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The Town is Now Accepting FY 22/23 Community Grant Applications!Applications for FY 22/23 Community Grants are now open!
Ten awards of $7,500 will be available to non-profit organizations to support new programs and services that benefit the community. $70,000 will be divided based on previous year grant amounts to sustain the services of five long time partner non-profits filling human-service roles in the community. Applications for Community Grants are due July 22, 2022 with announcement of winning grants expected in early August. Additionally, four Innovation Grants of $1,500 each are available to individuals, students, community groups, and neighborhoods to jump start a new idea that benefits the community. Applications for Innovation Grants are due August 31, 2022 with announcement of winning proposals expected early September. All grant applications are reviewed and rated based on a set scoring rubric by a committee comprised of two members of the Community Health and Senior Services Commission and two members of the Arts and Culture Commission. More information is available on the Town website at www.losgatosca.gov/318/Community-Grant-Programs.
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County of Santa Clara Launches 988 Phone Number Dedicated to Crisis Mental Health ServicesSanta Clara County has launched a lifeline phone number for people to call in times of mental health or substance use crisis, with teams of trained counselors available 24/7 to offer support by phone or in-person, depending on the nature of the situation.
The lifeline – reached by dialing 9-8-8 – is the result of a push to make similar crisis and suicide prevention services available across the country starting July 16, 2022. The County of Santa Clara’s 988 operation includes an array of mental health services designed to de-escalate crisis situations.
The County’s new lifeline is designed to provide support for those experiencing emotional or mental health distress, including thoughts of suicide, fearfulness, or other mental health or substance use crises. Loved ones and others can also call 988 if they are concerned for someone else.
The lifeline will also serve as a connection point for County Behavioral Health Services and community-based organizations. The various onsite mobile response teams are made up of crisis clinicians and peer outreach specialists; services that both involve or do not involve law enforcement are available. The goals of 988 are de-escalation, stabilization, and referral to continued services.
County Behavioral Health Services staff are thoroughly trained on the new system, and the 988 line went live in a soft launch in May. The service is free, anonymous, and confidential, with no information shared unless in-person dispatch is required. Language interpretation is available in more than 200 languages. Calls to 988 are routed by area code; if the phone used does not have a 408, 650 or 669 area code, the Santa Clara County service can be accessed by calling 1-800-704-0900 and pressing 1. The same 800 number can be used for non-emergency calls to County Behavioral Health Services regarding general mental health and substance use treatment services information and referrals.
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LGS Recreation - Clubhouse Registration Now Open!LGS Rec Clubhouse registration for the 22/23 school year is now open!
The Clubhouse Program offers on-site before and after school care for grades K - 5th. It is a safe and supervised environment conveniently located on your child's school campus. Clubhouse is designed to offer a variety of engaging activities that incorporate academics, youth development, and recreation. Locations include Blossom Hill, Daves Ave, Lexington, and Van Meter Elementary Schools. Space is limited so don't delay! Register at www.lgsrecreation.org/clubhouse or call (408) 354-8700.
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Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Approved with ModificationsAt the June 30, 2022 Special Town Council meeting, the Council approved the Draft 2040 General Plan with modifications.
The adopted 2040 General Plan retains the Town’s Low Density neighborhoods as is, allows more housing types in High (formerly known as Medium) Density Residential (i.e., small, multi-unit housing), does not allow new housing potential in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and focuses the majority of the growth in the Community Growth Districts with mixed use and higher density developments.
Please note that the Medium Density Residential designation was renamed High Density Residential and the High Density Residential designation was renamed Very High Density Residential. As a result, there is no Medium Density Residential designation in the adopted 2040 General Plan.
The projected number of housing units is 3,160 over the next 20 years. Subtracting 475 previously-approved units (“pipeline projects”) and 500 anticipated accessory dwelling units, the projected total is 2,185 units over the next 20 years.
More specifically, the approved Plan: - Keeps the Low Density Residential density at the 2020 density level (0-5 units per acre);
- Endorses the Planning Commission recommendation for High (formerly known as Medium) Density Residential (14-22 units per acre) except in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone where the density remains at the 2020 level (5-12 units per acre);
- Retains the existing housing potential in Office Professional at the 2020 level (10-20 units per acre);
- Removes housing from the Service Commercial designation; and
- Includes the other designation changes contained in the Draft 2040 General Plan.
The Town Council will review the Plan if 1,000 housing units are approved or after five years, whichever comes first. This provides the Council an opportunity to make any needed adjustments, in accordance with State law, based on actual development activity. A final version will be posted at www.losgatos2040.com in the coming weeks and an interactive online version will be posted in the coming months.
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Annual Street Repair and Resurfacing
(Slurry Seal/Rubber Cape Seal)The annual Street Repair and Resurfacing project began Monday, July 11.
The Town’s contractor Pavement Coatings, along with their subcontractor McKim Corporation, will first focus on completing pavement asphalt repairs on residential streets. The contractor will also start the pavement crack sealing operation on several streets, including E. Main Street, in about two weeks. The installation of slurry seal and rubber cape seal is anticipated to occur in August.
Residents and businesses will receive notices two weeks and again two days prior to the start of the repair and resurfacing work on their streets. Town social media channels and message boards (when possible) will also be utilized for community outreach.
