Situational Analysis
History
The name Los Gatos comes from "El Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos," a ranch established in 1839 by a Mexican land grant and so named because of the large number of mountain lions in the area. In 1854, James Alexander Forbes purchased some of this land and built a flour mill. In 1860, the first hotel was opened to provide a stage stop on the toll road which had been built between San Jose and Santa Cruz.
Wheat production gave way to orchards, and rapid growth ensued when the railroad reached Los Gatos in 1878. The residential subdivisions of Broadway, Bayview, Fairview, and Almond Grove were built in the 1880s. By 1887, the population had grown to 1,500 and Los Gatans voted to incorporate.
Fruit industries faded slowly during the Depression and World War II, and the postwar period brought an influx of people producing residential and commercial development. Highway 17 was constructed through the center of Town in 1957, and Route 85 was completed in 1994 at the northern edge of Town. Nonetheless, growth leveled off in the early '70s, leaving Los Gatos with its small-town atmosphere and pedestrian-oriented downtown.
The slow growth of the Town over an extended number of years has left the Town with a heritage of older, established residential areas and a downtown with many historic buildings representing the various eras in the Town's history. Protection of these historic resources which are a major part of the Town's character is an important community goal.
Community Values
Small Town Character (complete community, human scale)
Because of its distance from other centers of population, Los Gatos developed as a complete community including residential, business and industrial elements. Preserving Los Gatos as a complete and well balanced community has been and remains a prominent goal for the community. From the first 100 acre town site and an 1890 population of 1,652, Los Gatos grew slowly so that by 1963 the area was 6.3 square miles, with a population of 11,750. In 1980, the area was 10 square miles and the population had increased to 26,600. Today Los Gatos covers approximately 14 square miles and has a population of 28,928 (2002 State Department of Finance). This relatively slow growth over the first 80 years resulted in a human scale community with narrow streets and small buildings. Los Gatos' boundaries encompass a wide variety of terrain, ranging from level land to steep and densely wooded hillsides. The sharp visual contrasts among these features and charming architecture create the picturesque setting. In the midst of an increasingly uniform urban complex, this setting has attracted people with a preference for the Town's distinctive, high quality natural and urban environment.
Historic Preservation
The slow growth of the Town over an extended number of years has left the Town with a heritage of older, established residential areas and a downtown with many historic buildings representing the various eras in the Town's history. Protection of these historic resources which are a major part of the Town's character is an important community goal. Two museums, Tait Avenue and Forbes Mill, help preserve the Town's valued history.
Education
The Town is rich in educational and cultural resources. Los Gatos High School is housed in beautiful older buildings with expansive grounds sweeping down to Main Street. Fisher Middle School, Blossom Hill, Van Meter, and Alta Vista elementary schools are located in Town. Leigh and Westmont High Schools, Rolling Hills, Daves Avenue, Carlton, and Noddin Elementary Schools, and Union Middle School also serve Los Gatos residents. In all, five school districts serve Los Gatos children. All these schools have been recognized for the high achievement of their students. In addition, there are numerous high quality private schools, which provide excellent educational opportunities. Local commitment to quality education is so high that in 1990, 1994, and again in 1998, voters passed a parcel tax to enhance the educational programs. In addition, the Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District passed a bond in 1998 and the Los Gatos Union School District passed a bond in 2001. West Valley Community College and San Jose State University are located in neighboring communities. The Los Gatos Public Library provides materials to help students with their academic programs and to support continuing education for all residents. Although the Town government does not have jurisdiction over the school system, there are opportunities for collaboration and working together to enhance the quality of life for the community.
Openness & Accessibility of Local Government
The small-town character of the community is reflected in the Town government's responsiveness to local citizens. The Town's various citizen boards, commissions and committees provide input on issues ranging from development to the arts. Community input is built into decision-making through informal neighborhood meetings, formal public hearings, and through the Internet on the Town’s government Website and email. By making personal contact with Council Members and Town staff, or by attending a Council meeting, residents can directly influence Town policies.
Preserve Neighborhoods
Los Gatos has been identified as one of the world's most desirable places to live. Clear standards for historic dwellings, compatible in-fill construction and new construction appropriate to the community needs assure the continued livability of Los Gatos neighborhoods. The Town also works to protect the view of the mountain backdrop and to maintain existing housing stock by providing loans and grants to income eligible households.
Preserve Hillsides
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a major natural feature and backdrop for the Town. Maintaining the tree cover, creeks, streams and riparian corridors and accommodating wildlife is a major part of the community's identity. It is the Town's vision to preserve this natural asset by insuring that hillside development maintains the open, rural character of the hillsides, that development be subordinate to the natural setting and that view sheds of the mountains be protected.
