Girl Scouts revive Saratoga Elementary School garden for Silver Award
BY BRANDY MADDOX
Once overrun with weeds and broken fences, the Saratoga Elementary garden now thrives again. Four Girl Scouts chose the space for their Silver Award project, giving back to the campus where their own roots as students first took hold.
Over the course of two
years, Cadettes Stella S., Sriya M., Alex W., and Valentina W. of Troop 60371 worked toward their Girl Scout Silver Award, the second-highest honor in the organization. Their project: transform the Saratoga Elementary School (SES) garden from a storm-damaged, pandemic-neglected plot into a safe and thriving outdoor
classroom.
“It felt really cool to see the garden back to its previous glory, because I remember going into it as a kid and loving it,” Stella said.
The girls began in fall 2023 by surveying the garden’s damage. Storms had toppled fences, weeds choked the beds, and the once-lively chicken
Health care safety net or blank check? Measure A poses choice for local voters
BY BRANDY MADDOX
Residents of Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Monte Sereno will help decide the fate of Santa Clara County's Measure A, a proposed 0.625% sales tax increase lasting five years, which supporters say will preserve health care services and opponents warn could be spent elsewhere. County officials estimate that if passed, the measure, to be voted on in the Nov. 4 special election, would generate about $330 million annually, partially offsetting more than $1 billion in anticipated federal funding cuts to
coop was empty. With approval From SES Principal Kristin Murphy and support from their middle school garden club teacher, they planned cleanup days, designed posters to rally volunteers, and chipped away at the debris.
“What stood out most was their leadership and collaboration,” Murphy said.
“The Cadettes worked together thoughtfully, from planning to implementation, and they stayed committed until the project was complete. Their teamwork and perseverance were impressive, and they modeled exactly the kind of community-minded leadership we hope to nurture in all of our students.”
SCOUTS, PAGE 6
Beyond Text brings community voices to the forefront in Los Gatos
BY LORRAINE GABBERT
Tanya Sedneva, owner of Beyond Text bookstore, believes books aren’t the only ones holding stories. People do, too.
On Sept. 5, Sedneva invited Los Gatos Vice Mayor Rob Moore, KPCR (Pirate Cat Radio) founder Daniel Roberts, and Mrs. USA Petite Globe 2025 Nadin Kolesnik to share their experiences. The shop’s whimsical décor provided
the setting for an evening of candid anecdotes. Creativity flows across the storefront, from pages taking flight and book-shaped handbags to the intriguing “book apothecary,” which features hidden covers and notes such as “read this book in case you feel lonely.” Owning a bookstore was Sedneva’s childhood dream, realized after she was laid off from her job as a project BOOKSTORE, PAGE 7
Los Gatos Mayor Matthew Hudes asks questions after Santa Clara County representatives gave the town council a presentation on the impacts of H.R.1.
(From left to right) Stella S., Sriya M., Valentina W., and Alex W. at the newly-redesigned bulletin board in the Saratoga Elementary School garden. Courtesy photo
STAY INFORMED - October/November
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
CONTRIBUTORS:
Lorraine Gabbert
James Che
Amy Vu
Kathy Denise
Shari Clare
Mendy Mao
Joe-Ming Cheng
Annette Stransky
Lisa Oakley
Corinne Vita
Sergio Lopez
Sue Fenton
Lloyd Russell
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
Heritage Preservation Commission: Oct. 14, 9 a.m.
(Linda Callon Room)
Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/285/HeritagePreservation-Commission
Library & Public Art Commission: Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m.
(Linda Callon Room)
Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/330/LibraryCommission
Parks and Recreation Commission: Nov. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Agenda & meeting info: www.saratoga.ca.us/364/ Parks-RecreationCommission
Planning Commission: Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
(Council Chambers)
Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/357/ Planning-Commission Traffic Safety Commission: Nov. 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/329/TrafficSafety-Commission
Town of Los Gatos
Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/188/ Development-ReviewCommittee These meetings are often cancelled. Please check the webpage for updates.
Town Council: Oct. 21, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/16/TownCouncil
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission: Oct. 16, 5-7 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/2951/ Diversity-Equity-andInclusion-Commissio
General Plan Committee: Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/199/GeneralPlan-Committee
Planning Commission: Nov. 12, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/189/PlanningCommission
Community Health and Senior Services Committee: Oct. 23, 4 p.m.
Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/278/ Community-Health-SeniorServices-Commiss
Finance Commission: Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m. Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/2643/FinanceCommission
Send letters to the editor, story ideas, feedback, and questions to outlook@sascc.org . Letters may be edited for length and
CORRECTIONS
We are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you notice error or believe a story clarification, please email outlook@sascc.org with “Correction” in the subject We will review all requests promptly and publish of serving Sereno, We and fosters highlights the community life for all ages. clarity. an requires line. corrections or updates as appropriate.
ADVERTISING
City Council: Oct. 15, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.
(Council Chambers)
Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/241/CityCouncil
PEBTAC (Trails Advisory Committee): Oct. 21, 4 p.m.
(Planning Conference Room)
Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/350/PEBTACTrails-Advisory-Committee
Youth Commission: Oct. 28, 7-10 p.m.
(Linda Callon Room)
Agenda & meeting info: saratoga.ca.us/337/YouthCommission
Complete Streets and Transportation Commission: Nov. 13, 7:30 a.m. (Parks and Public Works) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/2555/ Complete-StreetsTransportation-Commissi
Development Review Committee: Oct. 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. (Council Chambers)
Historic Preservation Committee: Oct. 22, Nov. 12 (special), 4 p.m. Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/190/ Historic-Preservation
Parks and Sustainability Commission: Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m. (Parks & Public Works) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/282/ Parks-and-SustainabilityCommission
Conceptual Development Advisory Committee: Nov. 12, 4 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agenda & meeting info: losgatosca.gov/200/ Conceptual-Development
City of Monte Sereno
City Council: Oct. 21, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers)
Site and Architectural Commission: Nov. 5, 7 p.m. (Council Chambers) Agendas & meeting info: tinyurl.com/35w4sdsy
Meeting places, Zoom links, and call-in information are contained in each respective meeting agenda. Agendas are typically uploaded the Friday before each meeting. All 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
Interested in reaching readers in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Sereno, Santa Clara, and Contact us at advertise@sascc.org for advertising opportunities.
Monte Cupertino?
PUBLISHED BY
NEW FARMERS MARKET IN SARATOGA EVERY THURSDAY
SASCC has launched Saratoga’s first Certified Farmers Market, held Thursdays from March through November, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Saratoga City Hall, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. The market features more than 20 vendors offering organic produce, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, baked goods, artisan crafts, and local food favorites, with live music and themed events throughout the year.
Visit facebook.com/ sasccfarmersmarket to learn more.
LOS GATOS REMINDS RESIDENTS OF MONTHLY STREET SWEEPING
The Town of Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department reminds residents to avoid parking on streets during scheduled sweeping times so crews can effectively clear leaves and debris this fall and winter. Street sweeping takes
MONTE SERENO APPOINTS TWO NEW COUNCILMEMBERS
Monte Sereno City Council has two new members following health-related resignations.
Nonprofit executive Ken Toren was appointed in September to fill Vice Mayor Javed Ellahie’s seat, and former Mayor Lon Allan returned earlier this year to replace Councilmember Evert Wolsheimer. Toren called the role “a tremendous honor” and
NEWS & EVENT BRIEFS
Saratoga
WEST VALLEY OPENS NEW LEARNING RESOURCE COMMONS
West Valley College has opened the Wang & Qu Family Learning Resource Commons, a new hub for student learning and success. The building now houses the Library and Student Success Center, giving students access to textbooks, study rooms, Mac and PC workstations, live “Ask a Librarian” chat support, and free drop-in tutoring in nearly every subject. Additional features, including a café, recording studios, and expanded program spaces, will debut at the grand opening in spring 2026.
