Final yr, Jeff Garmany and his spouse, Laura, ran collectively within the Stars and Strides Run 10K race via downtown San Jose. They usually had deliberate to take action once more final Saturday, till tragedy struck.
Jeff Garmany was using his motorbike to work the morning of June 9 when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver. He’s been hospitalized at Valley Medical Middle since, recovering however nonetheless paralyzed.
However he was at Stars and Strides in spirit — because of his spouse and his mom, Lori, who made certain his presence was recognized on the race. Laura, his spouse, ran the 10K sporting a cape that had the phrases “Justice for Jeff” and “I’m Working For My Husband As a result of He Can’t.” Race founder Carl Guardino and Michael Elliott, CEO of race beneficiary the Valley Well being Basis, introduced her on stage to thank her for being on the race and sharing her story.
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Laura Garmany exhibits off the cape she wore with the phrases, “Justice for Jeff” and “I am Working For My Husband Who Cannot,” following the fifth annual Stars and Strides Run in downtown San Jose on June 28, 2025. Along with her on stage are race founder Carl Guardino, left, and Valley Well being Basis CEO Michael Elliott. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Space Information Group)
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Laura Garmany exhibits off the cape she wore with the phrases, “Justice for Jeff” and “I am Working For My Husband Who Cannot,” following the fifth annual Stars and Strides Run in downtown San Jose on June 28, 2025. Along with her on stage are race founder Carl Guardino, left, and Valley Well being Basis CEO Michael Elliott. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Space Information Group)
Lori Garmany held an indication all through the race adorned with photos of her son and daughter-in-law, together with some displaying him within the hospital. Police arrested a suspect within the hit-and-run, and Lori was persistent within the days main as much as the arrest in ensuring police had been actively chasing down leads.
The couple had tickets to hike Mt. Whitney on July 4, however a hopeful Laura Garmany stated they’ll goal for subsequent yr. Little doubt after working the Stars and Strides collectively once more on June 27.
BY THE NUMBERS: Stars and Strides Run founder Carl Guardino was happy to report that the occasion handed expectations with 2,717 paid individuals and a $289,000 donation to Valley Well being Basis, the nonprofit that helps the Santa Clara County Well being and Hospital System. That brings the five-year complete the race has raised for Valley Well being Basis to greater than $1.5 million.
POSITIVE SIGN: In a world beset with many seemingly unsurmountable issues, we are able to not less than rejoice that the enduring neon signal atop the Resort De Anza in downtown San Jose is once more glowing brightly — and nightly.
On the Preservation Motion Council’s thirty fifth anniversary gala final Friday night time, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan was joined by lodge proprietor Dhavan Panchal and his household on stage earlier than he led the visitors in a countdown that ended with him declaring “Let there be mild.” Oakland-based Arrow Signal Co. spent about three weeks repairing the neon tubing and giving the classic signal a brand new coat of purple paint. Panchal and Sean Curtis, the lodge’s chief working officer, promise there are extra enhancements on the way in which, with a refresh of the jazzy Hedley Membership coming and the re-opening of the ground-floor restaurant anticipated subsequent yr.
MULCAHY’S MOMENT: The political barbs had been flying as anticipated Monday night time at San Jose Stage Firm’s twenty ninth annual “Monday Evening Stay” fundraiser, the place San Jose Metropolis Councilmember Michael Mulcahy actually wowed the packed home together with his abilities as a song-and-dance man (helpful qualities in each theater and politics). It’s going to take somebody particular to comply with in his proficient footsteps subsequent yr.
And when you are inclined to understand how these items go after practically 30 years, Monday night time’s present nonetheless had some surprises. Mulcahy led the packed home on the Stage in a refrain of “Completely satisfied Birthday” for Silvia Scandar Mahan, who spent her massive day watching her husband, Mayor Matt, inform just a few jokes and be the butt of others. Downtown Councilmember-elect Anthony Tordillos made an surprising look to ship a birthday cake to their desk.
And the present ended by honoring developer Barry Swenson, a stalwart supporter of San Jose Stage Firm who died in April at age 85. Mulcahy was joined onstage by San Jose Stage Creative Director Randall King and Swenson CEO (and Barry’s son) Case Swenson for a touching tribute that morphed right into a musical showcase with Mulcahy and actress Ashley Garlick singing the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” with the lyrics appopriately Swenson’d.
Within the curiosity of full disclosure, I wrote just a few jokes for the Weeknight Replace sketch, however solely the humorous ones.
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