Los Gatan February 18, 2026

SUSD LOOKS INTO SCREENING LAPSE AS PETITION CIRCULATES

Elementary District: We “immediately” hired Lincoln White Investigations to evaluate case

Anika Kapasi, Contributor

A change.org petition that raises safety and accountability concerns within the Saratoga Union School District has been gathering steam.

The petition, which was created anonymously on Christmas Day, centers on the District’s acknowledgment that a volunteer who was not properly vetted participated in after-school activities at Redwood Middle School during the 2024-25 school year.

The issue was disclosed to the community in a Nov. 12 statement.

Community members who publicly addressed some of the issues in the petition at the Dec. 11 board meeting were “dismissed” and “minimized,” according to the petition, which had collected 91 signatures as of Feb. 17.

SUSD trustee and board clerk Cynthia Miller said in an interview with the Los Gatan, however, the petition doesn’t “have the full story.”

“We get stuck in the middle where we would love to tell the full story, but to do so would be to violate that privacy responsibility we have (to the students),” she said.

Miller said the district “immediately” hired Lincoln White Investigations, a third-party investigator, after learning about the uncleared volunteer.

RAMADAN IN LG: MUSLIMS BEGIN MONTH OF FASTS

WVMA founder says attendees know to come-and-go quietly

Drew Penner, Editor

It was less than a week before the start of Ramadan, and Samina Chaudhry, a Saratoga resident who owns a gas station on the West Side of Santa Cruz, was carrying boxes of American dates through the tranquility of the one-story building that’s home to the West Valley Mus-

lim Association, on Farley Road in Los Gatos.

She used to be a board member with the organization, but now simply serves as one of many volunteers who have been helping the prominent Muslim institution get ready for one of the most sacred months of their year.

“I already did set my intention,” she says, when asked about what it’s like to prepare for a time when people of her religion are supposed to abstain from food, sex and drinking

during the day, and abide by several other strict conditions.

“Always, as Ramadan is approaching, Oh, I have to fast. Oh, I have to struggle. But this year, I start praying like two weeks back.”

There are more than 60,000 families in Santa Clara County that are connected to Islam, representing about 27% of the 250,000 in the Bay Area, according to researchers.

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LOS GATOS: A PLACE TO FALL IN LOVE

And Valentine’s Day Dinner was certainly no exception

Dinah Cotton, Contributor

Unless you made your reservation many days in advance, dropping in for dinner at the many world class restaurants here in Los Gatos was impossible on Valentines Day evening.

The smell of coffee roasting, the fresh air that comes over from Santa Cruz and the amazing smells that waif through the air from the varied world class restaurants we have here. Los Gatos, the gateway to the Santa Cruz Mountains, the town was full.

Around dinnertime I decided to wander down Santa Cruz Ave. On this clear Saturday evening the sidewalks were full of dogs, children, families and couples. Walking NW I came across many couples hand in hand or with their arms around each other. Some were even kissing in the dark doorways. There were couples who might be qualified for senior discounts doing exactly the same. I was looking for LOVE, Los Gatos is so romantic. Maybe I can find a story.

The love that I was looking for was not for my individual self. It was all the love that was in the air and also in the hearts of Los Gatans. I was looking for couples that looked like they were in deep, true, forever

love. Not that my observations could discern true love. I had to ask questions.

On the corner

I started at Out of the Barrel taproom at the entrance to downtown just off the backed up traffic along HWY 9. A young, very good looking couple were sitting outside the wall enjoying their nonalcoholic beers. I began asking relationship questions. “John Doe” said that they were “recovering from life.” “Jane” gave him a book on relationships, onward. There were a few “dating” couples eating outdoors in the parkettes along the avenue. Many were enjoying a Valentine's dinner outside in the cool evening. The stand up gas heaters were on full blast. Every restaurant seat in town was reserved, this was going to be a very fun night.

Black Watch

Under the Black Watches new sign I opened the door and looked in. The bar was full. Were all those too here “looking for love?” I hope that they all find it.

Petroglyphs

In Petroglyph’s I approached a young couple on a date (it looked like the very first one). They would be painting ceramics together. He thought of it. Getting to know someone while being creative. How creative.

Jackpot at Pastaria & Market

Further up along Los Gatos Ave., a couple happily posed for me to take photographs. Mr. Dan & Mrs. Michelle Racimo were standing in front of The Pastaria. It was one of their special days. I could tell that they must have many special days Dan said “I am so excited. Our special day is going to be captured, and by our local newspaper,” they are Los Gatan readers. Dan added “we love the Pastaria because it just brings so much, you know, great memories and good celebrations so we love it.”

While the Racimo’s were in their twenties Dan proposed with a ring. Michelle said “he proposed at home, but brought home dinners from here.” Dan added “dinner was from the old location of Pastria. We have been together for thirty years, married for 22 of those.” Michelle added “we love The Pasteria. It just brings so much, you know, great memories and good celebrations, so we love it.”

Taking moments to share a little extra love, this seems to be one of their secrets to being and staying in love. Dan then pulled me aside and reached into his coat jacket. He pulled out a small silk jewelry box, opening it to display an engagement ring and a wedding ring. The engagement ring looked to be a very good sized one. Dan said, “Today is just Valentine’s Day, but about three weeks ago she bent the prong that held her big diamond. So I said let’s (meaning me) get it repaired. I took this opportunity to upgrade it since it’s the diamond that I purchased when we

were in our 20’s. I still have the original diamond. It may go into a pendant or for our son, when he finds the right girl. Los Gatos is also a town with present day thinking. We are located where we eat out at least once a week. The diversity Los Gatos shows in the varied restaurants here. We have France, Italy (thank you for pizza), Persia, Asian, Mexican, and American restaurants. There are some so unique it would be impossible to associate them with a geographic location. And then there are the wineries around us that offer tastings in town and just out of town. We now have a dedicated champagne locationSome restaurants pair these delicious wines with. Fantasy places that serve their fare that defies ties to any earthly geographic location tourists who flock here or maybe those stuck in traffic heading over the hill. February we celebrate the 100 years of celebrating Black History: A Century of Black History Commemorations since its inception by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926. We also prepare for St. Patrick’s Day on March

Old World charm with contemporary thinking Los Gatans speaks poetically about food and love. How can we not be thinking of these finer things in life in a town that exudes the grace of times gone by? With this charm comes the charisma that keeps and brings extraordinary people to an extraordinary town.

