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    A Case of the Giggles – Let the Rumors Fly 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-30-2012 06:14 PM
    Article Preview

    Before you read this article, I need to be perfectly clear that I enjoy speech and debate. I mean no personal disrespect to Dick Sparrer - I just happen to write sarcastically. I've never met Sparrer but have been reading his work for years. That said, he is a grown-up and put himself out there. Please don't accuse me of an online "smear campaign." I just thought I'd share my views. As always, feel free to criticize this article in the comments. And, if you would like to contribute your own article, email me: kir@insidelg.com



    After this past week of intense political crap (yes, in keeping up with my journalistic integrity, I choose to use the word “crap”), it was nice of the Weekly Editorial to provide comic relief. What once was a paper that I respected (back when I was a member of Joe Public and read the Weekly for news), now is my Tuesday comic strip. Don’t get me wrong, the articles other than the editorial are awesome – they keep me up to date on what’s going on in town. However, once again, the Editor of the Weekly has proven, at least in my opinion, how out of touch he is with Los Gatos. Oh wait, he doesn’t walk out his front door everyday and breathe the LG air, does he? For some of us, we rarely leave the bubble we live in - I am guilty of this myself. But, for those who don’t live here, who don’t mingle in the community daily, ...
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    LG is Too Good For Food Trucks? 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-30-2012 04:34 PM

    What? We can't even have food trucks in LG? The following was printed in the most recent Van Meter Bulldog Beat and sent to me by a disappointed parent:

    Dear Parents,
    Thank you so much for your prompt replies to help us plan our family picnic night September 6th. We would like to both welcome and thank Los Gatos Meats who will BBQ on the night providing a plethora of food from Hot Dogs and Burgers through to Sausages and more with chips and drinks galore! All meal items featured on their menu will be $10 and under. We will not however, be able to host the other caterers as planned due to recent legislation banning food trucks in Los Gatos. Whilst this law may change in the future, a decision we would welcome in order that we can offer you this food option at another school event , it is highly unlikely to do so before the 6th September. We are genuinely delighted that Los Gatos Meats are able to step into the breach and be assured if you have not tried their food before it is truly awesome!

    Now, don't get     ...
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    Creepy Comment... or is it Just Me? 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-30-2012 12:45 PM

    OK, so I just received the following comment on my blurb about Swanson Ford coming down. And, yes, it's from good old "unregistered" because nothing says class like taking potshots at my daughters under an "unregistered" name. But, hey, that's ok. I pass no judgement.

    After being baffled by the following comment, instead of replying, I'm asking InsideLG's readers what they think about it. Do you want to see more houses lining the Boulevard? I mean, hey, if there are some kick-ass businesses in downtown, as I do believe there are, I'll still shop there. However, is "unregistered" afraid of competition? Maybe "unregistered" wants everything centered in downtown because who really cares about the Uptown anyway. Oh, and while I'm asking: Is "unregistered" going to buy land and build a school for all of the kids that are generated from the new houses?

    And, a personal note to my friend "unregistered": I'm not concerned with my daughters' educations. If they want to get a job at Hooters, I'll back them up. My kids are my life and as long as they     ...
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    Well... it's happened. 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-28-2012 08:50 PM
    Article Preview

    I guess Brookfield Homes finally decided to advertise the fact that their houses located in San Jose are indeed within the LG School District. Not to worry, there are only 89 3-4 bedroom homes being constructed. LG schools have plenty of room, right?

    

    I couldn't post a bigger image. Please feel free to click HERE to view a full screen shot.

    This is a fun article that I wrote back in May pertaining to the subject: What Capacity Issue?

    *Thank you to the reader who sent me this information! Without you, InsideLG would not be where it is today! ...
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    Is Swanson Ford Really Coming Down? 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-28-2012 11:15 AM
    Article Preview

    While I was on my way over to a friend's house to do research for another article, I couldn't believe my eyes as I drove by Swanson Ford! Now, don't get too excited... Peter Pau also owns Gateway (formerly McHugh/Lincoln) and it's been an empty lot for years. Yes, years. So, just because Swanson Ford is coming down, it doesn't mean anything will be built right away; however, my hopes are high!

    We need a new restaurant up in these parts!     I just wish we could do without the new housing.
    ...
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    A Question From a Reader 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-27-2012 11:47 AM

    Last night an "Unregistered" user wrote the following in the comments:

    Quote Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
    I predicted long ago that Los Gatos risked becoming another Willow Glen. Charming community but bad schools and with the corresponding decrease in housing prices. With the decisions of the Town to "densify" new housing developments at the low end of the range for detached homes and the district claiming lack of availability when they really mean lack of money to make an investment in land acquisition and thereby "densifying" our schools, the State giving us less with every passing year, and enrollment going up, I ask you in all honesty, don't you think more people with money will choose to send their kids to private school, leaving fewer big donors, fewer volunteers, and dominos continuing to fall. Are you with me? I would like to ask Kir to write an open thread asking why they choose public or private school for their children and what circumstances might make them change their minds?"

