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vol . 6, no. 6 : october 7-13 , 2026 : losgatan.com

lgsuhsd board meeting p4 : alpr bill of rights? p6 : police blotter p13 : st. mary's country fair p16 Griffin Nagel/ABC

LGHS’ YOUNG WILDCATS SHOW AMPLE IMPROVEMENT Girls water polo squad enjoying a season of growth and renewal

Singer’s blind audition scores 2.6M+ YT views

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Sasha Ryu, Contributor

At various points during the Los Gatos High School girls water polo team’s non-league match against Menlo-Atherton on Oct. 2, the Wildcats’ coach had his hands full—literally. Don Appleton demonstrated the balancing acts of all balancing acts: exhorting his team with instructions while holding his soon-to-be 2-year-old daughter. “There’s times my wife has to work an evening event and we don’t have anyone to watch her,” said Appleton, who is in his 19th season as the LGHS girls water polo coach. “But the girls always do a great job and the parents have been helping out a lot, too.” An inspired Wildcats squad earned a 6-3 win over Menlo-Atherton, their second victory over the Bears in as many tries this season. Freshman sensation Olivia Madsen scored a match-high four goals, Martha Kang had three assists and goalie Anna Doepke recorded eight saves, including two spectacular ones that kept the Bears at bay. “We’re trending up right now,” Appleton said. “The last couple of games we’ve played some teams that were a little more experienced, a little more athletic than we are. But we’re doing a lot of the right things and we’re making the correct mistakes for our level of experience right now.” ➝ Water Polo, 14

GERSON SKIPS COLLEGE GRAD FOR ‘THE VOICE’ AUDITION, WINS OVER CLARKSON In June, instead of attending her college graduation alongside her classmates and friends, Hazel Gerson was in Los Angeles, auditioning for the 30th season of NBC’s “The Voice.” A month earlier, she’d made the bittersweet decision to move out of her house at California Polytechnic State University and give up what she called an “irreplaceable” time of her life for the chance to perform on one of the biggest stages in music. The day after she submitted her 20-page senior thesis, Gerson had her “blind” audition, where the show’s four celebrity coaches would sit with their backs to the stage and judge her based on her voice alone. In order to earn a spot in the competition, Gerson needed at least one judge to hear her voice and decide to spin their chair around to recruit her to their team. ➝ Gerson, 8

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HOMEGROWN TALENT Hazel Gerson won over the first-ever American Idol champion during her audition on NBC’s “The Voice” recently.

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VOL.6 NO.6 Dan Pulcrano Executive Editor & Publisher

EDITORIAL

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LGSUHSD JOINS CANVAS BREACH LAWSUIT, FOOD CO-OP Photos by Sasha Ryu / Los Gatan

Trustees hope to protect District from liability related to spring cyberattacks Sasha Ryu, Contributor

On Oct. 1, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting and voted 4-0 to join a lawsuit against Instructure over a recent data breach of its learning management system, Canvas. Both of the District’s high schools use Canvas for collecting and grading assignments and were affected when cyberattacks shut down the platform this past spring. The District will now be part of Frantz Law Group’s mass tort litigation against Instructure, which staff says will protect LGSUHSD’s legal interests while it seeks damages and other relief for the hack without using the District’s internal resources. Each district involved in the “mass action law suit” will file its own case and get its own offer or result. The firm is working on contingency, so the District will pay nothing up front. Frantz will take 30% of any potential monetary settlement or recovery, down from its usual 40%. The suit comes in response to the hacking group ShinyHunters breaching Instructure's systems on April 25, which Instructure did not discover until April 29, when the hackers sent the company a ransom demand. On May 7, users nationwide were locked out of the platform and shown a message from the hackers, who urged schools to negotiate privately to keep their data from being released before May 12. A day before the hackers’ deadline, Instructure shared that it had paid a ransom, without disclosing the amount. According to Instructure, the hackers returned data from about 275 million users at more than 8,800 institutions and that it received digital confirmation the data was destroyed, though it acknowledged there is “never complete certainty” with cybercriminals. The data included names, email addresses, student ID numbers, course and enrollment information, and user messages. The District said its main concern is future liability. If someone were to open a credit account in a student's name using personal information obtained through the breach, staff said, that could create significant liability for the District. Joining the lawsuit is meant to shift that risk to Instructure.

Food co-op plan

At the meeting, the board also authorized joining the Central Coast Purchasers Cooperative, a group of 22 school districts that buy food and supplies to-

EDUCATORS The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District took action to minimize the potential financial impact of a recent series of cyberattacks by ShinyHunters.

OFFICIALS The board recognized several individuals who have made a positive impact on the learning environment, including teacher Kathy Palma, registrar Jean Hsu and Saratoga High School student Alma Garniek.

gether. LGSUHSD will be its first member from Santa Clara County. By purchasing together, the districts will have greater buying power, which staff says can help to secure better pricing and reduce time spent on procurement. When asked how much money the District would save, staff said they didn’t have an estimate yet, because the previous food service contractor kept few purchasing records. LGSUHSD expects to have figures at the end of the school year. The board approved its 10-item consent calendar without discussion. It included contracts under $50,000, an agreement with The Education Team for temporary staffing and bills from August. August payments totaled about $1.76 million after cancellations, and payroll was about $4.47 million. During the meeting, the board also

certified that every student has sufficient textbooks and instructional materials for 2026-27. Superintendent Heath Rocha announced that the District's English Learner Development Program won a 2026 Golden Bell Award. The board

CORRECTION Last week’s article about the candidates for Los Gatos Town Council, mistakenly stated that Mary Badame had been endorsed by The Mercury News, due to the giant “The Mercury News” logos on her website’s endorsements page. In fact, Badame is not being

honored Saratoga High School senior class president Alma Garniek for being a “bright, compassionate and selfless leader who consistently puts others before herself.” Teacher Kathy Palma and registrar Jean Hsu were also recognized for making positive contributions.

supported by our rival newspaper, as they are not planning on picking favorite candidates in this election. She was highlighting the Alden Global Capital publication’s support of her prior campaigns. When asked if any of the other names on that page were for past, not current, runs, she declined to answer.