COMMUNITY HIKE SET FOR
OCT. 18
The Saratoga Parks & Recreation Commission invites residents to join a community hike on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 a.m. at Picchetti Ranch Preserve’s Zinfandel Trail. The 4.1-mile route is moderately challenging, with 620 feet of elevation gain. Participants should meet at the trailhead near 13100 Montello Road, Cupertino, at 7:50 a.m. Register and fill out the liability waiver at saratoga.ca.us
WITCHY WALK-A-BOUT
OCT. 26 IN SARATOGA VILLAGE
The Saratoga Village
Los Gatos
place once a month during the first two weeks of the month. To find your zone and schedule, visit LosGatosCA. gov/Streets or call (408) 3995770.
HALLOWEEN KID AND PET PAWLOOZA SET FOR OCT. 26
The Halloween Kid and Pet PAWlooza will be held
Saturday, Oct. 26, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Los Gatos Town Plaza. Families and pets are invited to come in costume to trick-or-treat with downtown vendors and join a community “pawrade.” The event is co-sponsored by the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce and Roxy Laufer, with proceeds benefiting the Street Dog Coalition. Learn more at losgatoschamber.com.
Development Council hosts its annual Witchy Walk-A-Bout on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 2-4 p.m. Children can trick-or-treat at local merchants along Big Basin Way.
SARATOGA FOOTHILL CLUB ANNOUNCES 2025-26 PUBLIC EVENT SERIES
The Saratoga Foothill Club will host its 2025-26 public event series at 20399 Park Place in Saratoga, featuring four cultural programs. The lineup includes:
• Eden: A Vineyard, A Family, A Legacy film screening with director Chris McGilvray: Sunday, Nov. 16, 4:30-7 p.m.
• Inside the Anderson
Collection: A Family’s Passion for Public Art with art historian Diane Levinson: Sunday, Jan. 25, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Live Theater: The Art of Connection with City Lights Theater Company’s Lisa Mallette: Sunday, Mar. 1, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Landscaping Design: Cultivating Harmony in partnership with Hakone Gardens: Sunday, May 17, 4-5:30 p.m.
Series passes are $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers; individual tickets are $15 at the door or online. Students attend free with ID. Learn more at saratogafoothillclub.org/ public-events.
LOS GATOS DISASTERS HISTORY TOUR ON OCT. 17
New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) hosts historian Bill Wulf for a talk on Los Gatos’ history with earthquakes and fires on Friday, Oct. 17, from 11-11:45 a.m. at 106 E. Main St. The event is free with registration at numulosgatos.org.
Around the County
pledged to work collaboratively with residents. Both will serve until the 2026 election.
CHILDREN’S SPOOKTACLARA HALLOWEEN PARTY OCT. 25
The City of Santa Clara will host its free Children’s SpooktaClara Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd. The event, for children ages
10 and under, takes place on the Meadow Area near Bob Fatjo Field.
MAKERS MARKET STREET FAIR EVERY SECOND SATURDAY
Makers Market hosts its Local Artist Street Fair at Santana Row every second Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor fair features 60+ local makers selling jewelry, ceramics, apparel, art, plants, and more. The event
includes live music, food and drinks from nearby restaurants, and is free to attend.
ROOTED TO RISE OPEN HOUSE & AUCTION PARTY NOV. 1
The Muindi Foundation hosts its Rooted to Rise Open House and Auction Party on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the San Jose Clubhouse, 15480 Union Avenue. The open house runs from 12-4 p.m., followed by an
SAN JOSÉ STATE PRESIDENT TO SPEAK
OCT. 28
San José State University President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson will speak Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Los Gatos, her talk will cover SJSU’s history, student success, and recent innovations. More at losgatosrotary.org
auction party from 4-8 p.m. The event features more than 75 original artworks, complimentary champagne, wine, and appetizers, plus a chance to meet the artists. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s Learn Now programs, which provide academic, creative, and socialemotional tools for underserved children. Admission is free and open to all ages. RSVP at muindifoundation.org
West Valley towns weigh in on county sales tax measure
MEASURE A, FROM PAGE 1
health care. The revenues would be classified as a general tax, meaning funds can be used for any county purpose, not limited to health services.
Supporters cast the measure as a lifeline for county hospitals. They cite cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act," or H.R.1, and argue those cuts threaten the financial base of Santa Clara Valley Health System, noting that one in four county residents relies on Medicaid. Backing includes U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna and Zoe Lofgren, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, the South Bay Labor Council, SEIU Local 521, and and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
In Los Gatos, Vice Mayor Rob Moore voiced support for Measure A in a LinkedIn post, writing that he would vote yes “to keep major hospitals and ERs open, protect trauma care, cancer treatment and mental health services, safeguard Medi-Cal access for seniors and
people with disabilities, [and] protect existing levels of service at Los Gatos’ hospitals like El Camino and Good Samaritan.”
During its Sept. 16 meeting, the Los Gatos Town Council heard a presentation from county representatives, including Marico Sayoc, former Los Gatos mayor and and current chief of staff for County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga. The presentation noted that 5,500 Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga residents receive care from Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. Councilmembers asked questions and generally voiced support for responding to the federal cuts, but did not take a formal position. Several residents also spoke in favor of the measure during public comment.
The Cupertino City Council considered a consent-calendar item in September that included a letter of opposition to Measure A. Mayor LiangFang Chao moved to postpone discussion of the city’s position, and the council voted 3-2 to defer, with Councilmembers
J.R. Fruen and Sheila Mohan dissenting. Sixteen members of the public spoke on the item, overwhelmingly in favor of Measure A. A special study session was scheduled for Oct. 13 to revisit the issue. Chao is a signatory to the ballot arguments opposing the measure.
Neither Saratoga nor Monte Sereno councils have taken formal stances, though several past local leaders have opposed the measure. Among them is former Saratoga Mayor Rishi Kumar, who is leading an organized opposition effort and is also a candidate for county assessor in the Nov. 4 special election. Former Monte Sereno mayors Liz Lawler and Rowena Turner are also listed among the Measure A opponents.
The opposition argues Measure A offers no guarantees the money will go toward health services.
“Because of the law that they used to put this on the ballot, none of that money has to go to the medical field,” Mark Hinkle, president of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, told
NBC Bay Area. “Literally they’re asking the voters to write a blank check.”
A lawsuit filed earlier this year argued that because Measure A is a general tax, it “would provide no dedicated funding to health care, let alone hospitals.” County officials countered that health care is the county’s largest expense and that the money would support sustaining hospital services.
One of the plaintiffs, Chris Robell, a San Mateo County resident who has sued to stop tax and bond measures across the Bay Area, told San José Spotlight the ballot language is misleading.
“The ballot question is argumentative and full of reasons to vote ‘Yes,’ he said. “What they’re putting on the question is too similar to what is on their argument in favor. I believe this thing should state very simply, ‘Shall the taxpayers of Santa Clara County adopt a .625% sales tax increase measure for general fund purposes?’”
Robell added that he
would have less concern if the proposal were a special tax that guaranteed spending on health care.
“It’s a general tax,” he said. “Is health care really the nature of the measure? They can and probably will spend the money on other things, such as unfunded pension liabilities and raises.”
In September, a judge rejected the lawsuit, allowing Measure A to remain on the ballot with minor revisions to its wording.
If adopted, the tax would take effect in 2026 and expire in 2031. The decision will determine whether the county gains a new funding stream pitched as essential to protecting health services, or whether voters reject what critics call an open-ended tax.
For more information and to see arguments for and against Measure A, visit vote411.org/ ballot. The free resource lets you enter your address to view your ballot, check registration status, and find polling places.
Slide from Santa Clara County's presentation on the impacts of H.R.1 to the Los Gatos Town Council, highlighting local data.
