The Willow Glen Resident

Around The Glen

Perez family seeks donations for burial of second son, David

Last week, the Santa Clara County coroner's office confirmed that the death of 14-year-old David Perez was a suicide.

Perez, whose family lives in Willow Glen, hung himself at the Adolescent Residential Treatment Center, an in-patient facility in San Jose for disturbed children, where he was receiving treatment for attention deficit disorder.

Family members believe the June 13 murder of Perez's older brother, Oscar Perez Jr., prompted David's July 12 suicide.

The boys' mother, Adela Perez, buried her two oldest sons within a month of each other. They now lie together in a double plot at the cemetery.

Community donations helped pay for Oscar's funeral last month. Now the Perez family is in need once again. Those interested in contributing to David's burial fund can send a donation to Washington Mutual Bank, 1285 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 95125, account no. 1774197545. Checks can be made out to Adela Perez, FBO David Perez.

--Christine Frey

Suspect in Perez murder may be tried as an adult

A 15-year-old female has been charged in the homicide of 14-year-old Oscar Perez Jr., said San Jose Police Department spokesperson John Carrillo. She is the fourth suspect to be charged in the crime.

Police are still investigating the possibility that another female was involved in the murder, Carrillo said.

The teenager is incarcerated at juvenile hall, where she was already in custody for an unrelated matter at the time the charges were made.

Kurt Kumli, the supervisor of the juvenile unit of the district attorney's office, said prosecutors are considering trying the girl as an adult.

The case must first be certified to adult court, after a fitness hearing is held. During the hearing, number of factors will be used to determine whether the teenager should be tried as an adult, including the criminal sophistication of the minor, the seriousness of the offense and her ability to be rehabilitated in the juvenile system.

The court is scheduled to decide July 29 whether a fitness hearing will be held.

--Christine Frey

Willow Glen Attic sold, re-opening set for September

Starting in September, a new era will begin for Willow Glen Attic at 1395 Lincoln Ave.

After nine years as the store's owner/operators, Larry Thiboutot and Todd Dance have sold the Willow Glen Attic effective July 9. The new owner is Wendy Osborne Pacheco, a resident of Naglee Park.

From now until September, the Willow Glen Attic will be closed for remodeling work, Pacheco said.

In addition to the remodeling, Pacheco plans to make a few changes to the antique, home furnishings and gift store. "It's going to be a lot of new surprises for Willow Glen. It's going to be a mixture of old and new, with an emphasis on bed linens and baby linens," she said.

Thiboutot decided to sell the store and retire. He recently purchased a home in New England, where he was born and raised. Retirement will allow him to spend time at his home in New England as well as his home in Willow Glen, Thiboutot said.

Through the years, business in Willow Glen was good, Thiboutot said. "I've had a really great clientele. Everybody from Willow Glen has always supported me. I was very appreciative of everyone in the Willow Glen area who has supported me all these years," he said.

--Michelle Ku

Career Closet hosts 'Threads to Success' national conference at Hyatt San Jose

The Career Closet of Santa Clara County, a Willow Glen nonprofit agency that provides quality job-interview clothing to economically disadvantaged women, will be hosting a national conference at the Hyatt-San Jose Hotel on July 22 and 23.

The conference, called "Threads to Success," will feature such workshops as "Women as Philanthropists: How to Tap that Potential." Twenty-six organizations will attend to learn about volunteerism, collaboration and marketing.

Guest speakers at the conference include Anne Cribbs, vice president of Cavalli & Cribbs, and Nicole Shapiro, author of the bestseller Negotiating Your Life.

Macy's is funding the conference, along with Bank of America and the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. The department store will also host a presentation about how to dress for success on July 22 at Macy's Valley Fair location.

--Rochelle Lee

Mr. Chau's undergoes facilities upgrade and will not reopen for several months

Willow Glen residents who miss the cuisine of Mr. Chau's Chinese Fast Food will have to wait a little longer for their egg rolls and chow mien. The fast-food restaurant closed at the end of May for remodeling and will not re-open for several months, owner Patrick Chau said.

The Lincoln Avenue restaurant, which is more than three years old, is getting new tile, concrete floors and kitchen equipment. Chau said he remodels his 16 Bay Area restaurants every two years to upgrade and clean the facilities.

Although construction is currently under way, Chau is not certain when it will be completed. Nor does he know how long it will take for the health department to do a routine inspection of the restaurant's changes.

Until the Willow Glen location is open for business, residents can satisfy their cravings for Chinese at the Mr. Chau's on Meridian Avenue.

--Christine Frey

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