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OPINION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WE NEED AN AUTOMATED SURVEILLANCE BILL OF RIGHTS ANOTHER VIEW Los Gatos prides itself on disciplined municipal oversight, with officials highlighting strict data limits and deliberate council approvals for Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) operated by private vendor Flock Safety. Yet behind this polished image lies an administrative breakdown, a lack of binding local ordinances, and weak internal oversight on our streets. My concerns began when an ALPR camera appeared on a utility pole at More Avenue and Kathy Court. Trying to identify who authorized it led to a runaround. Responding police officers had no record of who approved the unit or whether it was permitted. Inquiries to the Town produced conflicting explanations; eventually one staffer told me that Monte Sereno had installed the camera and told me to contact that city. Directing Los Gatos residents to a separate council in which they have no vote raises serious democratic questions. Municipal records show this isn't just an administrative glitch; it exposes a multi-agency governance gap. According to Monte Sereno’s January 2025 Council packet, Monte Sereno approved a contract with Flock Safety for up to 19 cameras, including several inside Los Gatos to form a security perimeter. Records disclosed to date show no Los Gatos Town Council vote specifically approving these Monte Sereno-funded camera locations within Town boundaries. Instead, staff from both municipalities met informally, relying on Flock Safety to apply for permits after the agreement was signed. To date, the Town has not produced the encroachment permit or license agreement that its published procedures appear to require for equipment placed on public property. The funding raises additional questions. Monte Sereno initially budgeted approximately $111,000 for the system and later approved using $71,850 of its annual Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) allocation for installation and implementation. Under California Government Code § 30061(c) (2), a municipal council must appropriate SLESF funds in accordance with a written request from the police chief or chief administrator, using the public-hearing procedure specified in the statute. Because Los Gatos administers the joint police department, residents deserve an accounting of which council approved each expenditure and whether statutory requirements were satisfied. Even if properly permitted, the police policy governing these systems is flawed. Under LGMSPD Policy § 429, officers may search license-plate data for broadly

defined purposes, including “investigative leads.” The US Supreme Court has not yet squarely addressed today’s interconnected ALPR networks—a reason for Los Gatos to adopt stronger local safeguards, not a reason to leave such searches governed by vague internal standards. Residents inspecting these systems encounter a profound double standard. These cameras continuously collect vehicle and location data about law-abiding citizens, yet the Town has not produced basic records establishing whether the cameras themselves were properly authorized. Vendor confidentiality provisions alone do not displace the California Public Records Act. Contracts, permits, installation records, policies and aggregate usage statistics are generally subject to disclosure unless the Town identifies a specific statutory exemption. At its core, this chaos reflects a lack of independent oversight and transparency. Neighboring jurisdictions are recognizing these risks. Santa Cruz terminated its Flock contract, while Santa Clara County prohibited the Sheriff ’s Office from using Flock as a vendor because of concerns about data security and information sharing. Flock now faces a California class action alleging unlawful collection and sharing of driver data; the complaint cites reporting about Los Gatos and other Bay Area deployments. As neighboring jurisdictions reconsider or terminate their relationships with Flock, Los Gatos cannot afford to remain passive. Public safety and constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive. If Los Gatos continues using Flock cameras, the Town Council should adopt a 10-point Bill of Rights for automated surveillance: 1. Limit automated surveillance data access—including ALPR records—to designated sworn investigators conducting active criminal investigations with a case number, or responding to active AMBER or Silver Alerts; bar non-sworn personnel, contractors, and vendors; require warrants for movement reconstruction. 2. Require independent review and oversight of query logs, configurations and access records through continuous auditing, with authority to investigate anomalies and suspected misuse. 3. Prohibit automated, bulk, or routine sharing. Permit case-specific access by California public agencies only for active investigations with a case number; prohibit federal and out-of-state access unless compelled by a court and permitted under California law. 4. Prohibit third-party hardware on Town property without Council

6. 7.

approval and required permits; require Town ownership and control of all data, along with full municipal accountability and liability for data breaches, leaks or system misuse. Establish a seven-day retention limit, except for records formally preserved as evidence in a documented investigation. Require standardized physical signage on every installed camera pole. Prohibit facial recognition, predictive tracking, and behavioral-profiling algorithms.

INSIDE LGARC

*Jak VanNada responds to an Op-Ed by Jeffrey Suzuki. Jeff Suzuki, president of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition and a candidate for Town Council, has published an op-ed entitled “A view inside LGARC’s Rental Assistance Program.” Billed as a response to our questions, it answers just one of seven, and LGARC’s own filing contradicts that answer. The rest, he says, wouldn’t fit in 750 words. Yet he found room for self-praise.

The scorecard: what was asked and answered

As neighboring jurisdictions reconsider or terminate their relationships with Flock, Los Gatos cannot afford to remain passive.

Require public disclosure of contracts, camera locations, governing policies, aggregate usage statistics, sharing relationships, misuse incidents, and annual audit findings. 9. Establish meaningful administrative and civil penalties—and criminal penalties where authorized by law— for intentional surveillance misuse. 10. Pass binding municipal ordinances rather than relying on internal departmental policies. Tom Herbert Los Gatos

*Tom Herbert has more than 25 years of industry experience in artificial intelligence, networking software development and engineering management at companies like Intel, Facebook, Google, Sun Microsystems, NVIDIA and his own startups; he used AI to help him edit and factcheck his writing, but it was edited by a human afterwards.

Who are the directors, and how were they selected? Not answered. How can a resident join, and who decides? Not answered. Has any officer or director been paid? Answer: no. Yet LGARC’s 2023 filing with the Attorney General reports $12,169 in officer compensation. Which is it? Of the $64,500 in Town grants, how much reached Los Gatos renters? Not answered. He offered, “well over $100,000 delivered to more than 110 households across Santa Clara County.” Los Gatos taxpayers funded rental assistance for Los Gatos, not Santa Clara County. Produce the documents each grant agreement requires. Not done. How do the 2023 filing’s receipts, expenses and year-end assets reconcile, and why does it report no government funding? Not answered. Corrected statements, he says, “will be public once processed.” He could release them today, but has not. Where is the conflict-of-interest policy LGARC’s bylaws reference? Not answered. Suzuki calls the work difficult, unceremonious and “not for the faint of heart.” No one doubts it. But hard work is no license for secrecy. An organization that takes public money accepts a higher standard of disclosure. If LGARC won’t meet it, it is free to raise money privately. Suzuki declined to name LGARC’s directors. Pressed at a recent Democracy Tent meet-the-candidates event, he said he isn’t legally required to disclose them. That may be so. But an organization that won’t say who governs it should not receive public money. Available public records note one director: Kylie Clark, then Mayor Rob Moore’s live-in partner and now his fiancée. Almost immediately after LGARC became a 501(c)(3), it began receiving Town grants, a change driven by and voted for by Moore. Coincidence? Vice Mayor Maria Ristow has also pushed its funding, and her campaign ➝ Letter, 10

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SINGING HER HEART OUT ON TV

Gerson, from page 1

CHAIR-TURNING VOICE The world is getting to see the impressive vocal talents of Hazel Gerson, which some locals have known about since she was in elementary school.

was pregnant with me,” Gerson said. “So, I almost think that from listening to her perform, I started getting a voice of my own.” As a baby, before she even knew how to talk, Gerson would hum melodies when she wanted to get her mom’s attention. At age 7, she wrote her first song, entitled “Pink and Purple.” She hasn’t stopped writing since. Gerson released her first single during the pandemic in 2020 and has since put out 11 singles and a four-song EP. At Cal Poly, she fronted a band, The No Shows, for four years. On TikTok and Instagram, Gerson shares more of her voice, posting covers of her favorite songs as well as performances of her original music. She plays guitar, piano and drums, and her musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Olivia Rodrigo as well as her new coach and mentor, Kelly Clarkson. Gerson said she hopes to be the kind of role model for young women that these artists were for her. “I feel like, as people, we have a responsibility to offer something to others,” Gerson said. “I feel like, for me, that’s music.” New episodes of "The Voice" air at 8 p.m. PDT Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC and stream the next day on Peacock. Gerson is expected to appear next in the show's battle rounds, which begin after the blind auditions finish airing. Once the live shows begin, viewers can vote for Gerson or any of their other favorite candidates over text message or on TikTok.

