Los Gatos community leaders look ahead to a great 2023
Setting goals for the new year.
With the hope that COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror, community leaders are forging ahead in 2023 with new plans and new hope.
Los Gatos Mayor Maria Ristow says, “My top goals are completing the Housing Element, substantially restoring the General Plan 2040, forwarding safe and active transportation, increasing community participation, implementing the DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) work plan, moving forward with the senior services roadmap, and continuing restoration of economic vitality while meeting our financial challenges.”
Catherine Sommers, executive director of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, has announced that she will be leaving her position come summer. She is looking at a busy calendar before she goes. “David Kinch’s farewell party will be held Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Lexington House; 2023 Los Gatos Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon will happen this spring,” she says. “We will kick off The Heart of Los Gatos, a campaign highlighting all the scenes, sights and sounds of our town; our Mother’s Day fashion show will take place downtown, and we’re planning our annual Spring Wine Walk.”
Diane Brown, president of Los Gatos Morning Rotary, says, “Our club will continue its tradition of giving back to our community through programs like ‘Spread the Warmth’ and ‘Rise Against Hunger.’ Funding comes in part from through Gallery 24, 24 N. Santa Cruz, a partnership between local artists and the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Charitable Foundation. We encourage purchasing (artworks); it benefits both the artist and charitable programs.”
The Toll House Hotel has a fresh look for 2023. General manager Aaron Newell says, “We have just completed renovation of our public spaces and guest rooms. We look forward to welcoming guests. We’re a wonderful place to hold events.”
Los Gatos Kiwanis President Nancy Pearson says, “We are looking forward to a great 2023. Our club was formed in December of 1923, so we will be celebrating 100 years in Los Gatos. Our Art and Wine Festival (Fiesta de Artes) has been around for over 50 of those years, our turn-around scholarships for youths facing adversity for almost as long, and Kiwanis Special Games for special needs kids for over 40 years. There’s a lot to celebrate.”
Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company has been a big part of the community since 1982, as has owner Teri Hope. Her addition of live music every Friday and Saturday night is so popular that reservations for tables can now be made. As a volunteer, she says, “I am concentrating on my nonprofit, Los Gatos Music & Arts, finalizing their 10-week, free-to-the-public summer jazz artist line up for the Jazz on the Plazz series and reviving the Los Gatos Park Dance festival at Oak Meadow Park.”
Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Jamie Field says that among her priorities are to bridge, build, and enhance community relations. The department has announced a program to work with businesses and residents to compile a list of privately owned surveillance cameras to enhance crime prevention, a great idea to kick off the new year safely.
Mike Norcia, president of Los Gatos Noon Rotary, says, “Our club will continue its tradition of offering scholarships to local high school graduates plus supporting St. Luke’s Pantry each week in addition to dozens of other local projects. Globally, Los Gatos Rotary provides technology for schools in both Guatemala and El Salvador and is excited to work with Lighting for Literacy to provide light to rural villages in Mexico. Keep an eye out for the 45th annual Great Race in April, one of our largest fundraisers.”
If you have business or social news about Los Gatos, please let me know: debby@debbyrice.com