I grew up in a modest house on Littlefield Lane in Los Gatos, a small town in Northern California. Spanish for "The Cats", Los Gatos is named for the bobcats and mountain lions that roam the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounding the town. As a child, a favorite adventure was the drive over to Santa Cruz to picnic on Seabright Beach, and at 5 years old my highlight was the chance to spot the two white cat statues stationed on the side of Hwy 17 just as you leave town. The flash of white driving by was fleeting but long enough to glimpse the look on a face and feel a rush of mystery. When we moved up into the mountains in '79, I got to see those cats almost everyday, icons of Los Gatos.

Commissioned by the writers C.E.S. Wood and Sara Bard Field, the eight feet tall white concrete statues were completed in 1922. They frame the entrance of the hillside estate, but they were erected to inspire others to use sculpture and art in public places. They were later named Leo and Leona by the next owners, Bruce and Diane Ogilvie. It is thought Leo is on the right and has closed eyes, one ear back, calm but listening. Leona is vigilant, watching, ears forward.

I've always felt they define the town's character, keystones perhaps of the palpable community bond of similar qualities - support, pride, loyalty, and love. I am proud to call this town home, but that is not ego, that is just my heart. My two bronze cats, whom I call Leo and Leonita, are my combined tribute to Los Gatos, my sculptor grandfather, and home. 

And yes, I still look every time.