MONTE SERENO SELECTS TOP PLANNER DIANA PERKINS FOR CITY MANAGER
Decision follows $700,000+ payments for longstanding lawsuit settlement
Drew Penner, Editor
The City of Monte Sereno has decided to hire longtime urban planner Diana Perkins as city manager—who has been running the small Silicon Valley municipality on an interim basis, since the departure of former head Steve Leonardis.
The selection was approved at council on May 20, as the Town reported payments of more than $700,000 to settle legal troubles related to former top officials.
Perkins starts at an annual salary of $245,000, effective last Wednesday, to be increased to $260,000, effective July 1, 2026.
“She will continue to serve as the city planner, and she will be in charge of long-term planning,” said Kirsten Powell, the city attorney. “The contract provides for benefits that are consistent with what she’s previously had, and also consistent with other employees.”
WILDCATS BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM DEFENSE PUTS UP IMPRESSIVE WALL
Reily Nguyen earns praise for playmaking
Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor Combining a blend of athleticism, experience and talent, the Los Gatos High School boys volleyball team made program history this season.
The Wildcats won a Central Coast Section Open Division match and a CIF NorCal State contest, both program firsts. Their season ended in the CIF NorCal semifinals after a three-game loss to top-seed Buchanan on May 22.
The defeat did little to dampen what Los Gatos accomplished this season, including a final record of 20-12 and second-place finish in the
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COBB REFLECTS ON TERM AS YOUTH POET LAUREATE
She began writing songs at the age of nine
Staff Report
Los Gatos High School Junior Sage Cobb is the current 2025 Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate. Los Gatos, May 20, 2025: As her term as the 2025 Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate draws to a close this June, Los Gatos High School Junior Sage Cobb reflects on a year filled with growth, creativity, and community impact. Sage was selected for the prestigious position last year and has used her platform to uplift youth voices and foster inclusive spaces for self-expression.
Her journey into poetry began at age nine with songwriting, but it was a Poetry Out Loud competition at Los Gatos HS during her freshman year that sparked her true passion for the art form. “After I did that, I fell in love with the art form and wanted to write my own,” she said. Since then, Sage has not only written original poetry but shared it publicly in both formal and informal settings—hosting open mics, leading workshops (including one for poets with disabilities), and reading at high-profile events like the Santa Clara County State of the County address for two consecutive years.
“That was one of the most exciting and unexpected parts of this role,” she said. “I got to meet government officials and learn more about how our county works, which I really enjoyed.” Her time at Los Gatos High School has played a central role in her development as a writer. She’s been a consistent contributor to The Wildcat Review, the school’s literary magazine, and currently serves as an editor. She plans to return as a board member next year. For Sage, the role of Youth Poet Laureate was not just about performance—it was personal.
“I grew up as a disabled child with a weird voice. People made rude comments, and I grew to be ashamed. But through this program, nobody cared that I had cerebral palsy or that my voice was different,” she shared. “It gave me a space where my voice was celebrated. That opportunity meant everything.”
Though her official title may be ending, Sage says her poetry journey is far from over. She plans to continue writing, submitting her work, mentoring others, and staying involved in the Santa Clara County and Los Gatos poetry communities.
“You don’t need to do official stuff to
be a poet. You just have to write. That’s the whole point.” She also offers heartfelt advice for young writers: “Write real stuff. Write about your life, your struggles, your accomplishments, your goals—whatever. Even if you think it’s bad, just keep writing. And share it. The world needs your voice. Art is powerful, and you have the ability to harness that power.”
As Sage’s term comes to a close, her reflections and ongoing commitment to poetry stand as a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with authenticity and creativity—and to use art as a vehicle for connection and change.
“Sage exemplifies the kind of leadership we hope to inspire in all our students—authentic, courageous, and grounded in service to others,” shared Acting Superintendent Heath Rocha.
“Through her poetry, she has created space for young people to express themselves and feel seen, especially those whose voices have too often been overlooked. We are incredibly proud of Sage and know her impact will continue to ripple far beyond her time as Youth Poet Laureate.”
600+ Santa Clara County students earn State Seal of Civic Engagement
More than 650 students in Santa Clara County were awarded the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, a recog-
• Participate in at least one informed civic engagement project that addresses real-world problems and encourages inquiry, action, and reflection.
• Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through self-reflection.
• Exhibit civic-minded character traits and a commitment to positively impact their community.
Cameron Markett of Los Gatos received a bachelor of arts degree from College of the Holy Cross.
Kathleen Liza Gull Bergeron of Los Gatos received a bachelor of science degree from Harvey Mudd College on May 18, 2025 with a major in engineering, graduating with departmental honors in engineering. Gull Bergeron attended Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School.
