Los Gatan April 22, 2026

MAN ACCUSED OF PHOTOGRAPHING TWEEN GIRLS HIT WITH 6 COUNTS

Investigation sparked by incident outside of Van Meter Elementary

Drew Penner, Editor

A man who was arrested last August near Louise Van Meter Elementary School on suspicion of acting inappropriately around children—and then released—turned himself in to Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police this afternoon after a warrant was issued for his capture.

John Alan Hale is facing six counts of annoying or molesting a minor. Each carries a potential fine of up to $5,000 or a county jail term of up to a year (or both). The accusations against Hale have not been proven in court.

“Today’s arrest stems from an investigation conducted by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department in partnership with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office related to an incident that occurred on the morning of August 28, 2025,” a spokesperson for LGMSPD wrote on Instagram.

The Los Gatan was there that morning, around 8am, as police began to piece together the story.

Officers had received a report of a fight along Los Gatos Boulevard between Nino and Spencer avenues.

“Upon arrival, officers learned that the altercation involved an individual who had reportedly been seen filming juveniles with his cellular phone,” the spokesperson wrote in last Wednesday’s social media post. “That individual was identified as Suspect Hale.”

EXPRESSION Sriya Venkatesan kicked off the Inaugural Multicultural Celebration at the Los Gatos Civic Center, performing Sri Chakra Raja, a dance in the Bharatanatyam style.

YOUTH COMMISSION HOSTS FIRST MULTICULTURAL

Art, music and dance shared by groups from across the Bay Area

Amanda Senior, Contributor Drums, flutes, and cymbals filled the air as a small crowd gathered on the Los Gatos Library’s front lawn to watch a solo dancer perform the Bharatanatyam, a classic southern Indian dance style accompanied by Carnatic music.

Dancing barefoot in the grass, Sriya Venkatesan’s ankles chimed with bells as she moved through graceful, geometric positions, telling the story of a Hindu goddess. The crowd watched, captivated by her dramatic facial expressions.

“Traditionally the dance was performed in temples, so ankle bells carried the rhythm to the back of the room. The eye make-up is dramatic. You want everyone to notice your expres-

sions,” Venkatesan said, referring to her black lined eyes and ruby rouged lips.

Venkatesan has performed at many multicultural events.

“I’ve never seen Azerbaijan culture shared before,” the Pleasanton dancer said. “Their dances were enjoyable to watch.”

Arnav Singhal was one of five Youth Commissioners on the Community Outreach adhoc.

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Dan Pulcrano

Executive Editor & Publisher

EDITORIAL

editor@losgatan.com

Drew Penner

Managing Editor

Emanuel Lee

Sports Editor

Amanda Senior, Faizi Samadani, Dinah Cotton, Jonathan Natividad

Contributors

ADVERTISING

advertising@losgatan.com

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Senior Account Executive

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Account Executive

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Cindy Couling

Director of Creative Services

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Jen Meyer, Jackie Mujica, Elena Razgonov, Rowdy Tompkins, Graphic Designers

WEEKLYS

Mike Lyon

Digital Media

YOUTH OVERCOME WEATHER DELAY TO HOST FIRST MULTICULTURAL GATHERING

Fair, from page 1

“Our main goal was to get Los Gatos to appreciate our culture and diversity,” he said.

With zero budget, the pressure was on for the Youth Commission to find supporters of the event.

“The library supplied tables and chairs, and allowed us to use the front lawn,” said Singhal. “Los Gatos High School helped out with flags for each country.”

“Originally we had twenty-five booths sign up,” said Singhal. The event had advertised to represent cultures from across the globe, but changing the date of the event caused scheduling conflicts.”

Other setbacks included a lack of electricity on the lawn, forcing the Azerbaijani dancers to the Civic Centre Plaza, and world flags donated by Los Gatos High School went unseen due to difficulties hanging them around the lawn.

“This is our first attempt,” said Singhal. “Next year, we hope to get permits for live music and food vendors.”

Rhea Vidhun’s booth was a crowd pleaser with bright rangoli—decorative floor art used in Indian celebrations— symbolizing joy and good fortune. Vidhun assisted attendees with temporary henna tattoos applications and bindis.