Griffin Nagel/ABC

Gerson had no idea what to expect, so she said she tried not to get her hopes up. Maybe they won't want me, she thought. However, as soon as Gerson started singing, the judges liked what they heard. Moments after Gerson began her rendition of Alex Clare’s “Too Close,” Kelly Clarkson spun her chair. Then, Coach Riley Green followed suit. After giving Gerson’s performance a standing ovation, Clarkson began to compete with Green to recruit Gerson to her team. Both of the coaches jokingly tried to give Gerson their clothes to convince her to take them on as her mentor. Clarkson even went as far as to take the hair extensions off her head and present them to Gerson as another offering. Clarkson told Gerson she was so passionate about becoming her mentor because she wanted to help the 21-year-old grow as a vocalist. “I loved your sound, but what I would love to work on with you is releasing that last level,” Clarkson said. “There's so much more in there. Not only vocally, I mean like your actual spirit. When I was watching you, I was like, just let it out. I just want that lion in there.” Gerson, a Clarkson fan since she was 3 years old, said the coach’s challenge made her feel seen. “I’m really bad with decisions but this is an easy one,” Gerson said to the judges. Then, she told them she was choosing Team Kelly. Since Gerson’s performance aired in September, the video of her blind audition has already been viewed over 2.6 million times on YouTube alone. For thousands of people, this was their introduction to Gerson, but many people in Los Gatos have known about the singer’s musical talent since she was in elementary school. Gerson’s path to the stage began in thirdgrade, when she performed at her first school talent show. She sang behind a cardboard box with puppets because she said she was too afraid of people watching her perform — a fear she later learned to overcome. "As I grew older, I just kept wanting to be on stage, even though it terrified me," she said. Music runs in Gerson’s family. Her sisters also sing, her father runs an independent record label and her mother is an artist and vocal coach. “My mom would play shows when she

BIG POTENTIAL Gerson learned to overcome her fear of being on stage. During a taping of “The Voice,” Kelly Clarkson said she’d love the chance to help her take things to the next level.

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VIEWS Town Council candidates shared their proposals for Los Gatos’ future during a digital forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Southwest Santa Clara Valley.

COUNCIL CANDIDATES SPEAK THEIR MINDS DURING ONLINE FORUM Housing, traffic issues dominate nonpartisan political event Tyler Brunner, Contributor

Housing policy dominated a Thursday night forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. Five of Los Gatos’ Town Council candidates participated (Mary Badame was unable to attend). The moderator posed questions to the candidates that covered topics ranging from traffic and capital projects to police expansion and automatic-license-plate-reading cameras. But it was “housing” that was in contention for most widely used noun of the night. Candidates voiced frustration with the Town’s failure to provide a substantially compliant Housing Element to the State by its Jan. 31, 2023, deadline. The Town did not receive state certification until July 10, 2024, as a result. “Our town is outraged. They’re pissed about this,” Heidi Owens said, adding this was her biggest takeaway from doorknocking and other conversations with residents. As a result of the missed deadline, “fifteen Builder’s Remedy projects were submitted...Many high-rise, many high-density, and 10 are still in process,” Planning Commissioner Rob Stump lamented. “Missing a deadline doesn’t stop growth,” Stump said, “but it just takes away our residents’ voices.” Stump pledged that, if elected, “we will never miss another State certification deadline again or a Housing Element (deadline).” Stump then outlined a four-step plan: hire a specialized housing and land-use firm early, establish a public timeline and submit ahead of

the deadline, involve residents through workshops, surveys and town halls, and coordinate continuously with the State to address objections early. The candidates largely agreed on how the Town should approach future Housing Element submissions. All five agreed on the need to start the submission process much earlier, hire consultants and work closely with State officials to address objections as they crop up. Jeff Suzuki proposed forming a representative body of residents and restoring the Housing Element Advisory Board. Steve Raspe suggested establishing a single point of contact to collect and streamline community input. Every candidate emphasized the importance of this sort of outreach to residents. Mayor Rob Moore said he sees the loss of local control as “the worst possible situation.” Though housing dominated discussions, it did not rule the night entirely. Traffic concerns were also a hot topic. The forum’s moderator asked multiple questions that were, in one form or another, related to concerns around traffic. One focused on major capital projects the town is considering. The three projects referenced included a new police building, a Town Hall renovation and the Highway 17 Corridor Congestion Relief Project. All five candidates identified the Highway 17 Corridor Congestion Relief Project as a priority. “I would also prioritize the Highway 17/Highway 9 congestion relief project,” Rob Moore said. “It has the potential to significantly reduce beach traffic...It would also reconfigure the most dangerous interchange in Los Gatos…(and) 90% of the funding for that project would come from VTA.”