Stanislaus State proudly recognizes Alissa Noke from Los Gatos for their outstanding academic achievements, earning them a place on the Fall 2024 Dean’s List in the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
nition established by the California Department of Education to honor students who demonstrated a strong understanding of civic responsibility and an ongoing commitment to positively impacting their communities. Students were recognized at the Civic Engagement Student Recognition Ceremony on May 19 at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
“The State Seal of Civic Engagement is more than a recognition—it’s a call to action,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. “We can’t wait to see how these young people shape the future in ways we haven’t even imagined.”
The State Seal of Civic Engagement engages youth as active partners in school and community changes; supports youth to develop ways to communicate effectively and to work together in more equitable ways; encourages youth to participate in civics education and support our democracy; and empowers youth to become strong collaborators for education change.
To earn the seal, students must meet five criteria:
• Be engaged in academic work in a productive way.
• Demonstrate a competent understanding of the U.S. and California constitutions, local and tribal governments, democratic principles, and the role of citizens.
Riya Gantla, of Los Gatos, graduated with a Bachelor Of Science In Public Health from The University of Texas at Austin in spring 2025, as well as a Bachelor of Arts.
The University of Texas at Austin proudly celebrates the accomplishments of more than 9,000 spring 2025 graduates—including Yu Chih Chen of Los Gatos with a Doctor of Philosophy.
STATE SEALS AWARDED TO STUDENTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR:
Campbell Union H.S. District, 7 state seals.
East Side Union H.S. District, 172
*Additional seals have grades pending.
WHAT A YEAR! LGHS Junior Sage Cobb said she’s enjoyed her outreach duties, as part of her 2025 Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate role.
Courtesy of LGSUHSD
COOKIE
SHOP COMING TO LOS GATOS THIS JUNE
Antoine and Jennifer Tang, owners of Antoine’s Cookies, chose Los Gatos for their third location
Faizi Samadani, Contributor
What initially started out in 2013 as a pastime for Antoine Tang—baking cookies out of his home kitchen—has slowly turned into a sweet business. As part of an effort to scale up that was 12 years in the making, Tang operates two Antoine’s Cookies outposts in Palo Alto and San Mateo, and he’s about to open a third store right here in the heart of downtown Los Gatos.
With a launch date coming in June, the niche business will sell only cookies—11 flavors, ranging from cookies and cream to chocolate chip—at a corner store on 35 W. Main St.
“I started my cookie shop business in 2013 out of my house as a cottage food business. I brought them to my work and church group, and then friends started
asking to purchase a couple dozen cookies from me, which led me to begin a Yelp page,” Tang says, detailing how passion for a hobby evolved into a business.
Then, in late 2015, he had to shut off his SquareSpace site because he had too many orders and not enough resources. That led Tang to find his first retail space in San Mateo in 2016. Due to its success, Tang opened a second location in Palo Alto Town and Country Village in 2021.
Now, Tang says, the trajectory of Antoine’s Cookies is to open as many shops as the success of his business allows, with a fourth location in San Francisco to follow this coming July.
Though there were other locations that Tang considered in Los Gatos, he found himself right across the street from Icing on the Cake. Tang says that this was not by design, and if anything, he believes that being next to each other will make each business more powerful.
Tang says that he cares about the
cookies, customers and employees, and says that every decision he makes comes with that in mind. For his various flavors, including honeycomb and oatmeal chocolate chip, Tang says, “I would never use a substitute for butter in the cookies like shortening or palm oil. I use pure vanilla extract and real eggs, never boxed eggs, as well as Guittard chocolate.”
Soon, patrons will be able to buy cookie dough as well—something Tang is starting first at the Los Gatos location.
After the launches in Los Gatos and San Francisco, Tang says he is reaching for the stars and aiming for 100 stores in the next 10 years.
“Southern California, Texas and Chicago would be great to open locations in—even Manhattan, New York,” Tang says.
Wife Jennifer left her job in tech in January to join forces with her husband and get more involved with the business. Made out of a kitchen in Campbell, all cookies are then transported to the other locations.
In the wake of the recent closing of Lolli and Pops in downtown Los Gatos, Antoine’s Cookies and newly opened Petals Creamery will provide welcome dessert options for locals as well as people passing through. After the expected launch in June, hours of operation will be Monday–Saturday from 10am–8pm, with a closing time of 5pm on Sunday..
SWEETNESS Antoine and Jennifer Tang, owners of Antoine’s Cookies. They shared their ambitious business plans with the newspaper in a recent interview.
Antoine's Cookies / Instagram
SCRUMPTIOUS Their first location opened in San Mateo, in 2016. They followed this up, in 2021, with a second location in Palo Alto.
