Police department says it’s planning to expand its drone capabilities
Anthony Luo, Contributor
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has taken a more secretive approach to responding to a California Public Records Act request submitted by the Los Gatan, when compared to how the County law enforcement agency handled the same ask.
Meanwhile, at Council last week, the LGMSPD outlined a plan to beef-up surveillance technology tools like remote-controlled aerial vehicles.
In the coming years, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department will explore the use of Drone as First Responder (DFR) technology—a fleet of drones that would serve as the first set of eyes on a crime scene—to make up for operational gaps and staffing challenges.
The prospect of DFR technology was one of many possible new technologies included in the latest bi-annual Police Services Report, presented by Chief Jamie Field at the Aug. 19 Council meeting.
“The police department has not grown in about two decades,” Field said in a presentation to the Council. “So, our solution to that is really looking towards technology to allow us to be more efficient.”
These evaluations were made in response to an organizational assessment by Meliora Public Safety Consulting from
➝ LGMSPD, 7
LICCARDO JOINS ANTI-WILDFIRE LAUNCH IN LG
Event featured remotecontrol-woodchipper, home-hardening demos
Drew Penner, Reporter
In the preface to his book “California: A Fire Survey,” Stephen J. Pyne notes that the “Califor-
nia fire scene” has long shaped the broader American agenda.
“For the national narrative the important fact is that what happened in California did not stay in California,” he wrote.
“Ideas immigrated to California, underwent a transformation, often a radical simplification, and then emigrated outward.
For many regions of the United States one can tell the local fire story with minimal reference to the country overall. That isn’t possible in California.”
And on Aug. 20, during a press conference at a trailhead just up the hill from downtown
SUNDAY FUNDRAISER Victor and Laura Adint in the Atrium at Nestldown, during an event in support of Cancer CAREpoint. Victor became involved with the organization after he lost his father to cancer. P6
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SUSPECT FOUND AT SCHOOL CAFETERIA WORKER ENTRANCE
LGUSD: There was never a direct threat to Raymond J. Fisher Middle School students
Staff Report
A suspect was taken into custody Friday after trying to burglarize a home then hiding near a staff entrance to Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, according to Los Gatos Union School District officials.
“This morning at approximately 9:00 A.M., a homeless individual attempted to burglarize a home in the neighborhood and they were intercepted by the resident of the home,” a LGUSD spokesperson wrote in an email to parents shortly after the incident occurred. “While fleeing the scene, the homeowner called the police and chased the individual in the direction of Roberts Road. Law enforcement immediately responded with multiple cruisers and found the individual trying to hide just inside the doorway to the cafeteria staff work area at Fisher. The individual was immediately taken into custody by the police and was removed from the premises.”
When the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department was contacted by the Los Gatan at 10:21am, they declined to do a phone interview and directed inquiries to their public relations address.
“So, unfortunately the only way to get the information is through that email,” the official said.
When asked who the designated communication official is for media inquiries, now that the former spokesperson Sgt. Katherine Mann has resigned, the official was unable to provide that information. Later, an officer directed the newspaper to a post on one of its social media pages that confirmed details of the call.
LGUSD said it worked closely with law enforcement to ensure that their campus remained secure.
“At no point was there a direct threat to our students,” the District spokesperson told the school community. “As part of our ongoing safety review processes, we will examine this access point to our kitchen to see how we can further secure this door when it is actively in use. This morning, our food service staff was in the process of loading food into a district vehicle to deliver to all schools in our district when this incident occurred.”
The District thanked the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department for its “exceptional response time.”
“We know that hearing about police activity at our school can be concerning,” the spokesperson wrote. “Rest assured, the safety of your children remains our highest priority.”
INTERGOVERNMENTAL WILDFIRE PLANNING
Wildfire, from page 1
Los Gatos, one of the community’s representatives on the federal stage, Congressman Sam Liccardo, joined with local political, business and fire officials to write a new chapter in the wildfire story.
“We are at the wildland-urban-interface—as we affectionately call the WUI— which presents enormous hazards, enormous peril,” he said. “My mom just grew up a couple blocks away.”
The event was held at Novitiate Park to mark the establishment of the Wildfire Resilience Partnership, a regional effort to promote strategies to defend against forest fires.
On Monday, PG&E reported that nearly 5,900 wildfires have burned more than 397,000 acres across California, this year.
Among the attendees were Mayor Matthew Hudes, Santa Clara County Fire Department Battalion Chief Skylar Thornton, Santa Clara County FireSafe Council CEO Seth Schalet, and neighbor Jak Van Nada, of the Los Gatos Community Alliance, Councilmembers Maria Ristow and Mary Badame, Vice Mayor Rob Moore, Town Manager Chris Constantin and Town of Los Gatos Emergency Manager Chris Todd, who helped to organize the event.