Suzuki, who has served on Los Gatos’ Complete Streets and Transportation Commission and the Beach Traffic Ad Hoc Committee, also said the highway project was the most important of the three major projects. But Suzuki’s reasoning differed from the others. “This won’t necessarily solve beach traffic,” he said. For Suzuki, the importance of the interchange project has more to do with modernization and safety. He said the current design is outdated and does not accommodate the volume of traffic it could. Suzuki also raised the possibility for enhanced public safety and opportunities to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Owens argued that changes at the federal level could create additional grant opportunities for the projects. She therefore said she did not see a need to rank the three projects and believed all three could realistically move forward. Stump raised concerns around the project's potential impact and its cost. While he did say he sees the Highway 17/Highway 9 project as the highest priority among the three projects being considered, Stump questioned the possible impacts. He said he had not seen enough verifiable data to say the project would have a significant impact and raised concerns that the municipality could be responsible for up to 20% of project costs. He said covering the Town’s share could potentially require additional revenue. Stump questioned how much Los Gatos residents should be expected to pay for a traffic problem caused by drivers from many locales, not just Los Gatos. “Los Gatos just happens to be in the way of Santa Cruz,” he said. “This is not a problem that we brought on ourselves, and yet we’re being asked to spend significantly to do this.” Candidates shared their thoughts about the pros and cons of expanding the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department to include Saratoga. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce will host a nonpartisan Town Council Candidate Forum today at CineLux Los Gatos Theatre, from 6-8pm. The moderated forum will focus on Town budget and fiscal priorities, housing and development, and business and economic vitality, and it will be followed by an audience Q&A. “Town Council decisions have a direct impact on the business environment and the broader Los Gatos community,” said Jennifer Lin, CEO of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, in a release. “This forum provides an opportunity for the community to hear directly from the candidates about the issues shaping Los Gatos and to learn more about their perspectives ahead of the November election.” The forum will be moderated by Nicholas Welzenbach of Darling & Fischer Los Gatos Memorial Park, who’s also president of the Chamber’s board of directors. Attendees were given the chance to submit questions during registration that could be asked by Welzenbach during the Q&A at the end of the forum.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS Letter, from page 6 website lists LGARC as an endorser. Neither disclosed these ties when voting to fund the organization, and Moore did not recuse himself from debate or voting. In a December 2020 post to LGARC’s private Facebook group titled “We need applicants for commission seats!”, Suzuki wrote that a Finance Commission of former CFOs was, “likely just going to be old white men attempting to apply business practices to government,” adding, “Luckily, we aren’t going down that route.” The president of an anti-racism coalition, recruiting members for Town commissions, told them who should be kept off: older residents, white residents, men. The message is plain. We don’t want you. You don’t further our agenda. Don’t bother applying. Swap in any other age, race and gender, and no one in Los Gatos would hesitate to call it what it is. The same post states the goal: getting LGARC members into Town government “to further our influence.” In FY 2026, LGARC’s Town-funded rental assistance reached six households. The closer we look, the more we wonder whether this is a charity or a political group with a small rental assistance program as its credential. It also duplicates rental assistance the Town already buys from West Valley Community Services under a five-year contract. Funding both, with this many questions unanswered, makes no sense. This is public money, and LGARC’s president does not say how much of it reached Los Gatos renters. Its grant agreements required invoices, receipts, cancelled checks and bank statements with each annual report. The Town received none. LGARC later produced heavily redacted bank statements showing money going out, and nothing showing the payments were legitimate. That is hard to square with the comment by the Town’s grant administrator that LGARC’s documents were “a good example of reporting.” The Town is reviewing the grant program’s internal controls; we are eager for the results. But a program review is not an audit. The Town should commission an independent audit tracing every Town dollar paid to LGARC to the renter it was meant to help and publish the results. Voters deserve to know where the money went before Nov. 3. And if Suzuki is elected, he will appoint a member of the Finance Commission. Old white men need not apply. He has already said so. Jak VanNada

Los Gatos Community Alliance

*Letters are edited for length and clarity.

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PETE Ad BEYOND THE INSURANCE HANDCUFFS: GUEST VIEW

WHAT ‘DIRECT CARE’ IS ALL ABOUT Renee Young explains what patients can gain, what they pay, and when direct care isn't the right fit Renee Young, Contributor

As a naturopathic doctor—since 2002, and in Los Gatos since 2004—I have always operated outside traditional insurance models, avoiding chaining my practice to a "sick care" Young system that treats preventive wellness as unnecessary. I love medicine, and I deeply care for my patients. When insurance only kicks in after you are already sick, how is our community supposed to thrive? Choosing a direct-care model initially made me an outlier in the South Bay. Today, more practices are breaking free from insurance handcuffs to offer patients the uncompromised care they truly deserve. Direct care restructures payment around a fundamental commitment to put your health first. In an insurance-based practice, the insurance company is the true customer, not you. It dictates what gets covered, limits what the doctor receives and effectively controls how much time you get. The entire system rewards rapid turnover. Dedicated clinicians struggle within a high-volume assembly line that inevitably reduces complex human beings to 15-minute time slots and standardized billing codes. You know what that visit feels like: You describe six months of feeling off, a standard panel comes back, and you are told your numbers are normal for your age. Quick chat, “Good luck,” and, “See you next year.” Providers are not walking away from insurance for financial gain. We leave because we entered medicine to solve health puzzles and genuinely transform lives. But the traditional system penalizes us for taking the time it takes to do so. When a visit is priced by a restricted code rather than patient need, a doctor spending forty minutes untangling a complex health issue falls behind. Add the relentless battle of prior authorizations, claim denials and arguing with insurance adjusters who have never set foot in the room, and the verdict is clear: the insurance company has no business standing between you and your care. Cutting those ties is how we reclaim our focus for the patient.

Patients follow for a simpler reason. They are tired of being fine on paper. They have done the annual physical, the standard panel and the referral loop, and they still wake up feeling off. What they want is a doctor who will hear the whole story, take it seriously, and stay on it until something changes. They have worked out that the extra time is not a perk. It is the part that was missing.

What you buy

In direct care, you are the priority. Without an insurance intermediary dictating terms, we have the freedom to design a strategy tailored specifically to your longevity, wellness and root-cause healing. At our Los Gatos wellness center, initial visits run closer to an hour than a quick quarter-hour, dedicated almost entirely to hearing your full story. We map out a proactive plan built for your body, not a restricted list of covered codes, so that your health goals determine the care you receive. The relationship keeps going, too. Follow-up is not a separate billable event that has to earn its place. We can take our time, making sure questions are answered, concerns are eased and the patient feels in control of their health. Direct care is not cheaper: anyone who tells you that has something to sell. You pay up front. If you have a PPO, you get an itemized receipt, called a superbill, and you submit it for whatever out-ofnetwork reimbursement your plan allows. If you have an HMO, plan on very little coming back. And it is not for everyone. If you are healthy (and feel healthy) and a yearly check is all you need, an in-network doctor may serve you well for less. The people it is built for have usually been through the system already. Three specialists, a dozen visits, a binder of results, and still no answer. Or they have simply had enough of being told they are fine while they feel terrible. For them, the extra hour is worth the additional investment to finally get to the answers they have been searching for. Renee Young, NMD, is the founder of Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, which has been caring for Los Gatos patients since 2004. She was one of the first Naturopathic Doctors licensed in California. Young specializes in HRT, functional medicine, and longevity.

