local elderly care facility for the residents there.” After completing studies at Venture Academy, the number one high school that students go to is Valley
Christian. Others go to Archbishop Mitty and Saint Francis. There are three big events that Venture hosts annually: the fall festival (held over two days in early October), the Winter Wonderland (three days in December) and the Easter event (in early April). These events are open to the public, and have drawn 8,000-10,000 participants in the past.
An additional attraction is the Venture coffee shop that was recently opened, which serves as a community space for locals to come and socialize. “The coffee shop is a place where people can meet; it's not just for our church attendees," says Rutz. “We consider it a front door to our church and school. We're renovating the front for additional seating for people that come in, and also renovating in the back—where we will have an outdoor playground facility. We are currently working on the renovation of our STEM lab this summer, and (that) will be open at the start of the school year.”
A pastor's perspective
Tim Lundy has been the senior pastor at Venture Church for eight years. He’s been a pastor for a total of 35 years. Growing up in the south, in Memphis, Tenn., Lundy officially settled down with his fam-
ily in California in 2018. “I felt like God called me to be a pastor,” Lundy said. “I want people to be able to have a relationship with Him. I know how much he loves us, and I believe (He) is the number one change agent in the world.” Lundy says the church encourages a relationship with God above all things. “At the core, God is personal,” he said. “It's not just believing in a doctrinal system. I believe he came as a person as Jesus Christ, so he could have a relationship with humanity."
The pastor is the leader in the church who is called to provide shepherding and pastoral care—teaching and providing worship opportunities. “I love Venture,” he said. “I love the Bay Area, because the whole world is here. I think it's the most strategic spot on the planet.” Lundy refers to the multicultural demographic of the Bay Area. Lundy believes a lot of people don't see the Bible as relevant to their life. Lundy says many see the Bible as outdated, and he wants to show them that’s not true. “I certainly believe that Christianity stands the test of time,” he said, referencing the crucifixion-of-Jesus story directly. “He did something that no one else did, as he died and rose again. We believe in the literal resurrection.”
Rutz says that—first and foremost—
Venture's business is education. Following that, they’re working to create a spiritual community. “One of neat things about a Christian school environment is the opportunity to create community in a way that's fundamentally different, by the richness of connection and doing life together,” he said. Though formal plans for the 50th anniversary haven't been announced yet, he shares with the Los Gatan that there will indeed be a grand celebration.
At the heart of Venture’s approach is the mission to teach the kids to make a difference in the world. For example, this year, they held a meal-packing event to help impoverished children around the world. They prepared 25,000 meals for kids around the globe. Their 4th graders raised $1,000 for the ministry organization called Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids. The students also raised money for ministries in Ethiopia. Also, they worked with Mercy Ships, a floating hospital that does surgeries and provides other basic medical care for patients. Rutz says that Venture Academy is growing by a double digit percentage each year. Last year, they added 12% to their school body. And they’re on pace to do that again this year.
LEADERSHIP Tim Lundy (left) and Christopher Rutz (right) say their half-century celebration will be “grand.”
FIRST RESPONDERS SNAP INTO ACTION
Improving safety outcomes for individuals on the spectrum
Amanda Senior, Contributor
“I can’t find them anywhere.”
A chill down the spine. A spike of adrenaline. Heart stopping, dropping— then racing. Panic spreads like contagion. When a loved one with autism has gone missing, time freezes.
For those with autism spectrum disorder, a simple wander can be dangerous.
And Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department Community Resource Officer Jackie Rose, who was recently nominated for a Chamber of Commerce award for her contributions, says too many tragedies are preventable.
Six years ago, Rose learnt how a mother and child were trapped in a house fire. Terrified, the child sought shelter in a closet. Unaware of the neurodiverse child’s instinct to hide when overwhelmed, first responders were unable to locate the child, she said. Both mother and child lost their lives in the blaze. Rose felt tragedy could’ve been avoided in this instance.
Determined to protect others with disabilities, Rose developed SNAP (Special Needs Awareness Program), a voluntary and confidential initiative designed to provide first responders with information to adapt their actions to situations involving people with disabilities.
“When a call comes in, dispatch checks if the address or license plate is a SNAP participant,” Rose said. “We’re lucky that Los Gatos dispatch shares information with the fire department. Other cities don’t.”
“When working with SNAP participants, first responders have the ability to turn off lights and cut sirens—common triggers for sensory overload for neurodiverse people,” said Rose.
Potential topics of conversation and personal interests are kept in the file. This helps first responders to build rapport and trust, she added. Anticipated behaviours are also listed, to reduce the risk of misinterpretation.
For one Almond Grove neighborhood family, SNAP proved invaluable when their young son went missing. Rose recalled how first responders were successful in locating the child within twenty minutes, thanks to information in the database.
With 1 in 31 people living with autism—and a plethora of Los Gatos-area clinics providing therapeutic services for ASD, and mental health more generally—it’s surprising that less than 30 Los Gatans are enrolled in the program.
SNAP was advertised on social media, and goodie bags were distributed at events. Rose provided approximately
300 welcome packets last year to new homeowners, including SNAP pamphlets and enrollment forms.
Rose shared SNAP with City of Santa Clara officials, who adopted the initiative there. However, College of Adaptive Arts Executive Director, Nicole Kim, said she was unaware of the program, despite the Saratoga-based college serving more than 200 students with disabilities each semester.
Also unaware of the program was Emma Luong, an associate professor who is herself on the spectrum. “This is a great tool,” she said. “Sensory overload feels like a pressure-cooker with a valve that's not releasing. When the pressure blows, it's hard to know how to manage that moment in a safe way.”
Research shows that 20% of autistic teens are stopped by police by age 21. That’s higher than their neurotypical counterparts. Lack of eye contact, inappropriate verbal response, or a lack of response—AKA expected behaviors for neurodiverse people—can be misinterpreted as signs of criminal activity, drug use or guilt.