Liccardo said a proactive approach to tackling wildfire is important now that Washington is “stepping back” from many of its funding commitments.
“We are deeply concerned out here in California, because I think we understand what the data shows all of us, and the peril that it poses,” he said. “More and more local communities are on their own trying to figure it out. And fortunately, we’ve got a local community here that has been working together. This regional partnership is nothing new. We are simply bringing the federal government into it.”
He praised the FireSafe Council for its work, so far.
“We think there’s opportunities to elevate their work in various ways,” he said, suggesting this could take the form of collaboration on things like getting environmental clearance for critical projects, securing permits and amplifying the impact of local projects to a regional level. “One way or another, we are going to be at the front of the line. And the communities that are ready for this funding are the ones that get the funding and move first.”
Battalion Chief Thornton said, while it’s been a cool season overall so far in this neck of the woods, there are still warm and windy days ahead.
“One of the things we know for certain is that our Mother Nature is unpredictable,” he said. “We’ve seen devastating fire throughout the state—and the West—over the years, and the lessons learned in the aftermath are helping the fire service prepare.”
Cal Fire recently updated its fire danger maps, using a science-based approach, which has allowed homeowners to have a better sense of just how at-risk they are, he added.
“ If you live in the wildland-urban-interface—or the WUI, one of the areas with heightened fire hazards—you are not powerless,” he said. “There are simple steps you can take to prepare your home and increase the odds of surviving it, even if a wildfire strikes your neighbor.”
The press conference also highlighted N5 Sensors, an AI-based early-smoke-detection system, and featured a demonstration of the remote-controlled BurnBot Vegetation Masticator.
Meanwhile, cyclists and hikers continued to pass by along the trail.
Before the gathering wrapped-up, Liccardo went to Van Nada’s house, to point out things residents can do to harden their homes against wildfire.
“It’s tremendous that the congressman chose to do this here,” said Mayor Hudes in an interview. “Choosing a location where a home is right next to the dangerous W-U-I is important and illustrates what you have to do—and what you can do.
“We will be needing federal funds, but we're gonna need to do that on a collaborative basis with other communities.”
PRESSER Congressman Sam Liccardo joined local leaders at Novitiate Park for the launch of an anti-wildfire partnership, last week.
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Philanthropic event helps pave pathway to compassionate care
Cancer CAREpoint’s weekend garden party at Nestldown was quite an inspiring affair
Dinah Cotton, Contributor
On Sunday afternoon at 22420 Old Santa Cruz Hwy, inside Nestldown’s enchanting grounds, a garden party unfolded. This was not an ordinary party. This was Cancer CAREpoint’s “CCP” annual fundraiser. Nestldown is a little over six miles away from downtown Los Gatos. “We are very grateful to Nestledown in offering their venue for our major fundraiser,” Pam Klaus, executive director at CCP, said. This fundraiser received over 100 auction items, and was mostly held online.
Partying
in the garden with purpose
What began as a simple gathering has blossomed into one of Silicon Valley’s premier summer events. This Garden Party welcomed over 350 guests and plans to raise more than $1 million dollars. Funds generated by the auction help CCP to support the Bay Area’s only community-based nonprofit that offers personalized, one-on-one cancer support services.
“CCP is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Bay Area residents impacted by cancer by providing compassionate, personalized support services and programs tailored to meet individual cancer survivor needs,” is how their mission statement puts it.
‘Crushing the Cancer Curveball’
At the sponsors reception, author Joelle Kaufman addressed the attendees with a hope-filled message. Kaufman is a 43-year-old breast cancer survivor. Kaufman also hosts a podcast called “Kicking Cancer’s Ass.” In her book, Crushing the Cancer Curveball: A Playbook for the Newly Diagnosed and Their Family and Friends, she offers a helpful playbook.
It’s a guidebook full of tips on how to survive—and thrive—during the recovery periods needed to “kick cancer’s ass.” In her family there’s a four-decade history of cancer. Kaufman goes from fearful to fierce. She ends each chapter with a “Lessons Learned” checklist.
Author Hanna Jayne (Hanna Haworth) Cancer CAREpoint client
Haworth, a San Jose resident who works with CCP, spoke during the garden party meal. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer at age 41. Her husband was the one who first connected with CCP. Her
personal essays on cancer survivorship have been featured in “Wildfire Magazine” and “Storycatchers.” With CCP one is not alone in the diagnosis and treatment—not to mention the journey back from the darkest days of battling cancer.
Personalized, one-on-one support
This was a celebration of Cancer CAREpoint’s 13th year. “This evening we will be honoring the journey, the generosity and the community that makes healing possible,” Klaus stated. The theme for this event was “Pathways to compassionate care.” Klaus added, “This theme reflects not only the journeys of our clients but also the very heart of Cancer CAREpoint’s mission.”