Keep calm and watch AI carry on
BY JAMES CHE
In just the past three years, artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly moved into many parts of our daily lives. Since the launch of ChatGPT, a wave of new AI tools has emerged, ranging from simple questionanswering programs to advanced systems that claim to perform at near-human or even “superhuman” levels. The pace
of progress is dizzying: major companies continue to release improved models, computing firms are building machines once reserved for top-secret labs, and it’s getting harder to keep track of it all. At this point, you might be wondering, “What exactly is going on in the world of AI?”
Popular chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are now widely available and
Get ready to vote
BY AMY VU, PRESIDENT, LWV OF SOUTHWEST
SANTA CLARA VALLEY
Special elections are usually called when there is a resignation or a proposal that impacts voters locally or statewide. These elections typically receive less media coverage than general elections, often resulting in lower voter turnout. Voter participation for special elections generally ranges between 15-25%, compared to presidential elections, which have exceeded 70% turnout for the past 100 years.
We have the opportunity to change these statistics for special elections. This year, Santa Clara County voters will be asked to fill a vacancy for county tax assessor, decide on a sales tax measure, and determine whether congressional districts should be redrawn. Each of these decisions will affect the county and, in some cases, the state.
To prepare you for the upcoming special election on Nov. 4, here is a summary of what will appear on your ballot:
• Santa Clara County Tax Assessor: Four candidates are running to fill the vacated position: Yan Zhao, Rishi Kumar, Neysa Fligor, and Bryan Do.
• Measure A: Proposed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, this measure would temporarily
can respond to almost any question you ask. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, recently announced GPT5, its most advanced model yet. It’s capable of tackling complex questions with near professor-level knowledge. And for more practical uses, AI can help you discover a recipe, plan an outing, or even draft a letter to your grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Nvidia, the company that supplies the powerful computer chips behind many of these models, unveiled a new generation of processors called “Rubin.” These chips can handle up to 15 quintillion (that’s a billion billion) calculations per second. To put that in perspective, it’s like billions of 1990s-era computers all working together at once.
Closer to home, new AI startups in Silicon Valley are developing “AI Agents,” which are beginning to appear
on billboards and online ads across the Bay Area. Unlike movie-style secret agents, these are specialized tools designed for specific jobs such as research or customer support. Through apps like Perplexity or the new ChatGPT Agent feature, they can complete hours of research in just minutes. If this all sounds overwhelming, there’s no need to worry. You don’t need to be a computer expert to give AI a try. Right here in Saratoga, SASCC offers free, hands-on technology support at SASCC Tech, where volunteers can answer questions about devices, apps, and AI. Drop-
in sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 p.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center, right next to Saratoga City Hall. Beyond tech support, SASCC also provides programs for older adults ranging from community activities to college courses, including classes on technology. More information is available at sascc.org . The bottom line? You don’t need to keep up with every AI breakthrough. Just knowing a few simple ways to use these tools can make technology feel less intimidating, and maybe even helpful in your daily life.
LATEST MAJOR AI DEVELOPMENTS:
1. GPT-5, Grok 4, and Claude 4
2. Nvidia Rwuben GPUs
3. Silicon Valley’s shift to “AI Agents”
Knitting memories from husky fur
BY KATHY DENISE
increase the sales tax in the county by five-eighths of one cent for five years.
• Proposition 50: This proposition would authorize the state to use the congressional district maps provided in Assembly Bill 604 (AB 504) instead of the maps adopted for use in 2021.
More information about the candidates and measures can be found in the voter information guides mailed with your vote-by-mail ballot. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters began mailing ballots and guides in early October. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to register to vote, you can do so at registertovote. ca.gov. The last day to register for this election is October 20.
In addition to the county’s voter guide, the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund publishes an Easy Voter Guide for statewide elections, available at cavotes. org/easy-voter-guide or at local libraries and community centers. To help you learn more about the candidates, your local League of Women Voters chapter also hosts candidate forums, which you can attend in person or watch on our YouTube channel . Another helpful resource is vote411.org, a one-stop voter information site.
Stay informed, make a plan to vote, and remind your friends and family to participate.
I have been a knitter for years, making blankets, scarves, hats, and donating many to those in need. Years ago, as I regularly brushed our Siberian Husky, a “woolly” with unusually long fur, one of my son’s teachers offered to spin the collected fur into yarn. With that yarn, I knitted squares for three blankets, one for each of my kids.
After that husky passed, we
adopted two husky/malamute pups, but their fur wasn’t usable for spinning. When one suddenly died at age five, her brother grieved so deeply that we brought home another Husky, this one a “super woolly.” Once again, I had fur worth spinning, but the original teacher had moved away.
Through Etsy, I found different spinners, first in Baltimore, then the Midwest, and now in Pennsylvania.
Each had their own way of working with the fur, but the Pennsylvania spinner has been the most reliable. At $25 an ounce, it isn’t cheap, so I reserve the yarn for family and close friends.
From that yarn I’ve made hats, pillows, and even stuffed animals for grandchildren. Each piece carries the warmth of our dogs, woven into memories my family can hold for years to come.
James Che, SASCC Tech instructor. Photo by Mendy Mao
Photo courtesy of Kathy Denise
COMMUNITY
Saratoga Girl Scouts rebuild elementary school garden
SCOUTS, FROM PAGE 1
Beyond repairs, the troop wanted to ensure the garden would stay useful for years to come. They designed gradespecific science lesson plans aligned with state standards, covering pollination, plant growth, and life cycles.
“I think the part of the project I am most proud of are the lesson plans for the teachers,” Stella esaid. “We put a lot of thought and effort into them, and now the teachers can use them if they don’t have a plan for the day.”
The project stretched over two years, with lulls and challenges along the way.
“The biggest challenge my troop and I faced during our project was time management,” Stella said. “I balanced it by working on things when I had free time, like after homework or sports,” Stella said. Sriya pointed to “scheduling and being organized” as essential.
Despite the obstacles, the scouts said the effort was worth it.
“I learned that I am capable of change in my community,” Valentina said.
The garden’s revival drew
an enthusiastic response from the school.
“It meant so much to see our former students leading the way on such an important project,” Murphy said. “The garden is a special part of our campus, and having the Girl Scouts take the initiative to restore it shows their deep connection to our school community.”
“Getting the chickens back at SES,” Sriya said, was the part she felt most proud of.
Looking ahead, the scouts hope their work will spark curiosity in the next generation.
“I hope the elementary schoolers will gain the knowledge on how to take care of a plant,” Stella said. Valentina added, “I hope students will enjoy spending time in the garden.
The Cadettes also shared advice for other Girl Scouts starting their Silver Award projects:
“Start early,” Sriya said. “And do not procrastinate.”
“Choose a project that you are passionate about,” Valentina said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about the award, it’s about what you did to help your community.”
Celebrating
giving: The Butter Paddle marks 15 years in Los Gatos
by more than 70 members
Butter Paddle blends a passion for giving back with a commitment to offering distinctive, high-quality gifts. Over the past year, the
store has undergone a refresh just in time for the holidays.
Guests are invited to explore the updated space, featuring new signage, seasonal décor, and expanded product offerings. The celebration will also include live
music, festive refreshments and giveaways.
The anniversary festivities begin Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, with a Holiday Sneak Peek from 9 to 11 a.m. The invite-only event is open to loyal customers who follow The Butter Paddle on social media or subscribe to its newsletter. Later that day, at 4 p.m., Los Gatos Mayor Matthew Hudes will join a special ribboncutting ceremony.
Founded nearly 60 years ago, The Butter Paddle has become a cherished part of the community. Originally opened in Saratoga as the county’s first kitchen store, it now specializes in curated gifts from local and women-owned businesses, including home décor, serveware, jewelry, baby items and gourmet foods. Every purchase directly supports Pacific Clinics, a nonprofit providing critical mental health and social services to at-risk children and families in Santa Clara County.