One apparent example was Alexander LaMorie, a 25-year-old man on the spectrum. He was shot and killed in March in a confrontation with three Howard County, Maryland, police officers after he called for a wellness check. Knife in hand, LaMorie walked toward the officers and did not comply when they demanded he drop the weapon. LaMorie was a fierce autism
advocate who lived in a purpose-built apartment for those with disabilities. He’d also just reported being the target of an extortion scam. Autism advocates have called for a transparent investigation.
“Some people with autism are very literal,” Luong said. “Specific directions help us to understand what we need to do with our physical selves. Instead of telling us to move, tell us where you want us to move.”
The limited reach of SNAP suggests there are still gaps in the local system, at least for now. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children with autism.
And considering we live in an earthquake prone area—and with fire season around the corner—experts say it’s essential to have a safety plan in place for those most at risk, including our autistic loved ones.
Local service providers for those with disabilities are encouraged to share SNAP pamphlets and cards at their place of work.
For more information about how to help distribute SNAP pamphlets, visit losgatosca.gov/2583/SNAP or call (408) 354-8600.
PROACTIVITY CAA Executive Director Nicole Kim and Associate Professor Emma Luong say they hope more people take advantage of SNAP.
GOODIE BAG Jackie Rose shows off the “SNAP” brochure, distributed at events.
POLICE BLOTTER
MAY 10
• Four subjects were reportedly outside in the caller’s backyard and front yard on Elaine Court at 12:48am.
• Airbags deployed after an 18-yearold driver was involved in a single-vehicle accident at Daves Avenue and Via Caballero. Officers issued a citeand-release for the driver at 1:37am.
• Two juveniles on bikes were hit by a vehicle and were reported to have serious injuries on Caldwell Avenue at 3:54pm.
MAY 11
• A caller reported that a driver said he would “beat” them up and was following the caller at Lark Avenue and Northbound on Highway 17 at 8:56am.
• A caller reported her $3,000 e-bike was stolen after someone cut the bike lock and left the broken chain on the ground at Vitality Bowls on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 5:04pm.
• Two subjects were reportedly going door to door at Zena Avenue and La Rinconada Drive, keeping their faces away from the cameras at 7:08pm.
• A suspicious person was reportedly looking around a house at Cross Way and Johnson Avenue at 8:11pm.
MAY 12
• A caller was reportedly notified by her bank that the subject who stole her mail was attempting to cash some checks at Vista Del Mar at 12:31pm.
• A vehicle reportedly ran over a curve and crashed into trees and cars on University Avenue at 1:43pm.
• A wallet, phone and other items were reportedly stolen at Trader Joe's on Los Gatos Boulevard at 2:30pm.
• Two juveniles reportedly dumped soda on the caller’s front porch and put ham on his Ring camera on Cherrystone Drive at 5:05pm.
MAY 13
• Officers issued a cite-and-release arrest after a homeless man was reportedly observed exchanging a package and money with high school students on South Creek Trail near the Los Gatos High School softball field at 8:41am.
• A vehicle accident with no injuries re-
portedly occurred at Old Town Shopping on University Avenue at 2:43pm.
• A man was arrested on a misdemeanor charge after being drunk in public at Blossom Hill Road and Union Avenue at 8:27pm.
MAY 14
• A caller reported that a $4,478 check was stolen, possibly from their mailbox, on Nina Court. While the check was cashed by an unknown subject on May 8, the theft was reported on May 14 at 9:34am.
• An excavator valued at $80,000 was reported stolen on West La Chiquita Avenue at 3:00pm.
• A caller reported $2,000 stolen or lost at United Methodist Church on Church Street at 5:07pm.
• A caller said that a man who had been “bothering” her for around a year reportedly hit them with his bag after they told him to stay away on Winchester Boulevard at 7:35pm.
MAY 15
• Subjects reportedly attempted to steal Twisted Tea from Safeway on Pollard Road at 10:45am.
• A mountain bike was reported stolen on High School Court at 12:45pm.
• A pedestrian was reportedly hit by a vehicle at Pleasant Street and Brooklyn Avenue at 2:37pm.
• An e-bike and a vehicle reportedly collided at More Avenue and Pollard Road at 6:22pm.
• A vehicle was reportedly keyed at Trader Joe's on Los Gatos Boulevard at 6:48pm.
MAY 16
• Two subjects walked out with alcohol and peanuts without paying at Safeway on North Santa Cruz Avenue, resulting in a misdemeanor arrest at 8:17pm.
• A caller reported he found four teens in and around his girlfriend's car, and one tried to punch him when confronted on Montalvo Oaks Circle at 11:52pm.
These reports are compiled from publicly available information released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
Prepared by Anika Kapasi
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SPORTS
BORN IN 1982, LGU IS STILL ALIVE AND KICKING
Connecting with Los Gatos’ only soccer club, with the World Cup around the corner
Dinah Cotton, Contributor
In the USA, we call it soccer. The world calls it football. Los Gatos United calls it a way of life. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Levi Stadium in less than a month, we thought it was time for the Los Gatan to catch up with Los Gatos United (LGU) Soccer Club.
Their story begins more than forty years ago. Mike Hinkin, who helped found LGU, sat down with current LGU sporting director Shawn Blakeman, back in 2024. Blakeman learned about the origins of the only soccer club in Los Gatos. In a brief interview with Blakeman and Phil Gibson, the executive director, I found out about LGU’s rise, how they survived the pandemic and what’s going on today at the only Los Gatos-based soccer club.
In 1973, Hinkin’s 7-year-old son, Jon, came home from school with an American Youth Soccer Organization flyer and announced that he wanted to play the world’s most popular sport. “You’re not going to play that,” Hinkin responded. “You're going to play American sports!” Hinkin’s wife, Joan, signed Jon up anyway. Hinkin boycotted the first game, then reluctantly began attending after that. By the end of the third game of the first season (Hinkin said, smiling to Blakeman), “I was hooked.” Hinkin said, from there, he “never looked back.” For Hinkin it was the start of a lifetime in soccer.
A family affair
All of Hinkin's six children played soccer. Jon was All-American in soccer at De Anza College. His daughter Jodi went on to play soccer at University of Arizona.