EMERGENCY ACCESS EASEMENT GRANTED TO SUMMERHILL BY LGSUHSD

Santa Clara County Fire Department will also have access to the route

Faizi Samadani, Contributor

During a Feb. 12 public hearing at the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District board meeting, a resolution granting an easement to SummerHill Homes and the Santa Clara County Fire Department— for emergency access over a portion of the Los Gatos High School campus—was approved unanimously. A representative from SummerHill was present to answer questions, though no one from the public

spoke during the item. The student trustee also voted in support.

After SummerHill purchased the Los Gatos Lodge property located at 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road last year, demolition began almost immediately. But other behind-the-scenes steps need to happen in accordance with Town of Los Gatos and the Santa Clara County Fire Department policies for the housing project to be built.

About a year ago, the school board gave the initial approval for an emergency vehicle access road for the back of the Los Gatos High School property that would allow access to LGHS, as well as the new SummerHill townhome development. This access road—which was a key point of discussion during the Town’s approval of the development—would run partly through the SummerHill development and partly through District property (with both sections connecting at the property line).

“SummerHill will design and construct the portion on its property and fund up to $450,000 of the District’s portion, with the District contributing up to an additional $200,000 if needed,” a spokesperson for the District said.

LOCAL RESIDENT BECOMES CEO OF STAR ONE CREDIT UNION

Minal Gupta says she still draws lessons from In-N-Out Burger project at SJSU

Drew Penner, Editor

Between fielding calls from her daughter’s school and planning the next wave of technological innovations for the financial institution she runs, Minal Gupta, who lives just outside downtown Saratoga, recently took the time to speak with the Los Gatan about her new role.

After seven years at Star One Credit Union, Gupta has just been named the successor of Gary Rodrigues, adding “CEO” to the title of “president” she’s held since last year.

“I’m just honored to be honest with you,” she said in an afternoon telephone interview. “I take this extremely seriously.”

The selection was made by Star One Credit Union’s Board of Directors after a national search led by D. Hilton Associates.

Gupta played a big role in bringing new payment options to the credit union, like Zelle, Same Day ACH and FedNow.

And she brings with her executive experience from banks like Wells Fargo, Farmers and Merchants, and Citi. But it was a project she worked on—after completing a business degree from Cal State Fullerton—while at San Jose State University that perhaps best highlights her approach at Star One.

As part of a team assignment, she analyzed the strengths and opportunities for In-N-Out Burger, one of California’s best-loved brands, and presented the plan to the company—which went on to open stores in the locations they recommended.

But while she may have helped the corporation with some strategic thinking, their relatively decent (for a fast-food entity) approach to capitalism left an impression on her, too.

“I use that In-N-Out philosophy even here,” she said. “They focus on providing quality and a simple product set.”

All these years later, when she walks into one of those burger joints, the food is fresh and the workers are smiling, she said.

“And the service is top notch,” she said, adding that’s likely connected to the fact that the employees are paid a fair wage. “And the consumers gravitated towards that.”

As CEO, Gupta says she wants to embrace that philosophy.

“We don’t have that many checking ac-

counts,” she said, drawing a parallel with the In-N-Out menu board. “I want to provide quality service.”

But it isn’t just about maintaining a tried-and-true approach to commerce, she added, reflecting on one pioneering initiative she was part of, while at Star One—helping launch the FedNow instant payment system.

“We are that progressive of a credit union,” she said. “We take risks and we provide solutions.”

And when the Silicon Valley set pushed for the adoption of Zelle, Gupta was listening.

“I was a vice president of remote services at the time,” she said, pointing out that many of their customers are CEOs and other top brass at area firms. “They want to move their money yesterday.”

Next up: introducing RTP from The Clearing House.

“It’s a real-time payment platform,” Gupta said, explaining that some financial institutions don’t use the FedNow network. “With a click of a button you can send a large sum of funds.”

While echoes of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank continue to reverberate around the region, Gupta promises that, despite being willing to try new things, under her tenure, financial stability will remain the name of the game.

“That’s always been our top priority, because that’s what builds trust,” she said.

When she’s not steering a 133,000-member-strong organization with more than $9.3 billion in assets, Gupta is hiking the trails in the area or hunting for fresh fruits and veggies with her kids and husband.

“I’m in the Los Gatos downtown every single weekend. Why? Because Los Gatos has the best farmers market,” she said, noting she loves one produce booth in particular. “They have the sweetest strawberries.”

And she loves the family-friendly atmosphere of the local community, she adds.

“It’s such a close network and a fun vibe,” she said.

ALMOST 100 SIGN PETITION CALLING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AT SUSD

SUSD , from page 1

Background checks are conducted in “substantially the same” way as in nearby districts, so Miller said the District plans to share its findings with them— as well as the Saratoga community.

“We've discovered a gap in our process,” she said. “There's a really good chance some of these other districts have a gap too, so we have an obligation to share with them what we found out and how we think we can plug that gap.”

No timeline has been set for the investigation’s conclusion because the district cannot interfere with the process.

Alicia De Fuentes, a parent in the Saratoga community, said in an interview with the Los Gatan that she felt “uncertain” if the District board recognizes its responsibility to properly enforce and uphold safety protocols.

Redwood Middle parents first approached her in September 2025 with concerns about the uncleared volunteer working with their children, De Fuentes said.

After looking into the issue with a few parents, De Fuentes filed a formal complaint regarding the volunteer with the District on Nov. 11, one day before SUSD sent an email acknowledging the matter.

