The packed Planning Commission hearing happened just after Ramadan finished
Drew Penner, Editor
Last week, the pews were packed with Muslims and Jewish folks— alongside people of varying levels of other beliefs—as Planning Commission considered whether to grant permit modifications for a local mosque.
The West Valley Muslim Association was asking that indoor prayers be allowed to occur as early as 1.5 hours before sunrise, for night prayers to go until 10:30pm (but only during the summer months), and for 30 days of extended hours during Ramadan (2-2.5 hours each night as they work their way through the Quran).
“A mosque cannot be a mosque if it cannot offer congressional prayers,” said WVMA founder Razi Mohiuddin. “This is fundamental. And they have to be offered at the time. These times cannot be changed by individuals or institutions.”
Mohiuddin displayed paperwork from 1990 that the faith group received in 2018 when they purchased the facility.
“They clearly show that this facility was approved in 1990, 36 years ago, to have three auditoriums that can…simultaneously hold about 700 attendees, and with about 200+ vehicles driving down Farley Road—on this street, in this neighborhood, and in this R-1:8 zone,” he said,
MUSIC WITH GREG KEEPS THINGS STRUMMIN’
Entrepreneur says demand is strong for music education in the Silicon Valley region
Faizi Samadani, Contributor
When entering Greg Wachala's second-story music school, don’t be surprised if a feeling of nostalgia instantly overwhelms you,
if you’ve ever been a professional—or even a novice—musician.
A plethora of instruments adorn the room, including electric and acoustic guitars, drums, piano, and a microphone, which is reminiscent of scenes from “School of Rock” starring Jack Black.
For nearly three years, Greg Wachala has been teaching music in downtown Los Gatos.
Prior to migrating to the west coast, Wachala taught at the university level for 17 years.
But one trip to California made him realize this was the place he wanted to call home. Since then he’s provided instruction to more than 200 students.
Wachala offers his stu -
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MOSQUE’S NEIGHBORS SAY RAMADAN TRAFFIC IS FRESH IN THEIR MINDS
Permit, from page 1
noting these permissions were what lead the organization to purchase the property for $11 million+ in the first place.
They haven’t added a single square foot of space since then, he added.
“The only thing that has changed is the religion—from Jehovah’s Witness to the Muslim religion,” he said. “And the only question before you today is whether extending hours creates new impacts.”
And Mohiuddin laid-out specific approaches to dealing with noise, traffic and safety issues.
One woman referred, during verbal communications, to the 2020 Land Use Element in Los Gatos’ General Plan to throw shade on WVMA’s statement, pointing out that it “includes Goal LU6: To preserve and enhance the existing character and sense of place in residential neighborhoods.” She suggested that the conditions in the permit modification might “adversely impact the residential character of a residential neighborhood.”
Other neighbors described “a cacophony noise” due to increased traffic in the neighborhood and fears of being “trapped” in their own homes by vehicles blocking them in.
Monte Sereno Mayor Lon Allen spoke in support of the mosque permit mod.
“I also should point out that, while I think a lot of people speaking in favor of this are of the Muslim faith, I’m Jewish. My grandfather was a rabbi. I really don’t think it has anything to do with anyone’s particular faith. But we’re all Americans. And we facilitate the free exercise of religion,” he said. “I don’t think that having this mosque in a residential neighborhood is a problem. In Monte Sereno, where I live, we’ve had the Baptist church on Daves Avenue. It’s 100% residential. We have an elementary school across the street. The traffic in and out of the church hasn’t been a danger to the students. And Mary and I have lived there for 47 years just off of Dave’s Avenue. It hasn’t been a problem… As the Supreme Court said, we really have to go out of our way to allow what is necessary for the mosque to operate the way the mosque is supposed to. I’ve read the conditional use permit. I think they’ve bent over backwards to be accommodating.”
Musa Tariq, a representative from the Council on American Islamic Relations, said this is about preserving religious freedoms for all Los Gatans.
“The right to gather and worship should be applied equally and consistently,” he said. “This project is not introducing something new. It accommodates a growing community to access necessary religious services, just as other faith groups in Los Gatos do.”
Hibah Hammoudeh, a member of CAIR’s civil rights team, said WVMA is the reason that there was a speed radar placed on Farley Road.
“They consistently checked in on their neighbors throughout Ramadan for feedback and received an extremely positive response. This just goes to show that they have been operating in good faith and in collaboration with their community,” she said. “By denying their request for the modification you would be placing an extreme burden on your Los Gatos Muslim community…The Muslim community in Los Gatos deserves to be supported and nurtured. We should not have to fight for the right to pray and worship. Also, Muslims— and the practice of our religion—do not deteriorate the integrity, or quality, of your neighborhoods. These worshipers…are the neighborhood.”
Diane Fisher, who holds the faith seat on the Town’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission (but spoke on her own behalf), also urged Planning Commission to approve the CUP refresh.
“I’m also a congregant at Congregation Shir Hadash, a Jewish synagogue here in Los Gatos, where I serve on the board of directors—and have been a member for over 30 years,” she said. “The Religious Land Use Act states that local governments must accommodate religious practice in good faith, and are specifically prohibited from imposing a substantial burden or restriction on the land use of religious institutions.”
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 protects the rights of minority groups like this one, she added.
“As a member of another minority faith community which has faced significant discrimination, I’ve had the good fortune of being supported by Muslim allies, especially from West Valley Muslim Association—and likewise, our Jewish community here has stood with our Muslim brothers and sisters at the West Valley Muslim Association.”
Fisher said she previously ran a teen interfaith group with Jewish students
from Congregation Shir Hadash and Muslim students from WVMA.
“This Star of David necklace I’m wearing was a gift from a Muslim student’s parents to me to demonstrate our mutual appreciation,” she said, holding up the jewelry around her neck. “We know that Los Gatos is culturally enriched by its minority communities.”
She said WVMA is “a vital incubator for democracy” given that it operates as an important third space that can mobilize members for social good, like other faith communities.
“Los Gatos has the opportunity, with this request, to provide for appropriate prayer opportunities for the Muslim community, and thereby reducing negative stereotypes and building bridges and social capital—increasing the wellbeing for us all,” she said.
Rabbi David Kunin, of Congregation Beth David, said their synagogue values its close connection with the West Valley Muslim Association.