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A RESTART IS NOT A REPAIR How a few minutes of careful observation can help prevent a wrong move, repeat failure, unnecessary expense By Ruslan Kr ay nov

When equipment fails and then starts working again a few minutes later, there is a very tempting thought: “Maybe it fixed itself.” But those intermittent failures can become some of the most expensive. That’s not necessarily because an expensive component has failed, but rather, because the most valuable thing disappears: information about what was happening at the moment of failure. Sometimes all you need to do is take a photograph, note the time the problem occurred, and make one accurate observation about what the machine was doing right before it stopped. A recent problem involving an industrial dough-processing machine shows how quickly a small mechanical issue can become a production problem. One edge of a long conveyor belt was badly damaged, along with part of the adjustment mechanism. For a production bakery, that is not a cosmetic defect. Without a reliable belt, an important piece of production equipment can effectively be taken out of service. The obvious conclusion is easy: The belt is damaged, so replace the belt. But that is only half of the job. The more important question is, Why was the belt damaged in the first place? Among the things that should be checked are belt tracking, roller alignment, tension, bearings and whether the belt is contacting part of the machine structure. If a new belt is installed without correcting the underlying cause, the replacement may gradually track to one side and begin damaging itself along the edge all over again. A deviation of only a few millimeters, barely noticeable at first, can eventually become a production shutdown—and a repair costing thousands of dollars. So a useful question during almost any repair is: “Are we correcting the cause, or only replacing what was already damaged?” Another case looked completely different. A coffee machine worked normally for about a month after installation. Then, its drainage became progressively worse until the machine could barely discharge water. The natural suspicion would be that it was an

CLOSE-UP Photo shows the belt edge and adjustment/tracking area considered during the root-cause inspection for the bakery case described in the article.

internal problem: a drain pump, valve, sensor or control system. But the problem was actually outside the machine. The drain hose had been installed almost horizontally. The wastewater was supposed to leave primarily by gravity, but a long section without sufficient downward slope gradually retained water and residue. Small amounts initially passed through. Over time, resistance increased until what had appeared to be a perfectly functional installation became a genuine drainage problem. Another case involved a commercial refrigerator in an office. The evaporator gradually accumulated a heavy layer of ice. Eventually water would appear. The refrigerator had been defrosted, inspected and repaired more than once, yet the problem kept returning. Looking only at the refrigerator, it was reasonable to suspect the automatic defrost system. But there

was an important operating condition: the refrigerator door was being opened very frequently. Every door opening brings warmer, moisture-laden air into the cabinet. When that air reaches the cold evaporator, moisture condenses and freezes on its surface. The more frequently the refrigerator is opened, the more ice the defrost system has to remove. In this case, the system was not necessarily broken. It had simply been configured for one operating pattern, while the refrigerator was actually being used in another. The normal defrost cycles were no longer sufficient to remove all of the accumulated ice. After the other components were checked, the solution was much simpler than replacing another major part: the controller was adjusted so defrost occurred more frequently and lasted long enough to remove the accumulated ice.

We are used to making data-driven decisions in almost every other area. Yet the operating history of physical equipment often exists only in the memory of whoever happened to be standing nearby when it failed. When that person leaves the jobsite, much of the information leaves, too. Connected equipment is gradually changing that. Some systems can already retain fault events, defrost history, parameter changes and other details. But it’s important to remember that having the information is not the same thing as using it. Ruslan Kraynov owns KONGRA LLC, an independent appliance and equipment repair business serving the Bay Area: kongra.org. He used ChatGPT 5.6 Sol as an editorial and research assistant to help write this story, which is based on real unlying cases.

POLICE BLOTTER

SEPT. 27 •

A repeat offender was arrested on a misdemeanor after a caller reported them about to steal items from Safeway on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 10:21pm.

•

A caller reported a suspicious person reportedly trying to hitch-hike on Blossom Hill road at 10:53pm.

SEPT. 28 •

A mailbox was reportedly pried open and the caller’s mail was gone on Milbrae Lane at 7:35am.

•

Packages from the mailroom of Aventino Apartments on Winchester Circle were reportedly stolen at 12:40am.

•

A caller reported a package stolen Sept. 23 at Live Oak Apartments on Blossom Hill Road at 3:14pm.

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Someone reportedly stole cash, the vehicle’s records and insurance card from the caller’s locked vehicle on Blossom Villa Way at 5:52pm.

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Someone reportedly stole two bicycles that were locked on to the bike rack of the caller’s vehicle at 6:27pm.

SEPT. 29

neson Loop, removing screens and damaging a basket, at 7:29am. •

A caller reported a woman who has continued to feed feral cats on Los Gatos Boulevard after signage indicating they shouldn’t be fed has been put up at 9:14am.

•

No one was injured after a vehicle driver and an e-biker collided on Los Gatos Boulevard at 4:35pm.

•

A caller reported a shirtless male pretending to be a lion in the middle of Royce Street and North Santa Cruz Avenue at 6:22pm.

OCT. 2 •

A caller reported they saw two subjects throw something into the trunk of a vehicle and speed away o n A l m e n d ra Ave n u e at 4:03pm.

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A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle overnight on San Benito Avenue at 7:19am.

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A caller reported a woman feeding feral cats on Los Gatos Boulevard at 9:19am.

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A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle overnight on Milani Court at 11:22am.

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Officers issued a misdemeanor arrest after a driver reportedly ran their vehicle into a tree at 2:26am.

Subjects reportedly attempted to steal a catalytic converter on Pollard Road at 1:44pm.

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Subjects reportedly rummaged through the caller’s unlocked vehicle and lost two football playing cards on Clearview Drive at 8:11am.

A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle overnight at Campo Di Bocce on University Avenue at 2:12pm.

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A residence was reportedly burglarized on Tait Avenue at 5:22pm.

SEPT. 30 •

Two bicycles valued approximately $6,500 were reported stolen overnight from a shed at Bonnie View Mobile Home Park on Oka Road at 7:27am.

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A caller reported a subject living in a vehicle for two nights at Balzer Field on Belle Vista Avenue at 8:48am.

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A caller reported that a man pushed them to the ground Sept. 25 after an altercation, kicked them and broke their ribs at Balzer Field on Miles Avenue at 9:22pm.

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A caller’s cousin reportedly drove into a town sign that read “Speed Bump Ahead” on Belwood Court at 10:52am.

OCT. 1 •

Subjects reportedly tried to get into the caller’s residence on Mag-

OCT. 3 •

Watermelons were reportedly thrown on the caller’s vehicle and driveway causing damage on Quail Hill Road at 10:54am.

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A caller reported that a vehicle drove towards protestors and swerved at the last minute on Los Gatos Boulevard at 11:26am.

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A catalytic converter was reported taken overnight on Oak Rim Way at 11:37am.

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Pieces of metal were reportedly scattered at Grandview Avenue and Saratoga Los Gatos Road at 12:01pm.

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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TEAMWORK The Los Gatos High School girls water polo team does one of its pregame routines before its Sept. 17 match against Wilcox.