De Fuentes said the parents first approached her, instead of District leadership, because they were afraid they might be retaliated against.

As an active community member, De Fuentes has been very vocal on the issues addressed in the petition and District leadership accountability, such as during the December board open session, as well as at the Jan. 15 meeting.

“What parents want (to know) is the scope of the investigation. Because the scope…gives an indication of how seriously they are taking this,” De Fuentes said in the interview, adding she wants the District to get to the bottom of who was responsible for the lapse.

De Fuentes said she would have liked to see a direct message from the administration stating any administrators involved would be placed on paid leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The petition also referenced allegations of sexual assault and repeated

physical harm. Those allegations are not within the scope of the investigation and are “mischaracterizations and inaccurate,” said Miller.

A Jan. 12 update to the petition stated the primary purpose of the petition is “to ensure that the facts surrounding (the investigation) are fully disclosed, that accountability measures are clearly communicated and that concrete safeguards are put in place so this never happens again.”

“Concerns were first raised through formal channels, supported by documentation and public records,” reads the petition. “When those concerns did not result in clear communication or reassurance, they were brought forward publicly—not to inflame division, but to protect students and ensure the issue was taken seriously.”

Miller said no one approached her to discuss the contents of the petition after it was published.

“I feel like my approach to being on the board is to try to be extremely open to the community, and if anyone felt like they were concerned, they could email me, call me—so going to change.org was disappointing,” said Miller.

The District has ample vehicles of communication, including board office hours, weekly emails with updates and summaries of board meetings, and parent advisory councils, she added.

When the investigation concludes, District leadership “will come through and say, ‘here's what was found out,’ and here's what we're having to do as a result of it,” Miller told the newspaper.

The District says it may agendize the investigation for the next board meeting, if the results are ready.

“One of the things that's frustrating to me is that sometimes people think, because you refuse to agendize (an item) now, it means you're trying to hide it. We can't do that now,” Miller said. “We have to let the investigation run its course in an unbiased, uninfluenced manner.”

“We have to let the investigation run its course”

—Cynthia Miller, SUSD board clerk

LOS

GATOS VICE MAYOR JOINED LOCAL FAMILIES TO HIGHLIGHT SITUATION IN IRAN

Goudarzi: The world’s cameras are turned away, but our community’s watching

Staff Report

On Saturday, Feb. 7, the steps of the Los Gatos Library became a site of mourning and resilience as residents from across Los Gatos and surrounding area gathered to acknowledge the escalating humanitarian crisis in Iran.

Los Gatos Vice Mayor Maria Ristow attended the gathering, standing in solidarity with her constituents. In a moving address, Ristow spoke out against the ongoing violence and affirmed the Town’s support for the local Iranian-American community during this period of unprecedented grief.

The atmosphere was a somber reflection of the “Blackout Massacre” currently occurring behind a near-total internet shutoff in Iran. Organizers displayed a memorial board featuring the faces of fallen Iranian youth alongside symbolic body bags representing the tens of thousands of victims slain. The crowd observed a profound moment of silence for those already lost and for the thousands of injured citizens currently dying in their homes, too afraid to seek medical help for fear of state execution.

“We are here to show that even when the world’s cameras are turned away, our community is watching,” said Kathy Goudarzi, a Los Gatos resident.

The event served as a local prelude to the Global Day of Action held on Feb. 14.

POLICE BLOTTER

FEB. 8

• A suspicious man was reported standing in front of Fisher Middle School on Fisher Avenue at 12:51am.

• A caller reported hearing vehicles doing “donuts” on Winchester Boulevard and Lark Avenue at 2:19am.

FEB. 9

• A caller’s rear license plate was reported stolen on Flintridge Drive at 8:14am. The caller reported the theft on Feb. 9, but the event occurred on Feb. 7.

• A caller reported a man masturbating in his vehicle, and was exposed when he exited his vehicle at the Northside Lot on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road at 10:01am.

• A man reportedly walked in and stole multiple lighters from the front counter of Ace Hardware on Los Gatos Boulevard, the second such theft in two weeks,

FEB. 10

• A male was reported starting a warming fire on a palette at Safeway on Union Avenue at 5:14am.

• An officer assisted a person who had run his vehicle into a power pole at Montgomery Street and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road at 9:59am. No injuries were reported.

• A caller reported a motorist who appeared to be stuck in the mud at Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and Austin Way at 6:19pm.

FEB. 11

• A caller reported someone breaking into and leaving behind an axe in their vehicle on Ferris Avenue at 7:01am.

• A knife, a glove, and a case of wine were reported missing from the caller’s vehicle on Topping Way at 7:59am.

• A caller reported $1,900 stolen from Sephora on University Ave

• Another theft at Sephora on University Avenue was reported, where someone stole $718, at 2:48pm.

FEB. 12

• Someone broke two windows of the caller’s vehicle on Bachman Avenue around 2:00am. The caller reported the incident at 8:35am.

• A caller reported their e-bike was stolen on East Main Street at 9:17am. The burglary occurred on Feb. 11, but was reported on Feb. 12.

• A caller reported an unauthorized person in the employee break room at CVS pharmacy on Pollard Road, and later found their wallet missing at 8:10pm.

• A caller reported that someone drove through the fence at Howes Playlot on Howes Drive, and came out of the car dizzy at 9:12pm.

FEB. 13

• A caller reported a vehicle accident

with no injuries and no damage at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic on Winchester Boulevard, where she claimed the other driver hit her vehicle, and the other driver denied it at 2:14pm.

FEB. 14

• Someone stole around $1,000 worth of tools from the caller’s truck on Montgomery Street on Feb. 12. The caller reported the burglary on Feb. 14 at 8:00am.

• A vehicle was stolen at Los Gatos Elite on Los Gatos Boulevard at 8:40am.

• A loss of $5,682.60 worth of cosmetics was reported stolen from Safeway on North Santa Cruz Avenue. The theft occurred on Feb. 12, but was reported on Feb. 14 at 1:14pm.