“They actually use our parking lot when they have services nearby, and we are actually thrilled when the parking lot is filled on Ramadan, and the like,” he said. “We share with them that obligation and that sense that they need to be able to fulfill their religious obligations… we think it goes to the essential aspect of American democracy.”
Rabbi Rafi Ellenson, of Congregation Shir Hadash, also offered strong words of support for WVMA’s permit modification.
“I’m here tonight to share my unequivocal, fullhearted support in favor of the West Valley Muslim Association’s pursuit of a modification to their conditional use permit,” he said, referencing a passage in Leviticus. “Our Muslim siblings deserve a home to practice and celebrate Islam fully—to fulfill their obligations as people of faith.”
At midnight, Planning Commission decided to end the meeting and voted (except Emily Thomas who was recused) to continue the public comment on March 31 at 6pm.
TRAFFIC STREAM Security camera footage shows heavy traffic flowing past residences near the West Valley Muslim Association building on the first night of Ramadan this year.
COMMISSIONER Diane Fisher wore a Star of David necklace that was a gift from a Muslim family.
RABBI Rafi Ellenson said he wants to ensure Muslim residents are able to fulfill their “religious obligations.”
Town Lg / Youtube
Courtesy of Kim Ratcliff
Town Lg / Youtube
MARCH 15
• An officer recovered a stolen vehicle at Vasona Avenue at 6:48pm.
• A caller staying at an Airbnb on Shady View Lane reported a theft of over $100 worth of items at 9:27pm.
MARCH 16
• A caller reportedly lost an envelope containing a check at Downtown on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 12:22pm.
• A male reportedly stole mail from the reported caller’s porch on Placer Oaks Road at 5:54pm.
MARCH 17
• A man was reportedly asking people for money outside Walgreens on North Santa Cruz Avenue, and refused to leave when asked at 11:13am.
• A man in a wheelchair was reportedly asking people for money outside Walgreens on North Santa Cruz Avenue. The caller said the man had been previously told by police that he was not allowed to remain on the property, and police responded by issuing a cite and release arrest at 4:43pm.
• A caller reported an unknown man, believed to have mental health issues, sitting on a chair in their backyard, and the caller told him he could stay for a while, but then had to leave, on High Street at 6:20pm.
MARCH 18
• Subjects stole an unknown amount of business deposits at Happy Hound on Los Gatos Boulevard around 4:00am to 5:00am, but the theft was reported at 9:20am.
• A subject reportedly went to the restroom in front of the Post Office on South Santa Cruz Avenue, and continued to drive without pants on and with the door open at 10:29am.
• A contractor working at The Club at Los Gatos on East Main Street reported approximately $7800 worth of decking material stolen at 11:04am.
• A caller reported a man drunk in public at Hernandez and Walnut avenues, who got into a verbal argument and accused the caller of stealing his phone. Officers issued a cite and release arrest at 3:22pm.
POLICE BLOTTER
MARCH 19
• A caller reported that someone ran into his parked car on National Avenue at 6:52am.
• A suspicious person was reported walking up and down the street on San Benito Avenue moving trash cans to one spot on the street at 7:54am.
• A man reportedly walked into the service bay of the Tesla Service & Charging Center and said he was going to throw rocks at the cars at 4:33pm The man has made bomb threats in the past, and police were unable to locate the man upon arrival.
• A man was reported drunk and shadowboxing in front of Los Gatos Cafe on Los Gatos Boulevard, and police issued a cite and release arrest at 8:54pm.
MARCH
20
• A woman reportedly stole a padlock, possibly other hardware items, and a shopping bag from Ace Hardware on Los Gatos Boulevard at 3:12pm.
• A juvenile threw a juice box over on the aisles at Safeway on Pollard Road and hit a customer’s head and exploded at 3:39pm.
• A caller reported a burglary with an unknown number of items stolen after finding the back sliding glass door smashed on Blueberry Hill Drive at 9:29pm.
MARCH
21
• Police assisted with a vehicle accident with no injuries at Muni Lot 3 at Royce Street at 11:53am.
• A vehicle accident between two vehicles on Los Gatos Saratoga Road and University Avenue occurred at 12:43pm.
MARCH 22
• A man with an axe reportedly hanging out of his pants was arrested at Safeway on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 12:22am.
• A package was reportedly stolen from a mailbox at Mira Loma Apartments on Avery Lane at 6:48am.
• A caller reported motorcyclists rolling through stop signs at Wedgewood Avenue and La Rinconada Drive at 10:42am.
MARCH 23
• A caller who was involved in a vehicle accident at Blossom Hill Road and Los Gatos Boulevard reportedly complained of head pain and a bleeding eyebrow at 4:33pm.
• A person who reportedly showed up intermittently for three weeks at Winchester Boulevard and hid in their car was issued a cite and release arrest at 8:50pm.
MARCH 24
• A juvenile reportedly hit another juvenile in the head at Fisher Middle School on Fisher Avenue at 1:55pm.
MARCH
25
• A caller reported that his vehicle was stolen overnight on Via Palomino at 10:32am.
• A driver reportedly ran into a pole after having a seizure at Los Gatos Saratoga Road and University Avenue at 11:29am.
• A caller reported two pieces of jewelry missing sometime in the last year on Milbrae Lane at 12:29pm.
• A man was reported trespassing at Whole Foods on Los Gatos Boulevard, refusing to leave after asking for signatures for something regarding taxes at 12:34pm.
• A caller reported that her business on North Santa Cruz Avenue had been egged at 12:53pm. She said one of the interviewees she did not hire last month has been harassing her ever since, sending threatening messages over text.
MARCH 26
• A suspicious person was reportedly distracting kids on their way to school, jumping in front of them and waving his hand at Oak Meadow Park on Blossom Hill Road at 8:16am.
• A driver and a pedestrian were involved in a vehicular accident with a serious injury reported at Los Robles Professional Group on National Avenue at 5:34pm.
• A man was reportedly looking into vehicles with a flashlight at McDonald’s on Los Gatos Boulevard at 9:44pm.
MARCH 27
• A caller reported that he gave gold coins and bars valued at $128,000 to subjects who claimed to be FBI and said they would arrest him if he didn't pay them. The grand theft took place on March 26 at Plazoleta at 2:00pm, but was reported on March 27 at 10:47am.
• A caller reported she lost her diamond ring on March 23 at Rootstock Wine Bar on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 4:37pm.
• A caller reported that both plates on their vehicle were stolen on Knowles Drive while they were out of town on March 19 at 5:19pm.
