• The Front Page

    Published on 09-21-2012 03:15 PM

    Joe Friday has done it again. Thank you, Joe! This is such an asset for those of us who can't regularly attend the School Board Meetings!

    From Joe:

    The agenda is linked from the LGUSD web site.

    Agenda

    2.1, 2.2 - Flag Salute, Approval/Amendment of Agenda (1:18)

    2.3 Teacher Recognition (7:35)

    2.4 Public Comment (7:23)

    2.5 Superintendent's Report (3:33)

    3.0 Consent Agenda (1:11)

    ...
    Published on 09-21-2012 03:00 PM

    Los Gatos Youth Park, Inc. announces the recipients of the “Youth Citizen of the Year” award. The awards are given to youth who have made significant contributions to their community and are considered roll models for other young people. The following four citizens will be awarded local and state commendations at a September 29, 2012 ceremony at 10 o’clock in the morning at the Youth Park, located behind Los Gatos High School, next to the tennis courts: Molly Ball, Thomas Culwell, Christian Gramling, and Tara Rezvani. In addition, the recipients will state the pledge of allegiance at the Los Gatos Town Council Meeting on October 1, 2012, will participate in the Los Gatos holiday tree lighting ceremony on November 30, 2012, and will start the Los Gatos Children’s Holiday parade with a whistle on December 1, 2012.

    On behalf of the Youth Park Board, please accept our invitation to join us at this event to honor the contributions of these five Los Gatos Youth Park Citizens of 2012!

    ...
    by Published on 09-21-2012 11:21 AM
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    Los Gatos High School Field Hockey



    Press Release - September 17, 2012
    Annual Fundraiser – Chicks with Sticks Steak Dinner on October 5, 2012


    On Friday, October 5, 2012 the LGHS Field Hockey team is holding its annual steak dinner fundraiser. It will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm (before the varsity football game) in the patio area outside the Home Economics room in the Science building.

    Each year, this event brings over 700 community members together for a delicious meal. Tickets are $15 each, which includes a meal featuring Tri-tip steak from Los Gatos Meats, home-cooked ranch beans, salad, bread, drinks, and yummy desserts donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes, Los Gatos.

    It is recommended that tickets are purchased ahead, as this popular event typically sells out. Tickets can be purchased from any LGHS Field Hockey player, or by contacting Ticket Captain Suzie Nguyen at lgfh@gatosgirl.com.

    Please join neighbors and friends for an evening of spirited fun and fabulous food in support of this amazing
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    Published on 09-18-2012 12:01 PM

    For those of you who don’t know us, Los Gatos Education Foundation or LGEF is a 30 year-old organization that was founded by parents in response to the passage of proposition 13. Over the years, LGEF has donated more than $10 million to the schools in the LGUSD – that’s Blossom Hill Elementary, Daves Avenue Elementary, Lexington Elementary, Van Meter Elementary, and Fisher Middle School.

    With only parent volunteers and 1 part time staff member, last year, LGEF raised almost $1.2 million for our schools! Thank you for your generosity!!

    In the past, LGEF has provided crucial funding to prevent teacher layoffs and retain programs like art, science and music. In Los Gatos, we’re lucky to have had the benefit of LGEF to maintain programs that other school districts have lost.

    Increased Enrollment + Decreased Property Tax Revenues = Fewer Dollars Per Student

    We’ve all heard the need for more funds for schools, but at LGEF we want to try to help quantify the situation. To understand our budget situation, you first need to understand how schools are funded in Los Gatos.

    Los Gatos is a Basic ...
    by Published on 09-18-2012 11:59 AM
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    I just received the following Press Release from the LG/MS Police Department:

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    by Published on 09-17-2012 11:20 AM

    On InsideLG, I like to promote comments to articles.

    I'm promoting the following comment for discussion and I'm begging InsideLG's readers to be constructive as this is a sensitive issue. Please be aware that InsideLG is not taking a stance. It doesn't matter if I agree or not, I'm just curious what other residents think.

    Quote Originally Posted by DT Kids Matter2 View Post
    It is financially irresponsible for the BOT to use the $4.7 Special Reserve (Berry) fund to build a school for 5% of our students. We have other facilities needs in our district and to spend the last of our flexible spending on Lexington is a breach of discretion.

    This Board has approved the construction of Lexington with a wing and a prayer on how to pay for it. What was obvious to many of us was that they were going to try to abscond with the Berry fund and use the money for the Fisher, BH and DA improvements to get Lexington built.

    Please realize that when Lexington goes further over budget, which it will, then the downsizing (descoping … how I hate that word) will begin. I have seen this
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    by Published on 09-17-2012 09:25 AM
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    Every Monday and Friday, InsideLG features StorySnoops, a Los Gatos based Company. To find out more information, please click HERE.

    This marks the 30th Anniversary of the American Library Association’s annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States. to commemorate the occasion, the ALA has created a timeline of significant banned and challenged books for each of the past 30 years. It turns out that many of the books featured on the timeline are among our favorites. Click on the book covers and find out what we have to say about these books that would have been sorely missed had we not had the opportunity to read them.
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    by Published on 09-17-2012 09:01 AM

    The following can be found on the Town's website:


    TOWN OF LOS GATOS
    TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
    MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 -- 7:00 P.M. -


    CLOSED SESSION - 5:45 P.M.

    CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
    (Government Code Section 54956.8)
    Properties: 110 E. Main Street (Former Library Building)
    Negotiating parties: Town of Los Gatos (Negotiator: Greg Larson, Town Manager)
    Los Gatos Museum (Negotiator: Executive Director)
    Friends of the Library (Negotiator: Chair)
    Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment of lease

    MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
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    Published on 09-14-2012 05:35 PM
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    The following can be found on LGUSD's website:

    Regular Board Meeting
    September 18 - 6:30 p.m.

    Thomas P. O’Donnell District Office Board Room

    Click here to view previous board meetings!
    Superintendent
    Dr. Diana G. Abbati

    Board Members
    Kathleen Bays
    Scott Broomfield
    Doug Halbert
    Chris Miller
    Tina Orsi-Hartigan

    Members of the public are always welcome at meetings of the Board of Trustees except for Closed Sessions. Individuals wishing to address the Board regarding agenda items may do so when an item is under consideration. Oral communications regarding items not on the agenda may be made during the Public Comment opportunity listed on the agenda. Trustees would appreciate it if you would identify yourself by name and address when addressing the Board. Individuals requiring special accommodation, including but not limited to an American sign language interpreter, accessible seating or documentation in accessible formats, should contact the Superintendent’s office at least two working days before the meeting date.

    1. CALL TO ORDER - 6:30 p.m.

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    by Published on 09-12-2012 01:00 PM
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    Updated: I love our readers. Thanks for the quick response! Click HERE to read an explanation about the Pi in the Sky.

    Original Blurb:

    I was just at BH picking up my kids from school when I realized parents were pointing up to the sky. Something, and no, it wasn't a plane, was creating the numbers for Pi
    . I only took one photo but it looked as if the numbers kept going to form a half circle; unfortunately, an entire "pie" was not created.

    Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the heck that was about?

    ...
    by Published on 09-12-2012 11:11 AM

    "Trouble Maker" wrote the following comment yesterday on InsideLG. I'm curious to know what our readers think. Do parents label other parents who offer constrictive criticism? Have you labeled anyone? If so, why? If not, why do you think "Trouble Maker" feels this way? Have you ever had any of the experiences that "Trouble Maker" mentioned?

    Also, a quick question to Trouble Maker: Without naming any names, is the situation you are referring to in LGUSD? There are a few school districts within the Town's limits and I want to clarify which one you are commenting about.

    Readers: Thank you again for all of your thoughtful comments!

    Quote Originally Posted by Trouble Maker View Post
    I have complimented many times and over time I have complained about various things. There is always some deflection when you complain. I have talked to the Superintendent who tells me to talk to the Principal, I've talked to the the Principal who tells me to talk to the teacher. If I go to the teacher, I fear repercussions for my child. The School Board voted against
    ...
    by Published on 09-12-2012 09:21 AM

    The following can be found on the town's website:


    Due to the length of our agenda and in fairness to later items on the agen*da, the audience is requested to make their comments as brief and precise as possible, and limit them to 3 minutes or less.

    AGENDA

    TOWN OF LOS GATOS
    PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
    TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
    110 E. MAIN STREET
    WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
    7:00 P.M.


    ROLL CALL

    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

    APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 22, 2012
    ...
    by Published on 09-05-2012 03:20 PM
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    I am thrilled with the Town Council's decision to unanimously pass through Lexington House. With 26 people speaking in favor, and only one against, the Town Council struggled with the vote because Lexington House is a restaurant replacing retail.

    Stephen Shelton and Jimmy Marino's biggest argument against Ordinance 2021, an ordinance that "discourages" displacement of retail uses with restaurant uses, is that the former Domus has been split into 5 units. The ratio will now be 4 retail to 1 restaurant. Not only that, Lexington House will only take over about 1400 square feet, which is less than 20% of the original Domus space.

    Everyone knows I am always complaining that there isn't enough outdoor seating. Well, guess what? Lexington House will have just that!

    Asking only for 22 seats, Jimmy Marino stated, Lexington House, "will be a welcoming, small, communal, and vibrant place, just like the town of Los Gatos."

    To be perfectly honest, I am a bit busy this week and can't get into the nitty gritty of the meeting. Just know,
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    by Published on 09-04-2012 08:44 AM
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    Update by kir: The article "Demise of AB5 is good news for students" was published yesterday in SF Gate. It explains that the bill has been pulled.

    Sandrine Chaumette's article:

    K.P. (2nd grade teacher) parks her car and meanders (Grande Starbucks in hand) to her classroom after the first morning bell rings. By the 2nd morning bell, K.P. arrives at her classroom. She has had no prep. time. She has no idea what that day's morning announcements are. Her day begins with sipping espresso in class to wake herself up.

    I see K. P. doing this every day after I drop my son off at school.

    How can she get away with this?
    ...
    by Published on 09-03-2012 09:25 PM

    Warning before reading: In full disclosure, the first video does contain kissing; however, I chose only SFW (suitable for work) videos. I just like to be upfront as this isn't regular InsideLG material.

