Turning loss into action: Los Gatos nonprofit trains community in mental health first aid
BY LORRAINE GABBERT
When Loretta Stagnitto’s nephew died of a fentanyl overdose in 2020, the loss reshaped her life and ultimately led her to launch a nonprofit aimed at helping others facing mental health challenges.
Her nephew was only 19 when he joined the Navy, serving as a hospital corpsman supporting Marines.
“He did two tours of duty in Afghanistan and experienced things that no young person should ever see,” Stagnitto said.
“He was injured in the line of duty and became addicted to opioids for more than six years.
But we didn’t know about his addiction for at least five of them because of the shame and stigma he held.”
During the pandemic, his business closed and he suffered
a back injury. Struggling with depression, he relapsed and died from a fentanyl overdose at age 31.
“I think of him as the healer who could not heal himself,” she said. “Before he passed, he was also working as a personal trainer to limbless veterans, and they worshipped him. I think about Travis and his tragic story all the time and don’t want others to suffer silently like he did.”
Persian flavors meet handcrafted ice cream at Petals Creamery
BY WYLDER ROBISON
Two lifelong friends talked for nearly a decade about opening a dessert shop before launching Petals Creamery on Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Los Gatos in May 2025, blending Persian tradition with handcrafted desserts and ice cream.
Owners Nathan Gaudreau and Marcel Khorsand, both West Valley locals, serve ice cream made from scratch, coffee, and desserts infused with Persian flavors and real ingredients.
“I've always wanted to have a
Determined to help others avoid similar tragedies, Stagnitto founded InvestInMentalHealth.org in 2024, a community-based nonprofit that provides Mental Health First Aid training.
Based on a curriculum licensed from the National Council for Mental Well-Being, the course equips people to recognize, respond to, and support those experiencing mental health challenges.
Participants learn to recognize warning signs by noticing changes in a person’s behavior, appearance, thoughts or emotions. The training also teaches how to approach someone who may be struggling, start supportive conversations, and guide them toward professional help and recovery. Christina Conner, chief people and culture officer at the
Community voices strong support for SASCC
BY BRANDY MADDOX
Nearly a dozen residents, caregivers, and community partners stepped forward to praise Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC) at the February 18 Saratoga City Council meeting, where the organization was honored with a proclamation declaring February as Senior Independence Month.
During the public comment period, speaker after speaker approached the podium to describe how SASCC programs, including the Saratoga Senior
Center, Saratoga Adult Care Center, RYDE Senior Transportation, and The Outlook newspaper, have helped older adults remain connected, independent, and engaged in the community.
Saratoga Mayor Chuck Page read the proclamation recognizing the organization’s impact and the importance of supporting older adults as the community ages.
“Our community is home to a growing number of older adults whose wisdom, experience and continued engagement enrich
From left, Nathan Gaudreau and Marcel Khorsand pose outside Petals Creamery on Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Los Gatos on Feb. 19. The two West Valley locals opened the shop in May 2025. Photo by Wylder Robison
Loretta Stagnitto, founder of InvestInMentalHealth.org, hopes through her Mental Health First Aid class people gain a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and compassion for those experiencing them. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert
STAY INFORMED - March-April
City of Saratoga, Town of Los Gatos, and City of Monte Sereno Council, Commission, & Committee
Meetings
STAFF:
Executive Editor & Publisher
Tylor Taylor
tylor@sascc.org
Managing Editor
Brandy Maddox brandy@sascc.org
Designer
Tanya Marutova
tanya@sascc.org
Community Relations Liaison
Nimai Kumar nimai@sascc.org
CONTRIBUTORS:
Lorraine Gabbert
Wylder Robison
Lloyd Russell
Vivian Phillips
Jackie Auclair
Sue on the Street
Tanner Goulden
Noam Ramon
WHO WE ARE
The Outlook is a collection community newspapers Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Santa Clara, and Cupertino. deliver accessible, uplifting, hyperlocal journalism that connection, encourages civic engagement, and people, events, and everyday moments that enrich
GET IN TOUCH
City of Saratoga
Library & Public Art Commission:
March 16, 7-9 p.m. (Linda Callon Room) saratoga.ca.us/330/LibraryCommission
City Council: March 18, April 1, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) saratoga.ca.us/241/CityCouncil
Youth Commission:
March 24, 7-9 p.m. (Linda Callon Room) saratoga.ca.us/337/YouthCommission
Town of Los Gatos
Special Joint Meeting of the Town Council and Planning Commission
March 17, 5 p.m.
Town Council: March 17, April 7, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) losgatosca.gov/16/TownCouncil
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission:
losgatosca.gov/188/ Development-ReviewCommittee
Note: these meetings are often cancelled. Please check the webpage for updates.
Town Council Policy Committee: March 24, 5 p.m. (Council Chambers) losgatosca.gov/2425/TownCouncil-Committees
Historic Preservation Committee: March 25, 4 p.m. (Council Chambers) losgatosca.gov/190/ Historic-Preservation
Planning Commission: March 25, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) losgatosca.gov/189/ Planning-Commission
(Council Chambers) losgatosca.gov/282/ Parks-and-SustainabilityCommission
City Council: March 17, April 7, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers)
CORRECTIONS
Planning Commission (special meeting):
March 25, April 8, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) saratoga.ca.us/357/ Planning-Commission
March 19, 5-7 p.m. (Council Chambers) losgatosca.gov/2951/ Diversity-Equity-andInclusion-Commissio
Development Review Committee: March 24, 31, 10 a.m. (Council Chambers)
Send letters to the editor, story ideas, feedback, and questions to outlook@sascc.org . Letters may be edited for length and
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Community Health and Senior Services Committee: March 26, 4 p.m. losgatosca.gov/278/ Community-Health-SeniorServices-Commiss
Parks and Sustainability Commission: April 6, 6-8 p.m.