Fellow Los Gatan Bryon Wicks was also there at the beginning. Wicks took the initiative to find challenging opponents for this home team to play. Two boys teams became affiliated with West Valley Soccer Club. In 1978, after Wick unexpectedly passed away, Hinkin was there to carry the torch forward. In 1982 at a meeting, players' parents considered whether to continue under AYSO or to organize a new club.
LGU is Born
One option would have been to continue with AYSO. The other was to establish a team of their own, where players could go as high as their motivation and talent would take them. The parents voted unanimously to provide a team of their own, and thus, the Los Gatos United Soccer Associ-
ation was created (playing as part of the California Youth Soccer Association).
“We are a soccer family, though I never played soccer,” Hinkin said, in a telephone interview. Hinkin, now 86, mentioned that he does not plan to attend the World Cup this year—after all, tickets are in the $2,000 range at Levi’s Stadium.
LGU Today
This Los Gatos based organization offers recreational and competitive soccer programs for boys and girls ages 4-19. The focus is on player development in a positive environment. Scholarships are offered. The organization’s website notes it offers “a robust financial aid program with the goal of ensuring that financial circumstances never prevent a player from participating.”
LGU's headquarters are located at 634 N. Santa Cruz Ave. When asked about the many trophies in the building’s entryway, Blakeman said, “It's not about trophies. It’s about changing lives.” The club currently has 3,000 players: 1,200 in the competitive arena, and 1,800 recreational players.
Blakeman is originally from Saratoga. He went pro in 1987 and wore the San Jose Earthquakes jersey. Later, one of his former coaches asked him to become a coach himself. That’s exactly what he did.
LGU aims to provide a safe and fun environment for players to reach their full potential—while developing a lifelong passion for the game.
Shaun Tsakiris is the technical director at LGU. He will also serve as the head coach of the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team, starting this year. He is dedicated to raising the standard for youth soccer development.
“LGU survived the pandemic by going online,” Blakeman said. “Workout sessions were online-three times each week, gaining National recognition from NBC. We stayed engaged with our players. We did not lose players, in fact we gained a few.”
One of the soccer stars with LGU connections is Brandi Chastain. Chastain was the player who famously took off her shirt immediately after scoring the winning penalty kick for the US against China in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. She remains active in women's soccer to this day, including participating in LGU events.
The World Cup
The FIFA World Cup will open June 11 in Mexico City, followed by Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12. It’s the largest World Cup production in history—a celebration
SPORTING DIRECTOR The start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament is less than a month away. Here Los Gatos United Sporting Director Shawn Blakeman holds a model of the Winner's Trophy.
of global music, culture and, of course, soccer. It will last for 39 days, with games played across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The total prize pool is $871 million, with the winners set to receive $50 mil-
lion (including a 50% boost to the core prize pool).
Blakeman jokingly hints that there may be a watch party at headquarters, which has a 150-inch video screen, for a $20 entry fee.
Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan
FOOD POISONING SETBACK NOW A DISTANT MEMORY
Zhang, from page 1
sterling state meet performance—her first time competing in the event since her freshman year—was a redemption of sorts. After winning the 100 butterfly as a freshman, Zhang didn’t compete at State in her sophomore and junior year.
A couple of circumstances went into her decision, making this year’s performance all the more emotional.
“Going to State this year and finishing it off with a bang was really fun,” she said. Signed to swim at the University of California, Berkeley (a.k.a. Cal Golden Bears), Zhang is one of the area’s top national recruits for any sport. By her sophomore year, Zhang was ranked fifth in the class of 2026 according to SwimSwam. Just to put that in perspective, it’s extremely rare to have an area prep athlete ranked in the top five nationally in any sport.
Outside of high school swimming, Zhang competes for the powerhouse Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics club and the USA national junior team. Her personal-best time of 1:53.51 in the 200 butterfly is 3.5 seconds faster than last year’s NCAA qualifying time.
Fast beginnings
For as long as Zhang can remember, she’s loved the water. Her parents, Louie and Maggie, put her in a pool at 2 years old and it wasn’t too long before Zhang was swimming laps—and fast.
“I was already taking lessons at 2 or 3 and started competitive swimming at age 5,” she said.
Despite her love for the pool, other sports competed for Zhang’s time. Growing up, she also competed in soccer, gymnastics and dance. By age 8, Zhang started dropping all of those sports to concentrate on swimming.
“One coach had said I could be a top swimmer for 8-and-unders,” she said. “That’s when my dad really started putting me in more swimming activities and more practices.”
A former soccer coach, Louie is in the process of becoming a certified swimming coach to support his daughter in her endeavors. Kelsey counts Louie as her biggest fan, a surefire help and support.
“Even at State, I would see him and that would give me comfort in an unfamiliar environment,” she said. “It’s just a privilege to be at a meet and have a familiar
SPORTS
face in the stands always cheering for you. My dad always shows up at meets and practices and gives me feedback. I think I love the sport so much because he’s always been there to support me.”
Zhang acknowledges her dad was strict in her earlier days in the sport, which proved to be a benefit. Zhang developed discipline, mental toughness and an indefatiguable work ethic, core traits athletes need if they expect to reach the elite level. After the foundation was set, Louie took a step back.
“My dad has kind of loosened up so I can take charge of my own career,” she said.
Zhang trains seven days a week, spending 20-plus hours in the water and another handful of hours outside the pool doing core work and flexibility drills. Her work ethic aside, Zhang has also been blessed with a body made to glide through the water.
“I’m not tall, 5-foot-3,” she said. “My build is a long torso but short legs. So there are a lot of situations I might get out-touched at the finish. But I do have some advantages in that it’s easy to get my body through the water and on the turns. It’s really good to be light, and I have really short arms, so for the fly it’s really nice I can get a wide catch (gliding through the water).”
Not surprisingly, Zhang is highly motivated, both in the pool and in the classroom.
“I’m a very competitive person and even in the last couple of months of senior year, I don’t like slipping off, especially education-wise,” she said.
Overcoming adversity
For all of her success, Zhang knows her path to Cal has been anything but routine or easy. During the Covid lockdown phase, Zhang struggled with motivation.
