February 8, 2021 (New) Finance Commission Meeting

The agenda and reports for the February 8, 2021 Finance Commission meeting at 5:00 p.m. are available online. The Finance Commission will appoint the Chair and Vice Chair, establish a regular meeting schedule, and provide advice to the Town Council regarding mid-year budget options and five-year forecast scenarios.

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 local television and/or online. 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 not interested in providing oral comments real-time during the meeting, you can view the live stream of the meeting on television (Comcast Channel 15) and/or online on the Town-branded YouTube page.

If you are interested in providing oral comments real-time during the meeting, you must join the Zoom webinar at https://losgatosca-gov.zoom.us/j/86233751268 with password: 940851. You can also type in 86233751268 on the “Join a Meeting” page on the Zoom website at https://zoom.us/join.

To access the meeting by phone, dial (636) 651-0002 or (877) 336-1829 (US Toll Free) with conference code 986172.

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 on the Zoom app, press *9 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand. If you are participating by calling in, press #2 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand.
• 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 Council meeting. 

For more information on this agenda or about Finance Commission meetings, please call 408-354-6832 or send an email to the Town Manager's office. 

February 10, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting

The agenda and reports for the February 10, 2021 Planning Commission meeting are available online. The Planning Commission will consider a request for demolition and re-build of a single-family residence, removal of two large protected trees, and site improvements requiring a grading permit at 62 Ellenwood Avenue. 

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.  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 join the Zoom webinar at https://losgatosca-gov.zoom.us/j/84199173675?pwd=eHNWa1JVT1U1RktONEdZU1E1YkpmZz09 with password: 254578. 

To access the meeting by phone, dial (213) 270-2124 or (888) 273-3658 (US Toll Free) with conference code 898841.
 
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 on the Zoom app, press *9 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand.  If you are participating by calling in, without a Zoom app, you must notify the Community Development Director  at PlanningComment@losgatosca.gov which item(s) you would like to speak on prior to 7:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. 
• 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 PlanningComment@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.

Finance Commission Recruitment Open

County of Santa Clara Health System and Several Other Providers to Begin Providing Vaccines to
County Residents Age 65 and Older,
Regardless of Where they Usually Receive Care

Free Santa Clara County Fire Department Adult 50+ Disaster Preparedness & Home Safety Classes

The Santa Clara County Fire Department is offering free online disaster preparedness and home safety classes to the Los Gatos and Monte Sereno communities throughout the first half of 2021.  Class dates, descriptions, and registration links are below:

Crime Prevention and Home Fire Safety
March 24, 2021
10 - 11:15 a.m.
Protect against fraud and identity theft. Discuss personal safety and home security protection methods. Identify suspicious activity and know when to report it.  Understand fire risks and practice safety habits to prevent fires. Develop a home escape plan.  
Register at: https://onlinecrimefiresafetylosgatos2021.eventbrite.com

Fall Prevention
May 20, 2021
10 - 11:15 a.m.
Identify fall risks and learn simple and effective home modifications to prevent falls. Get connected with community resources to maintain safety and wellness. Meet local firefighters and see the fire engine and equipment.
Register at: https://onlinefallpreventionlosgatos2021.eventbrite.com

Be Ready: Be Prepared!
June 10, 2021
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Learn about Bay Area disaster risks, how to make a plan and prepare for a disaster, disaster supply kit contents, and how stay informed during and after the disaster. Learn about important communication systems and how to communicate with your support network during a disaster.
Register at: https://onlinebereadylosgatos2021.eventbrite.com

2021 - 2023 Town Strategic Priorities

On January 26, 2021, the Town Council determined the Strategic Priorities for 2021-2023, providing guidance to Town staff on workload prioritization.  The Town Council reaffirmed its Core Goals, including: Community Character, Good Governance, Fiscal Stability, Quality Public Infrastructure, Civic Enrichment, and Public Safety.  Even with the significant budgetary challenges associated with the pandemic, many of Council’s primary goals and priorities will continue to be programed in the FY 2021-22 Operating and Capital Budgets. Specifically, the Council emphasized wildfire safety; senior services; diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainability; implementing parking study recommendations, and exploring increased revenue options.

For more information on the Town Strategic Priorities, please visit the Town website. 

Becoming an Inclusive Community

Visit the Town's webpage, Becoming an Inclusive Community to find information about the Town's commitment to inclusivity, equity, justice, and diversity, including related Town Council actions, Council action on Police reforms, an overview of Police Department community policing, and a dedicated email for comments and inquiries regarding these important issues.

If you have concerns, experiences, questions, or ideas regarding how Los Gatos can be more welcoming for all, please let us know by sending an email to Community@losgatosca.gov.

PG&E Underground Electrical Work on Winchester

PG&E’s contractor, Underground Electric, has started underground electrical infrastructure upgrades on Winchester Boulevard from Wimbledon Drive to Vineland Avenue. PG&E advanced the project on Winchester in anticipation of the Town’s Winchester Boulevard resurfacing work planned for summer 2021. 

Once resurfaced, the Town imposes a 5-year moratorium on street work to ensure new pavement is not disturbed.  If utility work impacting pavement is required within the 5-year moratorium period, the Town Parks and Public Works Department would require stringent rehabilitation measures to restore the street condition.  