Special Meeting of the Site and Architectural Commission: Mar 25, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Site and Architectural Commission: April 1, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Agendas & meeting info: tinyurl.com/35w4sdsy
View meeting agendas at losgatos-ca.municodemeetings.com. Agendas are typically uploaded the Friday before the respective meeting. Meeting places, Zoom links, and call-in information are contained in each respective meeting agenda. Please note, all council, commission, and committee meetings are subject to change or cancellation. Check the meeting links prior to each meeting or call your local town clerk for questions.
Saratoga City Clerk’s office: 408-868-1216
Los Gatos Town Clerk’s office: 408-354-6834 Monte Sereno City Clerk’s office: 408-354-7635
City of Monte Sereno
NEWS BRIEFS
SARATOGA
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE TO LAUNCH COMMUNITY CAREGIVER CERTIFICATE
THIS FALL
West Valley College will launch a new Community Caregiver Certificate program this fall, with enrollment opening in April.
It’s the first certificate developed through Senior Guided Pathways, an initiative of Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC) in partnership with West Valley College. The certificate was developed with input from healthcare providers, aging services leaders, AARP, and Santa Clara County.
The two-course certificate includes one classroom course and a hands-on skills lab in a community setting. Students can complete the program within two semesters.
The program responds to growing demand for trained caregivers as California’s aging population grows. It is designed for students of all ages entering the caregiving field as well as adults age 50 and older seeking new career pathways. Enrollment details will be available at westvalley.edu/sgp
SARATOGA COUNCIL
REVIEWS GREENHOUSE GAS ANALYSIS
The Saratoga City Council reviewed an updated greenhouse gas analysis for the city’s Climate Action Plan during its Feb. 18 meeting.
The analysis projects Saratoga could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 46 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, exceeding the city’s Climate Action Plan goal of a 40 percent reduction. As of 2024, Saratoga’s emissions were already 27 percent below 1990 levels, declining from about 160,829 metric tons in 1990 to 117,523 metric tons, according to the staff report.
The updated projections reflect a mix of state and regional regulations, improved emissions modeling, and local climate efforts. These include expanded renewable electricity use, solar installations, energyefficiency upgrades and electrification of buildings. Staff also highlighted planned initiatives such as bicycle infrastructure improvements, Safe Routes to School projects, tree planting and replacing city vehicles with zero-emission trucks.
LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS CREATES ENTERTAINMENT ZONE ALLOWING ALCOHOL AT PERMITTED EVENTS
The Los Gatos Town Council adopted an ordinance Feb. 17 amending the town’s special events regulations to establish an “entertainment zone” allowing outdoor consumption
of alcoholic beverages during permitted events.
The ordinance amends the town code and establishes the entertainment zone pursuant to California Senate Bill 969. The ordinance was approved as part of the council’s consent agenda during the Feb. 17 council meeting.
LOS GATOS ADOPTS COMMEMORATIVE FLAG POLICY, APPROVES PRIDE FLAG DISPLAY
The Los Gatos Town Council adopted amendments to its flag policy and approved the display of the Progress Pride flag at Town Hall during its Feb. 17 meeting.
The revised policy establishes a formal framework for commemorative flag displays, allowing flags to be flown as an exercise of government speech when initiated by a councilmember and approved by resolution of the council.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing the Progress Pride flag to be displayed at Town Hall during Pride Month in June 2026.
LOS GATOS COUNCIL APPROVES MID-YEAR
BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
The Los Gatos Town Council approved midyear budget adjustments during its Feb. 17 meeting after reviewing the fiscal year 2025-26 midyear budget report.
The council authorized $3,581,888 in additional revenues and $1,350,141 in increased expenditures.
The revenue adjustments included higher sales tax and Measure G revenue, along with increases in business license taxes, permits and service fees, and interest earnings.
Expenditure adjustments include outside legal costs, administrative services, community development services, police-related expenses, parks and public works services, and pension trust payments, among other departmental changes.
Council members also directed that if a fund balance surplus is projected before the end of the fiscal year, the Community Center fund should be replenished to its current balance first.
WEST VALLEY
FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR ‘MOBILE NAVIGATION’ VAN SERVING WEST VALLEY
A new mobile outreach van designed to serve unhoused residents in the West Valley is moving forward after $200,000 in federal funding was secured for the project.
U.S. Rep. Sam Liccardo announced Feb. 20 that the funding will support West Valley Community Services (WVCS) in developing a “Mobile Navigation Center” van to provide services
to unhoused and low-income residents.
The van will offer showers, laundry facilities, phone charging, food distribution, and case management to residents of Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, West San Jose, and communities in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The project is estimated to cost about $400,000 to launch, with approximately $200,000 in annual operating costs. The federal funding will cover part of the project, and WVCS plans to seek additional support from donors and local partners to fund the remaining costs.
WEST VALLEY MAYORS RAISE CONCERNS OVER PROPOSED SHERIFF’S CONTRACT INCREASES
The mayors of Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills jointly published an op-ed in the Mercury News raising concerns about proposed cost increases of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement services.
The proposal would increase contract policing costs by about 36% for Saratoga and Cupertino and 30% for Los Altos Hills beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
All three cities rely on the sheriff’s office for policing rather than operating their own departments. Cupertino currently pays about $18.6 million annually for sheriff services, Saratoga about $9 million, and Los Altos Hills about $2.8 million.
“Over the past five years, the cost of policing across the region has increased at a steady, manageable pace,” the mayors wrote. “However, these proposed new charges to our cities show a sharply different trajectory.”
The sheriff’s office attributed cost increases to salaries and benefits, expanded training requirements under state mandates, and technology such as body-worn cameras.
