Town of Los Gatos Government News Digest

The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District board promoted assistant principal Dave Poetzinger to replace Kevin Buchanan as principal of Los Gatos High School.

The Los Gatos Town Council set its priorities for the next two years—including prudent financial management, safety, quality of life and traffic and transportation—at a special council meeting on Feb. 13.

A new Los Gatos commission is taking a look into how the town treats people who live and work there, and how it welcomes visitors.

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who represents District 28, plans to introduce a bill in the coming weeks to ban political advertising materials deceptively altered through AI.

Los Gatos took advantage of early miscues by the Wilcox Chargers to the tune of a shocking 28-7 lead after just one quarter.

Regulators still haven’t approved Los Gatos’ “housing element”—the state-mandated plan that lays out how towns and cities will help accommodate the state’s affordable housing goals. But builders are still pushing ahead.

The Los Gatos Town Council managed to balance next year's budget despite a five-year anticipated deficit. The final budget will be approved in June, and is expected to include cost-cutting measures and spending one-time use funds.

In an effort to improve safety and efficiency on Shannon Road, the Los Gatos Town Council returned plans that fit the rural feel of the area. Goals include installing sidewalks and bike lanes.

Seniors make up 20% of the Los Gatos population, or one in five residents—and that’s expected to grow significantly. Los Gatos Town Council has endorsed a “roadmap” of short- and long-term goals to support the town’s fast-growing older adult population.

Both New Museum Los Gatos and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Center have asked the Los Gatos Town Council to reduce—or waive completely—their lease payments to the town.

Dozens of residents advocated for causes from traffic and transportation to senior services and supporting the homeless population.

Los Gatos Assistant Town Manager Arn Andrews resigned to take the role of assistant city manager in Mountain View. Five other senior-level staffers have left in the last year, including the town attorney, parks and public works director and finance director.

Rob Moore, 24, may well be the youngest Los Gatos councilmember ever. The native Los Gatan has been an anti-fracking activist and currently works for the San Jose Conservation Corps.

Four below-market units are readied for Los Gatos teachers who can’t afford to live in the city where they teach. So far 80 teachers have applied.

The Los Gatos city deficit, development, the ”affordability gap” and the need for advertising LG as a tourist destination: these matters and more are discussed by five town council candidates.

The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department participated in the Santa Clara County Gun Buyback at the Milpitas Community Center on May 22, which saw more than 400 firearms voluntarily turned in by residents.

Commissioners agreed—in a unanimous 7-0 vote—on how to reduce development targets, despite divisions among the commissioners.

In a reaction to the case of local “Party Mom” Shannon O’Connor, the Los Gatos Town Council passed an ordinance that holds adults responsible for underage drinking and drug use.

Gabrielle Whelan is set to become the next town attorney in Los Gatos. She has been a practicing attorney for more than 25 years at both in-house and private firms. She previously served as the assistant city attorney in San Mateo.

Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Director Matt Morley is leaving. The fourth executive staff member to leave in the past four months, Morley will become Cupertino ’s public works director. His last day in Los Gatos is March 25.

Los Gatos town employees, who have been working without a contract, have received a 2 percent raise as hiring continues to be a challenge for the town.

The Los Gatos United Against Hate March drew a crowd of thousands to the streets of the town. The march was headed up by Los Gatos Mayor Marico Sayoc.

Monte Sereno City Manager Steve Leonardis recently shared at a council meeting his concerns and wishes for Los Gatos. He has an informed perspective, as he was once the mayor.

While the city of Los Gatos has discussed having an e-scooter program in the past, the time never felt quite right—until now. Shared mobility is coming to Los Gatos.

Robert Schultz, Los Gatos’ current town attorney, has announced that he will be leaving the job Dec. 30. Residents and business leaders are lauding his “fair-minded” and accessible approach to handling local affairs.

Los Gatos, which still hasn’t allowed any marijuana dispensaries into its city limits, is now reconsidering as they realize the potential tax revenue the city is missing out on.

A mental health pilot program aimed at keeping kids in mental crises from going into police custody has received approval from the town of Los Gatos.

The Los Gatos Children’s Parade is once again being canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the traditional tree lighting and a brand-new holiday promenade will go ahead.

Recent antisemitic grafitti in Los Gatos has led to a collaboration between the Town of Los Gatos, Jewish Silicon Valley and other groups. Their activities will coincide with a national effort convened by Not In Our Town, a national anti-hate organization.

Los Gatos residents and community groups are being polled to decide whether the city should allow for the retail sales of marijuana within the city limits.