HARD WORK IN THE POOL PAYING OFF

Water Polo, from page 1

Los Gatos (6-8 overall, 3-4 SCVAL De Anza) had its greatest three-year stretch in program history from 2021-2023, going 76-9 in that span and making three Central Coast Section Open Division playoff appearances. Even though Appleton thoroughly enjoyed coaching that premier group, he’s been equally joyful, if not more, coaching this year’s team. “The personalities on this team are a lot of fun,” he said. “They all work hard, they're very coachable and I’m having fun. I’ve coached some of the most experienced teams around, and even if it’s the most experienced team and you’re winning games, it still might not be a great season for everybody because the kids

aren’t enjoying it as much. These kids are really enjoying it everyday.” Of course, having his 2-year-old daughter around has made the experience unforgettable. “The girls wish she was at every game because they love her and she loves being with the girls,” Appleton said. “I’m loving it. I love it that the girls love her; and I love that she loves coming to the pool. She’s at a lot of games, and she’s at some practices; and we can’t keep her out of the water. She just wants to hop in so bad. Today, I even had to dip her in the water just to pacify her a little bit.” Madsen is the younger sister of Ryan Madsen (Class of 2026), who was a fouryear standout on the boys water polo team. It’s no surprise then that Olivia is making her own mark on the girls team. “Olivia has been a huge impact player and is a blast to have in the pool,” Appleton said. “All she wants to do is work, listen, score goals and motivate her team. There’s no stopping her.” Madsen and her teammates have developed a chemistry in the pool that shows on game day. “Olivia pairs up and gets along well with older players on the team,” Appleton said. “That really allows her to be

ON IT Wildcats goalie Anna Doepke makes a save during their 13-7 SCVAL De Anza Division loss to Wilcox on Sept. 17.

comfortable to take chances when she’s playing, instead of worrying about someone being upset with something that she’s doing. Throughout the season she’s proved that when she’s taking chances, she’s scoring goals.” Seniors Rhiannon McColley and Dan-

ielle Doepke—twin sister of Anna—had the other Los Gatos goals. “Rhiannon is playing some really good water polo, some really mature water polo,” Appleton said. “But the best part is that the kid is nothing but smiles. Whether we’re up by 10 or down by 10, she’s

working her (butt) off and just enjoying playing ball with her friends. That’s the kind of stuff I really like on the team.” The Doepke sisters have been key to the team’s season. Anna made a huge save on a M-A breakaway midway through the third quarter, preserving a 4-2 lead. “This is probably one of Anna’s best games of the year,” Appleton said. “We already told her we were putting pressure on her to be handling shots from outside the strike zone. We were letting Anna know where the shots were going to be coming from and kind of put it on her to make the save and she did. She is getting way more comfortable playing out of the goal, which is why her stats for steals is going way up for every game. That’s something we’re going to need for this team because we don’t have a lot of bodies.” Meanwhile, sister Danielle has also made an impact in a variety of ways. “Dani is doing a lot more work at center than she’s had (to do) in the past,” Appleton said. “She’s taking on a new role, and we’re moving past the growing pains of learning a new position. She, along with the rest of the team, (is) turning the corner.” Kang, who is one of four sophomores on the team, has been impactful both offensively and defensively. As one of the few players on the squad who plays club water polo year-round, Kang brings certain intangibles that have proven invaluable. “I was telling her she was going to have to take a much bigger role on the team this year, because we’ve graduated a lot of seniors over the past two years,” Appleton said. “From the first game, she stepped up real big. She’s a goal-scorer, and her attitude is 100% different from last year: head down, busting her (butt), getting up and down the pool. She’s playing way better defense this season, and that was going to be a big piece for us, because we’re young and we did lose one of our starters (Maddy Choi) to injury.” Speaking of defense, senior Anna Roos provided one of the most impressive plays in the match, blocking a shot from ever reaching her goalie. With her arm raised, Roos knocked down a hard shot from an M-A player midway through the second period. Sophomore Evie Lin also drew praise from Appleton for playing tough defense. “Evie had one of the most defensively sound games of her career today,” Appleton said. “It was more than two steps above her normal level of play. So, today was a really good day.” As the season progresses, Appleton is looking for the players to start finishing at a higher rate. “Right now the biggest thing is just being able to put the ball into the back of the net,” he said. “You can teach 99% of the game, and we’re there. We’re doing the right things defensively, we’re doing the right things offensively, and now it’s just about finishing and that comes with experience. So, we’ll get there.”

octobe otobe r 7- 13, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

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octob e r 7-13, 2 026 : losgata n.co m Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

LOS GATOS BALLET, KIDZONE MAKE ST. MARY’S COUNTRY FAIR MEMORABLE Heat did not deter dancing at school and parish fundraiser Dinah Cotton, Contributor

The annual St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School and the adjacent parish held their three-day Country Fair fundraiser in the sweltering heat this weekend. If you were in town, you know how it can bake in the downtown areas. The Hydration Station was busy with young and old hydrating. The rides, live music, kidzone, bingo, food and drink gave the place a small-town feel. In the canopied area, many sat in the shade munching on carnival-style eats. Ali Garfield was with daughter Winnie in the kidzone. Winnie was having her face painted at “Angie's Paintbrush.” I asked Ali what she liked about having her daughter Winnie at her second year of TK at St. Mary. She said, “I like the community outside of home where the older classes look out for the younger ones. We were seeking ‘a vibe,’ and we found it here.”

First TK-to-graduation class

Los Gatos Ballet performs

On Sunday afternoon, the Los Gatos Ballet performed several numbers on the shaded stage. Was it too early and too hot to think about “the Nutcracker”? Not for these dancers. After a Romani-style dance with tambourines, three “Nutcracker” pieces were performed. Note, “the Nutcracker” will be performed at the McAfee Center in Saratoga, Nov. 21-22. Tickets can be found at LosGatosBallet.org.

What a community

It looks like St. Mary of the Immacu-

MOMENT TO SHINE Local ballerinas are looking forward to the big “Nutcracker” performance in Saratoga at the end of November. late Conception School has what we all seek—community. The event was coordinated by the 2026 Fair chairs, Christie Boskovich and Tee Coletti Kaiser, with the help of many volunteers and the St. Vincent de Paul volunteer organization. The school’s “Cougar Connection” year-in-review brochure states, “together, we continue to build a community that inspires, supports and strengthens one another, today and for future generations to come.” What was Mother Nature thinking sending temperatures soaring during the Country Fair? Thankfully, the peaking mercury didn’t get in the way of some great family fun.

Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan

At the school this year, a milestone was celebrated and a tradition introduced: the first TK class was old enough to graduate. The students were presented with a keepsake pin along with a certificate. These pins were presented by the TK teacher Mrs. Deane, to commemorate their ten years as a “cougar.” They represent much more than the passage of time. They symbolize friendship, faith, perseverance and the unique interplay between home and school. These graduates have started what many hope become a cherished St. Mary’s tradition.

ARTISTIC Dancers entertained the crowd during elevated temperatures at the popular three-day event.