LOS GATOS BEGINS SLASHING SERVICES TO REDUCE DEFICIT
Some money reserved for community grants; Badame votes against capital plan over pedestrian bridge
Drew Penner, Editor Town staff came into the May 20 Council meeting proposing nearly a million dollars in operations cuts, as local officials fear the Donald Trump Administration could cut key funding programs—and some revenue-generating ideas (such as pot dispensaries) weren’t approved in recent years.
But even with this $810,000 slash to services (which was meant to deal with the forecast $3.7 million deficit), property tax revenue and income revenue
increases ($200,000 and $180,000 respectively), along with a variety of additional positive income surprises, this still left a $1.8 million deficit.
Staff was recommending putting Measure G sales tax funds towards operations, using about $1 million from reserves to balance the budget, and reducing grants to nonprofit partners somewhat.
Vice Mayor Rob Moore said he was concerned by proposed cuts to the grants program.
“As the federal and state government are pulling back from funding nonprofits and supporting our community partners, I think the Town needs to step up, not step back,” he said, bringing up something his former boss, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, said during the
said. “I think come August we’ll have a lot more clarity on how congressional funding cuts—through budget reconciliation—(will) impact our community.”
He noted that Medicaid and food stamps (SNAP) are two of the federal programs that could face cuts.
But his motion didn’t find a second.
Councilmember Rob Rennie said he appreciated the way staff approached the problem, but said he also understands the desire to put more money in.
“What we’re really trying to do is be ready to react to a greater need that could occur—but might not occur,” he said.
In the end, Council voted 4-1 (with Badame against) to earmark $155,000 for community grants, but to wait until later in the year to divvy it up.
Rennie found an interesting solution for the group of residents who fear eucalyptus trees in the Hilow Road area are a safety risk—to use emergency funds. This idea was approved unanimously.
Capital outlay
Staff grouped capital items into categories, with the top tier being for the most critical projects.
Ristow said she agreed with staff’s support for a bicycle and pedestrian bridge plan.
The Finance Commission had recommended sidelining that project.
last State budget cycle. “She kept harkening back to the phrase, We cannot balance our budget on the backs of our most vulnerable…I can’t think of a time in recent history when it’s been more important for governments to invest in our nonprofit community partners.”
Councilmember Maria Ristow called the work of local volunteer nonprofit partners “the single most effective way to prevent homelessness.”
Staff had proposed cutting the program to $126,800. It had previously been at $154,000 before pandemic relief funds helped swell those coffers to $264,000 in 2022.
“We don’t have a lot of money to give away this year at all,” she said. “We have a deficit as we continue throughout the next five years. And I think we have to be conservative.”
Moore made a motion to allocate $203,500 to the community grants program.
“I recognize that we can’t do the $400,000 we did last year, or the $300,000 (of) the year before,” he
Los Gatos would lose out on massive grants if the initiative is paused, she added, noting it's been a priority for years.
Ristow believes the bridge is an important part of dealing with incoming housing development.
“It’s the only way we’re ever going to decrease congestion,” she said. “And for anybody who doesn’t think that this bridge is important, I challenge you to get on a bike with me and sit in that, like, two-foot-wide space between SUVs and a tall curb.”
Mayor Matthew Hudes said the Pinehurst Community Garden project needs to remain in Los Gatos’ sights.
“It’s one of the things that actually brings people together of all economic backgrounds, and allows people to share not only their love, but also their food,” he said.
A motion from Councilmember Ristow, seconded by Moore, approved the tiered CIP program, with the Pinehurst Community Gardens project elevated to Tier 2, Class 2.
However, Councilmember Badame voted against, because it included the Highway 17 bike and pedestrian bridge as one of the priorities.
OVERHEAD VISUAL This depiction of Los Gatos from above hangs just outside Council Chambers in the Los Gatos Civic Center.
PERKINS INSTALLED AS CITY MANAGER
Speaking before the scheduled vote (which did not attend, as he was away celebrating a graduation), Monte Sereno Council member Bryan Mekechuk said he was looking forward to Perkins’ leadership.
“I think it will be great for the City, because, essentially, our business is helping people build the home of their dreams,” he said. “And Diana has always worked well with applicants to help them put together a plan that can be approved. She will focus on improving our internal processes, which is a key requirement.”
Perkins, who holds a master’s of Public Administration, has been working in Monte Sereno’s Planning
the State was originally pressuring them to accept.
“We do have a couple of rezones we need to do along Winchester (Boulevard),” she said.
Perkins previously worked as a plan check manager at Shums Coda Associates, and before that as a permit center coordinator for the City of Sunnyvale.
During the meeting on Tuesday, Vice Mayor Javed Ellahie said Perkins has been an excellent performer in the Planning Department.
“You were just too excellent for me,” he said. “You did such a great job.”