From the garden party brochure written by Klaus-Executive Director and Board Chair Sarah Schiltz: “Because of the generosity shown tonight we are able to provide free, personalized services-nutritional guidance, counseling, support groups, wigs, financial assistance and so much more. We are able to provide this to anyone impacted by cancer in our community. These services do more than meet practical needs; they ease the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis and offer comfort during one of life’s most difficult chapters.”
SPEAKER Author Joelle Kaufman with John Simmons. Kaufman's book Crushing the Cancer Curveball was presented to guests at the conclusion of the evening. Kaufman, 42, has an intergenerational history of cancer. Her best advice is to check often for lumps.
How common is cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, over a lifetime your chances to contract cancer is about 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women. For men, the most common cancers are prostate, lung or colorectal. For women it’s breast, colorectal area or lung cancer. The good news is that with better screening and improved treatments, cancer is often survivable.
Working only with adults, CCP offers a wide variety of programs and services.
All of these services are provided at no cost to patients and their families. CCP does not receive any federal or state funding, instead relying on grants and donations to keep serving the community.
CCP is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, located at 2512 Samaritan Court, Suite A, San Jose. For more information, call 408-402-6611 or visit CancerCAREpoint.org or info@cancercarepoint.com.
SUSTAINER Gay Crawford, co-founder, board member and sponsor for Cancer CAREpoint, greeting arrivals at Nestldown.
TOWN ATTORNEY DEFENDS REDACTIONS
LGMSPD , from page 1
November 2024, during which LGMSPD was given 130 recommendations for areas ranging from risk management to technology integration.
Other recommendations included the development of a Real-Time Crime Center, centralizing video feeds for “rapid intelligence sharing,” as well as a 10-year agreement with Axon—the company that manages the department’s body-worn and in-car cameras and digital evidence systems—to automate paper processes and utilize a translation system through body-worn cameras to communicate with residents.
During the Council meeting, resident Susan Bassi spoke up about concerns over the Town’s handling of a public records request for exhibits in a code enforcement administrative hearing.
“The Town has a number of policies and procedures that are problematic to public records, and I’m making a complaint and I want it fixed,” Bassi told the council during public comment.
On Aug. 7, LGMSPD provided more than 120,000 records regarding the use of the Town’s Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, after a series of delays.
The data provided, which include “network audits,” which track searches of cameras by members of area agencies, and “organization audits,” internal searches by LGMSPD, was heavily redacted; names of individuals and orga -
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nizations performing searches were entirely blotted out.
LGMSPD cited Government Code Section 7923.600 and Government Code Section 7922.000 as justification for the redactions. According to Town Attorney Gabrielle Whelan in an email to the Los Gatan, Section 7923.600 in particular “exempts investigatory records of any local police agency or other police agency for law enforcement purposes” from being made public through the California Public Records Act.
“For that reason, records of investigations, including the name of the individual or agency conducting the investigation, were redacted,” Whelan stated in the email. “The purpose of this exemption is to aid in the successful completion of investigations.”
Similarly, Whelan noted that Section 7922.000 “supports redaction when the public’s interest in nondisclosure (here, the privacy interests of the drivers) outweighs the public’s interest in disclosure.”
However, when the Los Gatan asked the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office for the exact same type of records, it took a much more transparent approach. The documents it sent over, in late June, were much less blacked-out.
According to the Police Services Report, “only authorized California law enforcement agencies can access ALPR data,” and the Town’s Flock Safety transparency portal lists a number of organizations that fall under this category.
Throughout each film, a three-course meal will be delivered directly to your seat. Each course will be inspired by the film screening. A curated cocktail will also be available for purchase.
AT COUNCIL Police Chief Jamie Field interacts with Councilmember Maria Ristow at Council on Aug. 19.
Jump Head: TOWN ATTORNEY DEFENDS REDAC TIONS
(Ristow right, Field left)
AT COUNCIL Police Chief Jamie Field interacts with Councilmember Maria Ristow at Council on Aug. 19.
Credit: Drew Penner / Los Gatan
[Statement from EFF —
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan Sept. 8 Reservoir Dogs • Sept. 10
Dirty Dancing • Sept. 3 Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire Sept. 1
Blonde
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull • Sept. 29
WILDCATS’ LATEST FOOTBALL LINEUP ALREADY AMONG THE CCS ELITE
Los Gatos only non-WCAL school ranked in the top 5
Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor
In the grand scheme of things, preseason rankings don’t amount to much.
However, there is a certain respect factor that comes along with being listed as one of the top teams, especially in the case of the Los Gatos High School football squad. The No. 3 Wildcats are the only public school team to crack the top five in Max Preps’ Central Coast Section preseason rankings, sandwiched in between top-ranked Riordan, No. 2 Serra, No. 4 St. Francis and No. 5 St. Ignatius.