In early January, the three cities formed an ad hoc committee composed of each mayor and city manager to coordinate negotiations with the county over the proposed increases.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE HALTS USE OF LICENSE PLATE READERS IN SARATOGA, CUPERTINO
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office announced
Feb. 26 that it must stop accessing and operating certain automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in Saratoga and Cupertino after the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a surveillance use policy prohibiting the Sheriff’s Office from using Flock Safety as a vendor.
According to a press release, the sheriff’s office continues to support the responsible use of license plate reader technology, which the department says has helped deputies identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and respond to serious crimes.
The release states that since 2022 in the West Valley, the cameras have helped deputies recover more than 50 stolen vehicles, locate 30 stolen license plates, make 66 arrests, serve 33 warrants, and assist in five missing person cases.
The move comes as several Bay Area jurisdictions review their use of Flock Safety and similar ALPR systems. Mountain View recently voted to end its contract with the vendor, and San Jose officials are considering new restrictions on how license plate camera data is stored and shared.
CORRECTION: In our February 2026 edition, we misspelled Monte Sereno Mayor Lon Allan's name in both his byline and in the masthead. We regret the error.
SARATOGA
ART STUDENTS’ ATELIER EXHIBITION ON VIEW AT SARATOGA LIBRARY
Young Artists of Art Students’ Atelier Saratoga is currently on view at the Saratoga Library through April 16. The exhibit features drawings and oil paintings created by past and present atelier students, many of whom attend Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School. The works are displayed in the Group Study Room near the teen section on the north side of the library. Since 2012, the atelier has attracted students from across the region, many of whom go on to attend major art schools, win national competitions, and participate in prestigious summer programs and exhibitions.
HAKONE GARDENS HOSTS
CHERRY BLOSSOM VIEWING SEASON
Hakone Gardens in Saratoga will celebrate cherry blossom season with Hanami viewing events beginning in mid-March. Daytime viewing of the gardens’ more than 40 cherry blossom trees follows regular operating hours and admission. Special Hanami Night Viewing
events are planned from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on weekday evenings March 16 through April 3, when the blossoms will be illuminated throughout the gardens. The schedule may change depending on bloom timing and weather conditions. Visit hakonegardens.org to learn more and reserve tickets.
WEST VALLEY COLLEGE
HOSTS NATIVE GARDEN WORKDAYS
West Valley College will host Community Native Garden Workdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 and April 18. Sponsored by the college’s biology department, the handson events focus on planting and maintaining native plants, removing invasive species, and learning how native gardens support biodiversity. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2tcrhrdm
ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH HOSTS COMMUNITY
EASTER EGG HUNT
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave., will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 a.m. April 5 on Crestbrook Field. The event is geared toward toddlers and elementary school children and features candy- and prize-filled
EVENT BRIEFS
BY LLOYD RUSSELL
eggs. For more information, visit st-andrews-saratoga.org
LOS GATOS
THE LOS GATOS COMMUNITY VENTURE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH HOSTS SPRING FAIR
Venture Christian Church will host a Spring Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21 at 16485 Hicks Road. Activities include a petting zoo, a super slide, an Easter egg hunt, and plenty of food. Visit venture.cc/event/ spring-fair-2025 to learn more.
KIWANIS HOSTS 30TH
ANNUAL HIPPITY HOP EGG HUNT
The Los Gatos Kiwanis Club will host its 30th annual Hippity Hop Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 4 at Oak Meadow Park near the main stage and surrounding lawn. Because of the large turnout each year, the egg hunt can be over in just one to two minutes. The event also includes photos with the Easter Bunny, games, and prizes. For more info, visit facebook.com/ KiwanisLG
AT HER TABLE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
The At Her Table Street Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11 on Montebello Way in Los Gatos. The event celebrates Women’s History Month with live music, food and beverages, free workshops, and a marketplace featuring independent artists, brands, and businesses. Hosted by Muse Markets, the event marks the first Los Gatos Market of 2026. Visit tinyurl. com/2p9k7wp3 to learn more.
THRIFTED TREASURE EVENT MARKS EARTH DAY
The Los Gatos Recreation Department will host the Thrifted Treasure Shop and Sell event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at the Youth Recreation Center, 123 E. Main St. The Earth Day-themed event invites community members to buy and sell secondhand items. Seller tables are $30. Visit tinyurl. com/mvhy8844 for more information.
AROUND THE VALLEY
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
PLANNED AT THE PLEX
The Easter Eggstravaganza at The Plex will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28 at
800 Embedded Way in San Jose. The event includes games, a petting zoo, food trucks, photo opportunities, and more. Registration is requested for children attending. Visit tinyurl. com/5ftay5sn to learn more.
CAMPBELL THEATER PRESENTS BEATLES TRIBUTE SHOW
The Heritage Theater in Campbell will present A Stroll Down Penny Lane at 7:30 p.m. April 25. The live performance features film and music celebrating the songwriting of Paul McCartney and The Beatles. Tickets are $45 plus fees. Visit heritagetheatre.org to learn more.
CUPERTINO CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL RETURNS
Cupertino’s 42nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival will take place April 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. Events will be held primarily at Memorial Park, with additional activities at Quinlan Community Center and the Cupertino Senior Center. The free festival celebrates Japanese culture and the sister-city relationship between Cupertino and Toyokawa. Visit cupertinocherryblossomfestival. org to learn more.
Blending Persian flavors with scratchmade ice cream and desserts in Los Gatos
FROM PAGE 1
– Marcel Khorsand " "
single day for two years,” he said. “I always wanted to show the world what Persian food is, but modernized, slightly Americanized and with a French accent.”
Everything that's out here — nothing is artificial. Every color you see is from something that's organic.
pastry or dessert shop or something similar,” Gaudreau said. “But I didn't have any experience at all.”