Ellahie was behind two contract clarifications: 1. That no Council member can direct the City Manager unless authorized by the full Council. 2. That “the City is not obligated to defend and indemnify Diana if she is responsible for conduct outside the course and scope of her employment as the City Manager.”
“We are not going to indemnify,” he said. “The reason for (that) is obvious. Today, under our warrant list, we paid $850,000 to indemnify somebody for something that we probably shouldn’t have had to. That’s neither here nor there. I just want to make sure we don’t indemnify somebody when they’re not acting in the scope of their employment.”
Powell confirmed the language deals with that concern.
Leonardis’ last day with the City was in September. Perkins was appointed interim city manager later that month. But to be clear, Ellahie was not referring to Leonardis.
In the May 14, 2025, check register, $220,000 is listed to go to Bustamante & Gagliasso APC, and $470,000 to Hugo Torbet Attorney, and $23,428.04 to McDowall Cotter,
APC, for the mutual settlement agreement under Padgett v. Wright. (So, $713,428.04—the full list of checks, including for unrelated items, came out to $837,012.31)
Department since July 2021.
Perkins played a key role in getting the City’s Housing Element approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development—which, while out of compliance for more than a year, made it across the finish line before Los Gatos’ did.
“It was definitely great to see that we were able to get the 6th Cycle Housing Element adopted,” said Perkins in her first interview with the paper since her promotion. “We did have an excellent consultant helping us.”
Their proactive approach to drumming up support for granny flats in town allowed the community to avoid some of the multifamily developments
“I'm very happy that you want to be the city manager.”
Lisa Shannon, Council Member
This dates back to city manager Brian Loventhal’s era and a fence-height / civil rights dispute—that kicked-off last millennium—between former residents Joe and Darla Padgett and the City (including former mayor Curtis Wright).
Former mayor Lon Allan spoke during public comment.
“I just want to commend the Council for engaging Diana Perkins,” he said. “I think she’s done a great job. And, promoting from within, I think is always better, because then you see someone in action—rather than just someone who, perhaps, knows how to interview.”
The newest Council member, Lisa Shannon, said Perkins has been very helpful.
“I’ve enjoyed working with you thus far,” she said. “And I’m very happy that you want to be the city manager.”
Later in the meeting, a project applicant said they’d had a positive experience working with Perkins, too.
Monte Sereno, from page 1
TOP OFFICIAL Diana Perkins, Monte Sereno’s new City Manager, has been working for the municipal government since 2021.
OPINION Ad
DRAFT CONDUCT POLICY RAISES CONCERNS
Jeffrey P. Blum , Contributor
In early May 2025, the Los Gatos Town Council introduced a proposed Boards, Committees, and Commissions (BCC) Code of Conduct Policy designed to set expectations for commissioners’ behavior, public communications and interactions with Town staff and the public. The intent is reasonable: to promote ethical standards, align with Town values, and provide a clear process for addressing misconduct.
However, as a current commissioner—and someone who values civic engagement and the volunteer spirit of our town—I believe the draft policy may constrain independent speech, centralize control over commission communications and discourage the open dialogue that strengthens democratic governance.
The draft outlines new rules:
• Public communications: Commissioners must state clearly that they speak only for themselves, not for the Town or their commission—a reasonable standard.
• Pre-approval of letters : Official commission communications must be approved by the Town Council before being sent.
• Media inquiries : Commissioners must refer questions to Town staff and are barred from providing official responses without approval.
• Discipline procedure : A formal process allows complaints to be submitted and evaluated by the mayor and Town Manager. Sanctions may include written reprimands or removal by Council.
Comparison to Palo Alto
In contrast, Palo Alto’s Code of Conduct emphasizes independent judgment and trust in commissioners to represent their commissions without prior approval. It encourages commissioners to:
• Communicate openly while clearly stating when they speak as individuals, but they are allowed to send official commission communications without pre-approval.
• Respond to media inquiries with honesty and accuracy, coordinating with staff but not
being strictly prohibited from independent communication.
• Participate fully in commission deliberations and public discussions, with disciplinary measures focusing primarily on clear legal or ethical violations.
Palo Alto’s approach strikes a balance between accountability and the autonomy necessary for commissioners to contribute meaningfully. This model fosters robust public engagement, trusting volunteers to act responsibly without excessive top-down control.
Reason for concern
Los Gatos’ draft policy overreaches in ways that could undermine commission independence and community engagement.
Requiring approval before commission members send letters—especially those representing consensus—undermines open discourse. Commissions are advisory bodies of informed community volunteers. If they can’t speak as a group without oversight, their ability to influence public policy meaningfully is limited.
Even more concerning is the discouragement of commissioners speaking independently, even when they clarify that they do not represent the Town. This could suppress community voices, especially dissenting or minority viewpoints.