“During Covid, there was always that moment when you wanted to quit,” she said. “I was really struggling trying to work out on land (because pools were off limits).”
Zhang credited Carlene Takaki—a former assistant coach at Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics—for reviving her interest in the sport.
“I fell in love with the sport again and got really fast,” said Zhang, who credits her current coach, Dana Kirk, for being a tremendous influence in the sport. “I think loving a sport and having fun is what makes you happiest.”
The mental aspect of a sport such as swimming—where the monotony of completing hundreds of laps in a single workout can sap an athlete’s drive—often differentiates the elite from the merely good. For Zhang, the last year has been a particularly challenging one from a mental standpoint. Last summer Zhang got food poisoning before an important meet, resulting in a subpar performance.
“It started a domino effect which really hurt my confidence,” she said. “I tried to process everything by myself which led me to fail at a meet with the USA International team and another championship meet in the winter time. Even at State, I had that anxiety and was so nervous going into the finals. I was kind of freaked out even though I had a race plan. I still had that lack of confidence.”
However, Zhang didn’t let her nerves
get the best of her this time. In the ready room—the space where the swimmers gather before they head out to the pool for the race—Zhang repeated this simple yet effective mantra: “I’m excited, you’ve got this.” Once the races started, Zhang swam like one of the nation’s best, her two individual state event victories signifying she’s back on the ascent.
For the last six months, Zhang has worked with a sports therapist to help her regulate her anxiety and nerves at meets.
“I definitely wouldn’t be here mentally if it wasn’t for her,” Zhang said. “She’s helped me so much in the past half year. I’ve been struggling mentally for quite some time, so going to talk to someone really helps. Self-talk is really important to me. When I become nervous, that tends to become my reflex, and my body gets tense and weak. But ever since I started seeking help, I’ve realized if I constantly tell myself, I’m excited, and you’ve got this, your body remembers that. Swimming is super mental, especially since you’re in your own lane. Ultimately, you’re by yourself.”
Having experienced firsthand the tremendous benefit of reinforcing the mind and body with positive self-talk, Zhang has decided to study psychology at Cal. “I want to learn everything about how the brain works in different situations, especially for swimming being that it is such a mental sport,” she said. “I want to utilize that knowledge and put that into my swimming career, but I also want to give back and provide that advice to others knowing how much it helped me get through this hard time.”
SHE’S FAST Saratoga High School senior Kelsey Zhang won the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley in the CIF State Championships.
KOMMUNA LUX SET TO ROCK THE JCC WITH ENERGETIC, CREATIVE UKRAINIAN FOLK
The band has been collecting funds for the war effort against Russian invaders
Drew Penner, Editor
The boisterous Ukrainian folk, klezmer and Balkan swing sounds of Kommuna Lux are set to fill the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center this Sunday, May 24.
We caught up with two of the members—via Zoom—who were hanging out in the sunshine near Sebastopol (in Sonoma County—not Sevastopol in Crimea), just days ahead of their Western US tour, which, in addition to modern takes on old school songs, is also raising money for the Ukrainian war effort.
“The set that we developed is pretty diverse,” said drummer Nicko Shevelov, pointing to jazz, disco and Latin influences, on top of the folky elements. “It’s just craziness from the beginning to the end, and people are dancing.”
And don’t forget the more sensual ballads.
The group was born in Odesa, the seaside getaway city in Ukraine, but the members currently live in a variety of locales and only recently came together to finalize the production.
Taras Luka, the accordion player, for example, now lives in Vancouver.
“I live in Canada last probably 3-anda-half years,” he said. “It’s really nice. Really beautiful city. Lot of nature.”
Shevelov is from Lviv, Ukraine, but has been living in New York City for a dozen years.
Another bandmate lives in New Jersey.
“It’s challenging being in different places,” Luka said. “But it also has an element (of) freshness to it.”
What he means is that, because they’ve only been playing the latest songs together in person for a matter of days, there’s still a rawness that comes across on stage, because it isn’t the millionth time they’ve practiced or performed a particular track.
The group may not have original numbers. But they do perform songs in unique configurations.
“And that is what’s interesting,” Luka said. “We’re playing beautiful Ukrainian folk music and we do it in a really interesting arrangement.”
“Yeah. Contemporary and creative,” Shevelov chimes in.
The war with Russia looms large over the band—they’re using the show as a way to raise money to support the Ukrainian side.
“On the last tour, we bought a minivan bus to evacuate people on the front line and bring in supplies,” Luka said.
A couple years ago, Kommuna Lux raised money to support burn victims.
Kommuna Lux has raised more than $50,000 in direct aid, so far, via non-governmental organization KMLX.
ENTERTAINERS The members of Kommuna Lux are based in a variety of far-flung locales, however, they say this gives their music an additional boost of freshness, when they do come together to perform.
Jeanine Renne, the US manager for Kommuna Lux, who is on the board of nonprofit KMLX, explained that Kommuna Lux began collecting donations at their concerts and directing the money to that nonprofit, which is a 501(c)3 organization.
Because KMLX has almost no overhead (except for business registration costs and some minor supplies like donation jars that keep getting broken on tour), nearly all of the money makes it to Ukraine.
In fact, they didn’t even have to pay to transfer the money overseas for a while— however Chase Bank recently resumed charging wire transfer fees, Renne added.
Other groups—namely Yagody and Vopli Vidipliassova—began contributing to the KMLX drive for Ukraine.
“Kommuna Lux supports two particular military units because we have relatives and even former band members in those units. We mainly buy them vehicles, because troops have to transport themselves most of the time and their vehicles keep getting broken axles driving in the fields, or they get blown up. We try
to buy the vans in Poland and then take them to the border, where someone from the military will collect them. Then they add armor and do any repairs, and then the vehicle goes to the front until it's destroyed,” Renne said.
“When the band first started collecting donations in Europe, they gave a lot of money to local grassroots causes near Odesa. Food, water, medicine, security cameras for a bomb shelter—there were a ton of little things. After their first US tour, we formed the 501(c)3. We partnered with some International Rotary branches in Ukraine so that 30% of the money we collected went straight to the Rotary. First, we bought new, modern Burn Unit beds for a hospital in the Dnipro region—it was a Rotary project, but it was funded entirely by us. Right now, we are working on funds to rebuild a playground in Odesa.”
