Proclamation of Local Emergency and
Shelter In Place Directive

On March 12, 2020, Town Manager and Director of Emergency Services, Laurel Prevetti, issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic and its spread in the Santa Clara County community.

A Message from the Mayor

Thank you Los Gatos.  All of you have stepped up in so many different ways to help the most vulnerable among us. Whether it is delivering a meal to those who need it, contributing to a Go Fund Me page for workers now without a paycheck, or simply providing support and encouragement in a difficult time, Los Gatos residents have been there for each other. If you’re looking for an opportunity to chip in, please check the Town’s dedicated COVID-19 page for a list of organizations that need your support.

And remember, as we begin the second week in a new world of sheltering at home and social distancing, it is more important than ever to follow the County Health Guidelines. In spite of our efforts thus far, confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to go up. Please do everything you can to keep yourself and your neighbors safe. It is hard to be without our friends and routines - and increasingly social get-togethers, a group run or bike ride, or even that trip to the salon - start to seem more and more “essential.” It isn’t easy, but continuing to maintain safe distances is critically important in helping to slow the virus’s spread so that our hospitals and healthcare workers have the capacity to provide care for those who need it most. If you have a question about what you can and can’t do, please check the County Health FAQs where you can submit your own questions and find the answers you need.

Let’s continue to support each other so we can all stay healthy.

Marcia Jensen
Los Gatos Mayor

Town Council Unanimously Adopts Urgency Ordinance to Place a Moratorium on Residential Evictions

Pursuant to the Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code, California Government Code, Governor of California, and Santa Clara County Public Health Officer, on March 24, 2020, the Town Council unanimously voted to adopt a temporary moratorium on evictions related to income loss due to COVID-19 mitigation measures in order to ensure that individuals can continue to self-isolate.  The ordinance can be viewed here. 

2020 Census

Now is a great time for residents to complete the census online at www.my2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020. Remember that anyone can complete the census with or without a permanent address or 12-digit ID number (sent to households by the Census Bureau). Everyone needs to be counted, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender or immigration status. 

A Message from the Chief of Police

In these unsettling times triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, I wanted to assure you that the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department remains fully operational and dedicated to keeping our communities safe. The nature of law enforcement does not lend itself to the amenity of telecommuting or even the precaution of social distancing, so in order to ensure that our essential services remain uninterrupted, we must take precautions to minimize our coronavirus exposure potential. Rapid response to life-threatening emergencies and maintaining public order will remain our top priorities. However, in keeping with the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health’s “shelter in place” order and the Town of Los Gatos Proclamation of Local Emergency, most of the Department’s non-essential functions will be postponed until further notice and Department personnel will be utilizing remote means to handle non-life-threatening calls for service. For example, in property crime cases where there is no suspect information or necessity for evidence collection, dispatchers will direct callers to our online reporting portal or an Officer may take a telephone report. The public is still encouraged to remain vigilant and report crimes in progress. Now more than ever we must strive to be good neighbors and look out for one another.

Pete Decena
Chief of Police

For more information on Police services, please visit the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department webpage.

A Message from the Community Development Director

Dear patrons,

The Community Development Department is temporarily closed to the public.

With the latest directive from the Santa Clara County Department of County Health issued on March 16, 2020, our offices are closed until further notice.  We are not able to offer any counter services such as application and permit submittal, resubmittal, or issuance. We are still offering limited building inspection services for essential residential projects and emergency situations that can be completed via video.  This service falls within the exemptions for essential services as outlined in the directive. 
 
Additionally, all public meetings have been cancelled through April 8, 2020.
 
As the Town enters the second week of the closure, we continue to explore options to provide additional limited application processing and virtual public meetings.  Please check the Town’s website for updates as these unique circumstances continue to evolve. 

Stay safe and healthy,
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director

A Message from the Economic Vitality Manager

It’s heartbreaking to think of the struggle that many of our local businesses are facing during this pandemic. We applaud you for your strength and efforts to continue to provide your services through online, remote, and take out options.  Many of you have found ways to leverage your services to assist others in our community too. Thank you! 

There are several resources evolving from the County, State, and Federal levels for the business community.  As these continue to be developed, we will work to provide you with links and connections to find assistance that may be appropriate for your business.
The Chamber of Commerce has also been working tirelessly to be a conduit of information for our businesses and community.  

In addition, I am happy to continue to be a resource for our current and perspective businesses.  Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with questions, or for assistance getting connected to a resource.  Hang in there.  I wish you all health, wellness, and resiliency.

Warm regards,
Monica Renn
Economic Vitality Manager
MRenn@losgatosca.gov

A Message from the Library Director

Dear Library patrons,

The Library is temporarily closed to the public. Please hold onto books you currently have checked out. We will automatically renew all items you have, and you will not be charged overdue fines.