Ad MORNING ALONG THE WATER

OBITUARIES

GUEST VIEW

Community, endurance and an eagle-eye view Jeffrey P. Blum, Contributor

There is something quiet and restorative about early morning in Los Gatos before the town fully stirs. The air bites, the blue sky stretches uninterrupted and the green ridgelines of the Santa Cruz Mountains stand in the distance. On Sept. 26, that scenic backdrop framed the 48th annual Great Race. Stationed along the course where the water mirrored the daylight, I joined fellow Rotarian Clayton Smith and numerous other Rotary Club of Los Gatos volunteers for a morning of running race duty. Our official post was straightforward: gently guiding non-race pedestrians, ambitious weekend cyclists and casual dog walkers away from the registered runners navigating the trail. Holding that line gave Clayton and me ample opportunity to talk, swap stories and share in the camaraderie that makes civic volunteerism so rewarding. Directing traffic along a bustling corridor requires a balance of firm signaling and good neighborliness and sharing the task with a fellow Rotarian made the morning fly by. From an organizer’s standpoint, the event was a roaring success. By the time tallies were compiled on the eve of the run, roughly 425 participants had signed up to lace up their shoes. That impressive turnout did not happen by chance. It was the direct result of dedicated Rotary members spending weeks papering shop windows, hanging banners and spreading the word across every corner of town. Seeing that sea of numbered bibs surge past our post made every hour of advanced legwork worthwhile. Yet the day held an unexpected gift. As the final waves passed and Clayton and I made our way back toward the starting and finishing pavilion, someone stopped and pointed up into the tree canopy near the shoreline. There, perched regally against the morning light, sat a bald eagle. Ducks squawked and paddled in the water below, indifferent to the eagle, but the runners and volunteers who noticed stood in awe. It is one thing to appreciate local geography on paper; it is quite another to look up and see an American bald eagle calmly observing our smalltown road race. The moment felt like an exclamation mark on everything that makes living here distinct: nature and civic life sharing the exact same ground. The scene also got me thinking about

octobe otobe r 7- 13, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

paddled in the water below, indifferent to the eagle. physical effort, aging, and the quiet passage of time. Just a few days prior to the race, I had driven up Alma Bridge Road to put in some trail miles, hiking the steep grades that wrap around the hills. From one crest, I paused to look down at the dense line of weekend traffic crawling along Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz, grateful to be walking rather than sitting in bumper-to-bumper gridlock. My gratitude, however, was quickly tested by the terrain. As I huffed and puffed my way up one incline after another, an unexpected figure appeared at the crest: a man descending briskly on a single wheel. A unicyclist, navigating through loose dirt. He offered a cheerful wave as he rolled past, leaving me convinced he was either exceptionally brave or completely unhinged. A moment later, a group of young, remarkably fit runners darted past me, bounding downhill over exposed tree roots, loose gravel and abrupt switchbacks at rapid speed. I watched their ankles flex, and their strides lengthen without a hint of hesitation. Did I ever move down a trail with that kind of reckless, effortless confidence back in my own running days? If so, the memory has faded into the pleasant mist of another era. At our stage of life, pace inevitably changes. The unicycles and downhill sprints belong to others now, and there is no shame in taking the hills one very slow and measured step at a time. What matters is staying on the trail, whether that means climbing the ridge above the reservoir on a quiet afternoon or standing at a course split on a Saturday morning, waving a helping hand, while standing alongside a friend to cheer on our neighbors. Between the camaraderie of 425 or more runners, the good humor of volunteer duty, the unicyclist defying gravity and that majestic bald eagle perched quietly above the water, the week served as a fine reminder. Los Gatos may grow and shift with the years, but its natural beauty and community spirit remain as steady as the surrounding hills.

LifeTributes@ Weeklys.com

Ducks squawked and

PQ -

ongtime Los Gatos resident Marshall Jay Burak, the former dean of San Jose State University’s business school, died September 29, 2026 at the age of 90. Burak headed San Jose State University’s business school for 18 years, where expanded the M.B.A. program and led a successful campaign to modernize its facilities. He was born in Los Angeles and attended the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1958 and subsequently his Masters of Business Administration. He married Marlene Leve in 1959, and they had three children together: Melissa (Ken) Toren, Matthew (Lainie) Burak and Mallorie (Mark) Davis. After retiring from San Jose State University, Dr. Burak served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer for Lincoln University. He was active in community affairs and was a member of the 2023 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury.

Ducks squawked and paddled in the water below, indifferent to the eagle.

Dr. Marshall J. Burak August 19, 1936 — September 29, 2026

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

File Fictitious Business Name paperwork with the clerk of the county

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

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

octob e r 7-13, 2 026 : losgata n.co m

PUBLIC NOTICES Administer Estate NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: Fred N. Sahadi a/k/a Fred Sahadi a/k/a Fred Najeeb Sahadi

Los Gatan, 380 S 1ST Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Date: September 11, 2026 by /s/ Daniel T. Nishigaya /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Electronically Filed by Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Clara, on August 21, 2026, 7:19pm. Reviewed By: K. Ngo Env. #24912544, Case #26CV503086. (Pub LGN: 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07/2026)

CASE NO. 26PR203148 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): FRED N. SAHADI A/K/A FRED SAHADI A/K/A FRED NAJEEB SAHADI A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by STEPHEN BARRETT SAHADI in the Superior Court of California, County of SANTA CLARA. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that STEPHEN BARRETT SAHADI be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 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 on 10/22/2026, at 9:01AM. in Dept 2, at Room N/A located at 191 N. FIRST STREET, SAN JOSE, CA 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 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: EMILY A. FOEHR; KYLA J. HALE. VENABLE LLP, 101 CALIFORNIA STREET, SUITE 3800, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94111 Telephone: 415-653-3750 (PUB LGN 9/23, 9/30, 10/7)

Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 26CV503086. Notice of Petition of Hwijong Kim, Eunjung Oh, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Hwijong Kim, Eunjung Oh filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Geonyul Kim to Proposed name: Adrian Geonyul Kim, Present name: b. Seon Yul Kim to Proposed name: Robert Seonyul Kim.

Fictitious Business Name Statements File Number: FBN729742. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. FIKA EVENT CO, 2. FIKA CHARM BAR, 3. FIKA PHOTO BOOTH CO., 2566 Los Coches Ave, San Jose, CA 95128. This business is conducted by: An Individual, ADINA CIRAOLO, 2566 Los Coches Ave, San Jose, CA 95128. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/14/2022 and 08/24/2026 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. /s/ Adina Ciraolo /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/09, 09/16, 09/23, 09/30/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #730102 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. El Chamoy Mela Rosa, 2. Rosa Mela, 699 Norte Shoreline Blv Apt # C505, Mountain View, CA 94043, Jorge Carrillo Villasenor. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 05/06/2026. /s/ Jorge Carrillo Villasenor. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/04/2026. (pub LG 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07/2026) File Number: FBN729268. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Nur Support Services, 6469 Almaden Expressway Ste 80 Unit #683, San Jose, CA 95120. This business is conducted by: An Individual, ESRA NUR ALTUN, 6469 Almaden Expressway Ste 80 Unit #683, San Jose, CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 08/07/2026 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. /s/ Esra Nur Altun /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #730182 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BreakThrough Hillside Home, 410 Farallon Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, MS Living, 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/Marco Sotto. Owner. B20250328339. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/09/2026. (pub LG 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07/2026) File Number: FBN730097. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. KIT & SIS, 2. KATE & SIS, 15351 Via Palomino, Monte Sereno, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, AG SISTERS, LLC, 15351 Via Palomino, Monte Sereno, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/04/2026 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. AG SISTERS, LLC, Article/Reg # 202018810265, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Madeline Pollock /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07/2026)