“The Butter Paddle is more than a gift store—it’s been a labor of love, powered by generations of volunteers,” said Shirley Frantz, EMQ Auxiliary president. “We’ve watched this community rally around our mission to uplift vulnerable children and families. Every gift
sold, every dollar raised, helps provide real hope—whether it’s a backpack for a child starting school or critical mental health care for a family in crisis.”
The EMQ Auxiliary, has served children and families for more than 90 years. Founded in 1934 to support San Jose’s first orphanage, Eastfield Home of Benevolence, the Auxiliary launched The Butter Paddle in 1967 as a permanent source of fundraising to expand its mission.
“The continued support from The Butter Paddle and EMQ Auxiliary helps us provide essential resources that change lives,” said Darren DeMonsi, senior fund development director at Pacific Clinics. “Every year, they volunteer more than 31,000 hours and donate thousands of essential items—from diapers to coats and toiletries—to families in need. Their monetary support helps fund vital programs in Santa Clara County, from Neurodevelopmental Services and Foster Care to our Hope Drop-In Center and the Wellspring Fund. Their donations ensure that children and families get the support they need to thrive.”
For more information, visit butterpaddle.com
(From left to right) Alex W., Valentina W., Sriya M., and Stella S. in the SES garden. Courtesy photo
From politics to pirate radio: Local leaders share their stories
BOOKSTORE, FROM PAGE 1
manager in the tech industry. She curates her collection of adult and children’s books to offer hidden gems alongside best sellers. To build community, she hosts author talks, book clubs, workshops and People & Stories events.
“I've met so many amazing people here whose life journeys and stories inspired me,” Sedneva said. “I got an idea to create a place and time when we can share our stories and simply connect with each other.”
Moore, elected to the Los Gatos Town Council in 2022, is passionate about affordable housing, public safety, equity and empowering youth. A renter, he is concerned that young people are being priced out of the area. He mentors the Young Leaders Group of high schoolers to help them grow and figure out who they want to be.
“It took me a long time to figure that out myself,” he said.
While attending Cal Poly, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, Moore learned the power of politics. Although his campaign to ban fracking in San Luis Obispo County was unsuccessful, he elevated the issue and found his calling. In addition to serving as vice mayor, Moore is a policy aide for Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga. After working in politics on the county and state levels, he felt compelled to give back to his hometown.
“I decided that the best way for me to make a difference in my community was to move back to the place where I grew up, that I love,” he said. “Los Gatos is unique and wonderful. I feel very grateful, very blessed to be representing this community.”
Roberts has long been obsessed with records and radios. As a teenager, he would accompany his stepfather to thrift stores, searching dusty bins for classical LPs (long play records).
“We would come home not just with one or two records,” Roberts said. “... but milk crates and boxes of records every weekend. He turned me on to being an audiophile.”
For Roberts, college radio was an epiphany, exposing him to punk rock, ska, alternative music, and spoken word.
“It just had me captivated,” he said. “I started to take all of my stepfather's hi-fi equipment ... take it apart and build my own hi-fi.”
At 14, Roberts called radio stations to request music by underground bands and even asked to DJ. They turned him down. But when he heard a teenager was running a radio station, he wasted no time reaching out.
“Several days later, the guy is standing in my bedroom looking at my record collection. He's like, ‘You've got too many classical records, but this is cool. You can come and do a radio show.’”
Every Wednesday, he arrived at a crumbling garage in downtown San Jose to host a
show from a plywood desk. Soon after, he started building his own transmitters.
“Eventually, I had my own radio station under my bed here in Los Gatos, broadcasting to all of Silicon Valley,” he said.
Roberts went on to run several pirate radio stations.
“I'm playing this punk rock song, and everyone's speakers are blaring,” he said. “I tell everyone, ‘I want you to all start honking your horns.’ And everyone starts honking. ‘I want you to cheer.’ Everyone starts cheering ... and I start to realize ... it's not just about playing content, but it's about what I can inspire people to do.”
Eventually, the Federal Communications Commission stepped in, confiscating his equipment and taking him to court. Luckily, his case went well.
“And that led to me getting my first licensed radio station and being here in Los Gatos ... on 92.9 FM KPCR,” he said. “Radio is a great medium for breaking through your nervousness and ... inspiring others.”
Kolesnik was born in a small town in Siberia, Russia. Her mother, physically abused by her father, encouraged her to be independent. At 20, Kolesnik opened a beauty salon. At 25, she bought a fixer-upper apartment and a car. Embarrassed by her smile, she had her teeth fixed. Life was good, until a medical checkup suggested she might have cancer.
“I walked out, sat in my car, and cried,” she said.
The diagnosis proved unfounded, but soon after she learned her fiancé was cheating. She immersed herself in business courses and focused on changing her life. She relocated to Moscow, found work, and through an online dating site met her husband before moving to America. Still, she felt lost. Then one day she received an invitation to compete in a beauty pageant.
“Me, one and a half meters tall, stuttering and looking in the mirror and seeing anything but a beauty queen,” she said. “But something inside me whispered, ‘Go!’ And I went.”
Nervous at rehearsals in Los Angeles, Kolesnik was amazed to be crowned the West Coast winner.
“My eyes were shining. I believed again,” she said.
She went on to compete in the Mrs. USA Petite Globe pageant and again was crowned the winner.
Students received course credit broadcasting from his café in San Francisco. In Los Angeles, he operated a station from home. One night, he told people to drive to the rooftop parking lot of Rock and Roll Ralphs on the Sunset Strip, open their car doors, turn on their lights and blast their radios.
“I didn't stutter even once,” she said. “For me, that's the greatest victory, because for 35 years, I had stuttered and avoided people. I asked the universe, ‘Should I be quieter, simpler, less visible?’ And the universe answered with the crown. Shine! Be yourself. Your dream matters and you're more powerful than you know.”
Beyond Text is located at 318 N. Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos. Sign up for its email list at beyond-text-bookstore. square.site to stay informed about future events.
Beyond Text owner Tanya Sedneva. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert
Los Gatos Vice Mayor Rob Moore, Beyond Text owner Tanya Sedneva, Mrs. USA Petite Globe 2025 Nadin Kolesnik, and KPCR founder Daniel Roberts at Beyond Text's People & Stories event on Sept. 5 Photo by Lorraine Gabbert
Five scenic hiking spots to explore this fall
With the crisp fall weather finally here, there’s no better time to lace up your boots and head outdoors. As an avid hiker, I’m always searching for the best local spots. These are some of my favorites, from challenging treks with breathtaking views to relaxed nature strolls. Each trail wowed me with either its panoramic scenery or diverse wildlife.
5. Parker Ranch Loop Trail (Saratoga) — Hard, short, sunny views
Starting at Prospect Creek or farther in at the Fremont Older Connection trailhead, Parker Ranch Loop features fenced orchards, steep climbs and stunning views. Most of the year, it’s dry and dusty with little shade, but the view makes it worth it.
After ascending a flight of wooden stairs, hikers can reach Vista Point, a hilltop lookout offering a panorama of Saratoga and the valley beyond. From there, you can retrace your steps for a short half-mile
out-and-back, or continue on the ~2.2-mile loop. For those looking for more mileage, the trail also connects to Fremont Older Open Space, where routes stretch several more miles, up to around 6.5 miles. Located right off Prospect and walkable for nearby residents, Parker Ranch doubles as a workout trail with its tough climb. Don’t forget water and sun protection for this exposed hike.
4. Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Redwood Trail (Boulder Creek) — Easy, iconic trees
About a 30-minute drive from Saratoga, Big Basin is California’s oldest state park and home to some of the most iconic coastal redwoods. The diversity of trees here makes it worth the trip.