The media rules concentrate communication authority with the mayor, Town Manager and Council. This topdown structure clashes with the collaborative nature of community-based governance. While coordination is important, commissioners should not need permission to publicly discuss matters within their scope.
Major violations range from criminal conduct to “deliberately making misleading statements”—an overly broad category that could be used to suppress uncomfortable but legitimate viewpoints. Accountability is essential, but it must be based on fair, clear and narrowly defined standards.
If the Town imposes overly restrictive communication controls, it may deter future participation. People are less likely to serve if their voices are muted or their actions are scrutinized through a political lens.
LIVES
Brandon Durham
December 22, 2003 – January 14, 2025
Celebration of life: SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The Church in the Forest 3152 Forest Lake Road Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Reception immediately to follow on the chapel deck.
To register to watch the service live online: bit.ly/3EZ1MRX
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
This year's Memorial Day weekend brought heavy beach traffic, moments of remembrance for fallen soldiers, and a new art fair at a skate shop on
Los Gatos Boulevard. On Monday, local youth assisted with a somber service that honored the sacrifice veterans made for the United States of America.
TEAL CONTINGENT The Girl Scouts of America, troops 62339 and 62619 assisted in the raising of the
and participated in the service
by
Photos
Dinah Cotton/Los Gatan
flag in Blaney Plaza
at the cemetery.
HANDCRAFTED Raul Madrigal, sometimes known as “roll man,” with a piece of furniture he created out of recycled skateboards, during the inaugural NC Boardshop Art Fair, Sunday. He took 12 broken or damaged boards and turned them into something that could be used, once again. He also teaches skateboarding.
SPORTS
ENNEKING EMERGES AS A STANDOUT ON WILDCATS’ LINEUP
Sports, from page 1
ultra-competitive Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division.
“I’m so proud of everything the team was able to accomplish this year,” Wildcats coach Nicole Ciari said. “Hopefully, we’ll get everyone back and be in a position where we’ll be able to run it back again next season.”
Ciari said the returning players off last year’s team set the foundation and proved to be the springboard for this
season’s history-making run.
“The sophomores from last year got experience of the pace of the game and the type of competition that we would see this year,” said Ciari, who also coaches the LGHS girls volleyball squad. “Them having that comfortability going against hard teams really made the difference, along with filling in the gaps with the seniors.
That was the perfect combination that
kids don’t play club with a lot of their kids and I think that played in our favor. We really focused on the task at hand and had something going that night. Our bench was involved, everyone was engaged and the people on the court played their role and did what they were supposed to do.”
Boasting athleticism, talent and height, Los Gatos improved as the season went along, capped by a four-set win over De Anza Division champion Harker on May 5. The Wildcats lost to Harker in the teams’ first two league matchups, but finally upended their league rival the third time around.
Junior outside hitter Sean Slover was a tour de force against Harker and finished the season as the team leader in kills. Nolan Harr, a 6-foot-4 junior right side, was second on the team in kills and potent on the attack, too.
Middle blockers Markus McGrath and Nico Bianchi—both 6-3—along with the 6-2 Slover and 6-1 Weston Kaefer made life tough on opposing offenses.
“Our whole front was extremely tall, and when you put those kids blocking together, it’s like a wall in front of you,” Ciari said. “They were very good defensively.” McGrath led the team in blocks and teams often set the opposite side from where he was positioned.
“Markus is one of the smartest players I’ve had the pleasure of coaching,” Ciari said. “He’s good at knowing where other teams put the ball and definitely gets in a position to defend well.”
The Wildcats had a dynamic setter in junior Reily Nguyen, whose volleyball IQ and decision-making made the team go.
“We have to give Reily a lot of credit,” Ciari said. “He did a great job of distributing the ball to everybody and our offense is only as good as the setter running it.”
made us so successful this year.”
Los Gatos pulled off one of the seminal upsets in the CCS this season, stunning top-seed Santa Cruz in the Open Division quarterfinals. Santa Cruz entered the match with a 30-3 record and was widely considered among the top three teams in the CCS.
“I think it helped that we didn't know a ton about them,” Ciari said.
“We hadn’t seen them play live, our
Senior libero Will Enneking— whose main sport is soccer—emerged as one of the more underrated players in the SCVAL this season.
“Will plays soccer full time but tried out volleyball in his freshman year and loved it,” Ciari said. “He’s our dig leader, covers a lot of ground and isn’t afraid when heavy-hitting balls are coming right at him.”
Ciari is particularly excited for the growth of the boys volleyball game, noting the increase in club participa-
PUMPED UP The Los Gatos High School boys volleyball team celebrates after winning a point during their CIF NorCal Division II semifinal match against Buchanan on May 22.
Ad
tion. Approximately 10 of the 15 players off this year’s LGHS team compete for a club program, so perhaps it’s little wonder the Wildcats made program history this season.