That accounts for about a third of the money, while another big chunk goes to purchase front line vehicles. (There have been exceptions, such as the $300 that’s gone toward medical supplies for
a different military unit—Kommuna Lux’s clarinet player is friends with one of the soldiers).
“We are constantly getting requests for money—there is no shortage of need,” Renne said. “But we try to mainly support big-ticket items like SUVs and vans for our ‘special’ brigades.”
They want to chip in, because it’s not so easy for someone in Ukraine to come up with $300 for night vision goggles. Collecting $5,000 for a vehicle is even more difficult.
These days, however, the money brought in at Kommuna Lux shows goes through Rotary.
For its part, Vopli Vidipliassova supports a shelter/hospital in Ukraine called Misto Dobra—bringing in $30-40K per tour.
Yagody gives money directly to brigades, ones where they have friends and relatives serving. And they've also donated to local causes in Lviv (their hometown), such as the Lviv Auto Angels, who buy cars for military units.
“It is really amazing how badly their military needs vehicles,” Renne said.
Courtesy of Kommuna Lux
‘ADVENTURE ROOTS TRANSFORMATION’ FUNDRAISING
Auction was Salvation Army SV Women’s Auxiliary’s 6th
Dinah Cotton, Contributor
The Salvation Army does so much more than ring bells during the December holidays. Throughout the year, the Salvation Army of Silicon Valley Women’s Auxiliary functions as a fundraising and volunteer service contingent, sponsoring initiatives that enrich the lives of area residents by meeting their unique needs. They’re fond of saying they like to “do the most good.”
A.R.T. fundraiser
In a large outdoor private garden, May 15, the sixth annual “Work of A.R.T.” event was held. That stands for, “adventure,” “roots” and “transformation.” The weather cooperated with a perfect spring day to enjoy the lovely setting. This event featured a live and a silent auction, during which attendees munched on tasty offerings.
While this was a very pleasant spring afternoon, it was also a serious fundraiser that the Women’s Auxiliary organized and hosted in partnership with the main organization.
Major Trimmer
At this sold-out event, I caught up with the coordinator, Maj. LeAnn Trimmer. Trimmer, who was raised within the Salvation Army, came here in January. Her husband, Maj. Darren Trimmer, is also a local coordinator. He was present at the event, too. LeAnn explained to me that “funds raised today will go to sending underserved children to summer camp (Camp Redwood
Glen in Scotts Valley) for one week and will also go towards helping to provide furnishings for the new women’s wing of the Emmanuel House, in San Jose.”
Redwood Glen Camp and Conference Center
Since 1945, Redwood Glen has been a ministry of the Salvation Army. Here children can laugh, explore and grow in faith. Redwood Glen Camp is known as a unique and constantly-evolving environment where lives are impacted and changed. Underserved children, aged 7-12, get to go there for six days (for little-to-no cost).
Children learn arts & crafts, swimming, hiking, sling shots and archery. They’re taught survival skills—not to mention all about relaxing in nature. “Creating space where change is possible and hope in Jesus can be found,” is how their online brochure puts it. Campers are referred by the Salvation Army Corps.
Redwood Glen is also available for retreats and conferences, during the off-season. It’s a place to “take a break” from being online.
Emmanuel House
Emmanuel House has been serving Silicon Valley as a men’s homeless shelter, a soup kitchen and sober living house since 1967. Women and children of any age are welcome to eat a free nutritious breakfast and/or dinner Monday-Friday (with bag lunches provided on the weekends).
Men aged 18 and older may stay overnight. A clean bed—with access to a shower as well as hot meals—is provided. Emmanuel House can put a temporary roof over the heads of 70 men.
Emmanuel House also has a shortterm residency program for men for up to two years. Classes are also offered here, for program participants such as: financial literacy, AA/NA, employment development and Bible study.
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IN THE GARDEN Salvation Army Silicon Valley Women’s Auxiliary volunteers recently held a fundraising art auction-luncheon. This event was sold out, at 82 attendees.
FORMER MAYOR LAMBASTS EFFORT TO RESTRICT MOSQUE ATTENDANCE
Mosque, from page 1
Commission item was continued, keeping his messaging upbeat. “The diligence on this is really commendable.”
Pleasant laughter could be heard amongst the Muslim attendees as they filed out, with the lack of definitive action from the Planning Commission beginning to verge on absurdity. Some had come from more than an hour away for what they’d hoped would be last time.
The item had been at the finish line, after a compromise at the last hearing resulted in a unanimous vote. Staff said the item could be finalized later via a simple “consent motion,” meaning it wouldn't have to be debated again.
That was until Town officials looked at several of the conditions placed on the mosque's CUP and decided they might be against a federal civil rights law called RLUIPA, which protects freedom of religion.
It states that in land-use matters, the government is not allowed to treat one religion differently than another when it comes to land use matters.
And so, after Commissioner Emily Thomas recused herself (due to the proximity of her home to the mosque), Town Attorney Gabrielle Whelan ran through the reasons why the prior decision likely wouldn’t stand up to legal scrutiny.
“It used to say that there would be an annual compliance review in perpetuity,” Whelan said.
This wouldn’t be acceptable, she said, since Los Gatos doesn’t subject its other religious groups to this level of oversight.
But, because at least one other worship site does have a three-year compliance review period, staff suggested this approach could be a way to keep tabs on the Muslim group without treating it unfairly.
However, amongst the changes, staff tried to slip in a major additional restriction to Islamic activities allowed during morning hours.
“It previously spoke to ‘hours of operation’ in general,” Whelan said, adding staff decided to make a distinction between prayer and other activities in the pre-dawn hours.
The new rules would say that “worship” is allowed in the morning at the Farley Road site—but nothing else. That represented a major new restriction beyond what Planning Commissioners had even asked for.
But the biggest change was the finding that limiting the number of worshipers to the number of vehicles allowed in the mosque parking lot was inappropriate.