    So, since a reader asked,     ...
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    Albright Office Park EIR Scoping Meeting - August 27, 2012 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-27-2012 11:20 AM

    Sorry for the late notice. I've been a little busy dealing with the first week back to school and "dirty politics."

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

    The Town of Los Gatos will prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Albright Office Park, and will be holding a scoping meeting to receive comments regarding the scope and content of the environmental information to be addressed.

    The scoping meeting will be held on Monday, August 27, 2012, at 6:00 p.m., in the Town Council Chambers, 110 E. Main Street.

    Comments may be given at the scoping meeting or in writing to Joel Paulson, Senior Planner, Town of Los Gatos, Community Development Department, 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 by September 4, 2012, at 5:00 p.m.

    Project Location: 90-160 Albright Way and 14600 Winchester Blvd.
    ...
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    Literary Pet Peeves - Submitted by StorySnoops 

    Published on 08-27-2012 10:52 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.

    We at StorySnoops frequently sing the praises of the books we’ve read. But let’s be honest, they’re not all literary treasures. We each read A LOT of children’s books, so there are bound to be some duds.

    Hundreds of children’s books later, I seem to have developed a list of literary pet peeves–those phrases or patterns that keep rearing their ugly heads and start to get more than a bit annoying. Without naming names, here are a few.

    Pet Peeve #1 — Unrealistic Phrases

    A couple of phrases are surprisingly common in teen romances. So much so, that I’ve come to expect them. For example…

    “She peered up at him through her lashes.”

    For me, it is physically impossible to peer at anything through my eyelashes. And I’m sure that the facial contortions resulting from attempting this feat can hardly be considered fetching.

    “She chewed on her lower lip.”

    Really? Who actually does this? It’s completely awkward and painful for more than a second ...
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    Dirty Politics in Los Gatos? 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-23-2012 11:50 AM
    Article Preview

    Warning before reading: I held nothing back. I’m sure I’ll be ridiculed for writing this article; however, I stand by what I say. I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the videos.



    Oh boy… where do I begin? Well, if you’re like me, you’ve been watching the political bashing from the sidelines. Let me start at the beginning.

    Two seats are open for this year’s Town Council. Vice-Mayor Barbara Spector announced that she would run again and Planning Commissioner Marcia Jensen threw her hat into the race. Many Los Gatos residents were speculating that Mayor Steve Rice would seek reelection; however, he announced this would be his only term. So, Los Gatos residents knew that two people were running and two seats were open.

    Now, if you’re a nerd like me, you pay attention to who is pulling papers. It’s not just a Town Council thing; I also watched the LGUSD School Board race. I decided not to write an article about any potential candidate until he/she actually filed papers; however, you can bet your bottom dollar that I Googled every single one of them. Maybe it’s a generational thing but I Google everyone. Hell, I might even meet you in a restaurant and Google you in the bathroom. It’s just who I am. One of my "mature" friends explained that he thought I was a stalker. My response, “I’m not a stalker because I don’t single out one person, I Google everyone.” It’s a way of life for some of us and I’m not ashamed.

    Back on track, I decided not to post an article on any one person who pulled papers until he/she filed because I didn’t think it would be fair unless I dedicated an entire article to each and every one of them. Makes sense, correct? I guess not. The LG Weekly Times and the Patch started writing articles about Colleen Wilcox and what a wonderful candidate she would be for Los Gatos Town Council.

    In full disclosure, before I move on with this article, I will not, nor have I ever written anything on or for the Patch. A few of my “Letters to the Editor”     ...
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    Town Council Votes to Hold Election 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-22-2012 06:38 PM

    Update: I just wrote my article and am uploading videos. Yes, videos. My article is so harsh that I need a day to think it over. Please be patient as I'm sure a lot of you will bash me in the comments and I need to make sure my skin is leather. Thank you for your understanding.

    Original Article:

    What I just witnessed with the Town Council disappointed me to no end. I will write an article about the situation tomorrow but the meeting was a disgrace.

    Not only is the Town wasting a butt-load of money to hold an election (yes, I said butt-load) but they are allowing people to skirt the process. Nice job TC. Bravo!

    And, before I publish my article tomorrow, there were more than just 2 potential candidates who pulled papers -- what about them? I guess they don't matter because they were never even mentioned in the paper.

    I have stayed out of this matter because I was waiting to see who actually filed before I wrote an article on TC candidates. Now, I get to write an article about how wrong the     ...
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    Recording of LGUSD Board Meeting - August 21, 2012 - Submitted by Joe Friday 

    Published on 08-22-2012 02:20 PM

    The agenda is linked from the LGUSD web site.




    3.1, 3.2, 3.3 - Flag Salute, Report out of Closed Session, Approval/Amendment of Agenda (1:02)

    3.4 Public Comment (6:58)

    3.5 Superintendent's Report (5:38)

    4.0 Consent Agenda (4:00)
    ...
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    Open Thread for the August 21, 2012 LGUSD Meeting 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-21-2012 05:30 PM

    Unfortunately, I can't attend tonight. If our readers who attend wish to provide updates, please feel free to do so in the comments below.