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Jamie Field spent some time learning from Vidhun.

“She happily took a bindi home to share Indian culture with her daughter,” he said.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission hosted a booth, and the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department handed out police ID stickers to children.

Mayor Rob Moore called the event a “wonderful” way to showcase local vibrancy.

“It is beautiful to see how much young people have put into celebrating the diversity of our community, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome in our town,” he said. “I’m excited to see this event continue to grow in the years to come.”

Dressed in traditional clothing, Alexandra Shvets quizzed a passerby on their Belarusian knowledge, while Maxim Shvets showed examples of traditional embroidery on an antique table runner.

“Belarus is not a well-known country,” Maxim Shvets said. “But, it’s rich in culture and history.”

An array of images displayed magnificent Belarusian architecture throughout the ages: medieval fortifications, Romanesque palaces, Gothic castles and Baroque cathedrals.

Huong Le, a Los Gatos resident, represented Vietnam. Le dressed in a light green áo dài embroidered with the traditional symbol for longevity. In Vietnam, áo dàis are worn year-round as school uniforms, and when attending weddings, but espe-

Don’t throw the ALPR baby out with the bathwater

I was very disappointed reading the outdated criticisms being spread on losgatan.com of Flock without checking into them further.

For example, a reference suggesting that 35 customer accounts had been stolen is both old news and was due to the customer's poor security practices of not using multi-factor authentication. The accounts were reportedly compromised via “infostealer” malware, which steals usernames and passwords from a user's device. And now, Flock has enabled MFA by default for new accounts and says almost all of its law enforcement customers have activated this feature to prevent similar credential-based attacks. So, the issue was not due to Flock being hacked, but because of the poor practices of users.

cially during Tết, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, celebrating the arrival of Spring. It is customary to wear a new áo dài at the beginning of the year in Vietnam.

Le has also shared her culture at Van Meter Elementary, as part of their diversity celebrations.

Le loves sharing Vietnamese cuisine with others.

“Food brings people together,” Le said. “Phở is so mainstream now, and it has so much to offer.”

The Azerbaijan table was laden with tapestries, musical instruments, recipe books and a golden samovar set.

Bringing authentic Azerbaijani items to the United States is a community endeavor.

“When friends and family travel, they bring back items that we need,” said Seva Khalilzade, 11, while demonstrating how to use a qaval.

Nurlan Shukurlu, president of the Azerbaijan Cultural Society of Northern California, encouraged attendees to join their dancers to perform the yalli, a lively circle dance signifying unity and strength. Onlookers clapped in time to the music, while others whooped and cheered.

“The start-up with Indian dancing was amazing,” Singhal said. “Watching everyone dance together was inspiring. To celebrate our diversity while coming together is what it’s all about.”

A survey of Saratoga Woods residents showed that around 85% of respondents highly value the security that the Flock system has provided for our neighborhood. The data clearly shows the reductions in crime in our neighborhoods.

Do not throw the baby out with the bathwater!

Residents have voted for the Flock system. Residents have paid for the system. The vast majority of residents expect it to be reinstated promptly.

If there is some issue that I am not aware of that needs to be addressed, then fix that issue, and get it back online protecting our homes.

I will only be supporting Council members who move quickly to get it back online.

Phil

Sutterlin Saratoga

*Letters are edited for length and clarity.

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MAYOR'S MESSAGE

CELEBRATE LOS GATOS AT SPRING INTO GREEN THIS WEEKEND

Rob Moore, Mayor

Los Gatos has always been a special place. Since our founding in 1887, this town has had a gift for bringing people together, and that tradition is as alive as ever in 2026. This weekend, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything we love about this community, and I hope you'll be part of it.

This Sunday, April 26, I hope you'll join me at Spring into Green, the Town's annual Earth Day celebration, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Town Plaza Park. This year the event is bigger and better than ever, with tons of family-friendly activities, environmentally focused booths, face painting, live music, a tree-planting ceremony and even extended Farmers’ Market hours. Whether you're passionate about the environment, looking for a fun family outing or simply want to enjoy a beautiful spring day in our town, Spring into Green has something for everyone. At noon, I'll be delivering my State of the Town address, a short speech covering the progress we've made together and what's ahead for our community. We have a lot to be proud of. From meaningful steps on wildfire preparedness and e-bike safety, to investments in youth

engagement and public safety, to exciting progress on new infrastructure and a strong local economy, Los Gatos is moving forward on many fronts.

