@ l o s g ata n holiday events
p4 : cheer team update
v o l . 4, n o . 15 : d e c e m b e r 18-24, 2024 : l o s g a t a n . c o m
p10 : christmas tree farmers p14 : ny times crossword p15 Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan
ENTREPRENEUR BEHIND METAL WATER BOTTLE FINDS ARTISTIC INSPIRATION IN NATURAL WORLD Seals has been making things from recycling since his childhood Sarah Lai Stirland, Contributor
The inventor and artist Robert Seals has spent the majority of his almost-80 years on Earth transforming junk into desirable objects. His invention (and company) Klean Kanteen became famous for its metallic water bottle. But his finely crafted recycled-metal sculptures are almost invisible. You have to seek them out. The Los Gatan, who lives on a remote hilltop compound on the border with Santa Cruz County, handed over the management of the pioneering company almost 20 years ago. At the time, the metal bottles embodied the idea of a market for environmentally friendly and healthy drinkware. (The company claims that it was the first to gain commercial traction back in 2004.) Seals created a prototype around 2002 after hearing a talk at a Northern Californian ➝ Robert Seals, 8
LEADERSHIP SHUFFLE Every year, Los Gatos Council names a new mayor and vice mayor. On Dec. 10, in a special ceremony, Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes took on the mayoral mantle, while the youngest member of the body, Rob Moore, became vice mayor. Former mayor Sandy Decker administered the oath of office.
5 HURT IN SCOTTS VALLEY’S FIRST TWISTER ON RECORD National Weather Service didn’t issue tornado warning Drew Penner, Editor
At least five people were injured in Scotts Valley’s first-ever tornado on record, authorities said. Capt. Jayson Rutherford, of the Scotts Valley Police Depart-
ment, said six cars were overturned and another 10 or so were damaged by the twister. “Looking at it overall, we’re extremely blessed,” he said, adding there was no major damage to structures. “We're very fortunate. All this stuff can be easily mopped up. Nobody’s put out for the holidays. No one lost their life.” Two people were taken by
ambulance to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and one was transported to Dominican Hospital. Two people said they’d take themselves to a medical facility for treatment. “Most of it was cuts and bruising,” Rutherford said. “Nothing life-threatening.” ➝ Tornado, 6
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