November 10, 2022

It’s November – the month when we ask each other that infamous question “For what are you most grateful?” Some of the most common answers include good health, loved ones, the California weather, a favorite sports team, a good grade, a new house or a job promotion. I think we often forget the simplest of things – and those things we take for granted.   


I am grateful that we live in a democratic nation especially when you look around at what is happening in other parts of the world right now. I am grateful that young people in our country are engaged. The 2022 midterms had the second highest turnout of young voters in at least 30 years. In fact, Los Gatos just elected the youngest Council member ever and although a little green, his passion and his willingness to listen and his courage must be appreciated. Three cheers to Rob Moore. Congratulations also to incumbents Mary Badame and Rob Rennie as well. This crew along with sitting Council members Matthew Hudes and Maria Ristow are sure to make a brilliant team, one that will lead us through a few challenges facing our Town these next two years. I would be remiss not to mention the campaign efforts put forth by Rob Stump and Margaret Smith. While I am sure that losing a race is difficult, we applaud your commitment to Los Gatos and your continued commitment to making Los Gatos a better place.


I am particularly grateful that Measure J passed. I know no one likes to hear the word tax – but in this case it is taxation with representation. The majority of our businesses supported this small tax increase along with a slightly higher business license fee. They had not seen an increase in 31 years. They are doing their part and we all should be grateful to them for not pushing back. This revenue source will significantly help with the Town’s forecasted budget deficit. 


We should also be grateful to groups like the Los Gatos Community Alliance, for keeping us on our toes and making us do our research about issues of importance. Admittedly we do not always agree, in fact, sometimes voices get loud and feelings are hurt. I am grateful that the people in this Town usually can pause to consider others most of the time when framing opposition. 


Next week we celebrate that pause with the Untied Against Hate week national campaign. Here in our Town we have multiple activities and events aiming to teach us all a little something we did not know yesterday. Click here to see all the events and how you can get involved.


I am grateful for our small business owners and their tireless efforts to impress Los Gatans. Take this to heart people and shop local this holiday season! We hear that phrase over and over again and yet we hit that “place order now” button on our computer a little too often. Come on down for the Girl’s Night Out (December 1) and for the Holiday Parade. Check out the many new boutiques in town. Visit the other commercial districts – Los Gatos Birdwatcher in King’s Court; Deux Cranes in the Downing Shopping Center, Affordable Treasures and sip, savor, shop and stroll your way through December. 

 

Lastly, I am grateful for the staff here in this office. Their work ethic, their comradery and their love for their hometown is remarkable. Thanks to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Last month we had a pivotal Board Retreat and are strategically setting ourselves up for the next three to five years.  


Happy November!

Sincerely,

Catherine Somers

Executive Director

Holiday 2022 Sponsor Opportunities

For more information, email Randi.

Thanks to our current sponsors! Your name could be here...

Los Gatos in Lights Presenting Sponsor


Official Carriage Ride Sponsor


Carriage Ride Supporting Sponsors

United Against Hate Week

November 13-19

Los Gatos joins the national movement during United Against Hate Week to participate in a town-wide campaign "I Stand Because". Participation is simple - visit one of the host locations to finish this sentence, "I stand united against hate because..." 


This campaign is a community effort comprised of citizens who live and work in Los Gatos and aspire to initiate conversations to make Los Gatos a community that is kind, inclusive and welcoming to all.


Click Here for more information, host locations and events for the week.

United Against Hate events...

AWO A Raisin in the the Sun

November 13

Join AWỌ on Sunday November 12th at 3pm for a reading of scenes from the ever-relevant Broadway hit, A Raisin in the Sun, followed by an embodied talkback where we will unravel the major themes of the play and how they speak to our world today. The New York Critic’s Circle named A Raisin in the Sun the best play of 1959 because it speaks unflinchingly to the enduring inequities and hate in our society.

AWO - Prescreening Movie Party Wakanda Forever

November 12

Addison Penzak JCC

November 14

More Events...

November 12, 12-6:30pm - AWO Pre-screening Movie Party - Wakanda Forever

November 13, 3-5pm - AWO A Raisin in the Sun

November 14, 6:30-8:30pm - One Year Anniversary of the Los Gatos United Against Hate March. Addison Penzak JCC

November 18, 10-11am - Kalilah Dance of Peace at Los Gatos Library - Click Here for more details

November 19,7-9pm - Tony Lindsay & Friends at Los Gatos Coffee Roasting - celebrating the sounds of a community United. Tickets - $20. Call for more details and reservations - 408-354-3263

Girls Night Out

December 1, 5:00-7:30pm

Join the Chamber for a fun night of holiday shopping and good cheer. Grab your friends and head downtown to enjoy shopping, dinner and spend quality time with friends! All the stores will stay open until 7:30 and offer a discount or deal.


Register for this FREE EVENT to

receive:

  • Champagne Toast for 21+
  • Raffle Prize entry for all
  • First 75 registrants receive a swag bag filled with items donated by our merchants

 

Register Here

Special thanks to our Champagne Toast Sponsor

Carriage Rides

December 8-23

Reserve a Carriage Ride

Enjoy a holiday tradition in downtown Los Gatos and feel the romance of Christmas past. Ride in an elegant horse-drawn carriage with a friendly driver and horse wearing holiday bells. The evening ride starts in Town Plaza and continues through the Almond Grove district. This 15-20 minute ride will take you by beautifully decorated historic homes and along downtown's N. Santa Cruz Avenue.


Thank you to our Official Sponsor, Linda L. Lester, Lester Square Los Gatos

Town Happenings

Tree Lighting

December 2

Town Board, Commission & Committee Opportunities

Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation Holiday Happenings


Come and make memories with LGS Recreation this holiday. For a list of upcoming events, please follow this link

Upcoming Town Meetings
Community & Member Events

American Cancer Discovery Shop

November 11

Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation

November 11

Alliance Francaise Silicon Valley

November 19

Addison Penzak - JCC

 through November 25

NUMU

New Museum Los Gatos

December 4

KCAT

December 26-30, January 2-6

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