Khorsand, who is the head chef and previously ran a catering business serving home-cooked Persian meals, said he wanted to present Persian food in a new light.
“Nathan asked me, ‘With everything you do, can you apply this to ice cream?’” Khorsand said.
That's when Gaudreau and Khorsand's vision took off.
Khorsand modified a small ice cream machine, experimented with different flavors, and practiced making ice cream at home.
“I was doing that every
Khorsand and Gaudreau both aim to solidify this philosophy at the creamery, and it is most evident in the saffron crème brûlée, one of the shop’s signature desserts.
“Crème brûlée is a traditional European dessert,” Khorsand said. “I use saffron and rose water, combining different regions and cuisines to our liking.”
Petals Creamery makes all of its ice cream from scratch, a process that includes pasteurizing its own dairy.
“In-house pasteurization is a huge difference between us and almost anyone else in California,” Gaudreau said. “California has very strict dairy laws.”
He said many shops instead use preprocessed dairy bases mixed with artificial flavorings and colorings before freezing.
Gaudreau and Khorsand said they avoid artificial flavoring entirely and use natural ingredients.
“Everything that's out
here — nothing is artificial,” Khorsand said. “Every color you see is from something that's organic.”
Gaudreau offered an example of a scratch-made flavor: the London Fog ice cream is made by steeping Earl Grey tea in milk and blending it with lavender and vanilla. The result, he said, “It's real tea ice cream.”
Using organic ingredients and starting from scratch is more labor-intensive and costs more, Khorsand said, but the process results in a better product and satisfied customers.
“I got the saffron latte and it was amazing,” Linda M. said. “The pastry was incredible.”
Jay Benton tried the halva cake.
“It was perfect,” he said.
Other customers said they enjoyed both the desserts and the atmosphere of the creamery, noting that it stands out from other dessert shops in the area.
“It's pretty cute here,” Will Nguyen said. “It’s the perfect spot for a date.”
Gaudreau and Khorsand said the community has welcomed them as a new business, and that they strive
to be part of that community rather than just a standalone ice cream shop.
Petals Creamery is a member of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce and has hosted fundraisers with Los Gatos High School and Oster Elementary School.
“I grew up in Saratoga, Marcel grew up in Los Gatos, and this is home to us,” Gaudreau said. “We invite our community to come in, have a seat. We'll treat you like your family here.”
Looking ahead, Khorsand
and Gaudreau want to add more flavors and desserts and hope to expand once the business becomes more established. Their long-term goal is to become one of the first ice cream shops to earn a Michelin star.
“That is my lifelong goal,” Khorsand said. “If I can get that in my life, I'll be good, forever.”
Petals Creamery is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed Monday.
PETALS,
Real saffron is mixed into the saffron ice cream, creating its vibrant yellow color.
Photo by Wylder Robison
Goal to train 100 Los Gatos residents in Mental Health First Aid by 2027
Bill Wilson Center, said the training has provided her and her staff with crucial knowledge.
“I have found myself in scenarios that could have potentially led to life or death,” she said.
While working at a previous job, Conner received a call that an employee had talked about bringing a gun to work and taking his own life. As a human resources professional, she said she felt responsible for both the employee’s well-being and the safety of others.
“I would never want to see another person hurt themselves,” she said. “So I jumped in the car and went to the work site to talk to him. As I drove, I was trying to determine what to say and what to do if this person actually brought a gun to work.”
The employee admitted he had been considering it. By the end of their conversation, he said he would not follow through.
“That was a pivotal moment for me,” Conner said. “What if we had had an active shooter at work?”
After later completing the Mental Health First Aid course, Conner said she felt more equipped when someone at the Bill Wilson Center experienced a mental health crisis.
“I was able to think through a lot of the things that we talked about in class and draw on what I learned,” she said. “I felt much more prepared.”
The training teaches people how to step in during a crisis in much the same way someone might provide first aid while waiting for emergency medical responders.
By the end of 2027, Stagnitto hopes to train and certify 3,000 people in Mental Health First Aid, including 100 in Los Gatos.
After receiving a $7,000 grant from the town of Los Gatos, she plans to offer courses for teachers, school staff, caregivers and seniors in the community. Because the grant covers only a portion of the #First100 Mental Health First Aiders campaign, she is seeking matching grants and community donations.
Last year, 14 youth leaders at the Hub in San Jose participated in the training. Operated by the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services and the Bill Wilson Center, the Hub is a youth-led community center supporting current and former foster youth ages 15 to 25.
Juan Estrada, program manager at the Hub, said the training has been extremely helpful.
“Our team works with individuals who have varied experiences and who have had varying levels of trauma,” he said. “It helped us recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges, assess for risk of suicide or harm, listen nonjudgmentally, and provide support strategies.”
Estrada said learning to listen without judgment helps him better understand what people are going through.
“It arms you with the tools you need when you are in these situations,” he said. “By being better prepared, individuals are more likely to engage and guide people to resources.”
Empathetic and intuitive, Stagnitto said helping others comes naturally to her.
“I’m a fixer, and that manifests through my teaching, coaching, offering counsel or simply listening,” she said.
“Teaching Mental Health First Aid is another way I can help by giving people the tools to talk to someone who may be
experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Stagnitto grew up in the Bay Area and built a long career in communications and leadership coaching, including work in high-tech public relations and later as an executive coach. But the loss of her nephew in 2020 pushed her to focus her efforts on mental health advocacy.
“I started to notice that I'm depressed,” she said. “I get in my car and I start to cry.”
A therapist helped her address grief, burnout, and anxiety. Those experiences ultimately pushed her to search for ways to support others facing similar struggles.
When she discovered the Mental Health First Aid curriculum, she said it felt like the right path. She trained to become an instructor and launched InvestInMentalHealth.org with a few thousand dollars of her own money and donations from friends and family.