• A subject stole a cart of groceries from Safeway on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 9:10pm.
MARCH 28
• A caller reported a burglary on South Kennedy Road after finding the poolside door smashed upon returning home at 9:34pm.
• A caller reported a traffic hazard at Los Gatos Boulevard and Los Gatos Almaden Road, and was stuck at the stop light for 20 minutes at 10:15pm.
These reports are compiled from publicly available information released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department. Prepared by Anika Kapasi.
CORRECTIONS
Last week’s print edition misidentified the newspaper owned by Jeff Bezos. He owns the Washington Post, not the Wall Street Journal
Due to a production/editing issue, the Valentine’s Day article that was printed in the newspaper did not reflect the most up-to-date version of the piece, which was uploaded correctly online. We regret the errors.
PIANO ACADEMY LOOKING FORWARD TO RIBBON-CUTTING
Paolo Rrapaj-Kraja opening her school above Trader Joe's
Faizi Samadani, Contributor
Paolo Rrapaj-Kraja has been living in the Bay Area for the last four years, waiting for the day she could open a piano studio to the public.
And this Saturday, Rrapaj-Kraja will get to do just that—with the help of mayor Rob Moore.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will formally launch the European Piano Academy in Los Gatos, right above Trader Joe's.
“We’re celebrating the opening of European Piano Academy in Los Gatos, and it would mean a lot to share this moment with the community around me,” Rrapaj-Kraja said in a Facebook post, adding she’ll be offering complimentary 30-minute piano or singing trial lessons until June 30. “I’d love to welcome you into our brand-new, cozy piano space and share the joy of music together.”
Rrapaj-Kraja has been building her studio for the last several months with the help of her husband.
She’s been eyeing this location since the summer of 2024.
Rrapaj-Kraja’s father was a profes -
sional musician. And her mother sang alongside her dad.
But her parents gave up their music dreams after the fall of the regime in Albania, so they could offer a more stable life for their kids.
Rrapaj-Kraja spent nine years at Charles University in Prague working towards two master’s degrees.
And Rrapaj-Kraja has been teaching at music schools and offering private lessons.
She can’t wait to open her own academy.
Albania births a musician
Rrapaj-Kraja’s father drove her to piano lessons each week. That was more than two-hours-drive away. He wanted her to get the best musical training they could find.
Recently, musicians of Albanian heritage have been making quite the splash.
Artists like Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and Bebe Rexha have been experiencing considerable commercial success.
Rrapaj-Kraja takes inspiration from these role models.
She says they’ve helped her manifest dreams for herself and other female Albanian artists.
Rrapaj-Kraja has performed across the world—both as a soloist and with renowned orchestras—in many coun -
tries, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
She says she focuses on “instilling a deep sense of confidence and passion for music” in her pupils.
“If you’ve been curious about learning piano or exploring your voice for yourself or your child, feel free to text me to book
a trial lesson,” she said in the Facebook post about the business launch.
European Piano Academy will hold a Ribbon-Cutting on Saturday, April 4, from 1-3pm, at 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., #204, Los Gatos. The event will feature music from Paola Rrapaj-Kraja, Dr. Grijda Spiri (violin) and Dr. Carrie Tseng (violoncello).
Professional Proper ty Management Ser vices
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10 Jackson Street, Suite 107 Los Gatos | 408.354.8910 www.atlantisproperties.net DRE-01498174
Rufus after 16 years of being our team member, has crossed the Rainbow bridge.
Rrapaj-Kraja with sheet music in front of her last Saturday at the soon-to-open music studio.
Faizi Samadani / Los Gatan
AT THE PIANO Rrapaj-Kraja with sheet music in front of her last Saturday at the soon-to-open music studio.
Faizi Samadani/Los Gatan
LUMINARIES OF LG RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR BRILLIANCE
Recognizing leading lights at “Shine Among the Stars”
Dinah Cotton, Contributor
When you wish upon a star Your dreams come true
Ned Washington
This past Saturday evening at Nestldown, town luminaries twinkled brighter than the solar system we call home—creating a display as brilliant as an entire galaxy.
The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce held its first post-pandemic gala in grand style.
The elegant, fun affair provided networking opportunities in the redwoods, as Chamber members greeted and honored one another.
Before the print was dry on the invitations, this event had sold out.
The venue
Nestldown is an enchanting estate that provided the unique, and somewhat whimsical, grounds for the “Shine Among the Stars” gathering.
Every need was anticipated and met: from the Twilight Welcome Reception barn, to the Atrium's elegant ambiance for award presentations.
Treats, eats and libations were provided by Ace & Olive, Fresco Los Gatos and Continental Catering, with a delicious live fire paella offered by Teleferic. The Tasting House brought the champagne, and Rootstock took on the wine bar. Drinks were courtesy of De Mattei Construction. Tico took care of the coffee, while Deux Cranes provided divine chocolates, and Centerpiece delivered floral masterpieces.
Twilight welcome reception sponsors were Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno and Roxy Realty. The VIP Golden Sponsor was Star One Credit Union. Deck of Stars Sponsors were Lynx Properties, Porsche, Vicinity, Franco Masoma and Pennant Properties. Los Gatos Chamber Title Sponsors were El Camino Hospital, Netflix and Good Samaritan Hospital. Door into Summer Photo Studio took photographs, while Danny Thomas did the event styling. Corinthian Transportation was in charge of transportation.
The Stars of Los Gatos Awards & Dinner Sponsor was Lester Square. The Chamber brought all the different puzzle pieces together for a memorial event to recognize and promote local businesses.
The diligent Chamber team took nominations for five categories, with members voting for the award recipient. Chamber CEO Jennifer Lin made it clear that just to be nominated is a serious recognition from the community in itself. According to her, this all works together to strengthen and support the local economy.
Mayor Rob Moore, Vice Mayor Maria Ristow and Councilmember Rob Rennie presented the awards. Sam Liccardo of our 16th Rep Congressional District, said a few words congratulating the Chamber for promoting community involvement. Liccardo, just back from DC, arrived late and left early. Mary Anne Groen respectfully represented Assemblymember Gail Pellerein. Mayor Rob Moore had just arrived from a “No Kings” protest across town.
• Business of the Year: Affordable
Treasures; The Alarm Company- Larry Walker (winner); Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company.
• Rising Star: Arms Cyber Defense; Ethos; New Mom School (winner).
• Chamber Champion: Chez Philippe (winner), Gardenia; Priscilla Danielle Designs.