Public Safety
Feeling secure is a major part of any community's quality of life. The Town of Los Gatos has one of the lowest crime rates in the Bay Area. The Town government works with citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment. The community values law enforcement service which emphasizes problem solving, personal service, and a strong Police/community partnership exemplified by over 150 volunteers working side-by-side with the officers.
Urban Forest
Los Gatos' trees contribute to the beautiful, natural setting of our community. Our trees make the area more attractive, soften impervious surface and buildings, provide shade in summer and remove carbon dioxide from the air. Our residents enjoy and nurture our urban forest. The Town has received the Tree city, USA award every year since 1980.
Environmental Quality
In response to the community’s desire for a clean environment, the Town participates in or administers a number of programs and plans which strive to improve the overall environmental quality of the Town. Los Gatos is a member of the Santa Clara county Congestion Management Agency (CMA). The CMA is designed to meet the goals of increasing the efficiency of existing transit and roadway systems, planning the best capital improvements to these systems, and improving the local land-use decision-making process. The CMA prepares the biennial Congestion Management Program (CMP), a comprehensive county-wide, program designed to reduce traffic congestion, to enhance the effectiveness of land-use decision-making and to improve air quality.
Transportation
Safe and efficient travel on roads is important for the community. An important value is to drive and park, to transport children, seniors and individuals to schools, shops, and services in a reasonable amount of time. It is additionally important that pedestrians and bicyclists can travel safely on sidewalks, trails and paths provided for this purpose.
Economic Health
The community takes pride in the fact that Los Gatos is a largely self-sufficient community. Accordingly, its economy should provide a full range of goods and services for its citizens. The community recognizes the importance of maintaining the strength and quality of our local economy. It is apparent that all segments of the community must work together to support and manage our economy. The Town has many diverse business activities located in the historic downtown and throughout the community. The quality of the economy affects the Town's ability to deliver services and the value of residential property.
Tradition
The Town cherishes its history and traditions through many special events: the lighting of the Christmas tree at Town Plaza Park, the annual holiday parade and Cotillion, Music in the Plaza, arts and crafts fairs, and other events. The Town also supports historical resources such as: The Billy Jones Railroad and carousel at Oak Meadow Park; the many parks; and our public library, a service provided residents for over one hundred years.
Parks
Los Gatans prize the natural beauty of the area and the leisure and recreation opportunities their parks and trails provide. The Town park system provides a mixture of neighborhood parks, play lots, regional park sites, open space areas and trails including the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Park facilities provide areas for hiking, bicycling, walking, tennis, field activities, and family picnic areas. Most parks have playground facilities for children.
Open Space
Los Gatos is dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and enhancing its open space. Open space provides protection for areas of particular scenic beauty and enhances the survival prospects for endangered plant and animal species.
Recreation
Los Gatans value health and vigorously participate in recreation programs which are made possible through a recreation district in cooperation with local school districts.
Community Services
A wide variety of community services are provided and these services are important in defining the community. Service groups, nonprofits, and the Town actively support a number of cultural, recreational, and human service activities providing a public library, public art, housing assistance and rehabilitation, rent mediation, museums, nutrition, health, senior citizen and youth programs.
Volunteers
Town volunteers continue to be an integral part of our success. We currently have about 700 volunteers, who contribute over one million dollars' worth of labor annually. Volunteers are essential in maintaining our park trails, installing Council Chamber art exhibits, coordinating Town sponsored events, painting murals, facilitating senior activities, furnishing information and referral services, and providing police and many other support services. The volunteer program is not only a budgetary savings to the Town government and Town residents, but it also promotes a spirit of cooperation and trust between the municipality and the community.
C. Environmental Scan
Located in Silicon Valley, the Town’s prosperity is dependent on the economic and social health of the region including its 7,000 technology based companies. Silicon Valley extends across 30 cities including San Jose, the third largest city in California, and parts of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties. According to Joint Venture: Silicon Valley, this economic region includes more than 1.35 million jobs and 2.5 million residents. Education, health care, affordable housing, public transportation and traffic are some of the essential community elements which are monitored to assure the region’s continued success.
The University of California at Los Angeles Anderson Forecast for the Bay Area predicts that the California economy is poised to rebound in 2003, however economists state that the recovery will not feel much different from recession, especially in the hard-hit Bay Area. The report states that the Bay area’s return to growth in employment, income and retail sales will prove “sluggish at best” and that slack business conditions will persist through 2003. Forecasters say that the eventual recovery will be fueled by slow but steady gains in the national economy, which eventually will revive the technology sector, the linchpin of Silicon Valley business. The Town is also threatened by the large state budget deficit ($35 billion at the time of this update), with the possibility of further State revenue takes from local governments used by the State as a funding source to address its deficit.