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

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“We have to let the investigation run its course”

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FOUNDER OF WVMA SAYS MOSQUE IS FOCUSED ON PROMOTING FAMILY VALUES

West Valley Muslim Association, based out of a nondescript former Kingdom Hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses building, is situated just off Los Gatos Boulevard in a wealthy suburban neighborhood, is a Sunni mosque, though there are Shia folks who worship there, too.

The local leadership is preparing for an influx of around 400-500 people on a nightly basis, as believers come to break their fast and pray, with as many as 800 anticipated at the apex—this year on Feb. 27.

But some neighbors have tired of the high numbers that roll into the area on school nights—and have been inserting themselves into ongoing discussions between the religious group and the Town of Los Gatos, as the municipality push -

es the Islamic organization to update its Conditional Use Permit to better reflect the reality of the site’s activities.

During the public comment period during the Feb. 3 Council meeting, Kim Ratcliff said she felt “let down” by how the Town hasn’t taken decisive action against WVMA.

“For the first couple years we got along beautifully,” she said. “We welcome diversity.”

But, she went on, the traffic concerns have gotten to be too much to handle.

“There’s 300 cars parked on six different streets,” she said. “It’s like living in Levi’s Stadium.”

She says she doesn’t want the Town to allow for extended hours of operation with a new CUP.

Her husband Jim also spoke at the meeting, suggesting the traffic is more than just an annoyance.

“It’s unsafe,” he said. “Someone shouldn’t get hurt during this time.”

In an interview with the Los Gatan, Razi Mohiuddin, 64, who founded the West Valley Muslim Association in 2007, just over a decade before it moved to Los Gatos, says their Ramadan events don’t include music, adding they’ve taken great pains to manage traffic and keep the noise down.

“We are a religious facility, and we are using the religious facility as it was designed in 1990,” he said. “Now, there’s no doubt that every faith has some number of holy days…. and we’re no different in that sense.”

He says a Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Officer even remarked to him,

last year, on how quiet they manage to keep things.

“We go to great extent to coach and communicate to our community how to be respectful to our neighbors,” he said. “I met with them recently, as well.”

There have been undercurrents of negativity in the community, perhaps none more visible than the vandalism at Los Gatos cafe Kenz Coffee, a few months back, when a Palestinian flag was destroyed, and the words “WE / SUPPORT / TERRORISTS” were affixed to what was left of it.

These sorts of sentiments are nothing new for Mohiuddin. After all, he was president of the Muslim Community Association of San Francisco Bay Area from 2003-7, “—right after 9/11.”

FOUNDER Razi Mohiuddin stands in an empty room that will soon be filled with worshipers as part

as believers come to break their fast and pray. The biggest night will be Feb. 27, when around 800 are anticipated.

“It was an exceptionally difficult time for us,” he said. “Prior to 9/11, most Muslims were kind of to themselves…That was no longer an option.”

Mohiuddin made it a priority to try to communicate the true nature of Islam, in order to counter incorrect narratives being spun for political purposes.

“We grew as a community in a significant way,” he said.

But while key figures of the George W. Bush administration have now died, many American Muslims still feel ill-atease, Mohiuddin reflects.

“We have always been on the defensive as a community; a day doesn’t go by where we’re not afraid of something happening,” he said, referring to— among other things—the hostile stance Donald Trump has taken towards Somalis in Minnesota.

Plus, he adds, the burden of sorrow felt by Los Gatos-area residents whose loved ones have been killed in recent months in Gaza is very real.

“Many of our community members may have family members there,” he said, thinking of two in particular who’ve suffered unimaginable horrors. “Each one of them lost 50-70 family members in Gaza over the last two years.”

He says, in recent weeks, the local imam, Basil Farooq, has been focused on teaching positive messages that will

help keep local youth from falling prey to dark forces that spread negative messages via technology platforms spawned in Silicon Valley.

“Most of the algorithms that exist on social media really are designed to get more engagement,” Mohiuddin said. “We are developing, essentially, in our own cocoons.”

That’s why Farooq has been instructing mosque attendees to focus on building solid family bonds and get “back to the basics,” said Mohiuddin.

During one Friday gathering, the imam even spoke about “how we need to stop that and focus on making conversation happen, every evening, at the dinner table—at a minimum,” he added.

Chaudhry, who wore a loose DIY head-covering and sported a bubbly attitude, grew up in Pakistan, but moved to the United States after she got married in 1979.

“Can you imagine, I never wear hijab when I was young?” she said, adding it was a personal choice she made after moving to Silicon Valley, where she worked as a chemist at biotech company Syntex Corp. “I just went to Pakistan recently. I love it. But this is my home.”

She couldn’t wait for Ramadan to begin.

“This year I said, Allah, make it easy,” she shared. “I’m excited. I really am excited.”

SPORTS

WILDCATS’ GIRLS SOCCER CLINCHES BACK-TO-BACK DE ANZA TITLES

Los Gatos looks impressive entering CCS playoffs

Emanuel Lee, Sports Editor

Amid a dominant season highlighted by a second straight SCVAL De Anza Division championship, the Los Gatos High School girls soccer team is expected to receive one of the top three seeds in the upcoming Central Coast Section Open Division playoffs.

The Wildcats entered this week’s play at 14-1-3 overall and 10-0-1 in league, having outscored their De Anza Division foes by an impressive margin of 97-13. If the Wildcats end up with at least a draw in their regular-season finale against a tough Los Altos squad on Feb. 17, they will have

gone back-to-back seasons without a loss in the ultra-competitive De Anza.

Last year, they finished 9-0-3 in league; this season, they’ve been even more dominant. Junior Abby Nelson has been on an absolute tear, recording 31 goals in 17 games played. Sophomore Isabella Cain has 20 goals and senior Ale Munneke 14 goals to go along with 14 assists.