While it’s a nice distinction to be the only non-West Catholic Athletic League squad in the top five, Wildcats coach Mark Krail has reminded his players to keep things in perspective.
“It’s obviously a nice honor somebody thinks highly of us,” said Krail, who enters his 13th season as the Los Gatos coach. “It feels good, but any coach would say we’ve accomplished nothing in 2025. So, we’re anxious to see what we’re going to be about. We talked about potential in practice and how potential has never won a game and never won a championship.”
The Wildcats are coming off another tremendous season in which they finished 10-3 and nearly ran the WCAL gauntlet in the CCS Division I playoffs, edging Serra and Riordan by a touchdown each before falling to St. Francis 27-7 in the championship game.
It was a sour ending to an otherwise fine season, albeit one that ended without a title of any kind. In the regular-season, Los Gatos saw its four-year reign as De Anza Division champions snapped when it lost to rival Wilcox, 19-14.
“It was a pretty darn good football team that went away at the end of the year with no championships and nothing to hang a banner on,” Krail said. “But that being said, it was a pretty positive and great season. And we’re looking forward to having a lot of guys returning who played meaningful minutes last season. It’s exciting to have a good nucleus coming back.”
Los Gatos has plenty of playmakers returning at the offensive skill positions, including its top two wide receivers in
Beau Musser and Max Thomas. Musser was the 2024 De Anza Division Receiver of the Year and often came up huge in the biggest games.
Musser had touchdowns against Riordan and Serra and is particularly potent in the slot, while Thomas consistently manages to get separation from defenders and is spectacular in gaining yards after the catch.
“Beau and Max complement each other really well, which is great,” Krail said. “And that being said, we’ve got a couple of other guys who can provide depth at the position.”
That includes Kai Jordan and Shane Harmer, two of the four members of last year’s boys 4x100 meter relay team that ranked in the top five in the CCS for most of the track and field season.
“I think our team speed is as good as
it’s been since I’ve been at Los Gatos,” Krail said. “Kai is kind of in the Max Thomas mold and Shane in the Beau Musser mold. Shane is blazing fast and really good with the ball in his hands.” Big things are expected from senior quarterback Callum Schweitzer, who has received an offer from San Jose State. In 2024, Schweitzer split time with Scotty Brennan before the latter took the reins
FOCUS Wildcats senior Rowan Merrick goes through a drill in a recent practice. Los Gatos opens the season at home on Aug. 29 against Soquel.
SPORTS
in the latter part of the season.
This season, Schweitzer has made the quarterback slot arguably the least competitive spot in terms of guys fighting for playing time on a team where competition runs fierce at nearly every position.
‘He’s the unquestioned leader on the team,” Krail said. “He works his tail off and has the respect of every guy on the team. He’s got an offer to play at San Jose
gains. He’s got the size and is also great in the pocket with his movement.”
The Wildcats have one of the top returning running backs in the CCS in Grayson Doslak, a rugged 6-2, 194-pound senior. In 2024, Doslak led the team with 16 touchdowns while averaging 76 yards rushing per game. Throw in senior running back Hayden Benjamin—another member of the 4x100 meter relay team—and Los Gatos features a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield.
“Hayden is a great complement to Grayson,” Krail said. “There’s going to be times they’ll be on the field together. Our plan is to play them both a lot. Hayden has gotten so strong and if he gets in the open field, he’s gone. Grayson is a different runner, a physical, in between the tackles guy, and very seldom if one guy ever takes him down.”
Senior tackles Garrett Bertsch and Rowan Merrick anchor the offensive line. Both players epitomize the typical Los Gatos linemen: physical, tough and fundame ntally sound. Bertsch has accepted an offer to play at Cal Poly next year, the same college that 2025 LGHS graduate and lineman Leo Cocchiglia currently calls home.
“Garrett is a force and Rowan is going to be solid for us as well,” Krail said.
line, so that’s an area we’re trying to restock,” Krail said. “Mason is a candidate there and Andrew has got really good speed and a great motor. Jared Newman has kind of played his way into a starting role as well.”
The Wildcats are also strong at defensive back, led by returning safety Gavin Jordan. Last season, Jordan was always near the ball, making plays via forced fumbles, fumble recoveries or tackles. Jordan will play alongside fellow senior safety Hudson Schrader.
“You look at Gavin and Hudson who are both 190 pounds and can attack the running game really well,” Krail said. “So we’ll do a lot of different things with those guys. Sometimes, they’ll be in the box as a run-force safety and sometimes they will sit back in center field, so we have some flexibility there (to change up looks and be versatile defensively).”
Bryce Novinsky returns at cornerback while Cristian Zisa and Devonte Troutt are in competition for the other starting cornerback slot.
