Happy Spring. Happy Easter. Happy Passover.
and lastly, Happy “Why Are People Acting So Weird? ” Day. The New York Times editors last week picked this article published in the Atlantic Magazine as the weekly must read. Not knowing they select a weekly special, I appreciated that this particular article caught my eye because it explains a few things happening in our world right now.
How to explain? From Will Smith to the Ukraine War, to the growing mental health crisis, to subway shootings and unruly passengers on all types of transportation, we are seeing the worst in ourselves. Apparently, people are relying on vices more than ever. Nurses worry that patients are more violent now than three years ago. School administrators talk about witnessing unusual disruptive behavior. Even in our own town we have seen all out wars with words at our Council and School Board Meetings.
You may ask, why would a Chamber of Commerce even care about such a topic? We care because in order to thrive, we must value community and look out for and care about each other. That sentiment was on full display at our Character Awards Ceremony last month and the hugs, smiles and speeches really were inspiring. Our winners gracefully thanked their fans and talked about they would not have half the character they have if it wasn’t for their friends and this community.
Our current reality is tough. We are all stressed out. There is a lot of rage and frustration in our society right now. How often I have uttered the words that “I am feeling overwhelmed” and it is not because I have more work to do. A Stanford professor shared that the Pandemic created a lot of “high-stress, low reward situations and now everyone is teetering slightly closer to their own breaking point." Additionally, people are feeling provoked. Being human, we react defensively which can cause more dissent and anger. Just watch the dynamics happening with regards to The Town's 2040 General Plan and the Housing element. Surely there are compromises we can make in that proposed document so that everyone feels their voice has been heard.
Another factor that explains why we are seeing strange behaviors is because people are social beings. Isolation has changed us. I find this realization quite sad and personally I do not want to have to accept it. The article states “kids stopped going to school; their parents stopped going to work; parishioners stopped going to church, people stopped gathering". Could this isolation have shifted the way we behave? Are we only moral beings to the extent that we are social beings? And last question to ponder, if we stop being social, in some cases could we stop being moral as well? If this is true, let’s hope that the rules and rhythms that always kept America running smoothly will eventually settle back into place.
Los Gatos, America, the whole was challenged. Everyone faced that challenge. Fortunately, the worst seems to be behind us, but the effects Covid had on us will last for years to come. It is impossible to go back to the point when it all began. Slow down, have patience, and have respect for our unique differences. Cheer for the heroes sure but try hard to genuinely forgive those who have made mistakes.
Before signing off, I wanted to share a few highlights for the month of April. The Town Council's appointed Senior Services Committee is hosting a Senior Reception at the ARC Bar on Wednesday, April 20, at 5 p.m. If you are 55 or older, please come on down to the Adult Recreation Center next week, have a glass of wine, see old friends and meet new ones and hear about some of our new exciting programs for the older adults in our community.
The Spring Wine Walk is back with full flair. The event will sell out so buy your tickets today. More than 30 of our downtown merchants will host a winery. Many will offer small bites and there will be live music at a few locations.
Cheers to our new businesses in Town. Be on the watch for many more to be open their doors before summer. We are also excited to announce, “The Sounds of Summer”. Jazz on the Plazz, the Promenades and Music in the Park are all happening this summer. Exact schedules and musical line ups can be found at Visitlosgatosca.
Patiently navigate the waters around you. Find what gives you peace and makes you happy and support community.
Catherine
