Over 200 grateful residents of Los Gatos and Monte Sereno attended a garden party in honor of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Dept. Aug. 23, thrown by the resurgent Police Foundation, which has set ambitious goals for both fundraising and recruitment. The party, on the lawn of La Estancia, the historic home of Larry Arzie and David Stonesifer, was called "A Taste of Los Gatos" and local restaurants and wineries outdid themselves.
The entire police force was there, it seemed, including Chief Scott Seaman, Captain Alana Forrest, Captain David Gravel, and Sergeant Kerry Harris, along with their civilian leadership, Los Gatos Town Manager Greg Larson and Monte Sereno City Manager Brian Loventhal, and various elected officials, including Los Gatos Mayor Barbara Spector and her husband Ira, Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman and his wife Kim, and Councilmember Joe Pirzynski (a former leader of the Disaster Aid Response Team). Monte Sereno Councilmembers Don Perry, Alan Aerts, and Vice Mayor Curtis Wright were spotted, as well. Monte Sereno First Lady Sue Garner sits on the Police Foundation board.
Los Altos Police Chief Tuck Younis was at the party, and Campbell Police Capt. Greg Finch--wearing a stylish purple suit--performed magic for the crowd.
The LGMSPD demonstrated some of their technologies, including the Crime Scene Investigation trailer, their Special Weapons and Tactics joint venture with the Campbell Police Dept., and officers riding Segway personal transporters. Officer Sam Wonnell was on hand with retired police dog Quarz. Quarz, the town's first dog, demonstrated his ability to let himself into the back seat of the police car. Scott Cornfield, Segway's law enforcement specialist, encouraged guests to try out the police version of the high-tech scooters.
Peggy Fleming, the Olympic gold medal figure skater, and her husband, Dr. Greg Jenkins, were there, along with Arts Commissioner Valerie Hopkins and her husband, John, Marianne Hamilton of the Weekly Times and her husband, Doug, Los Gatos Union School District board member Chris Miller, Historic Preservation Committee member Len Pacheco, A Place For Teens director Mike Loya, and former Monte Sereno mayor Mark Brodsky and his wife, Marleen.
Former Santa Clara County District Attorney George Kennedy attended, as well as Los Gatos council candidates Planning Commission Chair Michael Kane and former planning commissioner Steve Rice. Ret. Police Captain Duino Giordano, businesswoman Sue Farwell, Travel Store owner Ed Stahl, and members of the Los Gatos Morning Rotary and the informal Los Gatos Social Club were seen. Also spotted: Barbara Holmes, Laure Evans, Raj and Pat Das, Sam Pearson, Steve Leonardis, Holly Kaiser, and Nancy Kenison. Morning Rotarians Kathy Linton and Mary MacDonald were among those attending, and since Social Club co-founder Peter Carter is on the Police Foundation board, several regulars of that group, including Jeff and Kristi Miller, Dianne "Dee" Chiechi, Michael Kilkenny, and Ann Cali were also there.
Restaurants serving A Taste of Los Gatos included: California Cafe, Campo di Bocce, C. B. Hannegan's, Chicago Steak & Fish, Crimson, Double D's, Dolce Spazio, Forbes Mill Steakhouse, Gardino Fresco, Icing on the Cake, Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, Los Gatos Gourmet, Nick's on Main, The Pastaria and Market, The Purple Onion, Steamer's Grillhouse, Trevese, Willow Street Pizza, and the Wine Cellar Restaurant. Wine labels Black Ridge, Camel Hill, Muns, Silver Mountain, and Testarossa were pouring, and vintners Jerrold O'Brien (Silver Mountain) and Rob and Diana Jensen (Testarossa) were there in person.
Larry Arzie, the co-owner of the home where the garden party took place, was on hand to greet guests. The event coordinator was Mary Guercio, with Sue Garner and Jonathan Knowles as co-chairs. The foundation would like to thank: West Valley Collection & Recycling, Kristi & Jeff Miller of Monster Mechanical, Donna & Leo Boger, Society Dog, Cindy Kenyon Lazares & Dave Lazares, and Tony Mirenda of TBI Construction.
The Police Foundation's board includes many well-known community leaders such as Scott Savage, Peter Carter, Brian Crane, Eric Drew, Sue Garner, Tim Harris, Robb Hermanson, Jonathan Knowles, Cindy Kenyon Lazares, and Doug McNeil. Police Chief Scott Seaman is an ex-officio member of the board.
The Police Foundation hopes to help the LGMSPD pay for more school resource officers, CSI tools, canine units, and perhaps a couple of $6,000 Segways.
"Technology changes," Lt. Scott Savage, chair of the Police Foundation board, told the crowd.
Other highlights of the afternoon party included the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Pipes & Drums, strolling the lush grounds, which include a pond and fountain and two massive redwood trees, having one's picture taken wearing SWAT gear, and a performance by the Uptown Singers.
Residents will have another opportunity to show their appreciation for the police department on Sept. 24 at a $25 per person 19th annual police recognition BBQ lunch, catered by C. B. Hannegan's, in Pageant Park behind police headquarters. The Police Foundation is taking over the event from the Rotary Club. RSVP by Sept. 17 to Gwen Cross by e-mail or by calling (408) 354-6842.