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #729991 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Nova Haven Products, 2. Westland Building Supply, 3. Central Coast Construction Supply, 2010 El Camino Real, #1293, Santa Clara, CA 95050, Prime Construction Supply 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/Chonggao Xu. CEO. B20260348563. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/01/2026. (pub LG 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/14/2026)

Notice of Hearing: Date: November 17, 2026. Time: 8:45am, 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:

File Number: FBN730310. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. SOUTH BAY REAL ESTATE GROUP, 1900 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Ron J Bonhagen, 1900 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious

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business name or names listed above on 06/14/2009 and 09/14/2026 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. /s/ Ron J Bonhagen /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/14/2026) File Number: File Number: FBN730314. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Inspired Path, 6096 Calle de Amor, San Jose, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: An Individual, KIRSTEN McGLYNN, 6096 Calle de Amor, San Jose, CA 95124. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/14/2026 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. /s/ Kirsten McGlynn /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/14/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #730316 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Layers Of Self, 20688 4th Street, Suite #1, Saratoga, CA 95070, Meenal Chaudhari. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/13/2016. /s/ Meenal Chaudhari. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/14/2026. (pub LG 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/14/2026)

Tokay Way, San Jose, CA, 95148, Debra C Avelar-Castenada. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 02/01/2026. /s/Debra Avelar-Castenada. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/25/2026. (pub LG 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #730614 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Viam General, 2189 Monterey Road, Suite 260, San Jose, CA 95125, Tech Bay General. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. 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/ Steven Chien Tran. CEO. B20260213559. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/23/2026. (pub LG 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026) File Number: FBN729835. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. I AND I EC, 300 Union Ave Apt. 3, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, JAMES RICHARD PETERS II, 300 Union Ave Apt. 3, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/26/2026 and 08/26/2026 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/ James R Peters II /s/ (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

Two Easy Steps To Keeping Your Business Name Up To Date

File Number: FBN730123. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. TERA CANDLES, 2. TERA CANDLES BOUTIQUE, 2240 Angela Ct, Apt 7, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, ARACELI R CONSTANZA, 2240 Angela Ct, Apt 7, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/11/2025 and 09/04/2026 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/ Araceli R Constanza /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/14/2026) File Number: FBN730406. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. DashMed Consulting, 4063 Valerie Drive, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, CONOR HENEGHAN, 4063 Valerie Drive, Campbell, CA 95008, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/16/2026 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/ Conor Heneghan /s/. (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #730412 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Aru Air Care, 385 River Oaks Parkway, #2008, San Jose, CA 95134, Berd Plumbing 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/Almazbek Shamsharbek Uulu. Manager. 202359913979. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/16/2026. (pub LG 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

File Number: FBN730391. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Zavanche, 2144 Bello Ave., San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Richard Rizio, 2144 Bello Ave., San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/26/2026 and 09/16/2026 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. /s/ Richard Rizio /s/ (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

File Fictitious Business Name paperwork with the clerk of the county

File Number: FBN729532. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. THE EVEREST KITCHEN, 520 Lawrence Expy #310, Sunnyvale, CA 94085. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, HIMALAYAN SAFFRON CUSINE INC, 1627 Sunnyvale Saratoga Road, Sunnyvale, VS 94087. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/17/2026 and 08/17/2026 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. HIMALAYAN SAFFRON CUSINE INC, Article/Reg # B20260106756, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ PRAKASH BAN /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

File Number: FBN730311. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. IM B TRADING, 910 South 6th St., San Jose, CA 95112. This business is conducted by: An Individual, IXTA MAYA BAUTISTA, 910 South 6th St., San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/14/2026 and 09/14/2026 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/ Ixta Maya Bautista /s/ (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

File Number: FBN730590. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Oleg Leather Repair, 575 W Hacienda Ave Apt 210, Campbell CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Oleg Kurasov, 575 W Hacienda Ave Apt 210, Campbell CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/15/2026 and 09/22/2026 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/ Oleg Kurasov /s/ (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

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

File Number: FBN730473. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. LYD LAW, 97 E Brokaw Rd Ste 320, San Jose, CA 95112. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, LYD LAW, 97 E Brokaw Rd Ste 320, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/06/2015 and 09/18/2026 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. LYD LAW, Article/Reg # 4014993, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Yuandi Li /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

File Number: FBN730721. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. TOJOPHOTO, 14525 Deer Park Court, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, THOMAS JORDAN, 14525 Deer Park Court, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/28/2026 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/ Thomas Jordan /s/. (Pub LGN: 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28/2026)

Note: If you filed your fictitious business name more than five years ago, you must file a renewal and#729780 re-publish FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s)to is (are) doing business as: 1. remain compliant. Florecer Arts Company, 2. Florecer Dance Studios, 3454

octobe r 7- 13, 2 0 2 6 : los gatan.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

legals@losgatan.com

File Number: FBN730683. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. WILD PEACE COUNSELING, 15732 Los Gatos Blvd 3072, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, MICHAELA SUE LUCK, 15732 Los Gatos Blvd 3072, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/25/2026 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/ Michaela Luck /s/ (Pub LGN: 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28/2026)

File Number: FBN730700. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD PUBLISHING, 20289 Stevens Creek Blvd #1232, Cupertino, CA 95014. This business is conducted by: An Individual, ANNA MARIE RODRIGUEZ, 20289 Stevens Creek Blvd #1232, Cupertino, CA 95014. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 09/25/2026 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/ Anna Marie Rodriguez /s/ (Pub LGN: 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28/2026)

File Number: FBN730704. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. GUS’S COMMUNITY MARKET, 15980 Los Gatos Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, GUS’S MARKET LOS GATOS, LLC, 2200 Jerrold Avenue Suite A, San Francisco, CA 94124. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/24/2026 and 09/25/2026 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. GUS’S MARKET LOS GATOS, LLC, Article/Reg # B20260218174, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Bobby Vardakastanis /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #730622 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Agape Schools, 2. Neighborhood Christian Schools, 3. Neighborhood Christian Preschool, 4, Neighborhood Christian Center, 5. Hillside Neighborhood Academy, 6. Neighborhood Preschool Academy, 2315 Canoas Garden Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, . 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 06/07/1982. /s/ Genia Sue Phillips. Corporate Secretary. 1075059. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 09/23/2026. (pub LG 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21/2026)

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