After my remarks, I'll be at my own booth and would love to talk with you. If you have questions or ideas—or just want to say hello—please come chat.

Spring into Green is one of my favorite events of the year, because it captures so much of what makes this town great: neighbors coming together, a shared commitment to our environment and genuine pride in the community we've built. With Earth Day as its backdrop, it's a fitting reminder of the importance of preserving this place we love for future generations.

And, make sure that you don't miss the Los Gatos Wine Walk the day before—on Saturday, April 25, from 2-5pm. It's a wonderful chance to stroll through our charming downtown, support local businesses, and make new friends.

I hope to see many of you in town this weekend. Come for the Wine Walk, stay for Spring into Green, and let's celebrate Los Gatos together.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR A BIG GROCER

Whole Foods opens the doors of their fresh Los Gatos digs

Faizi Samadani, Contributor

On April 15, Los Gatos welcomed its latest supermarket, a brand new Whole Foods, a couple blocks north of its previous location on the corner of Los Gatos Boulevard and Los Gatos Almaden Road. The much larger location is at the site of a former Chevrolet dealership—a casualty of the 2008 recession. It’s situated next to the Tesla sales and service center, which opened last year.

Two blocks down, twice the size

The 15650 Los Gatos Blvd. address was developed by Sand Hill Property Company as part of an eight-figure deal. For 32 years, the previous Whole Foods served as a primary grocer to many local residents. Los Gatos is a suburban town, where couples come to raise their children, in large part due to a reputation for ➝ Whole Foods, 13

CASE AGAINST HALE PROCEEDS

Arrest, from page 1

While on the scene, the Los Gatan spoke to a parent who said Hale was acting in a manner that suggested he was taking upskirt pictures.

The parent said he chased after Hale and held him until police arrived—adding the suspect even punched and bit him.

LGMSPD announced 63-year-old Hale had been “taken into custody on charges related to annoying and

harassing minors and battery.”

In the immediate aftermath, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department released a statement that stated “the investigation revealed that Hale had attempted to temporarily restrain a juvenile in the course of his actions and therefore he is being charged with attempted kidnapping.”

However, attempted kidnapping was

Bay Area Pizza Week is a 12-day celebration of everyone's favorite food: Pizza. From April 22 through May 3, participating restaurants all over the Bay Area put together Pizza Week menus which include specialty pizzas and/ or comb meals for their guests and pizza lovers to enjoy. Below is a list of participating restaurants.

For a complete list, visit bayareapizzaweek.com.

Pizzeria Vittoria

Redwood Estates, Los Gatos

21433 Broadway Rd., 95033

Centonove

Downtown Los Gatos

109 W Main St., 95030

Campbell Pizza Company

Campbell

3393 Winchester Blvd., 95008

Bibo’s New York Pizza

San Jose

320 West Saint John St., 95110

Bibo’s New York Pizza

San Jose

1431 Bird Ave., 95125

Craving Pizza

San Jose

1111 Meridian Ave., 95125

Tandoori Pizza

Fremont

35760 Fremont Blvd., 94536

Tandoori Pizza

Milpitas

1271 E Calaveras Blvd., 95035

Parktown Pizza

Milpitas

1350 S Park Victoria Dr., 95035

Tandoori Pizza

Sunnyvale

1663 Hollenbeck Ave., 94087

Pizzeria Delfina

not one of the crimes listed in today’s post.

“Following the initial investigation, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department submitted the case to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and based on evidence collected during the course of the investigation, an arrest warrant was subsequently authorized and issued this week,” the Instagram update reads.

Hale was booked into county jail at 4:36pm and was still in custody at 10pm, with bail not yet set.

Anyone with additional information related to this incident or the suspect is encouraged to contact LGMSPD Det. Heather Murphy at 408-824-3228.

Palo Alto

651 Emerson St., 94301

Impasto by Terún San Carlos

661 El Camino Real, 94070

POLICE BLOTTER

APRIL 12

• A vehicle was reportedly stolen at Bay Tree Apartments on Massol Avenue at 12:05pm.

