Blum: Here’s my whimsical plea for civic engagement

In our quaint town of Los Gatos, nestled amidst rolling hills and serene landscapes, reside dedicated public servants whose hearts beat in rhythm with the pulse of the community. These individuals tirelessly serve on the Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC), their passion for improving the lives of seniors and others, unwavering.

These dedicated, civic-minded residents have authored numerous articles highlighting the commission’s goals and accomplishments, promoted volunteerism, and effectuated community cohesiveness and engagement. However, a recurring theme has cast a shadow over their work: the disheartening lack of community attendance at their meetings. Consistently, their meetings are poorly attended, rarely breaking the three-person-present-per-meeting barrier. This persistent apathy has raised questions about the perceived value of their efforts. “Does our work truly matter?” they may well ponder. Such disengagement is discouraging and a stark reminder of a broader trend: a waning civic spirit.

Despite these challenges, CHSSC has achieved significant milestones. A notable accomplishment was securing $500,000 in ARPA funds to bolster senior services. Through meticulous investigation, they identified gaps in the delivery of senior services, resulting in the creation of a comprehensive Road Map to enhance senior services. Moreover, they championed the appointment of a Senior Service Coordinator to improve the delivery of senior services, enhance efficiency and reduce overlap in the delivery of services.

This dedicated group of commissioners, with the assistance of LGS recreation personnel, also created a centralized HUB to connect residents with essential services. Moreover, they sought and obtained a Navigator, to aid residents in locating essential services. In addition, they’ve interviewed numerous service providers to determine whether they are implementing our Senior Service Road Map, aiding our Town Council in determining gaps in the delivery of services and helping to identify potential service provider accountability issues. They’ve provided the Council with annual reports highlighting their work, thereby assisting the Town Council in setting strategic goals and helping with its oversight and delivery of services to Los Gatos residents.

Blum pitches unconventional approaches to boost meeting attendance

CHSSC commissioners’ dedication extends beyond overseeing senior services. For example, they have actively advocated for the improvement of Los Gatos Recreation’s facilities, the development of a much-needed community center and they created a mental health report for the Council.

Feeling dismayed at the lack of involvement by most of our town in our commission, in pursuit of a more engaged citizenry, I propose unconventional approaches to boost meeting attendance. Here are my ideas:

*A bounce house to allow our residents to work off some of the daily pressure occurring in their lives. This would support more community cohesiveness. It would be available for use immediately following our meetings. We would give admission tickets to those who attend at least half of our meeting. Users would have to sign a liability waiver in advance.

*Pizza served after the meeting. Since our commission is also tasked with promoting community health, including encouraging nutritious and healthy eating, the pizzas would be gluten free, low fat, and topped with kale (or possibly seaweed, depending upon your preference) and tofu.

*Green tea served with the pizza (I’ve been repeatedly told it’s good for you). Alternatively, you may choose as your beverage a turmeric smoothie or kombucha icy drink.

*Balloons afloat in Council Chambers (where our meetings are held). They must be the kind of balloons that do not float away or otherwise harm the environment. This would add a festive air to CHSSC’s meetings.

*A musical sing-along session led by a local band following the meetings. The band would have to play at least six Beatles songs, however, since I’m still a big Beatles fan.

*Face painting and bracelet-making sessions following the conclusion of our meetings.

While some may scoff at these proposals, their intention is clear: to foster a sense of belonging and purpose. By creating a welcoming and interactive environment, this may inspire greater civic participation.

So, the next time you see a notice for a community meeting, I urge you to consider attending. It may not be as exciting as a theme park or as delicious as a gourmet meal, but it is a vital part of the democratic process. By participating in local government, you can make your community a better place for everyone. Who knows, you might even have a little fun along the way.