“The other wild card is Beau Musser can play corner as good as any of them if he has to,” Krail said. “He won’t be an every down corner if we can stay healthy, but he’ll play some defense as well.”
State and I gotta believe he’s going to get more offers as the season goes on.”
Krail said what makes the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Schweitzer particularly effective is the signal-caller’s ability to turn potentially negative yardage downs into positive yardage.
“He’s very agile with his feet and can extend plays,” Krail said. “He’ll turn plays that kind of break down into positive
Center Ryan Burg and guards Nathaniel Vorobeichik and Walter Crafford round out what should be an outstanding offensive line. Defensively, the team’s strength lies at linebacker, where Krail and the coaching staff feel confident they have up to six players who can get the job done.
Tyler Purcell and Austin Krug are impact middle linebackers, while Mason Wend and Andrew Sandoval can play defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on the team’s needs and situations.
“We lost some guys on the defensive
Krail hopes the defensive line—which lost the majority of its starters due to graduation—jells fast. Nick Studley had a solid summer camp, while Miguel Lezama, Marcus von Klemperer and Merrick figure to be among a half-dozen linemen to see plenty of action.
“We’re praying for health here on the D line,” said Krail, whose team opens the season at home against Soquel on Aug. 29 at 7pm. “It’s all kind of a mystery right now until we line up and play another team, but it’s exciting.”
QB1 Los Gatos senior Callum Schweitzer, who has an offer to play at San Jose State, has proven his worth as a leader on and off the field.
RICK ALEGRIA HIGHLIGHTS 3RD ANNUAL DRUM RECITAL AT LITTLE LOU’S BBQ
With over 20 performances, students of all ages show off skills on Campbell stage
Emma Solomon, Contributor
Earlier this month, on Aug. 2, Rick Alegria’s Third Annual Drum Recital took place at Little Lou’s BBQ in Campbell.
With over 20 performances, students from all age ranges and abilities took to the stage to show off their skills. Between well known hits like The White Stripes’ “7 Nation Army,” an Ozzy Ozborne tribute and unique improv solos, a wide range of tunes echoed through the restaurant across the three hour recital.
The venue itself was packed to the gills, with performers and families crowded around a stage fitted with four separate drum kits.
Prior to his recitals at Little Lou’s, Alegria hosted smaller monthly showcases for his students.
“The fact that it's only once a year makes it kind of more of a big deal,” said
Alegria in an interview with the Los Gatan. “Getting out and playing for a lot of people is what they really want to do.”
Since starting to play drums in a band at age 14, Alegria has accompanied some notable names across his career as a professional musician. Between playing for Paul Williams and Bo Diddley, Alegria has toured the world and has lent his talents to documentary films.
When asked why he pivoted to teaching, Alegria cited the urge to perfect his craft.
“I’ve always wanted to grow as a musician,” said Alegria. “In order to teach somebody, you really have to know what it is that you are doing.”
Alegria has been teaching drumming to students since the 1970s, and currently serves as a member of the musical staff at the Harker School in San Jose. He teaches students from all age ranges and abilities, many of whom have disabilities such as Tourette’s syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
One of his former students, Ryan Miyahara, reflected on his experience
learning to play drums with autism from Alegria.
“He was positive and very patient with my learning abilities,” said Miyahara. “Through him, I learned how to read music and learn some real metal. I even got to play rock songs.”
During their lessons, he and Alegria would play on two different drum sets at the same time. Additionally, Miyahara wore headphones to better listen to his drum kit. Miyahara has since participated in school bands and performed at Levi’s Stadium, where the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers play.
Outside of individual performances, Alegria organized a series of group performances at the recital—both on drum kits and sticks.
One exercise, named “3 Camps,” required students to hit their drum sticks together with shared tempo for an extended period of time. This exercise was modeled after early American soldiers who communicated across military camps using drum signals.
Experiences like these allow students
to play alongside one another, despite many of the lessons being one-on-one.
“Sometimes when you're playing music with other people, there's a feeling that you get when everybody's in sync,” said Alegria. “You become like one mind, and there's a rush.”
The recital ended with another group performance, where students played drums and were accompanied by various vocals and guitars.
You become like one mind, and there's a rush.
Rick Alegria, drum instructor
PERFORMERS Rick Alegria poses with students at his third-annual drum recital at Little Lou’s BBQ in Campbell.
GRAND FINALE FOR JAZZ ON THE PLAZZ 2025 DELIGHTS CROWD
The Summit Sisters wow during Rotary drive to support local youth
Dinah Cotton, Contributor
The Soul Soldiers led by Tony Lindsay and Janice Maxie Reid closed-out this year’s Jazz on the Plazz series. Lindsay and his group blew the sap right off the redwood trees. Some felt it was the perfect end to a summer lineup that was off-the-charts.
