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Stories and History about the City we all love, Monte Sereno.
JACK LUCAS
1930-2024
He was 93-years young. . . a shining star whose spirit will live on through his surviving family and the many hundreds of lives he touched.
Jack had a very unparalleled and distinguished career where he contributed to the success, well-being, and education of hundreds of young people as Dean of students, Vice-principal, and faculty member at Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools; Athletic coach for baseball, football, wrestling and Tennis; Founder and Principal of the Mark Twain Continuation High School for 24 years giving underachieving students a second chance at education. In addition to his long and distinguished career in education, Jack was elected to the Monte Sereno City Council and elected Mayor in 1986. He served another 4 terms on the Council. Mayor Jack served as Vice Chairman of the VTA which included the opening of the West Valley State Route 85 Freeway. Following public service, Jack was elected to the Board of Trustees of the West Valley-Mission Community College District and served 5 terms for a total of 20 years including 3 terms as president.
We were blessed at KCAT TV to have made so many videos of our beloved friend, Jack, including this final memorial tribute to a man who touched us so deeply. We will miss you forever.
Jack had a very unparalleled and distinguished career where he contributed to the success, well-being, and education of hundreds of young people as Dean of students, Vice-principal, and faculty member at Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools; Athletic coach for baseball, football, wrestling and Tennis; Founder and Principal of the Mark Twain Continuation High School for 24 years giving underachieving students a second chance at education. In addition to his long and distinguished career in education, Jack was elected to the Monte Sereno City Council and elected Mayor in 1986. He served another 4 terms on the Council. Mayor Jack served as Vice Chairman of the VTA which included the opening of the West Valley State Route 85 Freeway. Following public service, Jack was elected to the Board of Trustees of the West Valley-Mission Community College District and served 5 terms for a total of 20 years including 3 terms as president.
We were blessed at KCAT TV to have made so many videos of our beloved friend, Jack, including this final memorial tribute to a man who touched us so deeply. We will miss you forever.
KEN MIDDLEBROOK & BJWRR / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
Historian and Locomotive Engineer of the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Ken Middlebrook, knows it all when it comes to train talk. Join Ken and host Lissa Kreisler in a BJWRR train car as they delve into the history and stories of Billy Jones and his Wildcat Railroad.
BILL MASON CAROUSEL / GEORGE SHANNON
Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos is home to the beloved Bill Mason Carousel that has provided rides for generations of children and adults. Host Lissa Kreisler had an opportunity to meet George Shannon who graciously shared his vast knowledge about the history of the carousel and the life of Bill Mason.
JOHN LOCHNER & BJWRR / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad fan and former Los Gatos mayor John Lochner joins Host Lissa Kreisler to share stories of his involvement with the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad.
BILLY JONES WILDCAT RAILROAD STORIES / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
As a surprise, Host Lissa Kreisler gets a behind-the scenes tour and learns a few more fun facts about Billy Jones and Walt Disney.
WIMBERLY WALKWAY / JACK LUCAS, DON WIMBERLY, FRED NOOTEBOOM
Join host Lissa Kreisler for a stroll through the beloved Wimberly Walkway with former mayor Jack Lucas, namesake Don Wimberly, and Fred Nooteboom, co-chair of the Zena Ave. Fine Arts Commission. In this episode of the Monte Sereno Living History Project, you will learn about the history of the walkway as Jack explains the meaning of each handcrafted art piece he created in his garage that adorns the fence of the walkway.
THE STEINBECK HOUSE / DENA AND JOEL GAMBORD
Meet Dena and Joel Gambord, former residents of The John Steinbeck House in Monte Sereno. Dena and Joel share stories and laughs with host Lissa Kreisler about their experiences living in that famous house.
JOEL GAMBORD & JACK LUCAS / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
Walk down memory lane with these two incredible 90-year olds, Jack Lucas and Joel Gambord. They will have you laughing as they reminisce and share their stories and recollections of their time together on City Council with host Lissa Kreisler.
BURTON CRAIG / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
The rich history in Monte Sereno can often be recounted by city council members. Meet Burton Craig, former mayor and current council member, who shares those memories and stories with host Lissa Kreisler.
LON ALLAN / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
Lon Allan, former Monte Sereno Mayor, provides host Lissa Kreisler with a wealth of history and stories during his time on council and as a resident.
MARSHALL ANSTANDIG / MONTE SERENO LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
Former Monte Sereno Mayor, Marshall Anstandig, shares great stories and insights with host Lissa Kreisler about his time serving on the Council. This episode is filmed in the Monte Sereno part of beautiful Bachman Park.
CLARAVALE DAIRY / RON GARTHWAITE
Who remembers the beloved Guernsey cows at the Claravale Dairy right here in Monte Sereno? Host Lissa Kreisler met up with Ron Garthwaite who started his career working for the original owner, Kenneth Peake, and now, after Peake's passing, continues the tradition of running the dairy and selling the raw milk in glass bottles.
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