• Three teens on bikes reportedly attempted to hit the caller and her husband while they were on a walk at Vasona Park on Garden Hill Drive at 12:42pm.

• Ten juveniles were reportedly spraying water at passersby with water guns at Dolce Spazio on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 5:54pm.

• Juveniles were reportedly ripping branches off trees and putting the branches into the caller’s car at Oren’s Hummus on North Santa Cruz Avenue in front of Town Plaza Park at 9:38pm.

APRIL 13

• Approximately $6,000 was reportedly missing from the caller’s bank deposit bag after it fell out of the caller's pocket and was returned by a customer at 7-11 on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 11:49am.

• A fundraising sign was reportedly removed from a fence on Longmeadow Drive. The theft occurred within the last week, but was reported on April 13 at 1:05pm.

• A vehicle reportedly crashed into the back side of Los Gatos Surgical Center on National Avenue at a slow speed with no reported injuries at 3:44pm.

APRIL 14

• Officers issued a cite and release arrest for a subject who peed in front of Rice Financial Consulting on East Main Street at 9:05am.

• A driver was reported driving recklessly at Shannon Road and Los Gatos Boulevard at 10:57am.

• A subject reportedly trespassed into the caller’s basement garage on Los Gatos Boulevard at 12:32pm.

• A caller reported a group of 60 young bicyclists who he believed were tagging as they rode by at Los Gatos Boulevard and Samaritan Drive at 7:45pm.

APRIL 15

• Someone reportedly pried open the passenger-side front door of

a vehicle and damaged the interior at Best Western Inn on Los Gatos Saratoga Road. The act of vandalism occurred around March 30, but was reported on April 15 at 9:43am.

• Someone reportedly stole a catalytic converter off the caller’s vehicle on Carlton Avenue at 1:47pm.

• A man who was drunk in public reportedly got into his vehicle and was unable to back out of the parking space at Whole Foods on Los Gatos Boulevard 3:24pm.

• A caller reported that their debit card was charged over $4,000 and mail was stolen from their mailbox last week on McCobb Drive at 4:56pm.

APRIL 16

• A caller was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Quito Road and believes her car is not drivable at 12:55am.

• Juveniles on ebikes were reportedly doing wheelies in the traffic lanes and weaving through vehicles at Blossom Hill Road and Los Gatos Boulevard at 3:16pm.

APRIL 17

• A man and a woman reportedly stole two bikinis, totaling $338, from Xandra’s Swimwear on North Santa Cruz Avenue at 7:22pm.

• Three boys were running around on the roof of Legacy Community Church on Lark Avenue at 7:34pm.

• A juvenile reportedly punched the caller in the face at Bachman Park on Bachman Avenue at 8:21pm.

• Two men reportedly walked down the caller’s driveway and opened the gate to the backyard before getting caught and running away on Massol Avenue at 8:34pm.

APRIL 18

• A caller reported a missing Louis Vuitton wallet, rings and cash, believing the house cleaner took the items earlier in the day on Via De Sur at 12:15am.

These reports are compiled from publicly available information released by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department. Prepared by Anika Kapasi

THESE LOS GATOS COTTAGES COME WITH ‘PROFESSIONAL PARENTS’

Pacific Clinics provides solid foundation for foster children

Dinah Cotton, Contributor

Pacific Clinics has quite the legacy. It grew out of a merger between Eastfield Home of Benevolence, a San Jose orphanage, and the Ming Quong residence, which assisted Chinese children who needed support, starting decades back.

Pacific Clinics envisions “a world in which all people realize health and well-being,” and is known as California’s largest nonprofit community-based behavioral health care provider. The organization offers a wide range of social services, including foster care and other housing programs, as well as adult and early childhood education initiatives. Their current staffing level? 2,100 state-wide.

Walking the Site

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the “Los Gatos Site” with Darren DeMonsi, director of fund development in the Bay Area. “This is our 13-acre campus,” he said. “It goes from the upper campus, up by the arch, and it runs down here.” By down here he pointed to the Spreckels Avenue side of the hillside property. Before this became a group home (we’re talking more than a century-and-a-half ago) this was home to the Spreckels Mansion.