Then, on Friday evening, the “Endless Summer” fundraising event took over Park Plaza. Los Gatos Morning Rotary produced the fundraiser in support of CASSY—which included a fantastic performance by the Summit Sisters. These funds go towards supporting mental health services for schoolkids in the Bay Area.
On Sunday, the Civic Center lawn was packed with families once again, as this week’s Music in the Park festivities delighted locals.
Coming up, we have the Los Gatos Music & Arts annual GALA. This year it will be held at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center on Oka Road. On Sept. 20 at 6pm, the world-renowned Brubeck Brothers Quartet will entertain attendees. Black tie is encouraged, and the JCC has plenty of parking.
On the following day a music workshop for students will be held with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet leading it.
These events show how strongly our community supports music and the arts, and the next generation.
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“You become like one mind, and there’s a rush.”
Rick Alegria, drum instructor
PERFORMERS
Rick Alegria poses with students at his thirdannual drum recital at Little Lou’s BBQ in Campbell. (Courtesy of Rick Alegria)
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Cutline:
END-OF-SEASON Janice Maxie Reid helped to close-out this year’s Jazz on the Plazz series. Credit: Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan (End for Print)
Coming up; The 2025 GALA at the Addison-Penzak JCC
END OF SEASON Janice Maxie Reid helped to close-out this year’s Jazz on the Plazz series.
CAUTION: This article contains warnings!
So, when you saw the sign, did it open up your eyes?
Jeffrey Blum, Contributor
On a recent car trip, I drove across a set of railroad tracks and noticed a large white sign in bold black letters: “Do Not Stop on Railroad Tracks.”
Of course, the sign has a serious purpose. Sadly, there are people in crisis who have lain down on tracks to end their lives. But for the average driver, it’s hard not to wonder: did anyone really need to be reminded not to park their car on steel rails? Who thinks, “I’ll just sit here and wait for the 4:45 freight train to roll by”?
Warning signs have crossed into the absurd. They’re everywhere, not just to alert us of genuine hazards, but to protect institutions, businesses and municipalities from the possibility that someone might sue them for their own lapse in judgment. The result is an excess of hilarious instructions that reveal as much about our society as they do about the dangers they’re meant to prevent.
Once you start noticing them, it’s hard to stop. Consider these gems:
• On a coffee cup lid: “Caution: Contents Hot.”
• On a wheelbarrow: “Not for highway use.”
• On a stroller: “Remove child before folding.”
• On a chainsaw: “Do not hold the wrong end.”
These are real lawyer-approved warnings. They seem silly at first glance, but behind each one lurks a lawsuit or the fear of one. Someone may have burned their tongue, tried to roll down I-280 in a wheelbarrow, or wondered why their baby kept crying after being tucked into the folded stroller.
The rise of silly warning signs is tied to the rise of liability law. Manufacturers know that if there’s any chance that a consumer will misuse a product, someone will try; and if harm results, lawyers will pounce. So, companies cover themselves with signage that treats us like toddlers who need constant supervision.
The paradox is that the more signs proliferate, the less attention we pay to them. Real dangers get lost amid the noise of ridiculous ones. If everything is marked “Danger!” then nothing is dangerous.
But silly warning signs are more than legal risk sensitivity. They also reveal our mistrust of common sense and our eagerness to outsource judgments to authority figures. Instead of assuming people will know not to blow-dry their hair while showering, we feel compelled to post a sign about it.
The sillier the sign, the more viral
it becomes. Social media loves a good warning sign. A park bench with a plaque reading, “Do Not Sit.” A pool sign declaring, “No Swimming if You Can’t Swim.” An airport escalator with the warning, “No Dancing.” Each one says as much about us as it does about the supposed hazard.
That railroad track sign I saw is a case in point. On the one hand, it’s obvious: you shouldn’t stop on train tracks. On the other hand, people get hit by trains every year because they stop, stall or freeze. So, the sign exists not only to state the obvious but also to remind us when panic sets in. Moreover, sadly, some people commit suicide on railroad tracks.
Some warning signs are absurdly unnecessary (Do not iron clothes while wearing them), while others are reminders dressed in clothing. The absurdity is that we’ve reached a stage where such things must be spelled out.
Maybe the best response is to embrace
these signs. If we must have silly warnings, let’s get creative. How about:
• On treadmills at the Los Gatos JCC: “Warning: You will not reach your destination.”
• On mirrors: “Objects in reflection may be older than they appear.”
• On smartphones: “Excessive use may cause you to miss the beauty of the Los Gatos Creek Trail.”
• Los Gatos Town Code of Conduct: “Kindness required during comment.”
By leaning into the absurdity, we can at least laugh at the fact that society has chosen caution tape as its universal language.
The real warning is about us. When common sense erodes, when judgment is outsourced, when every cup of coffee comes with a legal disclaimer, we risk becoming numb to real dangers. Silly signs are funny, but they’re also a reminder that clarity, responsibility and discernment are in short supply.
