About me

Gene Sakahara started in the garlic fields as a youngster, working in the garlic processing plant while in college, and serving as President of Garlic Festival XIII. Sam Bozzo gained his culinary expertise through restaurant ownership and cooking demonstrations. He also served as President of Garlic Festival XII.

Together, we are SakaBozzo, “twins separated at birth” and the celebrity chefs of the world famous Gilroy Garlic Festival. We have been featured at garlic festivals both in the United States and internationally.

We both reside in Gilroy, California. Though Gene Sakahara is retired, he continues as a consultant and an administrative coach at the University of California at Santa Cruz New Teacher Center/New Administrator Program. He has served as Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and has served as principal at three Gilroy Schools. Sam Bozzo retired as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at the Monterey County Office of Education and has worked as Director of School Facilities in Gilroy Unified School District.

Awards, Honors and Societies

Nominees for the KSBW Channel 8 Jefferson Awards for our community service and contribution to Gilroy; Gene has been honored with Gilroy's Educator of the Year Award and national nominee as Distinguished Elementary Principal and Sam has been honored with the state Association of California School Administrators Classified Manager of the Year Award and Gilroy's Man of the Year Award.

Additional Services

We recently released our new book, Any Bozzo Can Cook—just in time for the 30th Anniversary of the Gilroy Garlic Festival! Order a copy--http://www.sakabozzo.com/SBOF.htm!