Onsite foster therapy

DeMonsi led me down the outdoor stairs to a small cluster of offices. “This is where a child in foster care can come and be with staff and receive therapy,” he said. These youth can arrive here to meet with a staff member, or to connect with their parents or guardian. (These would be children who do not live here.)

“This is a neutral environment—a neutral place where meetings can occur outside the home,” DeMonsi said. Check-ins with both the foster parent and the foster child help to enlighten how things are going, how they could be better, or how they could be better supported with different resources. A meeting here might also involve a biological relative.

On site “cottages”

DeMonsi adds, “the residential group homes program ended in 2018.” Currently there are five cottages on the site, where one professional parent resides with a child-client. One is a duplex that’s being remodeled into two separate living areas. The length of time an individual child stays here could be anywhere from three to six months (though some foster clients stay longer.) The length of time is determined by the progress the child-client makes.

The onsite cottage used to house residents in the board-care days past. “These buildings are not ideal for the type of service that we are providing, and for the intensive foster parenting,” DeMonsi went on. “We are doing what we can to transform the structures to be more efficient in terms of how we use them.”

But it’s a key part of coming up with a longer-term solution. “—or a long term placement, unlike group homes, which oftentimes are long term,” DeMonsi said. “This is temporary, until they can be placed in lower-level, foster care homes, or be reunited with biological families.”

“These kids have had multiple foster care environments. They just get bumped because their behaviors are too intense. And so, the goal really is to try and get their behaviors to manage the level that we can place them with their biological family, or a more permanent family situation,” DeMonsi explained. “Staying here at these cottages is almost like a triage situation, where we’re just trying to address the really intensive nature of their behaviors.”

Professional Parent Program

A so-called Professional Parent will stay onsite in these cottages with a single foster child 24/7. It’s an environment where this parent can live and work with the child in a neutral environment. “Maybe a client would stay here 15 months to one year,” DeMonsi said. “It's very intense to get the behaviors down to a manageable level and then place them in a more permanent living situation.”

In the duplex cottage, they have a professional parent and a child on each side. “So, it was a dorm style-multi bedroom kind of living situation, which was not easy to transition to the more intimate professional parent program where you have one professional parent for one child,” DeMonsi said.

With renovation underway, there will soon be five individual residential cottages.

“I think I would be very comfortable saying, we’re getting much better outcomes for the children that are in our professional parent program,” DeMonsi went on. “Or, to use a more professional name, Intensive Foster Care Services Program, that we did in the residential group home environment.”

“Eventually, with a professional parent with each client, they stay together 24 hours,” he said. “And, if there is a problem, the professional parent has the resources to go and get help.”

As our walk around the grounds was ending, DeMonsi offered me a tour of a bit of Eastfield Ming Quong Orphanage history, in the main building at the upper campus. Years ago the Strawberry Festival was a fundraiser.

“Coming up is this year's fundraiser on May 16,” he said. “It will be held at

Nestldown. Tickets are going fast and this event usually sells out. Shuttles will be running from West Valley College up to Nestledown.”

DeMonsi ended with, “We are hoping to raise close to half a million dollars.”

Do you have what it takes to be a Professional Parent?

Any individual age 21 or older can apply to become a professional parent (regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status or family structure).

Applicants must be able to provide a stable, safe and nurturing home environment, in order to qualify. They must also have prior experience working with, or raising, youth.

Additional requirements include: No other youth living in the home; and availability to provide full-time care in the home.

If employed outside the home, a second approved adult (like a partner or spouse) must be present to supervise the youth. This person must also complete all required training and background checks. Residence in or near Santa Clara County.

Who makes up a youth’s care team?

If extra care requirements come up while a child is living in Pacific Clinic’s Intensive Foster Care Services Program, a special team may be called.

In some cases, the child could be taken

to a location where a more complete assessment can be performed.

Besides the professional parent, additional Pacific Clinics officials may include: a facilitator, a social worker, a clinician, a family specialist or a family partner who supports the youth.

Beyond that, there may be additional, external entities supporting the youth, such as a Santa Clara County social worker, or a court-appointed special advocate. It all starts with the volunteers.