    Thanks - kir     ...
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    Can You Spot LG in This Video? 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-21-2012 05:10 PM
    Article Preview

    The kids are off to school and I have time to post on InsideLG again. With so much negativity in the air, I want to focus on something fun.

    Marc Donahue has created yet another video... err, I mean, masterpiece. I'm Facebook buddies with Marc and have been following this project for months. Well, I'm glad to say, it was well worth the wait.

    The video not only highlights local spots in LG, but it also features songs performed by Los Gatos' dredg.

    For your viewing pleasure, here's Dream Music: Part 2:
    ...
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    Los Gatos Resident Opinion: Town Council Can You Hear Us? -Submitted by Sue Jamieson 

    Published on 08-21-2012 03:30 PM

    Town Council Can You Hear Us? Our Neighborhoods Can Not Absorb An Increase In Hillbrook School Traffic

    It often seems as if the root cause of many problems can be attributed to being heard and recently it seems as if the art of listening is a rare commodity. Recent Town Council meetings have seen broad representation from residents, with varying concerns, all with passionate messages. But I can’t help to think that the message is getting lost in translation. Town Management please take notice – we have safety issues resulting from Hillbrook School’s growing traffic! LG CATS (Los Gatans Concerned About Traffic & Safety) is asking Hillbrook School, Mr. Larson and our town management to hear us. We need solutions to provide safety for anyone living on or using Marchmont, Shannon, Kennedy, Englewood, Topping, Hilow, Stonybrook, Cardinal, Robin and the surrounding streets and cul de sacs impacted by Hillbrook's growing traffic.

    PROTECT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

    As a neighbor and friend to Hillbrook for the past 12 years, I can assure you I want Hillbrook to succeed in     ...
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    Planning Commission Agenda - August 22, 2012 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-21-2012 10:20 AM

    The following agenda can be found at the Town's website:

    Due to the length of our agenda and in fairness to later items on the agenda, 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, AUGUST 22, 2012
    7:00 P.M.

    ROLL CALL

    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

    APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 8, 2012

    WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

    REQUESTED CONTINUANCES - ITEM #6

    SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

    VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (AUDIENCE) - (Up to three-minute time limit per speaker for items not on the agenda. Speakers are allowed up to an additional three minutes to speak on any public hearing item.)
    ...
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    Town Council Meeting Agenda - August 22, 2012 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-21-2012 10:02 AM

    The following agenda can be found at the Town's website:

    TOWN OF LOS GATOS
    TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING
    WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2012 -- 5:30 P.M. -

    MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

    ROLL CALL

    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
    Harrison St. John, Pledge Leader

    CLOSED SESSION REPORT

    TOWN COUNCIL
    ...
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    North 40 Specific Plan Advisory Committee Meeting - August 21, 2012 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-21-2012 09:00 AM

    A meeting of the North 40 Specific Plan Advisory Committee will be held:

    Tuesday, August 21, 2012
    6:00-9:00 p.m.
    Town Council Chambers
    110 E. Main Street (Downstairs)

    Here's the staff report and exhibits:

    N. 40 AC Staff Report - August 21, 2012

    And, here's the agenda:
    ...
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    LGUSD Regular Board Meeting - August 21, 2012 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-17-2012 04:24 PM
    Article Preview

    The following agenda can be found at LGUSD's website:

    PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION: DAVES AVENUE SCHOOL MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM, 17770 Daves Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030

    Regular Board Meeting
    August 21 - 6:00 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
    ...
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    Just So Stories - Submitted by Leila Sink 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-17-2012 04:21 PM

    Come see Rudyard Kipling's 'Just So,' performed by Shoestring Theater at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos. It is similar to 'Jungle Book,' with many fictional tales and fanciful shenanigans, based on the author's stories from 1902.

    There are many Los Gatos families in the show.

    Join us on an adventure as we take a song-filled journey - full of wit and imagination - through the African jungle at the beginning of time! Come experience Just So, a musical comedy that appeals to audiences of all ages, based on the immortal stories of Rudyard Kipling. Everyone is welcome! You will be inspired by stories of friendship, individuality, and personal courage through song, dance, and comedy and realize that “one determined individual CAN make a real difference in this world!” Bring your family, friends, and colleagues.
    ...
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    LG Resident Opinion: An Open Letter to the Community Re: November LGUSD Trustee Election 

    by
    kir
    Published on 08-14-2012 04:45 PM

    Two LGUSD Trustee seats are up for election this November and yet neither Trustee Miller nor Trustee Halbert has publicly stated their intention. As one monitoring the situation, I can only speculate that neither Trustee will rerun this fall and this is not a bad thing, but why the cloak of secrecy? A common complaint from constituents as long as I’ve been following things has been the lack of transparency from the LGUSD school board and this is just the most recent illustration.

    Per information on the district website, if an incumbent candidate has not filed their Declaration of Candidacy by August 10th, then the deadline for anyone who wants to run to file papers is extended through this Wednesday, August 15th. If there are any white knights out there who can file their paperwork by Wednesday, then we could sure use you. If the incumbents are running, then the deadline has already passed and only a write-in campaign could add candidates. A couple of friends I’ve made through school volunteer efforts have considered running for school board, ...
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