Community invited to display photos at Dia de los Muertos altar
In the spirit of Dia de los Muertos, a special Ofrenda (Offering) has been constructed by Los Gatos artist Olga Enciso Smith and her son Brian M. Smith.
The display of colors, aromas and typical artifacts including fresh marigold with papel picado (delicate cut paper), corn stalks, candles, gourds and handmade skeleton figures that border on the humorous represent the occupation of the deceased loved ones.
The Ofrenda serves as a process of healing for those who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one. Those who wish to have a loved one’s memory commemorated are invited to bring a photo of them for the Ofrenda’s dedication, which will take place Oct. 31 from 6-8:30pm at 157 Holly Way in Los Gatos.
Bring the photo with a self-addressed stamped envelope to return it.
Enciso Smith, the Machu Picchu Gallery of the Americas’ founder, built the first altar in 1986 and added the photos of the loss of three local families. Machu Picchu Gallery of the Americas was founded in Old Town in 1974.
RSVP by texting 408.529.2296 or emailing Ma****************@ho*****.com.
Event raises funds for women to get mammograms
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, Dr. Kamakshi Zeidler M.D., founder and managing partner of Aesthetx, a plastic surgery, dermatology and aesthetic medicine practice, pulled together the Los Gatos community on Oct. 8 to launch her new breast cancer fund for the Valley Health Foundation.
Zeidler is having Aesthetx sponsor the next installment of Flex & Chill, which features pilates and yoga led by YogaSource set to the beats of a live DJ, followed by food and beverage by Loma Brewing Company.
A portion of all proceeds will be donated to kickstart Valley Health Foundation’s new Dr. Zeidler Breast Cancer Fund, designed to support the full circle of care for breast cancer patients in Silicon Valley.
For Zeidler, an internationally renowned plastic surgeon, the event is her brainchild and couldn’t be more personal. An innovator in surgical breast reconstruction, Zeidler herself has several family members with the breast cancer gene.
“Breast cancer exacts a big psychological and emotional toll on patients,” she said. “I want to make sure everyone in our community has access to the full circle of breast cancer care, from detection and treatment to reconstruction and support services.”
Zeidler chose to nest her eponymous Breast Cancer Fund within Valley Health Foundation, the nonprofit that supports Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and public health initiatives throughout Santa Clara County.
“Our public hospital system serves many patients who, because of inflexible work hours and lack of transportation, face challenges getting their regular breast cancer screenings,” said Michael Elliott, VHF president and executive director. “This fund will give us resources to start addressing those challenges head-on. Our first goal is to break down all barriers to regular breast cancer screenings.”
At Flex & Chill, participants took part in a selection of yoga and Pilates classes led by event co-sponsor YogaSource, which has locations in Los Gatos and Morgan Hill. Owner Linda McGrath also has a personal connection to the fundraiser: her mother suffered a “sudden and traumatic” bout with breast cancer years ago.
“This is a special moment to celebrate survivors, honor those we have lost, and renew our commitment to support efforts to fight this terrible disease,” she said.
Food and drink was provided by Loma Brewing Company.
“Loma Brewing is thrilled to help sponsor the kick-off event launching the Valley Health Foundation Dr. Zeidler Breast Cancer Fund,” said co-owner Julie Brady Youkilis. “Almost all of us know someone who has been impacted by this life-changing disease. It is gratifying to come together as a community to support those in need today and lay a cornerstone for the future.”
Governor signs bill to prevent vehicles from blocking driver view at crosswalks
A bill designed to increase visibility at crosswalks in California was signed into law Oct. 10 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Assembly Bill 413, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, D-San Jose, prevents parking or stopping a vehicle along a curb at least 20 feet from a marked crosswalk, a safety measure known as daylighting. The regulation only applies to the side of the road of the vehicle’s approach to the crosswalk.
Restricting vehicles stopped or parked all the way up to the crosswalk can increase visibility for approaching drivers and drivers stopped in traffic by allowing them to see if someone is entering the crosswalk with more notice.
Crosswalks with curb extensions will need a 15-foot buffer.
“AB 413 will save lives and make our streets safer for everyone,” Lee said in a statement. “The signing of the legislation represents a simple, but important step forward to improving California’s road safety. California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average. By increasing critical visibility of our streets, this bill will help prevent fatal accidents.”
Several cities, including San Francisco and Alameda, already implement daylighting at some crosswalks, but San Francisco’s regulation is currently set at 10 feet. The new law allows local jurisdictions to enforce a different distance if they have traffic safety data to justify doing so and if the space is marked with paint or signs.
Commercial unloading and loading can be permitted in local jurisdictions if specific crosswalks are identified, and the curb is marked with signage or paint.
The bill was championed by the advocacy groups Streets For All and the California Bicycle Coalition, known as CalBike.
Jared Sanchez, policy director at CalBike, said he applauded the governor signing the bill into law.
“As motor vehicles continue to dominate our streets and kill pedestrians at increasing rates, this is an important step to ensure our transportation system is safe for all users, especially the most vulnerable,” Sanchez said in a statement.
About half of all traffic-related injuries happen near intersections, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Citations will be issued starting Jan. 1, 2025. Until then, local jurisdictions are instructed to issue warnings.
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