• Community Impact Award: Los Gatos Library; West Valley College; West Valley Community Services (winner).
• Los Gatan of the Year: Paul Johnson, superintendent of Los Gatos
NONPROFIT HONORED Sujatha Venkatrana, of West Valley Community Services, accepted the Community Impact Award on behalf of the organization.
Union School District (winner); Teri Hope, founder of the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company and president of Los Gatos Music & Arts; Jackie Rose, community outreach coordinator, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
Hats off and congratulations to the award recipients, to everyone who was nominated and to all who attended this star-studded event.
Coming up: Los Gatos Chamber Wine
IN THE REDWOODS The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce team put on quite the glitzy show that allowed the “stars” of the community to shine.
EMERGING BUSINESS The Rising Star Award went to New Mom School. Mayor Rob Moore (left) with owner Riya Dhaliwal.
Photos by Dinah Cotton
SPORTS
WILDCATS EXCELLING ON THE TRACK, IN THE FIELD
Cross and Fugit have CCS-leading marks
Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor Los Gatos High School track and field coach Danny “Doc” Colton remembers the moment as if it happened yesterday. It was June 2025, the second day of the CIF State Championships, and Colton was in the stands when then-junior Kaylee Cross struck up a conversation.
“She came up to me and asked what she needed to do (to become elite),” Colton said. “Humbly, she sat down next to me, and I broke down and analyzed how runners run the 400. I told her if you work on the basics and mechanics in preseason, that’s the key. She says, ‘Coach, thank you.’ She started working on speed, form, lifting, and that’s the phenomenal turnaround story. She started working with coach (Andre) Chapman for two to three days a week for like six months, and it just changed.” Did it ever.
Cross enters the upcoming Stanford Invitational—arguably the top midseason meet in the state—ranked No. 1 in the Central Coast Section in the 200 meters (24.56 seconds), 400 meters (55.35) and No. 3 in the 100-meter dash (11.93). She’s one of several Los Gatos athletes who have shined this season. That list includes junior Madison Kohli, who has the second fastest time in the 400 (55.96) and fourth fastest in the 200 (24.84) among CCS runners.
The Wildcats girls 4x100 relay team of Cross, Kohli, Sofia Akhiyarova and Bridget Moore has the third fastest time in 48.46. Moore is one of the most versatile athletes on the team, ranking No. 6 in the 300 hurdles (45.95) while also being able to contribute in the field events such as the high jump. The 4x800 relay team of Kaley Do, Ella Crites, Kiley Horwitz and Elise Greenstreet had a huge breakthrough in the Dublin Distance Fiesta on March 20, finishing in 9 minutes, 25.42 seconds.
The time ranks No. 3 in the CCS, No. 6 in the state and is the second fastest in school history. Similar to Cross, the boys team has an athlete who has exploded onto the scene. Sophomore Charles Fugit ranks No. 1 in the discus with a throw of 173 feet, 4 inches, and No. 7 in the shot put at 51 feet. Teammate Garrett Bertsch is No. 6 in the shot put with a mark of 51-11.
The boys 4x400 relay team of Hayden Benjamin, Han Tang, Ben Booysen and Kai Jordan ranks No. 1 in 3:22.36. Jordan also has the section’s sixth fastest time in the open 400 (49.50). Colton expects
best mark
a couple of the other boys relay teams to break into the rankings soon. After the completion of a recent Friday practice, Colton pointed out that Cross, Kohli and Fugit all stayed behind to get extra reps in.
“The top three you're talking about is at the track,” he said. “They’re on a different level at this point.”
Cross and Fugit’s ascent has been nothing short of meteroic—and that would be considered an understatement. As a freshman last year, Fugit’s best throw in the discus (163-1) came in the CCS Semifinals. The fact that Fugit is throwing the discus 10 feet farther than he did a year ago speaks volumes to his talent and work ethic.
“Charlie is a true multi-event athlete,” Colton said. “He’s a decathlete, easy. He does pole vaulting, long jumping, and he’s training with other decathletes on his off days from here.”
Colton recalls a crucial time period last year when Fugit chose to stay home and practice instead of taking a spring break trip as many students are accustomed to doing. From that moment on, according to Colton, Fugit started to surpass many of his fellow competitors. Colton likens Fugit’s work ethic to Wil Brennan and Levi Romero, who finished seventh- and eighth, respectively, in the 400 meters in the 2023 State Championships.
They also were a part of the record-set-
ting 4x400 relay team that finished second in the State to national power Long Beach Poly.
“Wil and Levi, they pulled the rest of the team up,” Colton said. “Those guys would just work and work. One time Wil was working out and threw up, and he says, ‘OK coach, I want some more. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ You just don’t see that with athletes like that anymore. I think Charlie is like that and Kaylee and Maddie are like that, too. They’re all humble, very coachable and are chomping at the bit to compete at Stanford.”
Cross’ rise has been so spectacular that it’s even left Colton speechless at times. Cross started her junior season on the JV squad—which is customary for first-year competitors. However, it didn’t take long to see that Cross was born to be a sprinter. With about a month remaining in the season, Cross was running fast enough to get pulled up to the varsity team.
She then won the final spot on the 4x400 relay team that advanced to the State Meet.
“Kaylee came out early last season new to the sport and was just kind of there,” Colton said. “Then all of a sudden late in the season she started picking up speed, power; and we’re like, wait a minute, who’s this coming up from the JV to the varsity? It was crazy, a shocker.”
From last year to this season, Cross has improved by over half a second in the 100, a second in the 200 and three seconds in the 400. Anyone with a whiff of knowledge in the sport knows those are dramatic improvements in the sprint events. And the scary thing is, Cross is only getting faster.
“She still hasn’t hit her peak yet,” Colton said. “One reason why she’s gotten to this point is she is a student of the sport. She’s a student in learning about leg turnover, pushing out on the start, using her arms, doing all these fundamental things that are so important to improvement. Maddie is the same way.”
Kohli is following up a breakout sophomore season with a stellar junior campaign. She’s been steadily lowering her times and is close to matching her personal-bests in the 200 and 400. Cross and Kohli currently rank 1-2 in the 400.
“Maddie is going to keep dropping times and she and Kaylee are pushing each other,” Colton said. “When you have one of the fastest people as your training partner, you’re only going to get faster. They’re pushing each other to new limits and we anticipate them obviously advancing in CCS, but we truly anticipate them advancing to day two of State. Getting to State and being a finalist there is the end game.”