“We were not able to locate any other conditional use permits that had a limitation on the number of vehicles,” Whelan said, adding it was sort of an ineffective tool anyhow, since public parking is allowed on both sides of their street.
And the restriction on amplified sound
had to go, too, since staff couldn’t find another religious-institution CUP that included such a requirement.
“Staff is proposing an alternative condition that would provide that the applicant must comply with the Town’s noise ordinance,” Whelan said.
Planning Commission had hoped that the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department would be available to provide traffic control training to mosque officials. However, the Department wasn’t interested in taking on this job, so that point had to be reworked. Now WVMA is being asked to look for an outside organization to offer such classes.
Because the document had been redlined so much, Planning Commission voted to reopen the public hearing—but not until after Commissioner Rob Stump suggested a new 720-person straight attendance cap.
That was essentially a new approach to arrive at the same numbers—derived from a maximum-calculation of an average of four people per vehicle.
(It was unclear if Stump was envisioning the number rising to a maximum of 920 people allowed at all times, once WVMA renovates their lot to include more parking spaces—which is a requirement.)
And he put in a max capacity of 869 into his motion for during Ramadan. That comes from the number of seated individuals allowed in the building under total occupancy rules. However, it represents a reduction during the holy-month-of-fasting nights—from Stump’s prior motion, where he brought up the idea of using the “max capacity”—meaning up to 1,217 standing individuals. (His new motion would currently be an increase of 149 people during Ramadan mornings from what was previously supported unanimously—but actually a reduction of 51 people when the parking lot is improved, as last meeting’s version allowed for 920 people at that point, pre-dawn.)
This set off a tense back-and-forth between Stump and Vice Chair Jeffrey Barnett, who was leading the meeting in Chair Kendra Burch’s absence.
Barnett asked staff about the legality of Stump’s new attempt to cap the number of Muslims coming into the Farley Road neighborhood.
Staff said at least two other local religious institutions have parking limits that use a ratio of 1-to-4, so it might be defensible.
Barnett asked if there are those that don’t have such limits. Staff confirmed some don’t.
Plus, the Town Attorney noted, even if you do put in a restriction based on parking, you’d have to justify it, based on how RLUIPA works.
“We’ve got 3,500 people a week travelling through that neighborhood,” Stump said.
“They could have 3,500 people at their site a day. So, what is really the restriction?”
Barnett said he stood in strong opposition to Stump’s revived attendance cap.
“We’re interfering with the First Amendment and the RLUIPA rights,” he said, suggesting the consequences for violating those could be severe. “I think that those need to be deeply considered.”
Already the NAACP has warned Planning Commission not to make a decision rooted in Islamophobia.
The motion to restrict attendance based on parking spaces—passed 3-2, with Joseph Sordi, Susan Burnett and Stump in support; Barnett and Adam Mayer voted against.
Speaking first after the public hearing was reopened, Razi Mohiuddin, the WVMA founder, spoke politely with focused change requests to the new motion.
He called the three-year compliance review period too onerous. And he said changing the wording of the opening-hours rules to say congregants can’t be on the premises except for “worship” would expose them to the risk of people questioning whether certain types of fellowship really should be considered valid Islamic worship.
Currently they have a prayer service followed by a brief talk and a small discussion group, he said, adding on some occasions they’ll even have coffee together.
“We are under intense scrutiny,” he said, adding he’s afraid people will use this as a tool to come in and say, “‘Ah, you can only pray and you must leave.’”
The prior Friday, they had to spend time with the deputy fire marshal, after yet another complaint, he said.
And at this point, they’d rather just have a flat closure time, Mohiuddin continued, rather than language that gives worshipers a specific period of time to vacate the premises, as that’s hard to manage.
In regards to capacity, Mohiuddin pointed out that 869 is not the ceiling—1,217 is.
Stump’s interrogation of the Muslim
leader on this point was so off-putting to Barnett that the Vice Chair cut him off with, “I think he understands the question.” Mohiuddin maintained his composure, asking that the total number of worshipers explicitly include offsite parking arrangements—something that was previously discussed—punctuating his request with, “—if that’s okay with you.”
The Farley Road neighbors made it clear that they feel the Town isn’t going far enough to restrict traffic in the neighborhood.
Jim Ratcliff, speaking over Zoom, said he and the other residents have seen little in the way of meaningful enforcement. He doesn’t want the Town to remove the ongoing compliance review period.
“They’re going to be able to amplify outside,” he said. “I want limited activities on the weekend…I want a cap on the cars per day. I want some relief from this traffic… There needs to be a balance here.”
Former Monte Sereno mayor Javed Ellahie, who is Muslim, pointed out that the parking restrictions on other worship facilities have nothing to do with capping the number of attendees to the facility. They are simply that: parking restrictions, he said—adding the regulations can’t be used in reverse as a weapon. He asked people to consider if it was reasonable to expect you could say, “Close the church down!,” if they had more people at a service than their parking ratio specifies.
Another Farley Road resident suggested closing parking on one side of the street and instituting permit parking in the neighborhood might be another solution. And a speaker questioned whether WVMA is really facing financial burdens, since it’s in the process of buying a former Mormon church at 20125 Bollinger Road in Cupertino—hoping to come up with millions of dollars to pay for that by June 12 (they’ve already raised $339,000+).
In the end, Planning Commission decided to punt the decision to the May 21 meeting.
HASHING IT OUT Rob Stump (left) speaks with Jeffrey Barnett during an intermission at Planning Commission, May 13, after the two sparred over civil rights.
NEWS BRIEFS
FENTANYL AWARENESS FUN RUN JOLLY10K RETURNS FOR 5TH YEAR
Leslie Collins, founder of the Jolly10k Fentanyl Awareness Fun Run, is inviting the community to join the fifth annual event on Saturday, July 18, to honor loved ones lost to Fentanyl and promote life-saving education.
The race will begin at 8am at Balzer Field, located at 57 Miles Ave. in Los Gatos, with on-site registration opening at 7am. Participants can choose between a scenic 10K or 5K run through the beautiful trails of Los Gatos.
