Proclamation of Local Emergency and
Shelter In Place Directive

On March 12, 2020, Town Manager and Director of Emergency Services, Laurel Prevetti, issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic and its spread in the Santa Clara County community. On March 17, 2020, the Town Council ratified the Proclamation of Local Emergency (see the enabling Resolution here).  

These are important steps in the Town’s efforts to prepare and coordinate emergency resources for the Los Gatos community.

On March 16, 2020, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department ordered all individuals living in the County to shelter in place with allowances for food shopping, medical care, and other basic needs.  On March 31, 2020, Public Health issued another order superseding and extending the shelter at home requirement through May 3, as well as clarifying and strengthening certain terms of the prior shelter order.  The entire updated order can be viewed here. A short, one page summary of the order can be viewed here.  A more in-depth, eight page executive summary of the order can be viewed here.  As a result, all Town Departments (excluding public safety) are closed through May 3, 2020.

For more information on Public Health guidance and other important information regarding COVID-19, please visit the County Public Health website, which is updated daily and now allows the public to ask questions and receive responses.  A person’s risk for COVID-19 is not related to race, ethnicity, or culture. 

A Message from the Mayor

Good afternoon, Los Gatos. As we continue yet another week of Shelter in Place – one that many of us hoped would mark the end of isolation – we are instead confronted with the reality of a relentlessly persistent pandemic. The protective actions being requested of us at this point seem, if anything, more demanding than ever before. All the more reason to remember exactly why, and for whom, we are doing what we are – for our loved ones, for ourselves, for the most vulnerable among us, and most importantly now, for those healthcare professionals who fight for us all by fighting the virus. As they work tirelessly day in and day out, let’s take our hats off to them by putting our masks on. This small gesture can make a big difference. So get out your best bandana, an old ski mask, or a spare piece of fabric you didn’t know you had lying around, and tie it on. By supporting others in this and other ways, we can find the hope and inspiration it will take to continue to do what we can to slow the virus’s spread and save lives.

We can do this Los Gatos. Our town is unique in so many ways, and now we can be unique through our leadership, our creativity in finding ways to help others, and in our resolve to see this through.

Once again, thank you for everything each of you is doing every day to keep us all safe and healthy.

It takes a Town.


Marcia Jensen
Los Gatos Mayor

Santa Clara County Issues Order to Report Large Inventories of Personal Protective Equipment
and Ventilators

The County of Santa Clara Health Officer, Dr. Sara Cody, issued an order on April 8, 2020 requiring both entities and individuals to report large inventories of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators. Reporting is due by 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2020 via an online survey. It is a one-time disclosure that will help the County’s Public Health Department understand what supplies currently exist and to plan for a potential hospital surge, protecting the health and safety of frontline medical workers, first responders, and patients.

Although the Order does not require donations, those who would like to are encouraged to do so through the VMC Foundation. 

For the full details of the order, including a complete list of items and quantities that need to be reported, and to complete the one-time disclosure, visit www.sccphd.org/cv19ppe.

Town Council Unanimously Votes to Donate Additional Funds to Local Organizations Assisting Town Residents with Services Due to COVID-19 

The Town’s existing community grant program includes awards to several human services organizations that provide direct services to Los Gatos residents.  At the April 7, 2020 Town Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to authorize the Town Manager to amend the existing human services grant agreements with West Valley Community Services, Counseling and Support Services for Youth, Next Door Solutions, and Live Oak Senior Nutrition to donate an additional $10,000 to each organization, for a total of $40,000, to assist Town residents with needed services due to COVID-19 and related Public Health Orders. 

West Valley Community Services provides food assistance, supplies, and rental assistance. Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) is providing mental health telehealth services to youth. Next Door Solutions is helping those who have experienced domestic violence. Live Oak Senior Nutrition is serving take out meals to the Los Gatos senior community. The donation is being paid with existing funds in the Operating Budget for FY 2019/20 that can be used at the Council’s discretion.

Town Council Unanimously Adopts Urgency Ordinance to Place a Moratorium on Residential Evictions

Pursuant to the Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code, California Government Code, Governor of California, and Santa Clara County Public Health Officer, on March 24, 2020, the Town Council unanimously voted to adopt a temporary moratorium on evictions related to income loss due to COVID-19 mitigation measures in order to ensure that individuals can continue to self-isolate.  The ordinance can be viewed here. 

