March 23, 2021 Policy Committee Meeting

The agenda and reports for the March 23, 2021 Policy Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m. are available online.  The Policy Committee will review proposed modifications to the Commission Appointment Policy, a proposed Elected Official Travel and Expense Policy,  a draft enabling resolution for the Policy Committee, and a proposed Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work plan.

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://us02web.zoom.us/j/82785425743?pwd=Y1FTbWhkTUpNOHl5cmhsb3dyclhNUT09 with password: 412959. 

To access the meeting by phone, dial (636) 651-0008  or (877) 336-1839  (US Toll Free) with conference code 969184.

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 Town Council meetings, please call 408-354-6832 or send an email to the Town Manager's office.

March 24, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting

The agenda and reports for the March 24, 2021 Planning Commission meeting are available online. The Planning Commission will consider a request to demolish and re-build a single-family residence at 140 Arroyo Grande Way.

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/83372296303?pwd=WDM1RnVFdVp6a01xM1NySHhydm9sQT09 with password: 653587. 

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.

On Monday, March 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., join the City of Fremont, the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance, San Jose Public Library (SJPL) Works, Working Solutions, ICA Fund Good Jobs, the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley SBDC, and Small Business Majority to learn about Round 5 of the COVID-Relief Grant (CRG) before it closes on March 31. Other new programs will also be covered, including the CA Residential Rent Relief and Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Topics of discussion include:

• State policy and program updates and announcements
• An overview of the COVID-19 Relief Grant (CRG) Program
• An outline of the eligibility requirements
• Overview of the application and documents required
• A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Youth Commission Recruitment Open

Santa Clara County Fire Preparedness 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

The Santa Clara County Fire Department is holding a number of Community Wildfire Preparedness classes through May of this year.

Water Main Replacement Project

West Valley Construction, under contract with San Jose Water, is working on replacing the water main line on Mariposa Avenue, San Mateo Avenue, Ashler Avenue, Olive Street, and Thurston Street.

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.

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. 

Following the State of California’s announcement that Santa Clara County has met the requirements to move into the Red Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, the County of Santa Clara Health Officer announced that the County will align with the State’s framework and allow activities open in Red Tier counties to resume, effective March 3, 2021. As a result, most of the industry/activity-specific local directives will be lifted, including the Health Officer’s Mandatory Directive on Travel. However, quarantining after travel is strongly recommended, in alignment with the State’s Travel Advisory.

The County’s October 5th Risk Reduction Order, which requires everyone to follow all State orders and guidance, maintain distance, and wear face coverings as much as possible, will remain in effect. The Order also requires all businesses and other entities to maximize telework, post a Social Distancing Protocol outlining specific COVID-19 safety plans, and promptly report any cases to the Public Health Department. The State’s website includes information regarding the Red Tier and its impact on businesses and activities.

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 that all businesses in Santa Clara County must follow.  

Schools remain subject to the State’s Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools and are also encouraged to follow the County’s Guidance for Schools. 

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 open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at limited capacity. 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."