This year's theme is “Run and Remember.”
The event brings people of all backgrounds together for healing, education and community. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn life-saving skills, including free CPR training, from the Santa Clara County Fire Department. Narcan, which can be administered to save a life during a fentanyl overdose, will be distributed.
The event is set to feature inspiring guest speakers, raffles, food and more.
Collins created the Jolly10K after losing her son, Jolly, to fentanyl on July 24, 2021. The annual run serves as a safe space for families to have open conversations about the dangers of fentanyl, and to remember lost loved ones.
How to participate in the memorial banner:
Families who have lost a loved one to fentanyl or addiction are invited to submit a clear photo, full name and “forever age” to jolly10krun@gmail.com
LOS GATOS UNION SD PICKS NEW SUPERINTENDENT
The Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees announced at the May 14 board meeting in a unanimous vote that Dan Deguara will be appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools for LGUSD.
A spokesperson said he has “a proven record of leading a high-performing, community-funded district through strategic alignment, fiscal stewardship and the creation of inclusive systems that foster high student achievement.”
Deguara is recognized for his advocacy of diverse educational models, including the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Program in his current school district, board officials said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dan Deguara as our new superintendent,” Board President Courtney Monk said. Deguara has been the superintendent of the Belmont Redwood Shores School District since 2020.
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There he passed bond and parcel tax measures, and provided oversight of a major bond program.
“He also cultivated vital partnerships with local foundations and improved collaboration with both high school districts and labor organizations,” a spokesperson said in the release. “Over a 30-year career that began in the classroom, Deguara has also held various leadership positions in the Evergreen School District, including serving as a Principal and Assistant Superintendent.”
A native of the Bay Area raised in Cupertino and currently living in San Jose, Deguara is an alumnus of Santa Clara University with a Master’s in Educational Administration and degrees in Psychology and Liberal Studies. Outside of his professional life, he is an outdoor enthusiast who values time with his wife and two children.
Deguara is set to assume his new duties on July 1, succeeding the retiring Superintendent Paul Johnson.
“I am honored to be chosen as the incoming Superintendent for the Los Gatos Union School District,” Deguara remarked in the news release. “I look forward to joining this vibrant learning community and partnering with staff and families to ensure every student is prepared for the future.”
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After an extensive search process that included receiving in-person and online feedback from teachers, staff, parents and the community, the board chose Deguara.
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Fictitious Business Name Statements
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725634
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Marcom, 230 Rose Ct Apt 22, Campbell, CA, 95008, Mark William Jones. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Mark W Jones. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/09/2026. (pub LG 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725797
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Old Girls Comedy, 1596 San Gabriel Way, San Jose, CA, 95125, Kelly Jackson, Sally Jackson. This business is being conducted by a General Partnership. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Kelly Jakson. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/14/2026. (pub LG 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
File Number: FBN725570. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Coffeebar Los Altos , 170 State St, #105-106, Los Altos, CA 94022. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, Coffeebar Menlo Park, LLC, 10120 Jibboom St, #101, Truckee, CA 96161. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 4/07/2026 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. Coffeebar Menlo Park, LLC, Article/Reg # 201702710299, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Greg C. Buchheister /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
File Number: FBN725948 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. FAYE’S BOO-TIQUE, 2. ECHOS OF TIME MEDIA , 103 Westhill Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, TIMELY REFLECTIONS LLC, 103 Westhill Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 4/17/2026 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. TIMELY REFLECTIONS LLC, Article/Reg # B20260161110, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Faye J Navarro /s/ Member. (Pub LGN: 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725937
he following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Bagheri Accounting & Advisory, 1350 South Bascom Avenue, Apt 8046, San Jose, CA, 95128, Maryam Bagheri. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/10/2026. /s/Maryam Bagheri. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/17/2026. (pub LG 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726056
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Style Masters Barber Shop, 404 South Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA, 95128, Tiayadin Day. This business is being conducted by an Indvidual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/21/2026. /s/Tiayadin Day. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/21/2026. (pub LG 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725802
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Irene Yang Music Arts Studio, 2. Bihramam’s Life Lab, 3616 Bloomsbury Way, San Jose, CA, 95132, Hsinhua Yang. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Hsinhua Yang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/14/2026. (pub LG 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726084
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 777VRSE Entertainment, 1447 Sundown Ln., San Jose, CA, 95127, Arthur J. De La Cerda. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/21/2026. /s/ Arthur J. De La Cerda. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/22/2026. (pub LG 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
File Number: FBN725441 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. WILD ROSE , 200 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, 200 CAMPBELL AVE LLC, 200 E Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/30/2022 and
PUBLIC NOTICES
4/02/2026 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. 200 CAMPBELL AVE LLC, Article/Reg # 202114110520, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Sohrab Daniel Shafazand /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
File Number: FBN725974. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. AJOR , P O Box 320023, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, CHELGIS JAHANFARD, P O Box 320023, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 4/20/2026 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/ Chelgis Jahanfard /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726194
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Future Leaders Club, 2. Future Leaders Kids Club, 3. Future Leaders Academy. 3281 Berryessa St #3, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, Daycare Sunflower LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/26/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Gulnur Kuzdibayeva. Owner. #202463619375. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/27/2026. (pub LG 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726216
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Black Sheep Backyard Grill, 444 Saratoga Ave Apt 27B, Santa Clara, CA, 95050, Bear Necessitiez LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/27/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Joshua Chavez. CEO. #202565913744. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/28/2026. (pub LG 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
File Number: FBN726159. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Eat-Grow-Learn Mentorship Fund , 140 Wissahickon Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Alrie Middlebrook Design, 140 Wissahickon Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 4/24/2026 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. Alrie Middlebrook Design, Article/Reg # BA20252534657, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Alrie Middlebrook /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725681
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Art Works, 1334 Dell Ave., STE C, Campbell, CA, 95008, John G. Espinola, Theresa E. Brandt. This business is being conducted by a Married Couple. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 1/1/80. /s/John G. Espinola. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/10/2026. (pub LG 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