“I have always been a person that asks, ‘What can I do?’” she said.
“I’m a helper.”
Through InvestInMental Health.org , Stagnitto now trains community members to recognize mental health crises and connect people with help — something she hopes will prevent others from suffering in silence.
Anyone who frequently works with adults or youth ages 6 to 18 and lives or works in Los Gatos is invited to take the #First100 free training and become a Mental Health First Aider. The first grant-sponsored adult MHFA class will be held March 18-19. Additional classes for adults and youth are scheduled for May 5-6 and May 16 during Mental Health Awareness Month.
More information is available at InvestInMenta Health.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 | 12-1 P.M.
19655 Allendale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Questions: 408-868-1257
Staff and counselors at The HUB worked together in July 2025 to learn the early, worsening and crisis signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance mis-use, trauma, and more.. The HUB is a youth led and youth organized community center, dedicated to supporting current and former foster youth, ages 15-24. Photo courtesy of Loretta Stagnitto
Saratoga honors SASCC with Senior Independence Month proclamation
SENIORS, FROM PAGE 1
our city,” Page said. “When older adults are empowered to age in place and remain active in the community, it benefits not only individuals and families but also strengthens the overall health and resilience of Saratoga.”
The proclamation recognized SASCC as a vital community partner that provides programs, resources and advocacy supporting older adults and caregivers.
Earlier in the evening, SASCC CEO Tylor Taylor and staff met with the council to provide updates on SASCC’s initiatives, including the organization’s Senior Guided Pathways initiative at West Valley College.
“We have a great plan for 2026,” Taylor told the council. “We want to continue focusing on Saratoga residents and the services we provide locally.”
But the most memorable moments of the evening came during public comment, when
residents shared personal stories about how SASCC programs have impacted their lives.
Dr. Jan Redman, a Saratoga psychologist and caregiver for her husband, described the Saratoga Adult Care Center as essential for families navigating dementia.
“I think one of the things people sometimes say is that such programs are a luxury.,” Redman said. “I would say no; they are a lifeline.”
She said the program helps seniors maintain dignity and identity while providing caregivers with needed support.
“When he arrives, they greet him by name, so he becomes a person again, not just a patient,” she said.
Julie St. Gregory credited the RYDE Senior Transportation Program with helping her remain active in the community.
“For me, it’s been a life changer,” she said. “Everybody there is so professional and genuinely kind.”
Other speakers emphasized the role SASCC plays in building community connections.
Neel Mehra, member of the Saratoga Senior Center’s Anandvan group, said the center provides an important gathering place for community members.
“It’s kind of our home away from home,” he said.
Caregiver B.J. Tichinin described how the center helped her navigate life after her husband suffered a stroke and developed vascular dementia.
“I didn’t know what to do until we went to the [Adult Care] Center,” she said. “Now my husband is in that community and he's thriving; I’m thriving.
I have a life [again].”
Community member Beth Via said she discovered West Valley College’s Senior Guided Pathways program through The Outlook and has since returned to school.
“I’m transforming myself,” Via said.
The Outlook itself was mentioned several times during
the evening, including by the paper’s columnist known to readers as “Sue on the Street.”
“People love The Outlook,” she said. “It’s a wonderful resource for everyone who lives in this area.”
Una Daly, president of South Bay Writers said the organization recently began holding meetings at the Saratoga Senior Center and praised the staff for their support.
“They’ve consistently gone above and beyond with custom setup of our tables, chairs and audiovisual equipment,” Daly said “The Outlook newspaper also provides opportunities for aspiring and experienced writers to publish their work and connect more deeply to community events.”
The Outlook contributor Lorraine Gabbert said the newspaper plays an important role in informing residents about local civic life.
“This community newspaper strives to spark connection and conversation,”
Gabbert said. “It also provides crucial information about city meetings and policy decisions by making them more accessible to the public.”
Following the public comments, Page invited SASCC staff and supporters to join the council for recognition as the proclamation was presented.
Accepting the honor, Taylor said the remarks from community members reflected the reason the organization continues its work.
“The older population is the reason the younger population has the opportunities it has,” he said. “My team and I dedicate our lives and careers to making sure that all of us have a better community to grow older within.”
Taylor said he was deeply moved by the outpouring of support from residents.
“I was literally holding back tears listening to these people,” he said. “Thank you all for your support. We’ll be here for the years to come.”
SASCC community members, supporters, and staff gather with the Saratoga City Council after SASCC received a proclamation declaring February 2026 as Senior Independence Month.
Photo courtesy of the City of Saratoga
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
Los Gatos Kiwanis to host community meet-and-greet at Gali Vineyards
BY VIVIAN PHILLIPS
Looking for a way to connect with the community?
The Los Gatos Kiwanis Club will host a meet-and-greet at the Gali Vineyards wine tasting room on Thursday, March 26, from 5-7 p.m.
Residents are invited to stop by, meet local Kiwanis members and learn more about the service organization’s work in Los Gatos and the surrounding area.
Kiwanis is a global volunteer organization
focused on improving communities and supporting children. The Los Gatos chapter has served the community for more than 100 years.
Many residents may recognize the group from local events and service efforts, including the Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt, Kiwanis Special Games, monthly trail cleanups, scholarship programs, student leadership initiatives, holiday drives and the Los Gatos Children’s Holiday Parade.
The club’s largest annual
fundraiser is the Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival, held each September. The event — formerly known as Fiesta de Artes — brings live music, art and food to downtown Los Gatos for two days.
Proceeds support local charities and community programs. In 2025, the club donated about $75,000, including roughly $30,000 in scholarships, and members hope to increase that total in 2026.
One of the club’s biggest draws, members say, is its flexibility.