County of Santa Clara Eviction Moratorium
Includes Small Businesses

Santa Clara County has issued an Ordinance covering March 24 through May 31, unless otherwise extended, ordering that small businesses located in Los Gatos and across the County renting or leasing real property for commercial, business, income-producing, or otherwise non-residential use, cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent if such business suffered substantial loss of income due to COVID-19. Refer to County Ordinance NS-9.287 for further details. The County’s ordinance relies on U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) definitions of small businesses based on industry. Find detailed information and an FAQ on the Santa Clara County moratorium page.

Information on Updated Public Health Shelter in Place Order - March 31, 2020

On March 31, 2020, Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County Health Officer and Public Health Director announced an updated order to extend the order to shelter in place through May 3, 2020. Additional restrictions were also announced.  These actions were taken to further reduce the number of people with whom all individuals come in contact every day.  The more quickly we reduce the number of contacts each of us has, the more quickly and effectively we can “flatten the curve,” reducing strain on the health care system and saving lives.

 New restrictions include:

• Use of playgrounds, dog parks, public picnic areas, and similar recreational areas is prohibited. 
• Use of shared public recreational facilities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, pools, and rock walls is prohibited. These facilities are closed.
• Sports requiring people to share a ball or other equipment must be limited to people in the same household.
• Essential businesses must develop a social distancing protocol before April 3, 2020.
• Most construction—residential and commercial—is prohibited.
• Essential businesses are expanded to include service providers that enable residential transactions (notaries, title companies, realtors, etc.), funeral homes, cemeteries, moving companies, rental car companies, and rideshare services that specifically enable essential activities.
• Essential businesses that continue to operate facilities must scale down operations to their essential component only.

All of the new information can be found on the County Public Health website at:  www.sccphd.org/coronavirus.  A short, one page summary of the order can be viewed here.  A more in-depth, eight page executive summary of the order can be viewed here. 

Update to Available Town Services

Police Department: Fully operational. Non-essential functions are postponed until further notice.  Personnel are utilizing remote means to handle non-life threatening calls when appropriate.  For more information, visit the Department website. 

Community Development Department: Temporarily closed to the public. No counter services currently available including application and permit submittal, resubmittal, or issuance.  Limited building inspection services are available for essential residential projects and emergency situations that can be completed via video.  Planning to have a solution to allow electronic permit submittal, resubmittal, and limited issuance on or before April 17th.

Library: Temporarily closed to the public.  Hold onto books you currently have checked out.  All items will be renewed without late fees charged. Follow Facebook, Instagram, and the website for a schedule of remote storytimes and other fun activities. Online services such as e-books and e-magazines are available.  If you need to open an account, email library@losgatosca.gov. 

Parks and Public Works Department:  Parks and trails are open, but please maintain at least six feet of social distancing when using them and do not use playgrounds.  Park restrooms are available and cleaned once a day. Routine maintenance of streets and parks continues at reduced levels.  Selected construction projects and support for urgent work for utility companies exempt from the County order continue. Email any concerns to workorder@losgatosca.gov. 

Economic Vitality Department: Resources for small businesses, employers, and employees are available here and on the Town website. The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce is also a good source of information for businesses and the community. Any questions can be emailed to Monica Renn at mrenn@losgatosca.gov. 

Finance Department: Business license services are available remotely via email at businesslicense@losgatosca.gov. 

2020 Census

Now is a great time for residents to complete the census online at www.my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020. Remember that anyone can complete the census with or without a permanent address or 12-digit ID number (sent to households by the Census Bureau). Everyone needs to be counted, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender or immigration status. 

COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses, Employers, and Employees

The Town is an active member in Joint Venture’s Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance. Through this partnership, the Town has learned of resources available during this time of hardship for many small business owners, employers, and employees. We wish each of you good health and business resiliency. 

Support Los Gatos Businesses During Shelter in Place

Visit the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce website for a list of Los Gatos restaurants offering delivery and pickup as well as Los Gatos merchants with online stores.

Financial Assistance for Those Affected by COVID-19

There are financial resource available to those adversely impacted by COVID-19.

Opportunities to Volunteer and/or Donate to Local Organizations

The following local organizations are offering opportunities to provide help to others during the COVID-19 crisis. They are also good resources for finding assistance for yourself or others during this time.