For hikers who want something light, the Redwood Trail is a flat, half-mile loop that shows off many of the landmark redwoods, including one that’s hollowed out so you can step inside. It’s a short walk with a huge payoff. Parking costs $8 with a reservation or $10 without.
3. Sanborn County Park: Sanborn Loop to Indian Rock (Saratoga) — Moderate, long, lush forest
Just a few miles west of Saratoga, Sanborn feels remote and wild with its spread of redwood forests. Even on sunny days, the trails stay shady thanks to the canopy. In the fall and winter, mist and fog roll in, covering everything in moss and fungi and giving the woods a gothic, almost otherworldly feel.
My favorite route connects Sanborn Loop with Indian Rock, coming in at around 8 miles. Hikers of different levels can use the park map to shorten or extend the trip. The higher elevations bring out sweeping views of the mountains and highlight the forest’s diverse plant life. Daily parking is $6.
2. Rancho San Antonio: Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop (Cupertino) — Easy, wildlife-rich Rancho San Antonio is one of the most popular local hiking spots, with trails that feel like a step into the wild. The Deer Hollow Farm Trail Loop is about
3 miles and mostly flat, making it accessible for nearly everyone. The trail leads to Deer Hollow Farm, where livestock and gardens are a big draw for families with kids. Wildlife is everywhere here. Owls nest in the trees, turkeys strut across the path, and mule deer often graze nearby. On cooler days, snakes can be spotted in shady patches. Around dusk, visitors sometimes report bobcats slipping through the grass or coyotes on the move, which is one reason the preserve closes its gates at sunset. The trail has little shade, so bring water and sunscreen if you’re out during the day.
1. Villa Montalvo County Park: Lookout Point Loop (Saratoga) — Moderate, shady retreat
Located at Saratoga’s landmark Villa Montalvo, the Lookout Point route is about 2 miles round trip and offers a blend of history and nature. Rustic stone stairs, wooden trail signs and towering redwoods make the path feel magical, and fungi often line the damp, shaded ground.
At the top, Lookout Point opens to a wide view of Saratoga and the forest beyond. Afterward, visitors can explore the Montalvo Arts Center grounds, which feature Mediterranean-style architecture, gardens and sculptures. Once the estate of California Sen. James Phelan, it’s now both a cultural site and a perfect picnic spot. This trail is my personal favorite for its beautiful views, lush landscape and the bonus of Montalvo’s historic grounds.
Honorable Mention: Alviso Marina County Park: Alviso Slough Trail (San Jose) — Easy, lakeside wildlife
Known for its salt ponds, marshes and migratory birds, Alviso Marina County Park is a must-stop for bird-watchers. The Alviso Slough Trail is a flat, roughly 8-mile loop along raised walkways with wide views of the wetlands.
Sunset is especially beautiful here, when the sky turns orange and reflects across the water. Bring a windbreaker or jacket as the breeze off the water can be chilly.
Towering redwoods at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek. Photo by Mendy Mao
Mendy Mao and her brother hike at Rancho San Antonio in Cupertino. Courtesy photo
Fungi grow on a tree stump in Sanborn County Park in Saratoga. Photo by Mendy Mao
BY MENDY MAO
Views from atop the Villa Montalvo hike in Saratoga. Photo by Mendy Mao
Day trip South: Experience the monarchs in Pacific Grove
BY JOE-MING CHENG
Each winter, a small miracle returns quietly to California’s coast: the monarch butterflies. These delicate orange-andblack travelers arrive in Pacific Grove, often called “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.,” after a long and mysterious journey from central and eastern North America to the Monarch Grove Sanctuary by the sea. For Bay Area residents, the spectacle makes for a perfect day trip or even a weekend getaway to the Monterey Peninsula this winter.
Once, millions would arrive. In recent years, the number has dropped to thousands, sometimes only hundreds. Those that do return still carry the memory of generations before them, following a route they have never flown to trees they have never seen.
Their journey north happens across four short-lived generations. Each one hatches, transforms, flutters farther, and passes the torch. In autumn, a strong generation emerges with a longer lifespan and a different purpose. Called the “Methuselah generation,” these butterflies do not reproduce right away. Instead, they head south, traveling up to 3,000 miles to overwintering sites such as the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary and the mountain forests of central Mexico.
Scientists note that the monarch (Danaus plexippus)
is the only butterfly known to complete a two-way migration across multiple generations. Typically, three to four shortlived generations travel north in spring and summer, followed by one long-lived “super generation” migrating south in fall.
Painted Ladies butterflies may come closest. Some studies suggest a six-generation round trip between tropical Africa and northern Europe, though the evidence is debated. In Asia, about 600 butterflies were recently documented flying more than 600 miles from Japan to Taiwan’s Penghu Islands, perhaps carried by seasonal winds.
In Pacific Grove, temperatures often hover near 55 degrees, the threshold below which monarchs enter suspended animation. Their muscles freeze, and they cluster on eucalyptus and pine branches, appearing from a distance like strings of orange blossoms.
On these cold mornings, visitors have the best chance to see monarchs up close before they rise into the midday sun. The sight of hundreds of butterflies layered silently on a branch feels like a whispered secret of the natural world. It is beautiful, fragile, and fleeting.
Male monarchs are marked by two black dots on their hind wings and thinner veins. Females are darker with thicker veins. Both begin as milkweed-eating caterpillars before transforming
into winged adults. As butterflies, they feed on nectar from a variety of flowers.
Scientists still puzzle over the monarch’s sense of direction. How does a butterfly that has never been to Pacific Grove find its way? Do they carry a cellular memory of ancestral paths, or is it guided by magnetism, sunlight, or something else not yet understood? While a few lose their way, most succeed in making the remarkable journey.
Visitors come from around the world to walk quietly through the sanctuary, photograph the clusters, or simply stand in awe.
In January 2025, I visited. The monarchs stacked like garlands, their wings glowing in the light.
At the entrance, a group of second- and third-grade students arrived by bus. They pressed against the fence, wide-eyed, listening as teachers explained life cycles, migration, and ecology. In a world full of screens, here was a classroom under the sky.
Being in that place, with wings overhead and children gathered beneath the trees, I felt hope, empathy, joy, and awe.
If you plan a visit, the best viewing happens mid-October through mid-February, with peak season November-January. On cool mornings you’ll see monarchs clustered in the trees; by midday, they often lift into the sun, filling the grove with flashes of orange and black.
An educational signboard explains the monarch’s five-generation migration and shows where they overwinter. Photo by Joe-Ming Cheng
A chart highlights the differences: males have two black dots and thinner veins, while females are darker with thicker veins. Photo by Joe-Ming Cheng
Hundreds of butterflies pack together on branches during cold weather, creating the look of orange garlands. Photo via cityofpacificgrove.gov
Wreaths Across America at Madronia Cemetery
BY LISA OAKLEY
On Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m., Wreaths Across America will return to Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga. Please join us to remember those who have served.
Each December, more than 4,200 cemeteries nationwide participate in Wreaths Across America, with community members volunteering to remember, honor and teach. The nonprofit’s mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve or have served our nation, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Our town cemetery,
Madronia, is well known as a beautiful resting place and designated arboretum.
But it is also the keeper of Saratoga’s history, and of our country’s history. On Dec. 13, our community will come together again to lay wreaths of remembrance on the 1,100 graves of veterans buried at Madronia.
As each wreath is placed, we say the veteran’s name aloud so they continue to be remembered every year. It is how we honor their sacrifice for our country.
Right now, we could use your support. So far, 331 wreaths have been purchased through local sponsorship groups. A
portion of each donation also supports veterans and their families through SASCC’s Group Sponsorship Program.
It is said that you die twice: once when you stop breathing, and again when your name is spoken for the last time. For me, every wreath placed is more than a symbol. It is a promise that those who sacrificed for our freedom will never fade into silence.