“You can make the club what you want it to be with no pressure to ‘do more,’” one member said. “Tailor the experience to you: do as much or as little as you want.”
Members gather about four times a month, with a mix of guest speakers, planning meetings and social gatherings. Activities also include community events, regional Kiwanis gatherings and volunteer opportunities.
Members say one of the things they value most about the club is its welcoming culture.
“I really love the culture of the club and its members,” one member said. “Everyone has a can-do attitude, doesn’t take the work too seriously and is really welcoming to everyone involved.”
Community members interested in learning more about Kiwanis are invited to attend the event at Gali Vineyards, 21 W. Main St., Los Gatos.
For more information, visit lgkiwanisgives.org or email kiwanisoflosgatos@ gmail.com
Los Gatos Kiwanians at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos. Courtesy photo
Volunteer Opportunities
RESOURCES
Deliver Passover Food Bags to Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
Help deliver Passover food bags to clients across Santa Clara County.
Requirements: Age 18+, background check, driver’s license and insurance.
Dates: Pick up bags March 20–31 during business hours; deliveries completed by April 1.
Pickup Location: Los Gatos
More Info: Apply at bit.ly/JFSVolunteerApplication jfssv.org
Volunteer Connections, a community bulletin from the Los Gatos Thrives Foundation, highlights ways residents can support local nonprofits through volunteer service. Individuals interested in participating should contact the organizations directly for more information or to sign up.
Volunteers Needed to Spend Time with Seniors
Assist with conversation, games, crafts, music activities and lunch service for seniors living with mild to moderate dementia.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: 111 Church St., Room 7, Los Gatos
Contact: Melanie Wright, 408-354-4782 melanie@liveoakadc.org liveoakadultdaycare.org
Grant Writer Volunteer Needed
Help identify grant opportunities and assist with writing grant applications supporting community initiatives, including the proposed Los Gatos Community Center.
Schedule: Flexible remote work with occasional meetings.
Contact: Tom Picraux, losgatosthrives@gmail.com losgatosthrives.org
Volunteer Drivers Needed
Provide transportation for older adults traveling to medical appointments, grocery stores and community centers across the West Valley region.
Requirements: Age 18+, valid driver’s license, insurance and background check.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Conact: sam@sascc.org | 408-892-9739
Sign up: Apply at pinwheel.us/r/eRmw0yy rydescc.org
Volunteer Drivers and Food Distribution Helpers
Opportunities include grocery rescue drivers, depot volunteers and drivers helping seniors reach essential services.
Hours: Flexible scheduling Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Service Area: Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and parts of San Jose.
Conact: 669-220-0831 rydeinfo@wvcommunityservices.org wvcommunityservices.org
For more volunteer opportunities or to subscribe to future updates, visit lgvolunteerconnections.org
THURSDAYS, 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
JFS Silicon Valley
SASCC / RYDE Senior Transportation
West Valley Community Services
Live Oak Adult Day Care
Los Gatos Thrives Foundation
Fifty years of writing love letters
BY JACKIE AUCLAIR, SARATOGA RESIDENT
In the 1970s there was a movement called “Marriage Encounter” (ME) that continues today through World Wide Marriage Encounter — experiences for married couples. The purpose of ME is to enhance marital relationships through the tool of communication.
Couples choose to attend an ME weekend where married couples serving as speakers talk about and explore various aspects of married life. The speakers provide a question related to the essence of their talk to the attendees, who
privately write responses in their ME notebooks. This is called writing a love letter.
Love letters are shared between spouses in what is called a 10 & 10 dialogue, which is profound for deeply knowing your spouse and their feelings.
After the incredibly fantastic ME weekend, couples are encouraged to join or form a Love Circle. This is where our story really begins.
In 1975 four couples who had attended the weekend chose to start a Love Circle called “Fadelli’s Circle.” These were Tony & Dale Fadelli, Bill & Betty Benevento, Bill & Marion Lee, and Ron & Marty Farnetti.
The following year Gary & Jackie Auclair joined.
Other couples would join throughout the years such as Pat & Dorothy Smith and Jack & Pat Hutchison. One couple, Dave & Diane Garelick, each lost a spouse and later married each other, giving them a long history in the circle. Other couples such as Jim & Michele Zalesny and Dave & Germaine Zenk joined much later, and Carol Reppucci, who once belonged to the circle, rejoined years later.
There are currently 14 people who meet on Sundays where we still follow the format of our original weekend. A question is assigned and we all write our love
letters, which we openly share with one another. Fadelli Circle has been meeting every other Sunday since 1975. A number of couples have lost a spouse to death and there have been two divorces through the years. Almost all the people mentioned in the previous paragraph still attend.
This circle is a second family for all of us, as we have shared most of our lives writing and reading love letters to our spouses and the group. We have been together in good times, sad times, birthdays, marriages, graduations, many parties, deaths, and countless shared moments during our fifty years together.
We all agree that we have been heaven-blessed to have such warm and loving people in our lives. Fifty years filled with love and deep caring is wonderful, and we are so grateful for this experience in our lives.
I wish I could say “may we have another 50 years,” but we know that is unlikely, so I’ll close by saying may our love for our spouses and one another follow us into eternity. Thank you, God, for Marriage Encounter. We are blessed.
A celebration of our 50 years together will take place at Saratoga Country Club on March 21, 2026.
Between the Pages: “One more chapter… If you dare”
BY LLOYD RUSSELL
Consider this your warning: These mysteries are expertly plotted, relentlessly suspenseful and utterly impossible to put down. You will be very glad you read them.
Sheldon Siegel will soon be coming out with Book No. 19 in the Mike Daley and Rosie Fernandez series. Every book is a legal murder mystery set in San Francisco. So not only do you get a murder to try to solve, you also get a trial to weigh in on.