The next time you see a sign telling you not to stop on railroad tracks,
take it as both a literal safety tip and a metaphor. Don’t stop where common sense tells you to keep moving. And maybe, save a little space in your day for laughter.
Manufacturers know that if there’s any chance that a consumer will misuse a product, someone will try.
CUPPA JOE This Weeklys staffer’s coffee contains a warning that the contents are “HOT!”
Drew Penner/Los Gatan
BAY AREA PARENT
POLICE BLOTTER
Los
SUNDAY, AUG. 17
• An incident of grand theft was reported at 7:42pm on Elm Wood Court. The reporting person had $4,000 in cash stowed away in his closet in order to pay contractors, and it was gone after the subject was at the property conducting measurements. It is unknown who is now in possession of the cash, and cameras inside and outside of the residence were out of battery.
MONDAY, AUG. 18
• Two other petty thefts were reported, one at 3:05am and the other at 5:31pm. Both involved thefts at Aventino Apartments on Winchester Circle.
THURSDAY, AUG. 21
• At 5:22pm, an incident of battery was reported at Sunbelt Rentals on Los Gatos Boulevard. A male shoved another male into the street, the responding subject was an employee at Sunbelt.
AT SUNSET
Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department vehicles parked outside the Civic Center in Los Gatos on Aug. 19.
SARATOGA TECH STARTUP TO PAY $630K TO FEDS
Lawsuit argued they violated the False Claims Act relating to outside employment
San Jose Inside
Technology startup eBibelot, based in Saratoga, and its CEO, Melody Fallah-Khair, have agreed to pay $630,000 to settle a federal lawsuit that claimed they violated the False Claims Act by improperly certifying compliance with the terms of a National Science Foundation grant that restricted full-time outside employment.
The settlement announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California concerns eBibelot’s 2019 application for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation. Prosecutors said that in the application, Fallah-Khair certified that she would serve as the project’s principal investigator and maintain primary employment with eBibelot.
The terms of the NSF grant required that principal investigators devote their primary employment to the small business at the time of the award and throughout the award period, a requirement that generally precludes other employment exceeding 19.6 hours per week.
The settlement resolves allegations that, contrary to this certification, Fallah-Khair began working full-time for a multi-national telecommunications company shortly after submitting the grant application and devoted at least 40 hours per week to this outside employment from May 2019 through April 2021.
The federal government said eBibelot failed to disclose its principal investigator’s full-time outside employment in multiple post-award certifications. In one such certification, Fallah-Khair was explicitly required to disclose any other employment but reported none.
Under the settlement agreement, eBibelot and Fallah-Khair will pay $630,000.
“Taxpayer-funded research must be conducted with the highest integrity. When recipients of federal funds fail to comply with the terms of the grant, they divert valuable research dollars from deserving small businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“The SBIR program is vital to fostering innovation in small businesses, and protecting it from abuse is essential. I appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong commitment to safeguarding its integrity,” said Megan E. Wallace, Acting Inspector General for the National Science Foundation.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability, according to prosecutors.
AdFictitious Business Name Statements
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718241
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Mama’s Lien’s Kitchen, 5823 Marshwell Way, San Jose, CA, 95138, Kim Long Truong Nguyen. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Kim Long Truong Nguyen. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 07/24/2025. (pub Metro 08/06, 08/13, 08/20, 08/27/2025)
Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 12/15/2015. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Dan Georgatos. Chief Legal Officer and Director. #C3255329. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/08/2025. (pub LG 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
Cutline: RESOLUTION According to the terms of the settlement, eBibelot and Fallah-Khair will pay more than half a million dollars. The terms of the NSF grant required principal investigators to devote their primary employment to the small business.
Credit: Shutterstock
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #717886
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: I Grow Learning Academy LLC, 1063 Fewtrell Drive, Campbell, CA, 95008. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 10/15/2020. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Svetlana Umansky. Manager. #B202050181778. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 07/11/2025. (pub LG 08/06, 08/13, 08/20, 08/27/2025)
Cutline:
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718321
(Police vehicles)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718564
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: California Vehicle Registration Services, 930 S. Bascom Ave, Suite 1016-B, San Jose, CA, 95128, Farzad Bigdeli Rad. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/04/2025. /s/Farzad Bigdeli Rad. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/05/2025. (pub LG 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
Mike Louie /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Lucy Amirkhanian /s/. (Pub LGN: 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718776
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Sonesta Select San Jose, 1727 Technology Drive, San Jose, CA, 95110, 1727 Technology Drive Property Owner LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of Delaware. /s/Jayesh Keshav. Manager. #20250202270. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/12/2025. (pub LG 08/27, 09/03, 09/10, 09/17/2025)
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Davis Duc Nguyen Transportation, 1350 Oakland Rd., Spc #171, San Jose, CA, 95112, Duc The Nguyen. This business is being conducted by a Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Duc The Nguyen. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 07/25/2025. (pub LG 08/06, 08/13, 08/20, 08/27/2025)
AT SUNSET Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department vehicles parked outside the Civic Center in Los Gatos on Aug. 19.