Monthly, the Happy Dragon Thrift Shop donates around $50,000 to Pacific Clinics.

At the store’s recent general meeting, Pacific Clinics provided training on how to address the uptick in unhoused individuals visiting the shop.

Conrad Welsh, Pacific Clinic’s program supervisor, and Shanice Johnson, a project manager, explained how the Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST) can help.

This TRUST team can respond in as little as 30 minutes to assist with individuals who may be causing a disturbance. Welsh and Johnson presented practical approaches to handling issues, setting boundaries and basic deescalation techniques—such as responding with compassion while protecting the volunteers. Also at this meeting, these volunteers discussed upcoming deep cleaning and renovation plans. Stay tuned to learn about the new and improved Happy Dragon. And by the way, the bag sale is coming up April 24-25.

SPORTS

WILDCATS ON THEIR WAY TO WINNING A FOURTH STRAIGHT LEAGUE TITLE

Williams dazzles in throwing a no-hitter against Santa Clara

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

As the innings went on, fewer teammates conversed with Los Gatos High School pitcher Ethan Williams. After all, he was working on a perfect game.

“I knew it,” he said.

Williams first started to notice feeling a bit different in the top of the sixth inning. His heart rate had ticked up ever so slightly, but the senior right-hander embraced the moment.

“It’s good for it to be like that, but I don’t need it to be more than it has to be,” Williams said. “Controlling my breath and knowing it’s playing the game one pitch at a time and executing rather than thinking about what’s going on later in the game is the biggest thing (for success).”

Williams didn’t get the perfect game but did finish with a no-hitter, striking out a career-high 16 to lead the Wildcats to an 8-0 win over Santa Clara in a SCVAL De Anza Division contest on April 17. A day later, Los Gatos swept the two-game set with the Bruins, rolling to a 16-1 victory. The pair of victories improved the Wildcats’ record to 16-2 overall and 9-0 in league.

They are 2 ½ games ahead of Palo Alto in the standings, a team they’ve already beaten twice earlier this season. Translation: barring unforeseen circumstances, Los Gatos is well on its way to winning its fourth consecutive De Anza Division championship.

“Every year I fall in love with teams for different reasons,” Wildcats coach Mike Minkel said. “This team is special because they love the challenge, and they love me putting them through the ringer. It’s a real treat to be a part of this. Great group, great attitudes, great energy in the dugout. I love everything about them, I really do. They’re just a bunch of lovable guys.”

Williams overwhelmed Santa Clara in the teams’ first matchup. Relying mostly on his fastball, Williams faced just one batter over the minimum in a dazzling 86-pitch gem. Williams’ perfect game was foiled when he threw an up-and-in fastball that grazed the elbow of Kyle Yumul leading off the top of the seventh inning. Williams responded by retiring the next three batters and settled for a no-hitter, prompting his teammates to rush the mound and congratulate him for a job well done.

“We’ve known Ethan was special since

his sophomore year,” Minkel said. “The way he goes about his business, being an absolute professional in his craft, and the diligence and the work he puts in is just tremendous. Everybody gets to see game time and what it looks like. But they don’t get to see the amount of work he puts in, how dedicated he is and what he’s doing in his off time and practice time to essentially prepare for these efforts. It’s truly a pleasure to watch and be a part of this.”

The Bruins’ best opportunity for a hit came in the top of the fifth, when a groundball was hit in the hole. Shortstop Beau Musser fielded the ball cleanly on his backhand and in one motion threw off his back foot to first baseman Max Thomas, who leaped, caught the ball and came down and tagged the Santa Clara baserunner to preserve the no-hitter.

“Beau is a special player in his own right,” Minkel said.

Relying on a steady diet of fastballs, Williams made it look easy, overpowering the Santa Clara lineup in producing his first no-hitter since his freshman year when he was on the junior varsity team.

“I just wanted to get ahead in the count and was throwing up the zone more than anything else,” Williams said. “With the game plan, nothing too different than a normal game.”

Brady Simon smacked an insidethe-park home run in the bottom of the fourth, highlighting the Wildcats’ 11-hit attack. Simon, Chase Frolich and Sully Roberts had two RBIs each. Simon was an offensive tour de force in the second game against the Bruins, finishing 3-for-4 with four runs scored. Frolich also had a monster game, going 2-for-3 with a game-high four RBIs.