You do not have to read these books in order. They all stand alone. Every book gives you a brief background on the main characters. And, as a side note, in some of the more recent books, Daly brings in a blood spatter expert whose name you might recognize.
“The God’s Eye View,” by Barry Eisler — This political thriller will keep you up late at night reading. The director of the NSA has an assassin, Manus, whose job is to get rid
of people who question his authority and decisions.
As an employee of the NSA, Evelyn’s job is to oversee the camera network and facialrecognition program. When she discovers the NSA has been killing journalists and whistleblowers through a program called the God’s Eye, she feels she has to report it. This is where Manus comes in. He is told to get rid of her. Does he? Decide for yourself.
“Fatal Intrusion,” by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado — This is both a mystery and a thriller. The story pairs Carmen Sanchez, a Homeland Security agent, with Jake Heron, a private security expert who is extremely quirky and believes rules are merely suggestions.
Because Jake owes Carmen a favor, they join forces to find and stop a serial killer. This is a very creative book because it pairs a rule follower with someone who
definitely is not.
P.S. Book 2 in the series — “The Grave Artist” — follows “Fatal Intrusion” very nicely. Robert Dugoni can write anything. His historical fiction novel “Hold Strong” is outstanding, and “The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell” is one of my all-time favorites. But I digress. Dugoni has recently started a new legal mystery series starring Keera Duggan. Like Siegel’s books, much of the action takes place in the courtroom. But the two authors write so differently that you can easily read both without feeling like you are repeating yourself. Book 1, by the way, is “Her Deadly Game.” Book 3 came out in late January. They are all terrific.
“The Last Child,” by John Hart , is Book 1 of a two-book series. The story revolves around a 13-year-old boy, Johnny, whose twin sister, Alyssa, has disappeared. A year
Aches and Pains: Life as a chatterbox
Who knew? Well, Sue on the Street always knew. I was a chatterbox as a child, and thanks to Melissa Toren at KCAT, I became a writer and TV personality. Melissa noticed that I had an innate ability to communicate with just about anyone and everyone.
The conversations I had with strangers were always a
give and take. Coming from a normal family in Chicago, I had a dad who talked to every waiter in the Midwest. Yes, he was an embarrassment. But now I seem to have taken his place. It’s true!
I had absolutely no idea that friendliness would lead to a longer life. This is based on real science. Now I know that my dad’s long-winded repartee may have helped lead him to 96 years.
I wish my dad were still with us so I could thank him for making me a chatterbox, which informed the rest of my life.
My husband is embarrassed when I reach out to the next table in a restaurant. I have met hundreds of people that way. I love hearing their stories and sharing mine. There can be many ways to have a great day, but communication between strangers can have wonderful effects on both parties involved.
Humans need to communicate, as do some of the more evolved animals. Elephants surround one another when they sense trouble looming.
Communication makes all the difference.
Have you ever told a total stranger they look great? That simple act can make — or break —
later, she has not been found. Johnny is convinced she is still alive and decides to go look for her. But he’s not alone. A detective named Clyde Hunt has also been searching for Alyssa during the year since her disappearance. What happened to her? It’s a mystery.
So let me recap: We’ve got one standalone, two twobook series, one three-book series and one 19-book series. That should hold you for a few months.
TRIVIA QUESTION: Walt Whitman’s poetry collection Leaves of Grass played a pivotal role in the storyline of which TV crime drama?
A) The Sopranos B) Prison Break C) Breaking Bad D) The Wire
Answer to last edition’s question: D) Jonathan Franzen.
a person’s day. For both parties. Hope to see you soon on Channel 15 on Xfinity or on YouTube: Sue on the Street.
Sue on the Street at St. Patrick's Day 2025 in downtown Los Gatos. Screenshot from YouTube: KCAT
Community Center Campaign is already helping teens. Now let’s build it
BY TANNER GOULDEN AND NOAM RAMON
Ever since we first heard about it at a teen focus group at Los Gatos High School, we’ve been excited about the idea of building a new, multigenerational community center in Los Gatos.
Being high school students, you might think we’d want a teens-only hangout. But we, and many of our peers, knew instinctively that a place where people of all ages can gather would be better for everyone. We were so excited about this idea that in 2024 we formed a Community Center Club at Los Gatos High School to advocate for it.
In the beginning, we weren’t sure how we could help, but as it turns out, we’ve made some solid contributions to the campaign. Not only that, working on this project with Los Gatans from different walks of life has been a community-building experience in and of itself. It’s helped us feel more connected to the town and understand in a very real way how a multigenerational community center could benefit all kinds of people.
All we knew starting out was that we didn’t want this project to go the way of past teen-oriented projects. For example, the skatepark, which a group of citizens worked on with the Los Gatos Town Council
in the early 2000s, was never built. Or The Venue, a teenonly music and social space that closed in 2012. It’s still boarded up behind LGHS, standing there like a tombstone.
In Los Gatos today, there are not many places for teens to go outside of school and home. You can walk downtown and spend money, or try to find a spot in the park or the library.
But there’s no go-to place just for hanging out and socializing that we can walk into anytime for free. That’s what we need the most.
When we heard about all the things the community center could offer — basketball courts we don't have to jump over a school fence to use; pingpong; outdoor patio seating; performance space; and a teen hangout space — we knew how much that would change the lives of so many kids in this town for the better.
Our peers think so too. With the support of Community Center Campaign Chairman Ryan Rosenberg and other campaign volunteers, the club put together a survey of our LGHS students, collecting 281 responses, most of which were in favor of a multigenerational center.
That helped build awareness on campus. Being an official club has also helped. There are two club fairs annually for clubs to introduce themselves
and recruit new members. Last year, we were out there with our posterboard giving presentations. At this year's first fair, it seemed like about 50% of the kids had already heard of us, and we signed up nine new members.