Junior Teagan Kaefer has 15 assists and Nelson 11 for a powerhouse squad that seemingly has all the pieces to contend for the Open title. Los Gatos’ only loss came to St. Francis in the second match of the season in early December.

The Lancers are the top-ranked team in Northern California and No. 4 in the state. The Wildcats check in as the No. 2-ranked team in the CCS—behind St.

Francis—and No. 21 in the state.

Wrestling

Los Gatos and Bellarmine tied for the team championship with 268 points apiece in the CCS Northern Regionals on Feb. 14 at Gunn High. The Wildcats qualified all 11 of their wrestlers who competed in the Regionals to the CCS Masters Championship on Feb. 21 at Watsonville High.

The top four in each weight class in the Masters advance to the CIF State Championships on Feb. 26-28 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield. Six Wildcats wound up as Northern Regional champions, including Luke Schoch in the 126-pound weight class, Ojas Shastri (190), Lucius Hayden (175), Lucas Pan-

nell (165), Michael Terrell (144), and Joseph Pavlov-Ramirez (138).

Los Gatos also had three wrestlers finish as the runner-up in their respective weight classes, including Jisias Rodriguez (157), Wesley Hayden (150) and Trejon Pannell (132).

Boys Basketball

The Wildcats (18-5, 9-2) will finish in second place in the De Anza and likely earn a top-three seed in the CCS Division I playoffs. Their only two league losses came to champion Milpitas, which is one of only two public school teams ranked among the top eight in the CCS (West Catholic League teams take up the first four positions).

Outside of the two losses to Milpitas,

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UNSTOPPABLE Wildcats junior Abby Nelson has been on a tear this season, scoring 31 goals in 17 games played.

the Wildcats were dominant, with eight of their nine league wins coming by double-digits. A 56-37 victory over Monta Vista on Feb. 13 was typical of what the Wildcats have done to De Anza Division foes this season: stifling them with relentless defense and tough interior play.

Freshman Oliver Evans had 16 points in 22 minutes of action, and senior forward/center Will Campbell finished with 12 points. Zach Otoupal had 11 rebounds and Jack Siri nine, with Dionysis Maroudas posting a team-best four assists.

Girls Basketball

The Wildcats went from the mountaintop to the valley, and then back up to the summit. A riveting 43-42 win over Los Altos on Feb. 11 put the Wildcats in the driver’s seat to win a fourth consecutive outright De Anza Division championship. The victory gave Los Gatos a 9-1 league record and dropped Los Altos to 9-2.

The scenario for the Wildcats was simple: win their final two contests and be crowned champions yet again. However, just two days after the Los Altos game, Los Gatos suffered a 45-35 loss to Monta Vista. On the same night, Los Altos finished out its league slate with a 58-30 win over Gunn High, clinching at least a share of the league title with a 10-2 record.

That meant Los Gatos had to win its league-finale against Mountain View

Jonathan Natividad

REAL ESTATE

Four effective ways to lower your home insurance rates

Rates are rising, but you aren’t powerless

By Janis Mara

As the impact of the wildfires that ravaged Southern California continues, home insurers are raising rates—but there are ways homeowners can keep the increases down.

An estimated 21 percent increase was predicted for California home insurance in 2025, at an average of $2,930 annually. And policyholders could see jumps up to 16 percent over the next two years, according to insurance comparison platform Insurify.

Amy Bach of San Francisco-based Policyholders United, a 36-year-old consumer advocacy group, said her organization is lobbying for a new national law that would oblige insurance companies to share the information that leads an insurer either to decide not to insure a home or charge a higher rate.

In the meantime, Bach shared details of that information.

pairs yourself unless it’s something truly major, because making a claim can result in premiums going up, or even in a policy not being renewed.

The second most important move is to reduce or eliminate coverage you don’t need, Bach said.

“When you insure your home, even if you don’t have a garage or a pool or a shed or a barn, insurers will automatically include coverage for what is called ‘other structures,’” the attorney said.

“So if you don’t have other structures, you can ask for that to be taken off the policy.”

Bundling coverage—insuring your car and home on the same policy—is another measure that can bring costs down, Bach said. Often, you can save 5 to 25 percent on total insurance costs by doing so, though discounts vary by insurer.

on Feb. 16 to earn a share of the title.

And that’s exactly what the Wildcats did, rolling to a 59-39 victory, In the Los Altos game, Jenna Webb’s driving layup and free throw with five seconds remaining lifted the Wildcats to a thrilling victory. It capped a tremendous performance from Webb, who finished with a teamhigh 18 points, including 12 of the team’s 15 points in the fourth quarter. Sophie Riese had 11 points and Rita Zhou seven for Los Gatos, which now awaits its seed and draw in the CCS Division I playoffs.

Boys Soccer

If the Wildcats (8-5-4, 5-4-4) beat Los Altos in the regular-season finale, they will lock up fourth place in the De Anza Division. Win or lose, Los Gatos is a shoo-in for the playoffs, based on its power point totals.

The Wildcats have the distinction of being only one of two teams to beat league-leader Los Altos in division play this season, a 2-0 result on Jan. 3.

Max Lees and freshman Samuel Olivella had the goals in one of the Wildcats’ most impressive performances this season. More recently, Lees scored both of the team’s goals in a 4-2 loss to Santa Clara on Feb. 12. Two days prior, the Wildcats recorded a 3-1 victory over Wilcox, receiving tallies from freshman Brooks Moseley, junior Max Wendt and senior Trevor Ankaitis.

“The most important thing you can do is to raise your deductible,” Bach said. “We advise homeowners to carry a high deductible of $5,000 or $10,000.”

Insurers are looking at a given homeowner’s risk profile, she said. “You want to have a good risk profile. One way is by having a clean record. Save your insurance for the really big things.”

This advice actually has been relevant for some time. For decades, the wisest approach has been to cover the cost of re-

Another tip: “Find that proactive insurance broker I jokingly say isn’t drowning their sorrows in the nearest tavern but is out there beating the bushes to find the best deal for their clients.”