Nicky Gangemi, Jackson Fitzpatrick and Thomas drove in two runs apiece.

Chase Oberthier, Nolan Jones and Gavin Seiler combined to allow just seven hits and one run as the Wildcats received another stellar performance from their pitching corps.

Williams loves the dynamic of this year’s team.

“We like to have fun, we like to keep it light, but everyone’s going to do their job on a given day,” Williams said. “We come to the field everyday and pretty much get

to work. Winning is fun, but it takes a lot of work.”

In a recent two week stretch, Los Gatos overcame a variety of challenges playing tournaments in Sacramento and Tennessee. Every time the players faced a situation which could’ve drawn frustration, they responded well.

“Zero complaints, none,” Minkel said. “Whether it’s shuttling back and forth for over a 1,000 miles over three days to the Boras (Classic in Sacramento) or going out to Tennessee and taking a redeye flight, not getting any sleep and going immediately to a field and practicing, these guys love every bit of it. These guys don’t let these things bother them, and it makes it that much more enjoyable to be a part of.”

In addition to Williams’ professionalism, Minkel appreciates his stoicism on the mound.

“It doesn’t matter if he throws a no-hitter or gives up five runs, his demeanor stays the same,” Minkel said.

“His work ethic remains the same, everything stays the same, he’s a true professional at his craft and it is really fun to watch and play behind him.”

AMAZON-OWNED GROCERY BRAND HAS BEEN IN LG SINCE THE 90S

Whole Foods, from page 8

excellent schools. But finding a grocery story that is reliable and familiar—and with high-quality merchandise—is a key ingredient for that lifestyle.

Even though the Whole Foods just moved up the street, the interior tells a totally new tale. Customers will be walking through a 43,000 square foot structure—twice the size of the previous space.

Past and present

Famously, John Mackey (a college dropout) and Renee Lawson (Hardy), 21, borrowed $45,000 to kick-off their journey with a small natural foods store in Austin, Texas, called SaferWay.

The original Whole Foods Market started in 1980 (it was 10,500 square feet). By 1989, it expanded to the West Coast with a store in Palo Alto. In 1994 Whole Foods staked its claim in Los Gatos.

Then, in August 2017, Amazon purchased the corporation for $13.7 billion.

Since then, Whole Foods has added thousands of brands to their offerings. The new Los Gatos location will feature an assortment of more than 2,000 local items (meaning from California-based suppliers).

Sheila Reno is a manager and co-owner at the Los Gatos Cafe across the street from the latest Whole Foods. Reno has been at the cafe since before Whole Foods even arrived in the Bay Area. She’s quite excited about the local opening.

“It's very beautiful,” she said. “I'm excited for them. And it's nice that it's right across the street. I think it's good, because it will offer more options, like organic or specialty products.”

And what about Whole Foods’ former home?

The Rite Aid next door closed—and is now in the midst of transforming into a Club Fitness, according to the Los Gatos Town Facebook page. Sure there are rumors about what might take the place of the old Whole Foods. However, there are no official announcements just yet.

In an image from 1967, archived in the Los Gatos Library’s collection, the Cornerstone Shopping Center is visible at the intersection of Los Gatos Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road. This quaint photograph is a reminder that change is inevitable, and oftentimes for the better.

You can stop by the new Whole Foods at 15650 Los Gatos Blvd. during its operating hours from 8am-10pm daily.

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Name Change

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

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)

File Number: FBN724906. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Select Injury Center, 2248 Park Blvd., Palo Alto, CA 94306. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Select Chiropractic Inc., 2248 Park Blvd., Palo Alto, CA 94306. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/17/2026 and 03/18/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Select Chiropractic, Inc. Article/Reg # B20260035749, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Vitaly Mozeson /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 04/08, 04/15, 04/22, 04/29/2026)

File Number: FBN725483. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. ZESTFUL DEVELOPMENT 15495 Via Caballero, Monte Sereno, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, CALADRIUS LOGIC, INC., 15495 Via Caballero, Monte Sereno, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 04/03/2026 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. Caladrius Logic, Inc, Article/Reg # 10544431, Above Entity was Formed in the State of Delaware. /s/ John Morrow /s/ CEO. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