It’s been cool to see people go from being excited about it to actually spreading the news, and to know we played a part in that. But what’s been most surprising is how much we've been able to be a part of the larger campaign. We’ve done four community
helped us develop our own talk track about teen needs. Our data and narrative feature prominently in the campaign’s newly released Teen Needs Assessment Report.
We’ve gone from having very little involvement with the town to learning a lot about what goes on behind the curtain. We’re shaking hands with town officials and getting to know some great people who are all working to improve the community.
An intergenerational
An intergenerational community center could offer many more opportunities to connect and absorb the wisdom of our elders on an ongoing basis. We love hanging out with our friends, but we don't want to be surrounded only by people who are just like ourselves. We also don’t want to be on our phones all the time.
presentations to date — to town council members announcing the club, to a Fisher Middle School student focus group, to the Fisher School Site Council, and to the board of Los Gatos Thrives, the nonprofit organization that’s sponsoring the campaign.
This has really helped us hone our presentation skills. Campaign volunteers mentored the club on how to present our survey data and
community center could offer many more opportunities to connect and absorb the wisdom of our elders on an ongoing basis. We love hanging out with our friends, but we don't want to be surrounded only by people who are just like ourselves. We also don’t want to be on our phones all the time.
We have a lot of conversations with our teachers about the place of technology in society.
And every single time, there’s at least one kid who says, “I think I spend too much time on my phone.” We’ve heard it and felt it so many times. We’re getting pulled apart by technology and antisocial trends we've seen after COVID.
Giving people something to do that isn't digital — something real and social — has profound implications. It’s all about community and bridging the gaps between us.
The other thing that’s been surprising is how little pushback we’ve encountered. At a time when people are polarized about so many issues, this seems like something almost everyone can agree on — once they know about it.
This project won’t happen on its own. We need to turn agreement into action. That’s something we’re still learning about and working on.
We need you to join us. It takes a lot of community involvement to build something like this. It's easy to get excited about it and hope that other people do the work. If this is something that you're excited about, it's important to work toward it yourself. That starts with doing what you can to make sure others hear about it, so help us spread the word.
To learn more about the campaign and to read the Teen Needs Assessment Report, visit lgcommunitycenter.org
From left, Noam Ramon and Tanner Goulden stand outside Los Gatos High School, where they formed a student club to support the campaign to build a new multigenerational community center in Los Gatos. Courtesy photo
Where We Came Fro m...
History of Hearing Devices
Where we have been… and where we are going
Christine Throm, Au D
The earliest hearing devices of the 18th and 19th centuries relied entirely on acoustics rather than electricity Tools like ear trumpets, which were horn-shaped instruments made from wood, ivory, or metal, funneled sound into the ear and were used into the mid-20th century. Other creative solutions included ear horns hidden under clothing and speaking tubes that ran across a room used for private conversations Everything changed in the late 1800’s when electrical innovation made real ampli�ication possible Inventions such as Thomas Edison’s early transmitter technology, which led to the telephone, also led to the �irst electric hearing aid, the Akoulathon (1895), and by 1904 Hans Demant was distributing hearing devices in Europe, helping launch the commer cial hearing aid Even royalty adopted the technology; Crown Princess Alexandra of England wore a hearing aid at her 1902 coronation
The 20th century brought rapid advances Vacuum-tube technology of the 1920’s–40’s was powerful but bulky After World War II, transistor technology allowed hearing aids to be dramatically smaller and paved the way for wearable styles, eyeglass hearing aids, and hearing aids whose processor could be carried in a small pocket The invention of the computer circuit in 1958 accelerated miniaturization further By the 1980s and 1990s, microprocessors and digital technology enabled programmable devices with sophisticated sound processing, marking the transition from simple ampli�ication tools to the intelligent, customizable hearing aids we use today
The Future of Hearing Aid Technology
Today’s hearing aids are sophisticated digital systems that do far more than amplify sound Many now include smartphone connectivity, automatic environment detection, directional microphones, feedback suppression, and rechargeable batteries for all-day use Wireless streaming, which was �irst introduced in hearing devices in the early 2000’s, has continued to evolve, allowing users to connect directly to smartphones, TVs, lectures, and public audio systems, while emerging technologies such as AuraCast Bluetooth will let multiple listeners tune in simultaneously.
A strong example of these modern innovations is the new Zeal in-the-ear device from Oticon Designed to be both discreet and powerful, it introduces a same-day-�it in-ear design that eliminates long custom wait times while still delivering advanced performance Built with AI-driven sound processing, wireless streaming, and all-day rechargeable power, Zeal re�lects how modern hearing aids have transformed from simple ampli�iers into intelligent, connected systems that adapt automatically to a user ’ s environment and lifestyle
Free Community Seminar
Want more information about hearing health? Dr Throm is happy to present her acclaimed, medically based, Listen Up Café lecture series!
Friday, March 20, 2026: The History of Hearing Aids: Where we ' ve been and where we are going Friday, April 17, 2026: Tinnitus 101: Understanding the ringing in your ears
Friday, May 15, 2026: Better Hearing & Speech: "Is it just aging or something more?”
Friday, July 17, 2026: “Emerging Research in Hearing Health”:
Gene therapy, cochlear regeneration, AI-driven audiology tools
We’ll have good coffee, light refreshments, and a great discussion see you there!
Seating is limited for these FREE events
(Call or email us for a free information sheet if you are unable to attend )
Pleas e call for time and location information (408) 673-4052
We’re proud to have served Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and the entire Bay Area for 50 years!
Our team has the knowledge and tools to determine the cause of your hearing loss. If a hearing loss is detected, we have premium hearing aid technology that can help! Providing the right solution for Your Life. Your Style.
Dr Christine Throm Owner/Audiologist
Dr Kelly Brennan Audiologist