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Processing Times for Engineering Development Review ServicesDue to a current staffing shortage in the Engineering Division, processing times are longer for engineering development review services.
We are actively recruiting to fill vacancies and are exploring options to bring in consulting engineering services to augment the remaining staff. We are requesting patience from our Los Gatos community until we are back to normal staffing levels. This situation may last for a couple of months.
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Community PolicingThe Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is initiating specific events and programs throughout 2022 to enhance community policing. Community Policing has been a long-standing framework for establishing trust, exchange of information and transparency, and a positive engagement between law enforcement and the community. Community policing is used to involve the community in public safety and gain an understanding of specific community concerns and create a positive, proactive policing method to meet the needs of the community.
The community policing programs include Coffee with a Cop, the Therapy Dog Program, a Community Police Academy, Walk with a Cop, and staff Support of Special Olympics activates. These engagements are identified on the lower portion of the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Community Policing logo to promote these events throughout the year on the department website, social media, and other communications. These engagements are integral to build respect, community - police partnerships, and developing a better-informed vision of public safety needs and responses.
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is committed to enhancing community policing efforts through these specific engagement opportunities. Police presence and trust is fundamental to maintaining peaceful order to the community. It is the realization of public and police sharing a space in congruence, building relationships, with a focus on common goals. These community - police interactions help to bridge the gap and implement the LGMSPD mission to be a collaborative problem solvers.
For more information, please visit the Police Department's Community Policing webpage. We hope you can join some of the exciting upcoming events.
Coffee with a Cop: August 11
Join the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department for Coffee with a Cop at Blvd Coffee (15525 Los Gatos Boulevard) from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on August 11, 2022.
Community Police Academy: August 25 - October 27
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is proud to present its very first Community Police Academy.This is an opportunity for local community members to participate in an informative 10-week program designed to provide an inside look at local law enforcement.
During academy training, students will be introduced to a wide range of topics designed to provide participants with an overview of the Police Department’s function and operational procedures. A primary goal of the Community Police Academy is to increase understanding between our residents and the Police Department, and to enhance the strong relationships we have with the community.
Topics covered include patrol operations, laws of arrest, investigations, records processing, traffic laws, communications, defensive tactics, supportive resources and much more. The curriculum will be presented by Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department personnel and other community resources that collaborate with our department to keep our neighborhoods safe.
The course will consist of one 3-hour evening session per week for the duration of the course. The Community Police Academy is a great way to get to know the men and women of the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department and gain a better understanding of the role of the police in the community.
If you are interested in joining us, submit an application today! Application forms are available at https://www.losgatosca.gov/2575/Community-Police-Academy Walk with a Cop (Now- Fall 2022)
The Walk with a Cop program allows for community members to meet uniformed officers in their neighborhood, a commercial business area, or Civic Center and walk for an hour. The link to apply can be found at https://www.losgatosca.gov/forms.aspx?FID=149
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Lane Closures on State Route 9 in Monte Sereno
Through AugustThe California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will perform daytime closures at the intersection of State Route 9 and Austin Way, in the City of Monte Sereno, in order to safely construct the Bike Safety Improvement Project.
Lane closures began June 15 and are scheduled to be complete by August 2022. Lane closures will be northbound and southbound, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBAY. For real-time traffic, click-on Caltrans QuickMap: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
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Participate in the Housing Element Update, the Balancing Act tool is Now Available!The Balancing Act tool is a simulator for locating potential housing sites as part of the Town's Housing Element Update.
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Housing Element Update Property Owner Interest FormThe Town wants to hear from property owners who may be interested in future housing development.
If you are interested in considering a housing development at your site in the future, please complete the Property Interest Form on the Town's Housing Element Update website at www.EngageLosGatosHousing.com. It is not necessary to have a full proposal ready to fill out the form. Inclusion in the Town's Housing Sites Inventory list does not prevent the continuation of existing uses on the site, require that housing be constructed, or trigger reassessment of the property value. The Town of Los Gatos is in the process of updating its Housing Element of the General Plan. An inventory of land adequately zoned or planned to be zoned to accommodate the Town's fair share of housing is a requirement of a Housing Element.
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Becoming an Inclusive CommunityVisit 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.
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Fire Season Is Year RoundNow is the time to actively prepare for fire season and reduce your wildfire risk!
Start creating defensible space around your house by: trimming brush and removing weeds and low hanging tree limbs, organizing your Firewise community in creative non-gathering ways, or hardening your home.
For details, please visit the Santa Clara County Fire Department's website.
Below are additional steps you can take to be personally prepared for wildfire season: - Don’t be a source of ignition! Cease any risky activities like using outdoor machinery, barbecuing, improperly towing chains etc., as one less spark, one less wildfire!
- Pack your GO Bag Now.
- Agree on an Evacuation Plan for your family including pets. Where will you meet and how will you get there?
- Be ready to leave immediately if an order is issued.
- Sign up for emergency alerts with AlertSCC and Nixle.
Visit the Town's Be Wildfire Ready webpage for more information on how to be prepared and what you can do to help protect your home.
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Lifesaving Information For Emergencies (L.I.F.E.) FileEmergencies 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
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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."
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