    Let’s start from the beginning of this story that ended with me watching an x-rated show while the kids were at school.


    My sister Michelle, who lives in Philadelphia, called the other day and asked if I knew a certain family in Los Gatos. Michelle didn’t grow up in LG (she attended Leigh) and I was confused as to why she was inquiring about a local family. Well, it turns out that Showtime has a reality series called Polyamory: Married and Dating that features former Los Gatos residents. In fact, Showtime filmed in Los Gatos! And, while I have only met the guy featured in the show, Anthony, a few times, I was friends with his brother. In fact, they grew up just a few streets from where I live now.

    Before I move on with this article, I need to be perfectly clear. I was raised in a family that accepts everyone. As long as consenting adults are involved and no children are being hurt, I pass no judgment on how people live their life. Everyone deserves the right to be happy.

    I’m not a TV junkie. I can’t stand reality shows and would much rather have the stereo on any day than have the background noise of an annoying TV. When my sister called and told me the scoop, I thought about calling DirectTV and ordering Showtime asap. However, as luck would have it, one of my good friends has Showtime and offered to download the entire series. And, before you say that I need to get a life, I was conducting important research for InsideLG – not just sitting around watching a TV show with “strong sexual content” while eating bon bons. Well, ok, truth be told, cupcakes and coffee were involved.

    What does “polyamorous” mean, you ask? According to Urban Dictionary, polyamory is “The practice, state or ability of having more than one sexual loving relationship at the same time, with the full knowledge and consent of all partners involved.”
    ...
    Published on 09-03-2012 10:42 AM
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    Every Monday and Friday, InsideLG features StorySnoops, a Los Gatos based Company. To find out more information, please click HERE.

    As we mentioned earlier this week, we’ve been working hard here at StorySnoops, reading everything we can get our hands on, so that we can bring you our favorite books that we think are must-haves for the classroom this year. Tuesday we published our lists of books that would be great for book reports for elementary, middle and high school students, and today we bring you some good choices for outside reading–maybe a bit lighter, or more enticing for a reluctant reader–in other words, something to make it easy to fill up that nightly reading log!
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    by Published on 09-03-2012 09:30 AM
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    As most of you know, I love Cin-Cin Winebar and Restaurant. The bartenders are friendly, the staff is helpful, and the food is divine.

    Chef Chris and I attended LGHS together and have been friends for years. However, I have unfortunate news. I spoke with Chef Chris the other day and he told me he was ready to move on. Since that time, he posted the following message on Cin-Cin's facebook website:

    Hi Everyone!

    I've spent a wonderful four+ years creating and cooking for all of you! It's been an awesome ride. After much thought I have decided to move on. Looking forward to spending more time with my family, furthermore pursuing my lifelong dreams and aspirations through cooking. I've cared about each and everyone of you who have walked through our doors and want to thank you for all for yoursupport. I'm extremely proud of all that I have accomplished here and wish Cin-Cin continued success and sustained popularity. I will be departing the first part of October so I hope to be able to say goodbye to all who have made my time here an absolute pleasure!
    ...
    by Published on 09-03-2012 08:10 AM
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    I attended FitCamp this morning and took the photos around 6am. Sorry they are a bit blurry. I was trying to run and take photos at the same time -- it didn't work out as well as I had hoped!

    So, LG, Where the Heck Was I?





    *Hint - This view is within running distance from LGHS. ...
    by Published on 09-02-2012 01:05 PM

    OK, so self-proclaimed "Creepy" is back. Just for the record, I asked readers if his/her comment was creepy, but I didn’t call him/her creepy. However, now Creepy is using the title and who am I to change it?

    This has turned into a big LG pissing contest. The only reason I responded is because Creepy accused me of being “flippant” in saying that I would back up my daughters if they worked at Hooters. In no way was I being “flippant.” But, once I started writing a rebuttal to that comment, I just couldn’t stop myself. As I’ve stated before, I love speech and debate.

    If you want to read the following crap, feel free. If you don’t, I totally understand. I just have to make my point. And, you know what, Creepy can make his/her point also. As he/she states, not everything is about me. That’s why InsideLG is open for everyone – see what a nice person I can be? And, Creepy has the upper hand here because I have no idea who he/she is because he/she chooses to hide behind “Creepy.”

    Also, on a more serious note, I explained below why I don’t think more housing will be beneficial to the schools. If I’m off base, let me know in the comments.

    Creepy's comments are in blue.


    **************
    Creepy? That's an interesting assessment. A few of your readers are right because they read ...
    by Published on 08-31-2012 05:10 PM

    The following can be found on the town's website:


    TOWN OF LOS GATOS
    SPECIAL MEETING JOINT TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 -- 5:45 P.M. -


    STUDY SESSION CALLED TO ORDER - 5:45 P.M.

    Discussion Topics
    1. Height Pole and Netting Policy Consideration of modifications to and implementation of the Height Pole and Netting Policy
    2. Review of Code Enforcement Policies and Practices

    BUSINESS MEETING CALLED TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.

    ...

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