TEAMWORK The Los Gatos girls 4x800 relay squad of Kaley Do, Ella Crites, Kiley Horwitz and Elise Greenstreet has a
of 9:25.42, ranking No. 3 in the CCS and No. 6 in the state.
PEBBLE BEACH GOLF, MAUI RESORTS, EUROPEAN TOURS
How special interests woo California lawmakers
Yue Stella Yu and Jeremia Kimelman , CalMatters
A golf tournament at the scenic Pebble Beach Golf Links with free spa treatments. A six-day stay at an upscale resort in Maui. Tours to Spain, Portugal, Norway and Australia.
Those are among dozens of free trips California state lawmakers took last year, most sponsored and attended by special interest groups with business before the state Legislature.
Nearly 120 organizations — including nonprofits, corporations, foreign governments, state agencies, tribes and campaigns — spent at least $1.2 million on travel for legislators last year, according to the lawmakers’ annual financial disclosures filed earlier this month.
The bulk of the tab — $1.1 million — was picked up by nonprofits that are largely allowed to keep their donors secret, leaving the true source of the funding murky, according to a CalMatters analysis of the filings. The entities, many of which represent major corporations and interest groups, are only required to reveal their donors if they hit certain spending thresholds, which are so high that they are rarely required to disclose them.
That lack of disclosure “muddies the water,” said Sean McMorris, transparency, ethics, and accountability program manager at California Common Cause. “Those nonprofits didn’t just materialize out of thin air. Who is essentially funding those nonprofits is important.”
On top of the trips, lawmakers reported receiving an additional $330,000 in gifts from dozens of organizations last year, including dinners at Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants around the Capitol, suite tickets to Warriors, Kings and Athletics games, tickets to Disneyland and free massages, some of them from the same groups that sponsored those trips.
State officials could accept gifts up to $630 from a single source last year (the cap increases biennially to reflect inflation) and must refund or donate the amount above that limit. They can generally accept unlimited travel sponsored by nonprofits as long as the trips are for governmental or policy reasons.
Details about these gifts and trips are often scarce, as public officials are free to describe them in broad terms. Several state lawmakers reported accepting overthe-limit gifts or failed to disclose trips and only revised their filings after CalMatters contacted them.
Lawmakers and nonprofit sponsors say
the trips are often educational and can inform policymakers’ decisions.
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a Downey Democrat, reported more than $45,000 in sponsored travel last year, the highest of any lawmaker. That included $16,800 for a study tour to Spain, $5,700 for a policy conference in Maui and $4,300 to attend a golf tournament and fundraiser at Pebble Beach, among others.
Those trips gave Pacheco opportunities to learn about “challenges and solutions affecting California” and helped inform two legislative measures she introduced this year: One would allow public agencies to charge a fee if a public records request takes more than two hours to fulfill, and another to change state workers’ disciplinary process, her spokesperson Alina Evans told CalMatters.
“These trips do not impede her ability to represent her constituents,” Evans said. “Rather, they enhance her understanding of pressing issues by providing the different perspectives on complicated problems.”
When asked about the influence such sponsorships have on state lawmakers, Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert
Rivas’ spokesperson Nick Miller said the members “answer to their constituents, not the highest bidder.”
“Lawmakers cast their votes with a clear sense of responsibility to the Californians they represent, even when well-funded interests flood the zone,” Miller said in a statement. Rivas reported receiving $5,600 in sponsored travel within California and another $4,900 in golf tournament tickets, dinners, jackets and other gifts.
But ethics advocates have long criticized the practice of sponsored travel, arguing it allows interest groups to buy private access to policymakers they seek to influence — the kind of access out of reach for average Californians.
“We can be certain that these free trips and meals and gifts would not be happening if the people giving them did not need or want something in return from those lawmakers,” McMorris said.
Special interest groups pay for foreign trips and luxe treatments because “public officials are in a much better and more agreeable mood if they are in a luxury setting than if they are in the middle of the Mojave in July,” said Jack Pitney, a
politics professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former staffer in Congress and in the New York Legislature.
“If you are trying to learn about public issues, why are you doing it in Maui instead of Altadena?” he said.
High-dollar trips to around the world
The top travel sponsor for the past four years has been the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that has taken public officials on free “international study tours” since 1984. It spent at least $324,000 on trips to Spain, Norway, Canada, Utah and California last year that a total of 48 lawmakers attended.
The group hosts workshops on a wide range of policies including energy, housing, technology, transportation, water and recycling. It is funded through membership fees from its 94-person board of directors, with representatives from Big Tech, labor unions, oil companies, environmental groups, public utilities and local governments.
The foundation does not publicly dis-
STACK OF PAPERS Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco during an Assembly floor session at the state Capitol in Sacramento on March 13, 2025.
close its membership fees, but says that no single donor contributes more than 2% of the organization’s budget. In its 2024 tax filings, the group reported $2.6 million in revenue and $2.4 million in expenses.
Last October, the group spent $146,000 to send 10 lawmakers to Spain for 12 days to study “wind and solar energy, green hydrogen, solar panel manufacturing, low carbon farming and high speed rail,” according to its website. The lawmakers were accompanied by some of the nonprofit’s board members, representing utilities such as Edison International and Pacific Gas & Electric Company, oil interests such as Chevron and the Western States Petroleum Association, clean energy advocates, construction workers and plumbers unions and local governments, according to a list the group shared with CalMatters.
It also paid $87,000 to take eight lawmakers on a nine-day green energy tour in Norway in April and $38,000 for six lawmakers to go on a weeklong recycling study trip to Vancouver and Victoria, Canada, in August, with some of the same board members, filings show. Sen. John Laird, a Santa Cruz Democrat, was part of the Norway delegation but failed to disclose the $12,000 trip sponsored by the nonprofit. His spokesperson said he will amend his filing after CalMatters reached out.
“We believe that knowledgeable leaders pursuing sound public policies is an aspiration that serves the best interests of all Californians,” PJ Johnston, a spokesperson for the nonprofit, told CalMatters in an email. “If others want to attack that, so be it.”
The Independent Voter Project, a nonprofit that authored the proposition creating California’s top-two primary in 2010, was the second-highest trip sponsor last year. It spent $145,000 hosting 21 lawmakers at its annual policy conference in Maui in November — a tradition that has previously been criticized for allowing special interests to schmooze with public officials — and another $44,000 taking 12 lawmakers to its “Make it with Mexico” conference in July at a four-star resort on the private peninsula of Punta Mita, data shows.