Credit: Drew Penner / Los Gatan
File Number: FBN718522 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: TRYCATCHVIBES LABS 3857 Via Salice, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, DZMITRY BACHKO, 3857 Via Salice, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/04/2025 and 08/04/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Nina Khamphilath /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Dzmitry Bachko /s/. (Pub LGN: 08/13, 08/20, 08/27, 09/03/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718468
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Math Camps International, 2. Talent Search International, 823 Ames Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, American University Partners, LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 02/02/2021. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Hyongbum Kim. Member #202103610609. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 07/31/2025. (pub LG 08/13, 08/20, 08/27, 09/03/2025)
File Number: FBN718479. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: GymKids USA , 1875 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 2400, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Melinda Beason, 242 Wren Way, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 4/18/2005 and 08/01/2025 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. /s/ Melinda L. Beason /s/. (Pub LGN: 08/13, 08/20, 08/27, 09/03/2025)
File Number: FBN718595. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: LOS GATOS HAIR BAR , 114 Rotce St Ste A, Los Gatos, CA 95124. This business is conducted by: An Individual, RENEE KEARNEY, 114 Royce St Ste A, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/06/2025 and 08/06/2025 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/ Renee Kearney /s/. (Pub LGN: 08/13, 08/20, 08/27, 09/03/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718678
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Purple Lotus, 2. Blue Chip, 3. Astro, 4. Purple Lotus Patient Center, 5. The High Spot, 6. Bay Life, 7. Bodega, 8. Power Buds, 9. Purple Lotus Downtown San Jose, Dispensary, 10. Purple Lotus Santa Clara St., 11. Purple Lotus San Jose Cannabis Dispensary & Delivery. 752 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA, 95112, VMK, Inc. This business is being conducted by a
File Number: FBN718743. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: LOS GATOS SMILES DENTAL CARE , 540 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Suite B1, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, GATOS DENTAL EXCELLENCE PC, 2275 E. Dunne Ave, Unit A, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/09/2025 and 08/12/2025 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. Gatos Dental Excellence PC, Article/ Reg #B20250067856, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Gurjinder Ghuman /s/ Secretary. (Pub LGN: 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
File Number: FBN718097. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: DREAMLUX DESIGN AND BUILD, 1058 Salerno Drive, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, KIGA DEVELOPERS INC., 1058 Salerno Drive, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/10/2025 and 07/21/2025 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. KIGA Developers Inc., Article/Reg # B20250199178, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Kimberly Frost Arviv /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718841
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Ohay Consulting, 2819 Meadowfaire Dr., San Jose, CA, 95111, Francis Trinh. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 08/08/2025. /s/ Francis Trinh. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/14/2025. (pub LG 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #718810
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Acheter Pour Toi, 116 Via Collado, Los Gatos, CA, 95032, Allison Donohue. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Allison Donohue. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 08/14/2025. (pub LG 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
File Number: FBN718657. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: MYOFASCIAL THERAPY CENTER , 201 E. Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, DERYKE & ASSOCIATES PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC, 201 E. Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/25/2001 and 08/07/2025 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. Deryke & Associates Physical Therapy, Inc, Article/Reg # 2348751, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Sandy Deryke /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 08/20, 08/27, 09/03, 09/10/2025)
File Number: FBN718814. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: LIQUID SUNSHINE AIRBRUSH TANNING , 338 Village Lane, Suite A, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: An Individual, LUCY AMIRKHANIAN, 19955 Oakmont Drive, Los Gatos, CA 950330000. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 08/14/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/
File Number: FBN718964. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Lotus Dental Group, 1374 East Hamilton, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Aman Bhullar, DMD, Inc, 18693 Carriage Hill Drive, San Jose, CA 95120. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/14/2025 and 08/18/2025 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Nina Khamphilath /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Aman Bhullar, DMD, Inc, Article/ Reg # 4106497, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Aman Bhullar /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 08/27, 09/03, 09/10, 09/17/2025)
File Number: FBN718805. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: NICK MILLIGAN CONTRACTING 2974 Aulin Drive, San Jose, CA 95125. This business is conducted by: An Individual, NICHOLAS JOSEPH MILLIGAN, 2974 Aulin Drive, San Jose, CA 95125. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/07/2025 and 08/13/2025 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/ Nicholas Joseph Milligan /s/. (Pub LGN: 08/27, 09/03, 09/10, 09/17/2025)
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.
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