If you would like to honor a service member buried at Madronia Cemetery, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ CA0450P to donate a wreath today.
Native American storyteller, mystery writer, and documentary producer to share storytelling traditions Nov. 8
BY SHARI CLARE, VICE PRESIDENT, SOUTH BAY WRITERS
To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, the South Bay Writers club welcomes D. M. Rowell as its November speaker. On Nov. 8 at the Saratoga Senior Center, she will share storytelling traditions she learned from her grandfather and describe how she has applied them to her crime fiction novels.
Rowell comes from a long line of Kiowa storytellers within a culture that treasures oral traditions. She is an enrolled citizen of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and has spent decades preserving sacred stories shared by tribal elders.
As a child, Rowell was deeply influenced by her grandfather, C. E. Rowell, a recognized tribal elder, artist, and master storyteller. He was one of the last readers of the Sai-guats, deerskin winter count calendars that chronicled a century of Kiowa history. His stories, memories, and art instilled
in Rowell a deep respect for Kiowa culture and traditions.
Rowell was 7 years old when her family moved to San Jose, where her father sought greater opportunities to support the family. She continued to visit her extended family in Oklahoma. At age 12, her grandfather pointed at her with his chin, in the style of the old ones, and said, “You. You will keep these stories alive. You are next.” She has never forgotten that moment or responsibility.
After graduating from Silver Creek High School, Rowell attended De Anza and West Valley colleges and became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree. She studied communication and media at San Jose State University and later headed her own production company, Better Image Productions, Inc., providing video production and marketing for Silicon Valley startups. She also worked in marketing and media for larger companies including Macromedia, Sun Microsystems and Cypress Semiconductor. At the end of a three-decade
What are you going to be when you grow up?
BY ANNETTE STRANSKY
The Saratoga History Museum is featuring a new exhibit highlighting more than 50 notable Saratogans.
What makes someone notable? In this case, many names come from a Saratoga High School list of distinguished graduates. They represent a wide range of achievements, from speedcubing and chess mastery to acting and invention.
Have you ever wondered where your classmates ended up after high school?
In 2020, Jason Hong introduced his younger brother Andrew to the basics of chess. Today, Andrew Hong is a chess grandmaster and was once ranked No. 1 nationally for his age group.
Vincent Sheu is known in the speedcubing world for organizing World Cube Association competitions and setting world records in both the Fewest Moves Challenge and the 2×2×2 single solve.
Eesha Khare, an inventor, won the Young Scientist Award at the 2013 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list of scientists. She is now a hardware engineer and biologist.
high-tech career, culminating as a digital media director, Rowell began a new chapter as a novelist. She is writing a mystery series featuring a Silicon Valley professional Kiowa woman and her Plains Indian tribe. The first book, “Never Name the Dead,” was published in 2022 and nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is now working on the fourth book in the series.
Rowell is also an awardwinning producer and scriptwriter of several documentaries, including “Vanishing Link: My Spiritual Return to the Kiowa Way.” The film, which aired on PBS, won TrailDance 2007 Best Oklahoma Documentary.
Join us Saturday, Nov. 8, for “Native American Traditions: Influence on Novel Writing” with D. M. Rowell at 10:30 a.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Ave. Admission is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Visit southbaywriters.com to become a member.
Public Art
Musician Zach Gill credits his grandmother, Mabel, a church organist, and his father, Chuck, a rocker in “Admiral Nelson and the Oppressed Seamen,” for sparking his love of music.
A multi-instrumentalist, Gill performs solo, as part of Animal Liberation Orchestra, and with Jack Johnson’s band.
Mark V. Kvamme, who studied French economics and literature at UC Berkeley, was a founding member of Apple France. Today, he is a venture capitalist with Drive Capital in Columbus, Ohio, as well as a sports car driver and owner of MDK Motorsports.
Paul Magid, a Saratoga High graduate and UC Santa Cruz alumnus, shifted from studying English literature and medieval Muslim history to founding The Flying Karamazov Brothers, a juggling and musical group still active since its start in 1973.
Patricia Noriko Miranda made history as the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in wrestling, earning bronze in the 106-pound class at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Her father required she maintain a 4.0 GPA to compete, which she did. Today, she is an attorney.
The exhibit runs at the Saratoga History Museum, 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
D. M. Rowell, a Kiowa storyteller, novelist and documentary producer, will speak Nov. 8 at the Saratoga Senior Center. Courtesy photo
Saratoga History Museum exhibit honors community members who made their mark
Two children balance on a tree branch along Saratoga’s roadside, one waving an American flag, the other holding a fishing net, capturing the spirit of play and patriotism. Photo by Joe-Ming Cheng
Murals painted by local students brighten the Los Gatos Creek Trail footbridge with animals, landscapes, and playful lettering. Photo by Joe-Ming Cheng
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CALL 211 or visit 211scc.org: Food, Senior Care & Child Care, Counseling, Legal Aid, Housing & more (free, confidential, multi-lingual).
CANCER CAREPOINT: Non-medical support services for those impacted by cancer.
2512 Samaritan Ct., Suite A San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 402-6611 cancercarepoint.org
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NETWORK OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
1400 Parkmoor Ave., Suite 250, San Jose, CA 95126 (415) 808-4300 uwba.org/get-help
FAIR HOUSING LAW
PROJECT
Housing discrimination, mortgage abuse, eviction issues.
152 N. First St. 3rd Floor, San Jose, CA 95111 (408) 280-2470
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SANTA CLARA
505 West Julian St. San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 275-8770
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
14700 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (408) 378-4010
Emergency response, fire prevention, education & preparedness. sccfd.org
SHRED IT SERVICES
Saratoga Senior Center, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $1 per pound, $12 per Bankers Box. Call (408) 647-9023 for more info.
WEST VALLEY
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Support for food, housing, rental, financial, & case management.
10104 Vista Dr. Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 255-8033
OLDER ADULT SERVICES
RYDE (REACH YOUR DESTINATION EASILY) TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM: (408) 892-9739 rydescc.org
FRIENDLY VOICESPHONE BUDDIES FOR SENIORS: (650) 395-8017
SOURCEWISE: (408) 350-3200 x 1
LIVE OAK NUTRITION CENTER: (408) 354-0707
SENIOR ADULTS LEGAL ASSISTANCE (SALA): (408) 295-5991
SALA is a non-profit elder
RESOURCES
law office whose mission is to support older persons in their efforts to live safely, independently, noninstitutionalized, and with dignity.
HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING & ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP) Funded by Sourcewise: Call (408) 350-3200, and select option 2. HICAP is a FREE volunteer-based program from Sourcewise that assists seniors with Medicare and supplements to Medicare, long-term care, and and managed care insurance plans.
VTA ACCESS:
Office: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily / (408) 321-2380 vta.org/go/ paratransit#accordionapplying-for-vta-accessparatransit-service
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers practical experience, support, education, comfort and understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and their treatment in Santa Clara County. Call from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (408) 4530400 option 1, or option 4 for after-hour support.
CASSY
Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with Bay Area schools to provide resources and professional, on-campus mental health services to students free of charge, plus staff training on mental health issues, and parent consultations. Learn more at cassybayarea.org .
ASIAN AMERICANS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES
Founded in 1973, AACI serves individuals and families with cultural humility, sensitivity and respect, advocating for and serving the marginalized and ethnic communities in Santa Clara County.
2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95128 / (408) 975-2730 X204
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS Offered through Vitas Healthcare
To join, please visit vitas.com/family-andcaregiver-support/ caregiving/caregiversupport-groups
GRIEVING SUPPORT GROUPS: REMOTE, VIRTUAL, AND ONLINE
Offered through Vitas Healthcare
To join, please visit vitas. com/family-and-caregiversupport/grief-andbereavement/remote-griefsupport-groups
To learn more about Vitas Healthcare support groups, please call 888.804.0387.