To find a good broker, ask friends for a referral or visit the Policyholders United website at https://uphelp.org/

There’s one exception to Bach’s money-saving advice. She cautions against reducing insurance on the dwelling—the house itself. While it does cost, it’s important not to be underinsured.

“In LA, we are finding that 80 percent of the dwellers didn’t have enough insurance on their dwelling,” she said.

RECENT SALES AND PRICES

In Santa Cruz County, the median home was about $1.19 million as of December 31, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

As of December 2025, Santa Cruz County home prices were up 0.9 percent compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.2M, according to data from Redfin. On average, homes in Santa Cruz County sell after 49 days on the market, compared to 52 days last year. There were 131 homes sold in December this year, up from 110 last year.

120 Pinta Ct, Los Gatos, CA 95030

$2.6M, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,780 sq ft; sold on Feb. 2, 2026

111 El Olivar, Los Gatos, CA 95032

$1.75M, 3 beds, 3 baths, 1,637 sq ft; sold on Jan. 30, 2026

16315 Lilac Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95032

$2.85M, 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,559 sq ft; sold on Jan. 30, 2026

109 Belhaven Dr, Los Gatos, CA 95032

$3.375M, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,448 sq ft; sold on Jan. 29, 2026

120 Carlton Ave Unit 24, Los Gatos, CA 95032

$1.49M, 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,604 sq ft; sold on Jan. 28, 2026

141 Fairmead Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95032

$3.2M, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,066 sq ft; sold on Jan. 28, 2026

16406 W La Chiquita Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95032

$675,000, 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,056 sq ft; sold on Jan. 28, 2026

18944 Sara Park Cir, Saratoga, CA 95070

$886,500, 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,100 sq ft; sold on Feb. 3, 2026

20717 Meadow Oak Rd, Saratoga, CA 95070

$4.2M, 6 beds, 5 baths, 3,449 sq ft; sold on Jan. 12, 2026

15162 Alma Jo Ct, Monte Sereno, CA 95030

$6.75M, 5 beds, 3 baths, 4,010 sq ft; sold on Dec. 16, 2025

GUEST VIEW

WE HAVE TO SWALLOW THE BITTER PILL OF PREPARATION

Lessons from a poor grade: our housing predicament is like a colonoscopy

Jeffrey P. Blum, Contributor

Life, like a medical procedure, rarely goes exactly according to the script we write for ourselves. I recently found myself sitting in a recovery room, waiting for the news that I had crossed the finish line of my final colonoscopy. At nearly 75, I viewed this milestone as a graduation of sorts.

I had been a model student of the prep. I followed the low-fiber mandate, forsaking nuts and whole grains. I drank every drop of that "awful liquid concoction," I did everything right. Yet, when the doctor walked in, the verdict was a "poor grade" on the cleanout. The consequence? I’m scheduled for a return engagement in three years.

Initially, the news felt like a personal failure. But as the fog of the sedative lifted, perspective took hold. The silver lining was undeniable: two small polyps were found and removed, and they were non-cancerous. While the fate of another prep looms in 2029, the immediate health outcome was a win. Rather than dwell on the frustration of a redo, I’ve chosen to accept reality. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the cleanout isn't perfect, and we must deal with the residue left behind.

From the clinic to Council Chambers

This personal detour into the world of internal maintenance led my mind toward the current state of our community. As I’ve followed the recent back-and-forth in the Los Gatan, I can’t help but notice a striking parallel between a botched medical prep and the Town’s current Housing Element predicament.

Our local discourse has been dominated by the fallout of the "builder’s remedy" and the Town’s recent loss in court. Like a patient who thought they followed the rules only to be told they failed the exam, Los Gatos finds itself in a position where developers are now exercising significant leverage over local development. The lawsuit attempting to limit the "deleterious" impact of these projects has failed, and the finger-pointing has reached a fever pitch.

Who is at fault? Was it the Council? The Planning Commission? State mandates that moved the goalposts? We are currently obsessed with the poor grade we received on our housing element cleanout.

The cost of looking backward

In the medical world, if I spent the next three years arguing with my doctor about why the prep didn't work, I wouldn’t be any healthier. I’d just be more miserable. The same logic applies to our civic life in Los Gatos.

The "builder’s remedy" is here. The legal battles have largely been settled, and the landscape of our town is poised for change. We can spend the next several election cycles litigating the past, or we can accept our fate and pivot toward the future.

The "deleterious" impacts often cited in these debates are real concerns, ranging from traffic to town character. However, if we remain stuck in the blame phase, we lose our remaining agency to

shape these projects into the best possible versions of themselves.

Making the best of a "bad" situation

In family law and mediation, we often encounter parties who are so focused on who "ruined" the marriage that they cannot begin the work of building a functional future for their children. They want a judge to declare a winner and a loser, but everyone loses when the process stalls in bitterness.

Los Gatos is at a similar crossroads. Rather than fighting about who led us into this plight, is it not better to move on and try to make the best of a "bad" situation?

Acceptance isn't the same as surrendering. In my case, acceptance means acknowledging that I’ll be drinking that

chalky liquid again in three years but focusing on the fact that I’m healthy today. For the Town, acceptance means acknowledging that the housing landscape has changed. If we stop the internal warfare over blame, we can focus our energy on: Mitigation: Working with developers to ensure projects integrate as seamlessly as possible into the fabric of Los Gatos. Infrastructure: Preparing our roads and services for the growth that is inevitable. Civic unity: Rebuilding a community spirit that has been frayed by zoning battles. The "cleanout" was messy. The grade was poor. But the "polyps" of our past housing policy have been identified. Now, we have a choice: we can dwell on the "awful liquid" of the past few years, or we can look toward the next three years with a focus on what we can control.

Ad A SWIFT-WATER RESCUE ON THE SAN LORENZO

Two rafters in distress rescued on Monday

Drew Penner, Editor

With wind gusts having hit 40 miles per hour at Mt. Umunhum, and the San Lorenzo River swelling to more than eight feet in height thanks to unrelenting rains, two rafters had to be rescued south of Felton.