The name Los Gatos comes from "El Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos," a ranch established in 1839 by a Mexican land grant and so named because of the large number of mountain lions in the area. In 1854, James Alexander Forbes purchased some of this land and built a flour mill. In 1860, the first hotel was opened to provide a stage stop on the toll road which had been built between San Jose and Santa Cruz.
Wheat production gave way to orchards, and rapid growth ensued when the railroad reached Los Gatos in 1878. The residential subdivisions of Broadway, Bayview, Fairview, and Almond Grove were built in the 1880s. By 1887, the population had grown to 1,500 and Los Gatans voted to incorporate.
Fruit industries faded slowly during the Depression and World War II, and the postwar period brought an influx of people producing residential and commercial development. Highway 17 was constructed through the center of Town in 1957, and Route 85 was completed in 1994 at the northern edge of Town. Nonetheless, growth leveled off in the early '70s, leaving Los Gatos with its small-town atmosphere and pedestrian-oriented downtown.
The slow growth of the Town over an extended number of years has left the Town with a heritage of older, established residential areas and a downtown with many historic buildings representing the various eras in the Town's history. Protection of these historic resources which are a major part of the Town's character is an important community goal.
Community Values
Small Town Character (complete community, human scale)
Because of its distance from other centers of population, Los Gatos developed as a complete community including residential, business and industrial elements. Preserving Los Gatos as a complete and well balanced community has been and remains a prominent goal for the community. From the first 100 acre town site and an 1890 population of 1,652, Los Gatos grew slowly so that by 1963 the area was 6.3 square miles, with a population of 11,750. In 1980, the area was 10 square miles and the population had increased to 26,600. Today Los Gatos covers approximately 14 square miles and has a population of 28,928 (2002 State Department of Finance). This relatively slow growth over the first 80 years resulted in a human scale community with narrow streets and small buildings. Los Gatos' boundaries encompass a wide variety of terrain, ranging from level land to steep and densely wooded hillsides. The sharp visual contrasts among these features and charming architecture create the picturesque setting. In the midst of an increasingly uniform urban complex, this setting has attracted people with a preference for the Town's distinctive, high quality natural and urban environment.
Historic Preservation
The slow growth of the Town over an extended number of years has left the Town with a heritage of older, established residential areas and a downtown with many historic buildings representing the various eras in the Town's history. Protection of these historic resources which are a major part of the Town's character is an important community goal. Two museums, Tait Avenue and Forbes Mill, help preserve the Town's valued history.
Education
The Town is rich in educational and cultural resources. Los Gatos High School is housed in beautiful older buildings with expansive grounds sweeping down to Main Street. Fisher Middle School, Blossom Hill, Van Meter, and Alta Vista elementary schools are located in Town. Leigh and Westmont High Schools, Rolling Hills, Daves Avenue, Carlton, and Noddin Elementary Schools, and Union Middle School also serve Los Gatos residents. In all, five school districts serve Los Gatos children. All these schools have been recognized for the high achievement of their students. In addition, there are numerous high quality private schools, which provide excellent educational opportunities. Local commitment to quality education is so high that in 1990, 1994, and again in 1998, voters passed a parcel tax to enhance the educational programs. In addition, the Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District passed a bond in 1998 and the Los Gatos Union School District passed a bond in 2001. West Valley Community College and San Jose State University are located in neighboring communities. The Los Gatos Public Library provides materials to help students with their academic programs and to support continuing education for all residents. Although the Town government does not have jurisdiction over the school system, there are opportunities for collaboration and working together to enhance the quality of life for the community.
Openness & Accessibility of Local Government
The small-town character of the community is reflected in the Town government's responsiveness to local citizens. The Town's various citizen boards, commissions and committees provide input on issues ranging from development to the arts. Community input is built into decision-making through informal neighborhood meetings, formal public hearings, and through the Internet on the Town’s government Website and email. By making personal contact with Council Members and Town staff, or by attending a Council meeting, residents can directly influence Town policies.
Preserve Neighborhoods
Los Gatos has been identified as one of the world's most desirable places to live. Clear standards for historic dwellings, compatible in-fill construction and new construction appropriate to the community needs assure the continued livability of Los Gatos neighborhoods. The Town also works to protect the view of the mountain backdrop and to maintain existing housing stock by providing loans and grants to income eligible households.
Preserve Hillsides
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a major natural feature and backdrop for the Town. Maintaining the tree cover, creeks, streams and riparian corridors and accommodating wildlife is a major part of the community's identity. It is the Town's vision to preserve this natural asset by insuring that hillside development maintains the open, rural character of the hillsides, that development be subordinate to the natural setting and that view sheds of the mountains be protected.