“I think the boys’ game is growing ever so fast right now,” she said. “It’s nice to see we’re keeping up as this sport gains in popularity. It’s really made my experience as a coach enjoyable.”
Ciari is starting to see boys start playing volleyball at a competitive level at an earlier age, mimicking the girls game.
“Girls start the sport at 8, 9 or 10, and they’re living and breathing volleyball by the time they get to high school,” Ciari said. “Many boys don’t start playing volleyball until much later, so a lot of times you’re getting athletes and teaching them and watching them grow so quickly is really incredible. They pick up things so fast, especially in the way they understand the game. The fast pace of the game is really fun to watch.”
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UNLOADING Markus McGrath goes up for an attack during the Wildcats’ three-set loss to Buchanan in a CIF
NorCal Division II semifinal match on May 22.
SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES OFFICIALLY OPEN THEIR DOORS
The Grove, in Los Gatos, and the Watermark SJ hold ribbon-cuttings on the same day
Dinah Cotton, Contributor
Two different South Bay senior living facilities held their opening ceremonies on the same day last week.
On Thursday, The Grove senior living community in Los Gatos officially launched with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, hosted by the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce. The property, which is adjacent to Vasona Lake County Park, is located on two acres at 400 Blossom Hill Rd.
It took the developers more than eight years to build the property. The architectural plan ensured important trees would remain after the full concrete construction was completed.
This represented Vice Mayor Rob Moore’s first chance to cut a ribbon.
“I was honored to help kick off what I know will be great success for The Grove at Los Gatos, our newest senior living community,” he wrote later on Instagram. “The Grove will provide much needed housing and care for over 100 seniors, including assisted living and memory care. Congratulations to The Grove.”
The welcoming area was filled to the brim with locals.
Councilmember Maria Ristow, Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Linalong, Town Manager Chris Constantin and facility operations coordinator Nicole Archibald were also in attendance.
Independent living, assisted living and memory care units are available.
Restaurant-style dining, a movie theater, a library, basic cable and community Wi-Fi, weekly housekeeping and laundry, kitchenette, health and wellness room, and countless other amenities are offered. With downtown Los Gatos in walking distance, residents who can afford to move in can live the upscale Los Gatan lifestyle.
The Reyes family has been in the senior living business for over 35 years.
Jason Reyes said building this location has been a “work of passion.”
“We’ve been a part of it from day one, and to finally be here at the ribbon-cutting, it is amazing,” he said. “We have 15 communities throughout the state of California. The average age is 82. Our headquarters is in Vacaville.”
In their portfolio, Blue Mountain Enterprises, has Ivy Park at San Lauren, an assisted living and memory care facility in Bakersfield. They also have “Ivy Park” sites in Fairfield and Milpitas. Other senior homes promoted on their website include “Cornerstone” in Vacaville, “Glen Cove” in Vallejo, “Piner Road” in Santa Rosa and “Westmont” in Cypress.
Reyes explained why they saved the greenery they did.
“These trees have been here longer than we have been alive,” he said. “Looking outside, this building has irregular shapes. We did all the things to make sure everyone is safe with fire code. It is a safe structure. This whole building is actually built out of concrete so it is a very safe structure.”
He added that going through the development process highlighted how the Town works with the fire department to ensure building safety.
“This leads to buildings that are as beautiful as this Town, and fit into the existing environment,” he said.
Watermark’s San Jose location opens
Earlier in the day, Watermark Retirement Communities and Alliance Residential Company held the grand opening for The Watermark at San Jose, a new “luxury senior living community” that “reimagines modern aging through personalized care, integrative wellness, and culinary artistry—right in the heart of Silicon Valley.”
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Chief of Police Ken Tran, Chief of Fire Robert Spanien, district Councilman Michael Mulcahy, and Christina Egan, administrator for the council hospitals, all made remarks.
“Watermark is prepared to set new benchmarks in senior living excellence,” said Paul Boethel, CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities, in a release.
The location offers 164 high-end Assisted Living and Memory Care residences.
The Watermark at San Jose aims to blend resort-style amenities with enriching programs and elevated wellness offerings, in a vibrant, neighborhood-inspired setting.
GATHERING Tiffany Birch, the Los Gatan’s advertising executive, with Nicole Archibald, Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce operations coordinator, Jennifer Lin, the Chamber’s CEO, and Town Manager Chris Constantin at the Grove opening.
Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan
TED SAHL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Curator: “The suburbs are a microcosm of what goes on nationally”
Siran Babayan, Contributor
Little is known about the life of late local photographer Ted Sahl. He was born in 1927 and grew up outside of Boston. He served in the Navy in 1947 and later moved to the Bay Area, where he began taking pictures in the 1960s. After his death in Campbell sometime in the mid-2000s, Sahl’s archives were donated to San Jose State University’s King Library Digital Collections, which houses more than 12,000 of his images.
