Hi Everyone -
We sincerely hope you are all staying safe from the fires. It is a challenging time for Northern California in so many ways, and it's heartbreaking to see the devastation and further challenges brought on by the CZU Lightning Complex and SCU Lightning Complex fires. We are keeping those in our neighboring communities who have been affected and continue to be affected by these fires in our thoughts each day. We are incredibly grateful for the first responders fighting to keep our communities safe. And we are also grateful and amazed to see Los Gatos businesses and residents eager and willing to step up and provide assistance to those who have been displaced or lost their homes.
Information has been changing quickly, and we know it is sometimes difficult to find up-to-date reports on the situation. We'd like to provide you with some resources, as well as provide you with donation opportunities.
Resources:
Sign up for Emergency Alerts:
CAL FIRE:
Evacuation Maps
County of Santa Cruz
Red Cross: provides support to counties and residents affected by lightning-caused fires
Evacuation Readiness:
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Donations:
- Food donations can be made to your local food banks.
- Donations of household goods can be made to the normal agencies or organizations that accept these goods.
Please do not drop off donations to evacuation sites or Fire Base Camps. These sites have sufficient resources at this time.
Red Cross: The Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. You can help people affected by wildfires by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
If you'd like to specifically help those affected by the California wildfires, please write “California Wildfires” in the memo line of a check and mail it to: 2731 North 1st St., San Jose, CA 95134 with a completed donation form.
CZU Complex Fire:
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has established a community fire relief fund. Go to www.cfscc.org.
Please bring all donations (see list below) to:
- Santa Cruz County Warehouse, 1082 Emeline, Santa Cruz. Warehouse open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through September 1.
- South County Donation Site, 114 Walker St., Watsonville. Site open 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Note:
- Please donate non-perishable goods and new items for evacuees.
- Prepared meals, alcohol and used bedding or clothing is not being accepted.
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PERSONAL ITEMS NEEDED:
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal hygiene products
- Toiletries
- Large plastic storage bins
- Coloring books, crayons
- Surgical masks
- Empty spray bottles (for county-supplied bulk disinfectant)
*Clothing and other personal item donations please bring to the nearest Goodwill
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SHELTER ITEMS NEEDED:
- Large, family-sized tents
- Sleeping bags, sleeping pads
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Tarps
- Bottled water
- Granola/energy bars*
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Support our Los Gatos businesses! |
Don't forget about our local merchants and restaurants! COVID-19 has made doing business very difficult, but it is now compounded by the fires and bad air quality. It is still safe to visit your favorite stores in-person, but you can also support Los Gatos businesses by shopping online and ordering take-out. Please help keep our businesses afloat - Shop Local! |
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Would you like to show your support for the Chamber and the community? Friends of the Chamber is a membership category we've created for community members who do not own businesses, but would like to support the Chamber in our efforts to be a catalyst, convener and a champion for a stronger community. Anyone who has donated $100 or more to our "Support the Chamber" effort is an automatic Friend. If you'd like to become a Friend of the Chamber click here to donate or click the Join Now button on our website. Those who donate $50 or more receive a "Friends of the Chamber" sticker, pictured above.
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This event is free to attend, but we invite you to make a donation upon registration. Your contribution will help us continue to provide resources to you and your business. |
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Virtual Mixer
September 17 at 4:30pm
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Join us via Zoom for a Virtual Networking Mixer! We are looking forward to introducing some of our newest members. One of our greatest strengths as a Chamber of Commerce is connecting the business community. We can still connect and network - even though we can't do it in person! Join us for a virtual mixer on Thursday, September 17!
Limited to 20 registrants.
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Los Gatos Together 2020 Mask |
NEW COLORS! Stop by our office for a fun Los Gatos Together 2020 mask. Thanks to Kristina Taroni of Number One Broadway for having them made! $14 (navy, black, gray, pink)
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Town of Los Gatos Community Grant |
For over 25 years, The Town of Los Gatos has been providing grants of Town general fund monies to projects and organizations that directly benefit the community and residents of Los Gatos.
Are you a Los Gatos resident or student that has an innovative idea and the drive to improve your community? The Town of Los Gatos is offering competitive grants of $1,500 each to assist in launching your idea!
Are you a nonprofit organization dedicated to community work for the residents of Los Gatos? The Town is offering competitive one-time grants up to $7,500 to help you with a new idea for a project, service, or event. Apply for grant funding in the areas of: human services, arts, education, events, and community vitality.
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Digital Marketing Workshops |
While you are sheltering in place, now is a great time to learn about digital marketing. Sofya Elperin-Smirvov is an expert in small business marketing. Sofya offers digital marketing training, consulting and full marketing management. She is an expert in paid search ads, email marketing, social media, content creation, website optimization and all digital and traditional marketing channels.
Key Points:
- Video options - Zoom/Google Meet/ FaceTime
- Zoom + PayPal Integration
- Updates to your website
This event is free to attend but we invite you to make a donation upon registration. Your contribution will help us provide these resources to you and your business.
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Concerts Live Streamed from the from 6:00- 7:00 PM every Wednesday throughout the summer.
Live Stream links:
Wednesday, September 9 - TONY LINDSAY W/ JANICE MAXIE REED & DESZON CLAIBORNE - Summer Streaming Series Finale!
Sponsored by:
El Camino Health, Lexus of Stevens Creek, John & Timi Sobrato Charitable Fund
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2020 Census
Shape Your Future
Respond before the door knock! Beginning in August, census workers will start knocking on doors of all homes that have not responded yet. Complete your census now!
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Be counted! Make sure Santa Clara County and California receives our fair share of federal funds.
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Maybe you've noticed these green signs around town? The Chamber and the Town are embarking on a Protect Los Gatos campaign, reminding people to social distance and wear a mask. We've placed signs around town: on A-frames, in store windows and on pop-up patios. Please keep us all safe!
If you'd like a sign, stop by the Chamber office and pick one up.
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Town of Los Gatos website |
The Town of Los Gatos has compiled a very comprehensive page of Covid-19 messages and resources. It outlines how all the Town departments are functioning throughout this crisis. In addition, it has resources for businesses and individuals, as well as ways you can volunteer. |
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For the latest updates, please visit Santa Clara County Public Health. |
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Need information from one of our past newsletters? Click below for the last 3-4 months (before that email us).
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COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNERS |
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