Live Oak Receives 35K Grant
The Los Gatos Foundation for Older Adults to Thrive announced Feb. 29 a $35,000 grant to the Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center to address a shortfall in funding for senior meals in Los Gatos.
The grant came from the Successful Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC) organization, to avert a crisis in providing hot meals to seniors at the Los Gatos Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center.
“We are so excited that through this grant meals can continue to be provided five days a week for seniors in need,” said Tom Picraux, board president, in a release.
The organization notes food insecurity has greatly increased since the pandemic.
Santa Clara County funding for the meals program covers 53 meals per day, whereas Live Oak is serving an average of 80 meals each day. This grant addresses the current crisis to allow time needed for a long-term solution.
The Foundation says it will collaborate with SASCC and Live Oak Senior Nutrition to develop sustainable funding for the meal program for seniors.
“So many seniors have shared touching stories about how these meals and the opportunity for socialization have helped lift them out of depression,” Live Oak Senior Nutrition director, Kathy Mlinarich said. “Several say that this program has, quite literally, saved their lives. For too many, this is the only substantial meal they receive all day.”
“Ensuring the well-being of our older adults requires a collective effort and sustained investment in essential programs. We hope local jurisdictions and service providers can continue to collaborate to keep this important service thriving well into the future”, said Tylor Taylor, executive director of SASCC.
The Foundation is delighted to be able to collaborate with SASCC in supporting the urgent need to address the shortfall in meals for seniors in the greater Los Gatos area.
Los Gatos Kiwanis Club held a Holiday Market in December to raise awareness and funds for Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center, collecting $5,000 for the facility.
In addition, the service club was able to donate $2,000 to Los Gatos High School senior Kyle Santoro for his documentary “Fentanyl High” (bringing the total generated for the film to $5,000).
Cutline: A $35,000 grant was presented to the Live Oak Senior Nutrition Center March 1 at the Los Gatos United Methodist Church. (Photo by Arnold Breit)
High School District Hires Business Services Assistant
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District has named Ruben Fernandez its new assistant superintendent of business services—to start on April Fool’s Day.
He will oversee the district’s budget and fiscal services, technology, food services, facilities, maintenance, and operations.
In his current role at the Walnut Creek School District, Fernandez has managed financial and business services across schools and district departments, rolled-out budgetary practices, spearheaded two significant school bond initiatives and led multiple committees.
“Ruben has a proven track record of successfully collaborating with staff and connecting with community organizations and families,” Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson said in a release. “He has a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to equity and creating positive change.”
Fernandez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Riverside and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California.
“We are extremely fortunate to have Ruben’s expertise,” Sanderson said. “He will be a strong addition to our district in supporting our students, staff, and community.”
Fernandez has achieved certifications as a Chief Business Official from the California Association of School Business Officials and for completion of the Superintendents Academy from the Association of California School Administrators.
(Ruben) Ruben Fernandez starts his job at Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District on April 1. (Courtesy of LGSUHSD)
Sandwich Giveaway
Local Kitchens gave out 100 free sandwiches and pasta salad sides March 29 to promote its new partnership with New Orleans-based restaurant Turkey and The Wolf. The menu, called Flavor Trippin’, is a sandwich and salad concept developed by chef Mason Hereford.
Hitchcock Festival Nears
The 2nd Annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival takes place this weekend at the Scotts Valley Cultural and Performing Arts Center.
People from across America—and beyond—say they’re planning to attend, organizers reported to the City Council.
The festival opens at 4pm on Friday, March 8th and closes at 2:30 pm on Sunday, March 10.
View the full schedule here: http://www.hitchcockfestival.com.
Water Utility Gets New President
San Jose Water (SJW) announced Tanya Moniz-Witten will be joining the company as President on March 25, 2024.
Moniz-Witten joins SJW from National Grid, where she held the position of vice president, electric distribution field operations.
Before that, she worked at Pacific Gas and Electric, Co. where she was senior director of electric distribution field operations and director of public safety among other roles.
“Tanya will be a true force for good here in Silicon Valley,” said SJW Group President and CEO Eric W. Thornburg, in a release.
“Tanya is an exceptionally talented servant leader with over 20 years of utility experience in large, complex organizations.”
Thornburg said Moniz-Witten has extensive operating experience leading high performing teams in California and Massachusetts, and maintains a commitment to employee safety and engagement.
“Additionally, she grew up here in the Bay Area and shares our ethic of community service and delivering world class service to our customers,” he said.