But we can learn more about Sahl
through his photography, thanks to New Museum Los Gatos’ new exhibit, Snapshots of Pride: Photographer Ted Sahl’s Chronicle of the South Bay LGBTQ+ Community , which runs May 30 through Oct. 5.
The collection features paintings, drawings, poetry, newspaper clippings, personal items and a copy of his 2002 book, From Closet to Community: A Quest for Gay & Lesbian Liberation in San Jose and Santa Clara County, not to mention approximately 70 photographs, mostly from the 1970s and ’80s, organized according to politics, activism, culture, the AIDS crisis and other subjects.
“I want people to understand that this gentleman took 12,000 photo -
photographing city council meetings, protests, voter registrations, AIDS clinics, candlelight vigils, parades, beauty pageants, leather contests and male and female impersonators, working for such publications as Lamda News, the South Bay News and Valley View Magazine . He documented key events and notable figures who were part of the evolution of the gay community in and around San Jose.
People like Los Gatos activist and SJSU professor Wiggsy Sivertsen and Desperados club owner Billy DeFrank—a well-known African-American drag performer, for whom the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center was posthumously named. Sahl also shot plenty of famous folk, namely Allen Ginsberg, Joan Baez, John Waters star Divine and legendary theater troupe the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. One image of San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk shows him at Gay Pride San Jose in 1978, the year he was assassinated.
“Desperados was in a mini mall,” Long recalls. “But it became extremely important. Downtown San Jose in the ’80s was literally tumbleweeds. There was nothing happening downtown. There was no core street or area. So to have those community centers, events, organizations, publications and gay bars became even more critical. You had to get in your car and go be with your people. You couldn’t just walk out your door and sit on your front step and have a parade. It took a little more effort and organizing, which is really important.”
graphs in his own time and with his own money,” says exhibit curator Amy Long. “There were unique things happening in this area, and without those photographs, we would have probably almost no record of what was going on down here aside from people’s yellowed photo albums in their junk drawers. This is an absolutely incredible, massive historical record for the South Bay area to have.”
Sahl was photographing anti-war, anti-nuclear and farm labor strikes when, in 1978, he stumbled on a clash between gay men and women and members of religious groups. The San Jose City Council planned to declare Gay Pride Week for the first time in 1978, two years after the city’s first pride parade, but the idea was met with opposition. San Jose didn’t declare Gay Pride Week until 2001.
Sahl would spend the next 30 years
Long hopes to show viewers of the exhibit that San Jose, like many other small towns, has helped shape the history of the gay pride movement as much as big cities have.
“We hear a lot, and with good reason, about San Francisco, New York and L.A.,” Long says. “But I want people who live here to know that on a local level, the fight was just as important, just as significant. And on some levels, harder. And it happened in their backyard.
“The suburbs are a microcosm of what goes on nationally,” Long continues. “If you can reach the suburbs and can get to the Joneses, and be accepted in your neighborhood, that helps move things along in our society. So the whole topic of a gay community and gay liberation in the suburbs has a different level of significance. It’s not better, not worse. It’s not about competition. It’s just different. It’s a whole different flavor.”
MOVEMENT NUMU’s latest exhibit will explore historical events in the South Bay LGBT+ community from the 1970s to 1980s through the lens of photojournalist Ted Sahl.