SOCIAL CENTERS
SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER
19655 Allendale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070 M-F, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (408) 868-1257
SARATOGA ADULT DAY PROGRAM
19655 Allendale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (408) 868-1254
LOS GATOS ADULT RECREATION CENTER
208 E. Main St. Los Gatos, CA 95030 M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (408) 354-1514
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
14855 Oka Rd, #201 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-3636
NEED SUPPORT NOW?
988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.
SASCC and the American Society on Aging celebrate Ageism Awareness Day
Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC) and the American Society on Aging (ASA) celebrated Ageism Awareness Day on Oct. 9, 2025. Modeled after the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons (Oct. 1), Ageism Awareness Day draws attention to the existence and harms of ageism in our society. This year’s theme highlights the richness and wide-ranging experiences of aging to counteract the myth that chronological age defines who we are.
“Aging is a universal experience, but it unfolds differently for each of us,” said ASA President and CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley, Ph.D. “Too often, society views aging only in terms of loss and assumes that everyone considered ‘old’ shares the same concerns. That’s simply not true. Our communities are stronger when we embrace the many voices, experiences and perspectives that come with age. Chronological age contributes to that richness and should be viewed as an asset.”
“At SASCC, we see every day how older adults bring energy, talent and wisdom to our communities,” said Tylor Taylor, CEO of SASCC. “Through initiatives like Senior Guided Pathways, we’ve shown what can happen when we stop limiting people by age and start building systems that honor their potential. Whether it’s returning to school, staying active in the workforce, or remaining connected to neighbors and friends, investing in older adults benefits the entire community.”
One of the most widespread and socially-accepted forms of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) toward others or oneself based on age.” It affects people at every stage of life, every time assumptions are made about them because of their age.
Ageism is found everywhere, from workplaces and health systems to the stereotypes reinforced in advertising, entertainment and the media. But while myths about aging persist, the reality tells a different story: Myth: If I avoid aging, I’ll be happier and healthier.
Reality: Negative selfperceptions of aging decrease quality of life and can shorten lifespan by 7.5 years.
Myth: Aging is the same for everyone.
Reality: Experiences of aging vary widely based on genetics, environment, culture, and policy.
Myth: Older adults can’t learn new things.
Reality: People learn and engage at every age.
Myth: All older adults are financially secure.
Reality: Older adults are diverse in wealth, beliefs, and life experiences.
Myth: Differences between generations are substantial.
Reality: Generational differences are often overstated, and in many cases, people share more across generations than within them. These misconceptions prevent collaboration on issues that affect people of every age.
“The American Society on Aging and our members, partners and allies are raising awareness about ageism and its harms,” Clark-Shirley said. “Together, we’re advancing a new, more complete narrative that recognizes the many ways people experience aging, while working to build a world where everyone can grow older on their own terms. Join us as we shape a future where we all thrive as we age.”
Learn more about ageism and how to take action at asaging.org/ ageism-awareness
Medicare and you: Annual enrollment period ahead
BY CORINNE VITA
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is the time of year to evaluate your current Medicare health or drug plan to ensure it will continue to meet your needs in the coming year.
As a current plan member, you may have received information about changes such as increases or decreases in copays, coinsurance, and outof-pocket maximums. Provider networks (doctors, hospitals, clinics) and drug formularies (the list of covered medications) may also change. Pay close attention to the Annual Notice of Change letters from your plan.
Medicare changes in 2026
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, several updates to Medicare Prescription Drug Plans will take effect:
• The cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will increase to $2,100, up $100 from the 2025 limit of $2,000.
• The annual deductible for Prescription Drug Plans will rise to $615, a $25 increase over the 2025 amount of $590.
• Since 2023, Medicare beneficiaries have had access to certain free vaccines. These vaccines will remain a permanent feature of Medicare Part D.
Review your plan annually
Every year, beneficiaries can change their coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period. Options include joining, switching or dropping a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D drug plan, switching to Original Medicare, or keeping your current coverage. If you are satisfied with your current plan, no action is required; your plan will renew automatically. If you want to make a change, you must do so between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Changes go into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
You can submit multiple changes during the enrollment period, but the last plan you select will be the one that takes effect Jan. 1.
Other enrollment opportunities
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time, you can disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in a new one, but you can only do this once. Prescription drug plans, however, cannot be changed after Dec. 7.
Need help?
Checking your coverage each year is simple and worthwhile. Medicare costs, benefits and providers can change annually, and comparing options may help you find better coverage or save money.
For assistance, contact a licensed Medicare agent like me at cvitahelp@gmail.com or 408-6214422. My services are always free.
VTA becomes California’s only Certified Age-Friendly transit agency
BY SERGIO LOPEZ, VTA CHAIR, CAMPBELL MAYOR
Earlier this year, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Silicon Valley’s public transit and congestion management agency, was recognized as a Certified Age-Friendly Employer. This national designation honors inclusive, multigenerational workplace environments where experience is highly valued. As the only transit agency in California with this designation, and one of only a few in the United States, VTA remains committed to a workforce that reflects, understands, and serves our communities.
I serve as Campbell mayor and chair of the Valley
Transportation Authority.
Growing up, I saw how public transit connects people of all ages. I’m now privileged to be the youngest chair in VTA’s history, and I recognize we need the wisdom and experience of people at all stages, and from all walks of life, to effectively serve riders and residents. That applies whether the Board of Directors is crafting policy, or staff is carrying out the day-today work of the organization.
This commitment is shared across VTA’s departments, which is why this designation was so important to pursue under the leadership of VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot.
As part of its ongoing work and service to the community, and for this Age-Friendly
designation, VTA has committed to:
• Age-neutral recruitment and hiring practices,
• Pay equity across all classifications,
• Ergonomic workplace adjustments and wellness support,
• Pre-retirement planning to support career transitions,
• Opportunities for retired annuitants to return in meaningful roles,
• Implicit bias training, including a focus on age diversity, and
• Ongoing professional development available to all staff.
The designation is awarded by the Age-Friendly Institute, a national organization that
supports inclusion for adults of all ages. According to its website, “The purpose of the Certified Age Friendly Employer program is to assist age 50+ job seekers by identifying employers committed to objectively considering them for appropriate employment, free of age bias or discrimination, and to recognize those employers who want age 50+ candidates to know they are valued for their knowledge, maturity, reliability and productivity.”
This recognition comes as VTA, like other transit agencies and many local governments, faces a pressing need for workforce development. That means not only hiring new workers, but training
and upskilling them as the demands of running a complex transportation agency grow.
Encouraging age diversity in hiring can lower recruitment and training costs through better retention and the recruitment of seasoned employees. A commitment to experienced workers ensures knowledge transfer and continuity across generations, ultimately strengthening service to the community.
VTA is nearly always hiring. To learn more, visit vta.org/about/careers . You can also contact Sommer Gonzalez, VTA’s Equal Employees Officer/Manager of Accessibility, Civil Rights, and Engagement (ACRE), at (408) 321-5916 or Sommer. Gonzalez@vta.org
VTA was awarded the Certified Age-Friendly Employer designation. Image by VTA
Aches and Pains: My little black dress
BY SUE FENTON (SUE ON THE STREET)
I turned 80 on my last birthday. A well-known Romanian classical pianist friend visited and gave a concert in my honor. Then we had a small party with friends and absolutely no presents. Everyone followed the rule, and I received nothing from everyone who attended, except lots of love. Perfect birthday!
Several weeks later, a mysterious large package arrived via FedEx. It was wrapped so tightly I thought it might hold something very precious, or maybe a bomb. After 20 minutes and two broken nails, I finally managed to get the package open. Inside was a beautiful black gown. What a
surprise! It fit me perfectly.