File Number: FBN726021 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Besito Design & Creative 111 Pine Wood Lane, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Stephanie Lucas, 1796 Bevin Brook Drive, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/01/2026 and 04/20/2026 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/ Stephanie Lucas /s/. (Pub LGN: 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726046
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Future Leaders Club, 3281 Berryessa St #3, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, Daycare Sunflower LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/26/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Margaret Everman. President. #3570235. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/21/2026. (pub LG 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726047
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Aloha Montessori School, 995 Apricot Ave., Campbell, CA, 95008, Maki Swim School Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/1/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/
Margaret Everman. President. #3570235. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/21/2026. (pub LG 05/06, 05/13, 05/20, 05/27/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #724933
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: A Handy Man, 7568 Rosanna St., Gilroy, CA, 95020, JT Trillo. This business is being conducted by an Individual Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 02/27/2026. /s/JT Trillo. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 03/19/2026. (pub LG 4/29, 05/06, 05/13, 05/20/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726519
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Filamento, 2. Filamento Lighting, 1531 Oriole Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, Filament Lighting, LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/28/2017. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Frank Shum. President. #201506810347. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/05/2026. (pub LG 05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03/2026)
File Number: FBN726427. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. BLUEFIN POOL & SPA SERVICE , 19 Via Campina Ct., San Jose, CA 95139. This business is conducted by: An Individual, DULCE JASMIN SERNA, 19 Via Campina Ct., San Jose, CA 95139. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 05/01/2026 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/ Dulce Serna /s/. (Pub LGN: 05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03/2026)
File Number: FBN726620. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. The Implant Zone Dental Practice of A. Bhullar Dental PC, 1374 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, A. Bhullar Dental PC, 18693 Carriage Hill Drive, San Jose, CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 05/07/2026 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. A. Bhullar Dental PC, Article/Reg # B20250260160, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Amandeep Bhullar /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 05/13, 05/20, 05/27, 06/03/2026)
File Number: FBN726632 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. DYNAMIC SOLUTIONS, 599 Tuscarora Dr, San Jose, CA 95123. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, DYNAMICSOLUTIONS LLC, 599 Tuscarora Dr, San Jose, CA 95123. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 05/07/2026 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. DYNAMICSOLUTIONS LLC, Article/Reg # B20260154647, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Remington Mills /s/ Manager. (Pub LGN: 05/20, 05/27, 06/03, 06/10/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726696
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Posh Petals, 18 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA, 95030, Posh Petals LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/11/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/ Vaishali Singh-Sood. Manager. #B20250402557. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/11/2026. (pub LG 05/20, 05/27, 06/03, 06/10/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #726836
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Plum Hvac, 1074 Wentworth St, STEB, Mountain View, CA, 04043, Plum Hvac LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/14/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Seyed M Moosavi. Managing Member. #B202601775095. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/15/2026. (pub LG 05/20, 05/27, 06/03, 06/10/2026)
TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PLANNING COMMISSION of the Town of Los Gatos has scheduled a meeting on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos and via Zoom webinar to consider:
SUBJECT: TOWN OF LOS GATOS AMENDMENT TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE
Forward a Recommendation to the Town Council on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 29 (Zoning Regulations) of the Town Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Definitions. The Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Amendments to the Town Code were Analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report for the 2040 General Plan. In addition, the Proposed Amendments are Exempt Pursuant to CEQA, Section 15061 (b)(3), Because it can be Seen with Certainty that they will not Significantly Affect the Physical Environment in that they Make Minor Changes to the Regulations Applicable to Accessory Dwelling Units and Definitions. Town Code Amendment Application A-26-001. Project Location: Town Wide. Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.
PLEASE NOTE: This item may be withdrawn or rescheduled at the discretion of the Town. Members of the public are advised to check the final meeting agenda, which will be posted no later than 72 hours before the meeting at: https://losgatos-ca.municodemeetings.com/. The final agenda will confirm whether the item will be heard; if it is not listed on the agenda, it has either been moved to a future date or withdrawn from consideration. For more information or to confirm the status of this item, please contact Sean Mullin at planning@losgatosca.gov or 408-354-6872. The staff report to the Planning Commission will be available for public review three days prior to the meeting on the Town’s website at www.losgatosca.gov/AgendasAndVideos
All persons interested in said application are encouraged to speak in-person or via Zoom at this hearing. If anyone wishes to challenge the action on the above applications in court, they may be limited to raising only those issues they or anyone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Town Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. Deadline for all written correspondence is 11:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING COMMISSION
/s/ Joel Paulson, Secretary Pub LG 5/20/2026
PUBLIC NOTICES legals@losgatan.com
Administer Estate
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Joel Alexander Fox. Case No. 26PR202516. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of (specify all names by which the decedent was known): Joel Alexander Fox. A Petition for Probate has been filed by John C. Fox, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The petition for probate requests that: John C. Fox be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 6/18/2026. Time: 9:01 AM. Dept: 2. Address of the court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, 191 N. First Street, San Jose, California, 95113. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California
law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Rebecca Sue Jones, 19A North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030. (408) 354-1388. (Pub LGN 5/20, 5/27, 6/3)
Name Change
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 26CV492931 . Notice of Petition of Eric S.K.Zhang. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Eric S.K.Zhang filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Eric S.K. Zhang to Proposed name: Eric Haidong 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: August 4, 2026, Time: 8:45am PM, 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, 380 S 1ST Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Date: May 06, 2026. /s/ Charles F. Adams /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed May 06, 2026 by /s/ A. Syrel /s/, Deputy Clerk. ((Pub LGN: 05/20, 05/27, 06/03, 06/10/2026)
Two Easy Steps To Keeping Your Business Name Up To Date
1
2 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.
Want to minimize the risk of developing dementia? Schedule a weekly game night with the kids. Want to decrease the risk of heart disease? Have dinner with a friend. Want to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even stress? Hang out more often with the people you love most—IRL.
The research is clear: strong social bonds can decrease the risk of premature death, along with a host of chronic illnesses.(1) That is healthy medicine.
Welcome to the healing power of Togethering.™
(1) U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Connection, 2023