Public Safety
Feeling secure is a major part of any community's quality of life. The Town of Los Gatos has one of the lowest crime rates in the Bay Area. The Town government works with citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment. The community values law enforcement service which emphasizes problem solving, personal service, and a strong Police/community partnership exemplified by over 150 volunteers working side-by-side with the officers.
Urban Forest
Los Gatos' trees contribute to the beautiful, natural setting of our community. Our trees make the area more attractive, soften impervious surface and buildings, provide shade in summer and remove carbon dioxide from the air. Our residents enjoy and nurture our urban forest. The Town has received the Tree city, USA award every year since 1980.
Environmental Quality
In response to the community’s desire for a clean environment, the Town participates in or administers a number of programs and plans which strive to improve the overall environmental quality of the Town. Los Gatos is a member of the Santa Clara county Congestion Management Agency (CMA). The CMA is designed to meet the goals of increasing the efficiency of existing transit and roadway systems, planning the best capital improvements to these systems, and improving the local land-use decision-making process. The CMA prepares the biennial Congestion Management Program (CMP), a comprehensive county-wide, program designed to reduce traffic congestion, to enhance the effectiveness of land-use decision-making and to improve air quality.
Transportation
Safe and efficient travel on roads is important for the community. An important value is to drive and park, to transport children, seniors and individuals to schools, shops, and services in a reasonable amount of time. It is additionally important that pedestrians and bicyclists can travel safely on sidewalks, trails and paths provided for this purpose.
Economic Health
The community takes pride in the fact that Los Gatos is a largely self-sufficient community. Accordingly, its economy should provide a full range of goods and services for its citizens. The community recognizes the importance of maintaining the strength and quality of our local economy. It is apparent that all segments of the community must work together to support and manage our economy. The Town has many diverse business activities located in the historic downtown and throughout the community. The quality of the economy affects the Town's ability to deliver services and the value of residential property.
Tradition
The Town cherishes its history and traditions through many special events: the lighting of the Christmas tree at Town Plaza Park, the annual holiday parade and Cotillion, Music in the Plaza, arts and crafts fairs, and other events. The Town also supports historical resources such as: The Billy Jones Railroad and carousel at Oak Meadow Park; the many parks; and our public library, a service provided residents for over one hundred years.
Parks
Los Gatans prize the natural beauty of the area and the leisure and recreation opportunities their parks and trails provide. The Town park system provides a mixture of neighborhood parks, play lots, regional park sites, open space areas and trails including the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Park facilities provide areas for hiking, bicycling, walking, tennis, field activities, and family picnic areas. Most parks have playground facilities for children.
Open Space
Los Gatos is dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and enhancing its open space. Open space provides protection for areas of particular scenic beauty and enhances the survival prospects for endangered plant and animal species.
Recreation
Los Gatans value health and vigorously participate in recreation programs which are made possible through a recreation district in cooperation with local school districts.
Community Services
A wide variety of community services are provided and these services are important in defining the community. Service groups, nonprofits, and the Town actively support a number of cultural, recreational, and human service activities providing a public library, public art, housing assistance and rehabilitation, rent mediation, museums, nutrition, health, senior citizen and youth programs.
Volunteers
Town volunteers continue to be an integral part of our success. We currently have about 700 volunteers, who contribute over one million dollars' worth of labor annually. Volunteers are essential in maintaining our park trails, installing Council Chamber art exhibits, coordinating Town sponsored events, painting murals, facilitating senior activities, furnishing information and referral services, and providing police and many other support services. The volunteer program is not only a budgetary savings to the Town government and Town residents, but it also promotes a spirit of cooperation and trust between the municipality and the community.
C. Environmental Scan
Located in Silicon Valley, the Town’s prosperity is dependent on the economic and social health of the region including its 7,000 technology based companies. Silicon Valley extends across 30 cities including San Jose, the third largest city in California, and parts of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties. According to Joint Venture: Silicon Valley, this economic region includes more than 1.35 million jobs and 2.5 million residents. Education, health care, affordable housing, public transportation and traffic are some of the essential community elements which are monitored to assure the region’s continued success.
The University of California at Los Angeles Anderson Forecast for the Bay Area predicts that the California economy is poised to rebound in 2003, however economists state that the recovery will not feel much different from recession, especially in the hard-hit Bay Area. The report states that the Bay area’s return to growth in employment, income and retail sales will prove “sluggish at best” and that slack business conditions will persist through 2003. Forecasters say that the eventual recovery will be fueled by slow but steady gains in the national economy, which eventually will revive the technology sector, the linchpin of Silicon Valley business. The Town is also threatened by the large state budget deficit ($35 billion at the time of this update), with the possibility of further State revenue takes from local governments used by the State as a funding source to address its deficit.