There’s something deeply unsettling about driving through the gates of La Rinconada Country Club these days. Where there was once a canopy of oaks and the hum of nature, there are now piles of downed logs—a haunting reminder of what’s been lost in the name of “modernization.”
What we’re witnessing isn’t progress. It’s the slow, methodical erosion of a historic property’s soul. The deforestation of the golf course and surrounding areas, justified as part of a “greening” initiative, rings hollow when the true motive appears to be ego—an effort to compete with other country clubs by extending the length of the course and shedding its once-affectionate nickname of “Rinky Dink.”
The irony is painful. In striving to appear more prestigious, the club has sacrificed what made it truly special: its natural beauty, its sense of place, and the quiet dignity of a space that felt timeless. Members are already expressing regret. Many are trying to sell, and despite a five-year waitlist, few seem eager to buy. That alone should tell us something.
Adding insult to injury, the new design proposes solar panels in the parking lot—a location so visible it will transform the view from nearly every angle of the property. What was once a refined and elegant environment will soon resemble a public high school lot, devoid of grace or cohesion. Sustainability is a worthy goal, but good design requires thoughtfulness, not token gestures.
This is not just about a golf course; it’s about our town’s character. When historic landscapes and architectural integrity are sacrificed for the sake of vanity projects or fleeting trends, we lose a piece of what makes Los Gatos extraordinary.
I urge the Planning Commission and Town Council to take a harder look at the long-term effects of the projects they approve. Are these developments enhancing the quality of life for residents—or are they eroding the very beauty and balance that define us?
Show me an elite neighborhood that thrives after mowing down its trees, and I’ll show you a place that has forgotten what made it desirable in the first place. Progress should never come at the expense of our natural and cultural heritage. Once the trees are gone—once the soul is gone—there’s no putting it back.
Tiffany Sieber
—Los Gatos
Newspaper is a platform for combating misinformation
As an author myself, I am thrilled to see other authors getting their moment in the spotlight! Literature is more important than ever in today’s society, especially for our kids.
I feel that giving Carlota this type of platform will help combat misinformation spread by the Trump administration about Latino people, including for future generations of readers and viewers.
We need to stand up to those who spread misinformation while also promoting literacy, both for kids and the population at large.
There are likely thousands more authors out there who deserve the same platform as Carlota and have wonderful stories to tell.
Jane Walter
San Jose
Give some Halloween love to Johnson Avenue, too
It seems that annually Tait Avenue gets Halloween coverage by your paper and also the San Jose Mercury.
However, Johnson Avenue never gets mentioned. Los Gatos Police close off Johnson annually, and we get well over 1,000 people.
Neighbors go to great lengths with elaborate decorating—one house had an enormous fire-breathing dragon. This year neighbors constructed lit arches going down the sidewalk.
Our “street party” gets bigger every year. Please don’t forget to mention us too.
Bonnie Bates
Los Gatos
RIP to Los Gatos Centennial Pageant organizer
In 1987, the town of Los Gatos celebrated its 100th anniversary with many festivities.
The most remarkable was a large pageant, involving over seventy of the town’s residents, animals and artifacts. It was held on the front lawn of the high school and featured characters from the town’s fabled past, including Mountain Charley, and many others.
All the actors were locals and the whole town turned out to observe the spectacle. The creator and director of this pageant was Kathy Morgan.
Kathy taught English at Los Gatos High School for 37 years, and served on the Los Gatos Planning Commission, the Los Gatos Historical Society, Los Gatos Community Concert Association and was a supporter of the Friends of the Los Gatos Library for many years afterward.
She passed away peacefully at her 100-year-old home in Los Gatos on Sept. 30. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Los Gatos Methodist Church at 4pm Friday, Nov. 14.