The man got out unscathed, but the 50-something woman was injured and required a technical rescue by members of a variety of state and local agencies, deep in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

“Felton firefighters hiked through the rough terrain to reach the two patients on the opposite side of the river,” a Cal Fire CZU spokesperson said in a Twitter post. “CA State Parks deployed rescue swimmers who reached them and brought them safely across the river to receive care.”

Responding agencies included CAL FIRE, Santa Cruz County Fire, Felton Fire Protection District, California State Parks and American Medical Rescue.

Monday’s call came in before 10am. The rafters were able to call 911 themselves.

Around 2pm, Cal Fire CZU firefighters began tying their ropes off to the train tracks normally used to guide Roaring Camp’s beach train to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and back.

Firefighters repelled down the side of the steep soggy-tree-litter mountainside that threatened to give way with every step.

Around 3pm, the injured woman was transferred to the basket, and was by this time in good spirits. She was elevated to safety shortly afterwards.

Authorities are reminding the public that when the river rises, conditions change from a “relaxing float” to a “highstakes environment.”

Closures were announced for multiple State Parks for Tuesday (Feb. 17): Castle Rock - Full Closure, including trail camps; Big Basin - Full Closure; New Brighton - Campground Closure but dayuse remains open.

In an interview, Cal Fire CZU spokesperson Cecile Juliette reminded readers about just how dangerous a river becomes during a storm.

"It can carry downed branches and other debris," she said. "We are in for a period of extended wet weather, so it's just better to stay home when you can.

"Spring will be here before you know it."

“Huge thanks to our local first responders for their quick action in difficult terrain!” the Cal Fire spokesperson said.

Cutline: CHALLENGING TERRAIN An injured woman was rescued with the help of a variety of local and state responders.

Drew Penner / Los Gatan

(End for Print — but use if need to fill space)

Closures were announced for multiple State Parks for Tuesday (Feb. 17): Castle Rock - Full Closure, including trail camps; Big Basin - Full Closure; New Brighton - Campground Closure but day-use remains open.

In an interview, Cal Fire CZU spokesperson Cecile Juliette reminded readers about just how dangerous a river becomes during a storm.

"It can carry downed branches and other debris," she said. "We are in for a period of extended wet weather, so it's just better to stay home when you can.

"Spring will be here before you know it."

“Huge thanks to our local first responders for their quick action in difficult terrain!” the Cal Fire spokesperson said.

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Name Changes

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 26CV484106. Notice of Petition of Veronica Flores De Diaz. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: Veronica Flores De Diaz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. Veronica Flores De Diaz to Proposed name: Veronica Diaz. 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: April 14, 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, 107 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: January 13, 2026. /s/ Le Jacqueline Duong /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed January 13, 2026 by /s/ TB T. Belloncle /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME. Case No. 26CV484975. Notice of Petition of JOHN AND GINA FIEDLER. Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. To all interested persons: Petitioner: JOHN AND GINA FIEDLER filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. AUDREY ANN FIEDLER to Proposed name: FINN FELIX FIEDLER. 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: April 28, 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, 107 Dakota Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Date: January 26, 2026. /s/ Charles F. Adams /s/, Judge of the Superior Court. Filed January 26, 2026 by /s/ TB T. Belloncle /s/, Deputy Clerk. (Pub LGN: 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, 02/25/2026)

Fictitious Business Name Statements

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722171

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Halthium, 10751 Wunderlich Drive, Cupertino, CA, 95014, Abitha Padmanabhan. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 11/01/2025. /s/ Abitha Padmanabhan. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 12/18/2025. (pub Metro 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

File Number: FBN722779. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. MOXXIE , 544 Lochridge Drive, San Jose, CA 95133. This business is conducted by: An Individual, FELIX MARCELINO, 544 Lochridge Drive, San Jose, CA 95133. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/14/2026 and 01/15/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Felix Marcelino /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

File Number: FBN722568 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Pacific Assets Solutions 21510 Oak Court, Los Gatos, CA 95033. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Marat Svetlichnyi, 21510 Oak Court, Los Gatos, CA 95033. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2026 and 01/06/2026 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/ Marat Svetlichnyi /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722927

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Richard Smith & Associates, Inc., 1500 E Hamilton Ave., #212,

PUBLIC NOTICES

Campbell, CA, 95008. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/01/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Denise Wilson. CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/21/2026. (pub LG 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

File Number: FBN722852 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. APPLIED MEDIA , 39 Ashler Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, COVEN LLC, 39 Ashler Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/13/2026 and 01/20/2026 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. Coven LLC, Article/Reg # B20250435986, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Andrew Coven /s/ Managing Member. (Pub LGN: 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

File Number: FBN722557. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. GEEK OUT TRAVEL , 13209 Quito Road, Saratoga, CA 95070. This business is conducted by: An Individual, APRIL ELIZABETH TARBUSKOVICH, 13209 Quito Road, Saratoga, CA 95070. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 01/06/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ April Elizabeth Tarbuskovich /s/. (Pub LGN: 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2026)

File Number: FBN723070. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. EASTERLY SANTA CLARA 3927 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara, CA 95054. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, CISHI RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, 3927 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara, CA 95054. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/01/2017 and 01/26/2026 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. CISHI RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT, Article/Reg # 4021316, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Xing Wang /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, 02/25/2026)

File Number: FBN722992 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. PLU2O DISPENSARY, 170 Barack Obama Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, GREEN KITE INC, 1415 Oakland Blvd Suite 215, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 01/22/2026 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. Green Kite INC, Article/Reg # C6343308, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Mohammad Mahmoud /s/ Chief Financial Officer. (Pub LGN: 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, 02/25/2026)

File Number: FBN722917. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. G-FORCE MARKETING , 142 Lottie Lane, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: An Individual, GINA MARIE JACKMAN, 142 Lottie Lane, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/07/2026 and 01/21/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Fraulein Dominguez /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Gina Jackman /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, 02/25/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722523