The work is scheduled for completion by March 2021.  The permitted work hours for this project are between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  A Town approved traffic control plan will be in place for the duration of the project as well as message boards alerting drivers of the upcoming construction and possible delays.

State of California and County of Santa Clara
COVID-19 Guidelines 

On August 28, 2020, Governor Newsom announced the Blueprint for a Safe Economy, which uses a Color Tier System to slow the spread of COVID-19.  The colors (Purple/Widespread, Red/Substantial, Orange/Moderate, and Yellow/Minimal) reflect the number of new COVID-19 cases and how the disease is spreading locally.  They also provide a framework for a safe progression of opening more businesses and activities. Visit the State's COVID-19 website to view the status of activities within each County. 

On January 25, 2021 the State of California announced the lifting of its Regional Stay at Home Order for all regions statewide, including the Bay Area. Effective January 25, Santa Clara County has returned to the Purple Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, with some additional local restrictions remaining in place. Outdoor dining may resume, as well as personal care services and professional, collegiate, and adult and youth sports. The County’s mandatory travel quarantine remains in place, requiring a 10-day quarantine for most people who travel into the county from more than 150 miles away. Under the Purple Tier, many non-essential indoor business operations are closed. The State’s website includes information regarding the Purple Tier and its impact on businesses and activities. 

Public Health Officials urge residents to refrain from travel, to gather with persons outside of their household only outdoors, and to limit interactions with persons outside of their immediate household. 

All businesses must have a Social Distancing Protocol on file with the County and displayed. See the Santa Clara County Health website for more information on local guidance and directives that all businesses in Santa Clara County must follow.
 
K-12 schools that have not yet opened cannot open while Santa Clara County is in the Purple Tier. K-12 schools that have already opened may continue to be open pursuant to the County Schools Directive and State Guidelines.

State reopening metrics are based on cases per 100,000 residents and positive COVID-19 test results per 100,000 tests.  Each County must meet the following requirements in order to advance to the next colored tier: 

• 21 day mandatory wait time between moves, and
• meet metrics for the next tier for two straight weeks

Counties are only permitted to advance one tier at a time. If a County’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will move backwards and be assigned a more restrictive tier. The State will calculate seven-day averages every Tuesday; the averages will be based on data from a full week earlier to provide counties time to report up-to-date information.

Please remember that when there are discrepancies between State and County guidelines, the stricter Order controls.

Santa Clara County COVID-19 Vaccine Information

For information on Santa Clara County’s plans regarding vaccines, visit their official dedicated webpage at www.sccfreevax.org.

Santa Clara County Business Database

Curious about which businesses are COVID-19 prepared? You can now search the Santa Clara County business database to see which businesses are following Social Distancing Protocols. Search by name, type or location: https://sdp.sccgov.org/.   

Businesses must require the following for employees and customers:   
-Face coverings (exceptions for medical reasons)  
-Social distancing  
-Handwashing or provide hand sanitizer stations

Concerns About Not Following County COVID 19 Guidelines

If you have concerns about a business, school, or healthcare provider not following Santa Clara County COVID-19 Guidelines, visit the County Health website to report a concern.

CHECK for Your Safety!

Santa Clara County requires ALL businesses to post and implement a Social Distancing Protocol. The “COVID-19 Prepared” Checkmark Sign and Visitor Information Sheet should be posted at the business entrance. The Social Distancing Protocol provides important information about hand-washing, hand-sanitizing, cleaning, social distancing, signage, training, control measures, how to report a complaint, and other safety measures. For more information, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health website.  Remember when you enter a business to CHECK for your safety!

COVID-19 Testing

Testing for COVID-19 is accessible and widely available in Santa Clara County.  Testing is 100% covered by health insurance, safe, confidential, and free.  Testing does not affect immigration status, require a doctor’s note, or require insurance.  

If you are in the following groups, County Public Health highly encourages you to get tested once a month: healthcare workers, first responders, other frontline workers, anyone who is notified that they were exposed to someone who was confirmed to have COVID-19, anyone who is 60 years of age and older, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.  

The County has a handy interactive map that makes it easy to find a testing location nearest to where you live or work. Visit www.sccfreetest.org for details. 

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 are being scheduled and other on-site inspection services are 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: The Library is providing Patio Pick-Up services only as of December 7, 2020. Under the current Health Orders, in-building browsing and shared computer use are temporarily suspended.  Follow Facebook, Instagram, and the website for a schedule of remote storytimes and other fun activities. Other online services such as e-books and e-magazines are available.  For questions, email library@losgatosca.gov. 

Parks and Public Works Department:  Parks and trails are open. Please remember to maintain social distance, wear face coverings, and wash/sanitize your hands. Park restrooms are available and cleaned on a daily basis. 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. 

Clerk Department: Requests for public records are being processed, but time limits to respond have been suspended.  We appreciate the importance of your request and will do our best to respond within 10 days, but responses may be delayed until such time the order is suspended and Town Hall opens fully for all services.

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

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 or email engage@losgatosca.gov with subject "Sign Me Up."