The gift came from a very dear friend back East who knew me well. She said she saw it on the Bergdorf Goodman website and couldn’t resist. She thought it was me. Because I’m a shrimp, I had to have the bottom hacked off.
Now, here’s the problem. I do love the dress. But where the heck do I wear it? This is Los Gatos, not Paris or New York. Los Gatos? Never! The dress begs to be worn and stares me down whenever I open my closet. Of course, I can wear it to a classical concert in my honor, or when I go shopping at Safeway. But that wasn’t enough for Sue on the Street.
So I came up with a plan, as any sassy 80-year-old would. I
thought about what I do daily so I could wear the dress often. I garden most days! So now, before I garden, I slip into my little black dress, add elbowlength garden gloves, and off I go. The ensemble is very elegant and makes me feel fabulous! And pretty! And young!
I guess the moral for my readers is that when you get to a certain age, anything goes, as long as it’s legal.
Next time you’re out and about, keep your eyes open for a crazy old lady doing her daily gardening in a black ball gown. Remember: life is short. Have a little fun.
Hope to see you soon on Channel 15 on Xfinity or on YouTube: Sue on the Street.
Between the Pages with Lloyd: An interview with author Kelly Miller
BY LLOYD RUSSELL
Silicon Valley resident Kelly Miller never imagined that after retiring from the Postal Service she’d reinvent herself as an award-winning regency romance author. Today, she has 10 published books, including nine reimaginings of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” and has built a devoted readership drawn to her fresh takes on classic characters and her love of the Regency era.
This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: What made you decide to write in that genre?
I started by reading some online fan fiction that I stumbled across, and at that time, I had never even read Jane Austen’s books. I had already seen the 1995 miniseries, but for some reason, the stories were compelling, and I just kept reading more and more.
I had just retired from the Postal Service and thought I might get another job, but it didn’t happen. I took some online classes and was looking for something new to do. I thought maybe I could try writing one of my own. I did,
then wrote two more, and submitted one to a publisher; it was accepted. It all happened by chance, because until then I had never imagined I would want to be a writer.
Q: We ask every author how they got published. Did you get an agent, or just submit directly?
It was an indie publisher that specializes in Jane Austen variations. It was the perfect fit, and they accepted it.
Q: And have all 10 of your books been with that same publisher?
I had six books published with them, but we eventually had a difference of opinion. With my seventh book, I decided to self-publish, and I loved the autonomy of choosing my own cover artist, selecting my editor, and setting my own pace. I’ve continued self-publishing ever since, and I’ve never looked back.
Q: Do you also have them on audiobook?
Yes, all of my books are available on Audible and iTunes.
Q: And you picked your own narrator for the last four?
That’s right. Authors can hold auditions, and then choose their narrator.
Q: Do trips to England help with your settings?
Definitely. I went in 2019, right before my first book came out. I had a murder mystery in mind set in Derbyshire, so I wanted to see specific sites there. I also visited Bath and London. It was a ten-day trip—we could have seen more, but we had a wonderful time.
Q: How do you come up with names for your characters? Are any based on people you know?
Sometimes. For original characters, I try to use names that would have been common in Regency England, often biblical names.
Q: Has your personal background influenced your stories?
Yes. I’ve always been an animal lover, especially horses. Since horses were so important in the Regency era, I often include them. Dogs, too; I’m a big dog lover.
Q: Were there any people influential in getting you into writing?
Not really. Writing was the last thing I ever expected to do. I’m usually very active and don’t enjoy sitting still for long periods, so writing is a bit of a daily struggle. Having a dog helps; she gets me outside and moving, which keeps me balanced.
Q: Do you have a writing schedule?
Not a strict one. I have routines, like checking social media in the morning. Social media has become something of a chore, but it’s also rewarding because I’ve connected with so many indie authors and readers. It just takes a lot to keep up with.
Q: Do you see yourself writing in another genre?
It’s possible, but it’s hard for authors to build a readership, even with strong books. I already have an audience now, and starting in another genre would feel like starting over. Maybe someday, but I’d expect not to sell many copies at first.
Q: What advice would you give to new writers?
Write what you love, and keep writing. Whatever you write is just the beginning, it doesn’t have to be perfect. People get stuck thinking something isn’t good enough, but you can revise it. Don’t give up too soon. Read books on writing, read articles, and most importantly, read good books. See how others do it. Check out Miller’s books at linktr.ee/kellymillerauthor
THIS MONTH’S TRIVIA
After Stieg Larsson’s passing, who continued to write the next three books in the “Millennium” series, beginning with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?”
A. Jonas Jonasson
B. Eve Gabrielsson
C. David Lagercrantz
D. Liza Marklund
Answer to last month’s trivia: C. Colson Whitehead.
Sue on the Street tending her garden in her LBD. Courtesy photo
Kelly Miller with her book "The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy," a “Pride and Prejudice” regency mystery romance, which won first place at the Incipere Awards. Photo via Instagram
Hearing Loss and Depression
Christine Throm, Au D
Exploring the Link Between Untreated Hea ring Loss & D epression
Extensive research shows a correlation between hearing loss and depressive symptoms. A significant study that investigated this link, involved assessing hearing health and evaluating depressive symptoms among 18,318 people. Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed depressive symptoms and also had their hearing tested. Researchers found that the prevalence of moderate to severe depression was only 4.9% for individuals reporting excellent hearing, but 11.4% for people who reported a small amount to greater amounts of hearing loss
This data shows that people with hearing loss were more than twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms. These findings highlight that hearing loss can take a toll on mental health and wellness.
I mpact o f Hearing Lo ss o n Me ntal Health
Hearing loss can have a cumulative toll which includes contributing to depressive symptoms. A few significant ways that hearing loss can do this are:
Straining communication: Hearing loss reduces ability to hear speech and sound. This creates several symptoms that make it tough to participate in conversations. Symptoms can include tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears, distortion or muffling of sounds, and difficulty hearing speech in places with noise. These symptoms serve as barriers, making it challenging to participate in conversations.
Social withdrawal: Strained communication often leads to people avoiding communication including skipping out on social events, spending less time with loved ones, and participating in hobbies/activities a lot less. Social withdrawal produces greater isolation, loneliness, stress etc. which contributes to or exacerbates depression.
Impacting relationships: Untreated hearing loss can restrict conversations, affect quality time, and impact personal connections. People often report feeling unheard or ignored by their loved ones with hearing loss. This can produce tension, frustration, and distance in relationships.
The effects of untreated hearing loss can impact a persons happiness and quality of life. People’s relationships, social life, and wellness can suffer which contributes to depressive symptoms.
Hearing Aids Imp rove Depressive
Symptoms
The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. These devices are designed to absorb, amplify, and process speech as well as sound. This provides the ears and brain with significant hearing support which alleviates the symptoms people experience on a daily basis. Hearing aids offer numerous benefits including improving depressive symptoms and boosting mental health.
Free Community Seminar
Want more information about hearing health? Dr. Throm has brought back her acclaimed, medically based, Listen Up Café lecture series!
Friday, Oct 17, 2025: Hearing Loss and Depression Friday, Nov 14, 2025: Hear for the Holidays Friday, Dec 12, 2025 All About Tinnitus (Dates and location subject to change)
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.)
Please call for time and location information (408) 673-4052
Another study evaluated the link between hearing aids and depressive symptoms and assessed the impact of wearing hearing aids after 6 months and then again after 1 year. Researchers found that depressive symptoms improved by 28% after 6 months of wearing hearing aids and by another 16% at the 1-year mark. Hearing aids strengthen communication which helps people navigate daily life with greater ease, confidence, and safety. This improves relationships, supports social connection, and enhances sense of self.
We’re proud to have served Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, San Jose and the entire Bay Area for over 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