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Cherry Zone Four Seasons Fruit, 6265 Pacheo Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA, 95020, Melanie Tellez Sanchez. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 10/20/2025. /s/Melanie Tellez Sanchez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/05/2026. (pub LG 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, 02/25/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723027

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Skin Health Life, 2 The Skin Health Life, 3. SHL, 905 Almarida Drive, Campbell, CA, 95008, Deborah Lee Kiamanesh. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/01/2026. /s/Deborah Lee Kiamanesh. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/23/2026. (pub LG 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723035

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Shops On Wheels, 1040 Church Ave., Gilroy, CA, 95020, Felix

Marcelo Dominguez. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 12/01/2003. /s/ Felix Marcelo Dominguez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/23/2026. (pub LG 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04/2026)

File Number: FBN722796. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Deveaux Counseling Services , 200 Winchester Circle D305, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, Stephanie Monique Deveaux, 200 Winchester Circle D305, Los Gatos, CA 95032. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 01/15/2026 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/ Stephanie M. Deveaux /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723248

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lee Laundromat, 2715 Union Ave., San Jose, CA, 95124, 237 Investments LLC. This business is being conducted by a Limited Liability Company. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 01/01/2026. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Thang Le. CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/29/2026. (pub LG 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04/2026)

File Number: FBN722810. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Mountain School , 19601 Black Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033. This business is conducted by: An UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATION OTHER THAN A PARTNERSHIP, Amanda Demers - Administrative Director, 22106 Miller Ridge Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033 and Andrea Spencer - Board Chair, 226 Edenlen Ave Apt 17, Los Gatos, CA 95030. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/1990 and 01/16/2026 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. /s/ Amanda Demers /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04/2026)

File Number: FBN722872 . The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. MANDALA MORTGAGE, 2. MANDALA MORTGAGES, 3. MANDALA PROPERTIES, 4. MANDALA MORTGAGE AND PROPERTIES, 5. MANDALA PROPERTIES AND MORTGAGE , 455 Los Gatos Blvd., Suite 100, Los Gatos, CA 95032. This business is conducted by: An Individual, JOHN ROBERT EICHINGER, P.O. Box 878, Los Gatos, CA 95031. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/01/2015 and 01/20/2026 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/ John Eichinger /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

File Number: FBN723583. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. LATERAL WORKS 3561 Homestead Road, #432, Santa Clara, CA 95051. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership, JOHN MARK EDMONDS, 3561 Homestead Road, #432, Santa Clara, CA 95051 and NEAL BURGESS MITCHELL, 3561 Homestead Road, #432, Santa Clara, CA 95051. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/01/2026 and 02/06/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ John Mark Edmonds /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

File Number: FBN722445. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. MIKE’S CUSTOM HOT RODS

180 E Sunnyoaks Building 1, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Married Couple, MICHAEL SOUSA, 180 E Sunnyoaks Building 1, Campbell, CA 95008 and JODEE SOUSA, 180 E Sunnyoaks Building 1, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 09/24/2018 and 12/30/2025 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. /s/ Jodee Sousa /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723224

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Carrie’s Mobile Grooming, 4868 Kingdale Dr., San Jose, CA, 95124, Carrie Wozadlo. This business is being conducted by n Individual. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 1/28/2026. /s/ Carrie Wozadlo. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/28/2026. (pub LG 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723582

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Allume Interiors, 1053 Coleman Rd #1204, San Jose, CA, 95123, Allume Interiors 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 California. /s/Victoria Gianella. Owner. #B20260048221. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/06/2026. (pub LG 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #722761

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Infusion For Health, 2880 Lakeside Drive #205, Santa Clara, CA, 95054, Infusion4health, Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Dan Mccarty. CEO. #3646173. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/14/2026. (pub LG 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

File Number: FBN723610. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. Prime Life Dental Office of Aman Bhullar, DMD, INC., 1374 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Corporation, Aman Bhullar, DMD, INC., 1374 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on Not Applicable and 02/06/2026 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. Aman Bhullar, DMD, INC., Article/Reg # 4106497, Above Entity was Formed in the State of California. /s/ Aman Bhullar /s/ President. (Pub LGN: 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723747

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Town & Country Office Cleaning, 6146 Camino Verde Drive STE N-1, San Jose, CA, 95119, Morton & Stevenson Associates Inc. This business is being conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on 09/25/1987. Above entity was formed in the state of California. /s/Dayna Morton. Secretary. #1418776 This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 02/11/2026. (pub LG 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

File Number: FBN723754. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. ELIA , 276 E Campbell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008. This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company, ELIA HOSPITALITY LLC, 276 E Campbell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/03/2025 and 02/11/2026 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. ELIA HOSPITALITY LLC, Article/Reg # B20250326775, Above Entity was Formed in the State of CA. /s/ Bekir Akkus /s/ Owner. (Pub LGN: 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

File Number: FBN723767. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. CHARLESTON PROPERTIES 400 Lambert Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306. This business is conducted by: A General Partnership, BOYD C. SMITH, 301 Coleridge Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 and ARRILLAGA FOUNDATION, 2450 Watson Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/01/1981 and 02/12/2026 is the file date. Statement filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara: /s/ Elaine Fader /s/ Deputy, 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. /s/ Boyd C. Smith /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT #723562

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Wendy Talk Therapy, Wendy Lee Gorelick. This business is being conducted by an Individual. Registrant has not yet begun business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /s/Wendy Lee Gorelick. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Clara County on 01/29/2026. (pub LG 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

File Number: FBN722819. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1. ECCENTRIC STYLIST, 979 La Mesa Terrace Unit B, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. This business is conducted by: An Individual, AARUSHI BANERJEE, 979 La Mesa Terrace Unit B, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 01/15/2026 and 01/16/2026 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/ Aarushi Banerjee /s/. (Pub LGN: 02/18, 02/25, 03/04, 03/11/2026)

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