PUBLIC NOTICES

File Number: FBN725635. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. PENINSULA AUTOMOTIVE, 2. PENINSULA VOLKSWAGEN, 3. PENINSULA AUTO, 831 Camden Ave, Suite 14, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, FLAT TIRE VENTURES LLC, 115 Belcrest Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/05/2026 and 04/09/2026 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. FLAT TIRE VENTURES LLC, Article/Reg # B20250245155, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Andrew John Morse /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

File Number: FBN725282 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Flowers On The Go by Judy 15751 Loma Vista Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Judy Gadbois, 15751 Loma Vista Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/29/2026 and 03/30/2026 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/ Judy Gadbois /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/08, 04/15, 04/22, 04/29/2026)

File Number: FBN725375. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Lumora Research, 1331 Alma St, Palo Alto, CA 94301. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Pegah Karimi, 1331 Alma St, Palo Alto, CA 94301. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 04/02/2026 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/ Pegah Karimi /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

File Number: FBN725530. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. ARBOR CREEK TREE CARE , 457 Sinclair Dr, SanJose, CA 95116. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership, MIGUEL A. YEPEZ HERNANDEZ, 457 Sinclair Dr., San Jose, CA 95116 and MIGUEL A. YEPEZ JIMENEZ, 457 Sinclair Dr., San Jose, CA 95116. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/06/2026 and 04/06/2026 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/ Miguel A. Yepez Hernandez /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

File Number: FBN725524. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. BE PRESENT THERAPY

59 N Santa Cruz Ave Suite Y, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, EDWARD J. SMITH MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION, 59 N Santa Cruz Ave Suite Y, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/04/2026 and 04/06/2026 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. EDWARD J. SMITH MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION, Article/Reg # 10544431, Article/Reg # B20260092426, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Edward Smith /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725471

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Metatron Enterprises, 1766 Hudson Dr., San Jose, CA, 94124, David Anthony S Nelson, Sarah S Betadam. This business is being conducted by a Married Couple. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 10/18/2005. /s/Sarah S Betadam. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/03/2026. (pub LG 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725541

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Fertility Whisperer, 940 Saratoga Ave., Suite 104, San Jose, CA, 95129, Way Of Wellness Healthcare Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 03/13/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Shasta Ericson. President. #C4859173. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/06/2026. (pub LG 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

File Number: FBN725654. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. AMORCO MECHANICAL 43289 Osgood Rd, Fremont, CA 94539. This business is conducted by: An Individual, THEODORE TACLINDO AMOR, 43289 Osgood Rd, Fremont, CA 94539. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 04/09/2026 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/ Theodore Amor /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

File Number: FBN725574. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. BAMBANA , 842 Pollard Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, CHELSEA F BRIGANTI, 842 Pollard Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 4/07/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Corinne Vasquez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Chelsea F. Briganti /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

File Number: FBN725689. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. EXPANDING PATHWAYS, 3880 S. Bascon Ave #108, San Jose, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: An Individual, NHI NGUYEN, 351 Treichel Lane, Watsonville, CA 95076. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/20/2026 and 4/10/2026 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/ Nhi Nguyen /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/15, 04/22, 04/29, 05/06/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT # The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lideya Limousine, 298 Laurel Grove Ln #327, San Jose, CA, 95126,

Lideya Gebeyhu Worku. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 04/01/2026. /s/ Lideya Gebeyhu Worku. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/15/2026. (pub LG 04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #725750 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lisa Martin Media, 971 Ellis Ave., San Jose, CA, 95125, Luccazara, Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/28/2014. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Lisa Martin. CEO. #3650762. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 04/13/2026. (pub LG 04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13/2026)

File Number: FBN725699. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. TRAVEL ROSE , 485 Lewis Rd #D, San Jose, CA 95111. This business is conducted by: An Individual, HONG TU, 411 Lewis Rd #430, San Jose, CA 95111. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/24/2024 and 4/10/2026 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/ Hong Tu /s/. (Pub LGN: 04/22, 04/29, 05/06, 05/13/2026)