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 March 31^st order can be viewed here.  

On April 29, 2020, County Public Health extended the Shelter In Place Order through May 31, 2020 with some eased restrictions while efforts to strengthen containment of COVID-19 are put into place.  All construction activities, certain businesses that operate primarily outdoors, and some outdoor activities will be allowed to resume with specific conditions.  The entire updated order can be viewed here.  A short, one-page summary of the order can be viewed here. A more in-depth executive summary of the order can be viewed here.  The Bay Area Health Officers’ indicators for assessing progress on containing COVID-19 can be viewed here.

As a result, all Town Departments (excluding public safety and certain development services) are closed through May 31, 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 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 morning Los Gatos. On March 17^th, Santa Clara County Public Health issued its first Shelter in Place Order. On March 30^th, it was extended through May 4, and on April 28^th, it was extended yet again through May 31^st. We are all understandably frustrated. The question is what must we do to re-open safely, and how can we get it done? County Health Officers have identified 5 “Indicators” that need to be in place before any type of recovery can begin. These are:

• The total number of COVID-19 cases identified per day is flat or decreasing
• There is sufficient Hospital capacity to assure that 50% of beds remain available to non-COVID-19 patients
• A sufficient number of tests are performed each day
• Contact Tracing is in place
• There is a 30-day supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for healthcare workers

• Identify a clear threshold for testing frequency that is sufficient to allow re-opening
• Provide a comprehensive list of testing sites available to residents; and
• Describe a plan for Contact Tracing and how each city can assist in staffing a data collection operation

In response, County Officials convened a Zoom meeting with Mayors this past Friday, where some preliminary information was shared, along with notice that the County anticipated reviewing a Comprehensive Plan designed to achieve the prerequisites to recovery at its meeting on May 5^th.  When that Plan is in place, the Town of Los Gatos stands ready to do everything it can to assure its success.

We are all tired. The physical, mental, social, and economic stress of the continued SIP is taking a toll on all of us. Still, it is important to remember that ultimately, the goal of the Order is to protect the health and well-being of everyone in the community, particularly those most vulnerable among us. So, let’s hang in there just a little longer, knowing that efforts are being made every day which will allow the Town to reopen in a way that is safe for all of us.

As always, thank you for supporting each other through this difficult time.

It takes a Town.
Marcia Jensen
Los Gatos Mayor

May 13, 2020 Planning Commission Meeting

The agenda and reports for the May 13, 2020 Planning Commission meeting are available online. The Planning Commission will consider a draft proposed five-year Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2020/21 to 2024/25.

Planning Commission meetings are held regularly on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Commission meetings are broadcast live on KCAT-15. Live and archived videos are also available online.

This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.  The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on television and/or online at: https://meetings.municode.com/PublishPage/index?cid=LOSGATOS&ppid=4bc370fb-3064-458e-a11a-78e0c0e5d161&p=0.  In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20, the public may only view the meeting on television and/or online and not in the Council Chamber.

If you are interested in providing oral comments real-time during the meeting, you must make a request in advance to obtain the Zoom link and password for the meeting.  Please email PlanningComments@losgatosca.gov before 5:00 p.m. the day of the Planning Commission meeting to obtain the link and password. 
 
During the meeting:

• When the Chair announces the item for which you wish to speak, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom.  If you are participating by phone only, press *9 on your telephone keypad. 
• When called to speak, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes, or such other time as the Chair may decide, consistent with the time limit for speakers at a Planning Commission meeting.

If you are unable to participate in real-time, you may send an email to PlanningComments@losgatosca.gov with the subject line “Public Comment Item #__ ” (insert the item number relevant to your comment) or “Verbal Communications – Non Agenda Item.”  Comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting if received by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.  All comments received will become part of the record.  The Chair has the option to modify this action on items based on comments received.

For details on this agenda or about Planning Commission meetings, please send an email to the Community Development Department to confirm meeting date, location and time. 

Commissioner Recruitment Update 

Annual Youth Commissioner Recruitment: Applications are being accepted for the Youth Commission for students entering 8 through 12 grade in the 2020/2021 school year.  Due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Public Health Order, the application deadline has been extended to Friday, July 10, 2020, 4:00 p.m.  Interviews have been rescheduled to Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 4:00 p.m.  Apply online at www.LosGatosCA.gov/CommissionApplication.

Mid-Year Adult Commission Recruitment: Due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Public Health Order, the mid-year adult Commissioner recruitment has been cancelled.  The next adult Commissioner recruitment will be the annual recruitment in the fall.  Applications for all Boards, Commissions, and Committees can be submitted at any time.

