I wish I had some words of wisdom for you all this month, but wow 2020 just keeps surprising us. I am almost speechless at this point. I have talked about perseverance and perspective and hope, resilience and kindness. Maybe today, I will simply write about “reality”. Here we are – this is our reality and though we are in the homestretch of the year 2020, we still have a few long months ahead. 

VOTE. It is your right, your responsibility and your privilege. This 2020 election was sure to amaze us all, but watching it play out has been… has been… has been… a reality check on all of us. This whole year with the pandemic, the fires, the hurricanes, the police brutality and the ensuing riots and peaceful protests, it has caused each of us to do a reality check, a moral compass check, a spiritual awareness check and/or that priority check and reset. In some ways, we can probably agree that we have all grown up, matured and have begun to understand life more this year than ever before. That is our reality. 

I certainly have done all of those “checks” in the last few months. I have spent less time on social media, more time outdoors and more time talking to friends and relatives. I have completely given up NextDoor, and much social media. Like many of you, I have rearranged my priority list and have tried to appreciate health, clean air and good neighbors a little more.

We can all agree this upcoming election is huge and while I probably should not talk too much about the national election, I have a few observations to share about our local one.  

With regards to the election here in our hometown. We have two initiatives on the ballot, both worthy of passing or not passing. The voters will decide. Do your homework and read the For and Against arguments. Unquestionably, fiscal transparency is important to the residents of Los Gatos, the question is whether we get there through ballot initiative or Council action.

Three cheers to all the candidates running for Town Council. You are all to be congratulated on well-run and respectable campaigns. Your participation in the many forums and debates was admirable. You all should be proud. As the Chamber, we could work well with all of you. Regardless of the outcome, I look forward to getting to know all of you better in the years to come. The Chamber never endorses any particular candidate and this election will not be any different. I would be remiss not to share my one concern. Three of the Town Council candidates have served on the Town’s Planning Commission and have a pre-established working relationship. I worry that if all are elected, they could create a voting block that could be potentially dangerous and hinder economic progress and evolution.  We have made too many strides in the last few years to give that up now. After our forum, we put together a matrix showing how each of the candidates aligns with the chamber’s vision and goals for the future of the business community. Take a look and then you can decide who you think might be the best fit for those Council seats. It is imperative we have a diversity of voices and ideas on our Town Council. I hope you will consider this suggestion as you cast your ballot.  

Lastly, if you are looking for a little escape from reality this month, come out TONIGHT and the next two Thursdays for the first-ever Los Gatos Flatbed Music Fest. Last week was a great success. People were able to dance and safely socially distance at the same time! This week, the Fest features Hootenanny. Next Week, 10/22 the Summit Sisters will perform and on the last week of October on 10/29, we bring you another local band, Rusty Rock N’ Roll. The flatbed truck drives a little, stops and plays a little.  We all need a little live music.

We have a great networking opportunity for you on Wednesday, October 21. A Multi-Chamber Halloween themed virtual mixer. Zooming off to the breakout rooms is quite entertaining. I guarantee you will meet a lot of people, build a relationship or two and have fun. 

We have some great holiday surprises coming your way beginning in November. Shopping Local will be the reoccurring message so start planning now on how you are going to do that.

To close, reality bites and is sure hard to accept sometimes, but we will be stronger and will persevere if we vote, have perspective and prove we are resilient. Most important, in these next few weeks, try not be judgmental, be kind instead and find in yourself that enduring hope for the future. 

Catherine Somers

Executive Director

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