With the latest directive from the Santa Clara County Department of County Health issued on March 16, 2020, we will not be able to offer book pick up as we had originally planned. Regretfully, this service did not fall within the exemptions for essential services as outlined in that directive.

Follow our Facebook and Instagram and check our website for online classes, remote storytimes, and other fun activities presented by amazing Librarians.

Online services such as e-books through Cloud Library and e-magazines through Flipster are available. If you need a Library account to access these services, please email us at library@losgatosca.gov and we will happily create a new account for you.

Stay safe and healthy,
Ryan Baker, Library Director

A Message from the Parks and Public Works Director

Parks and trails are open for your recreation enjoyment.  These amazing facilities provide an opportunity for you to get fresh air and get some relief from being at home for long periods of time.  Please remember to maintain your social distance and we ask that you not use playgrounds as we are unable to disinfect the surfaces.  Park restrooms will be available for public use and are cleaned daily. Otherwise, the Town will continue to provide routine maintenance of streets and parks, although at a reduced level.  Please email any concerns you may notice to workorder@losgatosca.gov.

In addition, you may notice some construction activities around Town.  These efforts are exempted from the County Order to shelter in place and the Town is selectively advancing projects where it makes sense to do so. The Department is also supporting utility companies in their urgent work as needed. 

Matt Morley
Director of Parks and Public Works

A Message from the Finance Director

Finance Department staff is working remotely to provide support for all the Town’s essential services.

Business License services are available via email at businesslicense@losgatosca.gov or via phone at (408) 354-6835.
 
Stephen Conway
Finance Director 

Shelter in Place FAQs from
Santa Clara County Public Health

Santa Clara County Public Health has provided a comprehensive COVID-19 FAQ document, available in multiple languages, providing detailed guidance on the Order to Shelter at Home.

COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses, Employers, and Employees

The Town is an active member in Joint Venture’s Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance. Through this partnership, the Town has learned of resources available during this time of hardship for many small business owners, employers, and employees. We wish each of you good health and business resiliency. 

Support Los Gatos Businesses During Shelter in Place

Visit the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce website for a list of Los Gatos restaurants offering delivery and pickup as well as Los Gatos merchants with online stores.

Financial Assistance for Those Affected by COVID-19

There are financial resource available to those adversely impacted by COVID-19.

Opportunities to Volunteer and/or Donate to Local Organizations

The following local organizations are offering opportunities to provide help to others during the COVID-19 crisis. They are also good resources for finding assistance for yourself or others during this time.

• American Red Cross Silicon Valley
• West Valley Community Services
• Silicon Valley Strong
• #FeedTheNeedBayArea
• Food and Beverage Employee Support Fund Los Gatos
• House of Hope - Calvary Church Los Gatos
• CASSY - Counseling and Support Services for Youth

Other Resources

The following additional resources are also available to the community during the COVID-19 Shelter in Place Order:

• West Valley Community Services is offering assistance with food, clothing, rent, and other needs.
• The Calvary Church House of Hope is delivering food every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5 p.m. within a 10 mile radius of the Church (located at 16330 Los Gatos Boulevard).
• Los Gatos Union School District is providing an opportunity for families to pick up free breakfast and lunch meals for any child 18 years and younger in their family regardless of enrollment in LGUSD. Meals will be available Monday through Friday as a drive-through service. Children must be present in the car to receive meals.  Los Gatos High School students are eligible to participate in this program.  Meals will be available at R.J. Fisher Middle School (for all families) drive-through on Roberts Road from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
• CASSY Counseling and Support Services for Youth is providing mental health services to students through its telehealth platform. 

Help Keep Los Gatos Parks and Trails Open

You can help keep Los Gatos parks and trails open by following these simple guidelines:

• Stay close to home and avoid crowded areas.
• Share the trail and yield to others to maintain a safe distance.
• Choose less frequented parks and trails. Do not park in a crowded parking lot or use a crowded trail.
• Leave no trace: pack out what you pack in.
• Look for nearby nature to enjoy, look for the hidden nature in your own neighborhood.
• Do not hold social gatherings at parks or anywhere.

Tips for Keeping a Sense of Normalcy During this Time of Heightened Public Risk

The following are examples of ideas for helping to maintain a sense of normalcy while under the County Shelter in Place Order due to COVID-19 precautions:

Tips for Supporting Children During
Infectious Disease Outbreaks

There may be children or young people in your life who experience distress. As a trusted adult, you can help reassure and educate them about COVID-19 – it can be good to talk to them now, so they can understand the illness and be reassured.

Tips for Managing Wellbeing
During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

• Spend time in places that feel safe and comfortable as much as possible.
• Tell yourself that how you are feeling is a normal reaction and will pass- it is nothing to be afraid of.
• Video call your usual supports - family, friends, and workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important.
• Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible - mealtimes, bedtime, exercise, etc.
• Keep active - taking a walk, working out or practicing yoga at home can improve general wellbeing and help distract from distressing feelings.

Notify Me!

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. 

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