Valley Water Notice of Public Hearing - May 26, 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) will hold a public hearing on a report recommending: FLOOD CONTROL BENEFIT ASSESSMENT RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 in flood control zones of said Valley Water. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 6 p.m., in Valley Water’s Headquarters Board Room, 5700 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, California. Said report is in writing and incorporates by reference a description of each parcel and the expected amount of assessment under the approved assessment formula for each parcel within the flood control zones of the District. Due to the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and shelter in place order by the State of California and County of Santa Clara, the report may be viewed on the Valley Water web page.

Los Gatos Farmers' Market Update 

As you may know, Farmers’ Markets are exempt from the Shelter in Place order issued by the County, as they are places the community can acquire food. The Los Gatos Market staff, farmers and producers are dedicated to adhering to health and safety standards, and providing safe and reliable access to nutritious foods. Here are some of the additional measures being taken to keep everyone healthy and safe at the market during COVID-19: 

A Message From the Community Development Director

Dear patrons,

The Community Development Department is temporarily closed to the public.

Pursuant to the new Order from the Santa Clara County Department of County Health, our offices continue to be closed until further notice.  As a result, we are currently not able to offer any counter services. Starting May 4, 2020, we will resume building inspection services.  Inspections that can be completed via video will be scheduled and other on-site inspection services will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Additionally, we have limited staff resources who are able to perform work on permits remotely.           
 
The Town now has a solution that allows for electronic permit submittal, resubmittal, and limited issuance.  Please visit the Town’s Building and Planning webpages for further information on this option.  While construction is permitted to continue, the Town does not recommend that any construction that is not explicitly permitted by the County Health Order be completed.  Additionally, if contractors and property owners choose to resume construction, those projects must maintain strict compliance with the COVID-19 safety protocol regulations (see County Health's Safety Protocols for large and small  construction projects) and the Town’s regulations pertaining to construction hours and other requirements. 
 
Additionally, many public meetings will be cancelled through June 1, 2020.  As the closure continues in the County and Town, we are still exploring options to hold virtual public meetings.  Please check the Town’s website for updates as these unique circumstances continue to evolve.

Stay safe and healthy,
Joel Paulson 
Community Development Director

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 in-person counter services are currently available.  Inspections that can be completed via video will be scheduled and other on-site inspection services will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Limited staff resources are available to perform work on permits remotely.  Electronic permit submittal, resubmittal, and limited issuance started on April 17^th.  Please visit the Town’s Building and Planning webpages for further information on this option. 

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. Town sports fields and courts, including soccer, baseball, pickleball, and tennis, remain closed in accordance with the County order.  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 ppw@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. 

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.

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

Please visit the Town's COVID-19 business page to access the most up to date COVID-19 resources for small businesses, 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.

County Resources for Workers
Impacted by COVID-19 

The County of Santa Clara Office of Labor Standards Enforcement and the Fair Workplace Collaborative have launched a new program for workers who are suffering financial impact due to job loss or reduced hours because of COVID-19.

The program is called Santa Clara County COVID-19 Assistance Navigation or Santa Clara County CAN and provides the following benefits:

• Callers can leave a message at any time in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese and a Navigation Manager will return their call within 24 hours. Hotline number:  408-809-2124
• Navigation managers will connect callers to resources and answer questions about work related issues and eligibility for social services.
  • EDD programs (unemployment, disability, paid family leave) – navigators will help determine what programs a caller is eligible and help them with the application.
  • Safetynet programs like CalFRESH and Medi-Cal
• The SCC-CAN Hotline works closely with the OLSE Attorney Advice Line – where necessary and appropriate, Navigation Managers will make referrals for callers with an Advice Line attorney.

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. 
• The El Camino Hospital Scrivner Center for Mental Health & Addiction Services has highly skilled, compassionate professionals offering expert care for those with mental health conditions. The El Camino Hospital mental health access line number is 866-789-6089.
• The Santa Clara County Mental Health Call Center is the centralized entry point for individuals who are seeking behavioral health services in Santa Clara County.  The Santa Clara  Behavioral Health Telephone Number is 1-800-704-0900.

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. 

Walking, hiking, and running is still permitted in Town parks and trails while practicing social distancing. Please note that Town sports fields and courts, including soccer, baseball, pickleball, and tennis, remain closed to ensure the health and safety of the public in accordance with the County order.  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