Fictitious Business Name Statements
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #715516
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Coach House Wine & Spirits, 2. Winedelight.com, 3. Coach House Wine & Liquor, 4. Coach House Deli & Market, 5. Coach House Wine, 6. Wine Delight, 1270 Persian Dr., Sunnyvale, CA, 94089, Coach House Wine LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Randeep S Rekhi. Managing Member. #202357318817. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/17/2025. (pub LG 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #715782
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Kiyomi Hair Studio, 580 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, 95050, Kellie Kiyomi Winans. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/01/2025. /s/Kellie Winans. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/28/2025. (pub LG 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #715734
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: The Plants Charm, 2805 Glen Decker Ct., San Jose, CA, 95148, Tram On. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Tram On. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/24/2025. (pub LG 05/07, 05/14, 05/21, 05/28/2025)
File Number: FBN715875. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: MO3 BARBERSHOP, 1884 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: An Individual, VY ANH NHAT NGUYEN, 1884 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95124. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/01/2025 and 05/01/2025 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/ Vy Anh Nhat Nguyen /s/. (Pub LGN: 05/14, 05/21, 05/28, 06/04/2025)
File Number: FBN715259. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Bay Rag Company, 2. San Jose Wipers, 3. San Jose Rag Co, 4. San Jose Box Co, 5. Economy Industrial Wiping Rags, 6. Economy Wipers, 7. Economy Rag Company, 8. Huck and Terry. , 201 San Jose Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, #C0802869 CA. San Jose Sterilized Wiping Rags, Incorporated, 201 San Jose Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/28/1999 and 04/08/2025 is the file date. Refile, previous file #: 665059. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ San Jose Sterilized Wiping Rags, Incorporated. Douglas Wise, CEO. (Pub LGN 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4)
File Number: FBN715342 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Tacos El Compa Food Truck , 1321 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95118. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, #6458670 CA. Ofrenda Mexican Cuisine Inc, 1321 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95118. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/03/2025 and 04/10/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Ofrenda Mexican Cuisine Inc. Hugo Armando Hernandez, President. (Pub LGN 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #716008
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: The Parenting Toolkit, 1580 Hollenbeck Ave.,
Apt 2, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, Tanya Nicole Burrell. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 06/15/2020. /s/Tanya Nicole Burrell. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/06/2025. (pub Metro 05/14, 05/21, 05/28, 06/04/2025)
File Number: FBN716019. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Lexington Hills Estate, 2. Lexington Hills Estate and Winery, 3. Lexington Hills Winery, 19802 Old Santa Cruz Hwy, Los Gatos, CA 95033. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, #202357017305. Lexington Hills LLC, 19802 Old Santa Cruz Hwy, Los Gatos, CA 95033. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/01/2025 and 05/06/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Nina Khamphilath, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Lexington Hills LLC. Alexa Ingram-Cauchi, Owner. (Pub LGN 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4)
File Number: FBN715975. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Raffi Real Estate , 214 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: An Individual. Raffi Ruben Nalvarian, 214 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/05/2025 and 05/05/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Raffi Ruben Nalvarian. (Pub LGN 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #715037
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Catered Corner, 15559 Union Ave, #128, Los Gatos, CA, 95032, Nayelli Mcchesney. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 3/28/2025. /s/Nayelli Mcchesney. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 03/28/2025. (pub LG 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11/2025)
File Number: FBN716145. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Hop & Vine , 1435 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, #200613310404 CA. Wine Affairs, LLC, 1435 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2025 and 05/09/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Wine Affairs, LLC. Douglas Cookerly, Member/Partner. (Pub LGN 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #716214
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Aardvark Architecture, Inc., 65 Southpine Ct., San Jose, CA, 95138. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/01/2020. /s/Sean Rinde. President. #5159833. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/13/2025. (pub LG 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #716108
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Chochloe Laboratories, 5655 Silver Creek Valley Rd #215, San Jose, CA, 95138, Brittney Dang. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/08/2025. /s/Brittney Dang. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/08/2025. (pub LG 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11/2025)
File Number: FBN716160. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Third Degree Communications, 2. TDC, 3. Third Degree Training,
4. Third Degree Investigative Training, 5. APL Group, 6. APLG , 1821 S. Bascom #334, Campbell, CA 95008. County: Santa Clara. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, #202461914068 CA. American Police Leadership Group, LLC, 1821 S. Bascom #334, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/02/2025 and 05/12/2025 is the file date. Refile: Previous file #: FBN715971. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez, Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, 1st Floor, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ American Police Leadership Group, LLC. William Manion, Owner. (Pub LGN 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11)
File Number: FBN715469. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. QRICS STUDIO, 2. QRICS, 2108 N St Ste N, Sacramento, CA 95816. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, QRICS LLC, 2108 N St Ste N, Sacramento, CA 95816. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 04/16/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Nina Khamphilath /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. QRICS LLC, Article/Reg # 20250056097, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Minwoo Kim /s/ GEO. (Pub LGN: 05/28, 06/04, 06/11, 06/18/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #716096
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Americare Silicon Valley Inc., 16165 Monterey Road, STE 202, Morgan Hill, CA, 95037, South Valley Senior Care Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on
02/10/2020. /s/Steve Levy. Owner. #C4558141. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/08/2025. (pub LG 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #715975
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Raffi Real Estate, 214 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd., Los Gatos, CA, 95030, Raffi Ruben Nalvarian. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/05/2025. /s/Raffi Ruben Nalvarian. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/05/2025. (pub LG 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #716346
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: An Organized Legacy LLC, 1346 The Alameda, Suite 7, PMB 372, San Jose, CA, 95126. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/01/2025. /s/Michelle Kaelker-Boor. Owner. #B20250101174. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/16/2025. (pub LG 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #716286
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lee’s Parts Supplies, 6469 Almaden Expy, Suite 80-445, San Jose, CA, 95120, Isael Marquez. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Isael Marquez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 05/15/2025. (pub LG 05/28, 06/04, 06/11, 06/18/2025)
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