• American Red Cross Silicon Valley
• West Valley Community Services
• Silicon Valley Strong
• Feed Our Heroes
• #FeedTheNeedBayArea
• Santa Clara County Helping Hands
• House of Hope - Calvary Church Los Gatos
• CASSY - Counseling and Support Services for Youth

Other Resources

The following additional resources are also available to the community during the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Order:

• West Valley Community Services is offering assistance with food, clothing, rent, and other needs.
• Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank for a Brown Bag food distribution location at the Senior Recreation Center at 208 E Main Street in Los Gatos.  Second Harvest’s Brown Bag Program provides nutritious groceries to low-income older adults (ages 60+) and disabled individuals (ages 55+) at distribution sites in Santa Clara County.  
• The Calvary Church House of Hope is delivering food every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5 p.m. within a 10 mile radius of the Church (located at 16330 Los Gatos Boulevard).
• Los Gatos Union School District is providing an opportunity for families to pick up free breakfast and lunch meals for any child 18 years and younger in their family regardless of enrollment in LGUSD. Meals will be available Monday through Friday as a drive-through service. Children must be present in the car to receive meals.  Los Gatos High School students are eligible to participate in this program.  Meals will be available at R.J. Fisher Middle School (for all families) drive-through on Roberts Road from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• CASSY Counseling and Support Services for Youth is providing mental health services to students through its telehealth platform. 
• Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence is offering crisis and community support, housing solutions, and supportive services to those in domestic violence situations. 
• Santa Clara County Helping Hands is helping to match seniors to volunteers that can deliver basic supplies, groceries, prescriptions.  
• Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is offering free weekly drive-thru sites at churches for food.  If you need food, call 1-800-984-3663 or view the schedule on their website. Registration is done on site. 

Help Keep Los Gatos Parks and Trails Open

At this time, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District preserve access for the Jones and Flume Trail (which run through St Joseph’s Hill and Novitiate Park in Los Gatos), is for hiking and walking only, Please do not access the Midpen portion of the trail with bikes or horses. Midpen asks for your cooperation, as at this time they do not have the resources to post this as a closure. 

You can help keep Los Gatos parks and trails open by following these simple guidelines:

• Stay close to home and avoid crowded areas.
• Share the trail and yield to others to maintain a safe distance.
• Choose less frequented parks and trails.
• Do not park in a crowded parking lot or use a crowded trail.
• Hike single file to maximize distance when passing others.
• Leave no trace: pack out what you pack in.
• Look for nearby nature to enjoy, look for the hidden nature in your own neighborhood.
• Do not hold social gatherings(do not mix with other households) at parks or anywhere.

Tips for Keeping a Sense of Normalcy During this Time of Heightened Public Risk

The following are examples of ideas for helping to maintain a sense of normalcy while under the County Shelter in Place Order due to COVID-19 precautions:

Tips for Supporting Children During
Infectious Disease Outbreaks

There may be children or young people in your life who experience distress. As a trusted adult, you can help reassure and educate them about COVID-19 – it can be good to talk to them now, so they can understand the illness and be reassured.

Tips for Managing Wellbeing
During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

• Spend time in places that feel safe and comfortable as much as possible.
• Tell yourself that how you are feeling is a normal reaction and will pass- it is nothing to be afraid of.
• Video call your usual supports - family, friends, and workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important.
• Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible - mealtimes, bedtime, exercise, etc.
• Keep active - taking a walk, working out or practicing yoga at home can improve general wellbeing and help distract from distressing feelings.

Notify Me!

How can we help you if we can't reach you?  While you have signed up to receive these weekly "What's New" emails, many of your neighbors may have remained in the dark because they did not receive current information from the Town.  In addition to emergency communications, you may sign up for Town notifications regarding infrastructure projects in your neighborhood, Town events, meetings, and other topics of community interest. 

Please encourage your friends and neighbors in Los Gatos to sign up for Town communications through "Notify Me" at: www.losgatosca.gov/notifyme. Type your email address in the box and select "sign in."  From there, you can subscribe to the topics you wish and you are able to unsubscribe at any time. If you need help, call the Town Manager's Office at (408) 354-6832 during business hours. 

Lifesaving Information For Emergencies (L.I.F.E.) File

Emergencies can happen when we least expect them to and many of the requests for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) happen within the home. The Town of Los Gatos is partnering with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to promote their new L.I.F.E. file program. The L.I.F.E. File is a simple tool individuals and families may use to assist emergency responders during a medical emergency.   First Responders rely heavily upon the patient, and/or the patient’s family members, to provide information used to help in the treatment and care of the patient. However, there are times when the patient is unable to provide this information and family members may not be present or available to assist First Responders during a medical emergency. The L.I.F.E. File information includes past pertinent medical history, allergies to medications, medications currently prescribed to the patient, advanced medical directives and any additional information. The L.I.F.E. File pouch is a vinyl magnetic pouch that is placed in an easily seen location on the front or side of the refrigerator.

You may pick up L.I.F.E. Files from Town Hall and local fire stations. If you, or anyone you know, would like additional information on the L.I.F.E. File program please contact Jackie Rose, Community Outreach Coordinator at JRose@losgatosca.gov