The group is one of the few to disclose the donors who sponsor and attend those conferences.
In 2024, the group paid for 18 lawmakers to attend its Maui conference, which was sponsored and attended by representatives from 63 interest groups, including oil companies, pharmaceutical corporations, tech giants, food chains, airlines, utilities and trade groups, according to the group’s filing. It also reported sponsoring 11 lawmakers that year to attend the Mexico conference, along with 20 corporate and trade association sponsors.
The organization did not respond to a request for comment.
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TEACHING STUDENTS TO SOAR
Music, from page 1
dents guitar, piano, drums and even singing lessons.
Given the success of his small studio— located above a dry cleaner’s storefront, Wachala now has his eyes on expanding his business in the not-so-distant future.
Students at the school, named Music with Greg, range from age four to 74, with the majority of his students being in the K-12 age bracket.
Growing up in upstate New York, Wachala holds the unique distinction of being the only musician in his family.
He began playing guitar at 12 years of age.
“I was racing BMX bikes, and I got in a real bad accident,” he said. “My mom said she couldn't handle watching this anymore.”
Wachala recalls how his mother urged him to select a different extracurricular pursuit.
It came down to season tickets to watch the Buffalo Bills, or learning the guitar.
Wachala received a baseball scholarship to Georgia College in Milledgeville.
But he left due to another injury.
He finished his undergrad degree at the University of New York at Oswego.
Shortly after, Wachala returned to music, receiving his master's at Boston University. That took two years.
“I learned a lot, but it was difficult,” he said.
Wachala has been teaching private music lessons for the last 25 years.
He was a professor at Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, New York.
Wachala also taught at a private music school on the side. He realized he could start his own music business.
“The curriculum that I teach is to gear the students towards a pre-college curriculum,”
he said. “We focus a lot on jazz and blues, which is indigenous to the United States.”
This May will mark the Los Gatos business’s third anniversary.
Reflecting on the benefits of running your own show, Wachala says it’s great to control your own destiny.
“It can be very difficult maneuvering in a college. You have to go through committees to get things done,” he said. “Though mostly positive, the problem I run into now is that I have to wear so many hats with the business side.”
Supply and demand
Wachala recognized a void in the marketplace, and he began offering the means for young students to excel on their journey in musicianship.
In the days ahead Wachala sees an opportunity to rebrand and grow.
“I think there's a real need for jazz instructing,” he said, stating that youth too often end up showing up unprepared for music class. “There's not enough private instruction locally to get them prepared for high school.”
He has a dream of hiring a team of instructors—that would be made up of professional gigging jazz musicians, as well as piano, bass and drum instructors— with a quartet that teaches and performs in the area.
Students have found Wachala's school primarily through word of mouth.
One of his students, named Japhy Herbert, has been with him for more than three years.
He’s currently a senior at Bellarmine High School who received acceptance letters from Berklee College of Music,
A new culture in Los Gatos Los Gatos is on the precipice of much change, for example with many housing developments in the works.
Does Wachala see the social and arts culture shifting as well? And could he be part of steering that shift in a positive direction?
“Something that would double as an education center, that also does performances, would be ideal,” he remarked. “You could bring in local or regional musicians, and then the students can perform.”
Wachala ponders about offering a place for community to mesh with education.
Some of Wachala's favorite artists are John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery and Ed Sheeran.
He plays acoustic and electric guitar with a collection of 15 guitars.
When Wachala was looking for a space to teach and hold his instruments, he says that it was difficult to find a place, due to the noise.
Loyola New Orleans and University of Miami.
Herbert committed to USC's Popular Music program, which has about a 5% acceptance rate.
He intends to major in popular or contemporary music with an emphasis on electric bass.
“I learned the upright base two years ago now, and he's helped me learn theory, musicianship, composition and production,” Herbert said. “I've had a lot of fun, and have grown as a musician with his help.”
After finishing his college degree, Herbert plans to play backup for bands, then write and record his own music.
Herbert says that, as a teacher, Wachala is great at keeping it fun by building that enjoyment for his students.
He wants to ensure that learning is a positive experience.
One of Wachala's previous students won a Grammy for helping with the Alicia Keys musical “Hell's Kitchen.”
“I had a lot of people say, ‘No,’ when I was looking. This was one of the few places that would allow me to rent from them,” he said.
Wachala says that there is very limited music education in the town, relative to the demand.
There just are not enough opportunities for kids to practice and play, he argues.
Every once in a while, Wachala takes his students to Chez Philippe to perform. He also personally plays at Forbes Mill Steakhouse.
With the interest level remaining strong for music education in the Silicon Valley area, Wachala believes that it would be appropriate for there to be a future music center downtown for people to congregate.
And that would mean engaging performances, building community and developing a rich arts culture.
But, for now, he’s already making a difference: Anna Bhorga, a Los Gatos High School graduate who is a former student, is set to sing the national anthem at the Earthquakes game this Saturday.
SATURDAY SESSION Greg Wachala joins his students, who are singing and playing “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra.
PREPARATION Wachala tunes his guitar ahead of a morning lesson.
REAL ESTATE
Tips for first-time buyers
Market is tough, but not impossible
By Janis Mara
Weekend after weekend, month after month, first-time Bay Area homebuyers King Wong and Sarah Law visited open houses and made offers to no avail. It took nearly a year, but they finally succeeded.
It’s tough for first-time buyers in the region’s hypercompetitive, pricey market, but being persistent, going up in price and writing a heartfelt letter to the seller can be effective strategies, agents and homebuyers said.
“There were about eight other offers on the house,” Wong said. “First we offered $850,000, then we bumped it up to $860,000, then we sent a letter saying how much the house would mean to us.”
Regarding the letter, longtime Bay Area Realtor Anna May said, “Sellers don’t always take the highest offer. Sending a letter can make a difference.” Wong and Law explained to the seller that they wanted to raise their children in the house in San Lorenzo, and included a photo of themselves with their dog Cumba.
The two landed a single-family home, but buying a condominium can also be a good strategy for first-time buyers, who generally have less money to throw at a purchase.
As of early 2026, the median price for a California condo was roughly $638,000 compared to $850,680 for a single-family dwelling, according to the California Association of Realtors.
“For someone who has no children and doesn’t need a yard, this can be a great option,” May said.
It’s important for condo buyers to do their homework and check to see if the homeowners association has maintained adequate reserves, May said. “A lot of condo associations don’t keep their accounts solid.” Also, HOA fees can offset any initial price saving.
Homes with deferred maintenance are another option. While it might seem counterintuitive, if a home’s interior is not freshly painted, that can actually be a good thing, May said. “It shows the seller isn’t hiding anything” such as water stains from leakage, the agent said.
Of course, some deferred maintenance can be prohibitively expensive to fix. “It’s good to have your inspector go in and look at a home even if it’s brand new,” May said.
California has first-time homebuyer programs including the California Housing First Agency (CalFHA) program that are worth checking out. However, there are stringent income requirements, the Realtor noted.
“Consult with your lender and your Realtor to see if you qualify,” May said.
A last couple tips: “Don’t get too attached when looking at a house,” said Wong.
“In your head you say, ‘Oh, I can see our family living here,’ but your hopes could get shot down if they get a better offer,” he said.
Persistence is the main thing, Wong said.
“Just keep going,” he said. “It’s worth it.
RECENT SALES AND PRICES
In Santa Clara County, the median home is about $1.6M, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.
In February 2026, Santa Clara County home prices were down 0.93 percent compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.6M, according to Redfin. On average, homes in Santa Clara County sell after 12 days on the market, compared to 10 days last year. There were 797 homes sold in February this year, up from 727 last year.
1 2 File Fictitious Business Name paperwork with the clerk of the county
Use your mobile phone or scanner and this QR code to upload the document and publish your statement in a newspaper of general circulation
Note: If you filed your fictitious business name more than five years ago, you must file a renewal and re-publish to remain compliant.
Gatos, 95032
5 beds, 3 baths, 2,697 sq ft; sold: Mar. 13, 2026
Cross Way, Los Gatos, 95030
Summons
SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW), CITACIÓN (DERECHO FAMILIAR)
NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SVETLANA GRISHINA
You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.
Lo han demandado. Lea la información a continuación y en la página siguiente.
Petitioner’s name is (Nombre del Demandante): Yurii Morozov
CASE NUMBER: (Número del Caso): 24FL002986
Electronically filed by Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Clara, on 9/4/2024 4:36 AM
Reviewed By: F. Samonte
Case #24FL002986
Env. #16488980
You have 30 days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.
If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org) or by contacting your local bar association.
NOTICE - RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.
FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.
Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petition para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.
Sí no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.
Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.
AVISO - LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte de otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.
EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.
The name and address of the court are (El nombre y dirección de la corte son):
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA
201 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without and attorney, are (El nombre, direccion y numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son):
Yurii Morozov
21440 Shady Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95033 (510) 994 9226
Date (Fecha): Jun 10, 2021. Clerk, by (Secretario, por) /s/ F. Samonte, Deputy (Asistente).
(Pub LGN 3/11, 3.18, 3/25, 4/1)
PUBLIC NOTICES
Name Changes
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 26CV487121 . Notice of Petition of Ikuko Kitagawa. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Ikuko Kitagawa filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Ikuko Kitagawa to Proposed name: Ikuko Kitagawa Hutt.
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
Notice of Hearing: Date: June 02, 2026, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate. The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan, 380 S 1ST Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Date: February 27, 2026. /s/ Charles F. Adams /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed February 27, 2026 by /s/ AS A.Syrel /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 26CV486299. Notice of Petition of Brian Henry Kaplan. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Brian Henry Kaplan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Brian Henry Kaplan to Proposed name: Brian Kip Henry.
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
Notice of Hearing: Date: May 19, 2026, Time: 8:45 AM, Room: Probate. The address of the court is: 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113, Downtown Superior Court. A copy of this Order To Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Gatan, 380 S 1ST Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Date: February 13, 2026. /s/ Charles F. Adams /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed February 13, 2026 by /s/ AS A.Syrel /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 04/01, 04/08, 04/15, 04/22/2026)
Fictitious Business Name Statements
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #724233
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Sandhills Design Sudio, 1102 Bird Ave., Suie 20, San Jose, CA, 95125, Sandhills Consulting Corp. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 02/27/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Tingting Pan. CEO. #6440117. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/27/2026. (pub Metro 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
File Number: FBN724476. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. GarCo Grills and More , 1550 Dell Ave. Suite L, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, BBQ 4 U Inc., 1550 Dell Ave. Suite L, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/05/2026 and 03/05/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. BBQ 4 U Inc., Article/Reg # B20260007296, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Raymond Fales /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME. FBN724475, filed on 03/05/2026.
The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): GarCo Grills and More , 14701 La Rinconada Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032. Filed in Santa Clara county on 12/02/2024 under file No. FBN711567. Full Name of Registrant (s): 1. Refined Design Services, Inc., 14701 La Rinconada Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business was conducted by: A Corporation.
Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Gary Fales /s/. Dated: March 5, 2026. (Pub LGN: 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
File Number: FBN724457. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. WALK WITH CHRISTINA, 2. TUTOR WITH CHRISTINA , 233 Oak Meadow Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, CHRISTINA CORAVOS, 233 Oak Meadow Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/08/2021 and 03/04/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Christina Coravos /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
File Number: FBN724062 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. EASEL AND ETHER , 539 Prada Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035. This business is conducted by: An Individual, CORAZON BURNS, 539 Prada Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/05/2026 and 02/23/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Corazon Burns /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
File Number: FBN724458 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. JBA SALES AND MARKETING, 2. FIXIF ORTHOPAEDICS, 3. FIXIF ORTHOPEDICS, 4. FIXIF MEDICAL , 6614 Folklore Ct, San Jose CA 95120. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, JBA SALES & MARKETING, INC., 6614 Folklore Ct, San Jose CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/04/2026 and 03/04/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. JBA SALES & MARKETING, INC., Article/Reg # 3127521, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ John Angileri /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 03/11, 03/18, 03/25, 04/01/2026)
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME. FBN724502 , filed on 03/05/2026. The following person(s)/registrant(s) has/have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name(s): ILLUME GROWTH , 100 Lawton Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. Filed in Santa Clara county on 01/07/2025 under file No. FBN712503. Full Name of Registrant (s): 1. ROXANNE V CARDENAS, 100 Lawton Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, 2. JOCELYN C FIRESTINE, 100 Lawton Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. This business was conducted by: A General Partnership. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Jocelyn Firestine /s/ Owner. Dated: March 5, 2026. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724462 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. EARTHY RUBY HOLISTIC AND ACUPUNCTURE CENTER , 20640 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, EARTHY RUBY INC, 20640 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/01/2022 and 03/04/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. EARTHY RUBY INC, Article/ Reg # 4791050, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ SHI QIAO /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #724393
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: New Home Senior Placement Assistance, 155 East Campbell Ave., Suite 110, Gary Cornelia, Frederic Paredes. This business is being conducted by a General Partnership. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 09/25/2015. /s/Frederic Paredes. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 03/03/2026. (pub Metro 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724617. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. FOOTHILL REPAIR PRO LLC, 4388 El Camino Real Unit 128, Los Altos, CA 94022. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, FOOTHILL REPAIR PRO LLC, 4388 El Camino Real Unit 128, Los Altos, CA 94022. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 03/10/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. FOOTHILL REPAIR PRO LLC, Article/Reg # B20260015971, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Peter Christianson /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Number: FBN724442 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. MAXSEEN DIGITAL SERVICES 5918 Porto Alegre Drive, San Jose CA 95120. This business is conducted by: An Individual, MURAT YALCIN, 5918 Porto Alegre Drive, San Jose CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/10/2026 and 03/04/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Murat Yalcin /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724443. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. BAY AREA MICROGREENS 5918 Porto Alegre Dr, San Jose CA 95120. This business is conducted by: An Individual, MURAT YALCIN, 5918 Porto Alegre Dr, San Jose CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 03/04/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Murat Yalcin /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724444. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. HOLISTIC HYPNOHEALING , 5918 Porto Alegre Drive, San Jose CA 95120. This business is conducted by: An Individual, MERVE YALCIN, 5918 Porto Alegre Drive, San Jose CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/04/2026 and 03/04/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Merve Yalcin /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724605. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. CHARMYPOP, PO Box 320935, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, JI YOUNG SEO, PO Box 320935, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 03/10/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ JI YOUNG SEO /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724613. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. ADVANCED THERAPY PROGRAMS PHYSICAL THERAPY, 14843 Holden Way, San Jose, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: An Individual, NANCY P PEDROTTI BLOCK, 14843 Holden Way, San Jose, CA 95124. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/25/2016 and 03/10/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Nancy P Block /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
File Number: FBN724632 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. RENT A SCREEN , 300 E Gish Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, NICOLA LEASING LLC, 300 E Gish Rd, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/01/2026 and 03/10/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Nicola Leasing LLC, Article/Reg # 202357315665, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Art Amirkhas /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 03/18, 03/25, 04/01, 04/08/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #724551 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Cruz Collaborative Construction, 2. Cruz Collaborative. 2150 N First St., 4th Floor, San Jose, CA, San Jose, CA, 95131, Cruz Collaborative Construction LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/01/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Jonathan Molina Cruz. CEO. #202118910422. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 03/06/2026. (pub LG 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Number: FBN724757. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. FLOWRA , 205 Milbrae Ln, Los Gatan, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, THE CREATIVE AND WELLNESS STUDIO LLC, 1401 21st Street Ste R, Sacramento, CA 95811. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/13/2026 and 03/13/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Patty Camarena /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. THE CREATIVE AND WELLNESS STUDIO LLC, Article/Reg # 202461014023, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Sophie Leclerc /s/ Member. (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Number: FBN724093. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. RAVENWOOD VENTURES INC., 2. C&C GLASS, 1060 Lincoln Ave Ste 20 1160, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, RAVENWOOD VENTURES INC, 1060 Lincoln Ave Ste 20 1160, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/23/2026 and 02/24/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. RAVENWOOD VENTURES INC, Article/Reg # B20250371496, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Joaquin Vela /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
Two Easy Steps To Keeping Your Business Name
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #724695
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: March Design, 569 Clyde Avenue, Unit 520, Mountain View, CA, 94043, Mike Ma Architects, APC. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Mike Ma. President. #B20250424102. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 03/12/2026. (pub LG 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Number: FBN724384. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1.YONA SKIN CLINIC, 14537
S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, YONA SKIN CLINIC, 14537 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/17/2026 and 03/03/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. YONA SKIN CLINIC, Article/Reg # B20260082547, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Eun Sung Huh /s/ CFO. (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
Up To Date
File Number: FBN724745. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. KEEP MOVING FOR PARKINSON’S, 21559 Santa Ana Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, KEEP MOVING FOR PARKINSON’S LLC, 21559 Santa Ana Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95033. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 03/13/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. KEEP MOVING FOR PARKINSON’S LLC, Article/Reg # B20260111470, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Jennifer Larsen /s/ Manager (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Number: FBN724725. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. LAVENDER DUCKY, 170 N 11th St, San Jose, CA 95112. This business is conducted by: An Individual, KRISTINE ELISE CONLEY, 170 N 11th St, San Jose, CA 95112. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/14/2026 and 03/12/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Kristine E Conley /s/ (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Fictitious Business Name paperwork with the clerk of the county Use your mobile phone or scanner and this QR code to upload the document and publish your statement in a newspaper of general circulation 1 2
File Number: FBN724806. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. AJ RENTALS, 107 S Mary Ave #91, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Ai Jia Zhang, 107 S Mary Ave #91, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 03/16/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Ai Jia Zhang /s/. (Pub LGN: 03/25, 04/01, 04/08, 04/15/2026)
File Number: FBN724792 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Gioia Company, 2. Gioia Italian Art and Products , 323 Sharks Way, San Jose, CA 95110. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Little Italy San Jose Foundation, 438 Northwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 3/1/26 and 03/16/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Little Italy San Jose Foundation, Article/ Reg # 3307761, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Joshua DeVincenzi Melander /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 04/01, 04/08, 04/15, 04/22/2026)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725131
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: KPK, 844 Strickbroth Drive, Milpitas, CA, 95035, Karissa Kashyap Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Above entity was formed in the state of California. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein 04/16/2024. /s/Karissa Kashyap. Owner. #6205518. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/12/2024. (pub LG 04/01, 04/08, 04/15, 04/22/2026)
File Number: FBN725036. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1.SHEPHERD SECURITY ADVISORS, 1795 White Oaks Rd, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, JOSUE MORA, 1795 White Oaks Rd, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/13/2026 and 03/23/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Josue Mora /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/01, 04/08, 04/15, 04/22/2026)
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Note: If you filed your fictitious business name more than five years ago, you must file a renewal and re-publish to remain compliant.
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